Russia's Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) on Thursday suspended the flight certificates for all Boeing 737 commercial airliners, the TASS news agency reported, citing safety concerns with the aircraft — one of the most widely used commercial aircraft designs in the world.
In a letter published on the body's website Thursday evening, the IAC explained that all Boeing 737 aircraft in service with Russian airlines would lose their operating licenses until their safe operation could be ensured, TASS reported.
The letter was addressed to the heads of Russia's aviation authority and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, urging modifications to the Boeing 737's rudder control system, which helps control the aircraft.
Russia's Air Transport Agency will hold a meeting on Friday with representatives of Russian airlines to discuss the fate of their fleets of 737s, TASS reported, citing agency spokesman Sergei Izvolsky.
The Boeing 737 is one of the world's most popular commercial aircraft designs. Since 1967, the U.S. Boeing company has built about 8,000 737s.
One of Russia's largest operators of 737 aircraft is the embattled Transaero, Russia's largest private airline. Transaero is currently banned from operating flights, after state-owned airline Aeroflot and private airline S7 saw deals to buy controlling stakes in Transaero fall through.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
