Airlines

AirAsia to resume Airbus A321neo deliveries in 2024 as growth returns

Malaysia’s low-cost airline AirAsia aims to start taking delivery of the 362 Airbus SE A321neos from 2024

Airbus starts A321 aircraft production in China's Tianjin

According to the chief executive of parent company Capital A Bhd, Malaysia’s low-cost airline AirAsia aims to start taking delivery of the 362 Airbus SE A321neos that are still on order in 2024 after delaying them due to the pandemic.

The airline, one of Airbus’ largest clients, had only ordered four A321neo aircraft before COVID-19 obliterated the aviation industry. Despite not having specified a commencement date at the time, it and Airbus last year decided to restructure the deal with deliveries continuing through 2035.

By taking receipt of the new Airbus A321neos in 2024, we will be able to further reduce our emissions per seat by 20% while still accelerating our company’s expansion. Tony Fernandes, the chief executive of Capital A, said in a statement late on Friday after the company reported a smaller operational deficit for the second quarter.

A return to full operations is anticipated by the second quarter of 2023, according to AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Executive Bo Lingam, who noted that as of August, 108 operating aircraft had returned to the skies. This number is anticipated to rise to 160 by the end of the year to support strong and growing consumer demand.

For the three months ending June 30, Capital A reported an operational loss of 491.3 million ringgit ($110.03 million), down from a loss of 792.2 million ringgit in the same period last year.

The business announced last month that its aircraft load factor, a gauge of the proportion of seats full, increased to 84% in the second quarter, levels similar to those prior to the pandemic. In an effort to overcome Malaysia’s stock exchange’s designation of Capital A as a financially troubled corporation, Capital A stated in June that it was considering various fundraising strategies for a planned U.S. listing.

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Airlines

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

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The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.