Aeroflot, officially known as PJSC Aeroflot – Russian Airlines, is the flag carrier and the largest airline of the Russian Federation. Headquartered in Moscow, it remains an active and operational airline as of 2025. It serves as a major player in the country’s aviation sector, operating a extensive network of domestic and international flights. The airline is a member of the SkyTeam global alliance, though its participation has been affected by geopolitical events. Aeroflot’s primary hub is Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow, with secondary hubs at other Russian airports.
The history of Aeroflot begins on March 17, 1923, when the Soviet government founded the first civil aviation entity under the name Dobrolyot. Its initial purpose was to connect Moscow with other cities in the Soviet Union. The name Aeroflot, meaning “air fleet,” was adopted in 1932 following the merger of all civil aviation units into a single state-owned enterprise. Throughout the Soviet era, Aeroflot grew exponentially, becoming the world’s largest airline by the 1980s, operating a vast fleet that included both passenger and cargo aircraft, and even agricultural aircraft. It held a monopoly on air transport within the USSR. A significant milestone was the launch of scheduled jet services with the Tupolev Tu-104 in 1956. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Aeroflot was transformed from a state department into a joint-stock company in 1992. The subsequent decades saw it restructured into a more commercially oriented airline, facing competition from new private carriers.
Regarding operations and fleet, Aeroflot’s route network historically spanned across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Its main operational base is Sheremetyevo International Airport’s Terminal B and C. The airline has traditionally maintained a modern fleet dominated by Western aircraft. Prior to 2022, its fleet consisted primarily of Airbus and Boeing models, including the Airbus A320 family, A330, A350, and Boeing 737, 777, and 747. It also operated Russian-made aircraft such as the Sukhoi Superjet 100 and had orders for the Irkut MC-21. The airline placed a strong emphasis on fleet renewal for efficiency and comfort. However, its international route structure and fleet composition have undergone significant changes due to international sanctions imposed after 2022.
The recent timeline from 2016 to 2026 covers a period of transformation and challenge. In 2016, Aeroflot continued its fleet modernization, receiving new Airbus and Boeing aircraft. It also focused on expanding its transit traffic through Sheremetyevo. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused severe disruptions, leading to a drastic reduction in flights and financial losses. Recovery began in 2021 as travel restrictions eased. A pivotal event occurred in February 2022 following Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. Western sanctions led to the closure of airspace for Russian aircraft in the European Union, United States, and other nations, and to the leasing companies demanding the return of hundreds of aircraft. Aeroflot suspended most of its international flights to these destinations. In 2022, the Russian government enacted measures to nationalize and re-register the foreign-leased aircraft, allowing Aeroflot and other carriers to continue domestic operations with these planes, albeit without international certification or manufacturer support. In 2023, Aeroflot celebrated its centennial anniversary. By 2024, the airline had largely reoriented its international services to destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and Commonwealth of Independent States countries. Its fleet strategy shifted towards increased reliance on Russian-built aircraft like the Sukhoi Superjet 100 and anticipated the Irkut MC-21, though delivery timelines have been delayed by supply chain issues. Looking ahead to 2026, the airline’s plans are focused on sustaining domestic connectivity and managed international growth under sanctions, while navigating technical challenges due to restricted access to aircraft parts and maintenance.
As for its current status and legacy, Aeroflot remains an active airline under the control of the Russian state. It continues to operate a significant portion of Russia’s domestic air traffic and a reduced international network. Financially, it has received substantial government support to offset the impacts of sanctions. Its legacy is profound; it is one of the world’s oldest active airlines, with a history that mirrors the development of civil aviation in the 20th century. From its origins as a Soviet monopoly to its post-Soviet transformation into a commercial carrier, Aeroflot has been a symbol of Russian aviation. Despite current geopolitical isolation and operational hurdles, it retains a central role in connecting the vast territory of Russia. Its future trajectory is closely tied to the development of the Russian aerospace industry and the broader geopolitical landscape.