Sources told Reuters on Monday that major Russian airlines such as Aeroflot have grounded their planes so they can be disassembled for parts, adding that the airlines take parts from their planes to keep them airworthy.
Russian-made Sukhoi Superjets, which depend on assembled foreign parts, have already begun the dismantling process, removing an engine from a grounded jet to allow another Superjet to continue flying.
Disused airplanes that are stripped of parts to keep others flying are often referred to as “Christmas trees.” The process is linked to financial difficulties due to extensive restructuring from sanctions imposed by Western powers, according to Reuters.
The Moscow sanctions stem from its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which began in February, and have prevented Russia from obtaining engine parts or undergoing maintenance inspections in Western countries.
Oleg Panteleev, head of aviation think tank Aviaport, told Reuters that most Western-based manufacturers are aware that Sukhoi Superjets are fully operational in Russia.
“Western manufacturers understand that almost all Superjets operate in Russia,” Panteleev said. “You can just stop producing and shipping parts – and it will hurt.”
Russian officials hope some of the used aircraft parts will ensure foreign-made aircraft can continue to fly until 2025, Reuters reported.
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A source also said that because of Western sanctions, unused jets are being stripped for spare parts, as Russian aircraft are currently flying fewer routes than normal.
This comes as Aeroloft saw a 22% drop in traffic due to Western sanctions against Russia, according to data provided by the company.
Sources also told the news network that Middle Eastern and Asian companies could risk secondary sanctions from Western powers if they supply aircraft to Russia.
