VIM-Avia’s debt exceeded 10 billion rubles

VIM-Avia’s debt exceeded 10 billion rubles, Russia’s Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said, noting that the fate of the company lied in the hands of creditors.

The minister stressed that the airline owes about 7 billion rubles to banks, 1.5 billion rubles to airports and air traffic controlling authorities, and about 3 billion rubles to foreign airports. He added that leasing companies may also submit claims against the airline, Prime agency reported.

"They have not yet announced any claims as they are sympathetic about the current phase of operation to bring back tourists and passengers. But it is obvious that they will have claims as the company does not make leasing payments," Sokolov said, adding that the emergency center only pays wages to employees of the airline.

VIM-Avia has delayed a large number of flights since mid-summer to September 25, when it admitted to having no money to continue operations and the need to stop charter flights. The government and Aeroflot issued statements pledging financial support to VIM-Avia.