The Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk will have a more established presence from Russian carrier Aeroflot with the opening of a new 737 base. The new hub was officially launched in a grand opening ceremony on Monday, May 31st, and will connect several cities in both the far west and far east of the country.
According to Aeroflot, the May 31st grand opening ceremony was attended by Krasnoyarsk region Governor Alexander Uss and Aeroflot CEO Mikhail Poluboyarinov. VIPs were treated to a tour of the facility's Hub Control Centre, check-in hall, and baggage claim area. Additionally, there was an opportunity to examine aircraft servicing procedures and get up close with Aeroflot’s new A321neo.
Speaking at the event, this is what Aeroflot's chief had to say:
"The launch of international hub in Krasnoyarsk is a milestone for both our airline and the whole of Russia’s transport system. The air hub means new opportunities for our passengers, reduced travel time and fewer connections per trip, attractive air fares and all the possibilities of our Group’s route network." -Mikhail Poluboyarinov, CEO of Aeroflot
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Service from Krasnoyarsk begins June 1st
Today, Aeroflot launches regular flights to cities across Russia from Krasnoyarsk D.A. Hvorostovsky International Airport.
The inaugural flight is SU2878 to Blagoveshchensk, while Aeroflot's other initial direct destinations from the airport are as follows:
- Krasnodar
- Simferopol
- Blagoveshchensk
- Sochi
- Irkutsk
Aeroflot says it hopes to eventually add more domestic and international destinations.
"Both the region’s advantageous geographic position and its role in social and economic development of Siberia and Russia at large along with the airport itself affected the decision. It is one of the most modern, beautiful and convenient airports of the country. -Alexander Uss, Governor of Krasnoyarsk Region
Hoping for a busy summer season
With Krasnoyarsk's terminal designed to serve 1,300 departing passengers per hour, it is hoped that over 100,000 Aeroflot passengers will use the hub in the summer season.
While Aeroflot aircraft based elsewhere will be shuttling travelers into and out of Krasnoyarsk Airport, the airline says that Boeing 737-800 aircraft will be based at the facility. However, the airline failed to disclose the number of jets that would call the airport home.
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Sticking with hub and spoke
With the establishment of this base, it looks like Aeroflot will carry on the hub and spoke operating model. Indeed, it seems like the best option for an airline operating across the large expanse of Russia, trying to serve the most destinations.
As touched upon by Krasnoyarsk's regional Governor, the airport's geographic position makes for an ideal hub for travelers connecting between the east and west.
Have you ever flown to Krasnoyarsk before? Or any other cities in this part of Russia? And what do you think of Aeroflot setting up a hub here? Share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment.