USA’s Russian flight ban forces end to Volga-Dnepr charters for Boeing and GE

The US government’s ban on Russia aircraft has left Boeing and GE Aviation unable to continue their longstanding practice of hiring a Russian airline to transport large aircraft components. Both companies have for years hired Russian carrier Volga-Dnepr Airlines to transport oversized components on US domestic flights, using the airline’s Antonov AN-124 freighters. Those jets can carry outsized cargo that cannot fit in other large freighters, not even 747s. The charter flights typically transport the components between US manufacturing sites. But on 2 March, the US Department of Transportation banned Russian airlines from operating in the USA as part of the US government’s economic response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The DOT’s order specifically cites Volga-Dnepr. The FAA confirms the airline can no longer operate in the USA. Boeing and GE are downplaying potential impacts to their operations. “We’ll work closely with our wide range of supply chain and logistics partners to manage through any potential impacts,” Boeing says. “Regarding engine transportation, we do not have concerns at this time,” says GE. The companies use Volga-Dnepr’s aircraft frequently. For instance, on 25 February – the day after Russia’s invasion – Volga-Dnepr filed a request with the DOT to operate 12 AN-124 charter flights in March and April between Florida and Washington state “on behalf of Boeing”.<br/>