Russia Faces Aircraft Parts Shortage Due to Sanctions, Dismantling Even Brand-New Planes

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Russia is reportedly dismantling even intact new aircraft to secure parts amid difficulties in obtaining aircraft components due to Western sanctions. There are concerns that prolonged parts shortages caused by sanctions against Russia could pose significant risks to flight safety.

According to major foreign media on the 8th (local time), Russia's state-owned airline Aeroflot has begun dismantling some aircraft for parts as it struggles to secure aircraft components due to Western sanctions against Russia.

Accordingly, Aeroflot is dismantling at least one of its 'Sukhoi Superjet 100' aircraft and 'Airbus A350' airframes. Notably, the Airbus A350 airframe is known to be a relatively new aircraft. As parts replacement for currently operating aircraft has become difficult due to sanctions, intact planes are being dismantled.

Earlier, in June, the Russian government advised domestic airlines to dismantle some foreign-made aircraft for parts to ensure that foreign aircraft can continue flying until at least 2025. The Russian government plans to partially dismantle existing aircraft and operate more than two-thirds of foreign-made aircraft in service until the end of 2025.

In particular, modern jet engine-equipped aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and A320 models and the Boeing 737 Max, which are among the latest European and American aircraft, require continuous parts replacement and updates. If the sanctions against Russia are prolonged, further aircraft dismantling is expected to be necessary.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.