Report: Airbus and Boeing parts reaching Russian airlines via India

The investigation identified two Indian firms prominently involved: Aerotrust Aviation and Ascend Aviation.

Aerotrust Aviation, headquartered in Delhi, sold approximately $7 million worth of parts to Russia. According to the investigation's results, about 80% of these parts can be traced back to "facilities of western companies. " Aeroflot, the Russian flag carrier, was noted as a major buyer.

Boeing also routed parts through another Indian firm, Ascend Aviation. This included valves, fasteners, fuel sealants, and batteries among at least \~80 cargoes sent by Boeing to India that were later forwarded to Russia.

Airbus' subsidiary Satair sent \~12 loads through Ascend Aviation between September \~2023\~ and May \~2024\~. Among others', it says Aeroflot' & Ural Airlines' were buyers'.

Finally',the investigation revealed that India-based Agrim Aviation was also used as an intermediary for Russian deliveries'. Over \~160\~ cargoes were tracked', majority being delivered Utair'.

'The blame game'

'It is unclear whether Airbus', Boeing or other firms were aware of Indian companies' dealings with Russia'. Given sheer volume transactions such companies undertake globally', it is plausible they unaware these Indian firms selling products onwards illegal customers'. However'',these companies might have raised eyebrows before''. In fact'',Ascend Aviation already flagged by U.S.. in October last year its role sanctions evasion noted sales aircraft components Russia from US sources introduced sanctions against company two directors''.

'Responding Investigate Europe's report'',Airbus dismissed claims any wrongdoing said subsidiary Satair ''acting compliance laws regulations actively committed prevent sanctions circumvention diversion''''.