Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed yesterday a decree authorising S7 Airlines to return its two Boeing 737 MAX 8 to the foreign lessors who own the aircraft.
Previously, the company had asked government authorities to return some of its leased aircraft to non-Russian companies specialising in this type of service. According to the airline itself at the time, the request was due to «the lack of certification in Russia and, therefore, the impossibility of their operation».
However, Russia reauthorised the operation of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on its territory last July. The decision comes with an important caveat: only airlines from countries that have good relations with the Russian administration are allowed to fly. However, the two S7 Airlines aircraft remain in storage, due to low demand as a result of restrictions on Russian airlines.
Meanwhile, Russian Minister of Transport Vitaly Saveliev highlighted the creation of a special commission to approve export permits for the two aircraft. Resolution states: «To authorise Globus (a subsidiary of S7 Airlines) to export goods, according to the annex, from the territory of Russia to Turkey until December 31th, 2022.
The company, which has its main base at Novosibirsk International Airport (OVB), in Siberia, was the only Russian airline operating this type of aircraft.
The two Boeing 737 MAX 8s to be returned by S7 Airlines
- Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 43302 and Russian registration VQ-BGW. It joined the fleet on October 10th, 2018 and has been in storage since April 2019.
- Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) 44297 and Russian registration VQ-BGV. It joined the fleet on October 25th, 2018 and has been in storage since April 2019.
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