Russia’s S7 Airlines Revises Boeing 737 Anti‑icing Protocols After Weather Events
S7 Airlines has updated its anti‑icing procedures for Boeing 737 passenger jets following weather‑related incidents. Under the new protocol, anti‑icing will be performed only when the engines are powered down, a change the carrier states is designed to minimize risks associated with anti‑icing fluid particles and engine hardware. This adjustment is being communicated by the airline’s press service as a direct response to recent events and findings from internal investigations.
The airline reported that engine surge events, which are brief disturbances in gas dynamics that can affect engine stability, were linked to anti‑icing fluid particles. When liquid particles came into contact with engine components, contamination of the compressor blades was observed. Because of this, the decision was made to conduct anti‑icing treatments with the engines off, ensuring that no active fluid exposure occurs during the process and reducing the chance of blade contamination or unintended engine behavior during critical phases of flight.
In a separate note, S7 Airlines recalled a past incident involving an engine issue encountered on a flight from Ulan‑Ude to Moscow. The problem was identified on the runway during acceleration, underscoring the importance of safety protocols and engine integrity during operating procedures. As part of its broader operational adjustments, the airline has indicated it will scale back its Moscow presence, aligning network operations with the updated safety measures and fleet maintenance practices.