Airlines

Ryanair CEO Proposes Alcohol Limits for Passengers at Airport Bars

Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has proposed a two-drink limit per passenger at airport bars in an effort to address the growing issue of drunken disorder both on flights and in airports.

Speaking with the Daily Telegraph, O’Leary expressed concern over the rise in alcohol-fueled incidents, noting that the combination of alcohol with “powder and tablets” has led to an increase in assaults on cabin crew and confrontations among passengers.

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O’Leary highlighted the challenge airlines face in identifying intoxicated passengers, as they often manage to blend in with others and appear sober from the boarding gate until they take their seats. “As long as they can stand up and shuffle, they will get through. Then when the plane takes off, we see the misbehavior,” he explained.

He also pointed out that the “record high” flight delays this summer have exacerbated the problem, as many travelers resort to spending extended periods at airport bars while waiting for their flights. According to O’Leary, air traffic control delays have contributed to these frequent delays, ryanair seats leading to flights not departing on time.

O’Leary reported a “notable rise” in violent, alcohol-related incidents during flights, with assaults being reported on a weekly basis. To mitigate these issues, Ryanair has already implemented measures such as bag searches for alcohol on flights to popular “party destinations” like Ibiza and the Greek islands.

The CEO emphasized that assaults on cabin crew are the most pressing concern, though he also noted an increase in altercations between passengers. He attributed the surge in aggressive behavior to passengers mixing alcohol with other substances, underlining the need for stricter alcohol consumption controls at airports.

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.