Russia’s S7 Airlines takes another Airbus A320neo as it continues domestic flying

S7 is expecting the delivery of the remaining four new-generation aircraft this year (SMBC)

S7 Airlines, Russia’s second biggest carrier, has taken delivery of an Airbus A320neo (MSN 9590) on lease from SMBC Aviation Capital. The Pratt & Whitney PW1127G-JM-powered aircraft is the third A320neo to be delivered to S7 as part of an eight aircraft deal.

As the airline continues to reduce its international schedule after government mandates and restrictions prohibiting overseas travel, S7 is instead aggressively re-positioning its fleet to perform domestic flying.

Even before the Coronavirus outbreak, Russia’s largest private airline’s attention was focused on developing operations within the country, with domestic available seat kilometres representing 70 per cent of its total. S7 is undoubtedly one of the most financially disciplined companies in the local air transport sector.

In her recent interview to the Russian edition of Forbes, Tatyana Fileva the 32-year old chairwoman of the board of directors and co-owner of the airline, asserted: “We are [soon] expecting the delivery of up to five new-generation aircraft. Even if we adjust our capacities, this is not at the expense of new aircraft, but older aircraft.”

With the latest aircraft, S7’s fleet total – consisting of Airbus, Boeing and Embraer types – has now reached 102 units, including 21 A320neos and four A321neos.