Image source, Getty ImagesRussia has implemented a new law that makes it harder for foreign aircraft leasing companies to repossess their planes in the face of Western sanctions.
The new law will allow foreign jets to be registered in Russia to ensure the continued functioning of civil aviation.
Russian airlines have over 500 jets leased from abroad.
Foreign owners have until the end of March to get their companies back.
Almost all foreign-leased planes operating in Russia are registered in Ireland and Bermuda, where they are suspending certificates of airworthiness.
The law signed by President Putin allows for the registration and certification of safety within Russia's borders and the use of foreign aircraft to fly domestic routes across the country.
Western companies have been asking for planes to be returned since the invasion of Ukraine.
The majority of international air routes out of Russia are not being flown and many countries, including the UK, have banned Russia's national airline Aeroflot from flying in their airspace.
There are hundreds of foreign-owned aircraft in Russia. To comply with sanctions, leasing companies are trying to get them back. That is very unlikely.
If Russia keeps these aircraft, they will be able to fly in Russia and a few other former Soviet republics.
One thing to steal aircraft is another to keep them operating for a long time.
When something needs to be replaced, it will have to be taken from another plane or manufactured by a third party.
There are serious safety implications. It will make it impossible to cover those planes outside of Russia. Many aircraft are flown elsewhere for maintenance.
There will be a huge bill when the crisis is over.
The value of aircraft will plummet if they are not maintained properly. If lessors get them back, they will demand compensation.
You have to play by the rules in international aviation.
Russia could decide to boycott the rest of the world. The conditions for rejoining the club could be very harsh one day.
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