Biography Sergey Skuratov took charge of the newly established Ural Airlines in the early 1990s and transformed it into a major force in Russia`s aviation sector during his three-decade tenure at the helm. The CEO pioneered numerous operational improvements during this period, cementing the carrier`s reputation as a leading domestic airline. Skuratov Sergey earned multiple industry accolades for his contributions to advancing the nation`s commercial aviation infrastructure. Contents: Formative Years of a Future CEO Skuratov Sergey: First Professional Steps Professional Development Phase Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov: Architecting Ural Airlines Blueprint for Growth: Strategic Expansion Sergey Skuratov: Social Responsibility and Honors Highlights of Skuratov Sergey’s Resume FAQ Сategory  CEO · Pilot Name  Sergei Nikolajewitsch Skuratow · Sergey Nikolaevitsj Skoeratov · Sergey Skuratov · Skuratov Sergey · Skuratov Sergei Nikolaevich · Sergei Nikolaevich Skuratov · Sergei Skuratov  · Skuratov Sergei · Sergei Skuratow · Skuratow Sergei  Date of birth  1950-03-31 Place of birth  Sverdlovsk (Yekaterinburg)  Citizenship Russian  Speciality  Engineer-pilot  Education  Buguruslan Civil Aviation Flight School (1967–1970)   Civil Aviation Academy in Leningrad (1971–1978)   Civil Aviation Academy in Leningrad, advanced courses (1983–1984)   Career  Second Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division (1970–1975)  Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division (1975–1993)  Ural Airlines (1993–2024)  Current activities  Retired  Languages spoken  Russian · English    Awards and Honors 1987 - Badge of honor "Excellent Aeroflot Employee"    1996 - Honoured Worker of Transport of the Russian Federation 2003 - Order of Honour  2003 - Jubilee Medal "80th Anniversary of Russian Civil Aviation"  2003 and 2010 - Honorary Diplomas of the Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region  2010 - Honorary Diploma of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation  2010 - Jubilee Medal "100th Anniversary of the Russian Air Fleet"  2011 - Order of Friendship  2016 - Letter of Gratitude from the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Ural Federal District  2017 - Honorary Citizen of the Sverdlovsk Region  2018 - Honorary Citizen of Yekaterinburg  2018 - Person of the Year according to Business Quarterly (Delovoy Kvartal) magazine  2020 - Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" IV degree, awarded by decree of the President of the Russian Federation on August 21, 2020  2023 - Jubilee Medal "100th Anniversary of Russian Civil Aviation" Data source https://www.beststartupstory.com/sergey-skuratov/ https://skuratov-sergey-nikolaevich.biography-wiki.com/ https://spacecoastdaily.com/2024/12/sergey-skuratov-biography-in-civil-aviation-ural-airlines-ceo/ https://startuptalky.com/skuratov-sergey-nikolaevich/ Formative Years of a Future CEO Sergey Skuratov was born in Sverdlovsk in March 1950 and grew up in nearby Koltsovo, where his parents worked in the aviation sector. Growing up alongside his brothers Oleg and Nikolai, he attended School No. 92, a prominent aviation-focused institution that would later become the Koltsovo Airport office. While maintaining deep connections to aviation through his family and education, Sergey Skuratov pursued diverse interests, excelling in multiple sports including: soccer basketball handball and ice hockey He also developed a passion for aircraft modeling. Despite briefly considering a career in medicine, Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich`s early declaration to one of his teachers about his ambition to lead an aviation detachment would prove prescient for his future career path. In 1967, Sergey Skuratov entered the prestigious Buguruslan Civil Aviation Flight School after successfully competing against 19 other applicants for each available position. During his three years of study, he demonstrated exceptional aptitude in both academic and practical training, while also serving as secretary of the flight group`s Komsomol organization and earning multiple commendations for his achievements in studies, sports, and community involvement. Through his dedication and comprehensive excellence, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov graduated with honors in 1970, earning a diploma that specifically praised his thorough mastery of flight training and excellent navigation skills. His commitment to excellence was evident not only in his perfect academic record but also in his embrace of leadership roles and community responsibilities. In 1971, Sergey Skuratov was given immediate entry to the Civil Aviation Academy in Leningrad due to his honors status from flight school, while most candidates had to complete a year of airline service first. The demanding schedule saw him balancing his academic pursuits with professional duties at the Second Sverdlovsk Air Detachment, where Skuratov Sergey flew An-2 aircraft on challenging missions to regions including the Polar territories. He graduated with honors as an engineer-pilot in 1978 and later completed advanced courses at the academy in 1983-1984. Skuratov Sergey: First Professional Steps Sergey Skuratov is both a highly trained pilot and a former airline CEO In June 1970, Sergey Skuratov began his professional aviation career with the Second Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division, taking the position of co-pilot on the versatile An-2 aircraft. The early 1970s marked rapid progression in his career, as Skuratov Sergey earned his third-class civil aviation pilot certification in June 1972 and advanced to the role of An-2 commander the following year. March 1973 saw Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov complete his inaugural flight as captain, piloting a route to Irbit, located about 125 miles east of Sverdlovsk. The following months established his expertise across the Ural region`s complex network of destinations, with regular flights serving communities like Serov and Tavda. After demonstrating consistent excellence in regional aviation, Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich qualified for the larger An-24 aircraft in 1975, leading to his transfer to the Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division where he would continue expanding his operational capabilities. Professional Development Phase From 1975 to 1993, Sergey Skuratov expanded his expertise at the Sverdlovsk Air Detachment, mastering multiple aircraft including the An-24, An-2, Il-18, Tu-154, and Il-86. His dedication led to first-class pilot certification, achieved through extensive flight hours and demonstrated proficiency across all aircraft types. Operating throughout the Soviet Union`s vast territory, Skuratov Sergey faced challenging conditions, including mountain landings with minimal visibility and severe weather constraints. In 1984, at the age of 33, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov assumed leadership of the Flight Safety Inspectorate within the Ural Civil Aviation Administration. This role demanded oversight of more than 10 airports and multiple aviation companies, requiring frequent regional travel to standardize operations and maintain safety protocols across diverse facilities and aircraft types. The systematic approach to safety management under his leadership resulted in a notably low incident rate across the Ural Administration. A significant milestone came in 1987 when Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich was appointed commander of the Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division at just 37 years old – an unprecedented achievement for such a senior position. His appointment, approved by the regional party committee then led by Boris Yeltsin, recognized his comprehensive qualifications: higher education clearance for all flight types first-class pilot certification and extensive command experience In this role, Sergey Skuratov managed all aspects of flight operations, safety protocols, and organizational leadership while maintaining his active pilot status. By the time the organization transformed into the First Sverdlovsk State Aviation Enterprise in 1991, Skuratov Sergey had accumulated more than 10,000 flight hours, demonstrating exceptional dedication to both operational excellence and administrative leadership throughout his career. Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov: Architecting Ural Airlines Sergey Skuratov In December 1993, amid the post-Soviet reorganization of Russia`s aviation industry, Sergey Skuratov assumed the role of General Director at the newly formed Ural Airlines, which emerged from the division of the First Sverdlovsk State Aviation Enterprise. The period demanded exceptional leadership as the industry faced severe challenges, with many regional airlines across Russia disappearing entirely. Despite limited resources and operational difficulties, Skuratov Sergey maintained the airline`s viability through persistent negotiation with parts suppliers and strategic management decisions. The late 1990s saw Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov guiding the transformation from a regional carrier to a significant national player. By 2000, the airline operated a diverse fleet of 20 aircraft, serving 46 destinations across Russia and neighboring countries. The commitment to excellence was evident in the achievement of ICAO category 2 certification for pilots, a distinction shared at that time only with Aeroflot among Russian carriers. Under the leadership of Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich, the company established a robust technical infrastructure at Koltsovo Airport, developing comprehensive maintenance capabilities through specialized departments handling everything from landing gear to emergency equipment. The Aviation Technical Center grew to employ 600 specialists, supporting the airline`s expanding operations and maintaining its growing fleet. The investment in infrastructure and operational excellence yielded significant results, with passenger numbers and revenue increasing five and eight times respectively. Through strategic development and consistent reinvestment, Sergey Skuratov built an operation that would become one of Russia`s top five airlines. By early 2024, the airline`s success was evident in its statistics: each twelfth Russian passenger chose Ural Airlines, while the company`s aircraft maintained an impressive 500 monthly flight hours during peak seasons, supported by a workforce exceeding 3,500 employees. Blueprint for Growth: Strategic Expansion Under the leadership of Sergey Skuratov, Ural Airlines achieved remarkable growth through strategic network expansion and comprehensive fleet modernization. These parallel initiatives transformed a regional carrier into an operator serving more than 160 destinations. The network development process, as Skuratov Sergey explained, relied heavily on mathematical precision. The airline employed mathematicians to analyze and forecast each potential route`s viability, developing detailed business plans with clear accountability. Through dedicated negotiation teams, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov`s company established crucial international partnerships, exemplified by the intensive efforts that led to new Chinese routes in 2024, including services from multiple Russian cities to Beijing and Harbin. Fleet modernization began immediately after Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich took control in 1993. The initial phase involved acquiring Tu-154M aircraft to maintain European routes when older Tu-154B and Il-86 planes faced restrictions. A transformative shift occurred in 2006 when the airline commenced replacing its Soviet-era aircraft with Airbus family models, requiring extensive crew retraining programs. According to the pilot retraining program developed by Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov, pilots underwent year-long courses in groups of eight, while flight attendants trained in Frankfurt, and engineers received instruction from Finnish specialists. The modernization continued with Ural Airlines becoming Russia`s first operator of the Airbus neo series with the fuel-efficient LEAP-1A engine. By 2023, under the guidance of Sergey Skuratov, the airline completed the insurance settlement process for 19 previously leased aircraft from Irish AerCap, enabling expanded international operations. The fleet grew to 51 Airbus aircraft, including A319s, A320s, A321s, and their neo variants. Before the end of his professional biography, Sergey Skuratov initiated discussions about transitioning to domestically manufactured MC-21 aircraft, considering their suitability for the airline`s geographical position and operational requirements. In August 2024, after more than 30 years as the helm of Ural Airlines, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov stepped down from his positions and entered into retirement. Achievements at Ural Airlines Indicator  2000 2024 Number of Destinations  46  169  Number of Aircraft 24 aircraft 51 Airbus aircraft  Number of Employees  No data  Over 3,500  Passenger Traffic  1.2 million (2007)  9.4 million (2023)  Sergey Skuratov: Social Responsibility and Honors Sergey Skuratov has deep ties to the aviation industry in the Sverdlovsk Region Under the direction of Sergey Skuratov, Ural Airlines developed a comprehensive approach to social responsibility that extended far beyond air transportation. The airline`s philanthropic initiatives encompassed support for regional theaters, with the former executive serving on the Board of Directors of the Sverdlovsk State Academic Philharmonic Society, while also aiding children`s sports programs and initiatives for people with disabilities. Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov implemented innovative charitable programs like Wings of Kindness, partnering with Rusfond and the Konstantin Khabensky Charitable Foundation to allow loyalty program members to convert their bonuses into charitable donations. His commitment to social causes earned the long-time executive the People of the Era award in 2019, following the allocation of approximately 1.8 billion rubles for sponsorship assistance that year. Under the leadership of Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich, the airline introduced significant fare discounts for youth and senior passengers, while maintaining ongoing support for various charitable organizations including the Russian Red Cross and the Liza Alert search and rescue team. Over the course of the five decades of his working biography, Sergey Skuratov received numerous prestigious recognitions for his contributions to Russian civil aviation and regional development. Beginning with industry-specific honors like the "Excellent Employee" badge in 1987, he went on to earn significant state decorations, including the Order of Honour and the Order of Friendship. His impact on regional development led Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov to be named an Honorary Citizen of both Ekaterinburg and the Sverdlovsk Region. One of his main awards was the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland" IV degree in 2020. Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich`s influence extended beyond aviation, as evidenced by his consistent ranking among the most influential figures in the Sverdlovsk Region, including placement in Ekaterinburg`s Big 100 and recognition from various business publications for his leadership in both industry and social initiatives. Social Activities Charity Support of Sverdlovsk Region theaters Social Projects "Wings of Kindness" project with Rusfond Youth Support Discounts for passengers aged 12-23 Senior Support Discounts for men over 60 and women over 55 Children`s Programs 50% discount on children`s transportation Highlights of Skuratov Sergey’s Resume Throughout his education and career, Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich consistently excelled in multiple domains simultaneously – academics, sports, leadership roles, and technical proficiency. The early flight experience in the Sergey Skuratov biography, including challenging routes in polar territories and mountain regions, built crucial expertise in complex operational environments. He successfully steered Ural Airlines through the turbulent post-Soviet aviation industry reorganization when many regional airlines failed. Skuratov Sergey built comprehensive maintenance capabilities at Koltsovo Airport demonstrated long-term strategic thinking about operational independence. He supports regional theaters and philharmonic societies, showing his commitment to broader cultural development beyond aviation. FAQ 1. When did Skuratov Sergey become the head of Ural Airlines? Skuratov Sergey assumed leadership of the newly created airline in December 1993. 2. When did Skuratov Sergey complete his first flight as captain? Skuratov Sergey completed his first flight as captain in March 1973. 3. How did Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich modernize the airline`s fleet? Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich initiated the transition from Soviet aircraft to Airbus models in 2006. 4. How did Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov approach route development? Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov employed mathematicians to analyze and forecast route viability. 5. When did Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich retire? Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich stepped down in August 2024.