In discussions about Russia’s aircraft maintenance landscape, Roman Gusarov, editor-in-chief of the AVIA.RU portal, emphasizes that there is no imperative to produce a complete set of spare parts domestically for every foreign aircraft. In an interview with Reedus, the focus shifts to S7 Airlines, Russia’s largest private carrier, and its capacity to independently service a substantial portion of imported engine components and overall aircraft systems. Specifically, S7 Technics can operate on 17% of imported engine parts and maintain 67% of the aircraft systems as a whole, a level of self-sufficiency that has tangible implications for continued flight operations and maintenance resilience within the Russian aviation sector.
Gusarov notes that the 67% repair rate for components underscores a highly capable service ecosystem. The maintenance process at the S7 Technics facility is described as a rigorous, multi-stage endeavor. It involves full disassembly of aircraft, comprehensive ultrasound testing of all parts, meticulous inspection, and reassembly. The result is a restored airframe that appears as though it just left the factory floor, a testament to the thoroughness and precision typical of modern aviation maintenance practices.
Beyond the technical achievements, the expert highlights that the aviation industry in Russia did not suffer a complete standstill. Technical centers managed to forge alternative supply chains for spare parts, ensuring continuity of operations even in times of supply disruption. Data from 2022 shows the robustness of air travel: Russian airlines carried around 95 million passengers, linked to the observation that approximately 90 percent of the aircraft fleet remained in flight condition and actively serving routes. This resilience reflects a combination of adaptive logistics, skilled personnel, and well-coordinated maintenance networks across the country.
Valentina Matvienko, who formerly chaired the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, points to a strategic outcome of moving toward Russian aircraft and equipment. She asserts that such a transition could provide a further boost to Russia’s technological leadership, reinforcing domestic capabilities, supply security, and the broader trajectory of national innovation in aerospace and related sectors. This perspective situates the current maintenance achievements within a longer-term vision of strategic independence and competitive strength for the country’s aviation industry.