Rosaviatsiya will conduct an inspection of Saratov Airlines in Saratov later this week, Interfax reports, citing the airline's press secretary, Elena Voronova.
“From May 25 to 28, we expect an inspection by Rosaviatsia to determine whether the issue is resolved "The airline has committed violations. Based on its results, the regulatory agency will decide whether to lift the restrictions on the air operator's certificate," said E. Voronova.
She noted that Saratov Airlines has historically been both an airport and an airline.
"Our company exists primarily thanks to the airline. The airport is unprofitable; it operates at the expense of the airline. If the company were to close, it would face external bankruptcy, as creditors would demand their funds. We have done everything we can to prevent this," said E. Voronova.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Transport stated its readiness to assist Saratov Airlines in eliminating the shortcomings identified in the company's operations by Rosaviatsia.
As reported on May 17, Saratov Airlines announced that the company had received a letter from Rosaviatsiya demanding that it suspend ticket sales effective May 30. The carrier stated that it viewed this document as "the imposition of restrictions on the air operator's certificate effective May 31," and had decided to suspend operations effective May 31, 2018, and to lay off its employees effective July 18, 2018.
In turn, Rosaviatsia stated that the agency's order limited the validity of Saratov Airlines' operator certificate to May 30, 2018, and "this decision has not been rescinded."
On May 18, Saratov Airlines announced the resumption of ticket sales for domestic routes in Russia. At the same time, the company decided to reduce its charter program by 50% for the period from June 1 to June 30, 2018.
"The Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) is currently reviewing Saratov Airlines' application to lift restrictions on its air operator certificate. A decision is expected no later than May 27, 2018," the company stated.
A Saratov Airlines An-148 aircraft, flying from Moscow to Orsk, crashed on February 11, 2018, in the Ramenskoye District of the Moscow Region. Seventy-one people died. Following an unscheduled inspection, Rosaviatsiya restricted the company's air operator certificate, giving it time to correct the violations. After reviewing the carrier's application to lift the restriction, Rosaviatsiya recommended that it voluntarily cease all aviation operations.
Agency head Alexander Neradko accused Saratov Airlines' management of "complete irresponsibility" regarding safety matters. Following this, the company replaced its CEO, began rebranding, and leased several new aircraft.
The largest shareholder of Saratov Airlines is Russian citizen Arkady Evstafiev.
Source: trn-news.ru