Russian-Italian and Russian-American collaborations in aviation have long depended on carefully synchronized supply chains, but recently a supplier bottleneck linked to sanctions has stirred disruption for carriers operating the Sukhoi Superjet 100. The issue centers on US-made spark plugs used in the TsAGI-proven, Russian-French designed SSJ-100 engines. A letter obtained from Vladimir Panfilov, the first deputy director general of IrAero, to the Ministry of Industry and Trade highlights a real risk to flight schedules, including routes with broad social and regional importance. Panfilov’s appeal stresses the urgency of restoring steady production and clearance of these critical components by the Ufa-based research and production organization Molniya, which is part of Rostec’s industrial ecosystem. The aim is to secure a domestic supply that can substitute imports and keep the SSJ-100 fleet flying without compromising safety or reliability.
Industry executives and airline leaders corroborated the concern. Yuri Lapin, chief executive of IrAero, and Pavel Udod, chairman of the board at Azimut Airlines, confirmed to RBC that the spark plug shortfall is affecting operations. Other operators, including Yakutia Airlines and Russia’s largest Superjet operator Rossiya Airlines, have reported similar challenges, underscoring a broader sector risk rather than a single case. The shared message from the leaders is clear: dependable parts supply is a cornerstone of on-time passenger service, and any disruption reverberates through timetables, crew assignments, and customer confidence.
A representative from Rostec, whose network includes Molniya, indicated that import substitution activities for essential Superjet components are progressing in full scale. The official note suggests that a Russian-made variant of the critical spark plug is being advanced, with plans for production to begin within the 2023 timeframe. While timelines may shift with market realities and regulatory checks, the overarching objective remains to reduce reliance on foreign-sourced parts and to strengthen domestic industrial resilience across the aviation ecosystem. The broader policy push aligns with a larger commitment to revitalizing Russia’s aviation industry, including research, manufacturing, and supply chain modernization that can sustain growth over the coming years.
Earlier projections pointed to a substantial budgetary framework supporting aviation development in Russia, including allocations estimated at 627 billion rubles through 2030. This financial backbone is intended to spur innovation, expand maintenance capabilities, and accelerate the introduction of home-grown components across critical fleets. Industry observers view the spark plug issue as a stress test for the national program, highlighting both the immediate operational needs of airlines and the longer-term ambition to build a more self-reliant manufacturing base for aerospace parts. As manufacturers, regulators, and carriers navigate these complexities, stakeholders emphasize the importance of clear communication, robust certification processes, and a pragmatic pace that safeguards safety while enabling efficient production and timely deliveries across the SSJ-100 service network.