The Russian aviation sector has successfully circumvented Western sanctions by importing six Boeing engines from Asian countries. This measure was a necessary response to the increasing frequency of technical malfunctions in American aircraft, which increasingly lead to in-flight emergencies. Specifically, the powerplant upgrade affected the fleet of Azur Air, whose Boeing 757 aircraft made two emergency landings in Lanzhou and Hanoi in January alone due to malfunctions. The need for rapid component imports is driven by alarming statistics: in 2024, more than 150 incidents involving foreign aircraft were recorded, caused by strict restrictions on the supply of original spare parts by the US and the EU.

Amid persistent logistical challenges and risks associated with operating Western aircraft, Russian carriers have begun a major shift toward the domestic aircraft industry, considering the possibility of operating the proven Tu-204 and Tu-214 models. The first significant step in this direction was S7 Airlines' decision to sign a memorandum with the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) for the acquisition of medium-haul Tu-214 airliners. Thus, the strategic combination of parallel imports of critical components for the current fleet and the transition to Russian-made aircraft is becoming a key factor in ensuring flight safety under sanctions pressure.