Aeroflot Plans a Far East Regional Base to Serve Russia and Beyond
A regional hub is in the works for Aeroflot, aimed at connecting the Far East with destinations across Russia and international routes. The airline’s chief executive outlined the strategy, noting that the project would involve docking aircraft in the region and launching a program that could function as either a regional base or a hub. The objective is clear: create a base that supports both domestic and international flights, with flexibility in how the fleet is positioned and deployed.
When asked about the specific airport chosen for the base, the company leader described the selection as a flexible decision rather than a fixed location. The plan emphasizes operational versatility, allowing the carrier to adapt to changing needs and traffic patterns. In practice, this means the same aircraft could be stationed or moved between potential gateways as demand requires.
The executive did not reveal the exact number of aircraft that might be assigned to the Far East. The focus remains on establishing a robust operational footprint that can scale with traffic growth and network changes over time.
Meanwhile, officials at the Federal Air Transport Agency reported developments related to subsidies for regional flights. The program was set to expand to nearly fifty destinations, encompassing about 448 routes. The message accompanying the update did not specify the routes involved, leaving room for interpretation about which regions and services would benefit most from the expanded support.
Overall, the move signals a broader push to strengthen regional connectivity and fuel growth in air travel across eastern Russia. It also reflects the ongoing strategic emphasis on building resilient, flexible networks that can respond to shifting demand and geopolitical considerations while preserving safe and efficient operations for travelers. The exact timing and rollout details are expected to unfold as plans mature and more operational data become available. [Source: Rosaviatsia report and airline statements]