Russia seeking to waive duties on imports of cargo aircraft through 2026

MOSCOW. Nov 30 (Interfax) - Russia has sent a proposal to the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) in instituting duty-free imports of certain types of civil cargo aircraft until the end of 2025.

The draft of the corresponding EEC Council decision is published on the website of the Eurasian Economic Commission, it will be publicly discussed until December 19.

Duty exemption is envisaged for aircraft with an empty kerb weight from 20 to 90 tonnes and for wide-body, long-haul airliners - more than 120 tonnes.

"Russia's proposal is aimed at supporting national airlines engaged in air cargo transportation and is prompted by the need to minimize their financial expenses amid sanctions restrictions," the explanation to the document reads.

Sanction on Russian, imposed by Western countries after the start of the military operation in Ukraine, include a ban on deliveries of civil aircraft and spare parts to Russia, as well as their maintenance and insurance.