Official: Minsk can switch to Russian aircraft if banned from leasing

MINSK, Nov 3 (PRIME) -- Belarus can switch to Russian aircraft if the Western countries ban the Belarusian airline Belavia from leasing planes, Belarus Transport Ministry aviation department head Artyom Sikorsky told reporters on Wednesday.

“We can see that the (sanctions) pressure does not stop and is taking more sophisticated forms,” Sikorsky said.

“It will be a challenge not only for Belarus, but for the entire aviation leasing market. Such companies are mostly registered in Ireland. Well, if there are no American planes, there will be Russian planes, or Russian–Chinese projects, which are now being implemented.”

He said that if the decision to limit leasing is made, “It will be a signal to the whole market that tomorrow you can have your planes taken away for political motives.”

Belarus calls on the European partners for dialogue without emotions and hasty actions, Sikorsky said.

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