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.

Airlines

Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo Launch New Strategic Partnership

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s top air cargo carrier, has joined forces with MASkargo, the cargo airline of Malaysia Aviation Group, in a landmark partnership that officially took off on October 1, 2024.

In its initial phase, the collaboration has already transported approximately 2,400 tonnes of cargo, including over 600 tonnes of perishables and 130 tonnes of pharmaceuticals.

Under this partnership, Qatar Airways Cargo now operates Boeing 777 flights between Doha and Kuala Lumpur twice weekly, adding over 200 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity.

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MASkargo complements this with its Airbus A330 freighters, offering more than 75 tonnes of weekly capacity from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney and Melbourne, with an impressive transit time of just eight hours.

Key hubs at Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) are central to the partnership’s success. These strategic locations provide state-of-the-art facilities and seamless connections for handling and transporting goods efficiently across continents.

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The collaboration is a win-win for both airlines. qatar airways Cargo gains expanded access to markets, and qatar airways new destinations 2025 like Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and Northeast Asia, while MASkargo strengthens its connectivity to Europe, the GCC, the Levant, and Africa.

Additionally, the agreement boosts local businesses in Kuala Lumpur, enabling them to export their products to global markets.

This partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2024, which aimed to enhance product offerings qatar airways web check in and optimize operational synergies.

By leveraging each other’s networks and fleet capacities, both airlines are set to significantly expand their cargo services and deliver unmatched value to their customers worldwide.