Travel Notes

Travel Briefs

Far East telecom boost

KHABAROVSK — US-Russian joint venture Teleross Telecommunication Company has opened its 14th Russian branch, in this far eastern city. Financed by American company SFMT-Rusnet and by several small Russian companies in various localities throughout the country, it maintains a digital network of international satellite and long-distance telephone stations. Teleross’ future plans include installation of automatic phone stations and the introduction of international and domestic trunk services through its World Access Card.

Kazak airline grounded

ALMATY, KAZAKSTAN — The government of Kazakstan has declared national airline Aue Zholy bankrupt. By mid-August, the company had run up a debt of 19 bn tenge ($180 mn) and had lost access to airports in Western Europe, Israel and Turkey because  it was unable to finance new insurance agreements. A new company, Air Kazakstan, will take over Aue Zholy’s most valuable assets, while others will be sold to government agencies and local authorities.

‘Concordsky’ tested

ZHUKOVSKY — A new version of the Tu-144, once known as ‘Concordsky’ in the West because of its likeness to the Franco-British supersonic aircraft, has been ground tested at an air base outside Moscow. The project, which has produced an upgraded engine for the jet, was financed by the NASA space agency and developed by the Russian firm Tupolev with US partners like McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. The original Tu-144 first flew in December 1968, just days before Concorde, but the project was shelved at the 1973 Paris Air Show after a crash that killed 13 people. Four of the original aircraft remain, and there are plans to turn one into a flying laboratory for developing the new jet.

Road across Russia

The Russian government has announced a decision to build a 10,000 km road between Moscow and Vladivostok. According to the Transportation Ministry’s road department, the project will be funded by federal and regional authorities. No specifications were given of starting dates or estimated costs. Some financing may come from the World Bank, however, which is currently considering a $1 bn credit for road construction in Siberia and the Far East of Russia.