Airlines

United Airlines Blocking Seats Due To Passenger Weight

United is currently forced to block three to six seats per Boeing 757

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Due to an increase in passenger weight in recent years, US airline United Airlines is reportedly forced to block out some seats on specific aircraft.

Employees of the airline claim that the maneuver is being performed to stay within the parameters of weight and balance in order to minimize any hazards that could impair the pilots’ ability to fly and land the plane. The move was made in response to the Federal Aviation Administration increasing its average passenger weight estimates in 2019 by 15 pounds for males and 34 pounds for women.

As you can see, each passenger’s average weight has gone up from 15 to 34 pounds. If these aircraft have an average of 180 seats, the weight difference per flight ranges from 2,700 to 6,100 pounds. We’re talking about an average weight increase of 4,400 pounds per flight if the gender split among passengers is assumed to be 50/50.

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United Airlines is having some difficulties this winter as a result of the FAA’s updated weight requirements. Between November 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023, specifically, United will need to block seats on its Boeing 757 fleet. All routes will be affected by this in order to maintain compliance with the current weight and balance specifications for the Boeing 757. Depending on the Boeing 757 model, the number of blocked seats will vary; three to six seats are typically blocked.

United Airlines is blocking seats on its Boeing 757 planes to address weight gained by passengers in recent years. Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, the average American has put on 15 or more pounds. A barred Boeing seat is pictured on a United flight last week

Courtesy : United airlines & Daily mail

The marketing for these middle-blocked seats at the moment only refers to regular economy seats. They are not advertised as Economy Plus seats, or even as preferred seats for that matter. These seats are without a doubt the best in the cabin due to the fact that they are the blocked middle seats in economy.

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United’s Boeing 757s are having problems, especially in the winter, due to the average passenger weight rising over time. In order to meet weight and balance regulations, United is currently forced to block three to six seats per Boeing 757 for the entire winter season. The guaranteed blocked middle seats are offered by United at no additional cost, making them a great choice.

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Airlines

A New Player Takes Off: Embraer Poses a Formidable Challenge to Boeing

In the midst of ongoing challenges faced by Boeing and the aviation industry at large, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has been thrust into the spotlight.

Recent reports suggesting that Embraer is eyeing the development of a next-generation narrow-body aircraft have sparked intrigue and speculation. However, the company has swiftly moved to quash such rumors.

Internal assessments conducted within Embraer have indeed highlighted the company’s impressive technological prowess and manufacturing capabilities. These findings have led some to speculate about the potential for Embraer to enter the narrow-body aircraft market, traditionally dominated by industry giants Boeing and Airbus.

In light of Boeing’s recent challenges, including the protracted grounding of its 737 MAX jets and leadership upheavals, some industry analysts have suggested that there may be an opportunity for smaller players like Embraer to disrupt the market duopoly. Airbus, too, has plans to introduce a new narrow-body aircraft in the future, further intensifying competition in this space.

However, despite the potential openings created by Boeing’s troubles, Embraer appears cautious about overextending itself. The company is currently focused on maximizing the success of its existing portfolio, which includes the innovative E2 aircraft series.

Additionally, the emergence of alternatives such as China’s Comac C919 adds another layer of complexity to the competitive landscape. While the C919 has thus far secured orders primarily from Asian carriers, Boeing’s challenges could prompt airlines worldwide to explore alternative options.

Airlines

Air India Revised Baggage Rules for Domestic Flights

Air India Trims Baggage Allowance for Domestic Flights

Air India, one of India’s leading airlines, has implemented significant changes to its baggage policies, affecting travelers across various fare classes.

Effective May 2, 2024, the airline has rolled out a revised baggage allowance scheme, marking a reduction in the permitted weight limits for most fare categories. Under the updated guidelines, passengers booking economy and business class tickets will notice a decrease in their baggage allowance by 5 to 10 kilograms compared to previous allowances.

These adjustments reflect Air India’s response to market dynamics and regulatory requirements. In the Economy Comfort category, encompassing S, T, U, and L fare classes, travelers will now have a baggage allowance of 15 kilograms, down from the previous 20 kilograms. As reported by livefromalounge.

Similarly, passengers availing themselves of Economy Comfort Plus, including G, W, V, Q, and K fare classes, will see their baggage allowance reduced to 15 kilograms from the earlier 25 kilograms.

However, not all fare classes are subject to reductions. Economy Flex passengers, represented by the H, M, B, and Y fare classes, will maintain their previous baggage allowance of 25 kilograms.

In the business class segment, changes are also evident. Business Comfort Plus, consisting of Z and J fare classes, will now offer a baggage allowance of 25 kilograms, down from the prior 35 kilograms. Meanwhile, passengers booking Business Flex tickets under the D and C fare classes will have a revised baggage allowance of 35 kilograms, compared to the previous 40 kilograms.

For passengers planning their upcoming journeys with Air India, it is essential to review the updated baggage policies to ensure compliance and avoid any inconvenience during their travel experience.

Airlines

These are two airlines that placed the largest orders for Comac

China Southern Airlines has made a significant move in the aviation industry by placing a monumental order for 100 Comac C919 aircraft.

Marking a pivotal moment in the commitment of state-owned Chinese airlines to domestically developed planes. The deliveries are set to commence this year and continue until 2031.

The order holds a considerable value of USD 9.9 billion; however, China Southern will benefit from substantial discounts provided by the manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China. This announcement comes closely after Air China’s recent order for 100 C919s, albeit in the Extended Range variant.

China Southern’s decision to invest in the C919 reflects its strategic vision to address capacity demands, achieve fleet balance, and enhance its overall strength and brand image.

By incorporating these advanced aircraft into its operations, the airline aims to alleviate pressure on capacity, optimize its fleet structure, and bolster its competitive position in the market.

As China continues to assert itself in the global aviation industry, the significant orders placed by its state-owned carriers underscore the country’s commitment to domestic aviation manufacturing.

With both China Southern Airlines and Air China making substantial investments in the Comac C919, the stage is set for these domestically developed aircraft to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Chinese aviation.