Airlines

Germany’s New USC Airline Obtained Air Operator’s Certificate

The country’s civil aviation authority has granted an operating permit to the German carrier Universal Sky Carrier, which intends to begin offering freighter flights.

According to reports, the airline will begin operations with just one Airbus A340-300, MSN646, which is now being hauled out of “parking condition” and will be ready by the end of the week. In the coming weeks, an A340-600 should arrive. The two aircraft will first be made available for wet-lease and charter operations.

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The MSN646-registered aircraft was first delivered to South African Airways in 2005 before being purchased by USC the previous year. A second A340-600 variant, MSN557, will soon be delivered to USC. The airline has obtained several A340s for purchase.

USC will initially be active in the wet lease and charter markets. 38 business class seats and 215 economy class seats are available on the A340-300. However, the airline also intends to equip several of its A340s as freighters. This will be made possible by the Navis PTF modification offered by the UK-based Avensis Aviation, which has a full-size main-deck cargo door.

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The USC A340-300 has excellent capabilities for both passengers and freight. It efficiently covers diverse routes with a maximum range of 13,500 kilometres. The interior comfortably seats 253 passengers in 215 Economy Class seats and 38 Business Class seats. With a maximum cargo capacity of 53,000 kilogrammes, the aircraft’s cargo adaptability is impressive.

The cargo hold can be designed to accommodate 9 Passenger Main Deck Containers (PMC) and 2 Passenger Aft Lower Deck Containers (PAJ), meeting a variety of logistical requirements. This aeroplane offers a comprehensive solution for seamless travel and efficient cargo transportation.

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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.