Airlines

Comac launches freighter conversion programme for ARJ21

On January 1, 2023, the bureau formally approved the ARJ21 passenger-to-cargo design change project, signalling a significant advancement in the development of commercial jet cargo aircraft in country and a more secure step in the serialization of the ARJ21 project. At the Design and R&D Center on January 6, COMAC conducted an activity for the airworthiness approval and research and development summary.

1st Overseas Delivery: Indonesia’s TransNusa Airlines Receives COMAC ARJ21(Opens in a new browser tab)

Another significant derivative model of the ARJ21 project, introduced after the business jet, is the ARJ21 passenger-to-cargo conversion. In May 2020, the project was started. By the end of December 2022, it will have through a number of research procedures, including preliminary design, thorough design, and modification implementation. Test flights for compliance verification and airworthiness compliance report approval.

Aircraft comparisons between the Chinese-built comac C919 and the Boeing 737 max 8 (Opens in a new browser tab)

ARJ21 passenger-to-cargo conversion is committed to becoming the main model in the regional air cargo market, with a maximum commercial load of 10 tons, safe, reliable, flexible and convenient, high volume utilization rate, good universality of ULDs, and meeting different standard sizes such as PMC, PAG, and AKE The loading of the container is equipped with a fully electric actuation system for the main cargo door, an advanced warning system, and a highly reliable freight system, with pressure relief and fire suppression, independent control of the air-conditioning package, and good drainage functions.

At present, there are already two contracted customers, Zhongyuan Longhao and Yuantong Aviation, and the first two aircraft will be delivered to the two users respectively.

Airlines

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.