The Canadian government allowed the Airbus corporation to use titanium from Russia in the production of aircraft. The lifting of sanctions has sparked a political row over the sanctions policy against Russia.
How Macron made efforts
French President Emmanuel Macron personally intervened to convince the premier Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau to exempt Airbus and other aerospace companies from sanctions related to Russian titanium. A source close to the French leader said that he made “considerable efforts”.
Airbus has repeatedly stated that titanium exports bring only limited revenue to the Russian budget, but its restrictions will seriously hit Western aircraft manufacturers.
Many messages were conveyed at all levels,
– the source added, referring to broad diplomatic and industrial pressure.
According to Investigate Europe, from March 2022 to March 2023, Airbus imported titanium from Russia worth almost $23 million, which is four times more than the previous period.
What is known about Airbus?
Airbus is a significant European corporation in the field of aviation and space technology. Founded in 1970, it has become one of the world's leading manufacturers of aircraft and space products. Its headquarters are in Toulouse, France. In addition, Airbus has various factories and production sites located in different countries.
Dependence on Russian titan
The fact is that the Russian company “VSMPO-Avisma” is the largest producer of aerospace grade titanium. Due to its strength and light weight, this titanium is ideal for components subjected to significant stress, such as engine parts and landing gear for large aircraft.
The problem is that on construction of a new titanium plant takes years, and certification can take a year or two,
– said Kevin Michaels, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory.
At the same time, the lifting of sanctions could exacerbate another problem for aerospace companies: Complaints about the sanctions highlight their dependence on countries that export strategic materials, which could use that dependence to countermeasures against the West. .
Interesting! Canadian sanctions could also harm competitor Airbus – Boeing Co ( BA.N ), but the U.S. planemaker was spared disruption thanks to a separate exemption granted to French equipment supplier Safran ( SAF.PA ).