Sanctions on aircraft supply and rising passenger demand have prompted Russian airlines to reintegrate older passenger and cargo aircraft that have been kept in storage back into their fleets. As of 2026, the aim is to maintain capacity through this approach.
In Russia, airlines are turning to alternative solutions to keep their fleets operational due to restrictions on aircraft procurement and high passenger demand. Within this framework, it is planned that older-generation passenger and cargo aircraft that have long been kept in storage will be returned to service as of 2026.
According to data shared by the state defence and industrial corporation Rostec, a total of 10 aircraft — including Tu-204, Tu-214, An-148 and Il-96 types — whose repairs and modernisation have been completed, have been delivered to various operators, primarily Red Wings. Under the programme, it is envisaged that two more aircraft will join airline fleets by 2027.
Boeing 747s Being Prepared for Return to Duty
According to Izvestiya, not only domestically produced aircraft but also foreign-manufactured wide-body aircraft are being prepared to return to service. Rossiya Airlines aims to bring back into operation the double-deck Boeing 747 aircraft that were placed into storage during the pandemic period and previously served in the Transaero fleet.
Currently, two Boeing 747s are actively operating flights, while the refurbishment process of one aircraft is nearing completion and restoration work on another is ongoing. It is noted that these aircraft previously operated mainly on Far East destinations and Sochi routes.
Sanctions and Demand Pressure Strain the Fleet
Aviation experts state that limited access to new aircraft due to international sanctions and strong passenger demand on domestic routes are forcing airlines to utilise their existing fleets at maximum efficiency.
It is reported that the cost of returning Boeing 747s — which are approaching 30 years of age — to service is approximately 1 billion roubles (around USD 12.5 million) per aircraft. Despite this, it is emphasised that such investments have become unavoidable due to the need to preserve capacity.
Through the modernisation and reactivation of older aircraft, the Russian airline sector aims to ensure operational continuity in passenger transport in 2026 and beyond.
