Superjet 100 completed a water flight from Zhukovsky to Kimry

How a “water” route appeared for the SuperJet 100

At the start of the year one of the new SuperJet 100 aircraft that belongs to Aeroflot’s initial fleet was put to an unusual test – a flight on water. Instead of the usual runway take‑off, the crew lifted the plane onto the surface of a river and a canal, tracing a path normally reserved for ships.

Route from Zhukovsky to Tver

• Start – the airfield in Zhukovsky where the aircraft was prepared for the water run.
• Moscow River – the first stretch, where the airplane rose above the current and headed toward the capital.
• Moscow Canal – after crossing the river the jet switched to the canal that leads to the north‑eastern part of Moscow Oblast.
• Dubna – a brief stop near the town, where the route crossed one of the Volga’s tributaries.
• Volga – the main artery on which the SuperJet 100 continued until it reached Kimry in Tver Oblast.

The total length of the waterway leg was just over two hundred kilometres, making it one of the longest such flights in Russia.

Why it matters for travelers

For people who like unconventional ways to get around, the experiment shows that modern aircraft can use not only traditional airports but also large rivers as runways. That opens up possible options for regional tourism: where roads are scarce, a water‑based “flight” could become an alternative.

Things to know if you plan a trip along the same waterways

• Seasonality – water levels in rivers and canals change throughout the year, so it’s wise to check current conditions before you go.
• Transport hubs – big towns such as Zhukovsky, Dubna and Kimry have well‑developed infrastructure, making it easy to reach the river or canal.
• Outdoor activities – along the route you can find boat rides, fishing and wildlife watching, which adds variety to the journey.

How the flight is perceived in Russia

The experiment caught the eye of both aviation fans and ordinary travelers. It demonstrates the flexibility of today’s air platforms and raises the question of future projects where waterways could become part of the transport network.

Final thoughts

The water flight of the SuperJet 100 from Zhukovsky to Kimry is a vivid example of how the borders of conventional transport are blurring. If you are interested in off‑beat routes and want to see Russian rivers from an unusual angle, keep an eye on initiatives like this and follow their development.

Based on materials from: frequentflyers.ru.