Azimuth Airlines jet catches fire at Antalya Airport; all passengers safe

This incident comes amid challenges for Russia's aviation industry due to Western sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions have impacted Russia's ability to manufacture domestic passenger jets like the Superjet. Although attempts are being made to fit domestic engines onto these jets, changes in production have led to issues such as increased weight and reduced power.

Russia has fired key personnel from Yakovlev and Tupolev due to setbacks in its civil aviation program. The country aims to produce 1,000 domestic passenger aircraft by 2030 but faces difficulties as many of its Airbus A320neos/A321neos remain grounded due to maintenance challenges.

In recent months, other incidents involving the Superjet include an emergency landing on November 18 due to depressurization and a crash during a test flight on July 12 resulting in three fatalities. The Superjet has suffered four hull losses so far.