Airlines

Etihad announces new flights to Portugal & other exciting summer destinations

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Etihad Airways is expanding its European network this summer with the introduction of a new direct service between Abu Dhabi and Lisbon, effective from 2 July 2023. The airline will be connecting Abu Dhabi to Portugal’s capital city right in time for the summer holidays, with three weekly flights scheduled to be operated on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

Etihad will increase frequency to twice daily between Abu Dhabi and New York-JFK starting in April 2023.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Summer flights to Malaga and Mykonos

As well as introducing flights to Lisbon, Etihad Airways will be returning to Málaga on the Spanish Costa del Sol and the popular Greek island of Mykonos this summer.

Etihad Airways will be flying to Málaga twice per week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, from 18 June 2023. Lying on a wide bay with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and one of the most visited coastal cities in Spain, Málaga is famous for its miles-long sandy beaches, culture and food.

Travelers can also look forward to Etihad Airways launching flights to Mykonos, lying in the deep blue waters of the Aegean sea, with twice-per-week services on Mondays and Fridays from 16 June 2023. With world-class beaches, restaurants and entertainment, as well as plenty of opportunities to discover ancient Greek history, the island is one of the hottest summer spots in Europe.

With the addition of new routes to Lisbon, Malaga and Mykonos, Etihad Airways will be offering travelers nearly 160 weekly flights to 21 destinations in Europe this summer, with 20% more seats available than in 2022. Tickets to all three new destinations are now available to book on etihad.com.

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.