Moscow Unveils Long-Term Strategy for Aviation

Russia is reorienting the aviation sector toward the domestic market as Western sanctions cut off key suppliers. Moscow's new strategy aims to increase the share of Russian-made planes in the commercial fleet to more than 80% over the next seven years. Spearheaded by President Vladimir Putin, the move was widely anticipated given that Russia’s current operational fleet consists mainly of leased Boeing and Airbus aircraft that would be confiscated outside the country. Those aircraft could also deteriorate without foreign parts and services. Necessity has revived Moscow's previous failed efforts to manufacture aircraft. Putin reportedly said the industry’s present travails should serve as “new impetus for development.”