S7 Airlines has temporarily banned most first officers from performing landings across much of its network [1, 2].
The restriction aims to reduce operational disruptions caused by the frequent aircraft inspections and maintenance required after heavy touchdowns [1]. Hard landings can cause structural stress to an aircraft, necessitating rigorous safety checks that remove planes from service and delay flight schedules.
According to reports, the company implemented the measure to address a surge in hard landing incidents [1, 2]. By limiting landing duties to more experienced captains, the airline seeks to minimize the frequency of these events and the subsequent maintenance burdens.
The restriction took effect June 1, 2026 [1]. The airline has scheduled the ban to remain in place until Oct. 1, 2026 [1].
Industry observers note that while first officers typically perform landings as part of their training and currency requirements, the decision to bar them indicates a priority on fleet availability. The measure ensures that the most experienced pilots handle the most critical phase of flight during this period [1].
S7 Airlines has barred most first officers from performing landings, MSN said [2]. This temporary shift in cockpit responsibilities reflects the airline's current effort to stabilize its operations and reduce the technical downtime of its fleet [1].
“S7 Airlines has temporarily banned most first officers from performing landings”
This move highlights a tension between pilot training and operational efficiency. While first officers generally need to perform landings to maintain proficiency, the cost of aircraft downtime due to hard landings has become an unacceptable operational risk for S7 Airlines. The temporary nature of the ban suggests a targeted effort to stabilize the fleet's health through the summer peak season.
