S7 Airlines Bans First Officer Landings Amid Fleet Crisis

Operational Shifts at S7 Airlines

JSC Siberia Airlines, operating as S7 Airlines, has implemented a restrictive new directive that prohibits first officers from executing landings at the vast majority of its network destinations. This policy, effective from June 1, 2026, through October 1, 2026, is a direct response to a concerning increase in hard landings that have triggered mandatory structural inspections. The directive, issued by the airline's Deputy General Director for Flight Operations, requires captains to perform all landings at any airport outside of four authorized bases: Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME), Tolmachevo Airport (OVB), Vladivostok International Airport (VVO), and Irkutsk International Airport (IKT).

The Impact of Sanctions on Maintenance

The move highlights the acute pressure caused by Western aviation sanctions, which have severely restricted the supply of critical spare parts for the airline's Western-built fleet. According to CH-Aviation fleet data, approximately 33% of the carrier's aircraft are currently grounded due to a lack of certified components and bottlenecks in engine maintenance. The situation is particularly stark for the Airbus A320neo fleet, where only five of the airline's 30 units remain operational. By mandating captain-only landings, S7 Technics aims to minimize unscheduled heavy maintenance checks that would otherwise exacerbate the shortage of airworthy frames.

Safety and Proficiency Concerns

While the mandate aims to preserve structural integrity, industry analysts have expressed concern regarding long-term pilot proficiency. By restricting first officers from landing at diverse airports, the airline is effectively limiting their exposure to varied operational environments. Critics argue this policy may inadvertently degrade piloting skills, potentially creating safety risks when these first officers eventually upgrade to captain roles. This development contrasts with historical safety challenges at Irkutsk (IKT), where a 2006 incident involving an S7 Airbus A310 resulted in 125 fatalities. While IKT remains an authorized base for first officer landings under the new policy, Runway 12 at the airport is specifically excluded from this exemption.

Future Fleet Strategy

To mitigate its reliance on Western aircraft, S7 Airlines has signed a memorandum to acquire 100 domestically produced Tupolev Tu-214 aircraft. This shift toward import substitution in aviation represents a long-term strategic pivot for the carrier, as it anticipates the delivery of these domestic jets beginning in 2029. In the near term, however, the airline remains focused on maximizing the utility of its existing, aging fleet through these strict operational limits.

Why S7 Airlines Is Restricting Landings

The restriction is a necessary mechanism to prevent further degradation of an already depleted fleet. Because the airline cannot easily source replacement parts for structural damage caused by high G-force landings, the policy serves as a risk-mitigation strategy to keep the remaining operational fleet in service. For passengers and crew, this means a significantly higher concentration of landings will be handled by the most experienced pilots in the company until the directive expires in October.