"Russian Airport Privatization?"

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

SHEREMETYEVO TO GO INTO PRIVATE HANDS? POSSIBLE BUT NOT NOW, SAYS MINISTRY 
Russia - RIA Novosti


MOSCOW, (RIA Novosti) - It is quite possible to privatize the Sheremetyevo
airport-but not just now, says Russia's Transport Ministry. 

"The ministry has no principled objections to the federally held block of
Sheremetyevo International Airport Co. eventually being privatized," the
ministerial press service says in a public statement circulated today. 

At the same time, the Transport Ministry thinks it expedient to preserve the
Sheremetyevo on the list of open-end joint-stock companies of strategic
purport. "The Sheremetyevo has launched several ambitious investment
projects to enhance its activities and preserve its leading position in the
land passenger service market," explains the statement. 

Of the projects mentioned, it highlights a resolution to develop the airport
infrastructure. Part of a partnership concept of the Sheremetyevo and the
Aeroflot/Russian Airlines, the program envisages the airport throughput
increased and passenger services upgraded through the Sheremetyevo 2
terminal reconstructed and another, Sheremetyevo 3, terminal built. 

The airport has joined hands with Russian Rail Co. for through trains to
connect the airport with Moscow, says the press release. 

The Federal Road Agency is ready with investment feasibility studies for a
highway to link the airport with the city. Blueprinting and construction are
underway. 

All those projects cannot expect full implementation before 2007. 

"Work on the projects, and property and land issue settlement will
spectacularly enhance the price of government-held Sheremetyevo shares,"
points out the release.


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