Aviation

Six airBaltic Airbus A220s grounded due to lack of spare parts

According to the airline’s CEO, six of airBaltic’s Airbus A220 aircraft are grounded owing to a lack of spare components.

According to the airline’s CEO, six of airBaltic‘s Airbus A220 aircraft are grounded owing to a lack of spare components. There are 36 Airbus A220-300 aircraft in the Latvian carrier’s fleet, but not all of them are now operational, Martin Gauss said in a message to customers apologizing for recent delays.

Six of our aircraft are presently forced to stay on the ground due to global supply chain concerns, according to Gauss, because we are lacking replacement parts for routine maintenance. He characterized it as “extremely unusual” since some of the grounded aircraft had been idle for six months.

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In its first-half financial report on July 28, 2022, French aerospace company Safran reported that the recovery in air travel in 2022 has led to an increase in demand for spare aeroplane components, but supply chain concerns are preventing efforts to ramp up production. Olivier Andriès, the company’s chief executive, told analysts that he believes the supply chain problems will likely last until 2023, possibly even into 2023. AirBaltic is wet leasing jets from other airlines, such as the national carrier of Ukraine, UIA, to make up for the grounded aircraft.

Top 10 international airports in the world for 2022(Opens in a new browser tab)

According to Gauss, there isn’t enough staff at airports to handle baggage loading, staff the gates, or work the security checks. Because of this, even though we arrive at these airports with you on schedule in the morning, our return flights are delayed, which causes delays for ensuing flights as well. Things were soon going to be back to normal. “European airports should be better prepared to handle the situation after summer is done and we have decreased our flight schedule for the winter season.”

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Aviation

FAA rolling out new technology at four US airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to debut cutting-edge airfield surveillance systems at four prominent airports across the United States.

Austin-Bergstrom, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Dallas Love Field will spearhead the implementation of the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) by July 2024, marking a significant stride in runway safety enhancement efforts.

SAI revolutionizes air traffic controllers’ situational awareness by leveraging Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data. Through this innovative technology, controllers gain real-time and precise depictions of aircraft and vehicles navigating the entire airfield, irrespective of weather conditions.

Icons representing aircraft and ADS-B-equipped vehicles will populate an airport map, offering comprehensive coverage of runways, taxiways, hold ramps, and other critical areas.

This initiative is a pivotal component of the FAA’s accelerated surface safety portfolio, complementing other vital tools like Approach Runway Verification (ARV) and the Runway Incursion Device (RID). The proactive deployment of these technologies underscores the FAA’s unwavering commitment to fortifying runway safety and averting potentially hazardous incidents.

Beyond technological advancements, the FAA is taking multifaceted measures to bolster safety across the national airspace system. Initiatives include aggressive air traffic controller recruitment drives, enhancements to the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, and the deployment of upgraded tower simulator systems in numerous facilities nationwide by the end of 2025.

Additionally, the FAA is fostering collaborative efforts through regular runway safety action team meetings and investing substantially in runway lighting and surface improvements at airports of varying sizes.

Aviation

Boeing says 787 Dreamliner aircraft is safe

Boeing is standing firm on the safety and durability of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft despite mounting criticism and whistleblower allegations.

In response to concerns raised by whistleblowers and ahead of a congressional hearing, the aviation giant emphasized its rigorous testing protocols and asserted confidence in the integrity of its planes.

During a media briefing accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, boeing aircraft
reiterated its confidence in the safety of both the 787 and 777 aircraft models. Senior engineers showcased extensive testing procedures aimed at refuting claims that approximately 1,400 Boeing planes may be afflicted by significant safety issues. The company addressed specific allegations, including concerns about gaps in manufacturing processes that could lead to premature fatigue failure over time.

The upcoming Senate hearing is expected to feature testimony from Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who has publicly criticized boeing airplanes safety practices and alleged retaliation for speaking out. Salehpour’s claims, currently under investigation by the FAA, include allegations of workers resorting to extreme measures during assembly, such as “jumping on pieces of the airplane” to align them.

Boeing officials stressed that thorough inspections of nearly 700 in-service Dreamliner jets revealed zero airframe fatigue findings, even after six and twelve years of heavy maintenance inspections. These results have been shared with the FAA, according to Boeing’s chief engineer, Steve Chisholm. He emphasized that the materials used in the construction of the 787 were specifically chosen for their resistance to fatigue and corrosion.

In response to Salehpour’s accusations of shortcuts in assembly processes, boeing planes
acknowledged instances where shims were not of the proper size and where areas did not meet skin-flatness specifications. However, the company dismissed claims of excessive force during assembly, stating that such practices were not part of their standard procedures.

Aviation

How to Utilize American AAdvantage Miles for Etihad Flights

Are you eager to make the most of your American AAdvantage miles by exploring exotic destinations served by Etihad Airways? Look no further! This guide will walk you through the process of redeeming your AAdvantage miles for Etihad flights, ensuring you unlock the full potential of your rewards.

Etihad Airways’ partnership with American Airlines opens up a world of possibilities, allowing travelers to access a wider range of destinations and flight choices. jetnet american airlines What’s more, passengers can earn AAdvantage miles for their Etihad flights, enhancing the value of their travel experiences.

To start earning Etihad Guest miles, one convenient option is through credit card rewards. While Etihad doesn’t offer a U.S.-based cobranded credit card, you can seamlessly transfer rewards from renowned programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Once you’ve accumulated your miles, it’s time to embark on your Etihad journey. But how do you ensure your flights are credited to your American AAdvantage account? concierge key american airlines Fear not, for the process is simple. After your Etihad flights, wait at least three days before requesting to add them to your AAdvantage account. Utilize the provided form, entering your AAdvantage number and the 13-digit ticket number. Additional information may be required, readily available on your boarding pass stub or ticket receipt.

Etihad Airways boasts an extensive network, particularly in North America, with flights to major cities including Boston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Washington. Whether your wanderlust leads you to the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, or South Africa, Etihad can serve as your gateway to these captivating destinations.

Now, let’s talk redemption. If you’re eyeing the dream of using your AAdvantage miles for etihad airport, rest assured, the process aligns with the standard AAdvantage partner award chart. To provide clarity, consider these examples of one-way business aa pricing: