Russian authorities have set a budget of RUB3.25 billion ($44.4 million) for nine carriers to take part in a government-subsidized program on flights between Russia’s Far East and other parts of the country.
The nine Russian carriers taking part in the program are Aeroflot, Alrosa, Yakutia, Ikar, NordStar, S7 Airlines, Ural Airlines, VIM Avia and UTair.
According to a government statement, the 2016 subsidy program comprises 71 destinations, which include 13 cities in the Far East region. This year’s program will again run from April 1 through Oct. 31. The participating airlines are expected to carry around 480,000 passengers during that timeframe.
In 2015, the program spent RUB 3.37 billion for 11 airlines to carry 479,000 passengers. Aeroflot Group member OrenAir did not apply for participation this year, while Transaero ceased operations in 2015.
Russian authorities launched the Far East subsidy program in 2009.











