Aeroexpress Sums Up 2020 Operating Results

The company has summed up its operating results for 2020. Passenger demand for Aeroexpress trains and express buses amounted to 5.4 million people.

‘Although the situation with air travel remains uncertain, we managed to restore passenger traffic to a sustainable level after a virtually total drop in April and May, when air traffic was at an almost complete standstill. We expect a full recovery in 2022. Under the current conditions, our main aim is to provide a safe, comfortable and reliable airport transfer at an affordable price. This is what all our novelties are focused on,’ said Alina Bisembaeva, CEO of Aeroexpress.

To ensure passengers’ safety starting from the pandemic outbreak, the company has enhanced the sanitary measures aboard its trains and at the terminals. They are cleaned using disinfecting solutions at least three times a day. The air aboard double-decker trains is disinfected by antibacterial cleaners embedded in the ventilation system whereas portable disinfection lamps are used aboard single-decker trains. Spacious carriages make it possible to maintain the required distance. Contactless hand sanitisers are installed in the passenger areas at the airports and rail terminals, and travellers are informed continuously of safety measures.

A medical centre has opened at the Aeroexpress terminal at Sheremetyevo Airport, where any passenger can take a PCR Covid-19 test immediately after they arrive or before they depart. The result will be ready within 12 hours after the passenger has taken the test. Aeroexpress passengers can benefit from a discount equal to their ticket price, which is 400 roubles.

To make trips to the airport more beneficial, the company has updated its fares and introduced a unified standard fare for 399 roubles. One business class ticket costs 800 roubles. Complimentary services are available to passengers travelling business class, including hot drinks, newspapers and luggage wrapping.

The company has also introduced express bus passes, which are twice as beneficial, compared to single tickets. One journey with a bus pass is 100 roubles while a single trip costs 199 roubles. Thanks to the flexible fare concept, passenger demand for express buses has increased.

In August, the company launched its new loyalty programme, Aeroexpress PRIVILEGE, which made it possible for passengers to obtain exclusive discounts and gifts from the company's partners, and to collect bonus points and use them to pay for future purchases of Aeroexpress tickets. Various cafes and restaurants, hotels, duty-free spots and useful services for air passengers are among the programme partners and many others. Thanks to Aeroexpress PRIVILEGE, passengers can save on related services and purchases and defray their Aeroexpress tickets' cost.

‘In 2021, we plan to expand the pool of our loyalty programme partners, implement several modal transportation projects, and continue improving the quality of the on-board services and developing e-sales channels. Passengers who buy tickets via the website or mobile app already receive individual travel offers. In 1H2021, we expect to put into operation our new terminal at Domodedovo Airport, which will make trips along this route as comfortable as possible,’ said Alina Bisembayeva.

It is noteworthy that service accuracy and reliability are the main advantages offered by Aeroexpress. Despite the pandemic and restrictions, the company's trains and express buses continued their daily operation throughout the year. Last year, train services accorded with the timetable by 99.7%.