In addition to writing for Aviation Week Network, Maxim holds a key position at Russia's Air Transport Observer magazine (www.ato.ru). In the past he was in charge of several ATO sister aerospace publications and earlier worked for the Moscow-based CAST defense think-tank.
Maxim has a degree on international relations from MGIMO University, Moscow, Russia, and for several years worked at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The opening of an expanded terminal at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport signals its aspirations to compete with the larger two airports in the Russian capital, and it also opens capacity for UTair Aviation and its Star Alliance partners.
Russia's air transport industry continues to grow at a fast pace for the third year in a row. This advance is accompanied by the liberalization of the international flights segment as well as the industry's consolidation, backed by the government.
In 2013, Russia again plans to increase its defense expenditures. The growth of the defense budget will continue in 2014 and 2015, with the aim of completing the massive rearmament of the forces started a few years ago.
