Russia Discussing Direct Flights To Brazil, Malaysia and Pakistan

Russia is holding negotiations on launching direct flights to Brazil, Malaysia and Pakistan, according to Roman Starovoyt, the Russian Minister of Transport, who had said “We are considering Malaysia and Brazil. Pakistan has also contacted us recently with a similar request. We are also analyzing the situation there, and engaging in a constant dialogue. Of course, we are interested in having tourism business representatives also taking part in these discussions.”

He noted that Russia is holding negotiations with many airlines from other friendly countries. “Our route network is changing constantly. We are ready to work based on the principle of parity, mutual respect and compliance of all international rules.” Starovoyt said, adding that, in order to launch air service with any country, it is necessary to discuss the perspectives of passenger traffic with the airlines first.

“I think that, in order to properly develop a route, it is necessary to begin with charter flights, so that the passengers could understand how the tourist infrastructure works, if trips could be planned, how security is ensured. If there is a passenger traffic, then there is an option to redirect certain aircraft to these destinations.”

Russia’s outbound tourism market has shifted away from European destinations largely due to anti-Russian attitudes within much of the Eurozone. Instead, destinations in Asia, Africa and to some extent Latin America are proving more popular, while business opportunities also exist within the BRICS nations. Brazil is Latin America’s largest economy and a founding BRICS member, while Malaysia is a BRICS Partner nation and Pakistan has applied to join.