RuAviation

The Russian government will raise subsidies for domestic airlines to offset aircraft maintenance costs, with allocations set to reach approximately $80 million USD annually in 2027 and 2028 (6.65 billion rubles at the current exchange rate). In 2026, the subsidy volume will total about $43 million USD (3.59 billion rubles), according to the explanatory note attached to the draft federal budget for 2026–2028, as reported by TASS.

In 2025, maintenance subsidies amounted to $51 million USD (4.23 billion rubles). Thus, support will decrease in 2026, followed by a significant increase in 2027–2028. These subsidies help airlines cover part of the expenses required to maintain aircraft airworthiness.

Funding is distributed under the federal program “Aircraft and Helicopter Manufacturing,” which is part of the national technological leadership project “Industrial Support for Transport Mobility.” The program aims to advance Russia’s aviation industry and reduce reliance on imported technologies.

Total funding for the federal program will reach $1.03 billion USD (85.7 billion rubles) in 2026, $1.05 billion USD (86.9 billion rubles) in 2027, and $1.07 billion USD (89.3 billion rubles) in 2028. Of these amounts, $655 million USD (54.47 billion rubles) in 2026, $620 million USD (51.59 billion rubles) in 2027, and $228 million USD (18.99 billion rubles) in 2028 are earmarked for applied R&D and engineering projects in the aviation sector.

Priority funding is directed toward the development of new aircraft, engines, avionics, and high-tech equipment. According to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the program focuses on mastering advanced technologies for the aviation industry.

Aircraft maintenance subsidies represent about 4.2% of the program’s total budget for 2026. The planned increase in 2027–2028 coincides with the expansion of domestic aircraft and helicopter production, as well as the need to maintain operational readiness of new models.

Government support enables airlines to plan operating expenses and maintain flight regularity. The increase in subsidies likely reflects growth in the Russian aircraft fleet and stricter technical requirements. The program also aims to reduce dependence on imported maintenance services and components, while improving the reliability of Russian-made aircraft.