Airlines

EasyJet to Operate Charity Northern Lights Flight

The crippled aviation charity Aerobility and EasyJet are teaming up once more to offer a special “Aurora Flight”

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The crippled aviation charity Aerobility and easyJet are teaming up once more to offer a special “Aurora Flight” that will give passengers the chance to view the Northern Lights from 30,000 feet in the air.

The journey will be the first Northern Lights experience the airline and charity have offered since before the pandemic when hundreds of passengers had previously been able to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the “Aurora Borealis” over the preceding eight years. Even a marriage proposal has occurred during the flights; Oli and Steph Bruce from Oxfordshire will wed in June 2022 after proposing on the Aurora voyage in February 2020.

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The “Aurora” flight departing from London Gatwick on February 18, 2023, includes a two-course meal at the Gatwick Sofitel Hotel, pre-departure presentations, in-flight commentary from special guests including Sky at Night host Pete Lawrence and Aurora specialists from the British Antarctic Survey, as well as entertainment and refreshments onboard.

On February 18, 2023, the “Aurora” flight departing from London Gatwick will feature a Aerobility.com/aurora now offers tickets for just £349 per person, with special discounts available for children, carers, and those with disabled flyers.

The charity’s CEO, Mike Miller Smith, said: “This offers the utmost feeling of freedom and escapes from disabilities, making everything else in life appear just a little bit more feasible.”

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“To Aerobility and the people we care about, the Aurora Flight with EasyJet means so much. Because our aircraft is just a little bit smaller, it naturally funds many more life-changing flights at Aerobility in addition to providing a life-changing experience at night. We cannot express our gratitude to everyone at EasyJet and the other businesses enough for making the Aurora Flight possible.

Captain Chris Foster of EasyJet, who flies the Aurora flight, said: “We are tremendously happy to be able to provide this exceptional Northern Lights journey once again and it is an honor to support Aerobility and the fantastic job they do. Anyone interested in taking a flight that is likely to be amazing and that supports a worthwhile cause while also providing a unique experience is encouraged to do so.

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Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.