Russia’s AirBridgeCargo May Resume Operations During 2025

AirBridgeCargo, the largest cargo airline in Russia until 2022, has said it may resume operations in 2025, according to its latest financial statements. These state that “The company is monitoring changes in the geopolitical situation and expects that in 2025 there will be an opportunity to implement plans to resume operations.”

AirBridgeCargo suspended flights after the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions in 2022, when it proved impossible to service its international routes due to Russian aircraft being banned from landing at Western airports. AirBridgeCargo, as well as affiliated cargo carriers Volga-Dnepr and Atran were subsequently sanctioned by the United States while the US Federal Air Transport Agency suspended AirBridgeCargo’s operatoring certificate. In 2021, according to the US Federal Air Transport Agency, AirBridgeCargo had transported 639,000 tonnes of cargo, an increase of 21% over 2020, and accounting for approximately 43% of the US-Russia airfreight market.

However, the company continues to store and maintain its fleet, which includes 14 Boeing aircraft (777, 747-400, and 747-8) in accordance with the requirements of the manufacturer, aviation authorities and its leasing agreements. It is also negotiating with lessors to settle obligations.

AirBridgeCargo will however change its business operations to reduce exposure to its previous Western markets and aircraft suppliers and is actively searching for opportunities with ‘friendly countries’. It is also changing its fleet, announcing plans to purchase Russian Ilyushin Il-96-400T aircraft to launch flights to China.