Ural Airlines has commenced dismantling its Airbus A320, which made a dramatic emergency landing in a Siberian field a year ago. The decision to scrap the aircraft, rather than attempting to recover it, is a direct result of the shortage of spare parts plaguing Russian airlines due to Western sanctions imposed in response to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
The incident occurred on September 12, 2023, when the Airbus A320, registered as RA-73805, was en route from Sochi to Omsk. A hydraulic failure forced the pilots to divert to Novosibirsk Airport, but fuel concerns prompted them to make an emergency landing in a field. All 159 passengers and six crew members escaped unharmed.
Initially, Ural Airlines planned to fly the A320 off the field, citing the functionality of its engines. However, the airline reconsidered, citing the risks, technical challenges, and significant costs associated with the recovery.
The owner of the field received a year’s rent, approximately one million rubles ($11,350), for the plane’s temporary stay. The area has been secured with a fence and 24-hour security surveillance.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the decision to scrap the A320 isn’t seen as a major loss for Ural Airlines due to the severe shortage of spare parts. The airline will salvage the most valuable components, including the two CFM 56 engines, for use in their other aircraft.
Ural Airlines currently operates a fleet of 53 aircraft with an average age of 15.4 years. The fleet includes 26 Airbus A320s, 22 Airbus A321s, four Airbus A319s, and one wet-leased Ilyushin Il-76.
