A new Russian passenger airline is slated to start operations in 2017, and will better connect regions in the south and center of Russia, Russian Transport Minister Maksim Sokolov told RIA Novosti on Saturday.

A new passenger airline is being set up to better connect south and central Russia, Russian Transport Minister Maksim Sokolov told RIA Novosti on Saturday.

"Up to ten Sukhoi Superjet airplanes are planned for service. Taking into account the cost of the airplanes, staff and the necessary auxiliary equipment, the volume of investments may reach 

The transport ministry is inviting private companies to invest in the new firm, but it will provide some financing to acquire the necessary airplanes through the State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK).

The airline has been registered as a company, and is in the process of getting the necessary certificate and license for operating commercial flights from the Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsia).