The best airlines in Russia. Charter airlines in Russia: list of reliable and safe Russian air carriers top

What, first of all, does a passenger want to receive from an air carrier? This is comfort, reliability and safety. Also, he will not refuse an acceptable level of service and, of course, will not be against the punctuality of the company’s employees: it is unlikely that any of us will like long flight delays.

Based on these requests from airline customers, we have compiled a rating of the best Russian airlines, which is based on the expert assessment of several independent consulting agencies and the opinions of passengers who have already used the services of carriers.

TOP 10: Best airlines in Russia rating for 2018-2019

To make the rating more truthful and comprehensive, we used mixed statistics in the article. Firstly, this is a direct survey of clients, and secondly, an assessment by experts. Employees of some consulting agencies, under the guise of “secret passengers,” checked the level of service from personal experience: the cost of tickets, the quality of food on board the plane, the general level of service and the time of delays during flights (if any). We summarized the total rating in the “Overall Rating” column of our table.

10th place. "Nordavia"

Regional carrier, with its main base in Arkhangelsk. It specializes in transportation within the Russian Federation, but there are also foreign flights – to Norway. Due to weather conditions, in winter the number of flights is significantly less than in summer. The aircraft fleet is quite “old”; domestic aircraft are used to service close regional flights: AN-24

🛫 Where are the routes?

In 14 of the largest Russian regional centers, also in Troms (Norway).

Departure without delay: 2.63

Food quality: 3.16

On-board service level: 3.53

9th place. Red Wings Airlines

The company is one of the fifteen largest air carriers in Russia. It has been on the market for eighteen years, in 2009 it went through a rebranding, after which it is known under its current name. It is considered one of the main tourist charter carriers. Most of the aircraft fleet is domestic aircraft.

🛫 Where are the routes?

Foreign charter flights on the most popular tourist routes from Moscow, St. Petersburg and several other regional centers.

✅ Assessment issued by the SKYTRAX agency

Departure without delay: 3, 08

Food quality: 3.2

On-board service level: 3.5

8th place. Nordwind Airlines

Another charter passenger carrier offering charter flights to Europe, Mediterranean countries, as well as to Asian countries. The aircraft fleet is based in Moscow and consists of 24 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. It is actively updating and purchasing new aircraft, some of which were purchased this year.

🛫 Where are the routes?

Along tourist routes from Moscow: Europe, India, Thailand, countries of the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt.

✅ Assessment issued by the SKYTRAX agency

Departure without delay: 3.46

Food quality: 2.97

On-board service level: 3.65

7th place. "Utair"

A company with partial foreign capital, specializing in air and helicopter transportation. The main home ports are in Tyumen and Moscow. It operates not only charter flights, but also regular flights: every day the company's aircraft make about three hundred flights. Over the past two years, its aircraft have carried more than 17 million passengers.

🛫 Where are the routes?

Domestic regional flights, foreign flights on tourist routes to countries in Europe, Africa, Asia.

✅ Assessment issued by the SKYTRAX agency

Departure without delay: 3.32

Food quality: 3.18

On-board service level: 3.83

6th place. "Metrojet"

The main activity of the air carrier is charter flights on most tourist routes in European countries. Since 2012, it has been working closely with a large German travel company, so some of the airliner flights are carried out under the TUI brand.

🛫 Where are the routes?

EU countries (Spain, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Austria), also to Egypt and Turkey.

✅ Assessment issued by the SKYTRAX agency

Departure without delay: 3.88

Food Quality: 3.69

On-board service level: 4.07

5th place. Aeroflot

The largest air carrier in Russia. The fleet consists of almost 200 aircraft, which includes aircraft of both domestic and foreign production. It is updated regularly and the average age of aircraft is 4.3 years. Routes are laid to 51 countries of the world. The attitude of clients is quite negative, although, according to many consulting companies, the level of service is acceptable.

🛫 Where are the routes?

Internal regional routes to all regional centers, all European countries, most Asian countries, some countries in Africa and America.

✅ Assessment issued by the SKYTRAX agency

Four stars is a very good indicator

Departure without delay: 3.72

Food quality: 3.83

On-board service level: 3.89

The SKYTRAX rating is an objective assessment of airline services from a private, independent British company. Five-point rating - from one to five stars. Among hundreds of global companies, only a few have currently received 5 stars.

4th place. "S7 Airlines"

The former name of the company is Siberia, and is engaged in regular and charter transportation within Russia; its aircraft also carry out regular international flights: routes are laid to 26 countries around the world. Over the past few years, it has carried more than 10 million passengers annually. The fleet consists of 70 aircraft, the average age of the aircraft is 10 years.

🛫 Where are the routes?

European countries, neighboring countries, Egypt, Turkey, Asian countries (China, Japan, South Korea)

✅ Assessment issued by the SKYTRAX agency

Departure without delay: 3.89

Food quality: 3.64

On-board service level: 3.92

3rd place. "Russia"

A subsidiary of Aeroflot, based in St. Petersburg, from where most of the carrier’s aircraft depart. Carries about 5 million passengers annually. Domestic flights are organized throughout the country, and there are also regular flights to European countries. The fleet consists of 62 aircraft, the average age is 13 years.

🛫 Where are the routes?

European countries (France, Germany), domestic flights to most regional centers of the country.

✅ Assessment issued by the SKYTRAX agency

Departure without delay: 4.02

Food quality: 3.46

On-board service level: 4.01

2nd place. "Yamal"

West Siberian air carrier with a fairly large fleet of 60 aircraft. The main place of registration is Salekhard, the average age of the aircraft is 11 years. Operates on 42 routes, most of which are domestic. It also operates charter flights to European and Mediterranean countries.

🛫 Where are the routes?

Regional centers of Russia, neighboring countries, Europe, UAE, Bangkok.

✅ Assessment issued by the SKYTRAX agency

Departure without delay: 3.88

Food quality: 4.02

On-board service level: 4.16

1 place. "I-Fly"

The best charter carrier today according to passengers and experts. The aircraft fleet's home port is Moscow. The main field of activity is charter transportation on foreign tourist routes. Cooperates with the travel company “TEZ-Tour”.

🛫 Where are the routes?

Mediterranean countries, Spain, UAE, Asian countries (China, Thailand)

✅ Assessment issued by the SKYTRAX agency

Departure without delay: 4.19

Food quality: 3.81

On-board service level: 4.06

Which airline is best to use?

The final choice depends on your preferences. For example, if safety is your primary concern, then try to choose companies that use new airliners. Conditionally, any aircraft with an age of up to 12 years can be considered such (after this period they must undergo mandatory overhaul). Also, do not forget that the smaller the company, the smaller its financial turnover, therefore, they spend less money on aircraft maintenance. Additionally, before making your final choice, do not be lazy and look at the statistics of accidents and incidents for the airline: this data can be found on many publicly available Internet resources.

The issue of flight safety is one of the most pressing questions that, one way or another, all travelers ask. Regardless of the distance, any tourist wants the hours and minutes spent in the sky to be as calm and comfortable as possible.

Often, the choice of the airline that operates the flight completely influences all these factors. Every year, international companies compile airline ratings that reflect the entire work of the carrier and its main indicator for passengers - safety.

The Vipgeo portal presents the safest airlines in Russia and the world, according to international ratings and authoritative publications.

Important: The list of airlines was compiled based on the rating of the European Aviation Safety Agency - EASA. There are several other similar agencies in the world, and their data may differ slightly.

Safe airlines in Russia

According to European agencies, in 2019 the airline was recognized as the safest carrier registered in Russia. It was assigned the highest rating of 0.24 points, based on the calculation - the closer to one, the more dangerous the flights by this carrier.

The rating is compiled based on checking the general condition of the aircraft, punctuality and compliance with standards according to documents and international law. As for plane crashes, since 1993, the residents of the Urals have not had a single incident with human casualties.

"S7"

In second place in terms of safety is the largest air carrier beyond the Urals " S7", formerly known as the Siberia company. The Siberians have an older fleet of aircraft; most often the company operates 15-20 year old Airbuses and Boeings on regular flights. However, the technical condition of the aircraft has never caused any complaints from international commissions.

The company's worst plane crashes occurred in the early 2000s, when a total of more than 300 people died. Since then, the safety level of S7 transportation has met all international standards, and no precedents, except for two emergency landings, have been recorded.

As for the largest and oldest airline in Russia - "" - today there is the most controversy. On the one hand, they have the most impressive budget and allow them to regularly update their aircraft fleet. But on the other hand, a series of disasters in the 90s seriously damaged the reputation of the once transportation giant. Therefore, now - only third place and 0.38 points.

But the main thing that is worth saying about Aeroflot is that the company is the only Russian carrier that is consistently included in international ratings. True, the same JACDEC agency in 2019 placed Aeroflot only in 36th place in the list of the safest airlines in the world.

The company "" registered in Khanty-Mansiysk today is one of the most popular carriers in the country, with dozens of domestic and international destinations.

Interestingly, the company’s fleet is based on new medium-capacity aircraft of the ATR brand, which makes the carrier a kind of leader in short regional flights.

UTair has had plane crashes, but the last major incident happened in 2014 with an MI-8 cargo helicopter. Passenger planes fly without incident.

Safest airlines in the world

The rating of the safest air carriers in the world in 2019 was deservedly topped by the company registered in Hong Kong. It has been on the market since 1946, and over the past three decades the only accident associated with its aircraft was a hard landing of a passenger airliner flying from Indonesia.

Today, Cathay Pacific Airways serves dozens of countries, including all of Southeast Asia, Europe, the USA and Russia. Recently, the company even launched a Russian-language website with the ability to book tickets.

Despite the incidents of 2017, UAE carriers continue to rank second in the ranking of the safest airlines in the world. And the company "" is considered the best of the best. They annually renew their fleet of ships, and also regularly improve the quality of service for passengers - from economy class to first class.

For Russian tourists, Emirates is important because it cooperates with S7, organizing connecting flights to Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Maldives in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In addition, in 10 Russian cities there is the possibility of direct charter flights by planes of this company.

"EVAAir"

Third place in the ranking of the safest airlines is occupied by another Chinese carrier - “ EVAAir" It began work in 1989, and over the years of its existence has not allowed a single plane crash with human casualties. The only precedents were associated with a hard landing in the United States.

Unfortunately, Russian travelers can use the services of this airline only at Asian airports.

"QatarAirways"

And fourth place, according to the airline safety ratings of 2019, was firmly occupied by Middle Eastern aircraft from the company "". The carrier is based in Doha and serves 160 destinations around the world. Since 1993, the company has only had two incidents, but both resulted in no casualties.

The carrier has a huge fleet of Boeings and Airbuses. What is attractive for Russian tourists is that Qatari planes regularly fly through Moscow, St. Petersburg and Voronezh.

Are low-cost airlines as dangerous as they say?

Recently, due to increasing reports of low-cost airline crashes, many tourists have begun to abandon low-cost carriers, sincerely believing that companies intend to skimp on safety for the sake of the number of tickets sold. But how true is this?

Tourists with extensive experience flying on low-cost airlines claim that rumors and speculation are nothing more than exaggerations. Yes, there are problems with low-cost airlines, but the key cause of disasters, as elsewhere, is the human factor. References to supposedly old planes of our Pobeda and other cheap companies are falsifications. Discussants who have doubts are referred to the official websites of the carrier.

If we take the issue seriously, the main problem of low-cost airlines is the lack of proper comfort during the flight, but not the safety of passengers. If you are choosing a cheap flight, you need to know what you are saving on. If you are afraid, you have a direct route to the ticket offices of major airlines.

Not so long ago, the majority of domestic travelers preferred the services of Aeroflot. Today, many other airlines operate on the territory of our state. They service regular and charter flights. Let's look at the List of safe airlines that organize charters, which will be presented later in the material.

Azure Air

Orenair

The Orenburg Airlines company (Orenair) is part of the Aeroflot corporation. The carrier's aircraft mainly operate regular flights in the middle of the country. Passengers are delivered less frequently across Russia on charter flights. The company is known as one of the largest domestic carriers, moving cargo to countries in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Transaero

The company has the status of the second largest domestic carrier after Aeroflot Corporation. The organization has such famous passenger airliners as the Boeing 737 and Boeing 747. The company's fleet is also represented by fast, smaller aircraft that provide charter flights.

UTair

The carrier has the status of one of the most budget-friendly domestic companies that organizes regular and charter flights. In addition to passenger transportation, airlines transport cargo by helicopter. The company's aircraft are reliable. The carrier is able to offer passengers tickets at a really low price.

However, there are also many rather negative reviews from passengers about UTair airlines. The company's clients are most often not satisfied with the change of aircraft, which can occur without warning. Thus, when purchasing a ticket for a seat in business class, passengers often end up being placed on a completely different aircraft in a class an order of magnitude lower.

Bottom line

So we have reviewed the list of the most reliable and safe domestic airlines that organize charter and regular flights. Our review presents only a small proportion of airlines that operate in Russia. However, it is these carriers that primarily deserve the attention of passengers.

December 15th, 2016 , 09:58 am

The results, in general, are not surprising - VIM-Avia, Yamal, Nordstar With Ural Airlines among the worst S7 And Russia hanging out in the middle, and Aeroflot above them all, but still not the best.
AviaPort experts made several flights over short, medium and long distances. The tickets were purchased incognito, meaning the airlines did not know they were being assessed. Each flight was studied according to 145 parameters, including the time it took to reach the call center, the quality of food on board, and even the availability of wi-fi. The convenience of procedures related to purchasing a ticket, checking in for a flight and managing reservations through airline websites and their mobile applications was separately assessed.
12 Russian airlines operating regular flights on main routes were selected for the study. In addition, the rating included eight foreign carriers operating flights to Russia, which made it possible to assess how competitive domestic companies are in terms of the level of service on international routes.
And here are the results:

From 1 to 2.5 stars

Experts rated it just one star out of five VIM-avia, which already did not enjoy a positive reputation due to frequent flight delays. We ended up here Yamal, NordStar And Belavia. They turned out to be only half a star better Ural Airlines. Rated two stars Yakutia. Well, exactly in the middle of the list, with a rating of 2.5 stars, were UTair, Red Wings And " Nordavia. In general, nothing unexpected, these are economy class companies with low ticket prices.

"The main complaints that arose against carriers were frequent staff errors, for example, a long response time to the flight attendant call button, the impoliteness of flight attendants and even the lack of toilet paper. In addition, in the economy segment, the seats are arranged with the maximum density allowed by the manufacturer; food on board is not always edible. There is a certain calorie standard recommended since Soviet times, economy companies try to achieve it with the help of buns with butter, and in a higher class food includes fruits and vegetables", comments Oleg Panteleev, executive director of the AviaPort agency that compiled the ratings. The experts also did not like the information support - the convenience of the company’s websites and applications.

From 3 to 5 stars

Earned three points Russia, AZAL And LOT, fell just short of four stars S7. Aeroflot received four points - this is the maximum score among domestic companies, on the same line with him Air France, his daughter KLM And Lufthansa. They get five minus Turkish Airlines. Well, the only luxury company is recognized Emirates- Five Stars. The parameters that distinguish premium carriers are the impeccable work of the staff, a wide range of entertainment on board (movies and games), as well as a comfortable distance between the seats.

At the same time, the price of tickets for rating leaders and outsiders may be identical (in their price segment). That is, carriers from one star to 2.5 and more expensive ones – from three to five – compete in price. For example, fly to Dubai from Moscow with a three-star AZAL now more expensive than four-star Aeroflot and even five-star Emirates. And, for example, it’s cheaper to fly to Novosibirsk from the capital with a “2.5-star” UTair or "3.5 stars" S7, how Ural Airlines, which rated only 1.5 stars.

All results:

When choosing an airline, each person looks at certain qualities, for example, the price of the ticket, the comfort of the cabin or the availability of business class, the quality of food on board, etc. Which airline is the best or worst to choose to fly to Sochi or Anapa?

Top 9

All information is presented for the current year 2018.

1. North Wind or Nordwind Airlines

An airline called North Wind starts from the last line. In 2017, 3.5 million passengers used the airline’s services, which exceeded the statistics for 2016 by 95%.

Since 2015 it has been an independent airline. In demand due to low prices. In 2017, the number of passengers amounted to 3.5 million people, this figure exceeds the number for 2016 by two-thirds.

1. globe

It is part of the S7 Group and is a subsidiary of the well-known aviation giant Siberia. In 2017, the airline became the second best airline in the ranking, which significantly increased the number of passengers. 4 million passengers used Globus in 2017, an increase of 21% compared to last year.

1. Victory

I am pleased with the young airline that appeared two years ago. In demand due to low ticket prices. But the company also has a huge number of complaints:

• the stated price on the website does not match the price at the airport ticket office;
• flight delays;
• selling more tickets than seats.

In 2017, 4.3 million passengers flew with this airline.

A popular company in Russia, most people are inclined because of low prices and a comfortable flight. In 2017, 7.5 million people used the services of Ural Airlines.

This company has a large helicopter fleet according to world statistics. It crashed in 2014, but by 2017 it had returned to normal and carried 6.8 million passengers, exceeding the 2016 rating by 10%.

1. Russia

Included in the list of Aeroflot subsidiaries. In 2017, it transported 10.6 million people, showing impressive growth. Compared to 2016, the number of passengers increased by 48%. People choose this airline because of its budget cost.

1. S7 Airlines or Siberia

It transports people not only throughout Russia, but also across foreign countries, which makes it more popular. It is also budget-friendly and appreciated by passengers for the quality of service, which is always top-notch. In 2017, 9.3 million people used the services.

It is the oldest airline in Russia; transportation began in 1923. Named the safest airline, as there were no major accidents. In 2017, more than 32 million people were transported. A few years ago it received 4 stars for all its qualities.

Watch the video the best airline in Eastern Europe

Best airlines for safety (Top 5)

1. globe

A young company focused on safety and comfort of flights. The security system is regularly tested and tries to improve and become better. The planes are new, no more than 9 years old.

Included in the top 5 best in terms of passenger volume. Every year the aircraft are inspected, and the crew undergoes full advanced training. In 2014, the company received the award as “Best Passenger Interpreter on Regional Routes.” The aircraft are no more than 11 years old.

1. S7 or Siberia

S7 received 94th place in the top global airlines for safety. During 2016-2017, there were no major plane crashes that would have resulted in loss of life. Often becomes a winner in competitions. Regular inspection of aircraft and improvement of crew skills are not in vain. The aircraft are 9 years old.

1. Ural Airlines

Included in the list of leading Russian security companies. It has a gym for training and qualifying pilots according to individual programs. The hall is the only one in Russia and only global companies have it. The airline received 20 awards for its efforts, the number of people transported and the minimum number of plane crashes, which is close to zero. Airplanes are no older than 13 years.

And in 1st place is Aeroflot. The safest company in Russia, entered the top hundred safest companies in the world and took thirty-fifth place. Airplanes are decommissioned after five years of service; these are the newest aircraft in Russia. The crew regularly undergoes advanced training, and the aircraft are fully checked for suitability.

Top 3 charter airlines

The airline has the status of an international carrier. Departures take place from Moscow, Sheremetyevo Airport. People are unhappy with the cost of flight tickets because they are too high. In the past, flights were often delayed by 3-5 hours, which left its mark, and people do not often use the services of Aeroflot as a charter company.

1. Orenair

Most often used by people who want to fly to Africa, Asia or Western Europe. Low prices and comfortable aircraft do not leave people indifferent. Charter flights to Russian cities are rarely carried out.

It is the most budget-friendly charter flight company. The aircraft have proven themselves to be reliable, as they undergo regular inspections. Customers are unhappy that planes are often changed without warning, and when purchasing a business class ticket, a person ends up in economy class.

Which airline is better to fly with?

When choosing an airline, people look at its description and then make a choice. Every person wants to fly comfortably and safely, without spending an exorbitant ticket price.

People's favorite airlines for visiting Crimea are Aeroflot and Ural Airlines. Valued for comfort and safety, the cost will vary from 9 to 13 thousand rubles for a one-way ticket from Moscow. On board there is good service, fresh food and pleasant drinks.

According to people, to fly to Sochi, use the services of S7 or the services of the Rossiya company. Ticket prices are reasonable, which attracts people who fly to Sochi on vacation. Friendly staff on board, average food, but new planes that are comfortable attract people.

To Anapa

People are inclined towards Aeroflot and UTair. UTair has low ticket prices, which are even cheaper than Aeroflot. They choose because of new aircraft, which are updated every 5-7 years. People also like the quality of food on board Aeroflot, and the staff, who remain calm even in emergency situations.

To Moscow

Every Russian airline flies to Moscow, so the choice depends on people's preferences. Aeroflot and S7 are more often chosen because of the low cost of tickets; flying from anywhere in Russia to Moscow will take no more than 8-9 hours, which is convenient.

S7 or Ural Airlines

Based on the statistics, you can see that the majority is inclined towards S7 airline. People love the comfortable cabins, friendly staff, fresh food, and a team of pilots who can handle any emergency.

Also, S7 is a convenient airline for flying within Russia. Low ticket prices attract people, which increases the number of passengers by 10-20% every year.

Worst airlines in Russia

Although the company tops the list of the best, it also made it to the top of the worst because it unexpectedly increased prices for flights, which confused people and undermined their opinion of the airline. There are no complaints about convenience and safety.

1. S7 airlines

The company is valued for its comfort, but often people began to complain about flight delays, poor service on board and overpricing, because now flying even to a neighboring city can hit the pocket.

1. Russia

The company was also included in the list of both the best and the worst, which leads to two opinions. It is better to use the airline if you want to fly around Russia; it is not suitable for long flights due to the uncomfortable cabins.

1. UTair

The airline is prized for its inexpensive ticket prices, but people are often unhappy with flight delays, the quality of in-flight food and the uncomfortable cabin.

1. Yakutia

The airline received 2 stars by all standards, but every year it tries to improve and become better in order to be in great demand. Compared to 2016, the number of flight delays has decreased, and staff have become more trained.

People's opinions about the company are divided into good and bad. Some people can’t stand it and don’t use the services on principle, so they often overpay at other companies. Other people are satisfied and ready to use the services of Ural Lines. Of the minuses: flight delays, as well as not complete security.

1. Yamal

Frequent flight delays, uncomfortable cabins, almost complete lack of service on board, inflated prices for flights - all this puts this airline on the first line of the unpleasant rating.

From the entire article, the conclusion is that the best airline is Aeroflot, which has proven itself in many respects. During its long career, more than 20 million flights were made, with the first flight taking place in 1923. But each person has his own preferences, and for some, the worst will be the best.