Russia’s Nordwind Airlines expected to launch flights to OR Tambo International

The South African government has sensationally committed itself to help boost Russian tourism and discussed the possibility of seeing Nordwind Airlines travelling to the country.

Information landing at BusinessTech Africa’s desk is that South Africa is negotiating with Russia’s Nordwind Airlines about launching direct flights between Moscow Sheremetyevo and Johannesburg O.R. Tambo.

However, the airline is subject to United States and European sanctions because of Russia’s war on Ukraine; therefore, it cannot legally fly to South Africa under international aviation safety regulations.

According to ch-aviation, Mzuvukile Jeff Maqetuka, South Africa’s ambassador to Russia, told the Russian state-owned news agency, Sputnik, that Pretoria was awaiting the airline’s decision.

According to Maqetuka, the aim is to launch four non-stop flights per week, including one to Cape Town, to boost Russian tourism.

“Our transport department discussed Aeroflot flights with the Russian transport ministry, then we were informed that it had been decided that it would be Nordwind,” he told ch-aviation.

The International Air Services Council of South Africa told ch-aviation that Nordwind had not yet asked for a foreign operator’s permit (FOP).

Oleg Ozerov, Russia’s ambassador-at-large and head of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, said that direct flights to South Africa would be established before the 2023 Russia-Africa summit, which will be held in St. Petersburg at the end of July.

In the past few days, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, met with his South African counterpart, Naledi Pandor in Tshwane to discuss increased bilateral cooperation.

In accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements, Nordwind or any other Russian operator will be required to demonstrate to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) that their aircraft are airworthy and are being maintained in accordance with the most recent service bulletins (SBs) issued by manufacturers.

As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU and the US have put sanctions on Russia.

These sanctions prohibit the export of aircraft and spare parts to Russian airlines, as well as the provision of technical support, such as updates to air navigation database updates, maintenance data, flight training, and other important safety equipment.