Unfortunately for spring and fall bear hunters, the service will only run from July 7 to September 15 this year, missing both bear seasons. Only sheep and moose hunters will be able to take advantage of the new flights this summer.
Vladivostok Air's initial announcement was met with some skepticism because several Russian airlines in the recent past have promised service and then never put planes in the air. The most recent was Dalavia Far East Airlines, which cancelled flights it had scheduled for this route last year.
Our sources indicate there will be no repeat of that scenario with Vladivostok Air. Reliable service from Anchorage to Kamchatka is just what hunting operators and clients in this part of the world need, too, as current travel to Kamchatka through Moscow is long and arduous. The prospect has discouraged some hunters from booking trips to the Russian Far East.
Ticket sales for this season are already underway. They are being handled by Red Star Travel; and TM&I Travel. If you are already booked for a trip to Kamchatka this August/September and have not made your flight arrangements yet, call them soon in order to begin processing your visa paperwork.
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