Missing certificate grounds Russian Boeing plane

Moscow, Jan 31 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia’s largest airline Aeroflot has been forced to cancel the first commercial flights by its new Boeing 777-300ER airliners due to lack of a type certificate for the plane.

The flights were scheduled for Friday, Aeroflot said Thursday.

The Interstate Aviation Committee, which oversees use and management of civil aircraft in former Soviet states, has not issued a type certificate for the 300ER variant of the Boeing 777 aircraft.

Russian aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia also cannot grant permission for the operation of the new airliner, Aeroflot said.

Under Russia’s aviation code, an aircraft produced abroad and supplied for operation in Russia must be certificated by the Interstate Aviation Committee, a Rosaviatsia spokesman said.

“In view of this, Aeroflot is forced to postpone the first commercial flight scheduled for February 1,” the airline said.

Earlier variants of the Boeing 777 aircraft, the Boeing 777-200 and 300 series, have already been certified in Russia.

The 300ER (Extended Range) variant has longer range, more powerful engines and minor aerodynamic changes, according to Boeing.

The Interstate Aviation Committee refused to comment.

Aeroflot said it promptly fulfiled all procedures stipulated by legislation to start commercial operation of the airliner, and will now take measures to recover the damage caused.

The first Boeing 777-300ER aircraft was delivered to Aeroflot Jan 30.

The company expects 13 Boeing 777 aircraft in 2013-2015.

—IANS/RIA Novosti

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IANS 2013-01-31 16:32:06