The number of grounded aircraft in Russia has slightly increased.

Russia registers a slight increase in grounded aircraft due to personnel errors and equipment obsolescence, local media reported on Monday.

According to the Kommersant newspaper, the number of insurance claims for recurring aircraft breakdowns due to staff cuts, incompetence, and aging equipment. The only insurer that supports growth in the number of cases is AlfaStrakhovanie, which covers airlines that account for 60% of passenger air traffic in Russia, including the Aeroflot group.

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Above all, incidents are increasing compared to 2023, sometimes doubling, due to cases such as loose parts, wear and tear, collisions with tugboats and ramps, and damage during baggage loading. However, the statistics do not include cases in which the insurer did not compensate its clients. What draws the attention of the insurance companies as a whole is “the recurrence” of minor incidents, such as damage and dents to hatches, doors or travel compartments, as stated by the company Smartavia. “We record three to seven incidents of this type a year, which generally do not impose restrictions on the operation of the aircraft and are corrected during routine maintenance,” they explained. For its part, the insurer SOGAZ reports a significant increase in spending due to the increase in repair costs due to the sanctions imposed by the West following the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022. According to AlfaStrakhovie, costs have tripled compared to 2021 and they point out that some of the most expensive incidents were problems with the engine cowling closures of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft model, which occurred three times since 2023. Other recurring incidents are damage to aircraft engines during transport due to non-compliance with loading or unloading procedures. “The proportion of this type of incident has increased in recent years, as airlines have had to acquire and replace engines themselves, which is not always successful,” note AlfaStrakhovie. In most cases, accidents occur due to personnel errors caused by incorrect installation of equipment and machinery, lack of attention or negligence, points out Smartavia, which attributes it to insufficient personnel training due to high turnover. AlfoStrakhovie adds that it is also due to staff shortages, their low qualifications and equipment wear and tear, which are often obsolete.