Russian planes boost aircraft registry

FRIDAY, FEB. 17: Bermuda’s $20 million-a-year aircraft register is taking off — with help from a boom in growth in air travel in Russia.

Transport Minister Derrick Burgess said Russian airline S7 had just registered a new Airbus A320 in Bermuda — and that five more were in the pipeline.

Mr Burgess said: “We’re extremely proud and honoured to be a part of S7’s growth and their contributions to improving air transport in Russia.

“We have a growing business which does not rely on Bermuda taxpayer money for income.

“All indicators show a continued growing need for western-built aircraft in Russia…the largest portion of our current aircraft registry business.

“Passenger traffic is on the rise in Russia and the Russian Ministry of Transport is applying greater pressure to the industry to retire ageing Russian-built aircraft.”

With the additional five new planes this year, S7, which was founded 20 years ago and has one of the newest and most advanced fleets in the former Soviet Union, will have a total of 38 planes registered on the island.

The Bermuda registry includes aircraft from US manufacturer Boeing and the UK, French, German and Spanish joint firm Airbus.

Mr Burgess said: “It is imperative that we continue to ensure that appropriate safety regulatory oversight is being conducted in accordance with international regulations.

“By doing this, we’re able to continue this vital income stream to Bermuda.”