MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

DAP, Russia's Antarctic representative

The Russian Antarctic Department ratified Aerovías DAP as their sole logistics representative in Chile, said Mr. Andrés Pivcevic.

Mr. Pivcevic just back from an official Chilean tour of several European countries including Russia with Chilean president Raúl Lagos indicated this was the result of over fifteen years of servicing the Russian Antarctic effort.

"We've done all sort of air logistics for the Russians, from emergency supplying to medical evacuation, and they are very pleased with us", added Mr. Pivcevic, who added he was quiet surprised with the Russians decision to name his company their representative.

"This is also part of the Chilean policy of projecting Magallanes to the Antarctic and making Punta Arenas the natural entrance to Antarctica".

Mr. Pivcevic admitted that "if we act efficiently, we can even manage to have all the Russian Antarctic logistics that is now distributed with Australia and South Africa to be concentrated here in Magallanes".

"Russians have invited us to participate in an inland Antarctic expedition in 2004, together with other countries, which gives an idea of their confidence and trust in us".

Regarding a possible association of DAP Aerovías with Spanish air companies to operate regionally as was reported, Mr. Pivcevic admitted an interest but pointed out that "as long as Lan Chile can act with no restraints in the local market, as happens currently, no serious carrier, with money and expertise, will be coming this way".