Sanctions-Busting Scheme: How Belavia Got its Airbus Planes

Belarusian Airline Belavia Circumvents Sanctions with Older Airbus Planes Minsk, Belarus – Radio Svaboda and Bureau Media have uncovered a scheme allowing Belarusian airline Belavia to continue operations despite international sanctions. Since 2021, Belavia has been barred from purchasing new aircraft from Airbus due to sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States. However, an investigation revealed Belavia acquired older Airbus planes through a complex process involving a company based in Gambia, a country not subject to these sanctions. The planes, some over two decades old, were flown to Minsk and have remained there for nearly a year. They have since been repainted in Belavia's livery and re-registered in Belarus. "This is a clear attempt to bypass international restrictions," stated a source familiar with the investigation, who wished to remain anonymous. The video also shows flight attendants undergoing training in Moscow, indicating Belavia's preparedness to use these older aircraft. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of sanctions and the lengths to which sanctioned entities will go to circumvent them. The use of a Gambian intermediary adds another layer of complexity to the issue, highlighting the challenges of enforcing international sanctions effectively.