Aeroflot and iFLY Partner in Landmark Wet-Lease Deal for Airbus A330 Operations

Aeroflot will become the first Russian airline to operate three Airbus A330 aircraft under a wet-lease agreement following the recent reform of the Russian Air Code. This measure allows airlines in the country to lease aircraft with crew for domestic operations, something previously prohibited.

The preliminary agreement, announced on November 30, 2024, involves the addition of three Airbus A330 aircraft from Moscow-based charter airline iFLY. iFLY primarily operates from Vnukovo International Airport and conducts flights on behalf of Russian tour operator TEZ Tour. Once the deal is finalized, Aeroflot will increase its Airbus A330 fleet to 15 units, enhancing its capacity to serve high-demand domestic routes.

According to an Aeroflot statement, the leased A330s will be deployed on long-haul flights from Moscow to destinations in eastern Russia such as Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

A historic regulatory change

The reform of the Air Code, which came into effect on September 1, 2024, legalized wet leasing in Russia. Until then, this mechanism faced regulatory hurdles and geopolitical tensions. The conflict with the European Union and the United States, coupled with international sanctions, complicated the operations of foreign aircraft in Russian airspace.

Dmitry Yadrov, director of the Federal Air Transport Agency, explained: «Leasing with crew is an innovative mechanism that will drive the development of civil aviation in our country. It will allow airlines to quickly expand their fleets during periods of high demand or when introducing new routes, as well as reduce fleet management and payroll costs. In other words, wet leasing will benefit all parties involved, increasing mobility for our citizens.»

iFLY, known for operating charter flights for TEZ Tour, expands its role in the industry by becoming a strategic partner of Aeroflot under this agreement. This positions it as a key player in the domestic wet lease market, a newly adopted modality in Russia.

The reform of the Russian Air Code and the agreement between Aeroflot and iFLY mark a significant shift in domestic aviation strategy. Aeroflot strengthens its presence in the domestic market, while iFLY emerges as an essential partner in this new modality. However, challenges related to operational integration and international restrictions continue to shape the aviation landscape in Russia.