The largest Russian airlines have taken 130 aircraft, or almost 20% of their entire fleet, out of service in the midst of the summer season. The main reason is the increased duration of maintenance, although market participants do not yet expect a significant reduction in passenger traffic.
For the summer season, such a figure is considered high. Usually, no more than 10% of the fleet is undergoing scheduled maintenance, but this year, repair and maintenance times have significantly increased.
The Aeroflot Group is doing better than others. Out of 349 aircraft, 37 are temporarily out of service. Aeroflot itself has only 7 aircraft out of 171 that are not flying. The company reported that some aircraft are in temporary storage, and preparations are already underway for several to return to service. The carrier also noted that all serviceable aircraft are involved in the summer program.
The most difficult situation among large private carriers remains with S7 Airlines. Out of 104 aircraft, 33 are idle, most of which belong to the Airbus A320neo family. The main reason remains engine problems.
Rossiya has 30 aircraft out of service, including a significant portion of its long-haul Boeing 747 and Boeing 777 fleet, as well as part of its SSJ 100 fleet. The airline explained that the number of aircraft undergoing maintenance depends on the timing of mandatory regulatory work. At the same time, the carrier expects to use about 85% of its fleet in the summer.
All 42 Pobeda aircraft continue to operate flights. The company emphasized that thanks to having the youngest fleet among Russian carriers, the entire fleet is involved in the flight program.
Ural Airlines has ten aircraft temporarily out of service, including its entire Airbus A321neo fleet. Utair has nine aircraft idle, including all three long-haul Boeing 767s.
The downtime is particularly noticeable at Nordwind, where 12 out of 27 aircraft are not operating flights. A large part of the long-haul fleet also remains grounded due to maintenance difficulties and spare parts supply issues.
Smartavia has three aircraft temporarily out of service, and Red Wings has five. The companies expect to use the main part of their fleet during the summer season, leaving only some aircraft for scheduled maintenance.
The highest downtime rate remains with the charter airline Azur Air. After a check by Rosaviatsiya, only 6 out of 23 aircraft remain in operation. Despite this, the carrier expects to complete its entire planned tourist program.
Azimut has 4 SSJ 100 aircraft temporarily not flying. The company explained the schedule adjustments by logistical difficulties in certain regions, and market sources also link the situation to disruptions in aviation fuel supply in the south of the country.
According to market participants, the largest airlines received notifications from fuel complex operators in June about temporary difficulties in fulfilling contracts. While carriers are solving the problem through alternative suppliers, the industry continues to closely monitor the situation with aviation kerosene availability.