Russian aviation authorities are running out of options to keep the industry together, which has lately been feeling the heat following Western sanctions. As plane manufacturers pull out of the country, Russia seems to be exploring other options to maintain its current fleet of airplanes. However, it's now being reported that China has refused to supply spare parts for Russian airlines, seen as a significant setback for the nation.

No help from China

Crippling sanctions from the West are having an enormous effect on Russia's aviation sector. The consequence of the crisis in Ukraine also seems to be reshaping world order and influencing international relations.

With no outside support, airlines in Russia have been forced to shut many flights and are now struggling to stay afloat. With major plane manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus not providing spare parts and maintenance services anymore to Russian carriers, the country looked towards China to solve some of that problem.

But news from Russian agencies on that front has been discouraging for the nation's airlines. Russian sources have quoted Valery Kudinov, a Rosaviatsia official responsible for maintaining airplane airworthiness, as saying that China has refused to supply spare parts for the country's airlines.

This has come as a surprise for many, but it's interesting to note that this has happened following warnings from the US of repercussions against Chinese companies that defy Russian sanctions.

Looking for other ways

Russia finds itself quite isolated in the current geopolitical landscape and is looking for ways out of the predicament. Russian agencies, including Interfax, are saying that the nation could look towards Turkey and India for spare parts for its airplanes in light of the current scenario.

Tass, another Russian agency, reported a few days ago that Russian might also allow third-party firms to offer maintenance services for its aircraft. The Russian transport ministry has reportedly drawn a draft bill to help airlines until September 2022, suspending all planned and unplanned inspections.

According to Tass, the bill would allow "the repair of aircraft and the replacement of components by third-party companies, as long as they meet the requirements for companies that are involved in maintenance."

Worry for lessors

Sudden sanctions on Russia have also put tremendous pressure on various aircraft lessors who now have the daunting task of getting billions of dollars worth of airplanes out of the country and fast.

More than 750 airplanes in Russia have been leased to various airlines, and now a draft law has cast doubts whether leasing firms will be able to recover their aircraft from the country. According to the proposed law drafted by the transport ministry, Russian airlines will be required to pay leases in roubles throughout 2022.

It also gives a special government commission the power to decide if an aircraft will be returned or not, should a foreign lessor terminate the agreement.

With the way the situation is unfolding, the Russian aviation sector and all the related stakeholders seem to be heading into turbulence.