MOSCOW, May 2 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to set up a new airline, the Kremlin press service said Wednesday.
The state will control no less than 45% of the new company called AiRUnion, which is to be incorporated within six months, contributing government stakes in Domodedovo Airlines (50.04%), KrasAir (51%), and Samara Airlines (46.5%). Siberian regional carriers Omskavia and Sibaviatrans will also contribute.
The government plans to retain its influence by putting AiRUnion on the list of "strategic enterprises" that are officially "crucial to promoting strategic interests, defense capability, and security of the Russian state, and protecting the morality, health, rights, and lawful interests of Russian citizens."
