An advisory from a senior Russian pilot indicates that the country is moving to operate foreign-registered aircraft under lease for legitimate international flights. Previously, aircraft arriving in foreign jurisdictions could face detention and be handed over to the owner, but that enforcement mechanism has reportedly faded away. He notes ongoing discussions with NSN to align this practice with regulatory expectations and operational needs.
Earlier statements suggested Russia would acquire 165 aircraft from international lessors in 2023. The pilot explains that these are planes aged six to ten years, purchasing them at their residual value. The expectation is that these ex-rental aircraft will be cleared to fly to foreign ports once the transactions are completed, expanding the fleet’s reach for international routes.
Leasing companies were initially cautious about this approach. Their hesitation stemmed from the fact that many of these planes were registered in neutral or offshore jurisdictions, and the deals needed to secure a return on investment. Nevertheless, they agreed to participate as part of a broader effort to stabilize revenues and aircraft utilization amid global market pressures.
The pilot adds that the aircraft in question have undergone service in Russia and Iran, with spare parts supplied through parallel imports from suppliers in China, India, Turkey, and Iran. While this arrangement keeps the fleet airborne, it may affect scheduling certainty and maintenance timelines, presenting challenges for on-time operations and standardization across maintenance practices.
According to his assessment, there is room for improvement in maintenance and logistics. He suggests that Russia could benefit from following the example set by larger manufacturing ecosystems by establishing domestic capacity for aircraft spare parts. He also notes that even small imports—such as butter or basic chemical products—illustrate how domestic supply chains can be diversified. In addition, Russia holds oil, gasoline, technical fluids, and hydraulic systems that could meet or rival international standards, provided the testing and regulatory framework is aligned to ensure safety and reliability.
The airman observes that while the aviation sector has the capability to produce the necessary spare parts domestically, there is some inertia within aviation authorities that slows the transition to full domestic production. He urges a more proactive approach to reduce reliance on external suppliers and to strengthen national aviation resilience through local manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance processes.
There have been prior reports about hybrid helicopter and aircraft programs developed for transportation needs within Russia, highlighting ongoing experimentation and modernization across the sector. These developments reflect a broader push to diversify equipment sources, maintain fleet availability, and support international operations while navigating regulatory and supply chain dynamics.