Russian airlines could implement surcharge to support operation of SJ-100, MC-21 aircraft - sources

MOSCOW. Sept 23 (Interfax) - Russian airlines are expected to start including a surcharge in ticket prices to support the operation of the new SJ-100 and MC-21 aircraft, three aviation industry sources told Interfax.

According to one of the sources, the measure is envisaged in the financial model for aircraft deliveries through 2035, as agreed with the authorities and industry participants. Overall funding required for the program is estimated at 3 trillion rubles; of which 1.6 trillion is needed to subsidize aircraft purchases and 1.4 trillion is required to support their operation, including reimbursing a portion of maintenance-related costs.

Plans are in place to establish a fund financed in part by a so-called aviation industry surcharge in order to address the second objective, one of the sources explained. On the one hand, the arrangement would allow airlines to operate new aircraft cost-effectively, while, on the other hand, maintaining airfares at an acceptable level, according to the sources.

The amount of the surcharge has not yet been determined. One source noted that it could add around 700 rubles to the cost of a domestic ticket and 1,800 rubles to an international ticket. Another source emphasized that the surcharge is intended to support the operation of long-haul aircraft only, such as the SJ-100 and MC-21, and would not apply to upcoming regional models like the Baikal or Osvey.

The Industry and Trade Ministry and Aeroflot have declined to comment, while the Transport Ministry had not responded to a request as of the time of publication.

Serial production of the SJ-100 and MC-21 aircraft in their import-substituted configurations is scheduled to begin in 2027. The timelines have previously been postponed multiple times.