The National Centre RUSSIA hosted a celebratory evening dedicated to Civil Aviation Workers' Day
On the eve of the celebration of Civil Aviation Workers' Day, observed annually on February 9, the National Centre RUSSIA held a solemn event attended by industry employees and veterans. The gathering was addressed by Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Vitaly Savelyev, Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit, and Head of the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviation) Dmitry Yadrov.
Vitaly Savelyev delivered a congratulatory message from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to the industry's workers and veterans. The head of state emphasized that the history of the Russian civil aviation fleet has been built by generations of talented scientists and designers, engineers and specialists, daring test pilots, and well-coordinated crews, whose dedicated work has established Russia as one of the world's leading aviation powers. "It is gratifying that today you are worthily continuing the legendary traditions of your predecessors — developing air transportation, opening new interregional and international routes, improving ground infrastructure and the aeronautical system, and offering modern services and opportunities for passengers and cargo carriers," the message stated.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that civil aviation successfully fulfills important tasks in the interests of the state and citizens, making a significant contribution to achieving national development goals. "Special words of respect and recognition go to the veterans who have dedicated many years to serving civil aviation and passing on their experience and knowledge to new generations of industry workers. I thank all of you for your tireless work and dedication to your profession. I wish you and your loved ones good health, success, and new achievements for the benefit of Russia!" he said.
In 2023, Russian civil aviation celebrated its 100th anniversary. More than a century ago, crucial decisions were made that laid the foundation for the development of this vital mode of transportation.
"Over the years, civil aviation pilots have been pioneers in exploring the vast expanses of our immense country, transporting people and cargo under the most challenging conditions, making an invaluable contribution to the Great Victory, and working daily for the good of the Motherland," said Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit.
Today, Russian civil aviation is one of the most powerful in the world. By the end of 2024, Russian airlines transported 111.7 million passengers, an increase of almost 6% compared to 2023. In recent years, the route network has expanded significantly, new airports have been built, and existing ones have been reconstructed. The government continues to support passenger transportation. Last year, with investor funding, terminal buildings were renovated at the airports of Kirov, Ulan-Ude, and Tomsk. Reconstructed terminals in Cheboksary, Stavropol, Magadan, Khabarovsk, Irkutsk, and Voronezh have also started welcoming passengers.
The development of infrastructure in the regions of the Far North, Siberia, the Far East, and remote areas, where aviation remains the only mode of transport, is of particular importance.
"Even if local airports receive only a few flights a week, our task is to ensure that such facilities are properly maintained and provide passengers with the necessary comfort," stated the Minister of Transport.
The President of Russia has set an ambitious yet achievable goal — through the efforts of industry professionals — to increase passenger air mobility by 1.5 times by 2030. Today, thanks to pilots and air traffic controllers, flight attendants and ground service workers, technical staff, and many other industry specialists, residents of our country can travel without restrictions while enjoying consistently high service quality and transportation safety.
The Ministry of Transport is making every effort to preserve the historical memory of the achievements and individuals who have left an indelible mark on the history of the transport sector and our entire country. In 2024, a commemorative plaque was unveiled on the facade of the building that once housed the Ministry of Civil Aviation of the USSR and now serves as the headquarters of the Federal Air Transport Agency.
As part of the event, distinguished state awards were presented to employees and veterans of Russian civil aviation, including the Medal of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" II class, the honorary title "Honored Transport Worker of the Russian Federation," and the Certificate of Honor of the President of the Russian Federation. Additionally, departmental awards were granted, such as the Pyotr Gubonin Medal, the Medal "For Merit in Ensuring Transport Security," the badge "Honored Transport Worker of Russia," the badge "Honored Air Navigation Worker of Russia," the badge "Excellence in Air Transport," and the Letter of Gratitude from the Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation.
Event photobank
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