Russia still plans to partake in creation of Hungarian airline

MOSCOW, Jul 27 (PRIME) -- Russia still plans to participate in creation of a Hungarian national airline, the fleet of which may consist of Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) and MC-21 planes, the Industry and Trade Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Minister Denis Manturov visited Hungary and met with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. “The industry and trade minister confirmed the Russian intent to take part in creation of a national airline in Hungary and to deliver regional planes Sukhoi Superjet and, in future, medium-range aircraft MC-21, the mass production of which starts in 2019,” the ministry said.

In February, Manturov said that the two countries were still discussing an efficient economic model of the joint airline. In 2007, businessmen Boris and Alexander Abramovich bought 49% in a parent company of Hungarian airline Malev, and in time the shares were transferred to Vnesheconombank (VEB). Later, VEB sold the stake, and Malev went bankrupt in 2012.

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