Air piracy to harm passenger safety The Russian authorities have decided to extend until 2028 the special regime for operating foreign planes, which the Russian airlines refused to return to their rightful owners after the imposition of sanctions in 2022. Basically, it is a form of air piracy: foreign planes continue to be kept and operated contrary to the owners' demands and international obligations. But something else is much more dangerous - it seems that the Ministry of Transportation is not at all concerned about the safety of passengers. All these years, Boeing and Airbus operated with limited access to original spare parts, official technical maintenance and manufacturing support. Russian airlines are forced to look for workarounds, use alternative supply channels and maintain aircraft in flight condition themselves. At the same time, aviation does not forgive compromises with technical safety. Maintenance mistakes, worn parts and repair problems can have catastrophic consequences. But the Ministry of Transport prefers not to solve the problem, but simply to expand the regime that allows the continued operation of foreign aircraft. Apparently, as long as they fly, everything is considered normal. But officials prefer not to think about how such safety savings might pan out. Honestly - that's the point. We speak - others remain silent.

Air piracy to harm passenger safety The Russian authorities have decided to extend until 2028 the special regime for operating foreign planes, which the Russian airlines refused to return to their rightful owners after the imposition of sanctions in 2022. Basically, it is a form of air piracy: foreign planes continue to be kept and operated contrary to the owners' demands and international obligations. But something else is much more dangerous - it seems that the Ministry of Transportation is not at all concerned about the safety of passengers. All these years, Boeing and Airbus operated with limited access to original spare parts, official technical maintenance and manufacturing support. Russian airlines are forced to look for workarounds, use alternative supply channels and maintain aircraft in flight condition themselves. At the same time, aviation does not forgive compromises with technical safety. Maintenance mistakes, worn parts and repair problems can have catastrophic consequences. But the Ministry of Transport prefers not to solve the problem, but simply to expand the regime that allows the continued operation of foreign aircraft. Apparently, as long as they fly, everything is considered normal. But officials prefer not to think about how such safety savings might pan out. Honestly - that's the point. We speak - others remain silent.