Dobrolet (Moscow Sheremetyevo) has taken delivery of its first B737-800, VQ-BTS (msn 41991), from Boeing (BOE, Washington National) as it pushes on with its certification process. The Aeroflot (SU, Moscow Sheremetyevo) subsidiary has set a May launch date though given the notorious nature of Russia's red-tape, June is seen as being more realistic.
With a total of eight B737-800s due to enter service this year alone, Dobrolet plans to serve 11 destinations in 2014, rising to 36 by 2019, from its now confirmed Moscow Sheremetyevo hub.
Russia's state Duma has now ratified various amendments to the country's aircode aimed at encouraging the establishment of more Low Cost Carriers. Among the measures are a bill allowing Russian carriers to offer different fare classes and non-refundable tickets, as well as legislation permitting foreign pilots to be hired by local carriers.
