Rossiya Airlines
A Russian passenger airline that forms part of Aeroflot Group and is the principal carrier at Saint Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Rossiya Airlines is a Russian passenger carrier headquartered in Saint Petersburg. It is one of the country's oldest operating airlines, tracing its history to 7 May 1934, and is closely associated with Pulkovo Airport, where it is the principal or base carrier. The airline operates scheduled domestic and international passenger services, with particular importance for connections between Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Russia's Far East, and other socially significant regional destinations. The modern Rossiya organization emerged from the consolidation of the former Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise and related regional airline assets. The merger with Pulkovo was completed in the mid-2000s, and the present company was registered in Saint Petersburg on 9 October 2006. In the following years, Rossiya became part of the Russian state's broader effort to consolidate regional aviation under stronger national airline groups. In 2011, a controlling stake was transferred to Aeroflot, while the government of Saint Petersburg retained a blocking minority stake. Commercial management was subsequently centralized under Aeroflot, aligning Rossiya's operations, schedules, and customer proposition more closely with the wider Aeroflot Group. A major structural change followed in 2016, when Rossiya, Donavia, and Orenair were integrated under the Rossiya name. The consolidation expanded the brand's domestic network and allowed Aeroflot Group to combine regional operations, aircraft, and route portfolios. Rossiya also assumed destinations previously served by Transaero after that airline ceased operations. From 2016 onward, Rossiya flights were increasingly coordinated through the group-wide commercial system and marketed as part of Aeroflot Group's unified network. The airline participates in Aeroflot Bonus and has maintained selected codeshare and interline relationships, including cooperation with Aeroflot and Korean Air. Rossiya's fleet and operating role have changed over time. It has operated Airbus and Boeing aircraft for medium- and long-haul routes, while the Sukhoi Superjet 100 has become especially important for domestic and regional flying. In 2022, Rossiya assumed all Sukhoi Superjet 100 operations previously conducted by its parent, strengthening its role as Aeroflot Group's principal operator of that type. International operations have been constrained by sanctions and airspace restrictions since 2022, including United States restrictions affecting the use of US-manufactured aircraft and a ban on flights into the European Union. Beyond transportation, Rossiya uses aircraft liveries and partnerships to promote Russian cities, cultural institutions, conservation initiatives, sports, and national identity. Special projects have featured FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, Amur tigers, Far Eastern leopards, Russian sport, the State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg State University, sambo, youth organizations, and the airline's 90th anniversary. These projects give the carrier a highly visible place-branding function in addition to its conventional airline role. Rossiya remains an active Aeroflot Group carrier, although its route structure, fleet deployment, and international reach are subject to changing regulatory and geopolitical conditions.
History
Rossiya Airlines traces its institutional history to 7 May 1934 and is consequently presented as one of Russia's oldest and largest air carriers. Its modern corporate form was shaped by the reorganization of Saint Petersburg aviation and the consolidation of the former Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise. The merger process was announced in 2006, and Rossiya was registered in Saint Petersburg on 9 October of that year. The company maintained a Saint Petersburg base, a Moscow branch, and a network of offices in Russia and abroad. Rossiya later became part of the Russian state's strategy for consolidating regional airlines. In 2010, the government announced plans to bring state-owned regional carriers managed by Rostec into Aeroflot's structure. On 16 November 2011, 75 percent minus one share of Rossiya was transferred to Aeroflot. A further 25 percent plus one voting share was transferred to the government of Saint Petersburg, giving the city a blocking stake and reflecting the airline's importance to the city's transport system. In 2014, Aeroflot assumed commercial management of Rossiya. The change aligned the carrier's schedules and sales structure with Aeroflot Group, and Rossiya joined the Aeroflot Bonus frequent-flyer program. From the 2014 summer schedule, the airline's flights were operated under a common group code structure, although Rossiya continued to operate as a distinct airline brand. The next major transformation was the consolidation of Rossiya with Donavia and Orenair. Aeroflot Group announced the plan in December 2015, selecting Rossiya as the surviving brand because it was the largest of the three carriers. The integration was completed in early 2016, with combined operations beginning on 27 March. The enlarged airline inherited routes and operational resources from the two other carriers and added services associated with the collapse of Transaero in 2015. Aurora, another Aeroflot-affiliated regional airline based in the Russian Far East, was excluded from the consolidation. The 2016 consolidation was accompanied by a substantial rebranding. The new visual identity used a repeating blade or turbine-inspired motif across aircraft liveries, with the pattern becoming denser toward the rear of the fuselage to suggest airflow and movement. Rossiya subsequently used aircraft decoration as a form of corporate communication, dedicating individual aircraft to Russian cities, cultural institutions, sports, conservation, and public initiatives. Rossiya's operational role shifted further in 2022 when it took over all Sukhoi Superjet 100 flying from Aeroflot. At the same time, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions materially affected the airline sector. The United States restricted flights involving US-manufactured aircraft operated by several Russian and foreign carriers, including Rossiya, and later expanded the restrictions. Rossiya has also been barred from flying into the European Union. These measures reduced the practical scope of international operations and increased the importance of domestic routes, especially services linking major Russian cities with the Far East and other regions. Rossiya continues to operate as an Aeroflot Group carrier centered on domestic connectivity and Pulkovo Airport. Its identity combines conventional airline services with a public-facing role in promoting Russian places, institutions, sports, cultural heritage, and wildlife conservation.
- 2022
Sukhoi Superjet 100 operations transferred
[1]Rossiya took over all Sukhoi Superjet 100 operations previously conducted by Aeroflot.
- 2016
Integration with Donavia and Orenair
[1]Rossiya, Donavia, and Orenair began operating under the Rossiya brand from 27 March 2016.
- 2014
Commercial integration with Aeroflot
[1]Aeroflot took over commercial management and Rossiya joined the Aeroflot Bonus program.
- 2011
Transfer to Aeroflot and Saint Petersburg
[1]Aeroflot received a controlling stake, while Saint Petersburg received 25 percent plus one voting share.
- 2006
Modern company registered in Saint Petersburg
[1]The merger with Pulkovo Aviation Enterprise was completed and the present Rossiya company was registered on 9 October 2006.
- 1934
Historical origins
[1]Rossiya traces its history to 7 May 1934.
Products and positioning
A large Russian network and regional airline positioned around Saint Petersburg and Pulkovo Airport, with a strong domestic and Far Eastern role inside Aeroflot Group.
Air transportation
Scheduled passenger services
Rossiya operates scheduled passenger flights across Russia and on selected international routes. Its network has particular importance for Saint Petersburg, Moscow, the Russian Far East, and regional destinations considered socially significant. As an Aeroflot Group carrier, it also contributes to wider group connectivity.
Regional aircraft services · 2022
Sukhoi Superjet 100 operations
The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a central part of Rossiya's regional operating role. In 2022, the airline assumed all Superjet 100 operations previously conducted by Aeroflot, making Rossiya the group's principal operator of the type.
Frequent-flyer service · 2014
Aeroflot Bonus participation
Rossiya participates in Aeroflot Bonus, connecting its passenger proposition with Aeroflot Group's loyalty ecosystem and allowing the airline to operate within a shared group commercial framework.
Marketing campaigns
- 2024Saint Petersburg State University 300th anniversary livery
Russia
Rossiya and Saint Petersburg State University introduced an aircraft livery commemorating the university's 300th anniversary and emphasizing its educational, scientific, and technological achievements.
Outcome. The aircraft served as a traveling promotion for the university and its anniversary program.
- 2024Sambo livery
Russia
In cooperation with the All-Russian Sambo Federation, Rossiya introduced a Superjet 100 livery dedicated to sambo and healthy lifestyles.
Outcome. The project promoted sambo among Russian audiences and associated the airline with national sport.
- 2024The Movement of the First
Russia
Rossiya collaborated with the Russian children's and youth movement The Movement of the First on a Superjet 100 livery dedicated to the Year of the Family and featuring Russian cultural landmarks.
Outcome. The campaign connected the airline with youth activity, family values, and Russian cultural symbolism.
- 202490th-anniversary livery
Russia
Rossiya unveiled a Superjet 100 livery commemorating the airline's 90th anniversary. Its infinity-inspired logo represented continuous movement and organizational development.
Outcome. The livery reinforced the brand's historical continuity and anniversary positioning.
- 2023Hermitage livery
Russia
Together with the State Hermitage Museum, Rossiya placed an image of a Scythian deer figurine on a Sukhoi Superjet 100.
Outcome. The project promoted the museum, Russian cultural heritage, and the visibility of its encyclopedic collection.
- 2022Troika
Russia
A Sukhoi Superjet 100 received a livery featuring three harnessed horses, drawing on the Russian troika and the national Year of Cultural Heritage of the Peoples of Russia.
Outcome. The project linked the airline's aircraft branding with Russian cultural heritage.
- 2018Sportolet
Russia
Rossiya introduced a sports-themed Airbus A319 livery and invited social-media users to propose a name for the aircraft. The winning public choice was Sportolet.
Outcome. The campaign connected the airline with Russian sport and used audience participation to shape the aircraft's identity.
- 2017Far Eastern Leopard / Leolet
Russia
Rossiya unveiled a Boeing 777-300 with the face of a Far Eastern leopard, highlighting one of the world's rarest leopard subspecies.
Outcome. The aircraft promoted wildlife protection while serving important Far Eastern and domestic routes.
- 2016Care About Tigers / Tigrolet
Russia
In cooperation with the Amur Tiger Center, Rossiya introduced a Boeing 747-400 carrying a tiger-themed livery to raise awareness of the conservation of rare wildlife.
Outcome. The aircraft operated routes to the Russian Far East and domestic resort destinations, giving the conservation message broad public visibility.
- 2014FC Zenit partnership and Zenitolet
Russia
Rossiya became the official carrier of FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. The partnership included specially prepared cabin crew, sports-oriented onboard meals, and an aircraft painted in a Zenit-themed livery.
Outcome. The project strengthened Rossiya's association with Saint Petersburg and Russian football.
Brand decisions
2022
Transfer of Sukhoi Superjet 100 operationsStrategyBackground
Aeroflot Group reorganized aircraft deployment amid sanctions and major restrictions on international aviation.
Action taken
Rossiya took over all Sukhoi Superjet 100 operations previously performed by Aeroflot.
Aftermath
Rossiya's role as the group's regional and domestically focused Superjet operator was strengthened.
2016
Integration of Donavia and OrenairM&ABackground
Aeroflot Group sought to consolidate its regional subsidiaries and simplify the operating structure.
Action taken
Donavia and Orenair were integrated with Rossiya under the Rossiya brand, with combined flights beginning on 27 March 2016.
Aftermath
The enlarged Rossiya inherited a broader domestic and regional route network and absorbed selected opportunities following Transaero's collapse.
2011
Transfer of ownership interests to Aeroflot and Saint PetersburgM&ABackground
The Russian government sought to consolidate regional airlines under Aeroflot to improve financial and operational viability.
Action taken
Aeroflot received 75 percent minus one share, while Saint Petersburg received 25 percent plus one voting share.
Aftermath
Rossiya became part of Aeroflot Group while retaining a formal connection to the Saint Petersburg government.
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