Russian airline Nordwind Airlines became the first to link Moscow to the North Korean capital Pyongyang in nearly 80 years of diplomatic relations.
Nordwind ran a July 27 flight from Sheremetyevo in Moscow using a Boeing 777-200ER and arrived in Pyongyang the following day.
Federal Air Transport Regulatory Authority Rosaviatia said it granted permission for services on July 8, adding that procedures for obtaining slots at North Korean airport have been completed.
The flight operates once a month to establish a “stable” load. This states that frequency increases when demand justifies such a measure.
Since the Soviet Union officially recognized North Korea in October 1948, Rosaviatia says the flight was the first city to link the two capitals together.
The 777-200ER (RA-73340) is a former Singapore Airlines Twinjet powered by a Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engine and consisting of 440 seats.
Nordwind launched a return service on July 29th.
“The flight between Pyongyang and Moscow will contribute to further development of relations between (USA),” says Deputy Chief of Rosaviatia Alexei Buvich.
He points out that the service will provide access to Wonsan-Kalma's new tourist resort, allowing North Korean citizens to pass through Sheremetyevo.
