Planespotting at Domodedovo (yes, again!)

Domodedovo airport is no stranger to this blog, in fact inspired its very first post a few years ago, and, in fact, every new visit brings about some new interesting sights.

The airport traffic has reflected, of course, the ups and downs of the Russian aviation industry. Transaero is gone, although some of its wide-body airliners are still visible on the tarmac, and the old aircraft junkyard, clearly visible from the terminal, is getting smaller progressively. 

On the plus side, it is possible to see how Russian airlines are updating their fleets and rebranding, one step at a time...

Kazakh airline SCAT

An example of fleet modernization and rebranding (compare with the Il-76 and Tu-154 with Alrosa's old livery), but the diamond could not be missing! (Alrosa is Russia's main diamond miner in addition to running its own airline)

Nordstar, based in the mining town of Norilsk

Some images of the aircraft junkyard on the far side of the airport. I remember there were many more aircraft a few years ago.

Air Union operated as an alliance of several Russian airlines, with Krasair as the main partner. It went bust in 2008.

Another ghost of the (recent) past: will Transaero aircraft end up in the junkyard if no new operators can be found for them?

A mothballed Boeing 777

A visitor from sunny climates!

Azur Air, formerly known as Katekavia, a charter operator

An interesting catch! Montenegro Airlines Embraer