In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has declared its opposition to the imposition of sanctions on aircraft parts imports and the giving of support to Russian carriers.
According to a story published on March 3, 2022 by Aviation International News (AIN), IATA opposes European Union and US sanctions because they could jeopardize air safety.
“IATA does not support bans on the export of commercial aircraft equipment and spare parts because this potentially impacts the safety, which is always the top priority,” the association told AIN in response to questions about the sanctions.
The remarks come as many major aircraft companies, including Embraer, GE Aviation, Boeing, and Airbus, joined the list of private corporations that have severed connections with Russia in recent days.
Embraer, a Brazilian jet maker, and GE Aviation, a division of General Electric, stated on March 3, 2022 that they would temporarily cease services for Russian clients who are currently subject to EU and US sanctions.
In an emailed statement to AeroTime, Embraer explained that the company “is currently monitoring the evolving situation” and that it will “continue to comply, with the international sanctions imposed on Russia and certain regions of Ukraine by suspending parts, maintenance, and technical support services for customers affected by sanctions”.
In the meantime, GE Aviation has halted assistance for its Russian carriers. The jet engine and components maker stated shortly that it is “constantly monitoring the situation in Ukraine” and that it intends to “continue to operate in line with all applicable international rules and regulations.” “In an emailed response to AeroTime, GE Aviation said.
“GE has temporarily paused support of airlines in Russia, consistent with US, UK, and EU sanctions,” the company added.
Boeing joined the European aerospace manufacturing behemoth Airbus on March 2, 2022, and ceased parts, maintenance, and technical assistance for Russian carriers.
“We have suspended major operations in Moscow and temporarily closed our office in Kyiv. We are also suspending parts, maintenance, and technical support services for Russian airlines. As the conflict continues, our teams are focused on ensuring the safety of our teammates in the region,” Boeing said.
Airbus has also decided to stop providing parts and assistance to all Russian carriers.
“Airbus has stopped providing support to Russian airlines as well as supplying replacement parts to the country. […] In accordance with the sanctions, the Airbus Engineering Center in Russia (ECAR) has halted all operations for Airbus,” an Airbus official said in a statement seen by Reuters.
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