The Ministry of Transport proposed that the government allocate an additional 295 billion rubles from the National Welfare Fund to re-register foreign aircraft as Russian property. The main funding request for the potential purchase of around 90 aircraft is anticipated to come from Aeroflot, according to sources cited by Kommersant. (Source: Kommersant)
In the previous year, nearly 300 billion rubles were drawn from the National Welfare Fund. That allocation enabled the acquisition of 162 aircraft for major carriers including Aeroflot, S7, Ural Airlines and Aurora, framing more than a third of their fleets that were previously leased from foreign operators. (Source: Kommersant)
Experts argue that expanding government backing could help mitigate operational risks on international routes and ease the currency burden borne by carriers facing fluctuating exchange rates. (Source: Kommersant)
Kommersant reported in December that Russian aviation risks being left without new aircraft. Some insiders suggested that the remaining National Welfare Fund resources would be directed to the Aeroflot fleet, even if the funding cap of 300 billion rubles were raised higher. (Source: Kommersant)
Earlier reports noted a higher frequency of incidents involving birds striking Russian planes, which underscores safety concerns that accompany fleet renewal and maintenance efforts. (Source: Kommersant)