AIRLINE PRIVATISATION IN EASTERN-EUROPE AND EX-USSR

The paper aims to identify characteristics of airline privatisation in Eastern Europe and the ex-USSR. Although the main reasons for privatisation are similar to those in other parts of the world, the collapse of the independent air transportation system in the ex-communist region has produced a number of particular features in regard to their fleet, management, finance and partnership with foreign carriers. A not effect cf privatisation, associated with the purchase of new aircraft, is a debt burden that prompts the airlines tc expand into more lucrative international markets. These trends are worthy of close scrutiny even though it is unclear whether Eastern European and ex-USSR airlines undergoing privatisation can transform themselves into organisations fit to survive.