Saratov Aviation Division

Saratov Aviation Division (also known as Saratov Airlines) was a Russian regional airline based in Saratov, Russia. The carrier operated scheduled and charter passenger services primarily on domestic Russian routes, as well as select international routes to CIS countries. The airline gained significant negative attention in February 2018 when one of its Antonov An-148 regional jets crashed shortly after takeoff from Domodedovo Airport in Moscow, killing all 71 people on board. The crash was attributed to iced-over pitot tubes and crew error, as the de-icing systems had not been activated. Following the crash and subsequent safety inspections, Russian aviation authorities suspended and ultimately revoked Saratov Airlines' operating certificate in 2018, effectively ending the airline's operations. The disaster highlighted serious concerns about safety culture and maintenance standards at smaller Russian regional carriers.