Director General of Belavia Igor Cherginets said in the Economic Environment programme on the Belarus 1 TV channel that despite the Western sanctions, the safety of the airline’s flights remains at a high level. He cited examples of the company’s successful work, including the evacuation of US diplomats and military personnel from Turkey during the pandemic. Those efforts were widely recognised and received messages of thanks from various officials.
“Humanly, in the beginning, the sanctions were frustrating. I wanted to look into the eyes of those officials who had previously sent us thank you text messages. We have a lot of documents, thanks from prime ministers, foreign ministers, diplomats, embassies from all over the world. Let me give you an example. During the crisis in Turkish-American relations, it was necessary to evacuate diplomats and military personnel from Turkey to the United States. It was during the pandemic, when some routes were already closed and it was very difficult for Americans to leave Turkey and return home. “Belavia transported thousands of American people, diplomats and military personnel from Turkey to Minsk. From Minsk we flew with them to Paris and Amsterdam. And from there they flew home mostly by Delta airline. From our Ministry of Foreign Affairs I received SMS-messages from the State Department, the American embassy, every day with the words: thank you, Belavia. I remembered a very clear phrase: “We will never forget such help. And they haven’t forgotten,” said Igor Cherginets.
General Director of the flagship Belarusian carrier also noted that the imposed restrictive measures were unjustified. The initial sanctions against Belavia were imposed after the restoration of air traffic between Belarus and Russia. Later, other countries did the same, but no restrictive measures were imposed on them. He recalled the statement of China’s representative in the UN, who called the sanctions illegal. Xinhua Agency published this statement, while Belavia CEO reposted it on his Facebook page. Another package of sanctions was imposed on Belavia for this reposting.
Igor Cherginets assured that Belavia continues to use original spare parts and components, despite the complicated logistics. “I emphasise: nothing has changed in terms of flight safety. We put the same spare parts in the aircraft, which we put two or three years ago, and five years ago. All spare parts and components are completely original,” he said and added that flight safety remains a top priority and passengers can be confident in the reliability of aircraft. Current operational schemes ensure that all international safety standards are met, despite difficult conditions.
Director of the Aviation Department of the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Belarus Igor Golub also confirmed the safety of flights with Belavia and noted that ensuring safety is the main task for the entire aviation industry of the republic. “Tremendous work is being done. Our citizens just don’t see it, but everyone works in his place – whether it’s a pilot in the cockpit, a technician, who maintains the aircraft, or a specialist responsible for aviation safety, the same control,” he said.
Igor Golub drew attention to the fact that the work on training and certification of aviation personnel is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The required tolerances in aviation equipment are guaranteed. Maintenance of aircrafts is carried out in compliance with all necessary regulations, including regular passing of various types of service maintenance with provision of all necessary components and tools. He emphasised that thanks to the work carried out, not a single serious incident threatening the life and health of citizens was allowed.
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