Russia has reportedly turned to airlines in Kazakhstan for help to maintain domestic operations.
Domestic air travel in Russia is struggling as a result of the sanctions imposed by foreign governments over the war in Ukraine.
According to The Moscow Times, Russian airlines had a fleet of 850 aircraft prior to the outbreak of war in 2022 – but by the beginning of 2023, this number had dropped to 736.
It is understood that Kazahkstan is among other friendly countries that Russia is looking to for help.
Russian transport minister Roman Starovoyt said: “We are speaking about the so-called cabotage transportation when a foreign airline conducts passenger operations within another country.
“Currently, only domestic airlines are eligible to operate such flights in Russia. We are examining a cabotage option due to the fleet shortage.”
Western sanctions restrict Russia’s access to spare parts and new aircraft, particularly where Western-made aircraft are concerned.
Some forecasts anticipate that the country could lose half of its remaining fleet within two years if current trends continue.
In response to the growing difficulties, the authorities have tried to develop a self-reliant aircraft manufacturing industry.
But these efforts have run into substantial delays. Moscow has radically cut the programme and production has been slow, bne IntelliNews reports.
It is understood that officials were targeting the production of 82 aircraft in 2025. It is now expected that only 20 will be manufacturerd next year.
Meanwhile, Russia’s target for 2026 is said to have been reduced from 120 airliners to 97, and from 180 to 140 for the year following.
According to bne IntelliNews, Kazakhstan’s civil aviation sector is booming – partly as a result of the difficulties that Russia’s industry has faced since 2022.
Kazakh airlines are expanding, airports are being extended and modernised and the government is rolling out plans for the building of several new regional airports dotted around the country.
