A second Russian airline, Azur Air, Russia’s largest charter, has sent its aircraft engines to be serviced in Iran. Azur, a former regional airline Is currently in buyout talks.
The exact number and nature of the repairs have not been disclosed. This alternative maintenance is necessary due to Western sanctions imposed on Russia after the conflict with Ukraine in 2022.
Both Iran and Russia have strengthened their relations to bypass Western sanctions, with cooperation extending to various sectors, including military and defence. This has solidified their partnership, allowing Russian airlines to access maintenance services in Iran.
Concerns about flight safety in Russian aviation have been on the rise, with incidents reported in the past. In one case, an Azur Air aircraft experienced an engine surge during take-off in Phuket in February 2023. Despite these safety concerns, Azur Air asserts that the maintenance arrangement with Iran does not affect their planned flight programme, regularity, or safety.
