**S7 Airlines Prohibits First Officers from Landing at Most Airports**
S7 Airlines, among the largest airlines in Russia, has recently implemented a new directive that forbids first officers from landing aircraft at the majority of airports. This action follows a number of hard landings that have allegedly resulted in damage to the planes. The directive is set to remain in place until October 1, 2026, and confines first officers to land only at four primary airports: Irkutsk (IKT), Moscow (DME), Novosibirsk (OVB), and Vladivostok (VVO).
This action provokes inquiries regarding whether the problem lies within the pilots’ expertise or the state of the airline’s fleet. Russian airlines have encountered difficulties in keeping their aircraft operational due to sanctions that hinder the procurement of new aircraft and spare parts. As a result, numerous planes are inactive, and those that are still flying might not be in the best condition.
Although the directive intends to avert further harm to the fleet, it may affect pilot training and experience, as first officers will possess fewer chances to land in varied airport environments. This predicament underscores the wider challenges confronting Russian airlines in upholding safety and operational norms amidst persistent restrictions.