Aeroflot buys out 10 long-range Boeing 777 planes from Irish leasing company

MOSCOW. Dec 30 (Interfax) - Aeroflot has bought out and obtained ownership rights to 10 long-range Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, an airline representative told reporters.

The planes have been on financial lease from an Irish leasing company since 2013 and 2014, he said.

"The deal was implemented as part of the fulfillment of the Russian government's order 'to undertake measures to resolve legal relations with foreign lessors in order to ensure the transfer of ownership rights to the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation' and taking into account all necessary permits of Russian and foreign regulators," Aeroflot's representative said.

The company will continue to work "on further implementation of transactions for the buyout of aircraft in order to preserve the current fleet of foreign-made aircraft in its own operation and to expand the capabilities of their operation," he said.

Following the launch of the special military operation in Ukraine, Western countries halted deliveries of civilian aircraft and spare parts to Russia and obliged their lessors to return planes that had already been leased from Russia.

In April, the European Union eased sanctions by allowing leasing companies to continue executing contracts for the financial leasing of aircraft concluded with Russian airlines before February 26, 2022.