Low-cost airlines need nonrefundable tickets to operate effectively - Dvorkovich
MOSCOW. July 25 (Interfax) - Low-cost airlines need to be able to sell nonrefundable tickets in order to operate effectively, Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said at a government meeting in Moscow on Thursday.
"It is true that budget airlines are gradually beginning to appear here, so-called low-cost companies. A vital condition for these companies to operate effectively is the ability to sell nonrefundable tickets. Everyone recognizes that," Dvorkovich said.
Dvorkovich said the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) had opposed unconditional introduction of nonrefundable tickets and put up serious hurdles to the process, which "in essence has led to the restriction of competition in this area."
"I conducted a meeting on this topic and was convinced of that. We are offering a solution that would make it possible to ensure full-fledged competition. I hope the government will support the proposals that will be made," he said.