Aurora

Aurora (IATA: HZ) is a Russian regional airline headquartered in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin Oblast. Established in 2013 through the merger of SAT Airlines and Vladivostok Avia under the Aeroflot Group umbrella, it specializes in connecting remote communities across Russia's Far East. Operating from key hubs including Vladivostok (VVO), Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (UUS), and Khabarovsk (KHV), Aurora serves dozens of domestic destinations with a focus on challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions. Its fleet of approximately 19 aircraft emphasizes turboprops like the Bombardier Dash 8 series and the versatile DHC-6 Twin Otter for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations, alongside Airbus A319 jets for higher-capacity routes. The airline plays a vital role in regional accessibility, supporting economic development and tourism in isolated areas while offering reliable, no-frills service valued by passengers for punctuality and value on essential connectivity. Not a member of any global alliance, it maintains codeshare ties with Aeroflot and others. Future plans include expansion with Russian-built aircraft such as the Il-114.