In the spring of 2017, a new company emerged in Russia’s aviation sector—Azimuth Airlines. Based in the south of the country, this carrier set an ambitious goal at the outset: to connect regions often overshadowed by larger airlines. Azimuth established its primary bases at Platov Airport (Rostov-on-Don) and Pashkovsky Airport (Krasnodar), with an additional hub in Mineralnye Vody. These cities served as the starting points for a route network that spans southern and central Russia, as well as select international destinations.
From the beginning, Azimuth focused on routes linking smaller cities with major hubs. By 2025, the airline was serving 162 destinations, underscoring its commitment to making air travel more accessible. Domestically, its aircraft fly to cities such as Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Samara, Volgograd, and over forty other routes, fostering economic and social ties across Russia’s vast expanse. Internationally, Azimuth operates flights to Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Almaty, and about a dozen other destinations. A significant milestone came in 2020 with the launch of regular flights to Crimea, reflecting demand for this destination.
From the beginning, Azimuth focused on routes linking smaller cities with major hubs. By 2025, the airline was serving 162 destinations, underscoring its commitment to making air travel more accessible. Domestically, its aircraft fly to cities such as Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Samara, Volgograd, and over forty other routes, fostering economic and social ties across Russia’s vast expanse. Internationally, Azimuth operates flights to Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Almaty, and about a dozen other destinations. A significant milestone came in 2020 with the launch of regular flights to Crimea, reflecting demand for this destination.
A distinctive feature of Azimuth is its fleet, composed entirely of Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft. By 2025, the airline operated 19 of these jets, a choice driven by both practicality and support for domestic aviation manufacturing. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is well-suited for the regional routes that form the backbone of Azimuth’s network. Each aircraft is named after a Russian river, symbolizing a connection to the country’s geography and history. For example, aircraft RA-89179 is named after the Siberian river Tobol, evoking the diversity of Russia’s landscapes.
Azimuth’s growth and expansion have not been without challenges and barriers. Market competition, economic fluctuations, and the complexities of operating a uniform fleet presented difficulties. Nevertheless, a focus on reliability and regional service has earned the airline the trust of its passengers. In 2024, Azimuth carried 2.3 million passengers, affirming its significance in Russia’s aviation industry. The airline’s operations blend ambition with pragmatism, marked by steady and gradual expansion of its route network.
The story of Azimuth Airlines is one of perseverance and a drive to connect regions. By linking Russian cities and expanding to international routes, the airline has become an integral part of the modern aviation system. Its aircraft, bearing the names of rivers that bring life to the country, carry forward a tradition of unity and exploration. Azimuth successfully demonstrates how a regional carrier can bridge distances – both geographic and cultural – in a country as vast as Russia.
Azimuth’s growth and expansion have not been without challenges and barriers. Market competition, economic fluctuations, and the complexities of operating a uniform fleet presented difficulties. Nevertheless, a focus on reliability and regional service has earned the airline the trust of its passengers. In 2024, Azimuth carried 2.3 million passengers, affirming its significance in Russia’s aviation industry. The airline’s operations blend ambition with pragmatism, marked by steady and gradual expansion of its route network.
The story of Azimuth Airlines is one of perseverance and a drive to connect regions. By linking Russian cities and expanding to international routes, the airline has become an integral part of the modern aviation system. Its aircraft, bearing the names of rivers that bring life to the country, carry forward a tradition of unity and exploration. Azimuth successfully demonstrates how a regional carrier can bridge distances – both geographic and cultural – in a country as vast as Russia.