Aeroflot has started reactivating its stored aircraft, about 12 jets comprising of Boeing777 and Airbus A321 and A350 are all set to re-enter commercial service and join Aeroflot fleet this summer to meet the growing air travel demands.
Of the stored aircraft, one B777 and one B737 have already begun commercial operations.
The aircraft were stored last year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine leading to sharp fall in international passengers and imposing of Western sanctions on the country. Things are slowly changing now, with passenger traffic recovering to almost 50% year-on-year in the three months from January to March 2023.
Vedomosti, Russian publication quoted source, “Storage was a temporary solution. The measure made it possible to avoid unjustified losses and focus on a complete rethinking of the network of routes abroad and an effective increase in the presence in the domestic transportation market, including, to a large extent, on regional routes with tourism potential.”
Aeroflot currently operates 179 aircraft, a mix of Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, along with 22 Boeing 777s, 12 Airbus A330s, and 7 A350s. The carrier also holds one Sukhoi Superjet 100 following a fleet transfer to its subsidiary Rossiya in 2022.
"The firm has all the necessary material resources, certificates and extensive experience, while the provider performs maintenance with a high-quality level,” Aeroflot confirmed to Reuters.
With limited means and option to carry out the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the comeback fleet, the world is eyeing Aeroflot’s operations with caution.