The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service asked the Transportation Ministry to cancel intergovernmental rules that oblige airlines to exchange information about the prices for tickets, in an effort to prevent the formation of cartels.
The agreements regulating minimal prices for airline tickets were made between Russia and other countries in 1991, and were necessary at that time due to soaring hyperinflation. "Today they are an anachronism. These rules go against the constitution and the law on competition," said anti-monopoly service chief Igor Artmyev, Vedomosti reported on Thursday.
The latest example of this agreement in action, he said, was a request from Transaero to agree pricing with new market entrant easyJet, as it was entering the market.
While most airlines refused to comment on the anti-monopoly service initiative, a source in Aeroflot told Vedomosti that the proposed measure would give foreign carriers a competitive advantage over domestic airlines. He said Russian air transportation laws did not apply to foreign airlines, as they were not required to sell refundable tickets, take on board luggage of up to 10 kilograms free of charge or pay customs duties on their aircraft.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
