On April 18, Caixin Securities reported (edited by Ma Lan) that since February 2022, Russian airlines have been banned from landing and flying over EU and US territories and are prohibited from obtaining aircraft parts from Western manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus. However, Russia is now negotiating with the United States on this restriction.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov requested last week that the US lift sanctions on Russian airlines, restore direct flights between Russian airlines and the US, and make it one of the terms for a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine.

So far, the US has not replied to this matter, but Europe has already shown resistance.

A European Commission official pointed out that EU sanctions against Russia will not change, including prohibiting Russian airlines from flying over EU airspace. If the EU does not lift its blockade on Russian airlines, it will be difficult for Russian planes to fly to the US.

In addition to political considerations, EU officials also pointed out that re-opening EU airspace to Russian planes may pose significant safety risks, as the EU cannot know whether Russian airline operators and air traffic services have been properly maintained over the past three years. This raises questions about the airworthiness of the Russian fleet.

Internal Disagreements Within the EU

The return of Russian planes to the international market faces numerous challenges. Sander Starreveld, director of SIG Aviation Consulting, warned that Russian planes themselves may not be safe and could bring counterfeit parts into Europe, placing a heavy burden on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

Another sensitive issue is that some of the planes currently owned by Russia may not actually belong to Russia but were forcibly requisitioned from aircraft leasing companies after the conflict in Ukraine. Therefore, these planes may be immediately impounded upon landing in the EU, as the EU claims that aircraft leasing companies will try to recover their assets.

However, these EU objections have not affected Russia's pace.

On Wednesday, Russia demanded that the US allow it to purchase aircraft produced by Boeing, and under the condition of reaching a ceasefire agreement, use frozen Russian state assets since the start of the conflict to pay for the purchases.

Meanwhile, some European airlines have expressed support for opening up airspace, as Russia has symmetrically blocked its airspace, forcing European airlines to take detours when flying to Asia, increasing costs. If an agreement is reached between the US and Russia, European airlines may increase pressure on the EU.

(Caixin Securities, Ma Lan)

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494575146603168293/

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