Nation Cites Safety Concerns With ‘Cannibalizing’ Other Planes for Repairs

Russia is begging the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization for relief from import sanctions, which were imposed after the nation invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The complaint argues that, as its fleet experiences the wear and tear of aging, the lack of access to new aircraft and spare parts for repairs is a threat to flight safety.

The push comes at the triennial assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, where Moscow is trying to frame restrictions imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine as “unlawful coercive measures.”

The sanctions have cut Russia off from the supply chains that kept its fleet of more than 700 Western-built aircraft flying. Airbus and Boeing no longer send spare parts, forcing airlines to scramble fixes through parallel import networks or by ‘cannibalizing’ parked aircraft for components. This approach is keeping planes in the air, but it will not last forever.

Russia argued that sanctions violate the right to freedom of movement and urged ICAO to prevent member states from adopting “politically biased” measures. Other documents submitted by Moscow criticize the closure of airspace in 37 countries to Russian carriers, along with bans on maintenance and insurance coverage. Russia is also reportedly lobbying for a seat on ICAO’s governing council, a move that has raised eyebrows given the circumstances.

Safety is Moscow’s primary argument. They claim that, without stable access to critical components, many of their airlines’ Airbus and Boeing jets could be grounded in the coming years. If an incident were to come before then, the sanctions could be seen as a contributing cause. ICAO has already handed Russia a “red flag” rating, and 2024 brought the country’s highest tally of aviation incidents in six years.

Meanwhile, the US has lifted sanctions on Belarusian carrier Belavia, restoring its access to American-made parts. The deal came with strict conditions: Belavia cannot funnel components to Russia or operate flights into the country. US officials are determined to prevent Belarus from supplying Russia, which would trigger tension with the European Union.

Russian aviation is facing more direct threats than just sanctions. Ukraine’s retaliation strikes have repeatedly shut down major airports, leading to near-daily disruptions.

FMI: www.icao.int