Russia Says It Was 'Caught off Guard' After Country 'Loses' 76 Planes
President Vladimir Putin looks out of the window on the presidential plane during the approach to the Russian air base in Hmeimim in the northwestern Syrian province of Latakia on December 11, 2017. Russia has lost 76 passenger jets as a result of Western sanctions, an official said. MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/POOL/AFP/Getty Images
As a consequence of Western sanctions in response to President Vladimir Putin's actions in Ukraine, Russia's transport minister, Vitaly Savelyev, revealed on Saturday that the country has lost 76 passenger jets. Savelyev expressed surprise at the impact, stating during the opening of the "Russia on the Move" exhibition that they were caught off guard. The aviation sector in Russia has faced significant challenges due to sanctions, with U.S.-sanctioned Russian-operated planes and a halt in the delivery of spare parts and new planes by aircraft manufacturers.
The U.S. and the EU have demanded the return of leased aircraft, prompting the Kremlin to encourage carriers to re-register planes in Russia. However, this workaround has meant that these planes continue to operate without crucial software upgrades and mandated maintenance checks, essential for ensuring airworthiness. In efforts to navigate the sanctions, Russia is exploring ways to substitute Western-made spare parts and equipment for its aircraft.
As part of a program aiming to develop the country's aviation sector by 2030, Russia's Transport Ministry anticipates a gradual reduction in the number of foreign aircraft in operation, with plans for airlines to find alternatives for Western-made spare parts. Independent expert Anastasia Dagaeva highlighted the extensive impact on Moscow, including the loss of international destinations, leasing contracts, technical support for foreign planes, partnerships with other carriers, foreign software, insurance, and other services.
Dagaeva suggested that the primary goal for Russian civil aviation is to remain viable until 2030, emphasizing a move toward greater self-sufficiency. Recent incidents have underscored the challenges, with Russian domestic passenger planes making emergency landings due to technical issues caused by a lack of spare parts. Notably, a Ural Airlines Airbus 320 that attempted an emergency landing in September has yet to be retrieved, highlighting the ongoing operational difficulties faced by Russia's aviation industry.