Airlines
Comac &Tibet Airlines partner to develop a high-altitude C919 variant
Comac, China’s state-owned commercial aircraft manufacturer, has entered into a partnership with Tibet Airlines to collaborate on the development of a Chinese-made airliner specifically designed for high-altitude plateau operations.
This initiative marks Tibet Airlines as the first carrier in China to engage in the creation of a variant of the narrow-body aircraft. As part of the agreement signed in Shanghai, the two entities will establish a national-level research center focused on the high-altitude operation of large jets.
The primary objective is to promote the operational capabilities and technological advancements of Comac’s existing ARJ21 and C919 aircraft models. The proposed C919 plateau variant is tailored for airports situated at high altitudes and is designed to accommodate 140 passengers, 28 fewer than the standard model.
With a range of 3,000 kilometers, a prototype of the aircraft was showcased at the China International Import Expo and the Shanghai International Commercial Airshow earlier this year. The C919 plateau variant, at approximately 34 meters in length, will be 3.6 meters shorter than the basic C919 model but will retain standard wings and engines.
This specialized model aims to address the unique requirements of air transport in western China and is well-suited for plateau airports. Comac asserts that it is not only adapted to challenging environmental conditions but is also cost-effective. Wang Yanan, the chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, highlighted that this development will establish a foundation for the potential export of C919 aircraft to countries neighboring Xizang, such as Nepal, and other nations with high-altitude airports like Mexico.
Airlines
First Look: IndiGo Takes Delivery of A321neo with New Business Class
India’s largest domestic airline, IndiGo (6E), celebrated its 18th anniversary in August 2024 by announcing a major upgrade: a new Business Class product called “IndiGo Stretch.”
Now, the airline has officially taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft fitted with these premium seats. Registered as VT-ICF, this first A321neo with the new configuration took off from Hamburg (XFW) at 6:06 PM local time, operating flight 6E9001.
Aloha Airlines Flight 243: Incredible Landing After Losing Its Roof
The launch route for IndiGoโs A321neo with IndiGo Stretch seats will be from Delhi to Mumbai, starting November 14, 2024. After this initial route, the airline plans to expand the offering across its network.
Airbus completed the final assembly of this special aircraft in Hamburg, where the A321neo Final Assembly Line is located. Enthusiastic planespotters got a sneak peek of the new IndiGo Stretch interior before the aircraftโs official delivery to India.
Tobias Gudat, a planespotter on X.com, captured images of the aircraft, still marked with its test registration, showcasing its fresh Business Class interior.
Adding a distinctive touch, each IndiGo aircraft featuring the Stretch product will have the slogan “IndiGo Means Business” displayed on the fuselage, signaling a new era of premium travel for the airline.
Air India Express Launches New Routes to Jammu and Port Blair
IndiGo took delivery of the A321neo with the Stretch seats on October 30, 2024, coinciding with Airbus’s delivery of the world’s first A321XLR to Iberia.
-
Aviation2 months ago
Boeing confirms 797: A New Era for Mid-Size Aircraft
-
Aviation1 month ago
Microsoft Flight Simulator Raises $3 Million to Bring Back the An-225 Mriya
-
Aviation2 months ago
Lockheed and Tata Team Up to Build C-130J MRO Facility in India
-
Tech2 months ago
China Developing Jet to Travel Anywhere in Two Hours
-
Airlines2 months ago
Qantas Engineers Stage Walkout Over Cost of Living Concerns
-
Airlines1 month ago
Qatar Citizens Can Travel to the United States Without a Visa
-
Aviation2 months ago
Boeing Offers 25% Pay Increase & Promise to Build Next Plane in Seattle
-
Airlines2 months ago
Indian Government Approves Air India and Vistara Merger