Airlines

An airline founder is facing a fine after letting an influencer into cockpit

An airline founder and pilot might be hit with a significant penalty for allowing an Australian YouTube influencer into the cockpit during a flight. The end of April saw the debut flight of Starlux Airlines between Taipei and Los Angeles, and aviation influencer Sam Chui was excited to travel first class.

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The YouTube influencer, who has more than three million subscribers, was on the trip and posted several pictures of his experience on Facebook and Twitter. Aviation authorities paid attention to one image in particular, though.

According to reports, Starlux Airlines‘ inaugural flight from Taipei to Los Angeles was piloted by the company’s chairman and pilot, Chang Kuo-Wei. Kuo-we did not seek permission from the Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) before inviting internet influencer Sam Chui to take a picture in the cockpit.

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The nation’s Civil Aeronautics Administration is looking into the issue, and it has allegedly called Starlux’s head of flight operations for an explanation. Lin Kuo-shian, the organization’s director-general, is leading the investigation.

According to a report, Mr. Kuo-wei may be subject to a fine of about NT$60,000 (£1,552) if officials determine that he broke the rules. A fine of roughly £16,000 may be assessed for a second infraction.

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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.