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

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

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The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.