The logo of the non-profit organisation Far Eastern Leopards now adorns a Sukhoi Superjet 100 operated by Russian airline Aeroflot, which has made its maiden voyage from Moscow to Samara.

The campaign is aimed at raising awareness about leopard conservation among passengers from the central part of Russia. Brochures with information and photos of Far Eastern leopards are offered onboard. Young passengers receive backpacks, leopard colouring books and a map of Land of the Leopard National Park.

Passengers took to the idea immediately. Many of them learned for the first time that leopards live not only in the tropics, but also in the harsh conditions of the Far East.

“It’s great that we have flying leopards now,” says Tatyana Baranovskaya, Director of Land of the Leopard. “I really want our rare leopard to visit as many Russian regions as possible, and maybe even other countries. We hope that this plane is the first in a series and that other airlines will join the campaign to preserve this rare animal. We are always open to cooperation.”