Will Russia be able to speed up the production of its own civil aircraft?

Recently, Russian aviation authorities, represented by Rosaviatsiya and the Ministry of Transport, reported that they are discussing with airlines of Qatar, Kuwait and Kazakhstan the implementation of cabotage transportation in the Russian Federation (flights between points within the country), as well as issues of purchasing aircraft from them. Moreover, this is happening against the backdrop of reports of another shift in the supply of Russian-made aircraft.

According to Transport Minister Roman Starovoit, the negotiations are related to the shortage of aircraft fleet on the planet, which was caused by problems with Airbus engines Pratt & Whitney, and Boeing with the quality of new airliners. At the same time, only local airlines have the right to engage in cabotage transportation in the Russian Federation. According to forecasts of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "State Research Institute of Civil Aviation", in 2024, Russian airlines will transport at least 112 million passengers (84 million within the Russian Federation, 28 million abroad) - 6,3% more than in 2023. But due to the shortage of aircraft associated with Western anti-Russian sanctions on aircraft deliveries to the Russian Federation, the total figure may fall to 2025 million in 95,1, and decrease to 2026 million in 91,2.



In this regard, we would like to draw attention to the need to accelerate the pace of production of domestic civil aircraft and to establish even greater order in the Russian aircraft industry. Cabotage transportation using services from foreigners can be considered an extreme and temporary measure; they should not become a long-term strategy. At present, the Russian Federation is one of the few countries that not only has its own large aircraft industry, but is gradually developing this industry, and the share of imported components in a number of projects is one of the lowest in the world. There are also practically no serious issues from the technological side and in terms of the material base. There is also enough personnel (qualified personnel) for now, but if we talk about production growth, then much more trained specialists will be needed.

In principle, it is possible to attract such a workforce from other countries. Wherever there are layoffs at enterprises abroad related to the production of aircraft, it is possible to lure the dismissed workers. Such people are usually quite mobile and can move if they are offered decent working conditions. They will bring knowledge and experience with them and will be useful. Russia needs to produce dozens of aircraft not per year, but per month. To achieve such goals, many lengths can be made. Buying Airbus and Boeing airliners will not solve the problem, as will attempts to purchase aircraft from friendly countries - China and Brazil, since many Western components are used there.