Noting the sanctions that have been imposed on Russia and Belarus since the invasion of Ukraine early last year, the Flight Safety Foundation has issued a white paper directed at countries still allowing operators from those two countries to fly into their territory despite these sanctions. Those countries “must be aware of the potential limitations associated with sanctions and export controls that could impact the level of service and parts availability,” the paper advises.
According to the paper, “Since the sanctions were imposed, Russia has enacted national laws to facilitate the re-registration of hundreds of leased Western-built aircraft, primarily Boeing and Airbus models. The operation of these aircraft poses potential safety risks and raises questions about compliance with international regulations. Most concerning is that these re-registered aircraft have been operating in international airspace and into airports located outside of Russia and Belarus.” Further, while sanctions have meant that foreign approvals of some Russian MRO facilities have been canceled, FSF said these facilities are continuing their work based on Russian approvals.
The paper concluded with a “call to action.” State regulators must conduct safety oversight of aircraft registered in Russia and Belarus flying in their territory. A country unable to ensure safety should not allow these flights into its airspace. Countries that permit their air operator certificate holders to fly in a sanctioned nation are obliged to ensure that those operators’ aircraft remain airworthy. Finally, regulators, operators, and MRO facilities have to scrutinize aircraft documentation, “looking out for the possibility of unapproved modifications and repairs, as well as parts coming from unapproved sources."