MOSCOW, February 17 (RAPSI) - The Moscow Commercial Court on March 11 will hold preliminary hearings in the lawsuit filed by Russian largest air carrier, Aeroflot, against The Ministry for Civil Defense and Emergencies (EMERCOM), demanding 168 million rubles ($4 mln), the court told RAPSI on Monday.

The Aeroflot representative told RAPSI that the ministry racked up a debt before the carrier for discounted military transport operations. EMERCOM made no comment concerning the lawsuit.

Aeroflot is a member of the SkyTeam global alliance and is based at the Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow. In 2013, Aeroflot transported over 16 million passengers. The Federal Agency for State Property Management is Aeroflot's main shareholder with a 51.17% stake. Around 15% of the airline is held by companies belonging to businessman Alexander Lebedev.

EMERCOM is the Russian Civil Defense Ministry established in 1994, and is dedicated to elimination of consequences of natural disasters both in Russia and abroad, according to the ministry's website.