One of the leading Russian carriers in the regional air transportation market is Nordavia. Arkhangelsk is the city where the management of the enterprise is based. In addition to domestic flights, the airline also operates international flights. What do passengers think of the airline?
General information
Nordavia Airlines was founded in 2004. The main air transport hub of its base is the Arkhangelsk Talagi airport. In addition, the company is based in Moscow (in Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo), as well as in Syktyvkar and Murmansk airports. The headquarters is located in the European north of Russia - in Arkhangelsk. Today, A. Semenyuk is the General Director of the company.
History
Nordavia Airlines was founded on the basis of the Aeroflot aviation detachment in Arkhangelsk. The squadron was created in 1929 in connection with the opening of air communication between Arkhangelsk and Syktyvkar. And in 1991 it was transformed into the state enterprise Arkhangelsk Air Lines. However, the new companydidn't last that long. Aeroflot bought it in 2004. Later the name was changed to Aeroflot-Nord.
Until 2008, flights were operated using the Aeroflot flag and code. After the plane crash in Perm, it was decided to use its own code and flag. In 2009, the company became known as Nordavia. In 2011, Aeroflot sold the company to Norilsk Nickel. The cost of the airline was $207 million.
In 2016, the Federal Antimonopoly Service gave official consent to the purchase of the entire block of Nordavia shares by the co-owner of the Red Wings airline. Thus, Norilsk Nickel ceased to own the company. In 2016, the company was headed by a new CEO - A. Semenyuk.
Air accidents
There have been 3 accidents in the history of the enterprise.
The first happened back in 1994, when a Tu-134 crash landed without one of its landing gear in Arkhangelsk. The destruction of the rack began while taxiing at Moscow Sheremetyevo. The cork that closed the cavity of the rack flew out and pierced the pipelines intended for the release of the chassis. However, the pipeline supplying the hydraulic fluid for retracting the landing gear remained unscathed. A leak formed in the main and emergency pipelines, so the hydraulic fluid leaked into the atmosphere during the flight. Thanks to the crew, the crash was averted.
The second serious accident occurred in 2008, when, during a landing in PermBoeing 737-500 crashed at the airport. All passengers on Flight 821 died.
The third incident occurred in 2009. Boeing 737-500, which was landing at the Simferopol airport, was seriously damaged by hail. During the landing, the headlights broke, the nose fairing broke through, the fuselage and mechanization parts were deformed.
Nordavia aircraft
In 2016, the company's fleet includes 9 aircraft of the same type - Boeing 737-500. The average period of their operation is a little over 24 years. The oldest (26.3 years) has a VPBRP tail number, and the newest (23.4 years) has a VPBKV. Aircraft are capable of accommodating from 108 to 133 passengers. In addition, An-24 aircraft are operated on short-haul flights as part of a partnership program with Pskovavia.
Despite the fact that the fleet is relatively old, the planes are well maintained. This is also noted by passengers in their reviews. But recently there have been more and more complaints about unforeseen delays, the reasons for which are not reported. At the same time, this trend has been observed for several years in a row, although earlier Nordavia was one of the most punctual companies.
Directions, flights
Nordavia flights are made regularly to the following settlements:
- from Arkhangelsk - Anapa, Arkhangelsk, Moscow, Naryan-Mar, St. Petersburg, Sochi
- from Moscow - Anapa, Apatity, Arkhangelsk, Krasnodar, Orenburg, Usinsk,
- from Murmansk - Anapa, Amderma, Arkhangelsk, Belgorod, Kaliningrad, Krasnodar, Moscow, Naryan-Mar, Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg, Solovki, Sochi,
- from Nizhny Novgorod - Krasnodar, Minvody, Rostov-on-Don, St. Petersburg,
- from St. Petersburg - Anapa, Arkhangelsk, Volgograd, Naryan-Mar,
- from Syktyvkar - Anapa, Arkhangelsk, Krasnodar, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sochi.
Seasonal transportation is also carried out to popular tourist destinations in partnership with leading Russian tour operators.
Nordavia air tickets can be purchased both in specialized agencies and via the Internet on the company's website. Passengers note that when buying tickets online, problems periodically arise, in particular, with payment and choosing the right destinations. At the same time, some tickets are non-refundable, which creates inconvenience for passengers. There are also problems with the return of funds: the money is transferred to the passenger's account for a rather long time - within several weeks.
Classes of Service
The leading Russian regional airline has 3 classes of service on its flights.
Business class has the following main benefits for passengers:
- providing a separate comfortable cabin on the plane;
- check-in out of line at business class counters at airports;
- providing separate transport when going on board the aircraft;
- increased allowances;
- waiting for a flight in the elevated loungecomfort.
The class called "economy plus" involves flying in a business lounge and related services. However, the pre-flight formalities are fully consistent with those for economy class passengers. There is also no increased baggage allowance.
Economy class provides a separate passenger compartment, located immediately after the "business".
In addition, every passenger, regardless of the class of service, has the right to order special meals when purchasing a ticket.
Passengers speak highly of the quality of service on board. In particular, they highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, the acceptability of in-flight meals.
Luggage
Carriage rates are shown in the table below.
Class of Service |
Maximum hand luggage allowance |
Max Baggage Allowance |
| Business | 5kg (2 pieces) | 20 kg |
| Economy plus | 5 kg (1 piece) | 15kg |
| Economy | 5 kg (1 piece) | 15kg |
If passengers are traveling with a child, strollers and car seats are allowed at no extra charge. Transportation of animals is possible only upon prior agreement with the airline. The amount of the fee for carrying baggage in excess of the established norms depends on the direction and amounts to 90-200 rubles per 1 kg.
Register
Nordavia Airlines allows passengers to check in for flights both at departure airports and through its website. The start and end time of check-in at the airport is 2 hours and 40 minutes before the departure of the aircraft, respectively. Check-in on the official website of the carrier is available one day before departure, but ends 3 hours before the departure of the aircraft. Online check-in is not possible for passengers departing from the following cities:
- Amderma.
- Anapa.
- Kaliningrad.
- Mineral waters.
- Moscow.
- St. Petersburg.
- Solovki.
In general, passengers respond well to the check-in process. However, the system does not always work smoothly.
Prospects for the airline
Nordavia Airlines, being the main carrier in the northwestern region of Russia, plans to actively introduce information technologies into all areas of its production activities in the near future. It is also planned to open specialized low-cost flights. The air fleet will soon be completely renovated. The old Boeings will be replaced by new Airbuses, followed by domestic MS-21 aircraft.
One of the largest Russian companies specializing in domestic transportation is Nordavia. Arkhangelsk is the city where the headquartersairline apartment. The main base airport is Talagi in Arkhangelsk. This airline is one of the oldest in Russia, the year of its foundation is 1929. The fleet includes Boeing 737-500 aircraft. In addition to regular domestic flights, seasonal flights are also carried out. In the future, it is planned to replenish the fleet with new aircraft and open low-cost flights. In general, passengers respond well to the work of the company. But lately, there have been more and more delays, which is causing dissatisfaction among passengers.
