Airlines

Travel Made Easy: Air India to offer flight, cab & hotel bookings

In a significant move towards enhancing passenger experience, Air India, now under the ownership of the Tata Group, has unveiled plans to offer additional services through its revamped website.

According to reliable sources, the airline is in discussions with third-party agencies to facilitate the integration of features allowing passengers to book cab rides and make hotel reservations directly on the Air India platform.

The first phase of this service expansion is dedicated to the launch of ‘Book-A-Cab,’ which is mainly intended for passengers who are transiting domestic airports. By collaborating with a trusted and secure on-ground mobility network, Air India hopes to maximize passenger convenience by guaranteeing punctual and dependable airport transfers throughout its vast domestic network.

With the help of this platform, travelers can choose from a wide variety of vehicles, including premium electric cars, luxury vans, hatchbacks, sedans, MUV-SUVs, and even luxury coaches for large parties. The airline is dedicated to offering a flexible range of options to satisfy the various needs of its customers.

Air India further highlighted that the range of services goes beyond transfers between airports. Travelers will be able to schedule rentals and out-of-town transportation to and from any location in the nation, in addition to rides to and from airports. This strategic move positions Air India not only as a carrier but as a comprehensive travel facilitator, prioritizing passenger convenience and elevating the overall travel experience.

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.