Aviation

ITA Airways to add A320Neo & A220 with stunning new interiors

Check out the new ITA Airways' A320 and A321neo cabin

ITA Airways sets a new standard in luxury air travel with the introduction of its cutting-edge Airbus A320 and A321neo cabins. Featuring a meticulously designed three-class, premium-heavy layout, the 165-seat A321neo offers passengers an opulent and refined in-flight experience.

In collaboration with renowned seat manufacturers Safran Seats and Stelia, ITA Airways has brought its vision to life, ensuring unparalleled comfort and sophistication for travelers. The premium-heavy configuration includes a lavish full-flat herringbone pattern for the business class section, providing the epitome of luxury in air travel. Additionally, the premium economy cabin boasts cozy recliners, contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable journey.

Il nostro bellissimo @airbus A220-100 dedicato a Fiona May pronto per il decollo da Milano Linate! 💙✈#ITAAirways pic.twitter.com/gkgVmTKhiS
— ITA Airways Risponde (@ITAAirways) November 15, 2023

Safran Seats plays a pivotal role in enhancing the premium experience, providing its elegant Z600 chaise-style platform for the carrier’s A321neo premium economy cabin. Meanwhile, the Z400 seat from Safran Seats graces the economy class, featuring the Comfort Economy option for added comfort.

To further elevate the passenger experience, Safran Passenger Innovations contributes its state-of-the-art RAVE Ultra inflight entertainment system with 4K touchscreens and comprehensive inflight connectivity. From nose to tail, ITA Airways ensures a seamless and immersive entertainment experience for all passengers.

When it comes to the cabin details, the business class has 12 seats spread out over six rows in a 1-1 configuration. With its large 17.3″ personal entertainment screens and reverse pattern seating, the first row stands out as having significantly more space and could be the most impressive narrow-body business class seat in the world.

With 12 seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration over three rows, premium economy features a sizable 15.6″ personal entertainment screen. Notably, the comfort and amenities of these premium economy seats are consistent with those on ITA Airways’ long-haul flights.

Travelers in economy class, which has 141 seats arranged in a 3-3 configuration over 24 rows, have access to 13.3″ personal entertainment screens. In addition, 12 specifically marked economy seats provide more legroom, satisfying the various requirements of passengers.

Aviation

Aeroflot Buys Used Planes for Spare Parts Amid Sanctions

In the face of ongoing Western sanctions that have severely impacted Russia’s aviation industry, Aeroflot, the country’s largest airline, has devised a strategic plan to bolster its fleet’s spare parts inventory.

The airline is set to acquire five Boeing 737-800BCF freighters from Atran Airlines, a move that will allow it to dismantle the aircraft for critical components. The planes, which will be transferred to Aeroflot’s low-cost subsidiary Pobeda, will not be converted into passenger jets but instead will be stripped for valuable parts to support existing operations.

United Airlines Brings Holiday Cheer with Free North Pole Flights

Aeroflot’s plan to purchase these Boeing 737-800BCF freighters comes as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions, which have crippled the Russian aviation sector. With the sanctions restricting access to essential aircraft parts and spare components, Aeroflot is exploring alternative ways to maintain and repair its fleet.

Instead of converting the freighters from cargo to passenger planes, a process deemed “unreasonably expensive” under current sanctions, the airline intends to focus on extracting high-value components such as engines, landing gear, avionics, and other essential systems.

The deal will be structured in a way that allows Aeroflot to indirectly purchase the freighters through an insurance settlement with the aircraft’s lessor, AerCap.

Top 10 World’s Busiest Airports of 2024

The Russian government’s insurance company will reimburse the aircraft’s value, and the planes will then be leased back to local operators. This method circumvents some of the restrictions imposed by international sanctions while ensuring that the airline gains access to the necessary components to support its fleet.

By dismantling the aircraft for spare parts, Aeroflot aims to secure critical resources for the ongoing maintenance of its existing fleet. Components from the Boeing 737-800BCF freighters, such as engines and avionics, are expected to be reused in other aircraft within Aeroflot’s network, ensuring that the airline can keep its operations running smoothly