The Russian Technology Corporation, the Moscow city government, and the administration of Eastern Siberia's Krasnoyarsk Territory agreed in early September to merge several airlines from the troubled AiRUnion alliance as a way of easing cash-flow problems.
"We have arranged a regular board meeting of the new air carrier for November 11, and we could announce its registration and establishment by that date," Sergei Chemezov said.
The founders of Russian Airlines nominated Chemezov as the air carrier's board chairman at a meeting today, Russian Technology and the Moscow government said in a joint news release. Seven candidates for board members were also put forward.
The Russian Airlines holding will specialize in passenger and freight carriage, as well as aircraft repair and maintenance. The company will also handle the production and provision of in-flight food, aircraft leasing, and related services.
Russian Technology will control 51% in the new airline, and the Moscow government will own the other 49% stake.
Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov said Russian Airlines, which could eventually be given another name, would be based in Moscow.
"The new airline will be based in Moscow, and it will be given a separate building," Luzhkov said, urging initial state support.
Vitaly Vantsev, who has been nominated as the company's general director, said the new airline was planning to buy up to 30 Superjet-100 planes.
The company will have a fleet of 150 aircraft, including at least 10 Tu-204 or MS-21 planes, Vantsev said.
