Grounded Russian Airbus Jets: Revealed Numbers
According to a report by Kommersant, 50% of the A320neo and A321neo aircraft in the country are currently inoperable as a result of challenges in obtaining parts. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
According to a report from Kommersant, Russian airlines have grounded half of the Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft in the country, totaling 34 out of 66, due to challenges in sourcing parts stemming from Western sanctions.
The inoperability of these planes has become prevalent in recent months, primarily because difficulties in obtaining necessary parts have hindered the appropriate maintenance of the aircraft’s engines, as noted by the outlet.
Among the A320neo and A321neo models, some are equipped with engines from Pratt & Whitney, a US manufacturer, while others use LEAP-1A engines produced by the Franco-American company CFM International.
Prior to the imposition of sanctions by the US, EU, and their allies in response to the Ukraine conflict, Russia was a significant market for aircraft lessors, who acquired jets from Boeing and Airbus for leasing to local airlines. However, the expansive restrictions now prevent Russian operators from obtaining spare parts and maintenance services from Western sources.
According to sources referred to by Kommersant, some of the grounded planes are expected to remain inactive until the peak season starts, when many aircraft could potentially return to service. Nevertheless, it is reported that half of these grounded Airbus planes may not be able to resume operations.
S7 Airlines, the third largest airline in Russia, is reportedly facing the most severe challenges, having suspended 31 out of its 39 A320neo and A321neo aircraft, which are aged between three to seven years. More than 20 of S7’s Airbus jets have engines that have allegedly reached the end of their operational life.
In contrast, Aeroflot, the largest airline in Russia, has grounded two of its nine Airbus Neo jets, while Ural Airlines has suspended one of its eleven planes. An additional seven Airbus jets are currently operated by Nordwind Airlines, Smartavia, and North-West Aircompany.
Moreover, sources have indicated to the news outlet that without new maintenance solutions, Russia may need to start retiring a substantial number of its Airbus planes by 2026.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
The inoperability of these planes has become prevalent in recent months, primarily because difficulties in obtaining necessary parts have hindered the appropriate maintenance of the aircraft’s engines, as noted by the outlet.
Among the A320neo and A321neo models, some are equipped with engines from Pratt & Whitney, a US manufacturer, while others use LEAP-1A engines produced by the Franco-American company CFM International.
Prior to the imposition of sanctions by the US, EU, and their allies in response to the Ukraine conflict, Russia was a significant market for aircraft lessors, who acquired jets from Boeing and Airbus for leasing to local airlines. However, the expansive restrictions now prevent Russian operators from obtaining spare parts and maintenance services from Western sources.
According to sources referred to by Kommersant, some of the grounded planes are expected to remain inactive until the peak season starts, when many aircraft could potentially return to service. Nevertheless, it is reported that half of these grounded Airbus planes may not be able to resume operations.
S7 Airlines, the third largest airline in Russia, is reportedly facing the most severe challenges, having suspended 31 out of its 39 A320neo and A321neo aircraft, which are aged between three to seven years. More than 20 of S7’s Airbus jets have engines that have allegedly reached the end of their operational life.
In contrast, Aeroflot, the largest airline in Russia, has grounded two of its nine Airbus Neo jets, while Ural Airlines has suspended one of its eleven planes. An additional seven Airbus jets are currently operated by Nordwind Airlines, Smartavia, and North-West Aircompany.
Moreover, sources have indicated to the news outlet that without new maintenance solutions, Russia may need to start retiring a substantial number of its Airbus planes by 2026.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
