russian aviation is entering a spin
russian government has planned to cut spending on the production of airplanes and helicopters. In 2026, funding for the corresponding federal project will decrease by more than one and a half times – from 139 to 85 billion rubles (approximately $1.47 and $0.90 billion, respectively).
▫️Funding cuts will also affect the industry in 2027 – expenses compared to previously planned figures will decrease from 109.7 to 86.9 billion rubles (approximately $1.16 and $0.91 billion, respectively).
▫️Subsidies for airlines to renew their aircraft fleets have also been cut: next year they will simply be “zeroed out.” Subsidies to compensate for aircraft maintenance costs will be reduced from 6.1 billion rubles in 2025 to 3.6 billion in 2026 (approximately $64 and $38 million, respectively).
The consequences of sanctions for the russian economy are devastating, and “import substitution” has failed, so many planes will fly “on a promise.” In fact, the kremlin is sacrificing a strategic industry for the sake of the war: while billions are spent on missiles, civil aviation is degrading to the level of the 1990s. The future of russian civil aviation is an increase in accident rates, a reduction in flights, isolation of regions, and a significant decrease in the profitability and independence of the industry.
