Airlines

fly Dubai launches flights to Mombasa in Kenya

The Dubai-based carrier becomes the first airline from the UAE to operate direct flights to Mombasa with a four-times-weekly service from 17 January 2024
The carrier has grown its network in Africa to 11 destinations in 10 countries, enabling more passengers to travel conveniently via Dubai’s aviation hub

Flydubai, a Dubai-based airline, announced today that flights to Mombasa will begin on January 17, 2024. flydubai is the first national carrier to offer nonstop flights from Dubai and the UAE to the beach city in southeast Kenya.

Flights to Moi International Airport (MBA) will depart from Dubai International (DXB) four times per week. Flydubai’s African network now encompasses 11 destinations in 10 countries, including Addis Abeba, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu, and Zanzibar.

Emirates and Kenya Airways enter interline partnership (Opens in a new browser tab)

Beginning on January 17, 2024, flights will run from Terminal 3 of Dubai International (DXB) to Moi International Airport (MBA) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. In order to give customers more options for connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub, Emirates will codeshare on this route.

Return prices for business class travel between DXB and MBA start at AED 4,200, while those for economy class light travel begin at AED 1,600. Return prices for Business Class from MBA to DXB start at USD 1,500, and those for Economy Class Lite start at USD 500.

fly Dubai adds four destinations in Saudi Arabia(Opens in a new browser tab)

Flight Number	Departure Airport	Arrival Airport	Departure Time	Arrival Time
FZ  1289Wednesday and Sundays	DXB	MBA	09:20	13:55
FZ  1290Wednesday and Sundays	MBA	DXB	14:55	21:25
FZ  1289Mondays and Fridays	DXB	MBA	16:00	20:25
FZ  1290Mondays and Fridays	MBA	DXB	21:25	03:55

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.