The Moscow-based Moskovia Airlines commissioned Lufthansa Consulting to provide assistance in assessing the current compliance with the EU ETS requirements as well as in developing solutions to close existing gaps. Operating scheduled passenger and cargo flights to several European destinations, the Russian air carrier is obligated to comply with the new directive which takes effect from 2012.

In a comprehensive assessment in Moscow, Lufthansa Consulting initially conducted a knowledge workshop including the definition and set-up of an 'ETS Competence Team' on the client's side. Furthermore, the experts reviewed the existing processes as well as the IT architecture relevant for ETS conformity and established ETS quality standards. Identified gaps were documented in a list of action items with recommendations for necessary measures. Based on the assessment results and in close cooperation with the ETS Competence Team, the consultants developed tangible solutions in order to close the gaps. The main tasks in this project phase were mapping of processes, performance of risk assessments, development of control mechanisms and - where necessary - the update of monitoring plans. Finally, Lufthansa Consulting consolidated all necessary processes, adaptations and selected solutions in an 'ETS Handbook' to form a knowledge basis for Moskovia Airlines' relevant staff.

Lufthansa Consulting has developed profound knowledge of the new EU ETS regulations and provides expert services to the airline industry. The consultants assist airlines in the implementation of the directive within their organization, planning and cooperating with potential verifiers and the competent authorities in the various administering member states. Furthermore, in cooperation with their partner First Climate, one of Europe's leading carbon asset management companies, Lufthansa Consulting offers a complete understanding of certificates sourcing, related risks, operational requirements and most of all, access to all types of CO2 certificates necessary for compliance purposes.

Moskovia Airlines was founded in 1995 and operates flights to 10 destinations in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan and became the first Russian airline to connect Russia and Montenegro on a regular basis.'Now the airline's fleet consists of four passenger versions of the Boeing 737NG and three AN-12 for cargo transportation.'The strategic objective of the airline is to expand the network of international routes.