airBaltic Denies Buying Sanctioned Russian Fuel Amid EU Sanctions
airBaltic (BT, Riga) has denied accusations of violating European Union sanctions by purchasing Russian-made jet fuel. The Latvian flag carrier came under scrutiny after Verstka, a Russian media outlet, claimed that airBaltic engaged in illegal dealings with two sanctioned Russian fuel suppliers.
airBaltic responded by rejecting the allegations, emphasizing that it ceased dealings with the sanctioned companies and distanced itself from the “unfounded claims.”
The media outlet reported that airBaltic attempted to purchase 28 kerosene shipments from Gazpromneft-Aero and Tatneftaeroservice between February 2022 and March 2024, based on Russian customs data. The airline allegedly completed 13 fuel purchases, including two with Gazpromneft-Aero in 2022 and 11 with Tatneftaeroservice in 2023. However, airBaltic clarified that all business with Russian fuel suppliers ceased after the war in Ukraine and the imposition of EU sanctions.
The airline explained that the last payment to Gazpromneft-Aero was made in March and April 2022 for services provided in Lisbon, before sanctions were implemented, while payments to Tatneftaeroservice were made in 2021.
airBaltic dismissed the allegations, stating that the customs database lacks complete and reliable information about the airline’s transactions.
Related News: https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com