European official raises alarm about Russia flying Western-made airplanes

European Union's top aviation safety regulator stated Tuesday (14 June) that he was "very concerned" about Russian-made aircraft flying in Russia. He said that he doesn't have access to spare parts or proper maintenance and is therefore concerned for their safety.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United States and European Union have taken steps to limit Russia's access for spare parts. Russia describes its actions in Ukraine as a "special operation."

Patrick Ky, the executive director of European Union Aviation Safety Agency, (EASA), stated that it was very dangerous. He also said that regulators don't have enough data about Russian planes or safety incidents in the past months.

Ky stated that Russia should be considered when requesting exemptions. "On a case-by-case basis, what would the justification be, why do we absolutely need to fly this type of aircraft?"

Ky said that he would be open to reviewing cases in specific circumstances if necessary "for humanitarian purposes... but it shouldn't become the norm."

Ky stated that the risk increases with time. "In six months – who knows?" Who knows what the future holds for one year? He stated that there are reports Russia could be forced to cannibalize aircrafts in order to maintain their operation.

Boeing Co (BA.N.) and Airbus SE (AIR.PA.) announced that they had suspended supplies of spare parts to Russian airlines in March.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which downgraded Russia's air safety rating in April, stated that Russia's Federal Agency for Air Transport wasn’t meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO safety standards).

In March, the United States banned Russian airlines from American airspace.

In March, the U.S. Commerce Department added more than 150 Boeing planes operated by Russia Airlines to a list of aircraft suspected to be violating U.S. export control laws.

In a move that was claimed would "effectively ground" Russian planes traveling outside Russia, the department identified the planes as Russian cargo and passenger carriers, including Aeroflot, AirBridge Cargo and Utair.

According to the department, any maintenance, repair or refuelling of these planes is against U.S. export control laws and subject companies to U.S. enforcement action that could lead to "substantial prison time, fines, or loss of export privileges."

The department added 70 Russian entities, including several aircraft factories, to its trade blacklist earlier this month.

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