Russian Pressident Vladimir Putin (left) and director general of the Rosaviakosmos agency Yury Koptev (centre) visit the MAKS-2003 avia show in the town of Zhukovsky outside Moscow.

The Russian President Vladimir Putin (centre) stands near the "Boeing" booth at the opening ceremony of the international air and space equipment show MAKS-2003 in the town of Zhukovsky outside Moscow.

The Russian President Vladimir Putin (centre) attends the opening ceremony of the international air and space equipment show MAKS-2003 in the town of Zhukovsky outside Moscow.

Russian Pressident Vladimir Putin (centre), director general of the Rosaviakosmos agency Yury Koptev (left) and commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force Vladimir Mikhailov (right) visit the opening ceremony of the MAKS-2003 international avia show in the town of Zhukovsky outside Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the opening ceremony of the MAKS-2003 aviation and space fair in the town of Zhukovsky outside Moscow.

The opening ceremony of MAKS 2003 International Airspace Show was held at the airdrome of Gromov Flight Research Institute.

The opening ceremony of MAKS 2003 International Airspace Show was held at the airdrome of Gromov Flight Research Institute.

Visitors attend the opening ceremony of MAKS 2003 International Airspace Show held at the airdrome of Gromov Flight Research Institute.

Kommersant Publishing House reporter Ivan Safronov.