Aeroflot Turns to Iran for A330 Maintenance

Aeroflot is facing a tough challenge due to the international sanctions against Russia. These sanctions have resulted in the European Union (EU) closing its airspace to Russian carriers and prohibiting maintenance, support, insurance, and leasing services to Russian airlines. These restrictions have left Aeroflot in a difficult position, as it must find alternative ways to maintain its fleet and keep its aircraft in optimal condition. This has led to the airline exploring new partnerships and seeking creative solutions to ensure the continued operation of its aircraft. As such, Aeroflot turned to Iran for its Airbus A330 maintenance.

Iran Enters the Picture: An Unlikely Maintenance Partner

This week, an Aeroflot Airbus A330-300 was sent to Tehran for maintenance by Mahan Air, Iran’s largest privately-owned airline. This event marks the first time that a Russian airline has sought aircraft repair services from Iran. The two countries reportedly signed an agreement in the summer of 2022, which allowed Iranian companies to supply spare parts and provide maintenance services for Russian planes.

The choice of Iran as a maintenance location is primarily because the country does not support anti-Russian sanctions and is not concerned about secondary sanctions from the United States or the European Union. Additionally, Iran has acquired extensive competence in repairing aircraft and their components over decades of economic blockades imposed by the West. This expertise makes Iran a viable option for Aeroflot in the current political climate, where the risk of aircraft owners seizing planes is minimal.

Aeroflot’s Previous Maintenance Providers and Domestic Efforts

Before the sanctions, Aeroflot relied on maintenance providers such as Germany’s Lufthansa Technik, which supported hundreds of aircraft from Russian carriers, including Aeroflot, for over 15 years. However, due to the sanctions, these partnerships have come to an end. In the summer of 2021, Aeroflot signed an agreement with Hong Kong-based HAECO for aircraft component maintenance and overhaul. Unfortunately, this deal was never implemented due to the international sanctions imposed on Russia.

Domestically, Aeroflot has been trying to address its maintenance needs through Aeroflot Technics, which is also part of the Aeroflot Group. This provider performed more than 300 forms of periodic aircraft maintenance in 2022. On March 20th, Aeroflot’s press service reported that Aeroflot Technics had independently replaced the chassis racks on A330 aircraft for the first time in the Russian Federation. This operation was carried out at the provider’s hangar complexes at Sheremetyevo Airport, with the replacement of all struts (nose and two main struts) completed within two months on three Aeroflot aircraft.

Aeroflot’s Future Maintenance Plans

The partnership with Iran demonstrates Aeroflot’s adaptability and determination to keep its fleet in service despite the challenges posed by international sanctions. The Russian airline currently has five company-owned Airbus A330-300s active and scheduled for retirement in December this year, with an additional three set to retire at the end of 2024. As of April 1st, Aeroflot has a total of 178 aircraft manufactured by Airbus and Boeing.

As the airline continues to navigate the rapidly changing landscape brought on by sanctions, it will need to further explore creative solutions and forge new partnerships to maintain its operations. The collaboration with Iran’s Mahan Air is a prime example of how Aeroflot is willing to think outside the box to keep its fleet in optimal condition and ensure the continuity of its services, even in the face of unprecedented challenges.