The head of the Federal Air Transport Agency, Alexander Neradko, stated that Western aircraft owned by Russian carriers could continue to fly safely by 2030 if ongoing maintenance and airworthiness checks are kept up. This claim follows discussions about how sanctions that restrict spare parts and maintenance services have influenced the aviation sector. Source for these remarks: official briefing and subsequent media summaries.
According to Neradko, flight safety within the Russian Federation has not been compromised by the sanctions on spare parts deliveries and maintenance services. He emphasized that strict adherence to safety protocols remains the top priority for domestic operators and regulatory bodies alike. The message underscored the resilience of the safety system amid external pressures.
Roman Gusarov, a former head of the industry portal Avia.ru, noted that more than 600 Boeing and Airbus aircraft are currently part of the domestic fleet and are expected to be progressively replaced by the Russian MS-21 airliner. He projected that the substitution and domestic production cycle could extend over roughly ten years, reflecting a strategic shift toward homegrown aviation capabilities. The forecast aligns with plans to expand the MS-21’s production footprint as the Irkutsk Aviation Plant scales up its output to meet domestic demand.