Airlines

Air India Plans To Lease 3 Boeing 777-300Er From Singapore Airlines

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Air India (AI), a Tata-owned company, plans to lease three Boeing 777 aircraft from Singapore Airlines to support its fleet modernization programme. This action, which is in addition to the current 11 777s that are leased, intends to aid the progressive phase-out of the older 777-200 aircraft that were introduced in 2009.

Due to their outdated cabins, which include deteriorating seats, damaged washrooms, and broken seat-back entertainment screens, the latter planes have over time angered passengers. To allay these worries, Air India has formally confirmed the sale of these older planes.

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The three Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, which were retired by Singapore Airlines in 2021 as part of post-COVID-19 fleet changes, are well-kept and include four-class cabins. According to the report, this applies to first-class and premium economy portions. This feature is particularly notable since it supports Air India’s mission to improve passenger experience on extremely lengthy trips.

On the other hand, these 777-300 aeroplanes are flawlessly maintained and furnished with luxury economy seating. 264 seats further provide a larger yield. On longer trips, this update will give customers a more upscale and pleasant experience.

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Air India’s debut of premium economy seating comes at a time when established airlines are up against severe competition from new low-cost and Gulf-based carriers. Due to the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, several businesses have reduced their trip expenses. resulting in a further reduction in business-class travel.

Air India aims to satisfy the needs of visitors on a restricted budget by providing a premium economy alternative. Additionally increasing overall fares and profitability. Air India is on pace to improve operational efficiency with these three brand-new aircraft. Improve customer satisfaction and adapt to the evolving travel industry.

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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.