In response to shifting flight routes and a trimmed schedule, S7 Airlines announced a strategic redistribution of its flight crews and a partial reduction in Moscow-based staff. The move, confirmed by the airline and reported by RBC, reflects a broader effort to align operations with current demand while maintaining service levels across key markets.
As part of this realignment, some employees from the Moscow office were offered opportunities to transfer to S7 centers in Irkutsk and Novosibirsk. In these locations, the airline has been strengthening its operational footprint, expanding both passenger and cargo handling capacity, and ensuring closer alignment with regional travel patterns.
The airline indicated that pilots could retrain for another aircraft type, with a focus on the Embraer 170, enabling them to continue contributing to S7’s fleet while moving into roles that fit evolving route needs. This retraining pathway is designed to preserve experienced personnel within the company, supporting continuity for customers and minimizing disruption during the transition.
There were also notes that some pilots and flight attendants had chosen to pursue opportunities with other carriers, including international airlines, in response to market conditions and personal career considerations. S7 has provided guidance and recommendations to staff weighing these options, aiming to facilitate smooth career transitions for those who opt to relocate or switch employment arrangements.
According to Kommersant, S7 Airlines is planning a staff reduction of roughly 13 to 15 percent within its Moscow office. The reported cuts are expected to affect personnel in the sales department as well as teams in commercial, financial, and economic units. The consolidation targets productivity and efficiency while trying to limit the impact on core customer service functions.
Earlier, S7 completed a substantial fleet optimization effort by exchanging 45 aircraft with foreign lessors. This strategic lease arrangement was part of a broader push to refresh the fleet mix, improve utilization, and align with long-term financial and operational goals. The transition supports a more flexible capacity profile and positions the airline to respond to changing demand in domestic and international markets.
Looking ahead, the airline cautioned that some routes may experience adjustments as the company refines its network strategy. The focus remains on maintaining reliability and safety while ensuring that personnel changes are managed with care for affected employees and travelers alike. The ongoing evolution of S7’s operations underscores the importance of adaptability in a dynamic aviation environment, where market dynamics and regulatory considerations continually shape staffing and capacity decisions. The company has stressed that these steps are intended to strengthen resilience and sustain service quality across its core regions in Russia, as well as international partnerships that help connect customers to a wider array of destinations.