All But 4 “Belavia” Jumbo Jets Fall Short of Meeting International Standards :: Charter'97 :: News

From April 1 many of the European Union member-states forbade to accept planes, which don’t correspond to the international standards on noise-making and ecological safety. Among the national aviation companies, which suffered most from the newly imposed limitations, is the Belarusian “Belavia”. Specialists explain the situation by the Belarusian authorities’ unwillingness to purchase the machinery from the recognized world leaders in aircraft building. They prefer Russian models instead. Out of the whole domestic aviation park only four Tu-154M airplanes comply with the requirements, set forth by the International organization of civil aviation, as far as their noise level, reports Radio Svaboda.

As pointed out by one of the company’s staffers, certain flights had been already cancelled: for instance, flights to Vienna, Berlin, Frankfurt and Paris will cease by April 22. Air travels to Shannon, London and Rome will continue for an indefinite period of time.

Seven Tu-134 planes, four Tu-154B and some two dozens Il-76 jets are forbidden to land at the EU airports. Four years later same destiny will befall the Tu-154M.

The official Minsk hasn’t commented on the situation yet, while thousands of Belarusians seem troubled over the perspectives of spending summer vacations abroad. However, the four remaining charter programs seem to be at risk now. As concerns tourist flights, “Belavia” is said to more or less satisfy the demands. The situation will be clarified right after the “Tourbusiness” exhibition, to be held in Minsk on April 11-14.