Aeroflot, Russia’s largest airline, is making strategic moves to ensure the airworthiness of its 737 fleet amidst challenges in sourcing spare parts due to Western sanctions. To tackle this issue, Aeroflot is set to acquire five used Boeing 737 freighters, intending to repurpose them for spare parts. This acquisition plan involves negotiations with insurers of the Boeing 737-800BCF cargo planes previously operated by Volga-Dnepr Group's Atran Airlines.

The aircraft, which are currently listed as stored in Moscow, were taken off the Bermuda civil aircraft register when sanctions were imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. With ownership passing to insurance companies, Aeroflot aims to negotiate ownership transfer to bolster its fleet maintenance. The airline's objective is to use salvaged parts from these aircraft to support its existing fleet, particularly the Boeing 737-800s operated by its subsidiary, Pobeda Airlines.

Aeroflot's focus is solely on utilizing these aircraft for spare parts, without any plans to convert them back into passenger-carrying configurations. With challenges in procuring Western-built aircraft parts in Russia, carriers like Aeroflot have resorted to innovative solutions to ensure operational continuity. The airline has previously repurposed Airbus A350s and explored domestic manufacturing alternatives for Airbus and Boeing replacement parts.

In a bid to navigate these challenges, recent changes in Russia’s air transport regulations now enable Russian carriers to lease Western-built aircraft from domestic leasing companies. This shift follows the acquisition of Western-built aircraft by these leasing firms from insurers, reflecting a broader trend of adaptation within the Russian aviation industry amidst geopolitical complexities.

Overall, Aeroflot's strategic steps, including the acquisition of over 100 Western-built commercial aircraft for operational or spare parts use, underscore the adaptability and resilience of Russian carriers amid evolving circumstances. As they navigate restrictions and seek innovative solutions, these airlines are demonstrating a proactive approach to ensuring operational efficiency and fleet sustainability in a dynamic aviation landscape.