H5 MVL Ceased operations 2006 Headquarters Magadan, Russia Fleet size 7 | MVL Mavial Destinations 11 Founded 1993 | |
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Mavial Magadan Airlines was an airline based at Magadan, Russia, operating Tupolev Tu-154 and Ilyushin aircraft. As of summer 2006, it was the only airline flying between the Russian Far East and the American state of Alaska.
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The airline suspended commercial operations in July 2006 with debts of around $18 million. It has not declared bankruptcy.
History
A large number of Mavial employees are reported to have gone on hunger strike in an attempt to force the regional government to pay wages owed since the first half of 2006. They received no wages since before the suspension of commercial operations in July 2006. Over 20 Mavial pilots began a hunger strike on 25 October 2006 and were later joined by flight attendants, engineers and technicians. The sale of some company assets, including the Magadan Airport terminal, should have raised the necessary funds, but it has not been confirmed that the strike has ended. Aeroflot, which had previously planned to acquire Mavial, has opened its own affiliate company in the region and will employ some of the staff. It is also considering wet leasing two Mavial Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft to allow some staff to return to work.
Destinations
As of the Summer 2006 Mavial Magadan Airlines operated to the following destinations:
Fleet
As of August 2006 the Mavial fleet included: