Aeroflot team took top prizes at an industry’s competition for dog training units. The open contest for search and detection of explosives was held by Cynology XXI Century regional non-governmental organization. Over 40 dog trainers representing Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Federal Customs Service of Russia, and JSC “Vnukovo International Airport”, took part in the contest.

Aeroflot’s team comprised of specialists of cynological monitoring unit of aviation safety department with three dogs. Aeroflot’s dog training service was established in 2001. Search and detection of explosive substances is the main function of Aeroflot’s dog unit.

Aeroflot uses a hybrid breed, the Shalaika — a cross of Lapponian herders and Asian golden jackals — specially developed for the airline. In September 2018, Aeroflot officially registered the Shalaika breed of dog with the Russian Cynological Federation. 

As of today, Aeroflot has 63 dogs.