Safety is Top Priority: IATA against the ban on aircraft shipments to Russian airlines

Amidst the ongoing situation in Ukraine, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) stated its opposition to the sanctions placed by the Eur opean Union and the US on aircraft shipments to Russian airlines. The organization said it has no immediate plans to remove Russian and Belarusian carriers from the association.

The association’s dissent on the ban was made clear in response to the Aviation International News (AIN), where it said, 

“IATA does not support bans on the export of commercial aircraft equipment and spare parts because this potentially impacts the safety, which is always the top priority.” 

In another statement, the IATA expressed great sympathy for the people suffering from the crisis while also highlighting the importance of considering “the impact on IATA operations in Russia and the negative consequences for consumers worldwide.”

The IATA feels strongly about the critical separation between politics and aviation safety issues. In June 2021, the association called out the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for advising airlines to avoid operations in Belarusian airspace. This time is no different, as the IATA remains to prioritize the consequences of their decision rather than interfering with the politics between territories.

Other factors related to the association’s opposition to the ban are the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on passenger and cargo traffic. Flights will have to be redirected or canceled as Russian airspace is closed to carriers from nearly 40 countries. 

Another factor might be Aeroflot CEO Mikhail Poluboyarinov's position on the IATA board of directors, which means any decision to remove Russian airlines would require his approval.

While there are no plans to remove Russian and Belarusian airlines from the association, it remains a possibility. According to the IATA Article of Association (ARTICLE V.6.c.iv), the Board may terminate membership if a member breaches any rule or regulation under the articles, committed any act or omission that is prejudicial to the mission and aims of IATA, or has been placed in Limitation for at least a year. 

In contrast, major global distribution platforms Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport swiftly expelled Russian Airlines in response Russia’s aggression and global sanctions. Most major websites use these booking platforms to display availability and make bookings, so Aeroflot flights disappeared from most of the world’s major websites. Airline reporting Corporation in the US had to suspend processing of any refund transactions.  This left US consumers who were holding tickets on Aeroflot and other Russian airlines unable to use their tickets or get a refund.  Those who paid with credit cards had to file dispute with their credit card to get money back for the tickets they are no longer able to use.

Aeroflot is still member of Skyteam alliance, although its biggest member Delta Airlines has severed all ties with Aeroflot.  Anyone who redeemed their miles for Aeroflot operated flights may request to have their miles redeposited back into their accounts.