Sergey Skuratov Biography as Pilot and Airline CEO

Sergey Skuratov: A Life in Flight

Biography

Sergey Skuratov is the former CEO of Ural Airlines, one of Russia's first fully private airlines. He led the carrier for 31 years. He previously worked as a pilot.

Contents

• Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich: Earning His Qualifications
• Flight Practice
• Skuratov Sergey: Command Positions
• Activities at Ural Airlines
• Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov: Activities in Retirement
• Personal Information
• Major Points from the Life of Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich
• Questions and Answers

Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich: Earning His Qualifications

Sergey Skuratov (born 03/31/1950) was born in Sverdlovsk. He spent his childhood in the urban-type settlement of Koltsovo, which is now part of Yekaterinburg. Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov's mother headed the transportation service at the city airport. His father worked as a flight engineer on Il-18 aircraft.

In 1957, Skuratov Sergey started school. Besides studying, he devoted a lot of time to practicing sports. He also built model airplanes.

In 1967, Sergey Skuratov, a biography of whom would be connected with civil aviation transport for the rest of his life, entered a specialized educational institution in Buguruslan. The school was popular—there were 20 applicants for each spot. Candidates needed not only deep knowledge but also had to be in excellent physical condition. Sergey Skuratov successfully mastered both theoretical and practical disciplines. He also served as secretary of the local Komsomol organization for two years. He also continued to participate actively in sports and took part in amateur artistic activities. He repeatedly received commendations from the school administration.

In 1970, Sergey Skuratov graduated with the highest grades in all subjects. His diploma specifically noted his learning ability, flight prudence, and navigation skills.

In 1971, he became a correspondence student at the Order of Lenin Academy of Civil Aviation (the modern-day SPbGUGA).

In 1978, he graduated from the academy with honors, specializing as a pilot engineer.

In 1983–1984, Sergey Skuratov, a biography of whom was already connected with the Academy, took another course there to upgrade his qualifications.

Flight Practice

The first aircraft in Sergey Skuratov's biography as a pilot was the An-2. This legendary multipurpose biplane is known for its exceptional reliability and ease of maintenance.

In 1970, Sergey Skuratov joined the Second Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division as an An-2 second pilot.

In the spring of 1973, he began working as an Aircraft Commander.

Subsequently, Skuratov Sergey learned to fly the An-24. This twin-engine turboprop aircraft was designed for short and medium-range routes. It can accommodate up to 50 passengers. Although production ended in 1979, some of them are still in operation today.

In 1975, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov transferred to the Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division, based at Koltsovo Airport. In 1977, he became commander of the An-24 squadron. In 1981, Sergey Skuratov became Deputy Commander of the 318th Flight Unit.

During his time as a pilot, Skuratov Sergey learned to fly several other aircraft that formed the backbone of the USSR's civil aviation fleet:

• Il-18: A long-range passenger aircraft with four engines. One of the first Soviet turboprop aircraft. Manufactured from 1957 to 1985. At least 527 units were produced.
• Tu-154: A three-engine jet airliner, one of the fastest in its category. Actively operated on medium-range routes. Manufactured from 1968 to 2013. 1,026 units were produced.
• Il-86: The first and most mass-produced wide-body passenger aircraft in the USSR. One of the most reliable domestic airliners. Manufactured from 1976 to 1997. 106 units were produced.

Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich flew throughout the country, from Kamchatka to the Kaliningrad Region, from the Arctic Circle to the Black Sea. Sometimes, he had to work in difficult weather conditions.

In total, Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich logged over 10,000 flight hours.

Skuratov Sergey: Command Positions

In 1984, a new chapter was added to the Sergey Skuratov biography. He became head of the inspection department and was responsible for flight safety in the Ural region. Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov notes that he still has vivid impressions from this period of his career. His colleagues were top-level specialists. The team supervised flight operations throughout the Urals, where more than a dozen airports, several airlines, and separate flight units—squadrons using various types of aircraft—operated.

Sergey Skuratov recalls that he went on business trips every two weeks or more frequently. Some enterprises were found to deviate from established procedures. In such situations, it was necessary to bring processes into compliance with aircraft standards and protocols, conduct explanatory work, and monitor all processes. However, as Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov remembers, Ural aviators generally demonstrated high professionalism. There were rarely any serious incidents in the area under the inspection's jurisdiction.

In 1987, Skuratov Sergey was appointed commander of the Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division. He was very young for such a position—just 37 years old. Candidates for this post had to meet a whole list of requirements:

• higher education
• authorization for all types of flights
• a valid first-class civil pilot license
• minimum three years in a command position

Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov was selected from among several candidates for the position. He ensured the safe operation of civil air transport, managed flight plan execution, conducted general supervision of other squadron activities, and interacted with aviation authorities and other organizations. Additionally, he continued to fly actively.

In 1991, the structure was transformed into the First Sverdlovsk State Aviation Enterprise.

In the last days of 1993, the asset was fully privatized and divided into Koltsovo Airport and the passenger carrier Ural Airlines based there. Skuratov Sergey became the CEO of this company.

Thus began a new chapter in the Sergey Skuratov biography.

Activities at Ural Airlines

In the first half of the 1990s, Russian civil aviation experienced a difficult transformation period associated with the collapse of the USSR and the transition to a market economy. Due to declining public income, there was a sharp drop in passenger traffic and a reduction in routes, especially on local lines. Many airports closed, while others saw deteriorating infrastructure. The period was also characterized by rising prices for aviation fuel and spare parts. Due to a lack of working capital and broken production links, airlines faced problems with fleet renewal and maintenance, as well as maintaining staff qualifications.

Many of the private airlines that appeared then existed briefly. However, Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich and his team managed to overcome the difficulties of those years.

One of the main tasks that Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov tackled as head of Ural Airlines was fleet renewal. In 2002, EU countries introduced noise level restrictions for air transport. The Tu-154B and Il-86 did not meet the new standards. With support from the Sverdlovsk Regional authorities, the company secured a loan to purchase four Tu-154Ms. Thanks to the new low-noise engines, flights to EU countries became possible.

In 2006, Sergey Skuratov initiated Ural Airlines' re-equipment with the Airbus A320 family aircraft (the second most numerous passenger aircraft after the Boeing 737). Currently, the company operates 51 aircraft with five different modifications:

Airbus A320 Family Comparison

It is worth noting that the airline headed by Skuratov Sergey was the first in Russia to start expanding its fleet with Airbus Neo version aircraft with the LEAP-1A engine. The increase in the number of aircraft contributed to the expansion of the route network—today, the company flies to 169 destinations. The carrier's passenger traffic has more than doubled over the last 10 years, from 4.4 to 9.4 million people. The decline in figures caused by the COVID pandemic was quickly recovered. During quarantine restrictions, the company transported medical supplies on 16 of its planes.

Training for crew members to operate new airliners was another task handled by Sergey Skuratov. Biography of Ural Airlines includes significant efforts in this area. Pilots were sent in groups of eight to EU countries and the UAE, where they underwent relevant training lasting about 12 months. Flight attendants were sent to courses in Germany. Experts from Finland were invited to Yekaterinburg to train engineering personnel. Additionally, airline employees improved their English language skills to understand technical documentation accurately.

In 2012, Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich supported the acquisition of a high-tech flight simulator. The €7.5 million complex was ordered from the Netherlands. It allowed Ural Airlines to train pilots in Russia. Only four airlines in the country have equipment of this level.

The simulator can imitate real flights with 95% accuracy. The complex's database contains digital twins of more than 30 real airports for simulating takeoffs and landings.

To become a pilot at the company formerly led by Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov requires 32 hours of simulator training. Also, every six months, all Ural Airlines pilots undergo 8 hours of practice on it. If their results are deemed unsatisfactory, the pilot is assigned additional training. The CEO established strict requirements for crew training. For instance, an Aircraft Commander in the company must have at least 3,500 flight hours, while Airbus standards only require 1,500 hours.

In 2015, Ural Airlines completed the construction of an aviation technical center, which was initiated by Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich. The complex is located at Koltsovo Airport. It can accommodate up to five aircraft and allows for any maintenance and repair procedures.

Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov also established other hubs for the airline. It currently has hubs at the Yekaterinburg, Koltsovo, and Domodedovo Airports.

Furthermore, Skuratov Sergey planned to equip Ural Airlines with domestic medium-range MC-21 aircraft. Currently, this airliner is in small-scale production and undergoing testing and certification. The airline plans to acquire a simulator to train pilots in operating the new aircraft.

In April 2024, under Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich, Ural Airlines signed a new collective agreement with its employees (currently numbering over 3,500 people). The document provided for significant increases in voluntary medical insurance payments and childbirth benefits, as well as compensation for uniforms, medical examinations, and childcare expenses at preschool institutions.

As the former CEO explains, the company actively recruits young professionals. According to him, the new generation demonstrates worthy professional skills, determination, and a deep interest in civil aviation.

Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov made Ural Airlines a socially responsible company. In particular, the carrier sells children's tickets at half price, without any government support. In 2023–2024, there was a 25% discount on domestic flights for elderly passengers and youth.

Additionally, the company led by Sergey Skuratov supports Ural theaters and children's sports organizations and helps people with disabilities. The carrier cooperates with Russia's largest charitable foundations. In 2019 alone, the company's humanitarian expenses amounted to ₽1.8 billion.

Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov: Activities in Retirement

Sergey Skuratov, a biography of whom was inseparable from Ural Airlines for decades, stepped down from his position in August 2024. However, he notes that he is ready to share his accumulated knowledge as an expert consultant and discuss the further development of the domestic aviation industry.

Sergey Skuratov still devotes a lot of time to sports: skiing, tennis, and golf. Concerning the latter, he won the Sverdlovsk Regional Championship in 2012. He also enjoys hunting and fishing.

Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich is also involved in charity work. He supports the children's philharmonic in Yekaterinburg. He also helps the city zoo.

Personal Information

Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich is married. He has an adult son and four granddaughters.

Major Points from the Life of Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich

• The former Ural Airlines CEO is involved in various philanthropic activities.
• He headed the aviation enterprise from 1993 to August 2024.
• He comes from both a town and a family that is steeped in the aviation industry.
• The top manager is distinguished among airline executives in that he can also fly various types of aircraft.
• During his long tenure, he seriously increased training and educational standards for pilots and crew members.

Questions and Answers

1. When did Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov join the Second Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division?
Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov joined the Second Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division in 1970.

2. How many flight hours has Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich logged?
Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich has logged more than 10,000 flight hours.

3. How accurate is the flight simulator that Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov helped the airline purchase?
The flight simulator that Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov helped the airline purchase has a 95% accuracy.

4. How many flight hours did Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich require for Ural Airlines aircraft commanders?
Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich required that aircraft commanders have at least 3,500 flight hours.

5. How old was Skuratov Sergey when he became commander of the Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division?
Skuratov Sergey was 37 when he became commander of the Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division.