Aeroflot to begin SSJ100 Moscow-Saratov service

Russia’s Aeroflot will launch daily Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) Moscow-Saratov service from Dec. 1, which will encroach on regional Saratov Airlines’ dominance on the route.

Previously, Saratov Airport could only handle Yakovlev Yak-40s, Yak-42s, Embraer E195s, DHC-8-400s and several other aircraft types in the same weight class due to its proximity to the city and the aerodrome infrastructure condition. However, in September the airport was granted permission to handle the SSJ100, opening up the route for larger competitors such as Aeroflot. 

Saratov Airlines operates a fleet of Yak-42s and E 195s

According to Saratov Airport, Saratov Airlines will operate up to 4X-daily Saratov-Moscow services during the IATA 2015-16 winter season. Komiaviatrans regional airline performs 3X-weekly Embraer 145LR Moscow-Saratov service.  

Aeroflot received 51% shares of Saratov Airlines (previously known as Saravia) in 2011 from Rostec, together with the shares of other regional carriers, but later sold its shares in the Saratov-based carrier to local businessmen.

In 2012, new airport construction began in Saratov that will increase the number of carriers flying to the city in Volga region.