The congratulatory message reads in part:

"Civil aviation is a vital component of the transport system of our vast country. It brings together the remotest areas of Russia. Its effective and smooth operation is critical for the timely delivery of passengers and cargo, for the normal life of millions of people and the development of regions.

"In recent years domestic civil aviation has made significant achievements. Airlines are expanding the geography of flights and improving their economic performance indicators. It is important that more and more passengers choose Russian carriers.

"Today the sector faces ambitious tasks involving modernisation of airports, the creation of major transfer hubs and renewal of the fleet of civil aircraft. Particular attention needs to be paid to improving the quality of aviation services and to making them more accessible. And of course, passenger safety must always come first.

"I am confident that professionalism and a responsible attitude toward their work will help Russian aviators to achieve the goals set before them."