Russian federal investigators probing alleged embezzlement of Aeroflot funds have charged four individuals, including a member of the flag-carrier's management board who formerly served with the country's prosecutor general. Aeroflot deputy general director for legal and property matters Vladimir Alexandrov is accused of participating in a fraud involving theft of Rb250 million ($3.8 million) during 2015-16. The federal Investigative Committee alleges that he conspired with a former director of the airline's legal department to arrange several contracts for provision of legal services, to be carried out by two lawyers. It accuses the group of carrying out the work internally, through legal department employees, but then transferring at least Rb250 million over 2016-18 to cover false work claims linked to the lawyers. These funds were then distributed among the accused. Aeroflot lists Alexandrov as having joint the airline in 2013, and states that he had held senior positions not only with the Investigative Committee but also the Russian prosecutor general's office. He was appointed to head the airline's legal and property matters division in mid-2016.

Source: FlightGlobal

South Africa's public enterprises minister has informed the country's parliament that South African Airways and SA Express are not going concerns, in a letter explaining delays in the carriers' annual report submission. Pravin Gordhan stated that he was responsible for tabling the 2018-19 annual statements and audit reports for both carriers six months after the end of their financial years. Both SAA's and SA Express's financial years ended on 31 March, and their boards are required to provide the information to the ministry within five months. But Gordhan says, in a 27 September letter to parliament, that the boards have "not been able to finalise and submit" the annual reports within the prescribed deadlines.

"Both airlines are experiencing serious financial challenges and are unable to meet going concerns," he adds.

SAA has told the minister that its newly-appointed interim chief executive and chief financial officers need more time to hand the information to the auditor general. It has also requested an extension to the window in which it needs to hold its annual general meeting – an extension which has been granted until the end of March 2020. SA Express has similarly been unable to finalise its annual statements "due to financial constraints", the letter says. "[The] government remains committed to find a sustainable solution to the challenges facing the airlines."

Source: FlightGlobal

A vintage World War II-era aircraft crashed at Bradley International airport Hartford, Connecticut on 2 October, killing five and injuring at least 14 others, local media report. The aircraft, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, apparently had difficulties after take-off and was returning to the field for an emergency landing. It burst into flames upon impact and video images showed a large plume of black smoke rising from the wreckage. Public safety officials said it had crashed into a building on the field. They added that 10 passengers and three crew had been on board. Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, said at a press conference that the plane took off about 9:45 local time and five minutes later the crew reported a problem to the tower. Witnesses on the ground said they had heard one of the engines sputtering shortly before the crash. Bradley airport, the second-largest in the New England region, was closed following the accident and the FAA imposed a ground stop for arriving flights. One runway opened after 13:30 EST. The B-17 was a heavy bomber that played a key role in the Allied victory in the European theatre of World War II. The aircraft that crashed was one of 18 still registered to fly in the USA, said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont after the accident.

Source: FlightGlobal