Airlines

Amid Sanctions, Passengers Smuggle Plane Parts in Luggage for Russian Airlines

In the midst of stringent sanctions imposed on Russia’s aviation sector following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow.

Passengers carrying plane parts in their luggage. This desperate measure underscores the severe challenges faced by Russian airlines in obtaining crucial components to maintain their aircraft amidst the sanctions and export controls.

According to a report by the Financial Times, Russian airlines, grappling with restricted access to new planes or parts, have turned to unconventional methods to keep their fleets operational. As reported by Business Insider, highlights the case of a Middle East company sending $1.5 million worth of goods to Russia’s S7 airline, with some of these parts clandestinely finding their way into passengers’ bags.

The situation reached a striking point in mid-2022 when airport staff in Moscow discovered a $40,000 plane part concealed in a passenger’s luggage. Astonishingly, this was not an isolated incident; it was one of eleven similar occurrences reported that year, all documented in customs forms.

The parts, destined for S7, shed light on a broader trend wherein Russian airlines are sourcing components through a vast network of small suppliers, many of which are based in the United Arab Emirates.

The impact of these sanctions on Russia’s aviation industry is palpable. Customs data analyzed by the Financial Times reveals a drastic decline in imports of plane parts by S7 and its subsidiaries, plummeting from over $100 million a month in December 2021 to less than $25 million a month by April 2022.

Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.