In the context of the sanctions imposed on Russia and the difficulties of domestic operators to comply with scheduled overhauls of their aircraft, Aeroflot has for the first time sent an Airbus A330-300 to Iran in order to conduct maintenance work in the Middle Eastern country.
An Aeroflot Airbus A330-300 will be serviced in Tehran
On Wednesday, April 5, the airplane registered as RA-73700 landed at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), located some 30 kilometres south of Tehran. Technicians from Mahan Air, Iran’s largest airline, will carry out checks there, Russian media reported.
According to RBC, Aeroflot confirmed sending one of its aircraft to Iran and assured that Mahan Air personnel have the necessary equipment and facilities, as well as the expertise, to complete the work.
The main work to be carried out is a landing gear repair. The Russian carrier has previously used the facilities of other suppliers for this purpose, notably Hong Kong-based HAECO.
See also: Russia reportedly obtained 2 second-hand Boeing 737s despite sanctions
Sanctions on Russia
Following the military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both the European Union and the United States imposed heavy sanctions on Russia’s aviation industry. The measures impact domestic companies’ services to other countries, as well as the addition of new aircraft and the marketing of spare parts.
Shortly after the first sanctions were implemented, lessors began demanding the return of their equipment, a situation that led to the enactment of a law to support civil aviation. The law allowed for the confiscation of Western companies’ assets in Russia and the registration of foreign aircraft rights.
In July 2022, Russia signed an agreement with Iran for the supply of equipment and spare parts, as well as for the provision of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for Russian airlines’ aircraft. It is important to note that the Islamic republic has also received numerous international sanctions.
A month earlier, in an official decree, the Russian government had approved a comprehensive air transport development programme until 2030. The administration argued that «in the face of external constraints», the sector’s goal should be «an accelerated transition to national equipment».
See also: The Tupolev Tu-214 will be delivered in 2023 and Aeroflot prepares to receive it
