Losses of airlines in Russia in 2015 could reach 30 billion rubles

The Russian Association of Air Transport Operators (AEVT) predicts the cumulative loss of air carriers of the Russian Federation at the end of this year at the level of 25-30 billion rubles, the head of AEVT Vladimir Tasun told. According to Vladimir Tasun, the industry is in difficult financial situation, since at the end of last year, losses reached 24 billion rubles. He noted that the association appeals to the Russian government for the support of the industry, in particular, to abolish VAT on domestic traffic. "We do not say that it's forever, but for 2016 and 2017, we will turn to the government to VAT on domestic routes has been cleared. This will allow companies to pass easily year 2016," he said, adding that this measure will help carriers save "at least 50 billion rubles."