Russia has grounded all Saratov Airlines AN-148 aircraft over safety concerns only one month after Flight 703 crashed, killing all 71 passengers and crew onboard minutes after departing from Domodedovo Airport on Feb. 11.
“We ordered the carrier to suspend An-148 flights in all airlines that operate them,” said Viktor Basargin, the head of Rostransnadzor.
The groundings reportedly will affect Rossiya Airlines, Angara Airlines and Saratov Airlines, however Angara denies it recieved any notices and will continue to operate the aircraft.
The Rostransnadzor also ordered the grouding of the entire fleet of Saratov Airlines, with Russia’s Federal Air Transportation Agency limited the carrier’s AOC until 27 April 2018.