Aviation

Russia Seeks Foreign Carriers to Boost Domestic Air Travel

As Western sanctions continue to impact its aviation sector, Russia is turning to Kazakhstan for support. The Russian Ministry of Transport has revealed that negotiations are underway for Kazakhstani airlines to enter the Russian domestic market and operate local flights.

This initiative aims to address the dwindling fleet of Russian airlines, which has faced significant challenges since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

Before the war, Russia boasted approximately 850 aircraft. However, the fleet has now decreased to just 736, primarily due to sanctions that have restricted access to essential spare parts and new aircraft. Some estimates suggest that Russia could lose up to half of its aircraft fleet within the next two years.

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For 2025, Russian officials initially aimed for the production of 82 aircraft but have since revised that target down to just 20. Similar reductions have been made for 2026 and 2027, with planned outputs decreasing from 120 to 97 and from 180 to 140, respectively.

In light of these challenges, Russian authorities have extended invitations to airlines from Kazakhstan and other unnamed countries with good relations to Russian carriers. This strategy is seen as a vital step to bolster the domestic air travel market amidst the ongoing limitations.

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Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Rostec, a state corporation responsible for promoting the development and export of high-tech products, has warned that the accelerated retirement of foreign-manufactured airliners will commence in 2025, as they will soon require major repairs.

In a related development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively seeking next-generation Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to enhance its logistical capabilities in transporting troops and military equipment to remote mountainous areas, particularly along its borders with Pakistan and China.

In response, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has proposed the manufacturing of its advanced IL-76MD-90A transport aircraft in India, showcasing a commitment to international cooperation in aviation il-76 amidst current geopolitical challenges.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.