Airlines

Spirit Airlines Launches New Trainee Pilot Pathway With L3Harris

Aspiring Spirit Airlines pilots have endless opportunities. The airline announced a partnership with L3Harris to start the new Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway, a partnership initiative in Sanford, Florida, that seeks to increase the airline’s pool of highly skilled professional pilots. With its convenient location close to one of Spirit Airlines’ busiest hubs in Orlando, Florida, L3Harris’ Flight Academy offers its graduates a wealth of chances to network, use the airline’s nearby training facilities, and progress to a fulfilling career as a Spirit First Officer.

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Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway is designed to mentor future Spirit First Officers as they progress through their path to the flight deck. Candidates may apply for the program after successfully completing L3Harris Flight Academy training and achieving approximately 500 total flight hours. If successful in Spirit’s interview process, they will receive a Conditional Offer of Employment, a Spirit Electronic Flight Bag and mentorship as they work toward completing the minimum required hours for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

“Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway demonstrates the confidence international airlines have in our training, and the program ensures students have access to mentoring and employment opportunities at one of the leading airlines in the U.S.,” said David Coward, VP and General Manager for L3Harris Training Services.

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Spirit is expanding rapidly with new stations starting operations across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. The carrier is also adding dozens of new aircraft, with 33 more planes projected for delivery in 2023. The growth provides First Officers with opportunities to quickly upgrade to Captain and fly some of the newest aircraft in the industry. Spirit’s Pilots also receive great training and enjoy some of the best quality of life in the aviation field.

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.