Russian sanctions spur CIS freighter fleet growth

The void in freighter capacity globally due to sanctions imposed on Russia created an opportunity for other countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States to expand air cargo operations through startups and existing carriers, increasing the states’ dedicated freighter fleet by more than 70% since March 2022, according to Cargo Facts research. There were fifty Airbus and Boeing freighter aircraft in active service in CIS countries — excluding Russia — as of July 12, consisting of a mix of large-widebody, medium-widebody, next-generation and classic freighter types. [caption id="attachment_56868927" align="aligncenter" width="606"] My Freighter has grown its fleet to five 767-300Fs. (Courtesy/My Freighter)[/caption] At least part of the expansion in air cargo ops in the region has been a direct result of the grounding of Russia’s freighter fleet, with new players taking up routes that connect Asia and Europe. “Just look at all the large aircraft that are not flying anymore,” a source at one of these new operators told Cargo Facts , referencing the double-digit 747F fleet previously in operation with AirBridgeCargo. Russian carriers were banned from most of the world after the country began its war with Ukraine in February 2022. The Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority revoked the registrations and airworthiness of thirty-five Russia-based freighters as sanctions restricted the resources and ability of each operator to maintain compliance. CIS fleets see mixed growth All nine of the CIS full member states were included in this analysis, except Russia, along with three associate and former member states: Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Georgia; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan; Moldova; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; and Uzbekistan. Apart from Tajikistan and Ukraine, each of these countries is home to at least one Airbus or Boeing freighter. Active freighter fleet in CIS except Russia as of July 12, 2024 Source: Cargo Facts The CIS countries collectively saw their freighter fleet grow by twenty-two aircraft with three large widebodies, twelve medium widebodies and seven narrowbodies entering service with ten carriers in seven countries. Silk Way West maintains the largest fleet, even after it sold two 747-400Fs to Atlas Air in May. It has added two 777Fs since March 2022 as part of a 2021 order for five, and in Q1 2024 ordered another . [caption id="attachment_56868929" align="aligncenter" width="1066"] Aerostan operates three 747-200Fs. (Courtesy/Aerostan)[/caption] The other 747 freighter operators are TransAviaExport Airlines, Aerostan, Aerotranscargo and Fly Pro. Several new carriers did not have any freighters before March 2022. These include AlphaSky, Camex Airlines, FlyKhiva and My Freighter. The most popular types in the active CIS fleet as of July 12 were the 747-400 and 767-300 freighters. My Freighter has spearheaded this growth, adding its first 767-300 in late 2023 on lease from CAM, and taking four more with potentially more to follow in 2024 . It hopes to operate up to seven 767Fs by yearend, the carrier told Cargo Facts . More to come The CIS fleet is expected to undergo further growth, especially in the medium-widebody segment. In addition to My Freighter, Cargo Facts believes FlyKhiva, which received its AOC in February and leased a 767-300BCF from Icelandair, intends to add at least one more of the type this year. Georgian Airlines received its first 767 in August 2023 and a second in April but could add more, while fellow Georgia-based MyWay Airlines told Cargo Facts that it also hopes to expand into the widebody market. [caption id="attachment_56868963" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Moalem Aviation is one of several A300F operators in Kyrgyzstan. (Courtesy/v1images)[/caption] Kyrgyzstan-based KAP.KG has not actively flown its initial A3000B4-200F for more than two years, but the carrier recently purchased two more from JMB Aviation Group , parent of Venezuela-based Transcarga International Airways. AlphaSky launched a year ago with a 737-400F and in late June took delivery of its first 757-200PCF as it sets its sights on 767s. Meanwhile, in the 737 segment, Hayways purchased its first 737-400SF in late 2023, and Supernova Airlines could become Ukraine’s first 737-800 freighter operator. Russia’s previous fleet With sanctions prohibiting Russian carriers from receiving support for Western aircraft in their fleets, thirty Boeing freighters are either in long-term storage in the country or have been reregistered in Russia after President Vladimir Putin authorized airlines to take unlawful possession of them. They include: Ten 747-8Fs, three 747-400Fs and one 777F with AirBridgeCargo; Six 737-800BCFs and one 737-400SF with Atran; Two 737-800BCFs with S7 Airlines; Six 757-200PCFs with Aviastar-TU; and One 757-200PCF with E-Cargo Airlines. Singapore-based BOC Aviation successfully retrieved two of its 747-8Fs (60119 and 60117) from AirBridgeCargo in March. Of the operators with Boeing freighters still in Russia, only three have units actively in service: Aviastar-TU, which has recently flown four of its six 757-200PCFs; E-Cargo Airlines with its single 757-200PCF; and S7 Airlines with one of its two 737-800BCFs. As it becomes increasingly difficult for Russian operators to maintain their Airbus and Boeing aircraft, Cargo Facts expects the active fleet to diminish even further in the year ahead. The 30th Cargo Facts Symposium will take place Oct. 14-16 at the Omni Hotel in San Diego. Gain valuable insights, success strategies and networking opportunities at this special anniversary event. Learn more and register today to take advantage of our early-bird sale.

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