Airlines

Korean Air becomes new operator of A321neo

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After receiving the first of 30 aircraft it had ordered from Airbus, Korean Air has now become a new operator of the best-selling A320 Family. The new Airbus Airspace cabin, available on Korean Air’s A321neo, introduces premium widebody amenities to the single aisle market.

KAL’s A321neo aircraft are powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. The A321neo brings a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions per seat compared with previous generation competing aircraft. This enables Korean Air to benefit from enhanced efficiency and be able to deliver on its sustainability objectives, whilst reducing operating costs.

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Korean Air becomes the first airline in Asia to take delivery of an A321neo with the complete Airspace cabin. This features new lighting and ambiance systems, larger overhead bins and full connectivity throughout, giving passengers the highest levels of in-flight comfort. The Airspace cabin also offers hygienic space and antimicrobial surfaces in all lavatories. For its A321neo fleet, Korean Air has specified a high comfort two-class layout, with eight full-flat seats in Business Class and 174 in Economy.

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KAL is Airbus’ longest standing customer from outside Europe having placed its first order in 1974. The airline’s fleet currently includes 50 Airbus aircraft, comprising the A220, A330 and A380. In the single aisle segment, the A321neo will complement the A220 fleet at the airline enabling maximum operational flexibility. At the end of October 2022, the A320neo Family had received over 8,500 orders from over 130 customers worldwide.

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.