Tatarstan is a republic with a population of about 4 million people, which is part of the Russian Federation. In Russia, it is included in the Volga Federal District. The capital is the city of Kazan. In July 2013, the world sports student games "Universiade - 2013" were held in the republic. There are many historical monuments of architecture and culture on the territory of Tatarstan, so the republic is quite an attractive place to visit for tourists.
Air carriers
Air transportation of passengers is carried out by two Tatar airlines: Tatarstan Airlines and Ak Bars Aero. Thanks to the work of these air carriers, it is possible to get to the capital of the Republic of Kazan not only from anywhere in Russia, but also from the CIS countries and far abroad, using direct flights.
Tatarstan Airlines
Tatarstan Airlines represented by Tatarstan Airlines is a reliable interregional carrier. The company was established in 1999 on the basis of the merged Nizhnekamsk and Kazan air squadrons. Airportsbasing: Kazan and Begishevo (Nizhnekamsk). The airline's planes carry out charters to all major cities of Russia, as well as to countries near and far abroad. In 2012, Tatar Airlines transported about 600 thousand people. It is expected that in 2013 the number of passengers will grow to one million. Airbuses A-319 are represented in the carrier's fleet, Tu-154 aircraft are used in interregional transportation. In 2012, the company refused to cooperate with the Bulgarian holding Chemimport and returned to them all Boeing-737 aircraft that had become unusable due to the impossibility of their further operation: the overhaul of these aircraft is too expensive.
One of the newest promising acquisitions, which for the first time soared into the sky of the Republic of Tatarstan, the airline considers small American-made aircraft Cessna Carava. These small aircraft were purchased as part of a burgeoning program to resurrect domestic flights, once frustrated by the high cost of travel relative to distance. As part of a social program, Tatar Airlines plans to replace with new Cessnas the forgotten corncobs that were previously used for short-haul flights. The capacity of the American aircraft is 9 people, and the flight range is no more than 300 km. By 2015, 45 aircraft of this class are planned to enter the fleet.
Recently, in the spring of 2013, Tatarstan Airlines signed a memorandum with Turkish Airlines on a jointcooperation.
Ak Bars Aero Airlines
Another airline representing Tatar Airlines is Ak Bars Aero. Like the Tatarstan company, it is a major air carrier on intercity and international airlines. It was formed on the basis of the Bugulma squadron (Bugulma airport), and in 2005 it became part of Ak Bars Holding Company OJSC. This airline was often recognized as the most punctual air carrier. Its fleet is represented by Canadian Bombardier CRJ-200LR aircraft and Russian Yak-40 aircraft.
