Russian airspace ban hurting AeroLogic

AeroLogic (3S), a joint venture of Lufthansa (LH) Cargo and DHL Express, sees “no end in sight” to its ban from flying in Russian airspace on flights from Europe to Asian destinations due to Russia’s opposition to the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

In March, Russian authorities began delaying approval for traffic rights for several flight frequencies of LHC and AeroLogic via Russia due to the EU ETS.

A 3S spokesperson told ATW the ban affects several weekly flights from Europe to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Seoul, which now have to detour through Northern Asia, resulting in higher fuel costs, less maximum cargo loads, delays and a competitive disadvantage.

“We are afraid that 3S has become a game ball [in] very difficult negotiations,” the spokesperson added. “All this is not easy to accept and to compensate.”

LHC has received approval for most of its 30 weekly flights via Russia.

(Kurt Hofmann - ATWOnline News)