• Air France (SkyTeam Livery) Boeing 777-328(ER) F-GZNE
    SkyTeam
    Business Type:
    Airline Alliance
    Date Founded:
    2000-06-22
    CEO:
    Kristin Colvile
    Headquarters Location:
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands

After more than two months, conflict continues to rage on in Ukraine following Russia's invasion of the country. Russian companies across various sectors have subsequently faced widespread sanctions due to the country's military aggression. Aeroflot, its flag carrier, has now been barred from SkyTeam as a result.

A temporary measure

In a short statement released on its website, the SkyTeam group confirmed yesterday that it had temporarily suspended Aeroflot's alliance membership. It is worth noting that the alliance appears to have come to this decision on a mutual basis, having agreed on the temporary suspension with the Russian flag carrier.

Of course, this is far from the only sanction that Aeroflot has faced since Russia invaded Ukraine two months ago. Indeed, as Simple Flying reported earlier this month, the US Department of Commerce has also prohibited the airline from maintaining its Boeing aircraft. The statement issued by SkyTeam reads as follows:

"SkyTeam and Aeroflot have agreed to temporarily suspend the airline's SkyTeam membership. We are working to limit the impact for customers and will inform those affected by any changes to SkyTeam benefits and services."

Aeroflot Boeing 777 SkyTeam
Aeroflot joined SkyTeam in 2006. Photo: Tomás Del Coro via Flickr

Stay informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly aviation news digests.

A 16-year relationship

The story of Aeroflot's relationship with the SkyTeam alliance dates back just over 16 years. The airline made history when it joined the group on April 14th, 2006, as it was the first carrier from the former Soviet Union to do so. Skyteam was just under six years old at the time, having come into existence in July 2000.

The airline's presence greatly increased the alliance's connectivity. Indeed, Air Transport World reported at the time that SkyTeam carriers would be operating a total of nearly 15,000 flights a day to 728 destinations in 149 countries. Aeroflot and Skyteam had signed an initial memorandum of understanding back in May 2004.

As is customary for alliance members, Aeroflot has several aircraft in its fleet that wear a special SkyTeam-themed livery. As seen in the photos above and below, these include a Boeing 777-300ER (VQ-BQG), a Sukhoi Superjet 100-95 (RA-89015), and an Airbus A320-200 (VP-BDK). Not pictured but also included are a Boeing 737-800 (VP-BMB) and an Airbus A330-300 (VQ-BCQ).

Aeroflot Airbus A320
This Airbus A320 is one of several SkyTeam0liveried aircraft in Aeroflot's fleet. Photo: Eric Salard via Flickr

The airline industry is always full of new developments! What aviation news will you check out next?

Not the only Russian carrier suspended from an alliance

As it happens, Aeroflot is not alone in being a Russian airline that has had its alliance membership temporarily put on hold. Indeed, green-liveried S7 Airlines has found itself in a similar situation regarding its status as a oneworld member.

As Simple Flying reported last week, the suspension was agreed upon on a mutual basis, and came into effect on April 19th. Much like in the case of Aeroflot, when exactly this suspension will expire currently remains unclear.

What do you make of Aeroflot's temporary suspension from the SkyTeam alliance? Have you ever flown with the Russian flag carrier? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

Source: Air Transport World