‘The company is hoping to increase the number of flights by 10% to 15% in 2007. I believe we will be able to reach the target figures, especially since we’ve recently bought some new Airbus planes that will be delivered this spring. These planes will most likely be used for summer flights,’ Commercial Director of Ural Airlines Kirill Skuratov said to UrBC representative.

‘We upgraded our frequent flier program at the end of 2006, and its main benefit now consists in switching from points to rubles; besides, a client gets a 10% refund on the price of the ticket. The system has become very simple and transparent. The passenger pays his or her money at the booking office and is now sure that there will definitely be a 10% reimbursement. One nice thing about this refund is that it is not only the frequent flier him- or herself that can use it but relatives or friends of the passenger as well,’ Mr Skuratov explained.

‘I’d also like to announce that we are planning to gradually introduce more and more flights from Chelyabinsk to Sochi, Krasnodar, Anapa, and Moscow. The first flights will be available as early as the end of January.’

‘This year, the company aims to keep up with its stable development, increase the number of passengers using the carrier, improve the service, upgrade the air fleet, and introduce new offers and destinations,’ Mr Skuratov observed.