Airline tycoon dies in plane crash

Airline tycoon dies in plane crash

Multi-millionaire and airline co-owner Natalia Fileva has died in a plane crash in Germany over the weekend.

Fileva, who was a major shareholder in Russian airline S7, was killed when a single-engine Epic-LT plane crashed while trying to land at Egelsbach airport near Frankfurt on Sunday, according to a statement by the company.

The circumstances of the tragedy are still yet unknown. Some media outlets have reported that the plane had journeyed from France, with the crash also claiming the lives of Fileva’s father and the pilot.

“[The] S7 Group team extends sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mrs Fileva’s family and loved ones,” the company said.

“The memory of her as an inspiring and sympathetic leader, and a wonderful person, will forever stay in the hearts of all S7 Group employees. It is an irreparable loss.

“The accident will be investigated by an international committee in accordance with established procedure. Russian aviation authorities will join the investigation.

Fileva was the wife of S7 Group chairman Vladislav Filev, and was also one of Russia’s richest women with an estimated wealth of approximately $842 million, according to Forbes.

Part of the Oneworld alliance, S7 is Russia’s biggest domestic airline, flying to 150 destinations across 35 countries.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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