Aeroflot plans to fly 130 million passengers by 2028

Aeroflot CEO, Vitaly Saveliev, has unveiled an ambitious plan for the airline group including a target to fly 130 million passengers by 2028. This is a massive increase compared to the 61 million passengers the airline sees annually at the moment. This capacity is expected to be achieved through measures including fleet growth and restructuring. The Aeroflot Group also expects to have a fleet of 600 aircraft by then of which 235 will be newly-built Russian planes.

Aeroflot Airbus A330-300 (VQ-BPI) arriving at EGLL. Photo by Ervin Eslami | AeroNewsX

“The strategy through 2028 is called 30/30, as it calls for an increase in passenger traffic by 30 million, and a decrease in the average fares for economy-class passengers in Russia by 30%. It is an ambitious goal, but I believe that we can achieve it and put Aeroflot Group among the 10 largest global aviation groups,” stated Saveliev.

The restructuring also calls for specific distinction among the Group’s airlines which includes Aeroflot, Rossiya Airlines, and Pobeda. Aeroflot, the main airline of the three, will focus primarily on developing its long haul operations using existing aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A330 and the recently acquired Airbus A350 XWB.

“Key aspects of the updated strategy were developed at the end of 2019. Recent developments caused by the coronavirus pandemic showed us that we are on the right track,” stated Saveliev. “The updated strategy will make air travel more affordable and increase mobility, providing additional support for Aeroflot Group’s future growth.

Budget carrier Pobeda, which only operates Boeing 737s, will focus on budget travel and aims to carry 55-65 million passengers in 2028. The restructuring of the airline is expected to promote affordable ticket prices for passengers flying in economy and in the long-term expand leisure travel within Russia.

Rossiya Airlines, one of the largest airlines in Russia, will move in the direction of operating Russian-built aircraft as they focus more on the domestic market. The current fleet consists of the A320 family, Boeing 737-800s, Boeing 747-400s and Boeing 777-300s. Aeroflot already operate the Sukhoi Superjet 100 and has orders for the Irkut MC-21 which competes directly with the Boeing 737, Airbus A320 and the upcoming Comac C919 from China. So it is expected that Aeroflot Superjets and MC-21 orders will be transferred Rossiya. Finally, the Aeroflot Group will also sell its 51% stake in Aurora to a minority owner.