The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced today that the aviation sanctions imposed on Russia could result in unsafe travel. As Russian airlines include American and European aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, and EU sanctions have resulted in the banning of aircraft and spare parts sales, this could raise concerns for Russia’s upkeep of their foreign fleet. The IATA stated:
“IATA does not support bans on the export of commercial aircraft equipment and spare parts because this potentially impacts safety, which is always the top priority”
Foreign Fleet
Abiding by the new rules of the sanctions imposed by the EU and the US, Boeing and Airbus have cancelled their maintenance support contracts with Russian based airlines.
It was reported by the President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, that three-quarters of Russia’s aviation fleet was made in either the European Union, the United States or Canada. The sanctions mean Russia won’t be able to purchase necessary parts, which could soon ground their fleet.
IATA Director-General
Director-General of IATA since April 2021, Willie Walsh, spoke about the invasion of Ukraine in a statement last week. He said:
“I am appalled by the unlawful invasion of Ukraine by Russia and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people under siege.
Aviation promotes peace and freedom by bringing people together. But these last days have seen peace shattered, the human cost of which is horrifying.
My heart goes out to all the people of Ukraine, including industry partners and colleagues”
Do you think the sanctions imposed on Russia will have much effect? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
