U.S. expands restrictions on Belarus’ national airline

June 16, BPN. The U.S. Department of Commerce has expanded export controls on Belarusian air carrier Belavia for flying Boeing aircraft in violation of restrictions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported.

“Just as Belarus is lawlessly supporting Russia’s unjust war in Ukraine, its national airline Belavia is failing to obey our export laws,” the assistant secretary for export enforcement, Matthew Axelrod, said in a statement.

The world’s companies are now prohibited from using American parts or equipment to service the Belavia fleet.

The company violated U.S. rules by sending Boeing aircraft to and from Russia, Turkey, Georgia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt after April 8, the department said.

April 8 was the day when Washington put restrictions on flying Belarusian or Belarusian-operated aircraft made in the U.S. or abroad with more than a quarter U.S.-controlled content.

The order also affects Embraer (Brazilian manufacturer) aircraft in the fleet if they need American items or services. In addition, it expands the list of goods restricted for Belavia.