Continental Airways
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Defunct | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Moscow , Russia |
Area served | Russia and nearby regions |
| Products | Passenger and cargo air transport services |
Continental Airways was a Moscow-based passenger charter airline in Russia, founded in 1995 and operating primarily out of Sheremetyevo International Airport.
History
Initially functioning as a cargo carrier, the airline operated three Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft stationed at Vnukovo International Airport. By 2000, the company augmented its fleet with three Ilyushin Il-76TD planes to broaden its network and service areas. The transition to passenger transportation occurred in 2005 following the addition of four more Tu-154s acquired in 2004.
Due to financial strain, Continental Airways divested several Il-76 aircraft and curtailed most of its flight routes. On July 29, 2011, the Russian Air Safety Agency withdrew the airline’s operational license, which resulted in bankruptcy and the termination of all services the next day.
Destinations
The airline operated scheduled flights to 27 destinations throughout Russia and nearby regions, covering major urban centers such as Moscow, Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi, and Yekaterinburg.
Fleet
Continental Airways maintained a diverse fleet tailored to medium-range passenger and freight transport:
| Aircraft | Quantity | Year Introduced | Year Retired | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tupolev Tu-154M | 10 | 2004 | 2007 | |
| Ilyushin Il-76TD | 5 | 1997 | 2011 | |
| Ilyushin Il-86 | 2 | 1996 | 2006 | Leased from Atlant-Soyuz Airlines |