Western sanctions prevent Russian airlines from resuming flights to and from China. Now that air traffic to and from China is picking up again, Russia too wants to start flying again. But in practice this is difficult. “You don’t know how airworthy Russian planes are now.”
Due to sanctions, Russian planes can no longer fly to the West. As the parts are no longer available, the airworthiness of the aircraft has been revoked, says aviation expert Joris Melkert, affiliated with TU Delft.
Most aircraft in Russia are leased. Those planes should have been returned to leasing companies in Ireland or Bermuda, for example, but this has not been done. Instead, the Russians themselves issued a statement that the plane is airworthy.”
“If such a plane crashes into a big Chinese city, you really have some explanations to give”
But China has also closed its airspace to Russian planes. In principle, China can decide for itself whether to let Russian planes in, but according to Melkert there are big risks. “You don’t know how airworthy those planes are now. When such a plane crashes into a big Chinese city, you really have some explanations to give. They have to be extremely careful with this.’
smuggling route
The question is whether there is a solution for Russian companies. ‘|Not yet,’ says Melkert. “It is possible that the Russians are using their friendship with China for parts. Because China also uses European planes and they get parts. So obviously you could create some kind of illegal smuggling route. But I wouldn’t do it so fast anyway.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
