A dispute over Aeroflot's use of its new Boeing 737-400s, which are not registered in Russia or the European Union, on services to Germany has been resolved. A ban on the operations had been implemented in early October, after an objection was made by Lufthansa.
The Bermudan registered Boeings were replaced by Russian registered Ilyushin Il-86s and Tupolev Tu-154s. Aeroflot-Russian International had acquired the Boeings through a special purpose leasing company, to replace Russian-built jets on its European services in a move designed to attract more business passengers .
The German Government suggested inter-airline talks to resolve the dispute, and a resolution has resulted. Aeroflot sources suggest that Lufthansa sought adjustments to Aeroflot's inter-airline agreements with other carriers. The dispute has now been resolved and the 737s have returned to German routes, although neither airline was available for comment.
Source: Flight International
