Russian airlines have reportedly found a way to bypass Western sanctions and acquire essential parts for their fleets, particularly from aircraft giants Airbus and Boeing. Following the imposition of sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, the availability of aircraft and spare parts for Russian airlines has dwindled significantly. However, a new report from Investigate Europe has uncovered that these airlines are sourcing vital components through an unexpected route—India.
The report indicates that India has emerged as an intermediary, where parts from Western manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing are first purchased under the guise of legitimate transactions. These parts are then redirected to Russia, effectively bypassing sanctions. The process involves a series of transactions that allow Russian airlines to keep their fleets operational despite the ongoing restrictions.
While this discovery sheds light on a complex and covert supply chain, there has been little response or official comment from Airbus and Boeing, two companies that are heavily impacted by the sanctions. Despite the embargo on direct sales to Russia, the report suggests that these indirect transactions are continuing relatively unnoticed.
This development highlights the challenges faced by Western manufacturers in enforcing sanctions, as well as the lengths to which Russian airlines are going to maintain their operations amid increasing international isolation. The use of India as a conduit for these parts raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions and the potential for loopholes in the global aviation supply chain.