Havas in Turkey Considering Halting Services to Russian Airlines’ US Aircraft: Communication Sent
Havas, the ground service provider at Turkey’s airports, has informed Russian and Belarusian airlines that it is considering suspending services for their aircraft of United States origin. This decision aligns with the Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.
A recent Havas communication, dated January 31 and reviewed by Reuters, under the subject of “possible limitations on Boeing aircraft,” was shared just prior to US officials engaging with Turkish government and private sector representatives to encourage collaboration on US restrictions concerning Russia.
The Havas letter stated that Russian and Belarusian airlines’ aircraft with more than 25 percent of US origin technology may be affected on “some or all flights”.
Russian forces used Belarus as a launch pad for their abortive attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, at the start of the war nearly a year ago but Belarus has ruled out joining the conflict.
Havas said the Turkish aviation industry received warning letters from the US Department of Commerce, and the letter was to respond to US export controls related to the Ukraine war.
“In that respect, we are running a due-dilligence process to identify risks and consequences to our business and stakeholders. As a result of this, we may find ourselves unable to serve some or all of your flights,” the Havas letter said.
As part of sweeping Western sanctions and export controls on Moscow, the United States restricted licensing, parts and services – from new airframes and engines to cupholders and fuel – on planes of US origin like Boeing jets, or that contain up to 25 percent US materials.
Havas asked Russian and Belarusian airlines for a list of aircraft that contain less than 25 percent of US origin technology, advising them to plan flights to be operated with those planes.
Havas will only serve aircraft that contain less than 25 percent of US origin technology, in the case that US authorities issue an order denying export privileges to the airline operating the flight, it said.
Havas, Turkey’s largest airport ground services provider, operates in many airports including the biggest cities Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya.
In December, officials from the US administration held a two-day workshop in Turkey to warn Turkish companies that they could be breaching US war-time restrictions on Moscow when they provide an array of services to arriving Russian aircraft including handling, refuelling and new parts at airports.
(Reuters)
