Airlines

Russia exits from Comac CR929 program

Russia has withdrawn from the Comac CR929 widebody aircraft project with China, according to the report. it is stated, due to long-term effects from the invasion of Ukraine about 18 months ago. Additional difficulties may be present, according to reported delays for United Aircraft Corp.’s (UAC, Moscow) Irkut (Moscow, Russia) MS-21 single-aisle commercial aircraft. Both aircraft programmes make good use of composite materials.

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The accuracy of the reports raises intriguing considerations, particularly if one delves into the intricacies surrounding Russia’s sustained participation in the CR929 program despite facing the headwinds of Western sanctions. It is notable that the CR929 programme, a unique joint effort combining the efforts of both China and Russia, has encountered significant obstacles leading to notable delays. Due to these problems, the expected CR929 service launch has been delayed much beyond earlier projections, with a potential post-2030 schedule now being considered.

The lengthy negotiations over the division of labour and the complex sharing of intellectual property rights have been crucial in causing these delays. The continuation of the China-Russia Commercial Aircraft International Corp. (CRAIC), a company founded in 2017 and profiting from China’s moderated stance towards imposing sanctions on Russia, is an important aspect in this scenario.

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Yury Slyusar, CEO of United Aircraft Corp. (UAC), recently announced widely that UAC was leaving the CR929 joint venture. Although a decision has been made, it will probably take some time to detangle the agreements between the Russian and Chinese governments in order to cancel the joint venture.

Uncertainties concerning the participation of Western suppliers arise from the complex nature of collaboration, integration, and information exchange in aircraft programmes. Initially, it was anticipated that Western experts would contribute to a number of systems in the CR929 project.

The CR929 is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine aircraft developed by China’s COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). The CR929 aspires to compete in the lucrative market for big passenger planes with major aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus. With a passenger capacity ranging from 258 to 320 passenger , the CR929 was created with an outstanding range of up to 12,000 kilometers with consideration.

Similar to the CR929 programme, the MS-21 (or MC-21) programme has experienced delays as a result of the withdrawal of Western suppliers.This Russian-backed project had ambitious aspirations to roll out an astonishing count of 270 units by the time 2030 arrives, with an initial projection of the deployment of MC-21 aircraft by 2024. Due to the significance of this situation, Russian manufacturers have been given more time to properly swap out imported actuators, avionics, and air conditioning components with domestically sourced replacements.

Airlines

Qantas Engineers Stage Walkout Over Cost of Living Concerns

Tensions at Qantas reached new heights as base maintenance workers in Brisbane walked out of a hangar meeting hosted by the airline’s CEO, Vanessa Hudson.

The walkout was a clear display of displeasure and aimed to send a strong message to the company’s management about the growing frustrations within the workforce. The workers, represented by the Qantas Engineers Alliance, have been pushing for wage increases that reflect the rising cost of living.

In an open display of displeasure, Qantas Base maintenance workers walked out of a hangar meet hosted by the CEO Vanessa Hudson in Brisbane, also aimed to send a message to the management.

Qantas Engineers Alliance members have been demanding decent wage increases to match with… pic.twitter.com/y9EVjc46VM— FL360aero (@fl360aero) September 14, 2024

Despite ongoing discussions, the employees feel that their concerns have been overlooked, leading to this public show of dissent. The hangar meeting, meant to foster dialogue and address employee concerns, instead became the stage for a visible demonstration of dissatisfaction as the workers exited in unison.

For some time, the engineers and maintenance staff have expressed frustration over wage stagnation amid increasing inflation and living costs. Their demand is simple: a decent and fair wage adjustment that keeps pace with economic realities. The walkout underscores the workers’ determination to stand firm on their request for better pay and fair treatment.

As Qantas navigates its recovery post-pandemic, this incident highlights the growing internal challenges the airline faces, especially concerning its workforce. The maintenance staff’s actions have put additional pressure on the company’s leadership to address the wage concerns and avoid further escalation.