Airlines

IndiGo takes-off to Central Asia: Announces Tashkent, Uzbekistan as the 31st international destination

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The top airline in India, IndiGo, has announced a new route between Almaty and Delhi that will take effect on September 23, 2023. Almaty would be the 111th station overall and 32nd international destination for IndiGo on the vast 6E network. The opening of this new route seeks to enhance India’s connection to Kazakhstan, known as the important financial hub of Central Asia.

Plane crashes in Kazakhstan shortly after takeoff, at least 15 Plane crashes in Kazakhstan shortly after takeoff, at least 15 dead(Opens in a new browser tab)

The largest city in Kazakhstan, Almaty, draws countless tourists with its lovely fusion of urban and natural life. Almaty offers spectacular scenery and views because it is encircled by the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains. Two of the most popular destinations in Almaty are the Shymbulak ski resort and the Medeu ice skating rink.

Additionally IndiGo, has announced the addition of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as its 110th overall and 31st foreign destination, marking its entry into Central Asia. With four nonstop flights per week between Delhi and Tashkent beginning on September 22, 2023, IndiGo will meet the growing demand for travel to this vibrant city. Stronger economic and cultural relations between India and Uzbekistan will result from this direct connectivity, which would help increase trade.

Embraer Demonstrates the E195-E2’s Hot & High Performance in Uzbekistan(Opens in a new browser tab)

Uzbekistan’s mesmerising city, Tashkent, is well known for its thriving cultural landscape, which includes enthralling museums and exhibition spaces that house a wide variety of collections and expositions. A captivating fusion of modern and Soviet-era architecture may be found throughout the city. The State Museum of History recounts Uzbekistan’s development from the early Palaeolithic period to the present in honour of the country’s past.

The Amir Timur Museum is home to priceless Timurid era artefacts such as weapons and manuscripts. The Tashkent Tower, which offers stunning city views from its observation deck, is a beautiful addition to Tashkent’s skyline. Numerous historical and cultural sites are open for exploration by visitors, including the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar, the elegant Minor Mosque, the creative Museum of Applied Arts, and the imposing Amir Temur Square, among others.

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.