Russian carrier Rossiya has established a new flight unit which will second pilots from parent Aeroflot Group to operate Sukhoi Superjet 100s on its network, Flight Global reported.
Rossiya uses a mix of Boeing 747s and 777s for its long-haul services, as well as Boeing 737s and Airbus A320-family jets for short-haul operations. But Aeroflot Group is intending the airline to become its focus for Russian-built aircraft operations.
Rossiya states that it is preparing to introduce the Superjet 100 into its fleet as part of this strategy.
Aeroflot Group is planning a fleet modernisation involving large-scale expansion of domestically-produced aircraft capacity. Up to 10 Superjet 100s for Rossiya will be based at Moscow Sheremetyevo by the end of this year.
Rossiya says this transition has required forming a “fourth flight unit”, to which Aeroflot pilots started being transferred in September. Aeroflot already operates Superjets and had 54 in its fleet at the end of June.
Seven initial crews, as well as management personnel, have so far joined the unit. “The number of pilots in the unit will be significantly increased by the end of this year,” says Rossiya. “These pilots have already passed medical examinations and entrance testing, and are ready to start operating flights.”
