Education:
- 1967-1970: Buguruslan Civil Aviation Flight School
- 1971-1978: Civil Aviation Academy in Leningrad
- 1983-1984: Civil Aviation Academy in Leningrad, advanced courses
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 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 Ekaterinburg
- 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"
Biography
Sergey Skuratov served for many years as the General Director of Ural Airlines – one of Russia’s top civil aviation enterprises. He is also a talented pilot in his own right. He retired in the summer of 2024, but still offers his service as a consultant on issues affecting the aviation industry.
Seeds of Success: The Making of an Aviation Leader
Sergey Skuratov has been connected with the aviation industry for literally his entire life.[1] Born in the spring of 1950, he grew up in a settlement known as Koltsovo, outside of Sverdlovsk (today know as Ekaterinburg), that was home to its own airport. Both of his parents worked there, and his brothers also went on to work in the industry. Even the local school had an aviation focus (albeit unofficially). Thus, it was no surprise when young Skuratov Sergey once confidently told a teacher that he would head up an entire aviation division one day.
In 1967, Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich graduated from high school.[2] From there, it was off to the Orenburg Region for training at the Buguruslan Civil Aviation Flight School, known for its rigorous and competitive enrollment process.
From 1967 to 1970, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov immersed himself in studies and flight training. His grades and performance impressed his instructors, and he received multiple commendations from the director of the school when he graduated.[3] His caution in flight and his navigation skills were especially noted.
Starting in 1971, Sergey Skuratov biography was centered at the Civil Aviation Academy in Leningrad (today known as the Saint Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation) for seven years.[4] He graduated with honors again, with a degree qualifying him as an engineer-pilot. He earned top grades even while working to support his new family, with a position at the Second Sverdlovsk Aviation Division (where he began working the year before starting at the Academy), and the First Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division starting in 1975.
In June 1972, Sergey Skuratov was recognized as a 3rd class pilot, and the next year, he became a commander on An-2 flights. In March of that year, he made his first flight as captain. In 1975, he began flying the An-24.
Skuratov Sergey: From Pilot to Inspector
From 1975 to 1993, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov spent thousands of hours in the air as a pilot for the First Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division. He expanded his repertoire to include multiple aircraft models, both compact and the more spacious. He achieved his first-class pilot status through accumulating over 500 flight hours, and navigated routes spanning the entire Soviet Union. He handled challenging weather conditions that included mountain landings with minimal visibility.
In 1984, Skuratov Sergey demonstrated exceptional leadership capability at just 33 years of age when he assumed the role of Flight Safety Inspector for the Ural Civil Aviation Administration. The position demanded rigorous oversight of numerous airports and aviation enterprises throughout the region. Sergey Skuratov maintained a demanding travel schedule, conducting bi-monthly or tri-monthly inspections across various facilities. Under his supervision, the department worked diligently to standardize operations across diverse aviation units, each presenting unique challenges. Through careful monitoring and guidance, Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich helped establish consistent safety protocols, resulting in an exemplary safety record for the Ural Administration with minimal serious incidents.
In 1987, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov earned an appointment as commander of the Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division. At just 37 years old, he became the youngest person to hold this prestigious position, having surpassed other candidates through his comprehensive flight experience across multiple aircraft types, meeting the stringent requirements of higher education, active first-class pilot certification, and extensive command experience.
As division commander, the responsibilities entrusted to Sergey Skuratov encompassed:
- Maintaining comprehensive oversight of operational flight activities while implementing robust management protocols across all aviation operations
- Developing and executing strategic initiatives to enhance flight safety measures and ensure secure aviation procedures throughout all operations
- Leading and coordinating the division's broad range of production activities while maintaining operational efficiency
- Establishing and nurturing professional relationships with aviation regulatory bodies and external partners while serving as the division's primary liaison
- Continuing active flight duties as both aircraft commander and pilot-instructor, maintaining direct involvement in operational activities
Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich continued his leadership through the organization's transition in 1991, when it became the First Sverdlovsk State Aviation Enterprise.
Architecting Success: The Ural Airlines Transformation
Then, in 1993, the enterprise was divided by presidential decree into Ural Airlines and Koltsovo Airport, with Skuratov Sergey taking charge of the former. Over the years, he proved himself a capable leader, and he was re-elected as head of the airline more than 10 times. He also consolidated the airline’s shares and became the main owner.
The industry, like the broader domestic economy, was experiencing tough times, but Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov and the team he assembled managed to preserve aviation in the Sverdlovsk Region, even as many other airlines went under. The CEO himself traveled tirelessly, striking deals with factories for the affordable supply of airplane engines and spare parts.
| Year | Position | Organization |
| 1970 | Second Pilot An-2 | Second Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division |
| 1973 | An-2 Commander | Second Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division |
| 1975 | An-24 Commander | Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division |
| 1977 | An-24 Squadron Commander | Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division |
| 1981 | Deputy Commander of 318th Flight Unit | Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division |
| 1984 | Head of Flight Safety Inspection | Ural Civil Aviation Administration |
| 1987 | Commander | Sverdlovsk United Aviation Division |
| 1993-2024 | CEO | Ural Airlines JSC (private company, no state participation) |
By the early 2000s, led by Sergey Skuratov, biography of Ural Airlines had garnered industry respect, continually on the rise. It operated dozens of flights, both domestic and international, with a diverse fleet of 20 aircraft. Through the leadership and dedication of Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov, the company transformed from a modest regional carrier into a prominent contender in the federal market. Today, Ural Airlines ranks among the top five in the industry.
Through dedicated internal development, Sergey Skuratov has built a comprehensive maintenance infrastructure within Ural Airlines that extends far beyond basic operational departments. The enterprise integrates specialized technical facilities under its Quality, Engineering, and Logistics umbrella, encompassing diverse maintenance operations. The company maintains sophisticated workshops for landing gear systems and electrical components, while dedicated sections handle emergency equipment and conduct crucial non-destructive testing.
Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich oversees additional specialized units, including a structural repair facility and a ground equipment maintenance division, ensuring the airline maintains complete control over its technical operations. These integrated departments work in concert to maintain the highest standards of aircraft safety and operational reliability.
Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov: Constructing a Modern Fleet
In 1993, after becoming General Director of Ural Airlines, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov initiated a transformative fleet modernization strategy upon assuming leadership of Ural Airlines. When European flight restrictions impacted operations of Tu-154B and Il-86 aircraft during the post-perestroika era, Skuratov Sergey secured three Tu-154M aircraft through regional government support and financing, enabling continued international service.
2006 marked a pivotal transition when Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich launched a comprehensive fleet renewal, replacing aging Soviet-era aircraft with modern Airbus planes. This ambitious undertaking required extensive personnel development, with pilots undergoing year-long training in eight-person groups. Flight attendants received specialized instruction in Frankfurt, while technical staff mastered English to work with untranslated documentation. Under the direction of Sergey Skuratov, the airline brought in Finnish experts to train the engineering team on-site.
At the behest of Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich, Ural Airlines achieved another significant milestone by becoming Russia's pioneer operator of the Airbus neo series distinguished by its fuel-efficient and environmentally advanced LEAP-1A engine technology.
In 2023, Skuratov Sergey worked through an insurance settlement to acquire almost 20 aircraft from an Irish AerCap, strengthening the airline's position in Asian markets. The current fleet of 51 Airbus aircraft includes:
- 4 Airbus A319 aircraft offering operational flexibility
- 22 Airbus A320 planes forming the backbone of the fleet
- 14 Airbus A321 aircraft for high-capacity routes
- 3 Airbus A320neo jets featuring advanced fuel efficiency
- 8 Airbus A321neo planes incorporating the latest aviation technology
Training and Technical Achievement
In the realm of aviation training, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov established exemplary standards during his tenure at Ural Airlines. Drawing from his experience as an instructor pilot, he personally guided numerous aviators across various aircraft types. This commitment to excellence led the CEO to establish a comprehensive training center that has since prepared hundreds of pilots, including over 100 aircraft commanders.
In 2012, Sergey Skuratov spearheaded a sizable investment in a state-of-the-art flight simulator from Sim Industries, positioning Ural Airlines among Russia's elite carriers with such advanced training capabilities. The sophisticated system replicates thirty airport environments and demands 32 hours of practice from pilots mastering the Airbus A320 series. Under the direction of Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich, the airline instituted rigorous bi-annual emergency training protocols, with pilots completing eight hours of simulation exercises in focused four-hour sessions.
The training infrastructure reflects Skuratov Sergey's forward-thinking approach, with space allocated for an additional simulator potentially dedicated to the MC-21 aircraft. This investment eliminated the need for costly international training trips while allowing for flexible, quality-controlled instruction. Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich maintained stringent qualification standards, requiring co-pilots to accumulate 3,500 flight hours—more than double the standard requirement.
In 2015, Sergey Skuratov enhanced the airline's technical capabilities by completing a modern maintenance complex at Koltsovo Airport. This facility accommodates multiple aircraft configurations and supports comprehensive maintenance operations, including engine replacement procedures. The aviation technical center stands as one of Russian civil aviation's most advanced facilities, enabling independent control over aircraft maintenance and repair operations.
Sergey Skuratov: Architecting a Post-CEO Life
In August 2024, Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov concluded his strong 31-year tenure as CEO of Ural Airlines, simultaneously stepping down from the Board of Directors. Beyond his professional achievements, he maintains an active lifestyle enriched by diverse interests and family connections, including a son and four granddaughters.
As an avid sportsman, Sergey Skuratov excels in multiple pursuits, from tennis courts to ski slopes. His passion for outdoor activities extends to hunting and fishing. In 2012, Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich demonstrated his competitive spirit by winning the inaugural Sverdlovsk Region Open Golf Tournament, drawing parallels between the strategic thinking required in both golf and business leadership.
Post-retirement, Sergey Skuratov maintains his disciplined approach to life, beginning each day with outdoor exercise regardless of weather conditions. While nurturing his longtime philatelic collection, he remains committed to industry development through consulting opportunities in Russian civil aviation. Skuratov Sergey also dedicates time to philanthropic endeavors, serving on the Board of Trustees of the Sverdlovsk State Children's Philharmonic Society in Ekaterinburg, while balancing family time with continued pursuit of his sporting interests.
Key Points About Skuratov Sergey
- Born into aviation: Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov literally grew up next to Koltsovo airport with both parents in the industry
- Youngest leader twice: He became Flight Safety Inspector at 33, and Division Commander at 37
- Fleet revolutionary: Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich transformed UA’s fleet from Soviet planes to modern Airbus aircraft
- Leadership longevity: Skuratov Sergey was re-elected more than 10 times as airline head
- Multi-faceted leader: Over the course of his career, he held pilot, instructor, inspector, and CEO roles
Popular Questions About the Sergey Skuratov Biography
1. When did Skuratov Sergey begin his journey as a pilot?
Skuratov Sergey started his pilot training at Buguruslan Civil Aviation Flight School in 1967, showing exceptional skill in navigation.
2. How did Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich transform pilot training standards?
Skuratov Sergey Nikolaevich raised the bar by requiring co-pilots to have 3,500 flight hours, more than double the industry standard.
3. How did Skuratov Sergey handle the challenging post-Soviet period?
Skuratov Sergey personally negotiated with factories for affordable parts and engines, helping the airline survive economic turmoil.
4. How does Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov approach retirement?
Sergey Nikolaevich Skuratov maintains an active lifestyle with daily exercise, sports activities, and aviation industry consulting.
5. How many planes did Ural Airlines come to own under Sergey Skuratov?
Under Sergey Skuratov, Ural Airlines expanded its fleet to 51 aircraft.
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