Share of domestic aircraft in fleet of Russian companies must grow substantially in next 10 years - Putin

MOSCOW. March 31 (Interfax) - The share of domestically manufactured aircraft in the fleet of Russian airlines must grow dramatically in the next 10 years, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting on developing domestic aviation that was broadcast on the Rossiya 24 TV channel on Thursday.

"It is necessary to adjust the strategy for developing the aviation industry based on its own resources and taking into account the new conditions, where there is space for opportunities for Russian aircraft manufacturers, design bureaus, and the suppliers of materials, units and components. On the horizon of the current decade, the share of domestic aircraft in the fleet of Russian airlines must grow substantially," the president said.

He also recalled the sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russian aviation over the military operation in Ukraine. In particular, the European Union banned the supply of civil aircraft and spare parts to Russia, and the provision of services for their maintenance and insurance. Aircraft already in operation in the country must, according to the sanctions, be returned to foreign leasing companies. In addition, the supply of systems and components for the production of aircraft is prohibited.

"They [the foreign partners] have essentially deceived Russian partners," Putin said. "I propose acting based on the premise that, certainly, there'll be no interaction like before with our former partners within the foreseeable future. We are not going to shut ourselves off from anyone, and we won't be a closed country. But we should act based on the realities that are taking shape," Putin said.