In order to improve operational flexibility and support network development, LOT Polish Airlines plans to add the Embraer E195-E2 to its fleet.

With the addition of the 25% more efficient E2 to their fleet, LOT will lease three new E195-E2 from Azorra, demonstrating their continued commitment to sustainable growth. This year, the first jet will arrive by the end of July, and all aircraft deliveries will be finished by October.

As the airline’s network expands, LOT needs a flexible solution to meet its capacity needs. In addition to providing passengers with an unparalleled flying experience without middle seats, the E2 enables LOT’s current E-Jet first generation flight crews to seamlessly transfer over a matter of days.

Additionally flexible, the new E2s match LOT’s larger narrow body aircraft with comparable seat prices. The airline plans to set up E195-E2, which can accommodate up to 146 passengers, in a cosy single class configuration with 136 seats.

The remarkable success of Embraer’s new aircraft family began with the 85-minute, 520-kilometer trip to Vienna; the 1800th E-Jet in the programme, an E190-E2, was just delivered to a customer in the Middle East.

LOT is one of the biggest E-jet operators in Europe with a fleet of 43 aircraft as of right now. Over 1.4 million flight hours, 850 million kilometres, and over 60 million passengers—nearly double Poland’s population—have been transported by LOT’s E-jet fleet to date.

A routine flight from Doha to Mount Kilimanjaro turned harrowing for passengers aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR1499, as the aircraft encountered severe turbulence over Somalia due to adverse weather conditions.

The incident, which unfolded on Friday, left the aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 leased from Oman Air, with internal damages and passengers shaken.

An Airbus A330-200 (A4O-DA), which is presently leased from Oman Air, was used for the flight. The aircraft is still at Kilimanjaro International Airport, as per FlightAware, however the flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Dar es Salaam (DAR) did not continue after the incident.

A Qatar Airways flight from Doha encountered severe turbulence over Somalia due to adverse weather conditions. As a result, the aircraft sustained internal damage, and at least one passenger required medical attention and was transferred to a Nairobi hospital for treatment. pic.twitter.com/81afJnQXrd— DP 🇰🇪 (@DanChepta) May 6, 2024

Images of the inside show damaged ceiling panels and lights, which are usually the consequence of turbulence causing passengers and service objects to fall into the ceiling.

Surprisingly, the Kenyan airports authority says that this never took place. I haven’t seen that reported online, even though they clearly deny the claim that the plane touched down in Nairobi.

1/2: 🚨 Our attention has been drawn to circulating Social Media reports alleging that a Qatar Airways flight encountered severe turbulence and internal damage before landing at JKIA. We want to clarify that these reports are FALSE. pic.twitter.com/fF9Ruo9bPR— Kenya Airports Authority (@KenyaAirports) May 6, 2024

According to flight tracking, the aircraft carried on to Dar es Salaam before returning to Doha later that day. It doesn’t seem like anyone was too seriously hurt in this incident, even though the cabin sustained significant damage.

The incident should serve as yet another timely reminder for passengers to always wear their seatbelts when sitting, even if the seat belt signs were activated at the time owing to the predicted adverse conditions in the area.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s emerging second flag carrier, is poised for a significant expansion as it sets its sights on bolstering its fleet to commence operations by the summer of 2025.

Reports indicate that the airline is currently engaged in advanced discussions with aerospace giants Boeing and Airbus to finalize a substantial order of wide-body aircraft, marking a crucial step in its journey towards becoming a prominent player in the aviation industry.

CEO Tony Douglas revealed that Riyadh Air is on the verge of clinching a deal for additional narrow-body aircraft, with an announcement expected in the near future. This move underscores the airline’s strategic commitment to fortify its fleet capacity in preparation for an ambitious network expansion.

The imminent narrow-body order complements Riyadh Air’s recently completed acquisition of narrow-body jets, the details of which are set to be disclosed in the coming months. Riyadh Air’s expansion strategy aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at revitalizing the nation’s aviation sector and fostering increased international tourism.

With plans to connect the capital city with over 100 destinations by the end of the decade, Riyadh Air envisions rapid growth, targeting a fleet of more than 200 aircraft within the initial five years of operation.

Notably, Riyadh Air’s endeavors come under the auspices of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, signaling strong government support for the airline’s ambitions. However, amidst the backdrop of robust demand for aircraft and supply chain challenges plaguing both Airbus and Boeing.

Douglas emphasized the imperative of timely jet deliveries to ensure Riyadh Air’s successful debut in the competitive aviation landscape. Both Airbus and Boeing find themselves grappling with production constraints amid burgeoning demand, underscoring the urgency for Riyadh Air to secure its fleet on schedule.

As the airline prepares to take flight, these negotiations epitomize Riyadh Air’s determination to surmount industry challenges and carve out a prominent presence in the global aviation arena.