Moscow Airways
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Airline |
| Predecessor | Aeroflot (fleet management) |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Moscow , Russia |
Area served | Russia, Middle East, Africa |
| Products | Passenger and freight air transportation |
Moscow Airways was a Russian carrier operating as a subsidiary under Aeroflot, formed in 1991 specifically to manage the airline's fleet of Ilyushin Il-62 jets. Its operations centered on both passenger and freight transportation, with its main hub located at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow, Russia.
History
By the year 1993, Moscow Airways had established routes to destinations such as Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The airline provided services for both passengers and cargo, including the notable repatriation of South African Muslims following their pilgrimage.
Between 1993 and 1996, the airline utilized an Ilyushin Il-76TD bearing tail number RA-76498, manufactured in 1982, alongside a chartered Tupolev Tu-154M (RA-85681). Both aircraft were previously part of Aeroflot's fleet. In 1993, Moscow Airways announced plans to acquire fifty Beriev Be-32Ps; however, these aircraft never entered production or were delivered.
Operations came to an end in 1996 after a tragic accident in Africa resulted in nearly 300 fatalities.
This overview outlines Moscow Airways' role as an Aeroflot subsidiary focused on Il-62 aircraft, its market engagement across Middle Eastern and African regions, and its dual emphasis on passenger and cargo transport prior to its shutdown.
Accidents and incidents
- On 8 January 1996, an Air Africa Antonov An-32 (registration RA-26222), which was wet-leased from Moscow Airways to Scibe Airlift, crashed shortly after departing from N'Dolo Airport in Kinshasa, causing around 300 deaths. At that time, Moscow Airways had already faced suspension or revocation of its air operator's certificate by the Russian Ministry of Transport.