Airlines

Russia exits from Comac CR929 program

Russia has withdrawn from the Comac CR929 widebody aircraft project with China, according to the report. it is stated, due to long-term effects from the invasion of Ukraine about 18 months ago. Additional difficulties may be present, according to reported delays for United Aircraft Corp.’s (UAC, Moscow) Irkut (Moscow, Russia) MS-21 single-aisle commercial aircraft. Both aircraft programmes make good use of composite materials.

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The accuracy of the reports raises intriguing considerations, particularly if one delves into the intricacies surrounding Russia’s sustained participation in the CR929 program despite facing the headwinds of Western sanctions. It is notable that the CR929 programme, a unique joint effort combining the efforts of both China and Russia, has encountered significant obstacles leading to notable delays. Due to these problems, the expected CR929 service launch has been delayed much beyond earlier projections, with a potential post-2030 schedule now being considered.

The lengthy negotiations over the division of labour and the complex sharing of intellectual property rights have been crucial in causing these delays. The continuation of the China-Russia Commercial Aircraft International Corp. (CRAIC), a company founded in 2017 and profiting from China’s moderated stance towards imposing sanctions on Russia, is an important aspect in this scenario.

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Yury Slyusar, CEO of United Aircraft Corp. (UAC), recently announced widely that UAC was leaving the CR929 joint venture. Although a decision has been made, it will probably take some time to detangle the agreements between the Russian and Chinese governments in order to cancel the joint venture.

Uncertainties concerning the participation of Western suppliers arise from the complex nature of collaboration, integration, and information exchange in aircraft programmes. Initially, it was anticipated that Western experts would contribute to a number of systems in the CR929 project.

The CR929 is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine aircraft developed by China’s COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). The CR929 aspires to compete in the lucrative market for big passenger planes with major aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus. With a passenger capacity ranging from 258 to 320 passenger , the CR929 was created with an outstanding range of up to 12,000 kilometers with consideration.

Similar to the CR929 programme, the MS-21 (or MC-21) programme has experienced delays as a result of the withdrawal of Western suppliers.This Russian-backed project had ambitious aspirations to roll out an astonishing count of 270 units by the time 2030 arrives, with an initial projection of the deployment of MC-21 aircraft by 2024. Due to the significance of this situation, Russian manufacturers have been given more time to properly swap out imported actuators, avionics, and air conditioning components with domestically sourced replacements.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.