Aeroflot has been recognised as the top airline by seats flown on long-haul routes between Europe and Asia in summer 2017.

Aeroflot’s capacity on Europe-Asia flights over 4,000 kilometres grew 12 per cent versus summer 2016, according to data from OAG schedules analyser.

The Russian flag carrier has overtaken last year’s top airline for Europe-Asia capacity, Lufthansa, the data shows.

“Growing transit capacity on routes between Europe and Asia is one of our highest strategic priorities, and this data clearly illustrates the success of our efforts,” Aeroflot chief executive, Vitaly Saveliev, said.

“It is of particular significance that we have taken the number one spot in an open and highly competitive segment of the market.

“Aeroflot Group is perfectly positioned on transit routes between Europe and Asia, and we intend to realise our potential to the full.”

Aeroflot flies to 52 non-Russian destinations in Europe and 13 non-Russian destinations in Asia, including four Chinese cities – Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

Boosting transit traffic between Europe and Asia is a strategic priority for the airline, as it takes advantage of its modern and favourably positioned hub at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport.

Long-haul capacity connecting Europe and Asia is set to grow by six per cent overall this year, according to OAG data.

This compares to two per cent growth in both 2016 and 2015.