AeroTime Hub’s CEO, Sergey Alexandrovsky, advocates for restricting the use of Western-made aircraft by Russian airlines. In a recent interview with Russian financial newspaper Kommersant, published on June 5, 2025, the Aeroflot leader proposed implementing quotas on domestically produced aircraft across all Russian airlines. This strategic move, according to Alexandrovsky, is crucial to ensure a baseline production volume is met. By ramping up production levels, the focus is on enhancing manufacturing quality and effectively addressing any potential technical glitches with new aircraft models like the Russian-made MC-21 at an early stage.

The CEO expressed his support for these quotas even if Russian carriers regain access to Western markets. Despite not dismissing the possibility of future orders with Western aircraft manufacturers, Alexandrovsky emphasized Aeroflot's steadfast dedication to utilizing Russian-made aircraft. Currently, as per ch-aviation data in June 2025, Aeroflot’s fleet includes 73 SSJ100 Superjet regional jets, all leased to its subsidiary Russia. Additionally, the flag carrier has a substantial order pending for 198 MC-21s, 40 Tu-214s, and 55 SJ 100s (the ‘Russified’ Superjet variant without Western components).

Regarding the MC-21's operational testing phase, Alexandrovsky remains optimistic that any associated costs will not be significant. He also delved into various ongoing developments affecting Aeroflot and the broader Russian aviation sector amidst the backdrop of the current geopolitical landscape, including war and international sanctions.

A notable emphasis is on Aeroflot’s efforts to normalize the legal status of a group of aircraft re-registered in Russia without the consent of their original owners – Western leasing firms. The airline’s target is to finalize the regularization process for the remaining 36 double-registered aircraft by July 2025, bringing the total number of compliant aircraft in Aeroflot’s fleet to 228.

In alignment with other Russian carriers, Aeroflot is boosting its internal maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. Notably, the establishment of a subsidiary named ‘AeroTrustTekhnik’ will cater to servicing CFM engines alongside Russian-made variants like the PD-14 and PD-8. This state-of-the-art 18,000 square-meter engine facility, anticipated to be operational by 2027 adjacent to Sheremetyevo airport (SVO), aims for full operational capacity by 2028.