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.
Avianova's bankruptcy leaves Russia without any domestic low-cost carriers as of Oct. 10, when the carrier stops operating. Its bankruptcy also highlights the difficulty of implementing a low-fare airline business model in Russia, with its few high-density populations that can afford to fly located relatively near one another and fought over by airlines. In its official statement to the Russian aviation authorities published Oct. 5, Avianova explained that it decided to stop operating because of its deteriorating financial status.
MOSCOW — The rivalry continues between Russia’s two new combat helicopters — the Mil Mi-28 and Kamov Ka-52 — for dominance of the domestic market. Russian Helicopters, the holding company overseeing both manufacturers, says it has signed a contract with the defense ministry for delivery of “more than 140” Ka-52s for the air force. The deal is estimated to be worth 120 billion rubles ($4.1 billion). Deliveries will continue through 2020.
Helicopters have proved to be an early success story for Russia as the country strives to restore its aerospace prowess. Russian Helicopters, the holding company behind the country's rotorcraft industry, is involved with several equipment upgrades aimed at both the domestic and international market.
