Aeroflot – Russian Airlines vs Armavia

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

Armavia, the former Armenian flag carrier, operated a regional network primarily focused on connecting Armenia with key destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Its main hub was Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan. The airline's fleet consisted of modern aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, facilitating both passenger and cargo operations. Armavia contributed significantly to Armenia’s air connectivity before ceasing operations.
• Connected Yerevan to airports such as Moscow, Tbilisi, Prague, and Damascus.
• Operated a fleet composed mainly of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 series aircraft.
• Focused on regional routes emphasizing business and leisure travel in Eurasia.
• Served as Armenia’s primary international carrier from 2003 until its operations ended in 2013.

Innovation and Milestones

During its decade of operation, Armavia marked various milestones that supported the development of Armenian civil aviation.
• First Armenian airline to operate modern Western-built aircraft, improving safety and reliability.
• Introduced code-sharing partnerships with regional carriers to expand its reach.
• Modernized ticketing and reservation systems, aligning with global standards of the 2000s.
• Played a key role in revitalizing Armenia’s air transport after a long period without a national airline.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Armavia offered a single-class economy cabin on its short- and medium-haul flights, focusing on providing reliable service and competitive pricing. Though a smaller carrier, it gained appreciation among Armenian travelers for its connectivity and punctuality. Safety standards met relevant international norms during its operation, contributing to a stable safety record.

Future Outlook

Although Armavia ceased operations in 2013 due to financial difficulties, its legacy influenced subsequent Armenian air transport ventures. The demand for national carrier services remains, and future initiatives may build upon Armavia’s former network and operational experience to restore Armenia’s presence in the global aviation market.