&host=www.rt.com&uri=/news/prime-time/hong-cong-flights-dispute/&via=1.1 205.128.88.23:80 (Footprint 4.8/FPMCP)&ua=CCBot/1.0 (+http://www.commoncrawl.org/bot.html))
Geographical misunderstanding between flyers could cost Asia-bound passengers
Published: 14 September, 2010, 20:19
Edited: 14 September, 2010, 23:34
TAGS: Conflict, Russia, Europe, Vehicles, Prime Time Russia, China
Russian and German aviation companies are arguing over geography.
Lufthansa and Swiss Air are refusing to admit that Hong Kong is now part of China, and are saving themselves millions by burying their heads in the sand.
At the center of the row is a possible $30 million the carriers would have to pay for what is known as Siberian overflight.
As a British colony, Hong Kong previously enjoyed special status under an international tariff agreement. However, since it became part of China in 1997, companies flying to the city over Siberia are required to pay full overflight fees.
Swiss Air previously refused to pay and now its flights go around Russian airspace. Lufthansa faces a similar prospect.
The dispute could also prevent Russian flyers from getting full access to Russian-German routes.
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