Russia proposes transferring Western aircraft to Russian operators to Vietnam

Russia has proposed that Vietnamese companies transfer aircraft to Russian operators through the wet lease system, which includes the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin said. Vietnam is considering the offer, but any agreement could expose its companies to secondary sanctions.

The proposal comes as Russia faces growing difficulties in maintaining its commercial fleet. After the invasion of Ukraine, Moscow allowed more than 400 Western aircraft acquired from leasing companies to be registered in Russia. Before the war, approximately 850 of Russia’s 900 commercial aircraft were manufactured by Airbus or Boeing, and most were leased from foreign companies.

Sanctions have restricted access to spare parts and maintenance services. Currently, 130 of the 673 aircraft operated by Russia’s 11 largest airlines are inactive, accounting for nearly 20% of the fleet. Russia is also facing difficulties securing jet fuel following attacks on refineries and export restrictions. Drast.