The US administration identified more than 85 Russian aircraft, including a dozen freighters, that had returned to Russia to avoid sanctions imposed following Ukraine’s invasion, and warned that corporations facilitating such flights face secondary sanctions for breaking export restrictions.
In addition to closing American airspace to Russian planes on March 1, the Commerce Department put strict controls on aviation-related commodities bound for Russia and Belarus, including new license requirements for aircraft, components, and technology. If an airplane is destined to Russia, it must be manufactured in the United States or made in a foreign country with more than 25% U.S.-origin regulated content.
The Bureau of Industry Security (BIS) underlined on Friday that any unauthorized assistance to aircraft subject to sanctions, such as refueling, maintenance, repair, provision of spare parts or services, and storage, is illegal. The export restrictions apply to aircraft owned, controlled, chartered, or leased to Russian or Russian citizens.
By barring Russian planes from obtaining any service, they have effectively been stopped from flying overseas. BIS advised that providing unlawful assistance might result in jail time, fines, suspension of export licenses, or other restrictions.
According to the agency, AirBridgeCargo, a scheduled cargo airline subsidiary of Volga-Dnepr Group, violated US sanctions by transferring 12 Boeing 747-8 and 747-400 freighters from third countries to Russia. Bans on flights and technology transfers imposed by the United States, European Union, and other countries have effectively shut down Volga-operations, Dnepr’s even in parts of the world where aircraft are still permitted because businesses do not want to be held liable for dealing with a sanctioned entity.
More than 30 Boeing planes operated by Aeroflot and one Gulfstream business jet owned by Russian tycoon Roman Abromovich, the now-banned owner of the Chelsea soccer club in the English Premier League, are among those that have returned to Russia in defiance of the US order.
“Today (March 18th), the Department of Commerce is showcasing the strength and reach of the actions we took in response to Russia’s cruel war of choice against Ukraine,” stated Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. “We are publicizing this list to alert the world that we will not tolerate Russian and Belarusian firms and oligarchs traveling freely in violation of our laws.”
Similarly, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency confirmed earlier this week that giving technical help and services relating to items and technology suitable for aviation use, whether or not they originate in the EU, is illegal. Furthermore, certificate holders are not permitted to provide any airworthiness support for aircraft registered or designed in Russia.
Bermuda stopped airworthiness certificates for Russian aircraft on its registry on Sunday, citing worries that its aviation specialists will no longer be able to check whether the jets are being properly maintained.
Impoundment of a Volga-Dnepr freighter
Meanwhile, a Volga-Dnepr An-124-100 superjumbo freighter is still being held at Toronto Pearson International Airport by Canadian authorities.
According to Transport Canada and airport officials, the plane has been parked in a secure area of the airfield since Feb. 27, when the Canadian government prohibited Russian-operated planes from its airspace.
Individual travel is not restricted by Canadian flying restrictions, but a Volga-Dnepr official confirmed that the crew remains in Canada.
The Volga-Dnepr flight from Moscow to Toronto carried 3 million quick antigen tests purchased from China by Canada’s Department of Public Services and Procurement. It was one of a number of COVID-related missions completed for the government by the freight airline.
The Antonov Design Bureau in Ukraine produced the An-124, a Russian-era military jet. There were about 60 of them built, but only about half of them are still in use. The planes feature twin ramps and can transport large loads.
