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Aeroflot

Aeroflot is Russia’s flag carrier and largest airline group, headquartered in Moscow.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Aeroflot is Russia’s flag carrier and largest airline group, headquartered in Moscow. Founded in 1923, it is one of the world’s oldest airlines and operates domestic and international passenger services through Aeroflot Group subsidiaries including Rossiya and Pobeda. The group’s main hub is Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow, and it reported a Russian market share of 41.7% in 2025.

History

Aeroflot was founded in 1923 and operated as the Soviet Union’s national airline before becoming the modern Russian flag carrier. Its long history makes it one of the oldest airlines still operating.

Operations

Aeroflot Group operates scheduled domestic and international passenger services and supports them with maintenance, catering, IT, training, and hotel-related services. In 2025, the group reported service to 19 countries across 292 scheduled routes.

Corporate structure

Aeroflot is the core brand within Aeroflot Group, which also includes Rossiya and Pobeda. The Russian Federation is the largest shareholder, holding 73.77% of the company’s ordinary shares.

Fleet and network

The group’s fleet totaled 352 passenger aircraft in 2025. Its network covered a broad domestic and international route map, with Moscow as the principal operating centre.

Key facts

  • Aeroflot Group is Russia’s largest airline group by scale and passenger traffic.
  • The group includes Aeroflot, Rossiya, and low-cost carrier Pobeda.
  • Aeroflot was founded in 1923, making it one of the world’s oldest airlines.
  • The airline’s main hub is Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow.
  • In 2025, the group reported a Russian market share of 41.7% and carried 55.3 million passengers.
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Canadian context

Aeroflot has limited direct relevance to Canada, but it is of interest to Canadian readers as a major international airline and as part of the global aviation industry.

Frequently asked questions

What is Aeroflot?
Aeroflot is Russia’s flag carrier and largest airline group, operating domestic and international passenger services.
When was Aeroflot founded?
Aeroflot was founded on 17 March 1923.
Where is Aeroflot headquartered?
Aeroflot is headquartered in Moscow, Russia.
What airport does Aeroflot use as its hub?
Aeroflot’s main hub is Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow.
What companies are part of Aeroflot Group?
Aeroflot Group includes Aeroflot, Rossiya, and Pobeda, plus service companies in areas such as maintenance, catering, IT, and training.
Is Aeroflot state-owned?
The Russian Federation is Aeroflot’s largest shareholder, holding 73.77% of the ordinary shares.

References

  1. Aeroflot Investor Relations — https://ir.aeroflot.com/en/company-overview/about-aeroflot/
    Supports: Group structure, 2025 passenger numbers, fleet size, route network, ownership stake, Moscow Exchange ticker
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroflot
    Supports: Headquarters in Moscow, Sheremetyevo hub, flag-carrier status, ownership context
  3. Britannica Money — https://www.britannica.com/money/Aeroflot
    Supports: Aeroflot as a Russian airline and former national airline of the Soviet Union
  4. Routes — https://www.routesonline.com/airlines/2635/aeroflot/about/
    Supports: Aeroflot Group composition and market position