Aviation

Commercial Flight Surpasses Sound Barrier Over the Atlantic

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In a rare and remarkable event, a routine commercial flight from Washington to London found itself unexpectedly propelled to speeds exceeding that of sound as it traversed the Atlantic.

According to reports from the US National Weather Service, this astonishing occurrence was attributed to a potent jet stream surging through the upper atmosphere. The flight, operated by Virgin Atlantic, was one of three aircraft affected by the exceptionally strong upper-level winds recorded by the National Weather Service.

This evening's weather balloon launch detected the 2nd strongest upper-level wind recorded in local history going back to the mid 20th century! Around 34,000-35,000 ft, winds peaked around 230 kt (265 mph!). For those flying eastbound in this jet, there will be quite a tail wind. pic.twitter.com/0MXK0HvsCV
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) February 18, 2024

Reaching speeds of nearly 1300 kilometers per hour (800 miles per hour), the Virgin Atlantic jet, along with another flight from Newark to Lisbon, experienced velocities typically associated with supersonic travel. With wind gusts peaking at around 230 knots (approximately 265 mph) at altitudes of 34,000 to 35,000 feet, the stage was set for an extraordinary journey across the Atlantic.

Remarkably, this unexpected boost from the jet stream propelled the Virgin Atlantic jet to a velocity of 802 miles per hour, significantly surpassing its typical cruising speed. The Boeing 787 aircraft, renowned for its reliable performance, usually maintains speeds around 600 miles per hour. However, the fortuitous assistance from the atmospheric phenomenon expedited the flight’s journey, enabling it to arrive in London approximately 45 minutes ahead of schedule.

Despite reaching velocities typically associated with breaking the sound barrier, the aircraft did not breach this iconic threshold. This was due to the crucial distinction that they were not traveling faster than the speed of sound relative to the air enveloping them within the jet stream.

This technicality, however, did little to diminish the astonishment and excitement among passengers and aviation enthusiasts alike. While passengers aboard these flights may not have experienced the sonic boom or the historic feat of surpassing Mach 1, they were treated to an unexpectedly swift journey.

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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.

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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.

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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