KHUJAND, January 25, 2012, Asia-Plus  -- Russian air carrier, VIM Avia, has launched a new air route from Russia to Tajikistan – from the Russian city of Sochi to Khujand, the capital of the Tajik northern Sughd province.

The first flight on this air route was operated on January 24.  It is still a charter flight but the Khujand airport authorities have expressed optimism that it will become a regular flight in the future. 

VIM Avia, commonly known as VIM Airlines, is an airline based in Moscow, Russia, operating international scheduled and charter, passenger and cargo flights out of Moscow Domodedovo Airport, as well as offering aircraft wet lease.

VIM Airlines was established and started operations in 2000.  At the end of 2004, the company acquired Chitaavia and Aerobratsk, followed by Russian Sky Airlines in 2005. Also in 2004, it shook up the market when its new shareholders bought 12 Boeing 757-200 aircraft, targeting the charter market (the first Russian airline using this aircraft type).