Quote:
Originally Posted by Itse
I think I read somewhere that only about half of those planes are leased. So still a huge chunk, but really the bigger issue is maintenance and spare parts. With so many international flights canceled they could probably have made do with what they had left, but only until the planes are up for maintence.
The main maintenance hub for Russian planes was in Germany, and obviously the spare parts are also produced abroad.
So most likely those stolen planes will be stripped for parts to keep other planes running longer.
But yeah, it's another terrible move in desperation.
Russia still has countries that are friendly enough that they could run some mandatory trade through them. Have someone in Pakistan or Kazakhstan buy what you need, then buy it from them for example. But all that is made a lot more difficult if you destroy your reputation as a sane, reliable business partner.
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That's something the article goes into; because of sanctions, Airbus and Boeing cannot provide parts to the Russian airlines for maintenance, so the assumption is exactly as you say - eventually strip some planes for parts, or - as seems to be the Russian way - just ignore maintenance schedules altogether.
Because of this, the planes become essentially worthless as their history and condition will forever be in question. Even if this all comes to an end quickly and sanctions are lifted, the planes will be toast.