S7 Airlines reports passenger dip but sees business class surge in 2025

S7 rolled out a new uniform collection for its cabin crew in 2025 :: S7 Airlines

Despite a slight decrease in overall passenger numbers, S7 Airlines (brand name for Sibir Airlines) retained its position as Russia’s largest private carrier in 2025, reporting a significant 32% increase in lucrative business class traffic.

The airline carried 12.8 million passengers last year, a 0.8% decline compared to 2024. This marks the second consecutive year of reduced traffic volumes, though S7 maintains its status as the nation’s third-largest carrier overall.

The notable jump in premium travel follows a cabin reconfiguration initiative on its Airbus A320 family aircraft, where a number of economy seats were replaced with business class accommodations.

Strategic focus on its Novosibirsk (Tolmachevo) hub, service quality, and efficient fleet utilization defined S7’s year. The carrier’s historical base in Novosibirsk solidified its role as the primary hub, accounting for over half of all traffic (nearly 7 million passengers). Its Moscow (Domodedovo) hub handled 4.9 million passengers, while Irkutsk served 1.9 million.

The airline’s route network expanded with 13 new destinations. Key additions included services connecting Vladivostok to Bangkok, Irkutsk to Gorno-Altaysk, and Novosibirsk to Krasnodar. Overall, S7 operated approximately 100,000 domestic and international flights, mirroring its 2024 activity.

“Our strategy was centered on resilience and quality-focused investment,” said Dmitry Kudelkin, CEO of S7 Group. “We consciously developed our hub structure, expanded the network on in-demand routes, and sustained our fleet capabilities.”

Fleet maintenance was a priority, with substantial work conducted by the group’s engineering division, S7 Technics. This included 100 engine repairs and 83 C-check heavy maintenance events. The company also inaugurated the second phase of its aircraft engine repair facility at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport.

In a customer-facing update, S7 also rolled out a new uniform collection for its cabin crew during the year.