The Russian government is considering softening the import tax requirements for business jets and certain types of on-board and airport equipment not produced domestically, according to Valery Voskoboinikov, deputy head of the Russian state agency Rosaviacosmos. At the same time, Rosaviacosmos believes for the time being that other domestic manufacturers need protection, and the government may only issue exemptions from the import tax and VAT to selected airlines, such as flag-carrier Aeroflot. Aeroflot has acquired one such exemption for renewal of its foreign-made airliner fleet with a limit of 27 aircraft, and it is seeking an exemption as well for the short-term lease of western-made regional jets in the 50- to 100-seat category.