MINSK, 2 February (BelTA) – Belarusian aviation organizations operate steadily. Director of the Aviation Department of the Belarusian Transport and Communications Ministry Artyom Sikorsky made the statement at a session of the department's board on 2 February, BelTA has learned. The session was held to discuss the aviation industry's performance in 2021 and this year's development prospects, the ministry's press service told BelTA.
According to Artyom Sikorsky, in 2021 Belarus' commercial aviation faced challenges, which resolution required prompt and unconventional decisions on the part of the aviation administration and on the part of heads of enterprises. “Last year showed to us and the entire international community that flight safety and aviation security are key elements in commercial aviation. It is these components that ensure the stability of the aviation system and its resilience to risks. It is also important to note the ability of aviation transport organizations to mobilize in unusual conditions in order to achieve positive results in business operations,” he said.
Last year Belarusian air carriers had to shift their focus to the eastern direction and the southern one. Belarusian airports welcomed 2.5 million passengers as a result.
Artyom Sikorsky noted that the industry had managed to minimize consequences of unfavorable factors. Despite the negative influence of Western sanctions and certain difficulties in business operations Belarusian aviation organizations are operating steadily. Worker collectives have been preserved, salaries, taxes, and payments on loans are paid on time.
Work to realize major investment projects was done in 2021. An air traffic control center was commissioned. Design documents for reconstructing the first runway of the Minsk National Airport were worked out as well as the architectural concept for the future development and comprehensive beautification of its territory. A roadmap will be worked out soon to find investors for realizing infrastructure projects.
Speaking about the tasks the aviation industry faces in 2022, Artyom Sikorsky said that flight safety and aviation security remain a priority. The main efforts will also be channeled into expanding the market of transportation by air, making it more appealing for the population, and into expanding the route network.
Apart from that, plans have been made to develop regular flights and charter flights from Belarusian airports with assistance of domestic and foreign air carriers. There are plans to raise investments for building the necessary infrastructure in these airports, improve the quality of passenger service and freight service, develop and realize a set of measures to make the airports part of freight logistics schemes.
