Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: KMZ Cargo – KMZ CARGO –
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Airlines are asking for special status for 400 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The issue isn't leasing, but rather guarantees for the stability of key cargo and passenger routes.
The Air Transport Operators Association (ATO) has appealed to the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance to extend the validity of government decree No. 412, a key industry regulation that ensures the legal operation of imported aircraft. This was reported by Vedomosti, citing the association's letter dated December 4.
The document, which allows Russian airlines not to return Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft to foreign lessors and establishes a special payment procedure, was initially valid until the end of 2024, but was later extended until December 31, 2026. The Association of Air Transport Operators (AEVT), without specifying a specific deadline, insists on a further extension, emphasizing that foreign aircraft remain the backbone of passenger transportation in Russia, and a significant portion of them were acquired through leases.
A Ministry of Transport representative confirmed receipt of the request and promised to respond. Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, Smartavia, and Azur Air, as well as the Ministry of Finance, did not comment on the publication's inquiries at the time of publication. Resolution No. 412 serves as the legal basis for managing imported aircraft under sanctions. It not only froze demands for the return of aircraft but also introduced a special payment mechanism through ruble-denominated Type C accounts in Russian banks. Furthermore, the document allows aircraft to be serviced and repaired without the approvals and original spare parts from Western manufacturers that are normally required. Export of such aircraft is permitted only with the approval of the government's Commission for Control over Foreign Investments.
While the decree is in effect, the insurance settlement process continues, transferring ownership of the aircraft from foreign lessors to Russian entities. A key role here is played by NLK-Finance, a leasing company under the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya), which purchases the aircraft and leases them to domestic air carriers. This frees the airlines from claims under previous leasing agreements and insurance policies. The transaction is partially financed by funds from the National Welfare Fund, issued to NLK at 1.5% per annum for 15 years, with participating airlines also contributing their profits to the purchase.
According to Reuters, approximately 400 aircraft belonging to Western lessors remained in Russia after the imposition of sanctions. By mid-2025, according to Kommersant, settlements had been completed or were in the final stages for 208 aircraft, with the total cost of this process exceeding 460 billion rubles. Aeroflot Group, for example, plans to complete transactions for 36 aircraft by the end of 2025, totaling $1.1 billion.
Experts consider the issue of extending the decree strategic for the industry. A source at one airline told Vedomosti that such a decision is inevitable. S7 Airlines, however, sees no reason for disruptions to its flight schedule even if the document is not extended, citing its own experience in resolving the legal status of its fleet. Oleg Panteleev, Executive Director of the Aviaport agency, believes extending the mechanism for another three years is justified, but considers an indefinite extension inappropriate. He believes that a civilized legal framework for the current situation is necessary, especially in light of Rostec's statements that foreign aircraft manufacturers are unlikely to return to the Russian market and that the future of domestic air travel lies with a fleet of Russian aircraft.
As a reminder, Russian cargo airlines are predicting the risk of a complete grounding of their aircraft and forced withdrawal from the market within the next three to five years. Market participants voiced this assessment at a roundtable discussion at the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, highlighting a range of critical issues: a rapidly shrinking and aging fleet, a severe shortage of spare parts and personnel, lengthy repair queues, and unequal competition with foreign carriers. LR
Publication date: 12/15/2025
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