Georgian airliner to fly to Russia for first time in past 18 months

MOSCOW, January 8 (Itar-Tass) - An Airzena Georgian Airways plane will
fly to Russia on Friday, for the first time in the past 18 months, a
Rosaviatsiya (Federal Air Transport Agency) told Itar-Tass.
"Direct flights from Georgia to Russia will take place on January 8,
9, and 10. Five charter fights are planned: three to Moscow and two to St
Petersburg," the official said.
On Friday, January 8, there is just one flight to Moscow on the
Georgian airline's schedule.
The charter flight from Tbilisi is due to arrive at Moscow's
Domodedovo at 15:30, Moscow time, and then fly back. Georgian Airways is
sending a Boeing-737-500, painted in white and red colors of the national
flag.
Earlier, an Airzena Georgian Airways representative told reporters
that the company was hoping to obtain a permit from Russia to fly to
Moscow on January 16, 20, and 24, but the results of the talks have not
been announced yet.
Russia stopped direct air service with Georgia in August 2008. In
September, Georgia announced the severing of diplomatic ties with Russia.
The Swiss Embassy in Georgia opened the office of Russian interests in
the country, and a similar office under the aegis of the Swiss Embassy in
Russia represents Georgian interests. These offices handle visa issues for
citizens of both countries.
According to the Georgian representative, all the tickets for the
January 8 flight on a 120-seat airliner had been sold.
In December 12009, Georgian Airways asked the Russian Ministry of
Transport for a permit to make direct charter flights to Russia.
On December 28, the Russian ministry issued the permit to make flights
on December 29 and 30, but Georgian Airways said it would be unable to
complete technical preparations by then.
-0-myz