They will rent with pilots: Russia will fly on Ethiopia aircraft

Negotiations took place on July 29 in the capital of Ethiopia Addis-Ababeby. The Russian delegation was headed by a Russian trade representative in the country Yaroslav Tarasyuk, who met with ECAA CEO Johannes Abera. They discussed the issues of extended bilateral cooperation in the field of aviation, including leasing, maintenance of aircraft and equipment supply. On the Russian side, interest in the so -called "wet leasing" was voiced - lease of aircraft with crew, maintenance and insurance.

Such a scheme will allow Russian airlines to temporarily fill in the shortage of foreign aircraft in the conditions of summer peak demand. The Russians also "expressed interest" in the supply of Russian production navigation equipment to Ethiopia, saying that Russia is supplying such equipment at many Indian airports. Tarasyuk confirmed Russia's readiness to conclude a bilateral air connection agreement between the two countries.

Previously, a bilateral agreement has already been signed, but the work on a new Air Agreement, which is in line with the Russian legislation, has been ongoing, and Russia seeks to conclude as soon as possible. He also appealed to Ethiopia to support Russia's application for re-election to the Council of Member States at the upcoming 42nd session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which will be held from September 23 to October 3 in Montreal.

However, cooperation with Russia will attract close attention from the European Union and the United States, which will potentially jeopardize Ethiopian Airlines access to the western airspace, which is the most important element of its large international network. In addition, in June, Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasev, reported that the airline is faced with a lack of aircraft and that the delays in supplies that continue next year may lead to a revision of its growth forecasts.