US Sanctions Belarusian Cargo Carriers and Lukashenko’s Boeing 767-300ER

The United States has intensified its economic pressure on Belarus by imposing new sanctions on three Belarusian cargo airlines and a government-owned Boeing 767-300ER used by President Alexander Lukashenko. This latest move by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is part of broader efforts to weaken the Belarusian economy, which has been closely aligned with Russia amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Among the targeted airlines is Rada Airlines (RDA), which has been accused of supporting the Wagner Group, a private military contractor with close ties to the Russian government. Rada Airlines has allegedly transported Wagner Group troops to and from Africa, facilitating the group’s operations across the continent. Rada’s fleet consists of three Ilyushin Il-62Ms, two of which remain active. These aircraft have recently been spotted flying to destinations such as Libya, Mali, and the Central African Republic, areas known for Wagner’s military activities. Additionally, the airline has been implicated in an unusual operation involving the trafficking of exotic animals between Mexico and Venezuela.

Another Belarusian carrier, Rubystar Airways (RSB), has also been sanctioned for allegedly aiding the Russian military. OFAC claims that Rubystar has transported Russian troops to and from Africa and has facilitated the shipment of military helicopters on behalf of a Russian defense company. The airline operates one Antonov An-12(BP) and three Ilyushin Il-76TDs. The US has also sanctioned Rubystar’s executive, Evgeniy Ivanovich Mikholap, along with Rada Airlines executives Dmitry Olegovich Ishchenko and Ivan Nikolaevich Nareiko.

In addition to these two airlines, OFAC has sanctioned Belcanto Airlines (BTA) for its connection to the previously sanctioned TAE Avia, formerly known as Transaviaexport Airlines. OFAC alleges that Belcanto Airlines was established in 2020 and began operations in 2022, taking over aircraft and continuing operations that were previously conducted by TAE Avia. However, as of now, Belcanto Airlines does not operate any active aircraft.

This new round of sanctions leaves Genex (GNX), an operator of Antonov An-26 cargo aircraft, as the only active Belarusian cargo airline not subject to US sanctions.

In addition to targeting the airlines, OFAC has also placed sanctions on President Lukashenko’s Boeing 767-300ER, which is operated by Belavia (B2). The aircraft is part of a fleet of government-operated executive jets used by the Belarusian leadership. This follows earlier sanctions on two other executive aircraft: a Boeing 737-800BBJ, sanctioned in March 2023, and a Bombardier Challenger 850, sanctioned in August 2023.

Despite these sanctions, the US has removed sanctions on an Airbus ACJ319-100, previously linked to Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg. The aircraft, which had been registered in Aruba, was deregistered in 2023 and is currently stored in Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg with no new registration or operator assigned.

The US sanctions on Belarusian airlines and Lukashenko’s personal jet signal continued efforts to isolate Belarus economically and diplomatically. The involvement of Belarus in supporting Russia’s military ventures and the Wagner Group in Africa has drawn increased scrutiny from Western governments, further complicating the political landscape in Eastern Europe.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com