Airlines

United Airlines Blocking Seats Due To Passenger Weight

United is currently forced to block three to six seats per Boeing 757

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Due to an increase in passenger weight in recent years, US airline United Airlines is reportedly forced to block out some seats on specific aircraft.

Employees of the airline claim that the maneuver is being performed to stay within the parameters of weight and balance in order to minimize any hazards that could impair the pilots’ ability to fly and land the plane. The move was made in response to the Federal Aviation Administration increasing its average passenger weight estimates in 2019 by 15 pounds for males and 34 pounds for women.

As you can see, each passenger’s average weight has gone up from 15 to 34 pounds. If these aircraft have an average of 180 seats, the weight difference per flight ranges from 2,700 to 6,100 pounds. We’re talking about an average weight increase of 4,400 pounds per flight if the gender split among passengers is assumed to be 50/50.

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United Airlines is having some difficulties this winter as a result of the FAA’s updated weight requirements. Between November 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023, specifically, United will need to block seats on its Boeing 757 fleet. All routes will be affected by this in order to maintain compliance with the current weight and balance specifications for the Boeing 757. Depending on the Boeing 757 model, the number of blocked seats will vary; three to six seats are typically blocked.

United Airlines is blocking seats on its Boeing 757 planes to address weight gained by passengers in recent years. Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, the average American has put on 15 or more pounds. A barred Boeing seat is pictured on a United flight last week

Courtesy : United airlines & Daily mail

The marketing for these middle-blocked seats at the moment only refers to regular economy seats. They are not advertised as Economy Plus seats, or even as preferred seats for that matter. These seats are without a doubt the best in the cabin due to the fact that they are the blocked middle seats in economy.

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United’s Boeing 757s are having problems, especially in the winter, due to the average passenger weight rising over time. In order to meet weight and balance regulations, United is currently forced to block three to six seats per Boeing 757 for the entire winter season. The guaranteed blocked middle seats are offered by United at no additional cost, making them a great choice.

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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.