Aeroflot's Ambitious Fleet Transformation Plan Hits Takeoff

Aeroflot's fleet transformation plan has been gaining momentum as the airline gears up to meet its target of a 50:50 split between Russian and imported aircraft within the next decade. According to CEO Sergei Alexandrovsky, the airline intends to maintain a significant portion of its current Western-built fleet in operation for as long as their technical condition and remaining service life permit.

Aeroflot currently operates 59 wide-body and 212 narrow-body Boeing and Airbus aircraft, as well as 78 Russian-built Superjet 100s. The airline's investor-relations director, Andrey Napolnov, clarified that the group does not intend to terminate its foreign aircraft solely because new Russian aircraft are entering service.

The average age of Aeroflot's fleet is approximately 11 years, which means many aircraft have a substantial remaining service life. The airline will continue to operate these aircraft 'on the wing' for an extended period, contingent upon the condition of individual airframes and the type of aircraft.