Russian airlines relying on SSJ‑100 jets have voiced concerns about the performance of the imported navigation system embedded in these aircraft. A major Russian business daily reports that carriers are troubled by frequent malfunctions and gaps in the navigation data, while many pilots do not view the issues as dangerous enough to ground flights.
According to the publication, the top officers of Gazprom‑Avia and Red Wings have echoed the broader critique raised by Rossiya regarding the quality of aviation information in the company briefing bases. The concerns focus on the completeness of the data available to crews and the system’s periodic lapses, which were highlighted during a recent Federal Air Transport Agency meeting and described in the minutes dated to April. These points come as industry observers follow the story with interest, noting how navigation databases are managed and updated for the fleet in operation (Kommersant).
A spokesperson for Rossiya stated that the use and updating of navigation databases fall under the responsibility of the aircraft manufacturer, rather than the airline itself. This distinction underscores the layered responsibility for navigation safety data and the potential for differing standards between operator practices and technical specifications supplied by the maker.
In related industry news, delays at major hubs have occasionally tested the resilience of flight operations. In one instance, a Nordstar flight experienced a delay exceeding 15 hours at Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg, underscoring how technical and logistical challenges can ripple through schedules even as operators strive to maintain safety and reliability.
Experts note that navigation systems for narrow‑body Russian aircraft often depend on imported databases and software suites whose availability, accuracy, and update cadence are critical to on‑time operations. Airlines are increasingly emphasizing the need for robust, redundant data streams and clearer fault reporting mechanisms, particularly for long‑range routes where precise positioning and alternate routing information matter most. The evolving dialogue among manufacturers, operators, and regulators continues to shape how crews are trained to interpret navigation data and respond to potential inconsistencies in real conditions (Kommersant).