Aeroflot is set to make aviation history in Russia by becoming the first airline to expand its Airbus A330 fleet through a unique wet-lease agreement. The recent changes in Russia's aviation regulations have paved the way for carriers to lease aircraft with crews for domestic operations, opening up new possibilities for the industry. In an exciting development, Aeroflot has announced a preliminary agreement to take on three Airbus A330s from iFLY, a Moscow-based charter carrier. This move will significantly bolster Aeroflot's capacity, with plans to increase its Airbus A330 fleet to a total of 15 aircraft, enabling the airline to meet the growing demand on domestic routes.

The newly leased A330s are expected to be utilized on long-haul flights from Moscow to various destinations in eastern Russia, including Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. This strategic decision underscores Aeroflot's commitment to providing efficient and high-quality services to passengers across the region.

As Dmitry Yadrov, head of the Federal Air Transport Agency, aptly puts it, "The wet leasing of an aircraft with a crew to perform flights in Russia is a new mechanism that will contribute to the development of civil aviation in our country." This innovative approach not only enables carriers to swiftly expand their fleets during peak periods and route expansions but also helps in optimizing operational costs. The positive impact of wet leasing is set to enhance air transportation volume and the mobility of citizens in Russia, ushering in a new era of growth and efficiency in the aviation sector.

Historically, wet leasing was restricted in Russia due to regulatory and geopolitical constraints, making it a challenging practice. The recent amendment to the Air Code has now opened up opportunities for airlines to engage in wet leasing, providing a more streamlined and efficient process for expanding fleets and meeting market demands. The legalization of wet leasing signifies a significant step forward for the aviation industry in Russia, promoting collaboration and flexibility among carriers to better serve passengers and drive the sector's progress.