Aeroflot - Russia's Leading Airline


During the Soviet era, Aeroflot was the biggest airline in the world. It is also one of the oldest airlines, established back in 1923!

I remember the times when flying it was a nightmare. The old, noisy and unreliable Russian planes, constant delays and cancellations of flights, poor service - more than enough to make you forget about the company forever!

Old Aeroflot plane. Courtesy of peamasher at Flickr.com

Then...

Later, sometime after 2000, I had to fly it again. Man I was shocked! The old memories popped in my head, and my mood was ruined for good. Well, I was about to discover that my flight would be full of suprises.

When I approached the plane, I thought there was some mistake. That simply could not be that terrible airline I remembered!

I was looking at the modern "Airbus", nicely painted, bearing an unfamiliar logo on its tail. When I was going up the ladder, I was sure the stewardess will turn me down. But she didn't. It was my flight after all!

The interior was completely redone. The stewardesses wore brand new uniforms, and were smiling! But the nicest thing is that the service improved accordingly. The company obviously invested in turning the business around, and succeded!

Well, at least for me. I was touched by its commitment to improve. Since then, that airline went off my blacklist.

Aeroflot modern plane. Courtesy of A.Schwenke at Flickr.com

...and now.

Although it's is not the world's biggest airline anymore, it is still the leading one in Russia.

It serves 96 destinations in 49 countries, and controls 45% of the domestic market.

No matter where you're coming from - chances are you will be offered an unbeatable price. That was the case when I had to fly to Hong-Kong several years ago.

In fact, it's often cheaper to fly directly to Moscow with Aeroflot than indirectly with its competition! In the past, when the company offered poor service, I could understand what I'm overpaying for.

Today, I wouldn't see any reason to waste several hundred dollars! Plus, I'd fly direct, and woulndn't have to spend several hours of my life sitting in the airport waiting for the next flight.

Aeroflot is a great, cheap alternative to its overpriced competition. You will set a foot on Russian soil earlier, with more money left in your pocket.

Have a great flight!




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