https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-05-21/sanctions-threaten-russian-aviation-safety-expired-components-and-concealed-malfunctions.html
Sanctions threaten Russian aviation safety: Expired components and concealed malfunctions
A number of leaks expose the risks taken by the companies, like the 2,000 flights that took off with outdated parts
Russian airplanes continue to fly in the midst of the storm. The country’s airlines transported 95.1 million passengers last year, and their volume of activity has further increased this year. Sanctions as a result of the invasion of Ukraine have made it impossible for Russian companies to purchase certain spare parts to maintain their aircraft since February 2022, but it seems that nothing has changed for the passengers. However, a series of leaks has uncovered the industry’s negligence in ensuring safety. Inspections by a Transportation Ministry agency called Rostransnadzor have revealed that at least 2,000 flights took off with components that had passed their operational lifespan. What’s more, a new investigation has found that Russia’s flagship airline Aeroflot instructed its aircraft personnel not to record in-flight malfunctions unless specifically directed to do so by the captain.