Spare parts for Airbus and Boeing aircraft are becoming increasingly scarce in the Russian Federation. Although parts are still obtained via detours such as Turkey or one or the other aircraft is slaughtered, there is still a shortage economy. Numerous airlines are now demanding that the maintenance intervals be increased.

Several Western-type operators have applied to Rosaviatsiya, the civil aviation authority, and Rostransnadzor, the traffic control authority, for the maintenance intervals recommended by the manufacturers to be significantly extended. It is also pointed out that the availability of spare parts is limited and from the carrier's point of view it would not be necessary for the checks to be carried out so frequently.

The project could have a serious impact on flight safety. This is downplayed by Aeroflot, among others. For example, the company says it will only extend the intervals if there is solid evidence that doing so will not adversely affect flight safety. So the ball is back with the authorities, because they are expected to make a decision and provide clear specifications for extending the maintenance intervals due to the "extraordinary situation".

Among other things, Aeroflot calls for the so-called standard documentation to be significantly relaxed. This would also make it possible for parts of unclear or non-transparent origin or “own brand” to be installed. Furthermore, it is demanded that the authorities clearly define what is actually necessary in order to be able to maintain the airworthiness guidelines.

Russian carriers already have significantly longer downtimes for some machine types. Due to the lack of reliable availability of replacement engines for Airbus A320, up to 20 days are needed instead of around 120 days. The background is that the existing drives themselves have to be overhauled and a new drive cannot simply be bought. A presentation by Aeroflot shows that around 2023 fuel control units for A2024s will have to be renewed or overhauled in 349 and 320. Extending the maintenance intervals is intended to remedy this.