Russia seeks to expand aviation partnership with seven countries to bypass sanctions

According to the Russian news agency RBC, citing a letter from the Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsia), Russia plans to procure aircraft parts from certain African and Asian countries to circumvent sanctions. This strategy was reportedly proposed by the Association of Air Transport Operators (AETT), which includes major Russian airlines, suggesting the inclusion of Indonesia, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Rosaviatsia agreed to this list, albeit with a caveat, noting that it had not previously interacted with the aviation authorities of these countries. The letter further specifies that these countries are necessary to expand aviation technology's repair capabilities, particularly engines. The rationale provided by the carriers highlights that these states and their aviation administrations have achieved high results in ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) audits, indicating a well-organized flight safety system. Previously, the list of "approved" countries included Iran, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Israel, Mexico, Türkiye, India, Brazil, China, the United Kingdom, the UAE, Jordan, Thailand, Aruba, and South Africa. This list was ratified by a Russian government decree on 9 May 2022, responding to sanctions from the USA, Canada, and the European Union against the Russian aviation industry. Newly obtained documents by Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence reveal that over 35% of Russia’s civilian aircraft have been scavenged for parts due to shortages caused by Western sanctions. Additionally, in September 2022, the International Civil Aviation Organization labeled Russia with a red flag, along with Liberia and Bhutan, indicating an extremely high risk to flight safety. Read also:

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