FAS PROPOSES TO EXTEND THE MEASURE TO DETERMINE BASE CARRIER OF NORILSK AIRPORT IN ORDER TO PRESERVE AND IMPROVE TRANSPORT ACCESSIBILITY

The authority has developed a corresponding draft Government Resolution

In March 2021, Federal Air Transport Agency, Government of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, NordStar Airlines JSC and Norilsk Airport LLC signed an agreement on the implementation of activities in the field of passenger transportation by air. It concerns routes on which the point of departure or destination is Norilsk Airport (Alykel) in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The NordStar Airlines is defined as the base passenger carrier of the airport. Currently, the agreement is limited to the date of 31.12.2024 due to the same period of validity of general exceptions. In order to preserve the positive effects, FAS Russia, in accordance with the proposal of the Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, proposes to extend the validity of general exceptions until December 31, 2029.

It should be reminded that the Law on Protection of Competition prohibits the conclusion of agreements restricting competition between authorities and economic entities. At the same time, the Government of the Russian Federation is granted the right to establish cases in which the conclusion of such agreements within a certain period is allowed (general exceptions)*.

Thus, it is allowed to conclude an agreement on the definition of the base air carrier for the corresponding airport. Such a carrier is obliged to provide a guaranteed level of services, regardless of aircraft loading and seasonality factor. At the same time, general exceptions establish a special procedure for access to the services of the main operator of the airport by other air carriers.

During the implementation of the agreement in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, it was possible to maintain and increase the indicators of transport accessibility of the Norilsk Industrial District. In addition, the widest network of regular passenger routes among the northern airports of Russia has been formed, flights on which are carried out on a year-round basis.

All tickets under the agreement are sold at a fixed cost, regardless of the season and demand, with a controlled adjustment mechanism once a year by no more than the inflation rate. It increased the availability of flights for passengers and became a deterrent to the growth of tariffs of other carriers. There is also a full seat capacity to meet passenger demand regardless of season.

FAS Russia notes that air transport is the only mode of transport for the population of the Norilsk industrial district. It provides year-round communication with the regional center and other regions. In addition, natural and climatic conditions create additional risks for air carriers associated with flight delays, the departure of aircraft to alternate airfields, the distortion of flight schedules, the need to attract personnel resources with unique flight experience in difficult Arctic conditions.

The presence of a base carrier allows to quickly respond to the changing needs of the territory, provides support for social stability and the availability of air transportation without attracting budget funds.

* Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of 04.12.2019 No. 1590