Russia’s plans to invest 770 billion rubles ($14.5 billion) in the country’s aviation industry by 2030, as Moscow looks to increase production of domestically-manufactured aircraft in light of western sanctions.
Sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have seen Russian airlines banned from flying to destinations in Europe, the US and a number of other countries. Leasing companies have threatened to seize planes traveling in defiance of the sanctions, forcing the airlines to ground most international flights.
Shipments of foreign-built planes have also halted, whilst spare parts have also become difficult to obtain due to the restrictions in place.
Moscow, in response, has passed laws permitting the seizure of foreign jets.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov announced the plans during a televised meeting of government officials, stating that Russian airlines should receive approximately 1,000 locally-manufactured aircraft by the end of the decade.
“The share of domestically produced aircraft in the fleet of Russian airlines should grow to 81% by 2030,” Borisov said.
At present only one model is mass-produced inside Russia, the Sukhoi Superjet regional aircraft. Even this production line is heavily dependent on imports for parts though.
The Kremlin already has plans in place to start building MS-21 medium-haul aircraft as well as a small number of Soviet-era Tu-214 jets.