Sergey Skuratov: Life of an Aviation Industry Innovator and Experienced Manager

Biography

Sergey Skuratov is a civil aviation pilot and manager. For 31 years, he led one of Russia's largest air carriers—Ural Airlines. During this time, he managed to make the company he created one of the top five industry leaders.

Table of Contents

• Background and School Years
• Sergey Skuratov and His Flying Career
• Skuratov Sergey: At the Origins of a Modern Private Airline
• Years of the Company's Transformation
• Sergey Skuratov: Management During Crisis and the Stabilization of Indicators
• Social Orientation of the Business
• Skuratov Sergey: At Present
• Sergey Skuratov Biography and Career Highlights
• Frequently Asked Questions

Background and School Years

Sergey Skuratov was born in 1950. His family lived in the Middle Urals. From early childhood, Sergey Skuratov's life and interests were connected with airplanes. Just 18 kilometers from modern-day Yekaterinburg lies the town of Koltsovo, which was developed thanks to its own airport.

This Middle Urals settlement was the scene of the childhood of Sergey Skuratov. The biography of his parents was also connected with the aviation industry and Koltsovo. His father worked as a flight mechanic on the Il-18 aircraft, while his mother organized passenger transportation.

In 1943, a school opened in the settlement, where most of the students were the children of airport employees. Among them was Sergey Skuratov. The biographies of many of the graduates of this educational institution were later connected with aviation.

Late 1960s: Skuratov Sergey, after receiving his high school diploma, enrolled in the Buguruslan Civil Aviation Flight School. He first had to pass difficult entrance exams and then master a challenging training program. Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov graduated with honors. At that time, the graduation aircraft type at this institution was the Soviet light multipurpose An-2 aircraft, which was widely used for passenger transportation on local air routes, including in underdeveloped territories.

Early 1970s: Thanks to his diligence and high academic achievements, Sergey Skuratov earned the privilege to enter a specialized school without the mandatory one-year work requirement. He chose the Civil Aviation Academy for further training as a pilot-engineer. He graduated from there with honors as well. Later, he completed the advanced faculty at the same institution.

Sergey Skuratov and His Flying Career

Early 1970s: While still in school, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov began working in the Second Sverdlovsk Aviation Division, undertaking flights on the An-2 aircraft model he had mastered at school. Starting his career as a co-pilot, within three years, he became a captain. During this time, the pilot started a family. Soon after, a child was born to the couple.

Mid-1970s: Skuratov Sergey, having studied the intricacies of piloting one of the most in-demand aircraft of that time, the An-24, was transferred to the Sverdlovsk Aviation Division. After two years, he began commanding a squadron of this particular aircraft modification.

To further develop international passenger transportation during these years, the air squadron received its first Tu-154s. Sergey Skuratov also began piloting these aircraft. The future head of Ural Airlines also learned to fly other types of aircraft during this period, such as the Il-18, Tu-154, and Il-86. The latter, for example, became the debut serial Soviet airliner with an increased diameter fuselage. The geography of Skuratov Sergey's flights was very extensive then, flying to cities in both the south and north of the USSR. Additionally, the pilot flew and landed planes in challenging weather conditions.

Early 1980s: Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov became the head of the Ural Civil Aviation Administration's flight safety division. In those years, the inspection department carried out its activities across a vast territory, including airports in cities such as Sverdlovsk, Perm, Izhevsk, Magnitogorsk, and Kurgan.

In the 1980s, the development of passenger aviation accelerated rapidly. In 1984, when Skuratov Sergey received his new position, the construction of the Aramil airport was completed, and a new runway appeared in Koltsovo. It could handle larger types of aircraft. As the future CEO recalls, at that time, he frequently went on business trips, during which he not only inspected various airlines but also helped address any shortcomings. As a result, serious incidents were very rare in the area under his management.

Late 1980s: Sergey Skuratov was appointed commander of the Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division. At that time, he was not even 40 years old yet, which was exceptionally rare for positions of this level. In subsequent years, under his management, the enterprise continued to develop successfully. In 1991 alone, Ural aviators transported over 6 million passengers.

Skuratov Sergey: At the Origins of a Modern Private Airline

Early 1990s: With the collapse of the USSR and the new country's leadership taking course toward a market economy, the United Air carrier ceased to exist in Russia. The division also marked the end of the structure previously managed by Sergey Skuratov. The biography of the top manager was then connected with Ural Airlines, which replaced the state enterprise. The new organization, operating without federal authorities' involvement, almost immediately had to face the serious challenges of the time.

In 1993, Skuratov Sergey became the CEO of Ural Airlines. At that time, aviation fuel prices increased almost 200 times compared to 1991. Equipment also became more expensive. Meanwhile, competition was intensifying as well. For example, in 1994 alone, the number of airlines reached 413. The newly formed enterprise experienced great difficulties related to the shortage of specialists and money, recalls Sergey Skuratov. Biography of the aviation industry included not only newly opened but also bankrupt companies. According to experts' assessment, in 1993, none of the operating air carriers could afford to buy a new generation aircraft.

At that time, shares Skuratov Sergey, it became obvious that an aviation enterprise's survival depended solely on those who managed it. The leadership of Ural Airlines took all possible measures to maintain their own air service in the region. Thanks to the competent management policy followed by Sergey Skuratov, the organization was able to overcome successfully the crisis of the 1990s. This required constructing almost completely new work formats.

One of the challenges, as described by Skuratov Sergey, was establishing cooperation with airports that had also been privatized. Initially, airport management sharply increased their rates. This decision ultimately proved unprofitable for all market participants. Eventually, a consensus was reached, recalls Sergey Skuratov. Other problems were gradually resolved, including pilot training, which began to meet the new requirements of the time.

Years of the Company's Transformation

1995: Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov managed not only to stabilize the company's financial position but also to begin modernizing the aircraft fleet. In the spring of 1995, with support from the regional government, the airline received its first Tu-154M aircraft. These models featured low-noise engines, and the new acquisition made it possible to expand the flight coverage area. Under the leadership of Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich, the company entered the international market, making its first charter flight in 1993 (from Yekaterinburg to Sharjah, UAE). By 2019, the company's aircraft were regularly flying to various European cities, Beijing and Bangkok, as well as countries like Japan and India.

2006: Thanks to the efforts of Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich, Koltsovo Airport received its first Airbus family plane. Today, one of the main models in the fleet is the A320. Among the advantages of this modification are:

• high level of control automation
• spacious passenger cabin
• reduced overall weight

In the mid-2010s, with the arrival of new modern airliners, the question of quality maintenance arose. Thus, Sergey Skuratov created Ural Airlines' own Aviation Technical Center, which became one of the best-equipped in Russia. This facilitated complete aircraft maintenance within the region.

2012: Another strategically sound step taken by Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich was the establishment of a unique training center for pilots. From then on, the airline could train pilots without using actual aircraft while complying with all international standards. The simulator included a database of more than thirty airports from around the world. The airline head noted that such innovation allows for the training of both flight school graduates and experienced specialists. The flight simulator boasts 95% realism.

As Skuratov Sergey explained, Ural Airlines not only ensures modern technical equipment for the company but also imposes increased requirements on pilots themselves. For example, the company more than doubled the required flight hours for co-pilots to become aircraft captains. The center helped reduce the company's training costs and improve safety levels.

Sergey Skuratov's biography as CEO of the Ural carrier includes such achievements as:

• implementation of IT solutions
• creation of hubs in several airports
• making the airline one of the top 5 in the nation
• significant increase in passenger traffic

Sergey Skuratov: Management During Crisis and the Stabilization of Indicators

2020: The coronavirus pandemic was in full swing in Russia, as in the rest of the world. This caused a sharp reduction in air traffic, leading to huge financial losses for airlines, including the one headed by Sergey Skuratov. In April 2020 alone, the organization lost 94% of its total traffic volume. Revenue decreased by 85% in just over two spring months.

Sergey Skuratov managed to repurpose passenger transportation into cargo operations, obtaining all necessary licenses. As a result, by May, ten Airbus aircraft carried out 160% more cargo transportation than during the same period in 2019. Among the goods that Ural Airlines delivered to Russia from abroad were necessary medical supplies and personal protective equipment. Despite the revenue decline, the carrier decided to provide 50%-discounted tickets to medical workers fighting the coronavirus infection.

Besides reduced passenger flow, companies also faced banks refusing to provide loans. As Skuratov Sergey noted then, he still managed to complete difficult but successful negotiations with several major financial institutions and sign credit agreements. Understandings were also reached with lessors, who continued cooperation on future projects and allowed payment deferrals on existing ones.

2021: Sergey Skuratov not only managed to prevent a company crisis but also quickly achieved results that exceeded even pre-pandemic levels. Thus, passenger traffic growth was about 60% compared to 2019. Fleet renewal also continued. During this same period, the CEO made the decision to close debt obligations fully to credit institutions.

In the summer of 2024, according to Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov, despite new challenges of the time, the seat occupancy on the airline's aircraft reached 96%. The carrier maintained its leadership position in transportation safety. Over 3,500 people currently work for Ural Airlines. This means the company is a major employer in the Urals.

Social Orientation of the Business

Back in the early 1990s, with the assistance of Skuratov Sergey, labor unions were established at Ural Airlines, aimed at protecting the interests of pilots, flight attendants, and other employees. The flight crew union remains an authoritative structure that participates in coordinating crew members' work schedules and creating additional comfortable conditions for company employees.

In 2024, Sergey Skuratov, a biography of whom also includes an extended period working as a pilot, approved new privileges for flight crews. He financially participates in his specialists' medical flight commission expenses and compensates food costs.

Ural Airlines provides financial support to various categories of citizens. Sergey Skuratov has actively participated in a number of charitable projects. For example, the airline supports initiatives related to regional sports and cultural development and helps major charitable foundations with their work.

Skuratov Sergey: At Present

In the summer (August) of 2024, Skuratov Sergey left his position as CEO of Ural Airlines to go into retirement.

Sergey Skuratov's biography in this position included such achievements as:

• concluding dozens of inter-company agreements with Russian and foreign airlines
• creating a bonus program for frequent flyers
• numerous charitable projects

In the period from 1998 to 2004, he was the Chairman of the Board of the Association of Air Transport Operators of the Russian Federation. He is also the majority shareholder of Ural Airlines.

In retirement, the manager plans to travel as much as possible. Skuratov Sergey enjoys sports. His hobbies also include hunting, fishing, and collecting postage stamps.

Sergey Skuratov Biography and Career Highlights

• The Koltsovo school he attended was notably aviation-centric, with most students being children of airport workers, showing how aviation shaped entire communities.
• During the pandemic, he directed Ural Airlines to offer 50% discounts to medical workers despite the company's own financial struggles.
• He doubled the required flight hours for co-pilots to become captains, suggesting a particularly strong focus on safety through experience.
• His company compensated employees for medical flight commission expenses and food costs, indicating attention to employee welfare details.
• During the Soviet era, he became a division commander before age 40, which was exceptionally rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there any particular hobbies that Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov enjoys?
Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov enjoys hunting, fishing, and collecting stamps.

2. When did Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich start learning to fly?
Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich started learning to fly in the late 1960s when he enrolled at the Buguruslan Civil Aviation Flight School.

3. Where did Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov begin working after undergoing flight training?
Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov began working at the Second Sverdlovsk Aviation Division in the early 1970s.

4. When, under the leadership of Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich, did Ural Airlines begin international flights?
Under the leadership of Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich, Ural Airlines began international flights in 1993, the same year it was founded.

5. How many employees did Ural Airlines have by the time Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich retired?
By the time Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich retired, Ural Airlines had 3,500 employees.