Canada allows Airbus to use titanium from russia despite sanctions

Canada has authorized Airbus to use russian titanium in its production after becoming the first western government to ban the supply of this strategic metal as part of the latest package of sanctions.

"Airbus is aware that the Canadian government has imposed sanctions on VSMPO (a russian metallurgical company - ed.) and has obtained the necessary authorization to ensure Airbus operations are in compliance with applicable sanctions," Airbus Canada said.

At the same time, the company did not provide detailed information about the permits and did not say how long they would be valid.

The Canadian government also did not respond to requests for comment.

According to Reuters, the move gives Airbus flexibility at its Canadian plants and is expected to ease concerns that its core business could be affected by a de facto ban on imports to Canada of its European-made aircraft, which are most dependent on lightweight titanium.

In 2022, after the start of russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, Airbus announced its intention to stop supplying titanium from russia within a few months. The company clarified that it had expanded purchases in the United States and Japan. However, certification of new suppliers through aerospace standards can take years, Airbus noted.

Source: Reuters