AlMasria Universal Airlines in Talks for Russian S7 Airlines' A320s Grounded by Sanctions
The Egyptian carrier is in talks to operate three to five aircraft currently grounded in Russia due to international sanctions.
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Egyptian private carrier AlMasria Universal Airlines is evaluating the addition of three to five Airbus A320 family aircraft previously operated by the Russian company S7 Airlines. These aircraft are currently grounded as a result of international sanctions that prevent required engine maintenance.
The proposal, according to reports from the Russian newspaper Kommersant, was submitted by the Montenegro-based company MelonAero and does not solely involve the Egyptian airline. The Philippines' South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) has also reportedly shown interest in operating part of S7's immobilized fleet.
This situation arises from a directive issued by engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, which mandates an inspection due to a manufacturing defect that could cause microcracks. Sanctions imposed on Russia prevent S7 Airlines from sending its PW1100G engines abroad for the necessary maintenance, leading to the grounding of a substantial portion of its A320neo and A321neo fleet. It is estimated that these aircraft will begin to be decommissioned starting in 2026.
AlMasria Universal Airlines has been undergoing a fleet expansion. The company recently incorporated A321 aircraft, demonstrating its interest in increasing its capacity and operational reach. The potential addition of more A320 family aircraft would allow the Cairo-based airline to continue its growth strategy on short- and medium-haul routes.
What is the status of Russian aircraft? International sanctions prohibit the export of parts and the provision of maintenance services to Russian airlines, severely impacting their operations.
Why is AlMasria interested? The airline is looking to expand its fleet, and S7's A320s represent an opportunity to acquire aircraft relatively quickly, albeit with legal and logistical complexities.
What are the challenges? The transfer of the aircraft requires approval from the original lessors and insurers, which is a major hurdle given the sanctions. Furthermore, they face bureaucracy from the Russian government, which might prefer an aircraft swap over a direct transfer.
The potential deal, however, faces considerable obstacles. Aviation experts point out that approval from the aircraft lessors and insurers is a fundamental requirement, and it is unlikely they would greenlight a transaction involving sanctioned assets. An anonymous source within the Russian government told Kommersant that the proposals "will be considered in due course," while neither the Russian Ministry of Transport nor S7 Airlines has issued official comments on the matter.
Relations between Egypt and Russia have remained relatively close, which could, in theory, facilitate an agreement on a political level. Nevertheless, a similar recent attempt by Russia to lease aircraft from Ethiopian Airlines failed precisely because of the risk it posed to the African carrier of violating international sanctions.
This move underscores the complex ramifications of sanctions on the global aviation industry, forcing airlines to seek creative solutions to maintain and expand their operations, while Russian companies face increasing isolation and the deterioration of their Western-made fleets.
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