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| |
| IATA Code: |
SU |
|
ICAO Code: |
AFL |
| Known As: |
Aeroflot |
|
Full Name: |
Aeroflot
Russian International Airlines |
| Country: |
Russia |
|
Hubs: |
Moscow, DME/SVO |
| Callsign: |
Aeroflot |
|
Web Site: |
www.aeroflot.com |
| History: |
Founded shortly after the end of
the Russian civil war on February 9, 1923, Aeroflot originated as
Deutsch-Russische Luftverkehrs (Deruluft), a joint German-Russian
venture to provide air transport domestically and from Russia to the
West. Operations began on July 15, 1923 between Moscow and Nizhni
Novgorod; and in 1932 all civil aviation activities within Russia were
consolidated under the name of Grazhdanskiy Wozdushnyy Flot (Civil Air
Fleet), known simply as Aeroflot. International flights transitioned
from Deruluft to Aeroflot in 1937 and by the end of the 1930s Aeroflot
had become the world's largest airline. During the Soviet era Aeroflot
was synonymous with Russian civil aviation, as it had no competition.
Aeroflot also performed other functions for the Soviet Union, including
Aeromedical, crop-dusting, heavy lifting for the Soviet Space Agency,
offshore oil platform support, exploration for natural resources,
support for construction projects, transport of military troops and
supplies, atmospheric research, remote area patrol and others. It
operated hundreds of helicopters and cargo aircraft in addition to civil
airliners. It also operated the Soviet equivalent of Air Force One and
other VIP transports of government and communist party officials.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in
the early 1990s, Aeroflot reorganized and was divided into more than 300
regional airlines in 1992. International routes were operated separately
as Aeroflot - Russian International Airlines. In 1994 Aeroflot was
registered as a joint stock company and the government sold off 49% of
its stake to Aeroflot employees. By the end of the 1990s, Aeroflot
expanded its operations in the Russian domestic market and in 2000 the
company name was changed to Aeroflot — Russian Airlines to reflect this
change in the company's strategy.
Often criticized for bad service, Aeroflot
hired Landor Associates for a 2003 rebranding effort to improve public
perception of the airline. This effort was originally to replace the
Soviet era hammer and sickle logo, however, customer surveys showed this
was the most recognizable symbol of the company and it was retained.
Aeroflot also upgraded its fleet with western-built aircraft for their
better economics and passenger comfort. In 2004 the airline
re-emphasized its domestic expansion, aiming to outperform the current
leader in the Russian domestic market, Siberia Airlines. Additionally in
2004, the airline registered the "Aeroflot Cargo" trademark, with plans
to expand operations in the lucrative cargo market. On April 14, 2006
Aeroflot became the first air carrier in the former Soviet Union to join
a global alliance: SkyTeam |
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