78 Russian aircraft have been seized abroad, the Interfax news agency quoted Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev as saying on Tuesday 22 March, as Moscow grapples with the consequences of international sanctions over events in Ukraine.
Details
Sanctions have cut off the supply of most aircraft, parts and services to Russia, while Russian airlines have 515 jets leased from abroad.
"(We have) lost 78 planes," Savelyev said, adding that these aircraft were seized abroad and would not be returned to Russia.
Russia has passed a law allowing the country's airlines to place aircraft leased from foreign companies on Russia's aircraft register, but airlines are hesitant to use it, fearing they may jeopardise ties with international partners.
Russia had 1,367 planes when sanctions were imposed, and almost 800 of them have now been placed on the country's aircraft register, Savelyev said, without specifying how many jets on the list were leased from global leasing companies.
Almost all Boeing BA.N and Airbus AIR.PA aircraft used by Russian airlines were registered in Bermuda and Ireland, but a week ago Bermuda and Ireland's aviation authorities suspended certification of all Russian-operated airplanes.
Savelyev said that Russia was being guided by Iran's experience of how to service aircraft in a similar situation.
Russia Says It Has Moved Over 50% Of Foreign Aircraft To Its Own Registry
The above news was followed by news that the Russian government has transferred more than 50% of foreign aircraft to Russia's own registry as it takes measures to start using foreign aircraft located in Russia, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Wednesday 23 March.
Mishustin said hundreds of foreign aircraft had already been moved to the Russian registry, stressing that the key task was to ensure the safety of flights.
Sanctions have disrupted the supply of most aircraft, parts and services to Russia. Russian airlines have 515 jets leased from abroad.
Russia has passed a law allowing the country's airlines to place aircraft leased from foreign companies on Russia's aircraft register.
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