Aeroflot is set to become the first Russian carrier to operate aircraft on a wet lease, according to the airline’s press service. The information came through its own release and was echoed via the Telegram channel.
Early indications point to an agreement with the Moscow-based carrier iFly to lease three wide-body Airbus A330s, each operating with its own crew. If the arrangement proceeds, the number of A330s in Aeroflot’s fleet would rise to 15, strengthening the airline’s long-haul capacity and allowing more flexible scheduling across distant markets.
Under a wet lease, the lessor supplies the aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance, while the lessee manages flight operations and overall scheduling. For Aeroflot, the arrangement would enable rapid capacity growth without immediately expanding its own flight crew or maintenance programs, while still maintaining strict control over route planning and service standards.
The report notes three additional jets would join the Aeroflot fleet, expanding the A330 lineup and enabling more versatile rotation across key routes. While this development signals a shift in fleet planning, it also highlights ongoing adjustments within Russia’s aviation sector as operators respond to market conditions and regulatory realities. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as negotiations advance and official confirmations are published.