MOSCOW- Russia’s Ministry of Transport has proposed extending the special regime for operating foreign-leased aircraft and engines until December 31, 2028. The proposal would allow Russian airlines to continue using aircraft leased from foreign companies under special conditions.
The draft government resolution would extend the existing framework by two years beyond its current December 2026 deadline. The measure covers aircraft leased before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and allows airlines to insure them under Russian rules.
Russia Seeks Two More Years for Foreign-Leased Aircraft
The Transport Ministry has prepared amendments to Government Resolution No. 412, which Russia adopted in March 2022. The regulation established special conditions for operating foreign aircraft and engines leased from international companies.
The government introduced the measure after foreign aircraft lessors demanded that Russian airlines return their leased aircraft following the start of the war in Ukraine.
At the same time, Western manufacturers and aviation service providers suspended aircraft maintenance support and restricted the supply of spare parts to Russia. The European Union also introduced sanctions prohibiting the supply of civilian aircraft, components and related services, including maintenance and insurance.
Resolution No. 412 allowed Russian airlines to retain aircraft leased before the restrictions instead of returning them to foreign lessors. It also established a framework for insuring these aircraft under Russian regulations.
The special regime was initially scheduled to remain in effect until the end of 2024. However, the Russian government subsequently extended it through December 31, 2026.
The latest proposal would provide another two years of regulatory coverage, allowing airlines to continue operating the affected aircraft through the end of 2028.
Ministry Cites Protection of Russian Companies
An explanatory note attached to the draft resolution outlines the government’s justification for the proposed extension.
The Transport Ministry stated that the amendments were prepared “to protect the rights of legal entities in connection with the actions of unfriendly countries.”
The ministry also aims to ensure that Russian companies can continue carrying out procedures associated with foreign aircraft leasing agreements.
Under the existing special framework, Russian airlines can retain the aircraft, insure them under domestic regulations and arrange maintenance and repairs under Russian standards.
The proposed extension would preserve these arrangements beyond the existing 2026 deadline.
Russian Airlines Had 515 Foreign-Leased Aircraft
The leasing dispute began after foreign lessors demanded the return of aircraft operated by Russian carriers in 2022.
At that time, Russian airlines had 515 aircraft leased from foreign companies. Following the introduction of international restrictions, some aircraft were seized outside Russia, while others were returned to lessors or purchased by Russian entities.
These developments reduced the number of aircraft involved in the remaining leasing disputes to 407.
Between 2022 and 2025, Russian airlines settled claims with foreign lessors involving 204 of those 407 aircraft, according to Vedomosti.
The settlements represent a significant part of the effort to resolve disputes involving aircraft that remained in Russia after foreign leasing companies demanded their return.
However, the proposed regulatory extension addresses the continued operation of foreign-leased aircraft. It does not, by itself, resolve outstanding ownership or financial disputes with international lessors.
Draft Resolution Awaits Further Consideration
The proposed extension remains at the draft stage and requires further consideration before it can become an approved government measure.
According to Fontanka, the Association of Air Transport Operators confirmed that it had received the draft resolution and forwarded it to Russian airlines for review.
The association expects airlines to submit their comments and proposed changes by November 17, 2026.
The consultation process will allow carriers to review the proposed amendments before the document moves further through the government approval process.
For Russian airlines, extending Resolution No. 412 would preserve the special regulatory framework governing a substantial portion of their foreign-leased fleet. The proposal would also provide additional time for carriers to continue operating these aircraft while outstanding leasing matters remain unresolved.
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