Aeroflot – Russian Airlines vs Transaero Airlines

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

Transaero Airlines operated a significant international network connecting Russia with Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. Its fleet mainly consisted of wide-body aircraft including Boeing 747s, 777s, and Airbus A330s, serving both scheduled passenger and cargo flights. Key hubs were Sheremetyevo International Airport and Domodedovo International Airport in Moscow.
• Focused on long-haul services connecting Moscow to major global cities.
• Operated a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft for domestic and international routes.
• Provided cargo operations alongside passenger services.
• Although never a member, Transaero pursued partnership opportunities within the global airline community.

Innovation and Milestones

Throughout its history, Transaero Airlines introduced several innovations for Russian civil aviation:
• First Russian airline to operate the Boeing 747-400 in scheduled service.
• Pioneered the use of modern wide-body aircraft in Russia’s long-haul market.
• Invested in advanced reservation systems and in-flight services to improve passenger experience.
• Expanded routes significantly in the early 2000s, becoming the second largest Russian carrier at its peak.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Transaero Airlines offered a variety of cabin classes, including economy, premium economy, and business class, providing comfort on long-haul flights with spacious seating and enhanced amenities. The airline was recognized for its customer service and innovative offerings within the Russian market, receiving positive feedback for its in-flight entertainment and meal services.

Future Outlook

Although Transaero Airlines ceased operations in 2015, its legacy influenced the growth of Russian aviation. Future outlooks for the market it served include continued expansion of long-haul connectivity from Russia, modernization of fleets, and improved passenger services by successor carriers.