The head of Russia’s Ministry of Transport, Vitaly Savelyev, indicated on the Russia 1 television channel that a portion of Russian aircraft remains active in service in other countries. He explained that a number of nations assist Russia with aircraft maintenance, adding that this is not a sign of weakness but a pragmatic approach to expanding the options for servicing the fleet. In his view, there are scenarios in which outside facilities can provide the necessary upkeep, alongside domestic capabilities, reflecting a deliberate effort to diversify maintenance channels rather than relying solely on in-country resources.
Savelyev provided a fleet overview, noting that 1,288 aircraft are currently in operation within the Russian Federation, with more than 1,160 of these being civilian airframes. He stressed that this size of the fleet would be substantial enough to disrupt traffic if it were suddenly grounded, signaling the importance of reliable maintenance and uninterrupted flight operations to preserve connectivity across the country. His comments imply that the maintenance ecosystem supports a large, diverse fleet that underpins both commercial and passenger transportation networks.
Looking at passenger volumes, Savelyev referenced last year’s performance of carrying 95.2 million passengers on a plan for 100 million, attributing part of this achievement to the unique geographic and operational context. He noted that the closure of 11 southern airports, which typically handle around 19 million passengers annually, constrained capacity but did not derail overall planning. For the current year, he stated that the plan remains ambitious at about 101 million passengers. Even though some airports were not fully operational at the time, the sector had already surpassed a milestone of 1.4 million passengers within the first five months, demonstrating resilience and continued demand for air travel in the region.
Savelyev continued with a broader outlook, mentioning that more than 200 certified organizations operate in Russia for aircraft maintenance. This network can provide the necessary services for the existing fleet, signaling a robust domestic capability that complements international partnerships. The arrangement reflects an ecosystem where domestic expertise, complemented by selective international support, ensures ongoing airworthiness and safety across the country’s aviation sector. The emphasis on certification and quality control underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards in aircraft maintenance and operational reliability.