The Actions of the Russian Federation and their Impact on the Chicago and Cape Town Convention – An Analysis

Abstract

The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, signed a bill into law that allows Russian-based airlines to re-register foreign owned airplanes on the Russian national register, even though those aircraft are duly registered abroad, mostly in Ireland or Bermuda. The Russian Federation is one of the biggest markets for leased aircraft and her actions do not only violate the Cape Town Convention but have the potential to also put the principles of the Chicago Convention in jeopardy. This article briefly discusses the legal implications arising from the Russian Federation’s actions. It will first address the Cape Town Convention and Russia’s obligations thereunder before turning towards the principles of the Chicago Convention, which are being put to the test. This article should serve a first step towards legal analysis and bring attention to potential violations of the principles laid down in the Chicago Convention.

Keywords: Air Law, International Law, Chicago Convention, Cape Town Convention, Sovereignty, Russian Federation, Aviation, Finance

JEL Classification: K33