Yakutia chief Gorbunov steps down over carrier’s operational issues

Siberian carrier Yakutia’s DG, Vladimir Gorbunov, is to step down from his post following prolonged operational problems with the carrier. Gorbunov had been appointed in October 2018 to lead the airline after previous chief Olga Federova stepped down in the aftermath of a Sukhoi Superjet 100 landing accident in Yakutsk, which occurred shortly after a regulatory inspection turned up separate operational concerns. Sakha republic transport minister Vladimir Sivtsev held a meeting with Gorbunov and the Yakutia board on 15 September, pointing out that the airline has been “unable to provide stable, uninterrupted air links” for a “long time”. He added that an audit is being carried out based on remarks from supervisory authorities. “Taking into account the current situation, the general director of Yakutia will leave the position of head,” says the Sakha transport ministry. It has not identified a successor.<br/>