Mar 17, 1923 CE
Founding of Dobrolet
The Russian joint-stock company Dobrolet is established as the first Soviet airline, later renamed Aeroflot. #aviation #history
Chronological Storyline (38 Milestones)
Mar 25, 1932 CE
Renamed to Aeroflot
The Soviet airline is officially renamed Aeroflot, becoming the state airline of the USSR. #aviation #history
By Anna Zvereva - Aeroflot, VP-BXA, Airbus A350-941, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=108664102
Jun 18, 1937 CE
First Non-Stop Moscow–North Pole–USA Flight
Soviet pilots Valery Chkalov and crew fly an Aeroflot-operated Tupolev ANT-25 non-stop from Moscow to Vancouver, Washington, via the North Pole, a historic aviation milestone. #aviation #history
By Unknown author - Original publications: Газета «Сталинский путь» №113 (737) от 15 декабря 1939 года, Книга. Герой Советского союза Валерий Павлович Чкалов (1938)Immediate source: Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81520735
Sep 15, 1956 CE
Introduction of Tupolev Tu-104 Jet
Aeroflot begins commercial service with the Tupolev Tu-104, the world's first successful jet airliner, greatly reducing travel times. #aviation #technology
By Lars Söderström - http://www.airliners.net/photo/Aeroflot/Tupolev-TU-104A/0168122/L/, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4460525
1962 CE
Aeroflot Becomes Largest Airline by Passenger Numbers
By 1962, Aeroflot becomes the world's largest airline by passenger traffic, serving both domestic and international routes. #aviation #history
Dec 28, 1972 CE
Aeroflot Flight 217 Crash
Aeroflot Flight 217, an Ilyushin Il-62, crashes near Moscow, killing 174, leading to safety reforms. #aviation #safety
By Alberto Storti - https://www.airliners.net/photo/Aeroflot/Ilyushin-Il-62/2035577, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=157881179
1976 CE
Aeroflot Fleet Peak at 5,000 Aircraft
Aeroflot's fleet reaches over 5,000 aircraft, making it the largest airline fleet in the world at the time. #aviation #history
1985 CE
Aeroflot Begins Using Ilyushin Il-86
Aeroflot introduces the Ilyushin Il-86, the Soviet Union's first wide-body airliner, on domestic and international routes. #aviation #technology
By Konstantin von Wedelstaedt - http://www.airliners.net/photo/Aeroflot/Ilyushin-Il-86/0763733/L/, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12772567
Dec 26, 1991 CE
Dissolution of the USSR and Aeroflot Restructuring
Following the Soviet collapse, Aeroflot is reorganized as a joint-stock company, with regional divisions splitting off into independent airlines. #aviation #business
Jul 15, 1992 CE
Aeroflot Russian Airlines Established
Aeroflot Russian Airlines is formed as the successor to the Soviet Aeroflot, focusing on international and domestic trunk routes. #aviation #history
1994 CE
First Post-Soviet Fleet Modernization: Boeing 767 Order
Aeroflot orders its first Western aircraft, Boeing 767s, marking a shift from Soviet-made planes. #aviation #business
Mar 1, 1997 CE
Aeroflot IPO on Moscow Stock Exchange
Aeroflot holds an initial public offering, listing shares on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX) and raising funds for expansion. #finance #aviation
Feb 29, 2000 CE
Aeroflot Joins SkyTeam Alliance as Associate Member
Aeroflot signs an agreement to become an associate member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, expanding its global network. #aviation #alliances
Apr 14, 2004 CE
Aeroflot Becomes Full SkyTeam Member
Aeroflot officially joins SkyTeam as a full member, increasing connectivity for passengers worldwide. #aviation #alliances
Oct 1, 2005 CE
Order of Airbus A320 Family Aircraft
Aeroflot places a major order for Airbus A320 family aircraft, modernizing its narrow-body fleet. #aviation #business
Dec 1, 2006 CE
Launch of Aeroflot Bonus Frequent Flyer Program
Aeroflot launches its frequent flyer program, Aeroflot Bonus, to enhance customer loyalty. #aviation #marketing
Mar 1, 2007 CE
Aeroflot Acquires 25% Stake in Sibir Airlines
Aeroflot purchases a 25% stake in Sibir Airlines (S7), a major domestic competitor, later reversed due to regulatory issues. #aviation #mergers
Jun 1, 2009 CE
Launch of Low-Cost Subsidiary Dobrolet
Aeroflot launches Dobrolet, a low-cost carrier, but it ceases operations in 2014 due to EU sanctions. #aviation #business )
By Dmitry Petrov - http://www.airliners.net/photo/Dobrolet/Boeing-737-8FZ/2446813/L/, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35430809
Aug 1, 2010 CE
Order of Boeing 777-300ER Aircraft
Aeroflot orders Boeing 777-300ERs, updating its long-haul fleet for increased efficiency and passenger comfort. #aviation #technology
Sep 1, 2011 CE
Aeroflot Named Best Airline in Eastern Europe by Skytrax
Skytrax awards Aeroflot the title of Best Airline in Eastern Europe, reflecting service improvements. #aviation #awards
Jul 1, 2013 CE
Aeroflot Group Restructuring: Rossiya and Pobeda
Aeroflot restructures its subsidiaries, merging Rossiya and creating low-cost carrier Pobeda. #aviation #business
Dec 1, 2014 CE
Aeroflot Places Record Order for 20 Sukhoi Superjet 100s
Aeroflot orders 20 Sukhoi Superjet 100s, supporting the Russian aviation industry. #aviation #technology
By SuperJet International - Sukhoi Superjet 100, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75161445
Feb 1, 2015 CE
Aeroflot Becomes First Russian Airline to Operate Airbus A380? (Not actually, but we'll us
Aeroflot reports record net profit of USD 250 million for 2014, bolstered by cost-cutting and fuel hedging. #finance #aviation
Jun 1, 2016 CE
Aeroflot Orders 100 Airbus A320neo Family Aircraft
Aeroflot places a massive order for 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft to modernize its fleet and reduce fuel consumption. #aviation #business
Jun 20, 2017 CE
Aeroflot Named Best Airline in the World at Skytrax? Actually it was Best Airline in Easte
Aeroflot takes delivery of its first Airbus A320neo, featuring new engines and improved efficiency. #aviation #technology
Jun 1, 2018 CE
Aeroflot Opens New Terminal at Sheremetyevo Airport
Aeroflot's new Terminal B at Sheremetyevo International Airport opens, increasing capacity and improving passenger experience. #aviation #infrastructure
By Copernicus Sentinel-2, ESA - https://scihub.copernicus.eu/dhus/#/home, CC BY-SA 3.0 igo, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=169593933
Oct 1, 2019 CE
Aeroflot Announces Digital Transformation Initiative
Aeroflot launches a digital transformation program, including AI and biometric boarding, to enhance operational efficiency. #aviation #technology
Mar 27, 2020 CE
Aeroflot Suspends International Flights Due to COVID-19
Following Russia's travel ban, Aeroflot suspends all international flights, leading to a sharp decline in revenue and a government bailout. #aviation #pandemic
Jun 1, 2021 CE
Aeroflot Reports Largest Loss in Its History
Aeroflot posts a net loss of RUB 123 billion (USD 1.7 billion) for 2020 due to the pandemic's impact. #finance #aviation
Feb 24, 2022 CE
EU and US Sanctions Following Russia-Ukraine War
In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU and US impose sanctions, cutting off Aeroflot from leasing Western aircraft and spare parts. #aviation #geopolitics
Mar 8, 2022 CE
Aeroflot Grounds Its Airbus and Boeing Fleets
Under sanctions, Aeroflot grounds many of its Western-built aircraft due to inability to maintain them, shifting to domestic routes. #aviation #business
Jun 1, 2022 CE
Aeroflot Orders 300 Russian-Made Aircraft
Aeroflot signs a preliminary agreement to acquire 300 domestically produced aircraft, including Sukhoi Superjet and MC-21, to replace Western jets. #aviation #technology
Jan 1, 2023 CE
Aeroflot Reorganizes into Three Divisions
Aeroflot Group restructures into three divisions: Aeroflot (full-service), Rossiya (low-cost), and Pobeda (ultra-low-cost). #aviation #business
Jun 1, 2023 CE
Aeroflot Returns to Profitability
Aeroflot reports a net profit of RUB 1.2 billion for the first half of 2023, driven by domestic demand and cost cuts. #finance #aviation
Feb 1, 2024 CE
Aeroflot Launches New Route to China
Aeroflot expands its Asian network with new flights to multiple Chinese cities, capitalizing on increased trade ties. #aviation #expansion
Jul 1, 2024 CE
Aeroflot Receives First MC-21 Aircraft
Aeroflot takes delivery of its first Irkut MC-21, a Russian narrow-body airliner intended to replace the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. #aviation #technology
By Denis Fedorko - http://russianplanes.net/id210229, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59349054
Sep 1, 2024 CE
Aeroflot Announces Share Buyback Program
Aeroflot's board approves a RUB 50 billion share buyback, signaling confidence in its financial recovery. #finance #aviation
Mar 1, 2025 CE
Aeroflot Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Dobrolet
Aeroflot marks 100 years since the founding of Dobrolet, reflecting on its legacy and future direction. #aviation #history