Russians bring back 30-year-old planes due to aircraft shortage

Russian airlines are recommissioning Tu, Il, An and Boeing planes in 2026 due to a shortage of aircraft in civil aviation.

Source: Russian newspaper Izvestiya

Details: The newspaper reports on the refurbishment of 12 aircraft for civil aviation needs, which has been extended until 2027. Of the 12 aircraft, nine are Tu-204-214 family aircraft, one is an An-148 and two are Il-96s. They are up to 30 years old, but their exact age has not been disclosed.

The refurbishment process began in 2022, and 10 of the 12 aircraft have been put into service so far.

In addition, Russian Airlines plans to add two more Boeing 747 wide-body airliners to the two already in operation, which it acquired after Transaero's bankruptcy in 2015-2016.

These planes previously operated on Russian and international routes but were mothballed during the coronavirus pandemic.

The report says that the Boeing 747s may be refurbished in one of Russia's "friendly countries", such as Iran.

The newspaper adds that amid a reduction in aircraft fleets, Russian civil aviation reached its capacity limit in 2024: average seat occupancy exceeded 96% during the peak summer period and 75% during the off-peak period.

"A slight decrease in passenger traffic in 2025 is directly related to a reduction in the aircraft fleet," the report says.

By 2030, 230 Russian and 109 foreign aircraft may be removed from airline fleets.

Russian airlines are using 100% of their serviceable fleet, with 2-3% of aircraft being decommissioned annually and no new aircraft available, Roman Gusarov, editor-in-chief of the Avia.ru portal, said.

Background:

• Russia has obtained Michelin aircraft tyres worth more than US$7 million despite EU sanctions.
• Ten incidents related to engine failures and malfunctions were recorded in Russia between 10 December and 16 December 2025.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!