With an increase in its business in the St. Petersburg-area, Russian natural gas producer Gazprom looks to establish a new business aviation airport and FBO at the Levashovo military airfield. According to some estimates, the company plans to spend as much as $300 million on the project.
It will include reconstruction of the airport, as well as building necessary infrastructure such as a passenger terminal that could initially accommodate 100 people per hour, with expansion possible as needed in the future.
The new airport is not be positioned as a direct rival to nearby Pulkovo Airport, as it will be primarily focused on serving the needs of business aviation. Located 11 kilometers away from Gazprom’s headquarters, it would also be a base airport for Gazpromavia, the company’s corporate airline.
Launch of the new airport could provide a major impetus for the development of St. Petersburg’s business aviation sector. Currently, the Moscow region accounts for most of the business aviation flights in Russia, but it is hoped that the building of the new airport, which is expected to be commissioned next year, will alter that equation.