Aircraft Restoration: Myths and Reality

Reports about the resumption of operation of aircraft that were previously in conservation have provoked a strong reaction on social media. Users expressed concerns using phrases like «old planes» and «aviation crisis».

The discussion was sparked by data on the commissioning of 12 airliners, including:

• Tu-204/214
• An-148
• Il-96

Ten of these aircraft are already actively flying. Moreover, the airline «Russia» is considering the possibility of returning two Boeing-747s to operation.

Apocalyptic forecasts are made by non-specialists

Chief Editor of the Avia.ru portal Roman Gusarov stated: «Let»s start with apocalyptic forecasts. I have a poor opinion of them because they are usually made by non-specialists and are emotional. First of all, because the word «old» is not applicable to aircraft that are subject to decommissioning. These are not old planes. Their age is approximately 10–15 years. By aviation standards, they have just grown up; they can still fly calmly for another 15 years.«

He explained that the correct term is «restoration of airworthiness». Aircraft in conservation undergo an audit of technical components, and elements with expired service life are replaced.

Answering a question about safety, Gusarov said: «As an expert, I see absolutely no safety threats here. These are exactly the same types of aircraft that have been and continue to be operated by airlines.»

The economic feasibility of returning aircraft to service is linked to the growth in passenger traffic. Many of these airliners were conserved during the COVID-19 pandemic when demand sharply fell. Now, with the recovery of transportation, their return becomes justified.

Regarding new aircraft, Gusarov noted that in 2026, airlines will receive MC-21, Superjet-100, and Il-114-300 after the completion of flight tests and certification.

«This is not an emergency, but a planned decision»

Executive Director of the Aviaport agency Oleg Panteleev commented: «Naturally, no, — says the executive director of the Aviaport agency Oleg Panteleev. — The decision to decommission post-Soviet production aircraft was made back after the introduction of sanctions in 2022. A significant part of these aircraft is or will be operated in the interests of government structures, business aviation, cargo transportation.»

He added that these aircraft have a sufficiently large potential for long-term safe operation. Before returning to service, they undergo a full procedure for exiting conservation and a thorough analysis of the condition of all structural elements.

Panteleev emphasized that the decommissioning program is planned and rational. «There is no need to worry about the safety of operating these aircraft!» he concluded.