Aeroflot to Open Jet Engine Repair Plant in 2028 Amid Sanctions
Aeroflot, Russia’s national airline, plans to open a jet engine repair facility by 2028 in response to ongoing Western sanctions that have severely limited access to aviation components. The move comes amid growing concerns over rising aircraft malfunctions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Aeroflot CEO Sergei Alexandrovsky announced the project in an interview with Kommersant, stating that the facility will eventually handle up to 70 major engine overhauls annually. It will service a range of engines, including the French-American CFM models and Russia’s PD-8 and PD-14 engines. Specific details such as the cost and location of the plant have not yet been disclosed.
Sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union have barred the export of aircraft and components to Russia, leaving Aeroflot and other carriers struggling to maintain fleets composed largely of Western-made aircraft. As a result, Aeroflot and other Russian airlines have faced an increasing number of grounded aircraft and reported engine failures.
According to reports, over half of Russia’s Airbus A320neo fleet has been grounded, and 11 engine failures occurred within a 50-day span over the winter months. Russia has reportedly asked the U.S. to lift sanctions on Aeroflot, particularly following the return of Donald Trump to the White House. The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia has also called for sanctions relief in the aviation sector, citing humanitarian concerns.
Aeroflot continues to face limited international access after Western nations closed their airspace to Russian airlines in response to the war in Ukraine.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, themoscowtimes.com