Reuters: Aeroflot has begun to dismantle its planes for spare parts due to sanctions

Russian airlines, including Aeroflot, have begun dismantling their planes for parts they can no longer buy due to sanctions, Reuters reports, citing four industry sources.

According to one of the agency's sources, Aeroflot has so far dismantled at least one Sukhoi Superjet 100 and one Airbus A350 (it was "almost new," the source emphasized). Equipment has also been removed from a pair of Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft.

Reuters did not specify which planes other Russian airlines began to dismantle.

According to Flightradar, Aeroflot has been grounded about 50 of its aircraft since late July. Three of the company's seven Airbus A350s (including one that is currently being dismantled for parts) have not taken off for about three months, Reuters writes.

• In late February, the European Union closed its skies to Russian aircraft, banned the supply of spare parts for them, maintenance, support and insurance, and also obliged leasing companies to ensure the return of aircraft leased to Russian carriers.
• In May, Bloomberg reported, citing expert estimates, that by the end of the summer Aeroflot would have to begin dismantling its planes for spare parts due to a shortage of components for Boeing and Airbus airliners.
• In July, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said the Transport Ministry estimated that Russian airlines would be able to safely operate their existing fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft for five years.