OREANDA-NEWS. October 08, 2009. The Commission of the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS Russia) concluded that Khabarovsk Airport infringed the interests of "Aeroflot - Russian Airlines" OJSC and restricted competition in the air transportation market, reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.

FAS Russia established that "Aeroflot - Russian Airlines" OJSC asked "Khabarovsk Airport" OJSC to provide a possibility for independent supplies of the fuel owned by Aeroflot to refuel Aeroflot aircrafts in "Khabarovsk - Novy" airport. The cost of fuel supplied by "Aeroflot - Russian Airlines" OJSC is lower than the cost of fuel offered by "Khabarovsk Airport" OJSC; however, "Khabarovsk Airport" OJSC refused to satisfy the request of "Aeroflot - Russian Airlines" OJSC.

The airport explained its refusal by inability to store fuel of outside companies due to lack of capacity and reconstruction of its reservoir for fuel and lubrication materials in 2009. "Khabarovsk Airport" OJSC also referred to the need to change operational technologies in the fuel complex of "Khabarovsk Airport" OJSC.

Therefore, "Khabarovsk Airport" OJSC refused to provide "Aeroflot - Russian Airlines" OJSC a possibility to bring its own fuel to Khabarovsk airport to services the flights under central schedule and to provide the services for storing the fuel. It restricted access of "Aeroflot - Russian Airlines" OJSC to the aviation fuel market and the market of aviation fueling services. Such actions were in breach of Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law "On Protection of Competition" (abusing dominant position in the goods market).

FAS Russia will issue a determination on the case by 16th October 2009.

The company is facing a fine from 1 to 15% of its turnover in the last year.

Reference:
In 2008, FAS Russia initiated five cases upon the elements of violating Article 10 of the Federal Law "On Protection of Competition" in relation to air transport and airport activities and issued two determinations.

In the first six months of 2009, FAS Russia initiated eight cases and issued five determinations.