Airlines

The C919 from China Eastern Airlines has begun its final verification flight.

China Eastern Airlines, the world’s first launch client, received the first C919 aircraft, with registration number B-919A, on December 9.

Courtesy: China Eastern airlines

China Eastern Airlines received the first domestic narrow-body aircraft that COMAC had delivered, and now that aircraft has begun its validation flight, which will involve nearly 100 hours of flight time, numerous passenger operations checks, and mock-up exercises for aircraft maintenance and operation. from Monday to the middle of February 2023, including 9 Chinese provinces. The aircraft appears to be competent for passenger operations.

The C919 is China’s first homegrown large passenger aircraft in accordance with international airworthiness standards and owns independent intellectual property rights. It features an advanced aerodynamic design, propulsion system, and materials, as well as lower carbon emissions and higher fuel efficiency.

The aircraft adopts a 164-seat configuration that comes with a two-class cabin layout, including 8 business class seats and 156 economy class ones. In the economy cabin, the middle seat in each three-seat row is 1.5 cm wider than its neighboring ones, which offers more comfort.

With an aisle height of 2.25 meters, the plane comes with an efficient air filtration system, a passenger-centric lighting system and low noise. Besides, there are twenty 12” drop-down screens that can play 1080P videos.

On December 26, 2022, a 100-hour verification flight was started by the world’s first C919 that had just been delivered to #CEAir. At 13:25, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (IATA: SHA, ICAO: ZSSS) launched the first flight, MU7801, which touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA: PEK, ICAO: ZBAA) at 15:17. The aircraft will undergo a thorough test during the verification flight to ensure the safety of its operation, clearing the way for its commercial debut in the spring of 2023.

Related Topics:c919 China Eastern Airlines Comac

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.

DAMAC Air: Dubai’s New Luxury Airline Offers Free Flights for Registration

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.

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

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.