Airlines

British Airways launches British Original summer treats service

As part of its continuous commitment to consumers, British Airways is delivering summertime indulgences for its passengers, including refreshing ice cream, pre-takeoff bubbles in World Traveller Plus, seasonal cuisines, and brand-new inflight entertainment.

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The airline is teaming with fellow British business Jude’s to serve a variety of flavours, like very vanilla, strawberries and cream, genuinely chocolate, and salted caramel, on daytime flights leaving London Heathrow and London Gatwick before 5 p.m. UK time. Customers flying in World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy)* in the upcoming months will be able to taste the delicacies, which are made in Hampshire less than 60 miles from Heathrow.

In addition, British Airways is bringing back sparkling wine in its World Traveller Plus cabin starting in mid-July as part of its pre-takeoff beverage selection. The exclusive Balfour Rosé de Noirs, which is solely created from red grapes, is available to passengers flying Club World (business class) during their voyage. This English Sparkling wine is lighter in colour and is an exclusive mix for British Airways, giving it the ideal drinks before summer vacations.

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Additionally, the airline is debuting a rosé blend in its First class section. Rock Angel, the older sibling of Whispering Angel, will be present on board and will differ from its younger sibling in terms of structure and oaky characteristics. Whispering Angel’s Provence rosé is now available for pre-purchase through the airline’s newly branded High Life Café** (previously Speedbird Café), giving customers the option to taste a hint of summer whether they are travelling to Europe or further afield. This allows customers to taste Château d’Esclans’ creations while on short-haul flights.

Customers may also take advantage of a variety of summer-inspired cuisine options throughout all of its cabins, which are offered until September. First-class passengers have a selection of lighter fare, such as a traditional prawn cocktail, grilled Atlantic halibut fillet and berry bread and butter pudding, a British summertime favourite. The fresh calamarata pasta and raspberry panna cotta are available to World Traveller Plus passengers in the meantime.

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.