Россия Аэрофлот – Page 6 – MIL Translation Engine 1

January 15, 2026

January 15, 2026: New "Lock on the Benefit" promotion! 35% prepayment, balance due 60 days before the cruise. This promotion is valid for the "Discover the World with Sozvezdie" and "Russian-Speaking Cruises" programs.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Infoflot Cruise Center – Infoflot Cruise Center –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dear friends,

From January 15 to March 1, 2026, secure a great price on your dream cruise! This promotion is valid for new bookings made through the "Infoflot Russian-Speaking Cruises" and "Discovering the World with Sozvezdie" projects.

To maintain the current seasonal discount, simply make a 35% advance payment, with the remainder due no later than 60 days before the start of the cruise.

Depending on the route, the price is fixed in dollars or euros.

The prices for cruises on our website include the current early booking offer.

Time to plan your cruise:

CLASSIC NILE CRUISES

DISCOUNT UP TO 15%

CHOOSE A CRUISE

THE GREAT JOURNEY ON THE NILE

DISCOUNT UP TO 15%

CHOOSE A CRUISE

GRAND NILE CRUISE

DISCOUNT UP TO 10%

CHOOSE A CRUISE

ALONG THE DANUBE FROM BELGRADE WITHOUT VISAS

9% OFF

CHOOSE A CRUISE

ALONG THE DANUBE FROM VIENNA

10% OFF

CHOOSE A CRUISE

ALONG THE MEKONG

9% OFF

CHOOSE A CRUISE

ACROSS INDIA AND THE GANGES

DISCOUNT UP TO 10%

CHOOSE A CRUISE

VISA-FREE TRAVEL ACROSS CHINA AND THE YANGTZE

DISCOUNT UP TO 10%

CHOOSE A CRUISE

VISA-FREE TRAVEL TO JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA FROM SHANGHAI

DISCOUNT UP TO 10%

CHOOSE A CRUISE

SOUTHEAST ASIA FROM SINGAPORE

9% OFF

CHOOSE A CRUISE

Please note; this information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate account of what the source claims, and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

January 12, 2026

Post-holiday tax

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

We remind you what will happen to your taxes now

From 2025, all simplified taxation systems will be formally recognized as VAT payers.

But for most people, it's all about revenue for 2025:

• If the income for 2025 is up to ₽20 million, there is no need to pay VAT in 2026

Release is automatic, without applications or declarations

But: VAT on imports and in the role of a tax agent remains

• If the income for 2025 is more than ₽20 million, from 2026 there will be an obligation to pay (calculate and declare) VAT

Further the thresholds will be lowered:

• for 2027 – ₽15 million

• for 2028 – ₽10 million

What is important for export and international transport

The 0% VAT rate remains in effect for:

• export of goods

• international transportation

• transport and forwarding services related to them

But the monetary result depends on which VAT regime is chosen.

If VAT is mandatory, there are two options:

• Regular rates (22%, 10%, 0%):

– it is possible to deduct “input” VAT

– with a 0% rate on exports and international transportation, VAT can be refunded

– more difficult accounting, but more profitable for logistics and foreign economic activity

• Special rates (5% or 7%):

– “input” VAT cannot be deducted

– even with a 0% rate on exports, there is no right to deduct “input” VAT, so a refund is impossible

– easier administration, but higher actual load

What special rates are available in 2026 (income adjusted for indexation):

• 5% – if income for 2025 is up to ~₽272 million

• 7% – if income is up to ~₽490 million

• above – only regular rates

The selected rate must be applied to all transactions.

And regarding the 0% rate, it is not an alternative, but an addition to the selected regime.

To use it, you need to confirm export or international transport with documents.

No documents within 180 days – VAT will be charged at the base rate

Publication date: 01/12/2026

January 12, 2026

Squeezing resources, counting rubles: 2026 will be a time for targeted solutions for aviation

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Experts predict a 10% reduction in the fleet, and consider the ruble exchange rate to be the main factor in demand.

According to RBC, Russian aviation will face a fleet reduction and demand pressure from household incomes in 2026. Route network development will directly depend on the ruble exchange rate: a strong national currency will shift the focus to international destinations, while a weak one will favor domestic routes.

Despite the persistent, challenging external environment from 2022 onward—sanctions, the closure of key markets, and the impossibility of legally adding foreign-made aircraft to the fleet—the industry is demonstrating resilience. Passenger traffic in the first three quarters of 2025 totaled 84 million, a decrease of only 2.5% compared to the same period in 2024. However, experts agree that the main challenges for carriers in the coming year are the gradual reduction in capacity and declining real incomes.

Fleet limitations remain the industry's main challenge. Aircraft delivered before 2022 are aging, complicating and prolonging their airworthiness maintenance procedures. Oleg Panteleev, Executive Director of the AviaPort agency, notes that the planned deliveries of new Russian MS-21 and SJ100 aircraft for 2026 will not be able to compensate for the fleet retirement due to the gradual ramp-up of production and lower planned flight hours during the aircraft development period. According to Alexander Lanetsky, CEO of Friendly Avia Support, the number of aircraft in operation will decrease by approximately 10% by the end of 2026. Some aircraft will be grounded due to exhausted engines, the complexity of their maintenance, and limited capacity for heavy-duty maintenance, adds Ilya Shatilin, Editor-in-Chief of the Frequentflyers.ru portal.

However, this won't have a significant impact on the industry, says Georgy Korolev, Project Director at ATK Consulting. Over the past three years, Russian companies have made significant progress in routine maintenance and repairs for major aircraft types. S7 Group confirms this trend in its commentary, noting the expansion of its engineering capabilities and the opening of the second stage of its engine repair plant at Sheremetyevo Airport in November. Since 2022, the company has repaired 401 engines, 335 of which were for other Russian carriers.

Experts believe it's unlikely that sanctions will be lifted in 2026, which precludes the legal import of new foreign aircraft. Alexander Lanetsky doesn't rule out the possibility that some carriers may attempt to import aircraft bypassing restrictions using the "Iranian method"—through a chain of shell companies in third countries, followed by the deactivation of transponders.

In the commercial sphere, the main risk for airlines will be a decline in effective demand. Oleg Panteleev explains that with inflation outpacing income growth, the share of citizens able to fly is declining. In response, carriers can either lower prices to stimulate demand or reduce supply, which seems more logical given fleet problems. The analyst believes that in 2026, airlines will try to maintain or selectively reduce prices to support revenue while maintaining a minimum profit. Georgy Korolev of ATK Consulting and Ilya Shatilin believe that prices will continue to rise, supported by overall inflation and reduced supply, but this growth may be curbed by a decline in consumer activity.

Experts note that the industry's profitability in the new year will largely depend on the strategy of Aeroflot Group, which controls more than half the market. Panteleev points out that if the national carrier, with its own repair resources, decides to maintain its supply volumes, it will be able to set a certain fare level that smaller competitors will be forced to match. Ilya Shatilin adds that the government's willingness to resume large-scale subsidy support, as it did in 2022-2023, could be a key factor in the carriers' financial performance.

No major changes to the route network are expected in 2026, but its structure will be sensitive to the ruble exchange rate. As Oleg Panteleev points out, a strong ruble stimulates demand for international travel, which both Russian and foreign airlines will respond to. A weakening ruble, on the other hand, will redirect traffic to domestic destinations, leading carriers to shift capacity there. The opening of airports in Gelendzhik and Krasnodar in 2025, as well as the hypothetical resumption of operations in Simferopol and Rostov-on-Don, could further shift the balance in favor of the domestic market. At the same time, experts note that smaller carriers will have to more actively develop regional hubs and seek niche destinations to minimize competition with Aeroflot.

Thus, by the end of 2026, the shape of the Russian aviation industry, as Oleg Panteleev summarizes, will be determined by its ability to adapt to rising costs in the face of fleet reduction and pressure on demand, while key trends toward import substitution and digitalization will remain.

As a reminder, Xeneta estimates that the global air cargo market will end 2025 with a 4% increase in traffic volume, but will also face rate cuts and a shift by participants to short-term contracts. LR

Publication date: 01/12/2026

January 9, 2026

Information on NordStar flights to the Moscow air hub

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Nordstar Airlines –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

NordStar Airlines continues to operate flights as usual, despite the adverse weather conditions observed at the Moscow airport. All flights are operating according to the current schedule.

To ensure maximum flight safety and punctuality, all airline services are working in an enhanced mode. Particular attention is being paid to mandatory regulatory procedures, including aircraft de-icing, which may result in minor delays.

NordStar Airlines recommends that passengers plan their arrival at the airport with sufficient time and monitor up-to-date flight information on the official website. nordstar.ru, mobile application or information boards in terminals.

Passenger safety and comfort remain an absolute priority for NordStar Airlines. The airline's team is doing everything possible to ensure weather conditions do not affect the stability and quality of air service.

NordStar Airlines asks for your understanding regarding the current situation due to difficult weather conditions.

January 2, 2026

January 2, 2026: 50% off for the second guest and a special price for children – from $266 on cruises in the Persian Gulf or Mediterranean on the Aroya liner.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Infoflot Cruise Center – Infoflot Cruise Center –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dear friends,

Traveling with your family or friends with AROYA Cruises is not only fun, but also affordable!

From January 2 to February 28, 2026, you can choose a cruise on the Persian Gulf or the Mediterranean Sea, where the second guest travels for half price, and there is a special price for children – from $266.

50% discount for the second guest when occupying the main berth in cabins of the "With Window," "With Balcony," and "Suite" categories. Availability is limited; from $266 – special price for children when occupying the 3rd, 4th, and 5th berths. Port and service charges are included; only for new bookings from January 2 to February 28, 2026; cannot be combined with other discounts and promotions.

AROYA Cruises reserves the right to cancel or change the terms of the offer without prior notice.

The liner's name itself, derived from the words Arabian and roya ("vision"), symbolizes a new format of sea travel, where dreams become reality:

Unique infrastructure – exciting entertainment for every taste: 20 entertainment zones, including the 1018-seat Aroya Theatre, which hosts colorful shows and various performances, a virtual reality zone, a climbing wall, an exquisite spa center with thermal zones and a beauty salon, and exclusive shopping in the largest shopping center located on a cruise ship.

Experience the culture and traditions of Saudi Arabia with special onboard activities, including calligraphy and henna painting workshops, cooking shows, pottery lessons, mosaic making, and Arabian souvenir making (available for an additional fee).

Luxury in every detail – following a major renovation in 2024, the ship's interiors boast an elegant and contemporary design. Guests are offered a variety of comfortable accommodations, ranging from 2 to 12 people.

In premium cabins (suites and villas), guests can enjoy The Khuzama Experience, a special concept designed for those who prefer personal comfort, individual service, and exclusive privileges, including butler service, premium beverage packages, priority boarding and disembarkation, and much more.

A culinary journey – a harmony of authentic Arabic flavors and exquisite international cuisine in premium restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Your cruise price includes dining at five restaurants. Additionally, 10 additional restaurants and cafes are available, where guests can enjoy dishes from a variety of international cuisines prepared by top chefs (additional charge applies).

Russian-language service onboard – menus and daily programs in Russian, Russian-speaking staff (a Guest Relations representative and a dedicated hostess), and most shore excursions with Russian-speaking guides. Family-friendly activities include quizzes, workshops, and game shows designed for both children and adults. The main restaurants always offer kid-friendly options: pasta, pizza, French fries, ice cream, and various desserts.

The children's aqua zone (1858 m²) is one of the largest children's areas in the cruise industry: 5 water slides, a children's pool and a water playground.

For young travellers – from 6 months to 17 years old – there are free children's clubs, divided by age.

Aroya Cruises is the first cruise line created with the Arab mentality and cultural traditions in mind. We'd like to highlight the ship's features:

Alcohol consumption is not permitted during the cruise; the entire menu meets halal standards; guests over 18 years of age can spend time in special bars with hookah; the outdoor pool is available to everyone, with the exception of 4 hours a day, when it is open only for women; prayer rooms are available on board. Accommodation in a cabin of the selected category; All-inclusive meals (except for alternative restaurants); Non-alcoholic drinks during meals (tea, coffee, milk, water, lemonade, juice); 24-hour room service; entertainment activities on board; access to kids' clubs; access to the ship's public areas (swimming pools, jacuzzi, water park and rope park, climbing wall, gym, mini-golf, etc.); basic Wi-Fi package; port and service charges.

December 30, 2025

Red Wings launched its "Internet for Travel" service on December 30, 2025.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Red Wings Airlines –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Red Wings Airlines, in partnership with travel telecom service UNISIM, has launched a new add-on service, "eSIM for Travel." With a single eSIM card, passengers can stay connected in over 170 countries, significantly reducing roaming costs.

You can apply for a SIM card online at flyredwings.unisim.net. You can pay with either a Russian or international bank card. To install the eSIM, simply scan the QR code; setup is automatic. The SIM card connects to the new network immediately upon landing, without any additional configuration.

Payments are debited for each kilobyte of traffic used from a single balance across all countries. For example, the cost of one gigabyte of traffic in Turkey starts at $1.09, in Israel at $1.62, in Thailand at $1.94, and in Kazakhstan at $1.40.

Red Wings' new service can be used for both leisure and work: Internet access for laptops and other devices is free.

December 30, 2025

A Nordwind passenger became the 5 millionth traveler at Khrabrovo Airport.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Nordwind Airlines –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On December 29, 2025, Khrabrovo Airport celebrated its milestone passenger journey with 11-year-old Darina Eisfeld, who was flying from Kaliningrad to St. Petersburg. On this occasion, the airline and airport staff congratulated the child and her mother with commemorative souvenirs.

"We warmly congratulate our long-standing partner, Khrabrovo International Airport, and its five millionth passenger in 2025 on this significant achievement. The steady growth in popularity of destinations to the Kaliningrad Region is particularly noteworthy: our airline regularly expands its flight network, offering direct flights from Khrabrovo to various Russian cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Ufa, Kirov, Samara, Saratov, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, and Ivanovo. We note that the number of passengers carried by Nordwind this year has increased by 42% compared to the same period last year, underscoring the importance of our partnership with Khrabrovo International Airport and demonstrating our shared success in developing air travel in the region," commented Anton Mattis, Deputy General Director of Nordwind Airlines.

It is worth noting that the airline has opened ticket sales at subsidized fares on the Kaliningrad-Moscow and Kaliningrad-St. Petersburg routes for 2026. Nordwind's subsidized flights are available to Russian citizens registered at their place of residence in the Kaliningrad region and to Russian citizens studying at a higher education institution located in the Kaliningrad region with a document confirming their full-time student status. Tickets can be purchased by sending request on the carrier's official website and at city ticket offices.

December 30, 2025

December 30, 2025. Discover Egypt with Sozvezdie. Cruise Tours 2027. The unique Grand Nile Journey between Cairo and Aswan and updated classic Nile cruises on the Jaz Al Qassida, chartered by a Russian cruise company.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Infoflot Cruise Center – Infoflot Cruise Center –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dear friends,

Ready for a journey that will rewrite your perception of Egypt? Sozvezdie Cruise Line officially opens sales for Nile cruises for the 2026-2027 season. Rare stops at necropolises, sacred temples, picturesque Nile landscapes, and the comfortable Jaz Al Qassida await you. Choose your ultimate adventure on the Great River of the Pharaohs.

Navigation routes 2026–2027:

The Grand Journey on the Nile between Cairo and Aswan

An exclusive 15-day cruise itinerary along the entire navigable section of the Nile – from Cairo to Aswan or from Aswan to Cairo. The cruise itinerary retraces Thomas Cook's legendary voyage along the Nile and tells the story of Egypt from the Delta of the "Great River of the Pharaohs" to its southern banks.

Authentic Upper and Middle Egypt with numerous rare sites of great interest to history buffs: the necropolises of Tuna el-Gabal and Beni Hasan, the temple complexes at Dendera and Abydos; Coptic monasteries and the most famous sights of Ancient Egypt – the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak Temple and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the mysterious Philae Island, and much more; the impressive Aswan Dam and the shady Botanical Garden in Aswan; a detailed acquaintance with Cairo – a tour of the treasury of the pharaohs – the Egyptian Museum, a visit to the majestic pyramids of Giza and their mystical guardian – the Sphinx, and an ascent to the observation deck of the citadel fortress.

The cruise experience will be enhanced by the lush natural beauty of the Nile Delta shores.

Cruise dates:

Classic Nile Cruises

A combination of a classic cruise between Aswan and Luxor with an excursion program in Cairo (2 days) and a beach holiday at a Hurghada hotel on an all-inclusive basis (2 days).

You can choose either an 8-day cruise tour from Cairo to Hurghada (3 nights on the Nile cruise) or a 9-day cruise from Hurghada to Cairo (4 nights on the Nile cruise):

All of Egypt's iconic landmarks—the Valley of the Kings, Tutankhamun's Tomb, the Colossi of Memnon, the temples of Isis and Horus—will be explored; the magnificent Aswan Dam will be seen; and the Crocodile Museum will be visited overlooking the Nile; a tour of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo will be held, along with a visit to Egypt's main treasure trove—the surviving pyramids of Giza and their mystical guardian, the Sphinx.

Cruise tour dates:

Egypt cruises are another interesting feature of the "Discovering the World with Sozvezdie" project:

An intimate atmosphere – the Jaz Al Qassida cruise ship will be at the complete disposal of Sozvezdie guests during the cruise; an all-inclusive package tour with a maximum of services – cruise, hotel accommodation, full excursion program, domestic flights and comfortable transfers, tips, medical insurance and visa support (if necessary); a rich pre- or post-cruise program in Cairo and Aswan, with excursions, accommodation, meals (breakfast and dinner) at a 4* hotel in Cairo and lunches at local restaurants, as well as an all-inclusive vacation at a 4* hotel in Hurghada; support, care and attention from the group leader and accompanying staff from Sozvezdie throughout the entire route, assistance with any questions on board the ship; fully Russian-language service – an information chat with pre-cruise preparation, excursions with Russian-speaking guides, an onboard newspaper and a daily program in Russian.

The "Discover Egypt with Constellation" cruise tour period is considered one of the best times to visit Egypt, as there is no extreme heat at this time, and the air and water temperatures are comfortable for relaxation and sightseeing.

Depending on the route you will visit:

Cairo is the capital of Egypt, where majestic pyramids, oriental bazaars, and the bustle of modern city life create a striking contrast. Luxor is an open-air museum housing about a third of all ancient Egyptian monuments, including legendary temples, pharaonic tombs, and colossal statues. Edfu is the best-preserved temple of ancient Egypt, dedicated to the god Horus, patron of the pharaohs' power. Kom Ombo is an architectural phenomenon: a double temple to the gods Sobek and Horus. Its terraces offer stunning views of the Nile. Hurghada is the main resort on the Red Sea, a great place for a family vacation, diving, or fun beach parties. Aswan is the perfect place to experience the rhythm of the great river. Here you'll find the majestic Aswan High Dam, the romantic Temple of Isis, and a true oasis on the Nile—a picturesque botanical garden. El Minyu is a mysterious city in Upper Egypt, where underground tombs and catacombs have been discovered. The necropolis is 2,500 years old. Tell el-Amarna is the lost city of the heretic pharaoh Akhenaten, who renounced the old gods. Excavations continue there today. El Balyanu is a small town on the banks of the Nile, the starting point for a tour of the temple complexes of Dendera and Abydos—the sacred jewels of Ancient Egypt.

Cruise tour programs:

Day 1

Cairo

Meeting at the airport of guests arriving on the recommended flight.

Transfer and check-in at the Flamenco Cairo 4* hotel or a hotel of similar level.

Day 2

Cairo

Breakfast at the hotel. Excursion to the Giza pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx.

Lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional dishes: koshary, kebab, or molokhya – flavors familiar to Egyptians since the time of the pharaohs.

A tour with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to ancient treasures: Tutankhamun's gold, statues of gods, and unique artifacts.

Day 3

Cairo – Aswan

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.

Transfer to Cairo airport for flight to Aswan.

Domestic flight Cairo – Aswan (travel time – 1 hour 30 minutes).

Arrival in Aswan. Transfer to the Jaz Al Qassida cruise ship, check-in.

Lunch and dinner on board.

Day 4

Aswan – Kom Ombo

Breakfast on board. A tour of Aswan, including a visit to the Aswan High Dam and the temple complex on Philae Island. The Aswan High Dam observation deck offers a spectacular view of the vast reservoir, Lake Nasser.

Lunch on board. The ship departs for Kom Ombo.

Arrival in Kom Ombo. Excursion to the Temple of Sobek and Horus, formed from two adjacent temples. The eastern temple is dedicated to Sobek, the god of fertility, and the western temple to "Great Horus," the solar god of war.

Departure of the ship to Edfu. Dinner on board.

Day 5

Edfu

Breakfast on board. Excursion to the Temple of Horus, considered one of the best-preserved in Egypt.

Departure to Luxor via Esna. Lunch on board.

Passing the shipping lock at Esna.

Dinner on board.

Day 6

Luxor – Hurghada

Breakfast on board. End of the cruise on the Jaz Al Qassida.

A tour of the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor: a visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon and the Ihram of Queen Hatshepsut.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Excursion along the east bank of the Nile in Luxor: visit to the Karnak Temple.

Transfer to Hurghada (travel time – 3 hours 30 minutes).

Check-in at the Jaz Soma Beach 4* hotel or a similar hotel. All-inclusive accommodations.

Day 7

Hurghada

All-inclusive hotel accommodations include swimming in the warm sea, relaxing by the pool with refreshing cocktails, dining in a variety of restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and enjoying spa treatments.

Day 8

Hurghada

Breakfast and check-out from the hotel.

Transfer to Hurghada airport in time for your recommended flight departure.

About the ship Jaz Al Qassida:

During the cruises, the Jaz Al Qassida will be exclusively at the disposal of Sozvezdie Cruise Line guests. The ship accommodates only 56 guests, and you'll be treated with the care and attention of our experienced cruise management throughout your journey.

By December 2025, the Jaz Al Qassida cruise ship had undergone renovation and modernization, and our general partner also added the features that Sozvezdie guests valued so much to the cruise product.

Full board accommodation, Russian-language service, and an evening program with a national twist will allow you to relax and enjoy the majestic Nile in the most comfortable conditions.

The onboard restaurant offers international, Egyptian, and Eastern cuisine. The menu is available in Russian.

You can also enjoy the open sun deck with a swimming pool and bar. For an additional fee, you can relax in the massage parlor—your own oasis of tranquility on board. The music and aromas of the East will help you forget your everyday worries.

Accommodation: in a cabin of the selected category on the motor ship Jaz Al Qassida;

in a Standard room at the Flamenco Cairo Hotel 4* in Cairo;

in a Standard room at the Jaz Soma Beach 4* hotel in Hurghada;

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner, including soft drinks during meals, on the Al Qassida motor ship;

breakfast and dinner at the Flamenco Cairo Hotel 4* in Cairo;

lunch (excluding drinks) during the excursion program in Cairo;

All-inclusive system at the Jaz Soma Beach 4* hotel in Hurghada;

Excursions as per the tour program, accompanied by Russian-speaking guides; support from the directorate at all stages of the trip: meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure as per the program; domestic charter flights Cairo – Aswan / Aswan – Cairo; domestic transfers on comfortable buses; medical insurance (for Russian citizens up to and including 64 years of age); an entertainment program on board the ship and an on-board newspaper in Russian; tips for the staff.

Special conditions:

The maximum early booking benefit of 15% applies when paying in full for 2026-2027 cruises by February 1, 2026. Cruise prices on our website include the current early booking offer. "Kids Free" promotion: children 15 years and under (inclusive) travel free when sharing standard berths with an adult. This offer applies to Suite cabins. A 10% discount applies to children 15 years and under (inclusive) sharing standard berths. Installment cruises: 30% advance payment, the remaining balance no later than 60 days before the cruise or according to the seasonal discount period.

Nile Cruises 2027:

December 30, 2025

Paper parachute: The Ministry of Transport has specified when railways can release electronic consignment notes.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Ministry of Transport's order legalizes paper document flow in four critical scenarios.

The Ministry has approved a list of situations in which the mandatory electronic railway consignment note (ETRN) may be replaced with a paper document. The corresponding order defines four such cases. The document will be in effect until September 1, 2032.

According to the new regulations, a paper consignment note is required for transportation in areas where special legal regimes apply. These include areas where a state of high alert, a state of emergency, martial law, or a counter-terrorism operation has been declared. A paper document is also mandatory for military rail transportation.

Furthermore, the order provides for a derogation from the electronic format in the event of force majeure. If the shipper or carrier lacks the technical capability to generate or receive the electronic form of transport via the internet for this reason, a paper copy is used. This applies to situations where the failure is not the fault of the party involved in the transportation process, but rather due to external force majeure.

As a reminder, according to SberKorus, the number of electronic transport documents (ETD) in Russia has almost doubled by 2025. LR

Publication date: 12/30/2025

December 29, 2025

Not a takeoff, but a deal. Volga-Dnepr finally found a buyer.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The transaction is scheduled to be completed in early 2026.

The Volga-Dnepr cargo airline group is being acquired by a new private owner after the state abandoned its plan to buy out its assets, Kommersant reports. EAS Group, founded in February 2025 by Evgeny Solodilin, the former head of Zhukovsky Airport and former CEO of Red Wings, has entered into an agreement to purchase the group. The parties expect to complete the transaction in early 2026. The new owner will have to rebuild the business in an environment dominated by Chinese carriers in the Russian market and under external sanctions.

The buyer is expected to acquire all key assets: three airlines (Volga-Dnepr, Atran, and AirBridgeCargo), as well as the service companies Volga-Dnepr Technics and Volga-Dnepr Engineering. The transaction amount is not disclosed. The group, once a global leader in super-heavy cargo transportation, has been under sanctions from Canada, the EU, the UK, and the US since 2022, paralyzing its international operations. Of its previous fleet, the group currently operates only three An-124 aircraft out of eleven and five Il-76s. Four An-124s have been impounded abroad. Atran's fleet has been reduced from nine Boeing aircraft to two operational An-12s, while AirBridgeCargo has 14 Boeing aircraft in storage, including nine Boeing 747-8s.

Market sources attribute the buyer's choice to its experience in international partnerships, gained during the development of Zhukovsky Airport jointly with Lithuania's ASG and the creation of the cargo carrier Sky Gates with the participation of Azerbaijan's SilkWay. This experience could help resolve one of the primary issues: resolving the status of aircraft stranded abroad. The buyer plans to secure government permission to export nine Boeing 747-8s for return to lessors, as well as regain access to a Boeing 737-800 seized in Cologne and three An-124s, along with a spare parts warehouse in Leipzig. Experts believe the chances of exporting Boeing cargo aircraft are higher than for similar passenger aircraft due to high global demand for these models and the lack of a market for them in Russia, as well as the lack of service conditions and spare parts requirements. The group plans to purchase the remaining Boeing aircraft from their foreign owners for return to service. The company is also considering the possibility of integrating the Il-96-400, Tu-204, and Tu-214 aircraft into its fleet.

Experts directly attribute the group's financial recovery to the successful resolution of the foreign fleet issue. The group's total debt to lessors is estimated at $500 million. Meanwhile, the assets of Volga-Dnepr Airlines are valued at approximately 25 billion rubles, while AirBridgeCargo's grounded fleet is valued at $400-500 million. The total market value of all the group's idle aircraft could reach $1 billion. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the buyer already has a debt restructuring plan based on the audit results, and there are no current plans to raise budget funds for the settlement. EAS Group expects its international management experience, building on the foundation laid by the group's founder, Alexey Isaykin, to take the group to the next level. A key condition of the deal is the preservation of approximately 1,500 jobs without planned layoffs.

The key challenge for the new owner will be developing a viable business model in the changed market conditions. As Andrey Kramarenko, a senior research fellow at the HSE Institute of Transport Economics, notes, there is currently no market for Boeing 747 freighters in Russia, and none is expected in the foreseeable future. He sees some potential for the Boeing 737-800 in shipments from China, but emphasizes that significant industry experience is required to profit from this market. He also points out the difficulty of returning foreign aircraft to service after they have been idle for a long time without proper maintenance, which is currently impossible to provide in Russia.

Aviaport CEO Oleg Panteleev agrees that returning some of the fleet to service or to its owners is a critical step, as prolonged downtime is financially devastating. However, he believes the group will need to fundamentally revise AirBridgeCargo's previous global logistics model, which was built on round-the-world routes and international sales. Currently, the primary flow is consumer goods imports from China, raising questions about the efficiency of aircraft utilization under one-way loading conditions. Competing with Chinese carriers, which have captured 93% of the market, up from 40% until 2022, will be extremely difficult, especially given the potential increase in passenger flights, which also carry commercial cargo, after the introduction of the visa-free regime. Panteleev also notes that AirBridgeCargo has a valuable set of commercial permits, and efficient aircraft loading at all stages of the flight can improve the project's economics. He believes there should be no problems loading the Boeing 737-800 on domestic routes. The buyer is considering cargo transportation from China as one of the sources of income, hoping to regain the flight rights previously transferred on a temporary basis.

As a reminder, Volga-Dnepr Airlines founder Alexey Isaikin previously announced the possible imminent transfer of the cargo carrier to the state. LR

Publication date: 12/29/2025