Airlines

Southwest pilots union backs Boeing on MAX 7, 10 certification extension

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The union that represents nearly 10,000 Southwest Airlines pilots is in favor of extending an exemption from the new cockpit alerting regulations to Boeing 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 aircraft.

The 737 MAX 7 and 10 variants must be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration by the end of December, failing which Boeing will be forced to comply with new contemporary cockpit-alerting regulations that may severely delay the plane’s entry into service.

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It made sense to have standardized alerts across the 737 families of aircraft, according to Capt. Casey Murray, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, in an interview on Friday. Murray stated We feel in the interest of safety and commonality that it should be certified under the same regulations, adding that he backs the legislation’s mandate that upcoming aircraft have cutting-edge cockpit alerting systems.

The Allied Pilots Association, which is made up of 15,000 American Airlines (AAL.O) pilots, stated that it is against the Boeing MAX jets’ expansion.

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One unified 737 cockpit warning system, according to Boeing, makes the cockpit safer. “A consistent operational experience across an airplane family is an industry best practice that benefits flight crews and the flying public by improving safety and lowering risk,” said Boeing. Following the deaths of 346 people in two deadly 737 MAX crashes and the subsequent 20-month grounding of the best-selling aircraft, Congress implemented the rules as part of certification reform.

According to a letter from the FAA, Boeing does not expect to receive regulatory approval for the MAX 10 until next summer. The deadline for Boeing to obtain certification for the additional versions was extended last week by one year, to September 2024, by Senator Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Commerce Committee. Wicker plans to include the request in the yearly military bill.

The 65,000 airline pilots in North America that make up the Air Line Pilots Association remained silent on their position regarding the extension on Friday.

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Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.