Airlines

A World of Luxury: Etihad’s Terminal A Lounges Unveiled at AbuDhabi

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has revealed its premium lounges at the new Terminal A of Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new lounge is presented ahead of the airline’s full transfer to the new Terminal, which is scheduled to take place between 9 and 14 November.

Etihad’s spectacular new lounges occupy three levels of Terminal A’s north side, tucked between Piers C and D. The First and Business lounges offer a variety of eating options, relaxation, and entertainment venues to accommodate all passengers, including the spectacular Constellation Bar at the enclosed Roof Lounge.

Etihad’s Business Lounge

Customers traveling in Etihad’s First and Business Class, as well as Etihad Guest members who meet the eligibility requirements, can access the Etihad lounges. Subject to availability, guests flying in economy can purchase access to Etihad’s Business Lounge in order to enjoy the premium lounge area.

For guests in premium cabins, direct lounge boarding is available on selected flights from the conveniently placed Lounge. Three gates allow direct access from the Lounge to the aircraft. East and West Study provide guests with a quiet and peaceful place where they can watch planes take off or land. The Lounge offers guests panoramic views of the runway.

There are several different eating options available at Etihad’s Business Class lounge. The casual all-day dining establishment within Etihad Lounge, Liwan Global Dining, serves a wide variety of dishes, including Middle Eastern and Emirati cuisines in addition to international favorites influenced by the places Etihad Airlines travels.

Additionally, Chesterfield sofas bring plush comfort to the Smoking Lounge for cigarette and cigar smokers. Prayer rooms have also been thoughtfully designed with ensuite ablution areas for comfort and convenience.

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.