Russia’s Azimuth Airlines received AOC

The carrier might increase its all-SSJ100 fleet to 16 airframes in the future (Azimuth Airlines)

New Russian carrier Azimuth Airlines has reported receiving its air operator’s certificate (AOC). The Rostov-on-Don-based operator is planning to launch flights in September 2017.

Azimuth was created as a regional airline to serve destinations in Russia’s Southern and North-Caucasus federal districts. It will operate an all-Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) fleet.

The carrier currently has three aircraft, with five more coming later under a contract with the State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK). In the future, Azimuth may increase its fleet to 16 SS100s as per two letters of intent signed with with GTLK and with the OEM, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company.

Azimuth was founded by Vitaly Vantsev, co-owner of Moscow’s Vnukovo airport, and Pavel Udod, formerly deputy director at Yakutia Airlines. The airline plans to move to Rostov’s new airport, Platov, in December.