Aeroflot Faces Challenge of Operating Aircraft without Brakes Amid Maintenance Issues

Russia’s flagship carrier, Aeroflot, finds itself grappling with a unique issue as it operates a fleet of nine planes without functional brakes due to hurdles in procuring maintenance components for foreign aircraft.

To address the concern of replacing worn brake systems on both Airbus and Boeing airplanes, Aeroflot has implemented a measure wherein pilots are directed to deactivate the brakes, as detailed by a report from Moscow Times. Since late July 2023, the airline has been operating a minimum of nine such planes, including four Airbus models (A320, A330, and two A321s) and five Boeing 777s.

Aeroflot has not overlooked the potential hazards of flying with disabled brakes. In a memorandum issued by the airline’s flight operations department, which was later acquired and disclosed by Aviatorschina, pilots were reminded of the following:

“Take into consideration that the aircraft might veer towards the side where the brakes have not been deactivated. Exercise caution, particularly during landings on wet runways with crosswinds! Runway width restrictions are in effect. Risk of runway overrun!”

As per reports, aviation regulations permit airlines to operate aircraft with deactivated brakes for a maximum of ten days in cases where replacement parts for worn components are not immediately available.

In the aftermath of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Western nations have imposed sanctions that not only shut their airspaces to Russian aircraft but also blocked aviation service providers from offering maintenance or spare parts for the country’s planes.

Consequently, Aeroflot, which boasts a fleet largely comprised of Western-manufactured Airbus and Boeing aircraft, faces difficulties in accessing spare parts and components directly from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Data from ch-aviation.com reveals that out of the airline’s total fleet of 295 planes, around 74%, or 217 aircraft, are Airbus or Boeing models.

To navigate these restrictions, Aeroflot is said to have initiated a strategy of sending its planes to Iran for maintenance. Iran, having dealt with significant sanctions for decades, is believed to have developed substantial expertise in aircraft repairs under similar circumstances.

Past media reports have pointed to a declining safety situation at Aeroflot. One instance cited a Russian investigative news outlet’s claim that the airline had advised its staff to cease recording malfunctions during flights in order to prevent grounding aircraft, despite the essential need for addressing these issues.