Airlines

Delta’s SkyMiles Soar Higher: Discover What’s New in Loyalty Benefits

Delta announced various SkyMiles Programme modifications on Wednesday, altering some of the changes made in September and introducing many new incentives.

More Accessible Medallion Status Requirements

To make the requirements for achieving 2025 Medallion Status more accessible, Delta has reduced the number of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) for each tier:

Diamond Medallion Status: $28,000 MQDs (down from $35,000)
Platinum Medallion Status: $15,000 MQDs (down from $18,000)
Gold Medallion Status: $10,000 MQDs (down from $12,000)
Silver Medallion Status: $5,000 MQDs (down from $6,000)

An additional $2,500 MQD Headstart will be given to members who have American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve, Reserve Business, Platinum, and Platinum Business cards during the current Medallion Qualification Year.

When using the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Platinum Business, Reserve, and Reserve Business American Express Cards, as well as when booking flights on Delta, customers can accrue Master QDs. When renting a car or a hotel or a vacation home through Delta Car Rentals and Delta Stays, MQDs will not be applied toward Medallion Status.

Greater Flexibility for Delta Sky Club Access

Access to Clubs will no longer be available to holders of American Express Platinum and Platinum SkyMiles cards, as well as Basic Economy passengers, starting on January 1, 2024, regardless of card type.

In addition, Delta is going to offer Club entry for $50 per person each visit once allowed Club visits have been used up for Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Card Members, as well as Card Members with the American Express Platinum Card®. A $695 yearly individual Delta Sky Club membership will also be available to medallions.

More Recognition and Rewards for Long-Term Loyalty

Delta is giving long-term loyalists more of the recognition they deserve. Effective January 1, 2024, the airline is moving Million Miler Status up in the hierarchy for Complimentary Upgrades. And beginning February 1, 2024, Million Milers will also receive enhanced complimentary annual Medallion Status.

6 million miles or more earns Delta 360^o™ (previously Diamond Medallion)
5 million miles earns Delta 360^o™ (previously Platinum Medallion)
4 million miles earns Diamond Medallion (previously Platinum Medallion)
3 million miles earns Diamond Medallion (previously Gold Medallion)
2 million miles earns Platinum Medallion (previously Gold Medallion)
1 million miles earns Gold Medallion (previously Silver Medallion)

Airlines

S7 Group Begins Fan Blade Production for Western Engine Models

The privately-owned Russian aerospace giant S7 Group has reportedly commenced production of blades for Western-built aero engines at its subsidiary, the Berdsk Electromechanical Plant (BEMZ), located in Novosibirsk.

This development, reported by the Russian aviation publication ATO.ru, marks a significant step for the company amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.BEMZ has started manufacturing composite fan blades compatible with jet turbine engines, including the CFM International CFM56, which powers popular aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family.

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The technology for restoring blades of gas turbine engines used in Airbus and Boeing aircraft was previously developed by the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics and is now being implemented in the production of new aircraft parts at BEMZ.

Currently, BEMZ focuses on producing parts essential for maintaining the airworthiness of civil aircraft. Over the past year and a half, the plant has manufactured approximately 3,500 structural elements and components for replacement on foreign aircraft, which are utilized by airlines such as S7 Airlines, Pobeda, Aurora, and Aeroflot.

The facility is undergoing expansion, with two stages of an investment program totaling 2 billion roubles already completed. These developments are likely geared toward producing blades for the CFM56 engines, which equip more than half of S7’s operational fleet, including 28 Airbus A320-family aircraft and 19 Boeing 737-800s.

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Vasily Yurchenko, CEO of Berdsk Electromechanical Plant, emphasized the shift in focus towards maintaining the airworthiness of the Western-made fleet. The plant has delivered thousands of components to S7 and other Russian carriers since 2022. Notably, according to Russia’s Air Operators Association, 89% of the country’s passengers in 2023 traveled aboard foreign-made aircraft.

Future plans include serious investments to transform the plant into a modern, high-tech aircraft manufacturing facility. In addition to engine blades, BEMZ is also known for producing various spare parts for aircraft, reinforcing its role in the Russian aviation industry as it adapts to new manufacturing needs.