AK Bars Aero to suspend scheduled services on 12-Jan-2015

AK Bars Aero announced (30-Dec-2014) plans to suspend scheduled services as of 12-Jan-2015, with the carrier suspending reservations on 29-Dec-2014. Services operated using Cessna 208B equipment will be suspended on 01-Jan-2015. AK Bars Aero stated: "It is important to understand that we are talking about the suspension of flight operations, not bankruptcy or a liquidation of the company. For example, aircraft maintenance bases at Kazan, Begishevo and Bugulma airports will continue performing maintenance of our own aircraft and those of other airlines." AK Bars Aero added: "With the growth of foreign currency exchange rate (which has already led to serious complications in the service of the lease payments, more expensive aircraft maintenance, increasing the cost of training and retraining of flying personnel in foreign training centres) and a sharp decline in passenger traffic, the performance of flights becomes unprofitable. Thus, it is more expedient to cease operations so as not to generate losses. In a similar way other Russian regional carriers." The carrier plans to lease its Cessna 208B and Bombardier CRJ200 fleets to other regional carriers. [more - original PR]