Aeroflot – Russian Airlines vs Air Koryo

Overview

Aeroflot – Russian Airlines is the flag carrier of Russia. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 25 February 1932 and is headquartered in Moscow. It is the parent of the Aeroflot Group, which also includes Rossiya Airlines and the low-cost carrier Pobeda. Aeroflot was a SkyTeam member from 2006, but its membership was suspended on 27 April 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Moscow Sheremetyevo. Wikipedia also lists Krasnoyarsk International and Saint Petersburg as hubs, with focus cities including Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Sochi, Vladivostok and Yekaterinburg. The Group served 104 destinations according to the same source. The Group carried 55.34 million passengers in 2025, essentially flat on the previous year, with international traffic growing. Western sanctions and airspace closures have restricted its international network since 2022.

Fleet

The mainline fleet uses Airbus A320 family, A330 and A350 aircraft and Boeing 737 and 777 aircraft. Wikipedia gives 171 aircraft excluding subsidiaries (112 Airbus and 59 Boeing); the date of this figure is not stated. The Aeroflot Group as a whole was reported at 352 aircraft at the end of 2025, including three wet-leased. The airline plans to introduce the Yakovlev MC-21, with deliveries expected from 2027.

On board

• Cabins: Economy, Comfort and Business, depending on aircraft and route.
• Seat pitch, meals, entertainment and Wi-Fi: not confirmed from the sources consulted; check the Aeroflot website for the specific aircraft and fare.

Good to know

• Baggage: third-party sources (for example Deep Arrival, updated June 2026) report a 10 kg cabin bag in Economy and Comfort and 15 kg in Business. Most Economy fares include one 23 kg checked bag, while Business includes two bags of up to 32 kg. The cheapest fares may be cabin-bag only. Confirm with the airline before travel.
• Loyalty: the programme is Aeroflot Bonus, which has four levels.
• Sanctions: flights to and from Russia are restricted for many travellers because of sanctions, airspace closures and government travel advice. Check current rules before booking.

Global Network and Operations

Air Koryo serves as the national carrier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), operating primarily from its main hub at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport. The carrier maintains a modest network focusing on regional destinations, including flights to China and Russia. Its fleet, though limited in size, includes Soviet-era and Chinese-built aircraft such as the Ilyushin Il-62, Tupolev Tu-204, and Antonov An-24. Air Koryo operates both scheduled passenger services and cargo flights, serving as a symbol of North Korean state aviation.

Innovation and Milestones

Throughout its operational history, Air Koryo has marked several milestones within the context of its challenging geopolitical environment:
• Maintained continuous operations since its foundation in 1950, adapting through various political and economic changes.
• Operates some of the oldest aircraft still in commercial service, such as the Il-62, well preserved and maintained.
• Has modernized parts of its fleet with newer Tupolev Tu-204 aircraft to improve safety and fuel efficiency.
• Introduced year-round services to regional capitals, enhancing connectivity under unique constraints.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Air Koryo offers a straightforward passenger experience with a focus on safety and punctuality. Cabin classes are generally limited to economy and first-class sections, both reflecting traditional service standards. While in-flight entertainment and amenities are basic compared to international standards, the airline provides meals included inclusive of typical Korean cuisine. Despite limited global recognition, Air Koryo maintains a loyal customer base domestically and in served regions. Its safety record is modest, often scrutinized internationally due to aging equipment and sanctions that have limited access to newer aircraft.

Future Outlook

Air Koryo’s future prospects depend heavily on political developments and economic sanctions. Possible fleet modernization with international cooperation and expanded regional services are envisioned, aiming to gradually enhance operational safety and customer service. The airline continues to settle within its niche market, maintaining a symbol of North Korean civil aviation and striving for incremental improvements without alignment to global airline alliances.