The Boeing 777 is one of the most advanced jets ever developed. It’s used around the world on long-haul routes and is the workhorse of many airlines. Its wide body, long runway capability and powerful engines allow it to carry up to 400 passengers. It’s also capable of flying long distances with fewer fuel stops. The airplane is a favorite for many business travelers and tourists alike. But like any piece of machinery, it isn’t without its flaws and challenges.
A Russian airline is having trouble with two of its 777s, leaving hundreds of people stranded in Turkey. Earlier this month, two flights belonging to the Russian low-cost carrier Red Wings were unable to depart from Antalya due to technical problems. The aircraft have since been repaired. The airline’s website said it would announce more details soon.
It’s not clear what caused the breakdown of the two planes, but it’s possible that Western sanctions are to blame. The sanctions have already hurt Russia’s aviation industry, which has been trying to adapt to modern weaponry. Western-style weapons can be more complicated than their Soviet-era analogues and require new habits to operate.
Air India’s diverted Delhi-San Francisco flight had to stay in Magadan for more than a day because of a problem with one of its engines. The 232 passengers and crew have some makeshift accommodations and are waiting to board a replacement aircraft that will take them to SFO on Thursday, an Air India spokeswoman told Insider. A US State Department spokesman, Vedant Patel, said he was aware of some American citizens on the flight and was monitoring their situation.
In the meantime, passengers Rusia 777 have taken to social media to express their frustration and share stories of how they are spending the time. Girvaan Kaahma, 16, is on the flight with his uncle and brother. He says they are barred from leaving the hostel where they’re staying in Magadan and can’t use their credit cards at the local vending machines because of sanctions over Russia’s war on Ukraine. “It’s just a little frustrating and it’s not good for morale,” he said.
In the meantime, Aeroflot is bringing in a new A350-900 that will replace some of its older 747-400s. The upgraded aircraft will offer a better business class product with reverse herringbone seats and direct aisle access. The airline will start flying the A350 to New York and Miami in March. It will then begin flying the jet to Moscow (SVO) on June 2, 2020. The A350 is a great addition to the Aeroflot fleet, which is looking for ways to boost passenger traffic amid a decline in its market shares. The carrier currently ranks 13th in the league table of Russia’s largest airlines. It will be a big test to see whether the plane can help it return to growth. If it does, then the airline may have to consider offering more destinations in the United States. It may have to go far from its current routes to compete with other carriers with much faster, more modern aircraft.
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