Since early 2022, an Aeroflot Airbus A321 has remained parked at a Swiss airport. The aircraft is reportedly in a dreadful state, having undergone no maintenance throughout this period, and its future flying capability seems unlikely. Additionally, there are concerns about a rat infestation, as decaying food has sat untouched in the galley for years. The most astonishing aspect? Even though the plane is considered “abandoned,” parking fees are said to still be paid.
Geneva Airport’s enigmatic, forsaken Airbus A321
In early 2022, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine, a conflict that has now persisted for more than four years. This situation has greatly impacted global aviation. Russian airlines have faced sanctions, leading Russia to reciprocate by shutting down a significant portion of its airspace to international carriers.
Following the onset of the war, numerous Russian aircraft became stranded in countries where they could no longer operate, though most of those matters have been resolved over time. Still, one notable exception has been highlighted by aeroTELEGRAPH.
An Aeroflot Airbus A321 with the registration VP-BOE has been stationed at Geneva Airport (GVA) since early 2022. It arrived in Geneva from Moscow (SVO) on the afternoon of February 27, 2022, intending to immediately execute the return flight to Russia.
However, as the aircraft taxied to the runway, it became apparent that all airspace would be closed to it, resulting in the plane having to return to the gate, causing the flight to be canceled.
Since that moment, there has been little to no progress regarding the plane. Reports indicate that the A321 is still fueled and that meals remain in the galley, leading to suspicions of a rat infestation. However, the situation is considerably worse, as the Airbus jet is allegedly developing cracks, with uncovered engines and electronic issues making it highly uncertain whether the aircraft will ever take to the skies again without incurring exorbitant repair costs.
In the more than four years since the plane has been at the airport, it has only been relocated once. That occurred in June 2022 when it was towed from its parking spot to accommodate the Swiss Air Force for a United Nations conference.
Interestingly, it is reported that the parking fees for the aircraft are still being paid, amounting to 30,000 CHF (36,540 USD) monthly. If these payments have indeed continued for the entire duration of the aircraft’s parking, the total would amount to about two million USD in fees.
Why this specific Aeroflot A321 remains “stranded”
At the conflict’s start, numerous planes serving Russian airlines were left stranded, but most of these circumstances have since been resolved. For instance, many aircraft were owned by Western leasing firms and were subsequently seized, with many now in operation with different airlines.
This particular Aeroflot Airbus A321 was owned by Russian leasing company GTLK, specifically through an Irish subsidiary. However, due to sanctions imposed on Russia, this subsidiary was forced to shut down as it was financially beneficial to Russia.
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) clarifies the prevailing issue. Sanctions restrict the sale or export of aircraft to Russia, along with the overhaul or maintenance of these aircraft, in favor of Russian businesses. Furthermore, Russian airplanes are barred from departing Swiss territory.
The only circumstance under which the aircraft could be moved would be if it presented a safety or environmental hazard. Ironically, with it being abandoned for several years, the plane is likely in no condition to fly anymore, making the disassembly of the aircraft potentially the only viable option left.
In essence, this Aeroflot A321 stands out due to its ownership by a leasing entity with Russian ties (unlike most Aeroflot planes), its grounded status at the time sanctions were enforced, and its narrowly missed opportunity to take off as European nations closed their airspace to Russian airlines one after another.
This aircraft is unlikely to become airborne again soon, leaving questions about what will transpire next. While I comprehend the rationale behind sanctions, this predicament seems to serve no one’s interests. But that’s how it is, I suppose.
In conclusion
An Aeroflot Airbus A321 has been stationed at Geneva Airport since February 2022, following the initiation of sanctions against Russia. While numerous planes were momentarily grounded when Russia invaded Ukraine, most aircraft