Aeroflot Group has finalized an insurance arrangement covering 17 aircraft with the Irish lessor SMBC Aviation Capital, a development reported by the air carrier’s official channels.
According to Aeroflot, the lessors have halted their claims against the Russian entities under both the insurance policies issued by domestic insurers and the lease agreements with PJSC Aeroflot. The arrangement led to the transfer of ownership of the involved aircraft to Insurance Company NSK LLC, which subsequently paid the agreed settlement amount. These steps mark a coordinated response to the ongoing sanctions environment and a move to stabilize the operational fleet, according to Aeroflot and industry observers. (Source attribution: Aeroflot press materials)
On September 14, Sergei Alexandrovsky, the CEO of Aeroflot Group, confirmed plans to advance negotiations on insurance terms with foreign lessors for a total of 61 foreign aircraft by the end of the year 2023, reflecting a broader strategy to diversify risk and ensure fleet availability. (Source attribution: Aeroflot communications)
Earlier developments include March 14, 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation concerning the registration of rights to foreign aircraft leased from Russian companies. The intent behind the law is to safeguard the fleets of foreign-registered aircraft that belong to Russian carriers and to maintain uninterrupted civil aviation operations amid sanctions. The explanatory notes emphasize protections for assets and continuity of service across international corridors, underscoring aviation resilience in a challenging trade environment. (Source attribution: Russian government publications)
Additionally, the amendments in question extend the certification deadlines for critical safety and operational tools from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023, a concession intended to minimize disruption during the transition period and ensure compliance timelines align with evolving international regulatory expectations. This shift supports ongoing fleet reliability while authorities assess compliance pathways for foreign-owned assets. (Source attribution: regulatory briefings)
In related updates, Aeroflot previously disclosed progress in restoring the Leonardo reservations system, signaling efforts to streamline operational planning and maintenance scheduling for its expanded fleet and network. (Source attribution: Aeroflot operational notices)