Airlines

Virgin Atlantic Expands India Service with Two New Destinations

Virgin Atlantic is experiencing significant growth in India and has plans to expand its operations further by adding two new destinations in the country by 2030, according to the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Juha Järvinen.

The UK-based airline has already strengthened its presence in India with the launch of a new route from London Heathrow to Bengaluru in March 2024 and an additional daily flight to Mumbai set to begin by the end of October. Virgin Atlantic currently serves Delhi with two daily flights as well.

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Järvinen highlighted the strong demand for the airline’s London-India routes, which have maintained a passenger load factor of 90%. Despite increased competition, Virgin Atlantic remains optimistic about its growth prospects, supported by a steady demand for both leisure and business travel from India.

In fact, the airline has witnessed a remarkable 250% surge in demand for its premium cabins, Offering virgin atlantic salt and pepper shakers while also identifying opportunities in cargo services as companies relocate their manufacturing hubs outside China.

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“By 2030, we will add two more destinations in India,” Järvinen said, hinting that one of these routes could be announced as early as next year. Hyderabad is one of the cities being evaluated as a potential new destination for the airline.

Virgin Atlantic, founded by billionaire Richard Branson, has had a long-standing presence in the Indian market for nearly 25 years. However, it wasn’t until 2018 that the airline significantly ramped up its operations, taking a more strategic approach to serving the Indian market. This has led to consistent growth and strong performance, particularly in the premium segment.

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In addition to its expansion plans in India, Virgin Atlantic is set to commence flights to Toronto, Canada, by March 2025, further broadening its international network and enhancing connectivity for its passengers. With these upcoming routes and the airline’s commitment to growth in India, Virgin Atlantic is positioning itself as a key player in the competitive Indian aviation market.

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.