Ankara: Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that Russia needs to expand and update its aircraft fleet and domestic airport infrastructure. Speaking via videoconference at a signing ceremony for an agreement between Russian flag carrier Aeroflot and state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec for 90 MC-21 aircraft, Putin stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive aviation network to connect Russia's vast territories and improve accessibility to remote regions, including the Arctic, Siberia, and the Far East.
According to Anadolu Agency, the president highlighted the importance of modern airports in boosting regional economies by fostering growth in trade, business activity, and tourism. He noted that new terminal buildings and upgrades to airfield and border infrastructure have been successfully completed in several regions, enhancing service quality and speeding up passenger processing. Since 2021, 20 runways and 26 terminal complexes have been commissioned nationwide as part of this systematic upgrade.
Putin announced that new terminals have been opened in cities such as Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Khabarovsk, Magadan, Novosibirsk, and Cheboksary. This development is being driven by a combination of state funding and private sector investment. He assured continued support for investors, revealing that at least 75 airports are slated for modernization by 2030, representing over a third of Russia's airport network.
The president emphasized the need to expand and renew Russia's aircraft fleet, describing it as a matter of 'fundamental importance.' The contract for supplying 90 MC-21 aircraft to Aeroflot is considered a significant step in this direction, providing substantial work for aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers and contractors. Putin expressed expectations for the contract to be executed without delays or disruptions.
Rostec stated that the delivery of the 90 MC-21 aircraft to Aeroflot is scheduled for 2029-2032. This contract, the largest in the history of Russian civil aviation, includes not only the delivery of aircraft but also flight simulators, training for pilots and ground personnel, and technical support for the aircraft.