Aeroflot is to open Russia's first modern commercial pilot training school in 2009, in response to an aircrew shortage crisis that could limit growth in the industry.

"The shortage of qualified pilots threatens to limit our expansion, so we are going to set up the first Western-style modern flying school in Russia, which will produce pilots qualifying with an air transport pilot's licence," says Aeroflot deputy general director Lev Koshlyakov.

The Russian flag carrier is studying sites in the Moscow region, including several military airfields, as a base for training using a twin-piston aircraft, says Koshlyakov.

Negotiations are under way with potential suppliers, including Diamond Aircraft, which may supply six DA-42s, Koshlyakov says.

Aeroflot will base the new training system on its existing school at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, which provides training for existing staff and former military aircrew converting to civil work with the company, Koshlyakov says.

The airline is devising a business plan for the school, including possible financing routes for students to pay for the two-year course. This could include the participation of banks, company funding, and students paying, Koshlyakov says.

According to a recent survey by Aeroflot, up to 1,000 of Russia's 10,000 pilots leave the industry a year, due to old age, health or leaving Russia to work abroad.

The shortage of pilots in Russia is an especially acute problem, as Russian airlines are forbidden from hiring non-Russian pilots by Soviet-era legislation that has not been replaced.

"It would be a big help if we could hire foreign pilots, and if the law changes, then we will," he says.

Aeroflot alone has around 900 pilots, and forecasts a requirement for 250 in 2008, with other Russian carriers likely to need a further 250.

Recruitment of former military aircrew is difficult, as the services shed most of their surplus pilots in the 1990s and have few spare crews.

Russia's existing Soviet-era training system provides only about 120 replacement pilots a year, who have to undergo a five-year technical based diploma to qualify.