In a groundbreaking move, Rusal, alongside Mass Group investment company and Sial Group of Companies, has announced plans to construct the first aluminium runway in Russia. This initiative aims to revolutionize the aerodrome infrastructure for small aviation, enhancing transport links to remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The collaboration between Rusal and Mass Group encompasses research and development efforts leading to the construction of this experimental runway. By conducting experiments in partnership with leading institutes, the project seeks to overcome regulatory barriers currently hindering the adoption of aluminium in runway construction.
Spanning up to 600 meters and requiring around 300 tonnes of hardened aluminium alloy, the runway represents a significant step towards more efficient and eco-friendly aviation infrastructure. The project is evaluating several operational aerodromes for the runway’s location.
Aluminium runways, designed to accommodate small aircraft such as the An-2 and the developing Baikal aircraft, are poised to become a critical transportation mode across Siberia and the Far East. 
