Russian Boeing, Airbus, and Superjets at Risk—Approaching C Checks and D Checks

Russian airlines are on the brink of a severe operational crisis as Western sanctions have cut off access to original aircraft parts, jeopardizing the safety and airworthiness of their fleets. The sanctions, imposed in response to geopolitical tensions, have disrupted the supply chain for critical components, leaving airlines unable to perform essential maintenance checks on their aircraft. This includes not only Western-made planes like Boeing and Airbus but also Russia’s domestically produced Superjet SSJ-100, which relies heavily on Western components for its engines, avionics, electrical systems, landing gear, and fuel systems. The Russian aviation fleet consists of approximately 700 Western aircraft and 150 SSJ-100s, all of which require routine maintenance to remain operational. Aircraft maintenance is a highly regulated and labor-intensive process, with two critical checks—C Check and D Check—being mandatory for safety and performance. A C Check, conducted every 18–24 months, involves up to 6,000 man-hours and focuses on structural and system inspections. The more extensive D Check, required every 6–12 years, demands 30,000–50,000 man-hours and involves disassembling major components like engines and landing gear for thorough inspection and repair. These checks are impossible without direct manufacturer support, which has been severed due to sanctions. An anonymous aviation safety expert warns that by 2025, most Western aircraft and Superjets in Russia will reach the end of their legally permissible flight cycles. The scarcity of spare parts, compounded by the inability to perform critical maintenance, will force airlines to ground these planes. The Superjet, despite being a domestic product, is particularly vulnerable due to its reliance on Western technology and is expected to remain operational for only an additional year. The situation has already led to a spike in aviation incidents. In 2023, at least 10 Russian aircraft experienced in-flight malfunctions, forcing emergency landings. Between December 1 and January 20, engine failures were reported in 11 aircraft, including eight Boeing and Airbus planes and three Superjets. Novaya Gazeta Europe recorded 208 aviation incidents in the first 11 months of 2023, a 25% increase from the previous year, with nearly half involving engine failures or landing gear malfunctions. Experts, including Lee Walker from the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab, predict that the crisis will worsen. The lack of quality control and reliance on spare parts sourced from third countries further exacerbates the risks. With Western aircraft accounting for two-thirds of Russia’s civilian fleet and 90% of passenger transport, the grounding of these planes could have catastrophic consequences for the country’s aviation industry and economy. The scale of the problem may be even greater than reported, as the breakdowns and incidents are likely to continue escalating, posing significant safety risks to passengers and crew. In summary, the combination of Western sanctions, the inability to perform critical maintenance, and the reliance on Western technology has placed Russian aviation in a precarious position. The grounding of aircraft, rising incidents, and lack of solutions signal a looming crisis that could reshape the country’s aviation landscape. Be a Member for exclusive privileges - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCviEFTf1xIPKsjmyF_zvFug/join Twitter : https://x.com/AltitudeAddicts Website: https://www.altitudeaddicts.com