Last month, three individuals in the US state of Ohio were charged with illegally exporting aircraft parts to Russia. According to a statement by the US Department of Justice, the defendants allegedly shipped four aircraft components worth €1.86 million (approximately 73 million TL) to Russia without the necessary licences.
Western Sanctions Deepen the Crisis
Russia’s civil aviation sector has been grappling with a severe crisis since Western sanctions were imposed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions have made it more difficult to import aircraft parts, leading to an increase in the number of components procured through illicit means.
According to Radio Free Europe, two-thirds of Russia’s commercial fleet consists of US-made Boeing and EU-made Airbus planes, which account for around 90% of the country’s passenger traffic. However, sanctions have restricted access to the spare parts essential for aircraft maintenance.
Deliberate Breach of Export Restrictions
The indictment states that the three defendants, employees of the US subsidiary of Flighttime Enterprises, knowingly and wilfully violated export restrictions, using intermediary companies to conceal the final destination of the parts.
US Attorney Kenneth L. Parker delivered a strong message, stating, “We will not tolerate export violations or smuggling that breaches US law, whether it occurs in Russia or anywhere else in the world.”
Increase in Aircraft Malfunctions
Amid the Western sanctions and the resulting shortage of spare parts, reports indicate a rise in aircraft malfunctions in Russia. According to exiled Russian research organisation Novaya Gazeta, a sharp increase in aircraft failures has been observed since the sanctions were imposed, raising concerns about passenger safety.
The US is expected to maintain strict oversight of export restrictions and impose severe penalties on individuals involved in illegal trade.
© AeroHaber.com / Mevlüt Zor
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