Airlines

Airbus Beluga to Deliver Spare Parts for Stranded British Airways A350

An Airbus BelugaXL is set to assist in the repair of a British Airways Airbus A350-1000 that has been stranded at London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) since April 2024. The BelugaXL, recognized for its unique whale-like design, will transport crucial components needed to restore the damaged aircraft to operational status.

The British Airways A350, registered as G-XWBC, suffered damage to its right-hand horizontal stabilizer following a collision with a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The incident occurred on April 6, 2024, when the Virgin Atlantic Dreamliner, during a pushback maneuver, inadvertently struck airbus beluga xl vs antonov 225 the parked british airways A350. The collision occurred while the A350 was preparing for its scheduled flight to Accra Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Ghana.

Airbus’ Beluga fleet, known for its extensive cargo capacity and specialized design, is typically employed for transporting large aircraft components between the company’s manufacturing sites across Europe. The latest model, the BelugaXL, based on the Airbus A330, can carry up to 51 tonnes of cargo in its spacious belly hold, making it ideal for missions such as this.

According to reports by Aviation Data Analyst M Zulqarnain B british airways news and initially reported by Paddle Your Own Kanoo, the Airbus BelugaXL is scheduled to arrive at Heathrow Airport on September 9, 2024, carrying the necessary spare parts to facilitate the repair of the British Airways A350.

This operation underscores the versatility of the BelugaXL fleet in supporting Airbus aircraft worldwide, ensuring that even in challenging situations, repair and maintenance needs can be efficiently met.

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.