Aeroflot investigates merger with DalAvia

The Board of Russia's flagship air carrier, Aeroflot, is to discuss a merger with regional carrier DalAvia. The talks will centre on the consolidation of Aeroflot, DalAvia and Sakhalin Airlines decided at the end of November.

The new company is to be based in Russia's Far East, which as Aeroflot's President Valery Okulov believes, will enable the company to be better able to face competition in the region.

Mr Okulov also announced that Aeroflot expects its net profit to rise to over $US 200 MLN this year, which is an increase of 5% on the previous year.