Thu, Feb 21, 2008
...And Shows He's Still In The "Pilot's Seat"
Russia is hoping to return to its
traditional role as a world leader in aviation technology. One big
step will be developing a new high-tech aircraft design center at
Zhukovsky, near Moscow.
On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin -- an amateur
aviation buff, who once traveled to an official visit in a fighter
jet -- checked out a new Tu-334 airliner, joined by former law
professor and current first deputy prime minister Dmitry
Medvedev.
"I want this to become a national project," Putin (right) said
of the new design center, reports Reuters. "We welcome cooperation
with international partners because it contributes to our economy.
But it should not become a target by itself... If there are any
hitches, don't wait, go ahead with your own plans."
In addition to the clear signal that Russia intends to return to
the world's elite ranks of aircraft makers, the visit resulted in
an interesting political observation, as well.
Medvedev is widely viewed as a successor to Putin in the next
election, but Russia-watchers believe Putin may continue to
exercise considerable control over the government, possibly serving
as prime minister.
With that in mind, Reuters could not help but notice that when
the two men toured the cockpit of the airliner Wednesday, Putin
took the pilot's seat -- leaving Medvedev to sit in the first
officer's position.
It could be a great metaphor... especially given Putin's known
iron-fist style of leadership. Read into it what you will.
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