Number of grounded Russian Airbus jets revealed

Russian airlines have grounded 34 of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo planes in the country as a result of Western sanctions, Kommersant business daily reported on Thursday.

The planes have been taken out of service in recent months due to difficulties sourcing parts, making it impossible to properly maintain the aircraft’s engines, the outlet reported.

Some of the Airbus Neo planes are equipped with engines manufactured by US company Pratt & Whitney, while the others are supplied with LEAP-1A engines, which are produced by Franco-American manufacturer CFM International.

Before sanctions were imposed on Russia by the US, the EU, and their allies in relation to the Ukraine conflict, the country was a major market for aircraft lessors, which purchased jets from Boeing and Airbus, leasing them to local carriers. However, the sweeping restrictions have prevented Russian operators from accessing spare parts and maintenance services from Western suppliers.

According to sources cited by Kommersant, some planes are set to remain grounded until the beginning of the next high season, when most aircraft will be able to resume flights. However, half of the grounded Airbus planes are reportedly at risk of not returning to service.

S7, the country’s third biggest airline, has reportedly faced the biggest difficulties. The company reportedly suspended 31 of its 39 A320neo and A321neo aircraft, which are between three and seven years’ old. The engines installed in more than 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have reportedly reached the end of their operational lifespan.

Meanwhile, Russia’s largest air carrier, Aeroflot, reportedly had to ground two of its nine Airbus Neo jets, while Ural Airlines suspended one of its 11 planes. Seven more of the jets in Russia are currently operated by Nordwind Airlines, Smartavia, and North-West Aircompany.

Sources also told the news outlet that Russia may have to start retiring its Airbus planes en masse by 2026 if no maintenance options emerge.