Airlines

Singapore Airlines adding extra summer flights direct to Christchurch

In addition to the daily service throughout the year, Singapore Airlines has announced an additional 40 flights, which will begin flying three times per week on November 19.

Gordon Bevan, General Manager of Aeronautical Development, says early signs show that the additional three flights per week will be well-received and utilized by passengers. “South Islanders love this service as a direct flight from Christchurch Airport to Singapore’s Changi Airport, then on to dozens of cities in Asia and Europe”.

United Announces Largest South Pacific Expansion in Aviation History(Opens in a new browser tab)

“The airline has been a valuable worldwide partner for past 37 years. “In recent years and despite difficult times, the airline continued to fly here to assist this city and island, so even when passengers were unable to travel. Singapore Airlines direct service to the South Island is significant for both passengers and cargo.

“The additional flights into Christchurch will add a further 759 weekly seats to the South Island gateway, so will enhance tourism and business connectivity.

Emirates adds two more Australia services(Opens in a new browser tab)

Exporters will be able to market their products more quickly through Changi Airport, world-class hub, in response to an increase in cargo capacity of up to 50 tonnes per week non-stop to Asia. With Air New Zealand, another Star Alliance member, 40 additional flights will be operated jointly.

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.