Pulkovo Airport (also known as IATA: LED and ICAO: ULLI) is the third busiest international airport in Russia. ULLI is the home base for Rossiya Airlines, and serves over 6 million citizens in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Oblast. Officially opened in June 1932, the state-owned airport is one of the largest in both Russia and Eastern Europe. With an average of 30 takeoffs and landings per hour and capacity to handle as many as 50, ULLI served over 14 million passengers in 2014.
The airport consists of one main terminal with two separate parallel runways. Takeoff and landing operations can be carried out any time of the year, regardless of weather conditions. Opened in December 2013, Terminal 1 covers a total area of 110,000 square meters and can serve up to 18 million passengers per year. The facility offers an array of business lounges, restaurants, pharmacies, and bars. ULLI’s infrastructure now includes 88 check-in counters, 110 passport control booths, 110 aircraft parking stands, and 30 departure gates.
Landing Permit, Slot Availability and Aircraft Parking
Pulkovo Airport offers Airport of Entry (AOE) services 24 hours a day. Prior Permission Required (PPR) / landing permit is always required for both private and charter flights to Russia. Approximate lead time is one business day. Airport slots are also required for all operators coming in and out of ULLI. Due to high traffic volume from commercial airlines, and major events such as the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Jetex Flight Support advises that General Aviation (GA) operators request for slots and parking ahead of arrival time. It is compulsory to provide PAX information to slot authority.
During the SPIEF, ULLI airport slots will be strictly regulated. The 2017 SPIEF will take place from June 1 – June 3. Issued time slots will need to match with permit timings. Operators should expect delay in slot booking during this event. All slot requests will be processed through the SPIEF headquarters. All Forum aircraft requests, including VIP and government flights will be first collected by the slot coordinator. The Forum headquarters will then grant slots with aircraft parking to high-status delegates first.
Alternate Airports Near ULLI
- Lappeenranta Airport, Finland (LPP/EFLP) – 181km
EFLP is suitable for GA flights. Slots and parking pre-approval are required unless the aircraft is diverted to EFLP due to bad weather at ULLI, where EFLP is used as an alternate in the Flight Plan (FPL). Please note there is no VIP lounge in EFLP.
- Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland (HEL/EFHK) – 300km
EFHK is suitable for GA flights. Slots and parking pre-approval are required unless the aircraft is diverted to EFHK due to bad weather at ULLI, where EFLP is used as an alternate in the FPL.
- Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, Estonia (TLL/EETN) – 308km
EETN is suitable for GA flights. Slots and parking pre-approval are not required. VIP Lounge is available.
- Domodedovo International Airport, Russia (DME/UUDD) – 667km
UUDD is suitable for GA flights. Slots and parking pre-approval are required unless the aircraft is diverted to UUDD due to bad weather at ULLI, where UUDD is used as an alternate in the FPL.
VAT on Fuel
VAT is not applicable on fuel at ULLI for international flights. However, 18% local tax applies on domestic flights. Note that flights within the Customs Union are considered as domestic. The Customs Union includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.
Hotel Booking
During SPIEF and other major exhibition dates, cancellation policies can be very strict for four and five star hotels. In order to secure competitive rates and cancellation policies, our Jetex travel team recommends sending booking requests at the earliest opportunity after slots with parking have been granted. For bookings, only confirmation of actual period of stay and number of rooms is required.
Ground Transportation from ULLI to Major Landmarks
St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia, with a population of five million. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, the city has contributed enormously to Russian history and culture. St. Petersburg served as the capital of Russia until 1918, when the central government moved to Moscow.
This world-class destination is home to numerous parks and gardens, 221 museums, 2,000 libraries and over 80 theaters. Visitors can admire an array of breathtaking historic Baroque and neoclassical architecture from the 18th and 19th century. In 1991 Saint Petersburg was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on account of 36 important historic structures, and approximately 4,000 individual monuments found throughout the city.
Pulkovo Airport is located just 23km south of the city center. Jetex will ensure that all clients reach their required destination in security, comfort and with ease. Jetex recommends that during major events and exhibitions, ground transportation and helicopter transfers be requested at the earliest possible opportunity. Helicopter transfers can be most convenient when traveling to important events and meetings, saving time to enjoy some of St. Petersburg’s rich culture and history.
Distances from ULLI to popular attractions:
Catherine Palace 13km or 15-20 minutes by car
Pavlovsk (Garden) 20km or 25-30 minutes by car
Stroganov Palace 19km or 30-35 minutes by car
Russian Museum 20km or 30-35 minutes by car
Kunstkamera 22km or 30-35 minutes by car
Hermitage Museum 23km or 30-35 minutes by car
Peter the Great Bridge 30km or 35-40 minutes by car
Amenities available at Pulkovo Airport (ULLI)
Pulkovo 2 GAT (known as “Business Aviation Center”) is situated between the arrival and departure wings of the former Pulkovo 2 terminal. The center is fully equipped with professional staff and all the necessary amenities to make waiting at the airport a comfortable and convenient experience. It is available for both private and commercial operators, flying domestic flights or internationally.
Pulkovo 3 GAT (also known as “Center for Business Aviation”) has a full range of facilities and separate car access from the road heading to Pulkovo 1 (new terminal). The surface area of the center totals 100,000 square meters accommodating more than 30 airport parking spots and aircraft hangers. These are also available for both private and commercial operators, flying domestic or internationally.
The Official Delegation Lounge is located on the left side of Pulkovo’s Terminal 1. This facility is solely dedicated to providing maximum security and comfort to passengers with special government status.
Through collaboration between Jetex professionals and our contracted ground handlers, the following services can be arranged:
- Aircraft services including full ground handling and monitoring, fuel uplift, liaison between airport authorities, crew and passengers, extensive range of premium catering and more.
- Passenger services including meet & greet, VIP lounge access, limousine services, check-in support for charter flights, all through a single point of contact for crew, operators and passenger representatives.
- Crew services including immigration and customs assistance, flight plan filing, weather information, NOTAMs and flight briefs, visa arrangement, hotel accommodation and transportation.
Jetex Flight Support
Jetex is a global leader in business aviation. Since launching over a decade ago, the company has facilitated over 1 million trips and handled 2 million passengers globally. Combining worldwide reach with local expertise, Jetex is able to offer fast access to permits, in-house flight planning, ground handling, fuel, visas, and world-class concierge services.
Contact us today to find out more about our exceptional trip support services.
Tel: +971 4 212 4000 or email info@jetex.com .
