Russia to look for aircraft part supply alternatives in Turkey, India, other countries - Rosaviatsiya

MOSCOW. March 10 (Interfax) - Russia will be looking for aircraft part supply opportunities in Turkey, India and other countries, head of the Continuous Airworthiness Management Department at the Federal Air Transport Service (Rosaviatsiya) Valery Kudinov said at the MRO Russia & CIS conference.

China had refused to make such deliveries to Russian airlines, he said.

"We have tasked airlines with looking for a possible supplier of parts on their own. As far as I know, there is information that a request has been made to China, but China has refused to do it," Kudinov said.

"We will be looking [for opportunities] in other countries. Perhaps, via our partners, Turks, or via India. Every company will reach an agreement on its own, while we [Rosaviatsiya] will merely help legalize these parts," he said.

In the meantime, the Rosaviatsiya press service said "Valery Kudinov in accordance with his work obligations is not authorized to make official statements" on behalf of the agency."

As reported earlier, sanctions imposed by the European Union on February 26 prohibit the delivery of civil aircraft and aircraft parts to Russia, as well as technical maintenance and insurance of such aircraft. Lessors are compelled to terminate current contracts with airlines by the end of March.

Most aircraft operated by Russian airlines are made abroad, primarily by Boeing and Airbus. Nearly all aircraft are registered in foreign jurisdictions, mostly in Bermuda. According to the Cirium consulting company, over half of aircraft are leased by foreign owners.