Airlines

For visually impaired passengers, Air Asia India has introduced an in-flight safety manual.

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For visually impaired customers, Air Asia India has launched a braille in-flight safety booklet. To commemorate the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities,’ this manual was created with the assistance of The Helen Keller Institute for the Deaf and Deafblind (HKIDB).

Aside from that, the airline stated that it has expanded online pre-booking and priority services for disabled passengers.

“Wheelchair assistance can now be pre-booked online through the airline’s website or through the airline’s mobile app while purchasing a ticket, or it can be arranged at the contact centre or by approaching the airline’s guest services staff at the airport,” the airline said.

For disabled passengers, various types of wheel chair facilities are offered, which must be pre-booked when purchasing a ticket. Access to the ramp leading to the ladder point or the aircraft door, as well as to the cabin. Passengers are given with these amenities as well as comfortable seats at no additional cost.

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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.