Airbus suspends deliveries of aircraft and spare parts to Russia

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is already having a significant impact on air traffic. And will have consequences for the European aeronautics sector. Like its American competitor, Airbus has announced that it will apply sanctions against the country of Vladimir Putin.

With the first effect, the suspension “of deliveries and assistance services to Russian customers, as well as the supply of spare parts to the country”, indicates the aircraft manufacturer which still had to deliver thirteen A350s to the Russian company Aeroflot.

250 employees in Russia

“We cannot comment on the contracts of our lessor customers”, specifies the aircraft manufacturer. Today, nearly 340 commercial aircraft manufactured by Airbus are owned by Russian airlines or leasing companies. Companies that will therefore have to manage without the assistance of Airbus, which will no longer provide them with spare parts either in the event of breakage or wear. This will undoubtedly have consequences and could ground planes of Russian commercial fleets.

Although the few Airbus employees based in Ukraine have left the country, the aircraft manufacturer has always 250 employees in Russiain particular those who work within its engineering center (ECAR) and its representative office in Moscow.

On the supply side for its production, Airbus is, like other large groups, dependent on Russian titanium. “Geopolitical risks are integrated into our titanium sourcing policies. We are therefore protected in the short and medium term. On the other sources of supply (palladium, nickel): we see no problem”, assures the European aircraft manufacturer who refuses to draw conclusions for the time being on the economic and financial impact of the Ukrainian crisis.

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