The top management of the Russian company specializing in freight transport, Volga-Dnepr Group, has recently announced the suspension of air connections operated with B-747 jumbo freighters and smaller B-737 aircraft. 

This decision was taken following the economic sanctions imposed by Western countries against Russia. These have generated a series of knock-on effects, including a halt by European manufacturer Airbus and American manufacturer Boeing to the supply of spare parts and aircraft support services.

The Volga-Dnepr cargo airline stopped flying Boeing aircraft, some of which were leased to it by leasing company AerCap Holdings. The company's fleet includes 18 US jumbo aircraft used regularly on international cargo-cargo routes and 6 B-737s used on domestic routes.

The European Union's economic sanctions gave the leasing companies until March 28th to end their contracts with Russian carriers. The decision to ground the jets is a sign that some Russian airlines are trying to negotiate with the aircraft leasing companies, avoiding a breakup that would bring all court.