Aeroflot to Lease Three Airbus A330s for Domestic Flights
Aeroflot is set to become the first airline in Russia to operate three Airbus A330 aircraft through a wet-lease agreement, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation industry. This move comes after recent changes to Russia’s air transport regulations, which now allow carriers to lease aircraft with crews for domestic operations, providing a new opportunity for fleet expansion.
On November 30, 2024, Aeroflot announced a preliminary agreement with Moscow-based charter carrier iFLY to lease three Airbus A330s. Once the deal is finalized, Aeroflot’s Airbus A330 fleet will grow to 15 aircraft, significantly enhancing its capacity to handle high-demand domestic routes. This expansion is expected to improve the airline’s operational efficiency and enable it to serve a broader range of destinations.
The newly leased A330s will be deployed on long-haul flights from Moscow to various destinations in eastern Russia, including Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. These routes are vital for connecting remote areas of Russia with the capital, and the introduction of additional wide-body aircraft will help Aeroflot meet the growing demand for air travel in these regions.
Dmitry Yadrov, head of the Federal Air Transport Agency, highlighted the benefits of wet leasing, noting that this mechanism allows carriers to quickly expand their fleets during periods of high demand or when new routes are introduced. “Wet leasing will positively impact the operations of all parties involved, ultimately enhancing the volume of air transportation and the mobility of our citizens,” Yadrov explained. This move will not only provide flexibility for Aeroflot but also reduce fleet management costs and payroll expenses.
Until recently, wet leasing was not permitted in Russia due to regulatory issues and geopolitical tensions, particularly following the imposition of sanctions and the restrictions on foreign aircraft in Russian airspace. Wet leasing, which includes leasing aircraft along with crews, maintenance, and insurance, typically involves foreign operators. However, Russia’s strict regulations on aircraft registration and the use of foreign crews made this practice complicated.
In early August 2024, the Russian government amended the Air Code, legalizing wet leasing in the country. The new regulations, which came into effect on September 1, 2024, have paved the way for this important development in Russia’s aviation sector. The amendment aims to boost the growth of domestic carriers by providing them with more flexibility to manage their fleets and respond to market demands.
Aeroflot’s move to lease Airbus A330s is part of a broader trend of adapting to changing market conditions and regulatory landscapes. By leveraging wet leasing, Aeroflot can enhance its ability to compete in the competitive Russian domestic aviation market and strengthen its position as the country’s leading airline. With the flexibility to expand its fleet quickly, Aeroflot is poised to better meet the needs of Russian passengers, particularly in underserved regions.
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