The planes are not props. On board they have both the Su-33 Flankers that have been updated with newer bombing systems and the new MiG-29K Fulcrums. They also have on board the new naval attack helos the Ka-52K Hokums. This is likely a combat deployment for Syria. Expect to see footage from the Russians flying them off the Kuznetsov for possible combat ops.
Ah, yes, updated systems and new naval attack helos. Kind of like the Spanish civil war, a chance for everyone to try out their new toys and tactics.