Russia calls for leasing passenger aircraft from Ethiopia
A Russian trade delegation led by Yaroslav Tarasyuk, the Russian trade representative in Ethiopia, recently held talks with Ethiopian aviation authorities regarding potential aviation cooperation. The discussions, which took place on July 29 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focused on various aspects of cooperation, including wet-leasing arrangements and collaboration on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
The Russian delegation proposed aircraft leasing, specifically an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) arrangement, to Ethiopian Airlines. However, it's important to note that there is no confirmed agreement between the two parties. Ethiopian Airlines has officially denied any plans to lease aircraft or spare parts to Russian airlines, citing concerns about violating U.S. sanctions and risking access to Western airspace.
The potential aviation cooperation between Russia and Ethiopia could have implications for Ethiopian Airlines' access to Western routes and airspace. One possible way to circumvent sanctions is to use Boeing and Airbus aircraft under Ethiopian registration, with an Ethiopian crew and maintenance. However, this could antagonize Western authorities, with the EU and U.S. potentially interpreting these arrangements as sanctions breaches, potentially leading to Ethiopian Airlines being banned from their airspace—a significant threat given its international network including Europe and North America.
The Russian delegation also expressed interest in signing a new bilateral air agreement between Russia and Ethiopia. Additionally, they discussed the supply of Russian navigation equipment and participation in the development of aviation repair infrastructure, although these topics were not addressed in this meeting.
The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, represented by its General Director, Yohannes Abo, was also present at the meeting. The discussions regarding the proposed cooperation are ongoing, with the Ethiopian side expressing a willingness to carefully consider Moscow's proposals after consultations with other interested departments.
This proposed cooperation comes at a time when Ethiopian Airlines is experiencing delays in deliveries from Airbus and Boeing, causing a shortage of new aircraft. Russia, currently deprived of direct access to Western aircraft and spare parts due to sanctions, may see this cooperation as a potential solution.
The complex concerns about sanctions circumvention and the risk to Ethiopian Airlines' global operations have not gone unnoticed. The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority initially confirmed talks but later removed such statements from social media, likely in response to public and international scrutiny.
In summary, the proposed Russia-Ethiopian Airlines cooperation raises complex concerns about sanctions circumvention and the risk to Ethiopian Airlines' global operations. Despite reported discussions, Ethiopian Airlines has denied engaging in leasing, underscoring the legal and operational risks inherent in supporting Russian carriers under current Western sanctions regimes.
The Russian delegation suggested an ACMI agreement for aircraft leasing to Ethiopian Airlines, which poses potential implications if implemented due to concerns about violating U.S. sanctions and hindering access to Western airspace. Additionally, the Russian aerospace industry expressed interest in supplying navigation equipment and collaborating on aviation repair infrastructure development with Ethiopia.
