Russia is on the hunt for new aircraft, a necessity for a nation eager to expand its air travel capabilities both at home and abroad. However, Western sanctions have thrown a wrench in the works, cutting off access to new Airbus and Boeing planes, as well as the spare parts needed to keep existing fleets in the air. This has led to some creative problem-solving, including the local production of unapproved spare parts. Now, Russia is setting its sights on Africa, particularly Ethiopian Airlines, which is the continent’s leader in fleet size and passenger numbers.
In a recent meeting with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA), Russian officials floated the idea of a mutually beneficial trade deal. This could include a wet-lease agreement for modern aircraft, a move that would allow Russian airlines to temporarily use Ethiopian planes. The meeting, which took place at the end of July, saw Russia’s Trade Commissioner in Ethiopia, Mr. Yaroslav Tarasyuk, discussing potential collaborations in air transport management. Building on an existing Ethiopia-Russia Air Services Agreement, the talks also covered the supply of aviation communication and surveillance equipment to Russia and the construction of an aircraft repair center in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines, with its fleet of over 120 active aircraft, including Boeing 787s, Airbus A350s, and Boeing 777s, is a key player in Africa’s aviation scene. As Ethiopia aims to become “Africa’s Aviation Hub by 2033,” the ECAA is actively seeking international partnerships to fuel its growth. Besides Russia, the ECAA has also been in talks with North Korean representatives, coinciding with the recent launch of the first nonstop flight between the capitals of Russia and North Korea.
#RussiaAviation #EthiopianAirlines #GlobalAviation
Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
