PANJIM: The decision by Transaero, the largest private airline in Russia to declare bankruptcy on October 1 could have a devastating effect on the forthcoming tourist season in Goa this year. With 100 flights expected from Moscow and many more from regional airports in Russia, the Russian tourist could be as rare as the hummingbird this season.
Ekaterina Belyakova, Head of Russian Information Center in Goa said the decision was taken by Aeroflot which had purchased the airline for 1 Rouble on September 1. Transaero during the course of its operations over the years had accumulated a debt to the tune of $4 billion which was too much for Aeroflot to inherit. This decision has to be seen in the light of last year which saw 537 flights coming in from Russia carrying 1,04890 Russian passengers. The total number of charter flights last year being 813.
Quoting from a report from Russian Business Consulting, Ekaterina revealed Transaero had confirmed 4 flights a week which was now in question. The Russian government, she said, had taken a decision to take care of the people who had booked on the airline for regular flights i.e not charter flights till December 15 by transferring them on to other airlines. However those who had booked on charter flights will not know their fate for a couple of days till the government meets with tour operators.
