Airlines

Etihad Airways scales up its cargo operations with Airbus’ new generation A350F freighter

Following its initial commitment made public at the Singapore Airshow, Etihad Airways has confirmed its order with Airbus for seven of the new generation A350F freighters. By utilising the best cargo aircraft on the market, the freighters will increase Etihad’s freight capacity. The national airline of the UAE will be strengthening its partnership with Airbus and adding to its current order of the largest passenger version of A350-1000 aircraft, five of which have already been delivered, with the A350F.

This new generation large freighter offers clients support by boosting operational efficiencies while at the same time decreasing environmental impact. It also gives unique and unequalled benefits in terms of range, fuel efficiency, and CO2 savings. In order to maintain aircraft performance and maximize reliability, Etihad has also finalised a long-term deal with Airbus’ Flight Hour Services to support the whole A350 fleet.

The A350F, the world’s most cutting-edge advanced long-range family, offers a high degree of compatibility with the A350 passenger models. The A350F can serve all cargo markets with a payload capacity of 109 tonnes. The aircraft has a sizable main deck cargo door, length and cargo capacity of its fuselage have been optimised for the industry’s typical pallets and containers.

The A350F’s airframe is made up of more than 70% of modern materials, resulting in a 30 tonne less take-off weight and at least 20% lower fuel consumption and emissions than its closest rival at the time. The higher CO2 emissions limits set by the ICAO that go into effect in 2027 are fully met by the A350F. With the commitment made today, six clients have placed 31 solid orders for the A350F.

The A350F helps to shape the future of air freight by meeting the impending wave of large freighter replacements and the changing environmental standards. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines with the most recent technology and best fuel efficiency will power the A350F.

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.