Russian carrier to cut staff and replace aircraft
Russian flag carrier Aeroflot hopes to boost profits next year to a record 9.3bn roubles ($319.2m), despite predictions of a fall in demand for air travel.
The airline said it hopes to achieve its target for 2009 by replacing its jets with fuel efficient airlines and reducing administrative staff numbers.
Aeroflot had predicted a slump in Russian traffic of 10-20% in 2009 as business travellers cut back on trips during the global financial crisis.
The airline also said net profit for 2008 would be around USD$85m compared to $313m in 2007 due to higher fuel costs and less demand for travel.
Despite the planned job cuts, Aeroflot said staff numbers would increase by 5.6% after the new aircraft are put into operation and the launch of the new terminal at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport.
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