Minister: Russian aviation faces major bottleneck as parts delivery delayed

Russia is facing a significant challenge as aviation spare parts, worth an estimated $500 million, remain stuck in the United States, with Moscow pushing for the unlocking of these supplies.

Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov said that the parts had already been paid for, but their delivery has been delayed, creating a substantial bottleneck for the country's aviation sector, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"We have approximately $500 million worth of 'stranded' parts in the US for our aviation industry, which have already been paid for. Therefore, we, as consumers, are keen on seeing these supplies unlocked. This would be important for us," Alikhanov said.

He also noted that Russia is exploring the possibility of recognising maintenance work carried out by Russian companies on Airbus and Boeing aircraft despite the sanctions, which have complicated the process. These repair jobs, conducted without the verification of foreign manufacturers' licences, could potentially be recognised by Moscow if deemed beneficial.

"If such a move aligns with our interests, we will work on a number of issues. For example, recognising the maintenance work on foreign aircraft, specifically Airbus and Boeing, conducted by Russian companies under sanctions without the necessary verification of licences from foreign manufacturers. This is also a subject of our interest," Alikhanov added.

Amid these developments, new contacts between Russia and the US are expected. According to NBC, US President Donald Trump is planning a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future. Additionally, reports suggest that a fresh round of consultations between Russia and the US on resolving the Ukraine conflict may take place in Riyadh in mid-April.

By Aghakazim Guliyev