New reports indicate that Russian airline fleets are facing significant operational challenges, with approximately 19 percent of aircraft currently grounded. Research by Kommersant suggests that 130 out of 673 aircraft across 11 major domestic carriers are sidelined this summer, primarily due to maintenance requirements.
The data highlights a disparity between major operators. While the Aeroflot group reports a 4 percent grounding rate, other carriers face much steeper challenges. Excluding the Aeroflot group, the proportion of grounded aircraft across the remaining carriers rises to one-third of their total fleets. S7 Airlines, for instance, has a third of its fleet currently inactive, including a significant number of A320neo family jets.
Industry observers note that typical seasonal grounding rates usually hover around 10 percent. The current elevated numbers reflect the impact of long-term sanctions on the Russian aviation sector, which have hindered access to original equipment manufacturer support and spare parts. Azur Air is among those most affected, operating only six of its 23 aircraft following regulatory scrutiny regarding engine airworthiness. While some industry sources point to the current levels of activity as an indicator of relative resilience, the maintenance backlog remains a primary driver of the reduced capacity across the region.