Airlines

Boeing has regained trust and received order from Ethiopian Airlines

“Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia, has chosen to enhance its business ties with Boeing despite facing the deadliest crash in its history. The tragic incident occurred in March 2019 when flight ET 302, a Boeing 737-8 Max, crashed, claiming 157 lives.

Boeing has compensated the families and settled financial matters with Ethiopia professionally, leading to the airline’s renewed trust in the aircraft manufacturer. Recent developments highlight Boeing’s success in regaining Ethiopian Airlines’ confidence, resulting in a significant new order.”

Ethiopian Airlines to Order Up to 67 Boeing Jets

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines today announced the carrier has agreed to order 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX airplanes with an opportunity for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively. The agreement, signed by Ethiopia’s national carrier at the Dubai Airshow, represents the largest-ever purchase of Boeing airplanes in African history.

The new commitment allows Ethiopian Airlines to strengthen and diversify its fleet, which currently consists of more than 80 Boeing planes. Ethiopian has Africa’s largest Dreamliner fleet, consisting of 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. When the new 737 MAX order is finalized, it will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website, increasing the airline’s backlog for the fuel-efficient jet to 50.

Boeing Plans to Upgrade In-Flight Entertainment and Install New Seats

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have also agreed to collaborate on cabin modification services for the carrier’s existing 787 Dreamliners. With advanced in-flight entertainment and new seats in all cabins, including lie-flat business-class seats from Boeing joint venture Adient Aerospace, the extensive retrofits will improve the passenger 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.