About Smartavia
Smartavia is a Russian low-cost airline operating under IATA code 5N and ICAO code AUL, headquartered in Arkhangelsk, Russia. Originally formed in 1963 as the Arkhangelsk United Aviation Squadron, the airline has undergone several transformations over the decades — becoming AVL Arkhangelsk Airlines in 1991, Aeroflot-Nord in 2004, Nordavia in 2009, and finally rebranding to Smartavia in 2019. Today, Smartavia operates scheduled domestic and regional passenger flights across Russia, with primary hubs at Arkhangelsk Talagi Airport (ARH), Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg (LED), and Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow (SVO).
The airline focuses on providing affordable, reliable air travel to destinations throughout the Russian Federation. Smartavia carries over 3.6 million passengers annually and serves more than 65 airports, making it a significant player in Russia's competitive domestic aviation market. The carrier is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is committed to high safety standards and operational efficiency.
Airline Overview and History
Smartavia has a rich history spanning over six decades of aviation service in northern Russia and beyond. Key milestones include:
- 1963 — Founded as the Arkhangelsk United Aviation Squadron, providing air services to remote northern communities
- 1991 — Restructured as AVL Arkhangelsk Airlines following the dissolution of the Soviet Union
- 2004 — Aeroflot acquired 51% of the airline and renamed it Aeroflot-Nord, making it Aeroflot's second regional subsidiary
- 2009 — Rebranded to Nordavia following Aeroflot's divestment
- 2011 — Sold to Norilsk Nickel, marking a change in ownership
- 2016 — Acquired by Sergey Kuznetsov, owner of Red Wings Airlines
- 2019 — Officially rebranded to Smartavia with a new livery and modernised fleet strategy
- 2021 — Received first Airbus A320neo aircraft, beginning fleet modernisation
- 2021 — Carried 3,625,000 passengers and over 3,000 tonnes of cargo and mail
The airline's primary hub at Arkhangelsk Talagi Airport has been its home base since its founding, while its operations at Pulkovo Airport (Saint Petersburg) and Sheremetyevo Airport (Moscow) provide connectivity to Russia's largest metropolitan areas. Smartavia's mission is to offer modern, affordable air travel with a focus on customer convenience, punctuality, and safety.
Fleet and Aircraft
Smartavia operates a mixed fleet of narrow-body aircraft suited to domestic and regional routes across Russia. The fleet includes the following types:
- Boeing 737-800 — The backbone of the fleet, configured for medium-haul domestic routes with a capacity of approximately 189 passengers in an all-economy layout
- Boeing 737-700 — Deployed on shorter routes and lower-demand sectors, seating around 148 passengers
- Airbus A320neo — The newest addition to the fleet, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort with modern cabin interiors
As of the latest available data, Smartavia operates approximately 15 aircraft. The airline initiated a fleet modernisation programme in 2021 with the introduction of Airbus A320neo jets, aiming to improve operational efficiency and passenger experience. All aircraft in the Smartavia fleet undergo regular maintenance inspections in compliance with Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) regulations and international aviation safety standards.
Top Flight Routes
Smartavia primarily serves domestic routes within the Russian Federation, connecting major cities with regional destinations across the country. Popular routes include:
- Moscow (SVO) to Saint Petersburg (LED) — One of Russia's busiest air corridors, connecting the country's two largest cities
- Moscow (SVO) to Arkhangelsk (ARH) — A key route linking the capital with Smartavia's home base in northern Russia
- Saint Petersburg (LED) to Kazan (KZN) — Connecting the cultural capitals of northwest and central Russia
- Moscow (SVO) to Sochi (AER) — A popular leisure route to Russia's premier Black Sea resort city
- Moscow (SVO) to Murmansk (MMK) — Serving travellers heading to the Arctic region and the Kola Peninsula
- Saint Petersburg (LED) to Mineralnye Vody (MRV) — Gateway to the popular Caucasus Mineralnye Vody spa region
- Moscow (SVO) to Syktyvkar (SCW) — Connecting the capital with the Komi Republic
- Moscow (SVO) to Kaliningrad (KGD) — Linking mainland Russia with its westernmost exclave on the Baltic Sea
For Malaysian travellers interested in exploring Russia, convenient connections are available through major international hubs. You can search for connecting flights on Traveloka to plan your journey to Russian cities served by Smartavia. Check the latest available routes and fares directly on Traveloka to find the most convenient itinerary for your trip.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Understanding Smartavia's baggage rules before you fly helps you pack efficiently and avoid additional charges at the airport. Smartavia offers three fare types — Smart Lite, Smart, and Smart Pro — each with different baggage inclusions.
Cabin Baggage (Hand Luggage)
- All fares: 1 piece of hand luggage weighing up to 10 kg
- Smart Lite and Smart fares: Maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- Smart Pro fare: Maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Calibrators are installed at airport check-in counters and boarding gates to verify the dimensions and weight of carry-on items. Items exceeding the permitted limits may need to be checked in.
Checked Baggage
- Smart Lite fare: No free checked baggage allowance included — additional baggage can be purchased separately
- Smart fare: 1 piece up to 23 kg with total dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 203 cm
- Smart Pro fare: 1 piece up to 23 kg with total dimensions not exceeding 203 cm
Passengers travelling on the Smart Lite fare can purchase checked baggage online through the Smartavia website or call centre, which is typically more cost-effective than purchasing at the airport counter. Baggage exceeding the free allowance at the boarding gate may incur a fee of approximately RUB 3,500.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Smartavia follows international aviation security regulations. Prohibited items include:
- Flammable liquids, explosives, and compressed gases
- Sharp objects and bladed weapons in cabin baggage
- Lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml are not permitted in cabin baggage
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Airport counter check-in is available at all Smartavia departure airports. Recommended arrival times are:
- Domestic flights: At least 2 hours before departure
- International flights: At least 3 hours before departure
Airport staff will verify your identity, issue your boarding pass, and accept checked baggage. Passengers travelling without checked baggage who have already completed online check-in can proceed directly to the security screening area.
Online Check-in
Online check-in for Smartavia flights is available from 24 hours before departure up until 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. To check in online:
- Visit flysmartavia.com and navigate to the check-in page
- Enter your booking reference and passenger details
- Select your preferred seat (subject to availability)
- Download or print your boarding pass
Passengers who complete online check-in and travel with cabin baggage only can skip the check-in counter and proceed directly to security and the boarding gate.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Economy Class
Smartavia operates an all-economy cabin configuration across its entire fleet. The standard Economy Class offers:
- Seat pitch: Approximately 31 inches (79 cm)
- Seat width: Approximately 17 inches (43 cm)
- Window, middle, and aisle seat options
- Seat selection available during booking or at online check-in
The airline also offers enhanced seating options including extra-legroom seats in the first row and seats by the emergency exit, as well as the option to block the adjacent seat for added personal space.
In-Flight Meals and Beverages
Smartavia operates a buy-on-board dining concept called Smart Kitchen. Complimentary meals are not included in any fare type. Instead, passengers can purchase from a paid menu offering:
- Fresh sandwiches and snacks
- Confectionery and light bites
- Hot tea and freshly brewed coffee
- Cold beverages
All food items are prepared to meet hygiene standards and are served by cabin crew during the flight. Passengers with specific dietary requirements are advised to bring their own food on board.
In-Flight Entertainment
Smartavia does not offer a built-in in-flight entertainment system. Passengers are encouraged to download movies, music, podcasts, or reading material to their personal devices before departure.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–12 years): Must be accompanied by at least one adult and require their own seat and ticket
- Infants (under 2 years): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap. If a separate seat is required for an infant, it must be booked through the Smartavia call centre or sales office
- Required documents: Valid birth certificate or passport for all child passengers
- Strollers and baby car seats can generally be checked at the boarding gate free of charge
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children aged 2–12 years: Can travel unaccompanied on Smartavia's direct domestic flights with the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service
- Children over 12 years: The UM service can be requested at the parents' discretion
- The service must be arranged through Smartavia's sales offices or call centre when purchasing the ticket, no later than 3 hours before check-in opens
- Only legal representatives — parents, adoptive parents, or legal guardians — may apply for the UM service
Pregnant Passengers
- Passengers in early to mid stages of pregnancy may fly without restriction
- Passengers in advanced stages of pregnancy should carry a medical certificate confirming fitness to fly
- It is recommended to consult your healthcare provider before booking air travel during pregnancy
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
Smartavia provides dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, and other special needs. Available services include:
- Wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding and disembarkation
- Priority boarding and seating arrangements
- Assistance from trained cabin crew during the flight
Passengers requiring medical equipment on board or special assistance should notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling Flights
To reschedule a Smartavia flight booked through Traveloka:
- Open the Traveloka app or website and navigate to My Booking
- Select the booking you wish to modify
- Choose the reschedule option and select a new flight
- Pay any applicable rescheduling fees or fare differences
Rescheduling conditions vary by fare type. Smart Pro fares generally offer the most flexibility, while Smart Lite fares may have stricter change conditions.
Cancellations and Refunds
Refund eligibility depends on your fare type:
- Smart Lite and Smart fares: Non-refundable — tickets may be exchanged through the Smartavia call centre for an additional fee
- Smart Pro fare: Eligible for voluntary cancellation with potential refund or travel credit, subject to conditions
- Involuntary cancellations: If Smartavia cancels the flight, passengers are entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight
Refunds for medical reasons may be considered if the airline is notified before check-in and a supporting medical document is provided. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method.
Why Book Smartavia Flights on Traveloka
Booking Smartavia flights through Traveloka offers several advantages for Malaysian travellers:
- Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals and promotional fares on Smartavia flights
- Easy comparison — Sort and filter flights by price, departure time, duration, and number of stops
- Flexible payment — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plans
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app
- 24/7 customer support — Multilingual support team available around the clock for booking issues or travel queries
- Loyalty rewards — Earn Traveloka points, enjoy cashback, and access member-exclusive deals
- One-stop travel platform — Book flights, hotels, and activities in one place for a seamless trip-planning experience
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Use these strategies to secure the best fares when booking Smartavia flights:
- Book early — Flight prices generally increase closer to the departure date, so book as far in advance as possible
- Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different travel dates
- Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer lower fares than weekends and public holidays
- Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka's Price Alert feature to receive instant notifications when fares drop on your preferred route
- Check promotions regularly — Visit Traveloka's promotions page for flash sales, exclusive promo codes, and seasonal deals
- Travel during off-peak seasons — Avoid major Russian holidays and school holiday periods for lower fares
- Bundle your trip — Book flights and hotels together on Traveloka for additional bundle savings
- Choose a lighter fare — Select the Smart Lite fare if you are travelling with minimal baggage to save on the base ticket price
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these simple steps to book your Smartavia flight on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city and destination, select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers
- Tap the search button to view all available flights for your chosen route
- Sort results by price, departure time, or duration and select your preferred Smartavia flight
- Enter passenger details — full name as shown on your passport, date of birth, nationality, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as additional baggage, seat selection, or travel insurance
- Review your booking summary including the total fare, taxes, and any add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay — and complete the transaction
- Receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app — save or print it for reference at the airport
With Traveloka, booking affordable Smartavia flights to explore Russia's vast and diverse destinations has never been easier. Start searching today to find the best fares for your next journey.