Vladivostok Avia
Encyclopedia
Vladivostok Air is an airline based in Vladivostok
, Russia
.
and Siberia
, Vladivostok Air operates scheduled domestic flights within Russia and international flights to Africa, Asia, and Europe, as well as charter flights and a well established helicopter service. The main hub of operations is Vladivostok International Airport
, with secondary hubs at Moscow Vnukovo International Airport
and Khabarovsk Novy International Airport and a focus city in Ekaterinburg Koltsovo Airport.
Prior to late September 2008, only a few flights between the cities of Vladivostok and Khabarovsk were available on Vladivostok Air, but when the Russian government decided to close Dalavia, due to high debt levels, Vladivostok Air soon announced the start of 7 additional domestic routes and 4 new international routes from Khabarovsk.
region gaining its first airport in 1931. Construction also began on two airfields; a hydro-airport (seaplane port) in Vladivostok's Second River
region and another named Ozernye Klyuchi (Lake Springs), (which is now part of the current Vladivostok International Airport
) near Artyom
.
On August 27, 1932, a hydroplane (seaplane) destined to become the pre-decessor of Vladivostok Air completed its first flight and on September 2, the hydroplane delivered four passengers from Khabarovsk to the Second River Airportmarking. This is considered to be the official beginning of operations for Vladivostok Air, with regular flights from Khabarovsk to Vladivostok ever since.
In 1934, the Second River airport was moved to a dry location, allowing for the use of Polikarpov Po-2
aircraft, with which regular flights were made, and new airports also opened at Iman (now called Dalnerechensk
) and Ozernye Klyuchi (Lake Springs) which, combined with newer aircraft, greatly fueled growth of the nascent airline.
aircraft were transferred to the Ozernye Klyuchi airport, opening a new era of development in the history of Primorye civil aviation and Vladivostok Air. Chemical, nautical, geological, and forest management applications followed after the end of the Great Patriotic War, operating from the rapidly developing airfields around the Primorye region. Many of which later served as the basis for modern airports constructed from the 1960s onwards.
Passenger flights from Vladivostok
to Moscow
began using Ilyushin Il-12
airliners in 1948. Five years later, in 1953, the Antonov An-2
commenced service, becoming a significant educational tool for Vladivostok Air, allowing pilots to amass experience in a number of different flight-related activities, while carrying several thousand passengers. Taking over the workload of the Po-2, the An-2 "Annushka" became a nearly irreplaceable aircraft for Vladivostok Air's agricultural charters. Vladivostok Air also began basic use of the Lisunov Li-2
aircraft, which would continue to operate regular passenger flights from Ozernye Klyuchi Airport to Khabarovsk
for the next 15 years.
Vladivostok Air's robust helicopter operations began with the Mil Mi-1
, Kamov Ka-15
and Mil Mi-4
. These three helicopter types dutifully toiled away for some 30 odd-years and were later succeeded by the Mil Mi-8
, Kamov Ka-26, and Kamov Ka-32.
airliner, and the Tupolev Tu-114
D which completed the first trial, scheduled, non-stop flight from Moscow to Vladivostok (on Aeroflot
) in May 1958. When the size of the Ozernye Klyuchi airport restricted Vladivostok Air's expansion, the ground facilities were improved to allow regular flights with Tu-104s (1958), Ilyushin Il-18
s (1963), and Antonov An-10
s (1964). These improvements to the airport sharply increased passenger volumes. The first brick built terminal opened in February 1961, facilitating the processing of up to 200 passengers at once, marking the beginning of the larger airport known as Vladivostok International Airport.
Between the 1960s and 1980s, pilots from Vladivostok Air became pioneers in servicing the region's various whaling and fishing towns. While with Mi-1
helicopters, on 30 August 1961, Vladivostok Air began to enter the fishing industry as well. Helicopters from Vladivostok Air have also served as flying-cranes and ambulances, further expanding their growing helicopter charter operations.
In 1973, construction started on a new terminal at Vladivostok International Airport which began operating at the end of 1976. With the increase in terminal capacity, Vladivostok Air soon began regular service with Tupolev Tu-154
s, heralding a period of dynamic development of Vladivostok Air's fleet as new Yakovlev Yak-40
s and Mil Mi-8
s were purchased. The completion of a second runway in June 1985 opened up Vladivostok Airport to all modern aircraft and provided for the non-stop Aeroflot
air service between Moscow
and Vladivostok
onboard Ilyushin Il-62
aircraft.
for the use of Ka-32 helicopters, Vladivostok Air entered the international arena. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1992, Vladivostok became open to international flights, which fuelled rapid expansion among Vladivostok Air. During this time period, two Ilyushin Il-76
cargo aircraft in addition to several Tupolev Tu-154B-2
aircraft were purchased for use on international routes.
Since 1994, Vladivostok Air has been an openly traded stock company, "Vladivostok Air", whose holdings at the time included the airline and Vladivostok International Airport. By 1995, the first long-distance Tupolev Tu-154
M aircraft were purchased.
On March 4, 1999, the renovated international terminal at Vladivostok International Airport
was put into operation, allowing for additional flights to Asia and North America.
, becoming a full International Air Transport Association
member leading to recognition of Vladivostok Air as a safe and reliable airline.
2005; Vladivostok Air was the first airline in the world to start operation with the new long to medium haul Tupolev Tu-204-300
aircraft, with a fleet of six purchased to date.
December 2006; The large scale reconstruction of domestic terminal was completed in Vladivostok International Airport
, helping to increase passenger comfort, capacity, and growth.
5 February 2007; With the help of ILFC, Vladivostok Air leased an Airbus A-320, the first foreign made aircraft in the Russian Far East, with Vladivostok Air currently flying up to 7 A320s.
15 February 2008; JSC Vladivostok Air completed a reorganization, and JSC Vladivostok International Airport
was separated from Vladivostok Air, with Vladivostok International Airport being included in the Russian register of open joint stock companies. One of the most significant achievements of 2008 was the successful accreditation for compliance with IATA safety requirements (IOSA).
20 January 2009; Vladivostok Air celebrated its 15th anniversary as an open joint stock company, developing from a regional carrier to the largest company in the Russian Far East and East Siberia. The introduction of more modern equipment has allowed the introduction of new domestic and international flights, increasing passenger numbers to over 900,000 annually. June 2009 saw the introduction of the first long-haul Airbus A330
-300 service, connecting the two cities of Vladivostok and Moscow, with more A320's and A330's expected to join the fleet between October 2009 and the summer of 2010. Orders for four Antonov An-148
with two options were placed at the 2009 MAKS Airshow
.
28 April 2009; Vladivostok Air received the Wings of Russia 2008 award in the category of "Airline of the Year — Passengers Choice". Vladivostok Air also announced its earnings on July 15. showing that, despite the severe economic downturn, passenger traffic has increased by an incredible 36.6%, while passenger capacity has increased by 28.8% in the first six months of 2009, when compared to those months in 2008, with the load factor increasing by 9.5%. Vladivostok Air's income was an astounding 38.1% higher for the same period of time in 2009 when compared to 2008, attributed to fleet network optimization, transition to more fuel efficient aircraft, and to the takeover of Dalavia's Khabarovsk hub.
17 July 2009; Vladivostok Air introduced its new online sales system, with the new reservation system allowing purchases with all major credit cards. In addition to the new sales system, passengers can now choose from three economy fares and one business class fare including "Promo", "Eco", "Eco +", and "Business". "Promo" is the cheapest fare selection, with the bare minimum amenities, while the "Business" fare is the most expensive, with access to all business class amenities.
August 2010; On the twelfth of August, Vladivostok Air received an additional A320 aircraft, bringing the total amount in its fleet to seven. Additionally, on 18 August an interline agreement was signed with United Airlines
, a major global airline. On 19–20 August, Vladivostok Air successfully passed its second IOSA audit, further maintaining its IATA membership.
Air China
* Hainan Airlines
* Korean Air
* Sky Express
* Thai International Airways* United Airlines
* Vietnam Airlines
*
The airline took delivery of its first A320 in November 2006 under a lease agreement with ILFC. Since the arrival of the first A320, six more have arrived, with the latest delivered in August 2010. These A320s are currently in use on flights to destinations in Asia and Russia.
On January 6, 2009, ILFC announced that the airline has leased three used Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The first aircraft was delivered in May 2009, after coming off lease from Aer Lingus
. The lease term is for 7 years. The aircraft entered service on June 9, 2009, flying between Vladivostok and Moscow. The A330 sits 327 people and will be used to fly mainly between Vladivostok/Khabarovsk to Moscow. The second A330 was delivered in October 2009, while the third arrived in March 2010.
With an influx of more modern aircraft, like the A320 and Tu-204, Vladivostok Air has been able to shift all remaining Tu-154 aircraft into its reserve and charter fleet.
During MAKS Airshow 2009
, Vladivostok Air signed a precontractual agreement to buy four Antonov An-148
, with options for two more. These regional jets will carry between 68-85 seats and will eventually replace the four aging Yak-40 aircraft. The aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2012 and 2014.
The average age of Vladivostok Air's A320s are 13.4 years, while the A330s are 15.4 years as of May, 2010.
, a Tupolev Tu-154
belonging to Vladivostok Air crashed while attempting to land in Irkutsk
, Russia
, killing all 145 people aboard. A Russia
n official said that 12 Chinese
died on the flight.
Vladivostok
The city is located in the southern extremity of Muravyov-Amursky Peninsula, which is about 30 km long and approximately 12 km wide.The highest point is Mount Kholodilnik, the height of which is 257 m...
, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
.
Description
As the largest carrier in the Russian Far EastRussian Far East
Russian Far East is a term that refers to the Russian part of the Far East, i.e., extreme east parts of Russia, between Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia and the Pacific Ocean...
and Siberia
Siberia
Siberia is an extensive region constituting almost all of Northern Asia. Comprising the central and eastern portion of the Russian Federation, it was part of the Soviet Union from its beginning, as its predecessor states, the Tsardom of Russia and the Russian Empire, conquered it during the 16th...
, Vladivostok Air operates scheduled domestic flights within Russia and international flights to Africa, Asia, and Europe, as well as charter flights and a well established helicopter service. The main hub of operations is Vladivostok International Airport
Vladivostok International Airport
Vladivostok International Airport is located near Artyom, Primorsky Krai, Russia roughly an hour's drive north of center of the city of Vladivostok. It was formerly known as Knevichi Airport, named after village Knevichi...
, with secondary hubs at Moscow Vnukovo International Airport
Vnukovo International Airport
Vnukovo International Airport , is a dual runway international airport located southwest from the centre of Moscow, Russia. It is one of three major airports serving Moscow...
and Khabarovsk Novy International Airport and a focus city in Ekaterinburg Koltsovo Airport.
Prior to late September 2008, only a few flights between the cities of Vladivostok and Khabarovsk were available on Vladivostok Air, but when the Russian government decided to close Dalavia, due to high debt levels, Vladivostok Air soon announced the start of 7 additional domestic routes and 4 new international routes from Khabarovsk.
Beginnings
The 1930s saw active construction of airports in the Soviet republics throughout the USSR. The PrimoryePrimorsky Krai
Primorsky Krai , informally known as Primorye , is a federal subject of Russia . Primorsky means "maritime" in Russian, hence the region is sometimes referred to as Maritime Province or Maritime Territory. Its administrative center is in the city of Vladivostok...
region gaining its first airport in 1931. Construction also began on two airfields; a hydro-airport (seaplane port) in Vladivostok's Second River
Second River
Second River may refer to:*Second River , a river in Michigan*Second River , a tributary of the Passaic River in New Jersey*Second River, the original name for the town of Belleville, New Jersey...
region and another named Ozernye Klyuchi (Lake Springs), (which is now part of the current Vladivostok International Airport
Vladivostok International Airport
Vladivostok International Airport is located near Artyom, Primorsky Krai, Russia roughly an hour's drive north of center of the city of Vladivostok. It was formerly known as Knevichi Airport, named after village Knevichi...
) near Artyom
Artyom
Artyom is a city in Primorsky Krai, Russia, situated in the northern part of the Muravyov-Amursky Peninsula. Population: Artyom is built mainly with one-, two-, and five-story panel buildings, though a comparatively large number of wooden private houses can be seen.-History:Artyom was founded in...
.
On August 27, 1932, a hydroplane (seaplane) destined to become the pre-decessor of Vladivostok Air completed its first flight and on September 2, the hydroplane delivered four passengers from Khabarovsk to the Second River Airportmarking. This is considered to be the official beginning of operations for Vladivostok Air, with regular flights from Khabarovsk to Vladivostok ever since.
In 1934, the Second River airport was moved to a dry location, allowing for the use of Polikarpov Po-2
Polikarpov Po-2
The Polikarpov Po-2 served as a general-purpose Soviet biplane, nicknamed Kukuruznik for maize; thus, 'maize duster' or 'crop duster'), NATO reporting name "Mule"...
aircraft, with which regular flights were made, and new airports also opened at Iman (now called Dalnerechensk
Dalnerechensk
Dalnerechensk is a town in Primorsky Krai, Russia. Population: It was originally known as Iman , but its Russian name was changed to Dalnerechensk in 1972, as part of a general campaign of asserting Soviet sovereignty in the region...
) and Ozernye Klyuchi (Lake Springs) which, combined with newer aircraft, greatly fueled growth of the nascent airline.
World War II and the turboprop era
During World War II, Vladivostok Air's Po-2s carried supplies of lead-tin concentrates for industrial purposes and ammunition to the front lines. In July 1941, Vladivostok Air's fleet of Polikarpov U-2, Polikarpov P-5, and Shavrov Sh-2Shavrov Sh-2
-Further reading:*De Michelis, Bruno. "The Russian Aero-marine from 1910 to 2001"....
aircraft were transferred to the Ozernye Klyuchi airport, opening a new era of development in the history of Primorye civil aviation and Vladivostok Air. Chemical, nautical, geological, and forest management applications followed after the end of the Great Patriotic War, operating from the rapidly developing airfields around the Primorye region. Many of which later served as the basis for modern airports constructed from the 1960s onwards.
Passenger flights from Vladivostok
Vladivostok
The city is located in the southern extremity of Muravyov-Amursky Peninsula, which is about 30 km long and approximately 12 km wide.The highest point is Mount Kholodilnik, the height of which is 257 m...
to Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
began using Ilyushin Il-12
Ilyushin Il-12
The Ilyushin Il-12 was a Soviet twin-engine cargo aircraft, developed in the mid-1940s for small and medium-haul airline routes and as a military transport.-Design and development:...
airliners in 1948. Five years later, in 1953, the Antonov An-2
Antonov An-2
The Antonov An-2 is a single-engine biplane utility/agricultural aircraft designed in the USSR in 1946...
commenced service, becoming a significant educational tool for Vladivostok Air, allowing pilots to amass experience in a number of different flight-related activities, while carrying several thousand passengers. Taking over the workload of the Po-2, the An-2 "Annushka" became a nearly irreplaceable aircraft for Vladivostok Air's agricultural charters. Vladivostok Air also began basic use of the Lisunov Li-2
Lisunov Li-2
The Lisunov Li-2, originally designated PS-84 , was a license-built version of the Douglas DC-3. It was produced by the GAZ-84 works at Moscow-Khimki, and subsequently at GAZ-33 at Tashkent-Vostochn. The project was directed by aeronautical engineer Boris Pavlovich Lisunov.-Design and...
aircraft, which would continue to operate regular passenger flights from Ozernye Klyuchi Airport to Khabarovsk
Khabarovsk
Khabarovsk is the largest city and the administrative center of Khabarovsk Krai, Russia. It is located some from the Chinese border. It is the second largest city in the Russian Far East, after Vladivostok. The city became the administrative center of the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia...
for the next 15 years.
Vladivostok Air's robust helicopter operations began with the Mil Mi-1
Mil Mi-1
The Mil Mi-1 The Mil Mi-1 The Mil Mi-1 ( (USAF/DoD reporting name "Type 32", NATO reporting name "Hare") was a Soviet three- or four-seat light utility helicopter. It was the first Soviet helicopter to enter serial production. It is powered by one 575 hp Ivchenko AI-26V radial. It entered...
, Kamov Ka-15
Kamov Ka-15
-See also:-References:* Gunston, Bill. The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995. London:Osprey, 1995. ISBN 1 85532 405 9.* Stroud, John. Soviet Transport Aircraft since 1945. London:Putnam, 1968. ISBN 0 370 00126 5.-External links:...
and Mil Mi-4
Mil Mi-4
The Mil Mi-4 was a Soviet transport helicopter that served in both military and civilian roles.-Design and development:...
. These three helicopter types dutifully toiled away for some 30 odd-years and were later succeeded by the Mil Mi-8
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
, Kamov Ka-26, and Kamov Ka-32.
Jet era and expansion
By 1958, the beginnings of the Primorye region's passenger-jet era started with the introduction of the Tupolev Tu-104Tupolev Tu-104
The Tupolev Tu-104 was a twin-engined medium-range turbojet-powered Soviet airliner and the world's first successful jet airliner...
airliner, and the Tupolev Tu-114
Tupolev Tu-114
The Tupolev Tu-114 Rossiya is a turboprop-powered long-range airliner designed by the Tupolev design bureau and built in the USSR from May 1955....
D which completed the first trial, scheduled, non-stop flight from Moscow to Vladivostok (on Aeroflot
Aeroflot
OJSC AeroflotRussian Airlines , commonly known as Aeroflot , is the flag carrier and largest airline of the Russian Federation, based on passengers carried per year...
) in May 1958. When the size of the Ozernye Klyuchi airport restricted Vladivostok Air's expansion, the ground facilities were improved to allow regular flights with Tu-104s (1958), Ilyushin Il-18
Ilyushin Il-18
The Ilyushin Il-18 is a large turboprop airliner that became one of the best known Soviet aircraft of its era as well as one of the most popular and durable, having first flown in 1957 and still in use over 50 years later. The Il-18 was one of the world's principal airliners for several decades...
s (1963), and Antonov An-10
Antonov An-10
The Antonov An-10 was a four-engined turboprop passenger transport aircraft designed in the Soviet Union.-Design and development:...
s (1964). These improvements to the airport sharply increased passenger volumes. The first brick built terminal opened in February 1961, facilitating the processing of up to 200 passengers at once, marking the beginning of the larger airport known as Vladivostok International Airport.
Between the 1960s and 1980s, pilots from Vladivostok Air became pioneers in servicing the region's various whaling and fishing towns. While with Mi-1
Mil Mi-1
The Mil Mi-1 The Mil Mi-1 The Mil Mi-1 ( (USAF/DoD reporting name "Type 32", NATO reporting name "Hare") was a Soviet three- or four-seat light utility helicopter. It was the first Soviet helicopter to enter serial production. It is powered by one 575 hp Ivchenko AI-26V radial. It entered...
helicopters, on 30 August 1961, Vladivostok Air began to enter the fishing industry as well. Helicopters from Vladivostok Air have also served as flying-cranes and ambulances, further expanding their growing helicopter charter operations.
In 1973, construction started on a new terminal at Vladivostok International Airport which began operating at the end of 1976. With the increase in terminal capacity, Vladivostok Air soon began regular service with Tupolev Tu-154
Tupolev Tu-154
The Tupolev Tu-154 is a three-engine medium-range narrow-body airliner designed in the mid 1960s and manufactured by Tupolev. As the mainstay 'workhorse' of Soviet and Russian airlines for several decades, it serviced over a sixth of the world's landmass and carried half of all passengers flown...
s, heralding a period of dynamic development of Vladivostok Air's fleet as new Yakovlev Yak-40
Yakovlev Yak-40
The Yakovlev Yak-40 is a small, three-engined airliner that is often called the first regional jet transport aircraft...
s and Mil Mi-8
Mil Mi-8
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter....
s were purchased. The completion of a second runway in June 1985 opened up Vladivostok Airport to all modern aircraft and provided for the non-stop Aeroflot
Aeroflot
OJSC AeroflotRussian Airlines , commonly known as Aeroflot , is the flag carrier and largest airline of the Russian Federation, based on passengers carried per year...
air service between Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
and Vladivostok
Vladivostok
The city is located in the southern extremity of Muravyov-Amursky Peninsula, which is about 30 km long and approximately 12 km wide.The highest point is Mount Kholodilnik, the height of which is 257 m...
onboard Ilyushin Il-62
Ilyushin Il-62
The Ilyushin Il-62 is a Soviet long-range jet airliner conceived in 1960 by Ilyushin. As successor to the popular turbo-prop Il-18 and with capacity for almost 200 passengers, the Il-62 was the largest jet airliner when it first flew in 1963. It entered Aeroflot service on 15 September 1967 with...
aircraft.
Post-Soviet era
In 1990, after having signed an agreement in Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea , officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands...
for the use of Ka-32 helicopters, Vladivostok Air entered the international arena. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1992, Vladivostok became open to international flights, which fuelled rapid expansion among Vladivostok Air. During this time period, two Ilyushin Il-76
Ilyushin Il-76
The Ilyushin Il-76 is a multi-purpose four-engined strategic airlifter designed by Ilyushin design bureau. It was first planned as a commercial freighter in 1967. Intended as a replacement for the Antonov An-12, the Il-76 was designed for delivering heavy machinery to remote, poorly-serviced areas...
cargo aircraft in addition to several Tupolev Tu-154B-2
Tupolev Tu-154
The Tupolev Tu-154 is a three-engine medium-range narrow-body airliner designed in the mid 1960s and manufactured by Tupolev. As the mainstay 'workhorse' of Soviet and Russian airlines for several decades, it serviced over a sixth of the world's landmass and carried half of all passengers flown...
aircraft were purchased for use on international routes.
Since 1994, Vladivostok Air has been an openly traded stock company, "Vladivostok Air", whose holdings at the time included the airline and Vladivostok International Airport. By 1995, the first long-distance Tupolev Tu-154
Tupolev Tu-154
The Tupolev Tu-154 is a three-engine medium-range narrow-body airliner designed in the mid 1960s and manufactured by Tupolev. As the mainstay 'workhorse' of Soviet and Russian airlines for several decades, it serviced over a sixth of the world's landmass and carried half of all passengers flown...
M aircraft were purchased.
On March 4, 1999, the renovated international terminal at Vladivostok International Airport
Vladivostok International Airport
Vladivostok International Airport is located near Artyom, Primorsky Krai, Russia roughly an hour's drive north of center of the city of Vladivostok. It was formerly known as Knevichi Airport, named after village Knevichi...
was put into operation, allowing for additional flights to Asia and North America.
2000 - Present
2004; Vladivostok Air passed the IATA Operational Safety AuditIATA Operational Safety Audit
The IATA Operational Safety Audit programme is an internationally recognised and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. IOSA uses internationally recognised quality audit principles and is designed to conduct audits in a...
, becoming a full International Air Transport Association
International Air Transport Association
The International Air Transport Association is an international industry trade group of airlines headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where the International Civil Aviation Organization is also headquartered. The executive offices are at the Geneva Airport in SwitzerlandIATA's mission is to...
member leading to recognition of Vladivostok Air as a safe and reliable airline.
2005; Vladivostok Air was the first airline in the world to start operation with the new long to medium haul Tupolev Tu-204-300
Tupolev Tu-204
The Tupolev Tu-204 is a twin-engined medium-range jet airliner capable of carrying 210 passengers, designed by Tupolev and produced by Aviastar SP and Kazan Aircraft Production Association. First introduced in 1989, it is considered to be broadly equivalent to the Boeing 757 and has competitive...
aircraft, with a fleet of six purchased to date.
December 2006; The large scale reconstruction of domestic terminal was completed in Vladivostok International Airport
Vladivostok International Airport
Vladivostok International Airport is located near Artyom, Primorsky Krai, Russia roughly an hour's drive north of center of the city of Vladivostok. It was formerly known as Knevichi Airport, named after village Knevichi...
, helping to increase passenger comfort, capacity, and growth.
5 February 2007; With the help of ILFC, Vladivostok Air leased an Airbus A-320, the first foreign made aircraft in the Russian Far East, with Vladivostok Air currently flying up to 7 A320s.
15 February 2008; JSC Vladivostok Air completed a reorganization, and JSC Vladivostok International Airport
Vladivostok International Airport
Vladivostok International Airport is located near Artyom, Primorsky Krai, Russia roughly an hour's drive north of center of the city of Vladivostok. It was formerly known as Knevichi Airport, named after village Knevichi...
was separated from Vladivostok Air, with Vladivostok International Airport being included in the Russian register of open joint stock companies. One of the most significant achievements of 2008 was the successful accreditation for compliance with IATA safety requirements (IOSA).
20 January 2009; Vladivostok Air celebrated its 15th anniversary as an open joint stock company, developing from a regional carrier to the largest company in the Russian Far East and East Siberia. The introduction of more modern equipment has allowed the introduction of new domestic and international flights, increasing passenger numbers to over 900,000 annually. June 2009 saw the introduction of the first long-haul Airbus A330
Airbus A330
The Airbus A330 is a wide-body twin-engine jet airliner made by Airbus, a division of EADS. Versions of the A330 have a range of and can accommodate up to 335 passengers in a two-class layout or carry of cargo....
-300 service, connecting the two cities of Vladivostok and Moscow, with more A320's and A330's expected to join the fleet between October 2009 and the summer of 2010. Orders for four Antonov An-148
Antonov An-148
The Antonov An-148 Antonov Design Bureau from Kiev, Ukraine, is a regional jet aircraft designed by the Ukrainian Antonov Design Bureau and produced by Ukraine's Kiev Aviation Plant AVIANT and Russia's Voronezh Aircraft Production Association. Development of the plane was started in the 1990s,...
with two options were placed at the 2009 MAKS Airshow
MAKS Airshow
MAKS is an International Air Show held near Moscow, Russia on Zhukovskiy LII air field. The first show, Mosaeroshow-92, was held in 1992. Since 1993, it was renamed to its current name and is held on odd years .MAKS is an important event in Russian business...
.
28 April 2009; Vladivostok Air received the Wings of Russia 2008 award in the category of "Airline of the Year — Passengers Choice". Vladivostok Air also announced its earnings on July 15. showing that, despite the severe economic downturn, passenger traffic has increased by an incredible 36.6%, while passenger capacity has increased by 28.8% in the first six months of 2009, when compared to those months in 2008, with the load factor increasing by 9.5%. Vladivostok Air's income was an astounding 38.1% higher for the same period of time in 2009 when compared to 2008, attributed to fleet network optimization, transition to more fuel efficient aircraft, and to the takeover of Dalavia's Khabarovsk hub.
17 July 2009; Vladivostok Air introduced its new online sales system, with the new reservation system allowing purchases with all major credit cards. In addition to the new sales system, passengers can now choose from three economy fares and one business class fare including "Promo", "Eco", "Eco +", and "Business". "Promo" is the cheapest fare selection, with the bare minimum amenities, while the "Business" fare is the most expensive, with access to all business class amenities.
August 2010; On the twelfth of August, Vladivostok Air received an additional A320 aircraft, bringing the total amount in its fleet to seven. Additionally, on 18 August an interline agreement was signed with United Airlines
United Airlines
United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees (which includes the entire holding company United Continental...
, a major global airline. On 19–20 August, Vladivostok Air successfully passed its second IOSA audit, further maintaining its IATA membership.
Destinations
Vladivostok Air operates the following services (as of April 2010):Codeshare Agreements
Vladivostok Airlines has one codeshare and multiple interline agreements with the following airlines as of August 2010. Airlines marked with a * indicate interline agreements:Air China
Air China
Air China is the flag carrier and one of the major airlines of the People's Republic of China. Based in Beijing Capital International Airport, Air China is the world's 10th largest airline by fleet size. The airline ranked behind its main competitors China Southern Airlines and China Eastern...
* Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines Company Limited is an airline headquartered in the HNA Development Building in Haikou, Hainan, People's Republic of China. It is the largest privately-owned air transport company and the fourth-largest airline in terms of fleet size in the People's Republic of China...
* Korean Air
Korean Air
Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. , operating as Korean Air, is both the flag carrier and the largest airline of South Korea, with global headquarters located in Seoul, South Korea. Korean Air's international passenger division and related subsidiary cargo division together serve 130 cities in 45...
* Sky Express
Sky Express
CJSC Sky Express , also known in Russian as Скай Экспресс, was the first Russian airline to present itself as a low-cost carrier focusing on domestic flights...
* Thai International Airways* United Airlines
United Airlines
United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees (which includes the entire holding company United Continental...
* Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines Company Limited, trading as Vietnam Airlines , is the national flag carrier of Vietnam. Founded in 1956 under the name Vietnam Civil Aviation, the airline was established as a state enterprise in April 1989. Vietnam Airlines is headquartered in Long Bien, Hanoi, with hubs at Noi...
*
Fleet
| Aircraft | Total | Orders | Options | Passengers | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Reserve | J | Y | Total | ||||
| Airbus A320-200 | 7 | — | 1 | — | 12 | 138 | 150 | 2 A320-212 4 A320-214. |
| Airbus A330-300 | 3 | — | — | — | 24 | 303 | 327 | ex-Aer Lingus Aer Lingus Aer Lingus Group Plc is the flag carrier of Ireland. It operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft serving Europe and North America. It is Ireland's oldest extant airline, and its second largest after low-cost rival Ryanair... A330-301 model. |
| Antonov An-148 Antonov An-148 The Antonov An-148 Antonov Design Bureau from Kiev, Ukraine, is a regional jet aircraft designed by the Ukrainian Antonov Design Bureau and produced by Ukraine's Kiev Aviation Plant AVIANT and Russia's Voronezh Aircraft Production Association. Development of the plane was started in the 1990s,... |
0 | — | 4 | 2 | 68-85 (TBA) | Yakovlev Yak-40 replacement Deliveries expected between 2012-2014. |
||
| Tupolev Tu-204-300 Tupolev Tu-204 The Tupolev Tu-204 is a twin-engined medium-range jet airliner capable of carrying 210 passengers, designed by Tupolev and produced by Aviastar SP and Kazan Aircraft Production Association. First introduced in 1989, it is considered to be broadly equivalent to the Boeing 757 and has competitive... |
6 | — | — | — | 8 | 134 | 142 | Launch customer |
| Yakovlev Yak-40 Yakovlev Yak-40 The Yakovlev Yak-40 is a small, three-engined airliner that is often called the first regional jet transport aircraft... |
3 | 6 | — | — | 0 | 32 | 32 | To be replaced by the An-148s. |
| Vladivostok Air Helicopters | ||||||||
| Mi-8 Mil Mi-8 The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter that can also act as a gunship. The Mi-8 is the world's most-produced helicopter, and is used by over 50 countries. Russia is the largest operator of the Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter.... |
11 | — | Cargo configuration - 21 foldable seats VIP configuration-16 business seats Passenger configuration-28-32 economy seats. |
|||||
| Retired Fleet | ||||||||
| Tupolev-154M Tupolev Tu-154 The Tupolev Tu-154 is a three-engine medium-range narrow-body airliner designed in the mid 1960s and manufactured by Tupolev. As the mainstay 'workhorse' of Soviet and Russian airlines for several decades, it serviced over a sixth of the world's landmass and carried half of all passengers flown... |
— | 3 | — | — | 0 8 |
161 143 |
161 151 |
All aircraft in reserve fleet. |
The airline took delivery of its first A320 in November 2006 under a lease agreement with ILFC. Since the arrival of the first A320, six more have arrived, with the latest delivered in August 2010. These A320s are currently in use on flights to destinations in Asia and Russia.
On January 6, 2009, ILFC announced that the airline has leased three used Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The first aircraft was delivered in May 2009, after coming off lease from Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus Group Plc is the flag carrier of Ireland. It operates a fleet of Airbus aircraft serving Europe and North America. It is Ireland's oldest extant airline, and its second largest after low-cost rival Ryanair...
. The lease term is for 7 years. The aircraft entered service on June 9, 2009, flying between Vladivostok and Moscow. The A330 sits 327 people and will be used to fly mainly between Vladivostok/Khabarovsk to Moscow. The second A330 was delivered in October 2009, while the third arrived in March 2010.
With an influx of more modern aircraft, like the A320 and Tu-204, Vladivostok Air has been able to shift all remaining Tu-154 aircraft into its reserve and charter fleet.
During MAKS Airshow 2009
MAKS Airshow
MAKS is an International Air Show held near Moscow, Russia on Zhukovskiy LII air field. The first show, Mosaeroshow-92, was held in 1992. Since 1993, it was renamed to its current name and is held on odd years .MAKS is an important event in Russian business...
, Vladivostok Air signed a precontractual agreement to buy four Antonov An-148
Antonov An-148
The Antonov An-148 Antonov Design Bureau from Kiev, Ukraine, is a regional jet aircraft designed by the Ukrainian Antonov Design Bureau and produced by Ukraine's Kiev Aviation Plant AVIANT and Russia's Voronezh Aircraft Production Association. Development of the plane was started in the 1990s,...
, with options for two more. These regional jets will carry between 68-85 seats and will eventually replace the four aging Yak-40 aircraft. The aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2012 and 2014.
The average age of Vladivostok Air's A320s are 13.4 years, while the A330s are 15.4 years as of May, 2010.
Incidents and accidents
July 2001; Vladivostok Air Flight 352Vladivostok Air Flight 352
Vladivostok Air Flight 352 was a scheduled passenger flight from Yekaterinburg, Russia to Vladivostok via Irkutsk which, on 4 July 2001 lost control and crashed while approaching Irkutsk Airport...
, a Tupolev Tu-154
Tupolev Tu-154
The Tupolev Tu-154 is a three-engine medium-range narrow-body airliner designed in the mid 1960s and manufactured by Tupolev. As the mainstay 'workhorse' of Soviet and Russian airlines for several decades, it serviced over a sixth of the world's landmass and carried half of all passengers flown...
belonging to Vladivostok Air crashed while attempting to land in Irkutsk
Irkutsk
Irkutsk is a city and the administrative center of Irkutsk Oblast, Russia, one of the largest cities in Siberia. Population: .-History:In 1652, Ivan Pokhabov built a zimovye near the site of Irkutsk for gold trading and for the collection of fur taxes from the Buryats. In 1661, Yakov Pokhabov...
, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, killing all 145 people aboard. A Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
n official said that 12 Chinese
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
died on the flight.