Airlines

The Rise of MC-21: Russia’s Response to Western Aviation Sanctions

Putin says Russia plans to build 1,000 passenger planes

Due to Western sanctions against Russia, the country’s aviation industry is becoming more challenging. Russia is currently devising its own strategies and taking its aircraft to the next level so that it can fly and offer the necessary aviation support.

According to some reports, China wanted to work with Russia to build aircraft and supply the enjoins, but Russia is once again planning its own and not depending on any other nation.

The SJ 100 is being rebranded by Russia with domestic engineering, which was completed last month. It will serve smaller regions and be about 5,000 kilometers away from the current Boeing and Airbus aircraft, which will eventually cease to exist due to problems with the parts supply chain. No nation would be able to supply it.

The Russian aircraft manufacturer Irkut Corporation created and manufactured the MC-21, also referred to as the Irkut MC-21, a cutting-edge and contemporary commercial aircraft. It is designed to directly compete with well-known aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 in the narrow-body, single-aisle airliner market. The MC-21 is distinguished by its cutting-edge features, economical operation, and advanced design that cater to the changing demands of the international aviation sector.

The CR929 is a widebody aircraft with a range of up to 12,000 kilometers that is sized similarly to the Airbus A330 and intended to carry between 258 and 320 passengers. Due to protracted discussions regarding work sharing and intellectual property, CR929 has already “accumulated years of delays” and is not anticipated to go into service until well after 2030. Russia’s plans to develop larger aircraft, such as a joint venture with China on CR929, have been delayed.

Delays in the MS-21 (MC-21) program timeline are another direct result of the withdrawal of Western suppliers. It was “expected to hand over the MC-21s in 2024 and roll out 270 of them through 2030,” according to the Russia-funded initiative. Russian manufacturers now have more time to replace imported actuators, avionics, and air conditioning. Russian PD-14 turbofans and a composite wing with infused Russian material were approved in December 2022.

The MC-21-300 and the shorter MC-21-200 are the two primary MC-21 variants. While the MC-21-200 can hold up to 132 passengers, the MC-21-300 is intended to carry between 163 and 211 passengers.

Fuel Efficiency: Providing better fuel efficiency than its rivals is one of the main objectives of the MC-21 program. Its cutting-edge aerodynamics and contemporary engines enable it to do this, improving both its operating economy and environmental friendliness.

With “70% substituted Western-made equipment,” an MC-21 prototype is being developed, and work is anticipated to start in December 2023. The MC-21-310RUS, the fully import-substituted version, is scheduled to fly for the first time in April 2024 and be granted a supplemental-type certificate by the end of the same year.

Therefore, the MC21 must update its engine, wings, and cockpit instruments. This will likely take more time, but it will undoubtedly benefit Russia by filling the gap left by narrow-body aircraft. additionally, it can be exported to other nations where Russia maintains strong diplomatic ties.

Airlines

Cathay Pacific asks business class customers to bring their own cutlery

In an innovative move towards sustainability, renowned Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has recently floated an unconventional idea to its business class customers.

Bringing their own cutlery sets onboard. This initiative, revealed through a member survey circulated within the airline’s “Cathay Lab” community – a platform comprising frequent business class travelers – has stirred a wave of curiosity within the aviation industry.

With sustainability becoming an increasing concern in aviation, Cathay Pacific’s survey aimed to gauge passengers‘ willingness to partake in various eco-friendly practices during their journeys.

Among the initiatives presented, including refilling reusable water bottles and recycling plastic, the prospect of bringing personal cutlery garnered significant attention. Some members expressed practical concerns, questioning the feasibility of carrying cutlery through airport security and the potential inconvenience for passengers unaware of regulations.

Others suggested that Cathay Pacific should simply provide reusable cutlery onboard instead. Furthermore, there were suspicions among some respondents that the BYO cutlery proposal might be a precursor to introducing additional charges, with one user humorously envisioning a scenario where the airline lends cutlery sets for a fee.

Despite the skepticism surrounding the proposal, Cathay Pacific’s exploration of innovative sustainability measures reflects a broader industry trend towards environmental consciousness.

Airlines

Air India and IndiGo’s Joint Initiative, Plans for 170 Wide-Body Aircraft

In a bold move that underscores their confidence in India’s burgeoning aviation sector, Air India and IndiGo have revealed ambitious plans to acquire a combined total of up to 170 wide-body aircraft.

This strategic investment marks a significant shift in the country’s aviation landscape, as it brings European aircraft manufacturer Airbus into a domain traditionally dominated by American giant Boeing.

With India positioned as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, the timing couldn’t be more opportune for such expansion endeavors. The aim is clear: to elevate India’s status as a global aviation hub by enhancing connectivity through direct flights between Indian cities and international destinations.

Currently, a substantial portion of India’s international air traffic relies on overseas hubs, particularly in the Gulf region. IndiGo’s announcement of firm orders for 30 A350-900 aircraft, with an option for an additional 70, signals its commitment to capturing a larger share of the long-haul market.

Meanwhile, Air India’s comprehensive order, unveiled last year, encompasses 70 wide-body planes, including a mix of A350 and Boeing 787 models.

Recognizing the potential for disruption in the long and ultra-long haul segments, aviation consultancy CAPA India has emphasized the pivotal role Indian carriers can play in driving innovation and transformation.

With the current combined fleet size of Indian airlines exceeding 700 aircraft, the stage is set for Air India and IndiGo to spearhead a new era of growth and connectivity in the Indian aviation sector.

Airlines

Air China Makes Landmark Deal: Orders 100 C919 Jets from COMAC

In a strategic move that could reshape China’s aviation industry, Air China has inked a monumental deal with Comac, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s commercial aircraft procurement landscape.

The agreement, valued at a staggering $10.8 billion based on list prices, entails the purchase of 100 Comac C919 jets, a resounding endorsement of the homegrown challenger to aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing.

The announcement, disclosed in a filing by Air China, underscores the airline’s commitment to bolstering its fleet with domestically manufactured aircraft. These C919 jets, slated for delivery between 2024 and 2031, are poised to amplify Air China’s operational capabilities and enhance its competitive stance in the global aviation arena.

The C919, a formidable competitor to Boeing’s 737 Max and Airbus’s A320neo, symbolizes China’s ambitious foray into the global aviation market. With Air China’s commitment to acquiring a substantial fleet of C919s, the aircraft is poised to carve out a formidable niche in the industry, challenging the dominance of established players.

Notably, Air China‘s existing fleet comprises an extensive array of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, showcasing its diverse operational portfolio.

With nearly 500 airplanes in service, including models from the A320 family and the 737 series, Air China’s decision to incorporate the C919 into its fleet underscores a strategic diversification strategy.

While Airbus has enjoyed notable success in China, buoyed by its local assembly line, Boeing has faced formidable challenges in recent years. However, Air China’s resolute investment in the C919 signals a paradigm shift, amplifying China’s quest for self-sufficiency in aviation.