Russia’s flag carrier Aeroflot is preparing to dismantle eight Boeing cargo aircraft to address the shortage of spare parts caused by Western sanctions. According to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, the aircraft will be acquired from Volga-Dnepr Airlines for approximately $130 million.
The six Boeing 737-800BCF and two Boeing 747-400 aircraft are expected to be transferred to Aeroflot subsidiaries, with the project reportedly financed by Russia’s National Welfare Fund. This move highlights the growing prevalence of “cannibalization” practices within the Russian aviation industry.
Cannibalization refers to the removal of parts from decommissioned aircraft for use in other planes. The method is employed to keep fleets operational when replacement parts are unavailable.
