State-run Aeroflot, Dalavia and Sakhalin Airlines will consolidate their assets to expand regional air carriage business, Aeroflot said.
"The consolidation of regional air companies on the basis of Aeroflot is viewed by the parties to the agreement as the only real way to ensure competitiveness, financial and technical revitalization of regional carriers without job cuts, provide Far Eastern residents with affordable and reliable air transport communication and boost tax receipts," the statement said.
In particular, the companies intend to set up a large transport air hub in Khabarovsk in Russia's Far East to boost domestic and transit passenger traffic, renew the air fleet and develop national and international air routes.
Established in 1923, Aeroflot is the country's largest air carrier, accounting for 39% of Russia's international air traffic, and 11% of domestic flights. In 2005, the company transported 6.8 million passengers to 89 cities in 47 countries.
Dalavia flies to 25 cities and has an air fleet of 30 domestically produced aircraft.
Sakhalin Airlines has a fleet of 12 aircraft, including Boeing 737 and Dash 8 planes.
