Aeroflot – Russian Airlines vs Vladivostok Air

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

Vladivostok Air, once a prominent Russian airline headquartered in Vladivostok, operated an extensive network primarily across Russia and Northeast Asia. The airline’s fleet consisted of modern narrow-body and regional aircraft including Tupolev Tu-204s and Bombardier CRJ200 regional jets, enabling services to over 25 domestic and international destinations. Vladivostok Air specialized in linking the Russian Far East with key markets in China, South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia, offering both scheduled passenger and cargo flights.
• Primary hub: Vladivostok International Airport.
• Focus city operations in Khabarovsk and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
• Established codeshare agreements with various regional partners to broaden connectivity.

Innovation and Milestones

Vladivostok Air was known for its advancements in regional aviation within Russia’s Far East:
• One of the first Russian airlines to introduce Western-built Bombardier CRJ regional jets.
• Maintained a modernized fleet incorporating efficient aircraft to enhance operational reliability and passenger comfort.
• Played a key role in developing Russia’s air connectivity to Asia-Pacific destinations.

Customer Experience and Recognition

Vladivostok Air offered a variety of cabin classes including Economy and a Business Class designed for regional travelers. Passengers benefited from attentive onboard service, complimentary meals on select flights, and frequent flyer privileges linked to the airline’s loyalty program. Its safety record was commensurate with regional standards, ensuring reliable travel experiences. While in-flight entertainment was modest, the airline focused on maintaining punctual operations and customer satisfaction.

Future Outlook

Although Vladivostok Air ceased independent operations after merging with Aeroflot in 2014, its legacy continues to influence Russian domestic and regional aviation. The airline's strategic positioning in the Far East remains vital for connecting Russia with emerging Asian markets. Future trends envision continued fleet modernization and route expansion under the Aeroflot umbrella, preserving Vladivostok Air’s foundational mission.