The head of Russia’s state civil aviation agency Rosaviatsia, Alexander Neradko, has been dismissed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, according to an announcement from the government’s press service on Friday.
Neradko will no longer serve as the director of Rosaviatsia and will be replaced by his deputy, Dmitry Yadorov.
No official explanation has been provided for Neradko’s departure.
In May 2022, he received a reprimand from the government for Rosaviatsia’s failure to comply with instructions from the government and Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev.
Russia’s aviation industry has suffered greatly due to Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine, resulting in a lack of new airplanes and parts necessary for repairs.
In March 2022, Russia confiscated $10 billion worth of leased aircraft from Western companies.
According to the RBC news website, Neradko stated in February 2023 that Western-manufactured aircraft can continue to fly safely until 2030 if adequately maintained.
Since being banned from European Union airspace, Russian airlines are now limited to flying to a specific list of “friendly” countries, otherwise risking the seizure of their aircraft.
Neradko had served as the head of Rosaviatsia since 2009 and had previously held positions in the Transport Ministry.
