Tag Archives: Aeroflot

Aeroflot to restore Moscow-Chisinau, Moldova service after 20 years

Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow) will restore the Moscow (Sheremetyevo)-Chisinau, Moldova route on October 27 with daily Airbus A320 service according to Airline Route. The last Moscow (Vnukovo) – Chisinau/Kishinev service was operated in April 1994 according to the OAG. Moldova is one of the western border countries next to the Ukraine currently in the news.

Copyright Photo: Wingnut/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-214 VP-BQV (msn 2920) taxies at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR).

Aeroflot:

Aeroflot passenger is fined over $19,500 for drunken fight on an airplane

Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow) has issued this statement concerning a drunken passenger which caused the flight to make an unscheduled landing in Novosibirsk:

On February 18, 2014 Gagarin District Court ruled in favor of Aeroflot in its suit against Andrei Krivoruchko, the passenger whose actions on board led to an emergency landing. The defendant will have to pay 704,199.70 rubles (over $19,500) in total, including compensation for the losses borne by Aeroflot.

The incident happened on April 22, 2013 during an SU 206 flight from Moscow to Shanghai. As stated by the court, intoxicated Mr Krivoruchko behaved inappropriately and expressed an obvious disrespect for other passengers and the crew. He also threatened them with violence, physically resisted the crew members and did not comply with a written warning of the aircraft commander to stop violating the rules of onboard behavior.

As a result, the captain was forced to opt for an emergency landing at Novosibirsk airport. The unruly passenger was handed over to local authorities. Aeroflot filed a lawsuit on this issue in October 2013 and won the case.

However satisfactory for Aeroflot this adjudication is, it still cannot be considered too stringent by the standards of many other countries in Europe, Asia and America, where airborne drunken brawls are criminalized and a refusal to obey calls to order, acts of violence or attacks on members of the crew are punished with imprisonment from a few months up to 20 years. In some cases, jail term can be given even for smoking on board.

Since the beginning of 2013, Aeroflot sees a positive trend of hardening position of the Russian courts against airborne rowdies, including the area of financial responsibility for detrimental actions against the airline and other passengers. Nevertheless, the need of even more drastic measures against disruptive passengers is evident. Aeroflot stands firm on this issue and confirms its resolution not to leave violating the rules of onboard behavior without serious consequences.

Aeroflot:

Aeroflot reports net income of $545.2 million for the first 9 months of 2013

Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Aeroflot Group) (Moscow) issued its financial results for the first nine months of 2013:

Aeroflot has announced the consolidated IFRS financial results of Aeroflot Group for the nine months ending 30 September 2013.

Key financial highlights:

Net income for the nine-month period of $545.2 million, an increase of 84.1% versus 9M 2012
Revenue for the nine-month period was up 16.8% year-on-year to $7,032.7 million
Traffic revenue for the nine-month period grew 17.8% year-on-year to $6,259.0 million
Fuel costs for the nine-month period rose 11.4% year-on-year to $1,877.5 million (9M 2012: $1,685.0 million)
Non-fuel operating costs for the nine-month period increased 10.1% year-on-year to $4,305.4 million
9M 2013 basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.500 and 0.499, up 63.4% and 64.7%, respectively, from 9M 2012

Operational highlights:

Aeroflot Group passenger traffic grew 14.7% year-on-year in 9M 2013 to 24.0 million people, while revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) rose 16.2% to 65,363.0 million
Aeroflot standalone capacity rose 18.3% year-on-year in the period, while Aeroflot Group capacity was up 15.8% compared to 9M 2012

Aeroflot suspended operations of its cargo plane fleet in 2013, switching to belly cargo operations. This was the main factor driving the 8.6% decline in tons of cargo carried in 9M 2013 vs. 9M 2012

“Aeroflot Group’s strong financial results were driven by three factors. First, we offer clients a premium product at an attractive price. Second, we are managing costs effectively. Third, we are optimising the operations of our subsidiaries that are being integrated into the Group,” said Vitaly Saveliev, Aeroflot’s chief executive officer. “We are on track this year to serve the most customers in Russia’s modern history. At the same time we maintain our relentless focus on safety. This is bolstered by our aircraft fleet, which is the best in Russia and one of the youngest in Europe.”

USD mln, unless otherwise stated	3Q 2013	3Q 2012	*Change*	9M 2013	9M 2012	*Change*
Revenue	2,900.1	2,406.1	20.5%	7,032.7	6,020.7	16.8%
EBITDAR¹	931.6	552.6	68.6%	1,575.4	1,068.9	47.4%
Margin (%)	32.1%	23.0%	9.1 p.p.	22.4%	17.8%	4.6 p.p.
EBITDA²	779.3	407.1	91.4%	1,131.1	654.5	72.8%
Margin (%)	26.9%	16.9%	10.0 p.p.	16.1%	10.9%	5.2 p.p.
Operating Income	682.8	327.0	108.8%	849.8	425.1	99.9%
Margin (%)	23.5%	13.6%	9.9 p.p.	12.1%	7.1%	5.0 p.p.
Net Income	543.7	289.1	88.1%	545.2	296.2	84.1%
Margin (%)	18.7%	12.0%	6.7 p.p.	7.8%	4.9%	2.9 p.p.

(1) EBITDAR = EBITDA + operating lease expenses; (2) EBITDA = operating income + depreciation & amortization + customs duties

Operational performance:

Aeroflot Group reported strong traffic revenue in the first nine months of 2013 of $6,259.0 million, representing a 17.8% increase over the same period in 2012. Group passenger traffic rose 14.7% to 24.0 million people, while revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) was up 16.2% to 65,363.0 million. Aeroflot Group’s seat load factor was relatively flat at 79.1%.

Financial performance:

Aeroflot Group revenue in 9M 2013 increased by 16.8% year-on-year to $7,032.7 million, primarily due to strong growth of 19.3% in the passenger segment, which was balanced by a decline in cargo revenue of 10.9% after Aeroflot suspended its cargo fleet operations. Other revenue increased by 9.0% year-on-year to $773.7 million.

Fuel costs for the nine-month period increased 11.4% year-on-year to $1,877.5 million, driven by the significant growth in passenger traffic and the addition of new routes.

Non-fuel operating costs for the nine months of 2013 also increased in line with the growth in the Group’s operations, up 10.1% to $4,305.4 million, primarily due to year-on-year increases in aircraft and traffic servicing costs (up 17.9% to $1,252.7 million). Staff costs increased 11.7% year-on-year to $1,003.9 million.

Aeroflot Group operating income for 9M 2013 nearly doubled year-on-year to $849.8 million, representing a margin of 12.1%, compared to an operating margin of 7.1% for 9M 2012.

The Group’s net income in 9M 2013 was $545.2 million, up 84.1% from the first nine months of 2012.

Other 2013 highlights:

In the beginning of 3Q, Aeroflot was unveiled as the Official Carrier of Manchester United Football Club. The multi-year sponsorship positions Aeroflot as a premium international brand by aligning it with a global symbol of excellence.

In October 2013 Aeroflot presented plans to launch Russia’s first national low-cost carrier (LCC), a new 100% subsidiary to be known as “Dobrolet”. Ticket prices are expected to be on average 40% lower than mainstream carriers, thus attracting a new customer segment to air travel. Aeroflot views the LCC market as a sizeable growth opportunity and a chance to diversify its business without the risk of cannibalization. Dobrolet is targeting the start of operations in 2014.

In November 2013 Aeroflot announced the roll-out of Aurora Airlines, a new subsidiary focused on the Russian Far East that has been created from Group subsidiaries Vladivostok Avia and Sakhalin Airlines. The launch of Aurora represents a unique opportunity to achieve significant market share in the Far East where there are few alternatives to air travel. Aurora has an annual traffic target of 2.4 million passengers by 2018. The creation of Aurora is part of the process of consolidation and restructuring of subsidiary assets.

Copyright Photo: Stefan Sjogren/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-214 VP-BNT (msn 5614) in the retro 1956 livery lands at Stockholm (Arlanda).

Aeroflot:

SAT Airlines + Vladivostok Avia = Aurora Airlines

Aurora Airlines (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk) was created today. The new airline name is the result of the merger of SAT Airlines (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin, Russia) and Valdivostok Avia (Vladivostok Air) (Vladivostok). Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow) issued this statement:

Aurora Airlines was established by the order of the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation on the basis of two Far Eastern air carriers – SAT Airlines and Vladivostok Avia (both in Aeroflot group since 2011). The main objective of a newly created airline is to contribute to Russia’s Far East social and economic development through the system of more efficient and accessible passenger traffic.

Aurora’s business plan envisages a dynamic boost of operational activities: from 2013 to 2018 the number of flights should increase from 172 to 534; the number of destinations – from 30 to 128; and the annual traffic will reach 2.4 million passengers.

Aurora’s fleet will be strengthened by modern aircraft. In addition to the existing medium-haul Boeing 737s, the fleet will receive three Airbus A319 airliners by the end of this year. By the end of 2014, the carrier’s fleet is expected to comprise seven aircraft of this type. The regional fleet will include turboprop airliners with a capacity between 50 and 78 seats. Local air transportation services will be provided on aircraft with up to 20 seats. The total size of fleet should reach up to 40 aircraft by 2018.

Konstantin Sukhorebrik was appointed Director General of Aurora.

Aeroflot’s share in the new company will be not less than 51%. The rest of the shares will be gradually transferred to the Far Eastern Federal District governments.

This project is supposed to be developed in active cooperation with the local authorities. The Agreement on joint participation in JSC Aurora signed today by Aeroflot and the Government of the Sakhalin region is one of the major important steps.

“The consolidated Far Eastern airline was a strategic idea for a long time, from now on it is a reality,” said Vitaly Saveliev, Director General of JSC “Aeroflot”. “Aurora airline will help to enhance the economic potential of the Far East, increase the mobility of its population and contribute to the growth and reinforcement of local aviation personnel. The new air carrier will be an important part of Aeroflot Group and will strengthen its synergy. We expect an effective cooperation with the federal and regional authorities in the further development of this project, essential both for the Far East and Russia.”

Image: Aeroflot.

Aeroflot:

SAT Airlines:

Valdivostok Avia:

Aeroflot celebrates 10 years of flying the Airbus A320 Family of aircraft

Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow) is celebrating 10 years of flying the Airbus A320 Family of aircraft. The airline issued this statement:

Ten years ago Aeroflot received its first aircraft from the Airbus family — an A319 which was named after the eminent Russian composer, pianist and conductor Sergei Prokofiev.

The A320 family airplanes meet all the requirements of security, reliability and passenger comfort. Aeroflot operates A320 aircraft on European and domestic routes. In terms of operational reliability and actual hours flown per aircraft, the company is among the world leaders. Cabins of this aircraft family are made in two-class configuration and designed to carry 116 (A319), 140 and 158 (A320), and 170 (A321) passengers.

Many aircraft of the A320 family which is the backbone of Aeroflot’s park are decorated with unique liveries and logos. You can find A320s with the Dobrolet retro livery, Winter Olympics mascots (see below) and the Yekaterinburg World Expo 2020 Bid Committee logo. A jet from A320 family became the Olympic Torch Relay aircraft and brought the Olympic flame from Greece to Moscow. The Olympic Torch Relay team will travel to the northern regions of the country (from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok) and to the Caucasus on board one of Aeroflot’s A320s.

Today Aeroflot’s fleet counts 140 airplanes, most of them are of A319/320/321 family. All the Airbus aircraft are delivered to Aeroflot directly from the manufacturer. The average age of an A320 family aircraft is 5 years.

Aeroflot’s fleet is one of the youngest in Europe. By the end of 2012, Aeroflot reached the fourth place among European carriers in terms of aircraft deliveries, according to Airline Business rating.

Aeroflot is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2013. Aeroflot is Russia’s flagship airline and the largest national air company. Proudly being a member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, Aeroflot with its partnering members provides service to more than 1000 destinations in 178 countries. Aeroflot operates one of the most modern and youngest fleets in Europe counting 140 aircraft formed by Airbus, Boeing and Sukhoi airliners with an average airplane age between five and six years old. In 2012 Aeroflot carried 17.7 million passengers (27.5 million passengers as Aeroflot Group), continuously showing the best results in modern Russia’s history.

Top Copyright Photos: Rolf Wallner/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-214 VP-BWD (msn 2116) taxies past the camera at Zurich.

Aeroflot Russian Airlines:

Bottom Copyright Photo: OSDU/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A320-214 VP-BMF (msn 3711) in the Sochi 2014 – 2014 Winter Olympics scheme arrives at the Moscow (Sheremetyevo) hub.

Aeroflot’s net income drops to $1.5 million for the first six months

Aeroflot Group (Aeroflot Russian Airlines) (Moscow) issued this financial statement:

Operating profit of Aeroflot Group for the first 6 months of 2013 according to IFRS increased by 70% and amounted to $167 million.

Revenue of Aeroflot Group for the first 6 months of 2013 according to IFRS increased by 14% and totaled $4,132.6 million.

Traffic revenue increased by 16% and amounted to $3,664.7 million.

EBITDA of Aeroflot Group amounted to $351.9 million having increased by 42% compared to the corresponding period of 2012.

Net income of Aeroflot Group for the first 6 months of 2013 totaled $1.5 million. In the corresponding period of 2012 net income amounted to $7.1 million. The main impact on the net income of the Group in the first 6 months of 2013 compared to the corresponding period of 2012 was caused by non-cash revaluation of finance lease liabilities denominated in foreign currency.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. The six Ilyushin Il-96-300s are assigned to the main holiday destinations such as Antalya, Turkey where RA-96010 (msn 74393201007) is pictured taxiing.

Aeroflot:

Aeroflot considers dropping out of SkyTeam because of Delta

Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow) according to Reuters, citing a report in Kommersant, is considering leaving the SkyTeam alliance in the future. According to the report, the flag carrier is not happy with its development of routes in the United States due to the “high fares” charged by Delta Air Lines.

Read the full report: CLICK HERE

Copyright Photo: OSDU/AirlinersGallery.com. Airbus A330-343X VQ-BCQ (msn 1058) in the SkyTeam motif arrives at the Moscow (Sheremetyevo) hub.

Aeroflot:

Aeroflot conducts a Twitter contest to name its new Far Eastern Airline, reopens the route to Toronto

Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow) is using Twitter to name its new Far Eastern Airline. The company issued this statement:

Aeroflot is calling for its passengers to take part in choosing the name for its new Far Eastern Airline.

At the first stage, Twitter users are welcome to send their proposals of a new regional airline name to Aeroflot official account www.twitter.com/aeroflot with #AFLVostok hashtag until June 25, 2013.

The winning name will be chosen through an Internet vote from a list of Twitter leading proposals and some variants provided by our consultants.

It will be the first time in the history of the Russian civil aviation, when the name of a company is invented with the help of passengers.

The airline on June 2, 2013 relaunched the Moscow-Toronto (Pearson) route from Sheremetyevo Airport Terminal D.

Toronto Pearson International Airport greeted the first Aeroflot flight with a traditional water salute followed by an impressive welcome ceremony.

Aeroflot will provide services to Toronto with Boeing 767-300s on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays in accordance with the following schedule:

SU 114 flight leaves Moscow at 10:25 and arrives to Toronto at 12:25 (local time).

SU 115 flight leaves Toronto at 14:00 and lands in Moscow at 07:20 (local time).

On the same date, Aeroflot launched a regular Moscow-Yakutsk-Moscow flight from Sheremetyevo Airport Terminal D. The Yakutsk services will also be flown on Boeing 767-300s.

In other news, the company is considering the grounding and replacement of its three McDonnell Douglas MD-11F freighters due to the mounting operational and maintenance costs according to ch-Aviation.

Top Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Aeroflot). Boeing 767-306 ER VP-BWX (msn 27960) prepares to land at Dulles International Airport near Washington.

Meet Nataliya:

Aeroflot:

Aeroflot puts its Airbus A320 1956 retrojet into revenue service

Aeroflot Russian Airlines (Moscow) has put its newly-delivered Airbus A320-214 VP-BNT (msn 5614) into revenue service. The flag carrier issued this statement:

The only air plane in a retro livery in Russia has joined the Aeroflot fleet celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the national flag carrier.

In late 2012 Aeroflot organized a voting in social networks to choose the best livery for its retro-jet. More than 2500 people participated in the voting process, and the livery of one of the first world’s jet airliners — Tupolev Tu-104 (appeared in 1956) was declared a winner. In the opinion of the majority of voters was this livery carried the spirit of the “romantic” 1950s, the time when the air transport industry in the country was rapidly growing and significant achievements were made in the national air construction.

The final draft of the livery to be painted on the newest Airbus A320 was designed in accordance with the voters’ comments, taking into account safety standards and recommendations from Airbus and Akzo Nobel specialists considering the paint spraying and its technical and performance parameters.

The retrojet is named “DOBROLET” after the Open Joint Stock Company found on March 17, 1923, which was the predecessor of Aeroflot. The newcomer to the Aeroflot fleet is to demonstrate the vast historical inheritance of the air company and to attract interest of the public to the long and rich history of Aeroflot.

Gaining from the synergy of prominent heritage and modern innovative development, the Russian national flag carrier, one of the oldest air companies in the world, operates one of the youngest air fleets in Europe. Currently there are 137 aircraft in Aeroflot including 87 Airbus A319/320/321 family planes.

All Airbus aircraft are received by Aeroflot directly from Airbus manufacturing plants. The airplanes are designed in two class composition and can carry 116 (A319), 140 and 158 (A320) and 170 (A321) passengers. These aircraft provide services on European and Russian domestic destinations. Airbus A320 family airplanes satisfy the highest reliability, safety and comfort standards and are one of the best for mid-range flights.

Top Copyright Photo: Aeroflot. Airbus A320-214 VP-BNT (msn 5614) is seen at the Moscow (Sheremetyevo) base. VP-BNT was handed over on May 29.

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