( Image credits : Moscow Times )
The diversion of aU.S.- constructed Air India jetliner to Russia with engine problems has thrust industry pressures surrounding Russian airspace into the limelight- just a day after the head of a major American carrier forecast a nearly identical Event.
A global industry meeting ended on Tuesday with carriers at odds over the use of Russia as a vital crossing point in the global air transport network, with United Airlines(UAL.O) citing trade interests but India’s flag carrier defending it.
A Russian retaliation
( Image credits : The BBC )
Many aviations enterprises have are facing problem as Russia has banned some foreign carriers from using its airspace as a retaliation to the sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine.
Eurocontrol, a Belgian air traffic control agency said that the situation was of gave concern to the aviation aviation industry causing widespread impact because a flight between Asia and Europe generates at least 3 flights in the form of connecting flights.
Air India, Chinese airlines and some other middle east based airlines continue to use Russian airspace for transport while their American, European and Japanese counterparts have avoided doing so. The use of Russian airspace has given these airlines a cost edge over its competitiors.
Air India’s stand
( Image credits : The BBC )
During the International Air Transport Associations annual meeting that was held this week, the CEO of Air India Mr. Campbell Wilson stated that the operations of Air India were within the limits of the rules and regulations laid down by the government of India.
With many New nonstop flights being initiated, Air India is undergoing fast-paced growth in the International market under the leadership of their new owners the Tata Group.In this attempt to capture more markets, the use of Russian airspace has come as quite an advantage for the airlines.
The Western Concern
( Image Credits : The Print )
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, said theU.S. carrier had been forced to stop operating several breakouts to India for profitable or aircraft range reasons due to the diversion required.
And with superpower strains near Cold War levels, he sketched out a script remarkably parallel to the incident which played out in Russia’s Far East just 24 hours after.Mr Kirby painted out a scenario wherein any aeroplane with an important United States Citizen landing in Russia was a very grave concern that must be addressed.
He was also of the opinion that a solution must be devised for this emergency much before it takes place. It may require the crisis before it gets answered but I suppose we should presumably break before the crisis,” he said.
The Aviation dilemma
( Image credits : Gulf news )
The differences put a limelight on the strategic and geographic significance of Russia in the global aeronautics world as it offers the most direct flying path between the West and the East making it more cost-efficient for big enterprises in cutting prices.
An influential trade body with roots in the development of civil aviation after World War Two, IATA has been at the front line of efforts to produce a flawless global armature for civil aeronautics.
The varied responses from world nations to the incident of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have now published the dilemma of the union among its members concerning the use of Russian airspace.
The Director General of IATA Willie Walsh thought that no security threat of any kind existed concerning the use of Russian airspace and that the association would like to see all member nations participating in the use of Russian airspace
