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Qatar and Airbus are embroiled in a dispute. What will happen next?

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Qatar and Airbus are embroiled in a dispute. What will happen next?

Qatar Airways and Airbus are in a tug-of-war over the problem of a350 planes with bad paint jobs.

Qatar Airways has issued an official statement in an attempt to resolve a dispute over skin faults on the A350 passenger airplane that it has taken to a UK court against plane builder Airbus. Qatar Airways has 21 A350 aircraft grounded as a result of the issue, and legal action has been taken to ensure that Airbus addresses our genuine concerns as soon as possible.

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In response to prior reports, Airbus stated, “Airbus argues there is no risk to the A350’s safety – a statement shared by other airlines, who have not grounded any planes and describe the problem as “cosmetic.”

When asked about gaps in the mesh, it claimed that some airlines were prone to greater temperature changes than others, presumably referring to desert circumstances in Qatar.

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Let’s look at why the paint on the fuselage is peeling off. The Airbus A350 is made up of 53% composite material, which gives the airplane its characteristic shape. It also has the added benefit of reducing weight and increasing efficiency. When Airbus debuted the A350 15 years ago, it elected to use carbon-fiber instead of metal, following Boeing’s new 787.

The lighter jets, according to experts, use less fuel but are more difficult to decorate in a way that allows paint to adhere. Because carbon-fiber is not conductive, the new jets will also require a coating of metallic mesh to disperse lightning hits.

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Airbus begins deliveries of first A350s with touchscreen cockpit displays option to customers

Finally, unlike metal, carbon does not expand and contract with changes in temperature. Paint, on the other hand, does not, resulting in a tug of war between the aircraft and the paint, which can lead to peeling over time.

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Because composites are constructed of fibre reinforcing, paint adhesion to the surface is critical. This is a problem that must be overcome by the aircraft manufacturer.

According to some experts, very hot and low temperatures may be the root of the problem, but Qatar has requested a permanent solution.

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Airbus and CMA CGM Group sign for four A350F freighters

Airbus isn’t the only company having issues. Boeing’s competing 787s have suffered paint difficulties including a phenomena known as rivet rash, or specks of missing paint. It was not a safety issue, according to a representative, and it was being handled.

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Qatar Airways Resumes Services to Brisbane with Three-Weekly Flights, starting 20 May 2020

What solutions does Airbus have?

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Changing the sort of copper foil used for the lightning-conductor layer between the paint and the carbon-fiber structure of the A350’s fuselage is one alternative being considered?

As Airbus collaborates with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency on solutions, one option is to use perforated copper foil instead of the current expanded copper foil.

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“Some dimensions of the issue are still being explored,” Airbus stated in a statement.

We’re also addressing the root issues as part of our continuous improvement efforts, so we’ll be able to implement remedies in the future.”

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Airlines

Virgin Atlantic to start daily flights from UK to São Paulo, Brazil and Bengaluru

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Virgin Atlantic to start daily flights from UK to São Paulo, Brazil and Bengaluru
  • Airline enters South America by launching new daily service to São Paulo, Brazil
  • India expansion continues with new route to Bengaluru, India (Bangalore)
  • Premium sun offering bolstered by return of Manchester to Las Vegas and Heathrow to Dubai, in addition to new routes to the Maldives and Turks & Caicos
  • New inter-island flying in the Caribbean reaffirms airline’s commitment to the region, offering locals and holidaymakers island hopping
  • Arrival of state-of-the-art new aircraft continues, in parallel with the recruitment of 350 additional award-winning cabin crew

Today, Virgin Atlantic announced the opening of thrilling new routes with all-new planes on three continents. With more than 250,000 total additional seats* across Virgin Atlantic’s network, compared to 2019, customers are expected to benefit from network growth as the airline takes advantage of the ongoing demand for international travel.

By adding a brand-new daily flight from London Heathrow to So Paulo, Brazil, the airline will expand its network of international routes. One of the world’s most populated cities, Sao Paulo, is home to numerous international corporations, giving corporate clients and business visitors the chance to fly in the Virgin Atlantic fashion.

Three new A380 destinations, three continents, one day(Opens in a new browser tab)

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Signalling expansion in the country, Bengaluru (Bangalore) will become the airline’s third destination and fourth daily service to India.  Since 2019, Virgin Atlantic has increased capacity to India by 250%, the airline’s largest area of growth outside the United States. Launching in Summer 2024, the addition of this new route means the airline will offer 500,000 seats (total) each year between the UK and India, while its growing codeshare with IndiGo, India’s leading airline, flies to 34 destinations across the country. 

Providing customer connectivity remains a focus, working with a range of world class partners.  Alongside expanded joint venture partners Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM, the airline joined SkyTeam alliance in March 2023, meaning customers benefit from a consistent, seamless customer experience, across 1,000 global destinations in over 170 countries, with a further codeshare announcement with Korean Air since launch.

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Virgin Atlantic Fined for Operating Flights in Prohibited Airspace(Opens in a new browser tab)

By the end of 2024, the airline will have received its full order of 12 Airbus A350s, as well as the arrival of a further four A330neos.  To support the operation, 350 additional cabin crew will be recruited to join the airline’s award-winning frontline team in delivering its renowned customer service.

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Flights from London Heathrow to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport will operate daily on the airline’s flagship Boeing 787-9, from 13 May 2024.  Flights are set to be on sale from August, with fares starting from £655.  Flights to Bengaluru will operate on Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from 31 March 2024, boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats, as well as the airline’s signature Upper-Class social space. 

RouteAircraftOn SaleLaunch DateFrequency
LHR-DXB-LHRBoeing 787-907 June 202328 October 2023X4 weekly,October 2023- March 2024
MAN-LAS-MANBoeing 787-9July 20232 June 2024X3 Summer 
LHR-BLR-LHRBoeing 787-914 June 202331 March 2024Daily – year round 
LHR-GRU-LHRBoeing 787-9August 202313 May 2024Daily – year round 
LHR-MLE-LHRBoeing 787-9On sale now22 October 2023X3 weekly, October 2023- March 2024
LHR-PLS-LHRBoeing 787-9On sale now4 November 2023X2 weekly, year round
BGI-SVD-BGIAirbusA330-300On sale now14 June 2023X2 Summer 2023/ X3 Winter 2023 
BGI-GND-BGIAirbusA330-300On sale now14 June 2023X2 Summer 2023/ X3 Winter 2023 
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Aerospace

Embraer, a renowned aircraft manufacturer, has joined forces with Tata and Mahindra Group

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A well-known aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, is in talks to partner up with Tata Group and Mahindra Group to build up local manufacturing capabilities in India. With the help of this strategic alliance, India’s aerospace sector will expand, domestic manufacturing will be strengthened, and jobs will be generated.

“Tata told us that their initial focus would be on large aircraft, including Airbus and Boeing. After that, they would consider smaller, regional aircraft, and there is the market where we are,” according to president and CEO Francisco Gomes Neto.

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Aircraft comparisons between the Brazilian built Embraer KC 390 and the European Airbus C 295(Opens in a new browser tab)

While Airbus and Boeing dominate the market for bigger commercial planes, Embraer is a market leader in regional aviation. By the end of 2023, the business wants to have decided on an Indian partner for the production of defense aircraft.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking for medium-transport aircraft that have a lifting capacity of 18 to 30 tonnes. It aims to finish this search by 2025 or 2026. The C-390 Millennium multi-mission tactical air transport aircraft, the newest defense offering from Embraer, which debuted the plane at Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru in February, has been pushed for the order.

According to CEO Neto, Embraer sees “a good opportunity” in India. “The IAF has already seen our aircraft, and they approve. We have received positive feedback about the C-390 Millennium from nations like the Netherlands. We believe that the C-390 Millennium is the greatest option for that size of aircraft.

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The Indian defense aviation market is not new to Embraer. The business has previously worked with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to produce three Netra airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the ERJ145 platform of Embraer, which are used by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF and the Border Security Force (BSF) both use Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft to fly VIPs and government officials.

Embraer C-390 reaches Full Operational Capability with Brazilian Air Force(Opens in a new browser tab)

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The partnership combines the skills and strengths of each partner. Together with Tata Group’s manufacturing capabilities and Mahindra Group’s technical know-how, Embraer’s extensive domain understanding and technological expertise in the aerospace sector form a potent partnership that can provide high-quality products and solutions.

Embraer, Tata Group, and Mahindra Group’s cooperation paves the way for sustained success and growth. This cooperation can investigate the potential in both domestic and foreign markets as the demand for aircraft goods and services keeps growing. Together, it can boost India’s position as a major center of manufacturing, which would benefit the country’s aerospace sector as well.

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Airlines

Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air Reveals Livery of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

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Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Air Reveals Livery of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The first of two livery designs, branded “a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance,” was unveiled today by Riyadh Air. The livery is being shown on a Boeing 787-9, of which the airline has placed orders for up to 72 (including 39 definite orders and 33 options).

The livery of Riyadh Air features a purple fuselage and a light blue tail painted with the RX logo. As on the Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) livery, the airline’s name is featured at the front of the fuselage in both English and Arabic alongside the Saudi Arabian flag.

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5 Facts About Saudi Arabia’s Newest Riyadh Air(Opens in a new browser tab)

Riyadh Air’s CEO , Tony Douglas, stated: “The new airline represents the ambitious aim of Saudi Arabia to be at the center of creating the future of global air travel and be a true disruptor in terms of customer experience.

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“To create a smooth travel experience, Riyadh Air’s dedication to its clients will see the merging of digital innovation and genuine Saudi hospitality. Our new 787-9s will serve as a foundation for our global operations, as we build a wider network and connect our passengers to Saudi Arabia and many other destinations around the world, as we position the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, Riyadh Air announced that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has granted it the “RX” airline designator code. We wanted something with a modernist feel and a digital edge, Douglas added. Early 2025 is the anticipated start date for operations. The airline placed an order for 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in March, and up to 150 Boeing 737 Max planes are anticipated to follow soon.

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Saudi Arabia intends to order the world’s 5th largest order of Boeing 787 planes(Opens in a new browser tab)

The new airline is anticipated to increase the Kingdom’s non-oil gross domestic product by up to 75 billion riyals and generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, the business plans to move up to five million tonnes of freight each year.

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