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Power company hid illegal crypto mine that may have caused outages

Ahead of a major crackdown on illegal cryptocurrency mines in Russia next year, a power provider in Siberia has been fined for illegally leasing state land that's supposed to be used only for public utilities to an illegal mining operation.

In a social media post translated by Ars, the Irkutsk Region Prosecutor-General’s Office explained that the power provider was fined more than 330,000 rubles (about $3,000) for the improper land use. Local prosecutors will also pursue an administrative case against the power provider, the office said.

Crypto mining is popular in Siberia because of low operating costs, Crypto News noted, due to the cool temperatures and cheap power supply. But many in Siberia have blamed crypto miners for power outages and grid instability that can cause significant harms during winter months.

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Airbus's A321XLR nabs another airline — and adds 2 new routes to the US. It's changing how people fly long-haul.

20 December 2024 at 04:57
Aer Lingus A321XLR.
An Airbus A321XLR.

Airbus

  • Ireland's Aer Lingus is the second airline to receive the new Airbus A321XLR.
  • The plane opens new long-haul opportunities, including Dublin to Indianapolis and Nashville.
  • Other airlines, including Iberia, United, Qantas, and American are also planning new routes.

The Airbus A321XLR is the European planemaker's latest narrow-body jet, and it's already changing how people fly long-haul.

On Thursday, Ireland's Aer Lingus became the second airline to receive the A321XLR, with Airbus delivering two of the carrier's six that are on order.

Spanish flag carrier Iberia became the plane's first operator in November.

The jet's extra-long-haul capabilities mean Aer Lingus can now operate flights deeper into the US. Two new routes are already scheduled: Flights between Dublin and Nashville will begin in April, and flights between Dublin and Indianapolis will launch in May.

Iberia and Aer Lingus are just the beginning for Airbus's new plane, which has tallied up more than 550 global orders.

American Airlines, Australian flag carrier Qantas, and Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air all expect to receive the jet next year, followed by United Airlines in early 2026.

And all are expected to launch never-before-flown narrow-body routes across oceans and continents.

Airbus' new A321XLR jet is set to open new route options

The A321XLR is uniquely equipped for long-haul flying, thanks to an extra rear center fuel tank that helps the narrow-body aircraft fly up to 5,400 miles, or 11 hours, nonstop.

That's about 800 miles farther than its Airbus A321LR predecessor. That opens new routes to places previously unreachable with older narrowbodies β€” or that were unprofitable with a widebody.

Iberia plans to begin a new service using the A321XLR between Madrid and Washington Dulles on January 15. Wizz Air also plans to launch A321XLR routes between London and Saudi Arabia and Milan and Abu Dhabi in 2025.

Iberia A321XLR on the ramp in Boston.
The A321XLR boasts a 30% reduced fuel burn compared with competing previous-generation aircraft.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

In March, American Airlines' managing director of global network planning, Jason Reisinger, said the A321XLR was desirable because it would let the airline serve "routes that cannot support a 787 but where we still have a nice onboard product."

American has since said it plans to launch the A321XLRs on transcontinental routes now served by its A321T.

And the airline's senior vice president of network planning, Brian Znotins, told The Points Guy in November that it plans to also fly its A321XLR fleet to Europe and possibly South America.

Qantas plans to use the A321XLR to fly farther into Asia and the Pacific.

Potential A321XLR routes for Qantas.
Potential A321XLR routes for Qantas. The airline has not made any official route announcements.

Qantas

United Airlines previously told Business Insider that the A321XLR would replace its aging Boeing 757s and open new routes to places like Northern Italy and West Africa.

Icelandair is also using the A321XLR to replace the 757 and fly farther into North America and Europe from 2029. Boeing never built another version of the popular narrow-body, which ceased production in 2004.

The A321XLR will have varying cabin experiences

Customers can expect varying cabin experiences on board these new versatile single-aisle planes.

Iberia offers lie-flat business class on its A321XLRs, which is typical of what customers find on long-haul widebody flights.

Iberia's A321XLR.
Iberia's A321XLR has no sliding doors in business class.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Aer Lingus will also have lie-flat business class seats similar to what it already flies on its A321LRs, but some rows won't have direct aisle access.

American plans to install its new Flagship suites on its A321XLRs, while United is also planning a lie-flat business cabin. Qantas will have large reclining loungers in business class.

Wizz will have the least posh cabin. Its no-frills A321XLRs will have cramped seats, no in-flight entertainment, and no freebies like snacks and water.

Its CEO said the experience is something passengers will have to "suffer" through for seven hours for the cheap ticket.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The Famous Bering Land Bridge Was More Like a Swamp, Geologists Say

16 December 2024 at 06:30
Alaska Boggy Ecosystem

Why did some species, including ancient humans, cross the Bering Land Bridge between modern-day Siberia and Alaska during the last Ice Age? The picture has only gotten more complex.

See how a budget, no-frills Airbus jet that flyers will 'suffer' through compares to the same plane flown by a major airline

15 December 2024 at 02:57
Wizz Air Airbus A321neo β€” Dubai Airshow Trip 2021
A Wizz Air Airbus A321neo.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

  • The Airbus A321XLR is revolutionizing long-haul travel with its 11-hour range.
  • The versatile jet can reach far-away places and fit into mainline and budget business models.
  • Launch customer Iberia and soon-to-be A321XLR operator Wizz Air have very different cabin approaches.

The Airbus A321XLR is the European manufacturer's latest long-haul, narrow-body plane.

With its 11-hour range and smaller size, the jet is set to revolutionize how people travel.

Airlines can now more easily fly to lower-demand markets previously unprofitable with a widebody or to far-away places previously unreachable with other single-aisle planes.

The A321XLR first entered service with Spanish flag carrier Iberia in November. The airline flew seven hours from Madrid to Boston, equipping the plane with lie-flat business class and economy.

With 550 orders, the plane has garnered interest from both mainline and budget carriers β€” but not all experiences will be equal.

European budget carrier Wizz Air is not far behind Iberia, with its first A321XLR expected to trek seven hours from London to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, starting in March β€” but it won't be close to high-end.

The two carrier's plans for their new planes showcase the model's versatility.

Iberia will offer business class.
The first row of Iberia's A321XLR business class.
Iberia's A312XLR has 182 seats: 14 in business and 168 in economy.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Iberia wanted to provide luxury onboard its long-haul A321XLR with business class. It's similar to JetBlue Airways' Mint cabin but without popular sliding doors.

The high-dollar cabin, which can cost $5,000 or more roundtrip, comes with a large Bluetooth-capable television, linens, hot meals, alcohol, and a lie-flat recliner.

Other A321XLR buyers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, also plan to offer lie-flat business class to target premium travelers. American's will have a door.

Economy will offer decent space and amenities.
The economy cabin with grey seats and a red headrest on Iberia's A321XLR.
Iberia sports a standard mainline economy cabin.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Iberia's economy cabin has comforts like an adjustable headrest, deep recline, a Bluetooth-capable screen, charging ports, extra storage slots in the seatback pocket, and 30-31 inches of seat pitch.

The legroom is on par with other mainline carriers, but taller travelers can choose a bulkhead or exit row with 40 inches of pitch.

Iberia's Bluetooth feature is rare on airlines and it allows Iberia flyers to connect their own wireless headphones to the screen.

Hot meals and linens are included on Iberia.
The exit row on Iberia A321XLR with extra legroom.
The extra legroom seats in the exit row.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Iberia offers what is typical on a mainline, long-haul flight. This means travelers will get linens and hot meals included in their fare.

The airline also offers free messaging via WiFi, with internet browsing and streaming available for a fee.

Wizz's A321XLR approach is very different.
Wizz Air Airbus A321neo β€” Dubai Airshow Trip 2021
Wizz will only offer economy on its Airbus A321XLRs.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Wizz is a low-cost carrier that built its business on offering cheap fares at the expense of onboard comforts β€” and the airline continues to push the limits of flyer tolerance.

"Fifteen, 20 years ago, I thought three hours would test passenger tolerance, and then we pushed it to six hours, and we are still fine," Wizz CEO JΓ³zsef VΓ‘radi said during a September press conference in London. "You kind of suffer the pain, if you wish, for the economic benefits that you are deriving from the transaction."

Iberia's A321XLR has 182 seats. Wizz's will cram in 239.

The all-economy cabin will offer minimal space.
Wizz Air Airbus A321neo β€” Dubai Airshow Trip 2021
The airline offers a few rows of extra legroom seats for a fee. Customers can also pay extra for the front row for quicker boarding and deplaning.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Wizz said its A321XLR cabin will resemble that of its A321neo, which already flies across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The plane doesn't come with business class seats or Iberia's amenity-heavy economy cabin. Instead, travelers can expect slim, cramped coach seats with no headrest, no television, and a tiny tray table.

The seat pitch is only 28 inches, and there is no recline. It'd be like flying on Spirit or Frontier, but for seven hours.

The cramped, all-economy cabin will be cheap, but it's an experience Wizz's CEO described as something customers must "suffer" through to save money.

Not even water is free.
A food menu with soups, risotto, and pasta.
Business Insider's Pete Syme flew on Wizz April.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Like its ultra-low-cost counterparts in the US, Wizz flights come with nothing included, except a personal item. This means any food or drinks β€” including water β€” costs extra.

"When you take a legacy carrier and you get a coffee for free, that is probably the most expensive cappuccino in your life," Varadi said. "We don't want to do that."

According to Wizz's online menus, food bundles start at Β£11.50, or about $12, and include a sandwich, drink, and snack. Soups start at Β£3.70, while a water bottle costs Β£3.20. Alcohol, chips, and coffee, among other items, are also on sale.

Don't expect any internet or entertainment.
Wizz Air Airbus A321neo β€” Dubai Airshow Trip 2021
Flyers can use the small tray table to prop their phone or tablet.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Wizz keeps its fares low because it does not carry the extra weight many mainline carriers do, like seatback screens or WiFi. Flyers can pre-download content to a phone or tablet to watch during the flight.

"If you want to have more fun, you have to create the fun for yourself," VΓ‘radi told Bloomberg in September. "It's not going to be us who create it."

Some Wizz planes have a messaging platform, but it doesn't connect to the internet. It's uncertain if this will be on the A321XLRs.

Bags cost extra and unprepared flyers risk other fees.
The check-in and bag measuring stands for Wizz Air.
The bag prices can vary depending on route, weight, and when they're purchased.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Wizz flyers who want a carry-on or checked bag must pay extra. For the London to Jeddah flight in April, a 10-kilogram checked bag costs Β£95, or $120, and a carry-on costs Β£66, or $83, roundtrip at the time of booking.

The bags must also meet specific size and weight requirements or flyers risk even more fees at the airport.

Another fee is for assigned seats, which cost between Β£18 and Β£42 on the same flight. Flyers also need to check in online at least three hours before the flight or pay Β£40 at the airport per ticket.

Wizz customers willing to 'suffer' can save hundreds of dollars.
A first-person perspective from a World Traveller economy window seat on a British Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The economy seat on British Airways' Boeing 787 it flies between London and Jeddah.

Pete Syme/Business Insider

Major airlines British Airways and Saudia are the only other carriers that fly nonstop between London and Jeddah.

According to Google Flights, Wizz's basic fare is regularly a few hundred dollars cheaper than both mainline options.

That's without any add-ons like bags and seats, so customers should be sure to do the math for all options before booking.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The Arctic tundra is changing so fast that it is speeding up the climate crisis, top scientists say

14 December 2024 at 03:23
man wearing gear helmet walks down train track in forest toward giant smoke plume
A member of a fire crew makes their way to the Riley Fire in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Paul Ollig/National Park Service via AP

  • The Arctic is rapidly changing from the climate crisis, with no "new normal," scientists warn.
  • Wildfires and permafrost thaw are making the tundra emit more carbon than it absorbs.
  • From beaver invasions to giant holes, drastic changes in the Arctic are affecting the entire planet.

From Alaska to Siberia, the Arctic is changing so rapidly that there is no "normal" there now, scientists warn. The consequences reach across the globe.

The Arctic tundra now releases more carbon than it naturally draws down from the sky, as wildfires burn down its trees and permafrost thaw releases potent gases from its soil.

Once-brown regions are turning green with vegetation, while green areas are turning brown and barren. Sea ice and herds of caribou are disappearing.

This summer was the wettest on record for the Arctic overall, as rain is becoming more common than snow in some areas. Region by region, though, rainfall and the snow season are knocking down both high and low records.

Decades of data on "vital signs" suggest that "the Arctic exists now within a new regime, in which conditions year after year are substantially different than just a couple of decades ago," Twila Moon, a scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, said in a briefing on Tuesday.

"Climate change is not bringing about a new normal," she added. "Instead, climate change is bringing ongoing and rapid change."

That's because the Arctic is warming about four times faster than the rest of the planet, according to previous research.

The increase in average temperatures is changing weather and landscapes in the Arctic, speeding up the climate crisis worldwide.

Giant holes, beaver invasions, and polar wildfires

For example, beavers are moving into Alaska's tundra and transforming its waterways with their dams, as warmer conditions have brought more wooded, comfortable riverbanks for them.

In Siberia, a giant hole in the ground is rapidly growing because the permafrost β€” a layer of soil that used to be permanently frozen β€” is thawing.

satellite images of large green forest area with giant pit shaped like a stingray where the side by side images show the pit double in size
Satellite images from 1999 and 2017 show how much the Batagaika megaslump has grown (and how much satellite imaging has improved).

NASA Earth Observatory/Jesse Allen/Landsat data from the US Geological Survey

That's an extreme example, but melt and thaw is happening all over the planet's northernmost regions. Combined with drastic swings in weather year-to-year, these changes are wreaking havoc on Arctic landscapes, ecosystems, and people.

"These dramatic differences are making it difficult for communities to plan and they create safety issues for people who are used to more stable ice, snow, and temperature," Moon said.

gravel road abruptly ends crumbling into running water two feet below in rural setting with a few homes
Melting permafrost and the disappearance of sea ice, which once formed a protective barrier, threaten houses in the Yupik Eskimo village of Quinhagak in Alaska.

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

She was presenting the Arctic Report Card, an update that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration publishes each year, at the fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union.

This year's report revealed a crucial shift in northern landscapes: The Arctic tundra is no longer a net carbon sink, with its boreal forests pulling carbon dioxide from the sky. Now it's a net source of carbon emissions.

"This transition from a carbon sink to a source is of global concern," Brendan Rogers, a scientist studying the tundra at the Woodwell Climate Research Center, said in the briefing.

He added that the tundra's carbon emissions are relatively small for now, "but it's that transition that we're concerned about."

This shift is partly due to giant polar wildfires burning down tundra vegetation and all the carbon it's stored. It's also because of permafrost thaw, which releases large amounts of methane β€” a heat-trapping gas more potent than carbon dioxide β€” as bacteria in the soil digest thawing plant matter.

Meanwhile, rising Arctic temperatures are driving ice melt, including on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is a major contributor to sea-level rise worldwide. Rising oceans are already increasing flooding in coastal cities across the planet.

For example, US coastal cities from Boston to San Diego have seen more and more flood days per year every decade since 1950, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Arctic science is more important than ever

Reporters asked the NOAA scientists about the incoming Trump administration and whether they were concerned about losing funding for their Arctic research.

"The need, the requirement, the demand signal if you will, is higher than ever before," Richard Spinrad, the NOAA Administrator, said in the briefing.

Changes in extreme weather and sea level across the globe show that "there's a need for these investments to increase right now," he said, adding that studies have shown "the return on those investments is extraordinary, in many cases 10 to 1 in terms of protection of lives and property."

Read the original article on Business Insider

JetBlue will fly to Spain for the first time. See how its Airbus A321neo compares to the country's flag carrier Iberia.

12 December 2024 at 12:32
A JetBlue A321neo on the tarmac in Amsterdam.
JetBlue just expanded its international network and will go toe-to-toe with Spanish carrier Iberia to Madrid.

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

  • JetBlue will launch new international flights from Boston to Edinburgh and Madrid in May 2025.
  • The new routes are part of a major network restructuring to boost revenue.
  • JetBlue will compete with Iberia on the Madrid route, with both using A321neo family jets.

JetBlue Airways is redrawing its route network β€” and there is some good news for Europe-bound flyers.

JetBlue announced plans to launch two new transatlantic flights from Boston to Edinburgh and Madrid in May 2025. It will be the airline's first flight to Spain β€” bringing its total European destinations to five.

The struggling carrier will compete with just one airline to Madrid: Spanish flag carrier Iberia. Both will fly an Airbus A321neo family jet on the route, meaning travelers can expect a smaller plane across the Atlantic.

The new routes are part of a larger restructuring plan to bolster revenue. JetBlue has not turned a profit since 2019, largely due to high costs and failed deals with American Airlines and Spirit Airlines that hampered its expansion.

The airline announced over 50 route cuts in 2024 and ended service to 15 underperforming airports. It's now refocusing on the Northeast US and Florida, with additional flights to Europe and the Caribbean.

It's also deploying high-dollar Mint-business-class equipped planes to more high-demand markets, including the new Spain route.

Here's how JetBlue and Iberia's business and coach cabins compare on the seven-hour trek to Madrid.

JetBlue has more premium seating on its Airbus A321neos.
Mint business class onboard JetBlue Airways' new Airbus A321neoLR β€” JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neoLR Tour
According to JetBlue's website, it flies both Mint-equipped A321neo variants across the Atlantic, but most use the A321LR.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

JetBlue flies its A321neo and A321LR variants across the Atlantic, the latter is a lower-ranged predecessor to Iberia's A321XLR and is more premium-heavy. They host 160 and 114 seats, respectively.

Each is equipped with lie-flat Mint seats, front-row Studios, and extra-legroom economy seats β€” the remaining are regular coach seats. Half of the A321LR cabin is premium seating.

Iberia has a higher-capacity A321XLR with 182 seats: 14 in business class and 168 in economy.

Iberia's smaller business class doesn't have doors.
The Iberia business class cabin.
Iberia is launching its second A321XLR flight to Washington, DC, in January.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

JetBlue and Iberia chose the same seatmaker for their A321neo business class cabins, but Iberia did not install a sliding door. Mint has doors.

This goes against an industry-wide trend, with many global carriers, such as Korean Air, Air India, and Turkish Airlines, adding the popular feature.

Business Insider toured Iberia's A321XLR business class in November and found the angled seats and large wings offered more than enough privacy. Iberia likely wanted to save on costly weight and best optimize the cabin's already limited space.

The Spanish carrier also lacks a designated 'Studio.'
JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neo
JetBlue Airways' A321LR Mint Studio.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

To cater to more business travelers, JetBlue installed a front-row "Mint Studio" on its A321neos, complete with a companion seat and extra storage. The seat is an upcharge.

Iberia did not include the extra-revenue option, meaning travelers have less choice in business class.

You'll otherwise get the usual business-class perks on both.
JetBlue and Iberia business class collage.
JetBlue (left) and Iberia (right). Both business class cabins are in a 1Γ—1 layout with direct aisle access.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Because the seats are otherwise exactly the same design, travelers can expect similar comforts. This includes a lie-flat recliner, storage, and an inflight television. Both also include meals, linens, and an amenity kit.

Iberia's 18.5-inch screen is bigger than JetBlue's 17-inch one in regular Mint, though the Mint Studio hosts the largest overall at 22 inches.

However, JetBlue does not offer Bluetooth connectivity. Customers on Iberia can connect their own wireless headphones to the business-class screens β€” and that goes for the economy cabin, too.

Both have nice economy cabins.
JetBlue and Iberia's coach collage.
The JetBlue (left) and Iberia (right) seat designs are different, but they offer largely the same perks.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The 3Γ—3 economy cabins offer adjustable headrests, an inflight screen, extra storage slots in the seatback pocket, and linens.

JetBlue's 10.1-inch screen is smaller than Iberia's 12-inch Bluetooth one, but JetBlue travelers can connect their phone as a remote. JetBlue also offers free WiFi, while Iberia's is only free for messaging.

Iberia's seats recline up to four inches, while JetBlue's recline three inches. Thanks to Airbus' wider narrowbody cabin design, both coach options offer 18 inches of width.

Iberia has less legroom and fewer extra space seats in coach.
JetBlue and Iberia economy cabin collage showing legroom and extra legroom seats.
JetBlue (left) and Iberia's (right) regular legroom and extra legroom seats.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

JetBlue has several rows of "Even More Space" seats to target flyers willing to pay extra for more legroom. The US carrier also offers an industry-leading 32 inches of legroom β€” beating out rivals like Delta and United.

Iberia's 40-inch-pitch extra legroom seats are only in the bulkhead and exit rows, meaning taller travelers have limited options for more space. The legroom is 30-31 inches, putting Iberia on par with US mainlines.

Avoid certain rows if you want a window.
Economy class onboard JetBlue Airways' new Airbus A321neoLR β€” JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neoLR Tour
One of the misaligned windows on JetBlue.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Iberia does not have a window in row 39. The windows in rows 22 and 23 on JetBlue's A321LR and rows 23 and 24 on its A321neos are missing or misaligned.

If you pay extra for a window seat with hopes of a view, it's best to avoid these rows.

JetBlue doesn't offer hot meals in economy anymore.
Flying JetBlue Airways from New York to London β€” JetBlue Airways London Inaugural Flight
One of the hot meals JetBlue used to serve on its flights. Don't expect this grandeur anymore.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

In October, JetBlue stopped serving hot meals in economy on transatlantic flights in an effort to cut costs. Cold meals are now served, like a crepe for breakfast, a chicken grain bowl for lunch, or a pesto pasta salad for dinner.

Still, the meals come included in the fare β€” something that distinguishes JetBlue from other low-cost options like Norse Atlantic Airways where food costs extra.

Iberia customers can expect hot meals in coach, which is in line with what mainline carriers offer across the Atlantic.

Don't miss the hidden lavatory on Iberia.
The lavatory at the aft of Iberia's A321XLR covered by a grey flight attendant jumpseat.
One of Iberia's three aft lavatories is hidden behind a flight attendant jumpseat.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Coach travelers on Iberia share three lavatories in the aft cabin, but the high-capacity cabin means the queue can get long and crowded β€” especially if the third one is overlooked, as can be the case.

It's located behind the flight attendant jump seat.

The A321neo narrowbodies offer convenience that widebodies don't.
JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neo
JetBlue Airways' first Airbus A321neoLR.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

Airbus' new long-ranged jets are changing the way people fly to Europe. Some people may worry about the smaller plane, but it has its benefits.

The tinier cabin may be cozier, plus deplaning and boarding are much quicker thanks to fewer people β€” and may be a saving grace during tight layovers.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Why airlines are all-in on new single-aisle planes for transatlantic flights

29 November 2024 at 03:57
The inside of a JetBlue A321neoLR with blue lighting.
A JetBlue A321neoLR at the Paris Air Show in June 2023

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

  • Airlines are using more narrow-body planes across the Atlantic, opening new routes for flyers.
  • New single-aisle planes offer cost efficiency, smaller capacity, and flexible cabins.
  • The Boeing 757 used to be the main transatlantic workhorse but is losing market share to Airbus.

New narrow-body planes designed for long-haul flights are changing how people fly.

This evolution has been largely propelled by the Airbus A321neo family, smaller planes that can flyer further than previous single-aisle aircraft. Its longest-ranged variant, the newly launched A321XLR, can fly up to 11 hours nonstop and carry up to 240 people.

These planes are popular with airlines because they can connect profitable cities that previously required a high-capacity wide-body plane like the Boeing 767 or Airbus A330. Flexible cabins mean airlines can offer different cabin configurations, like all-economy or a mix of business and coach.

Airlines can also earn extended-range allowances that govern how passenger jets can safely fly over the open ocean.

In 2024, 39,000 flights between North America and Europe are scheduled on single-aisle planes made by Boeing and Airbus, according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company. That's a 14% increase from the previous year and 40% more than in 2019.

Airbus is pioneering this narrow-body shift

Such a focus on single-aisle planes that can tackle long flights has been a boon for Airbus.

JetBlue, for example, started flying between New York and Europe in 2021 with about 400 total flights on its A321neoLRs. In 2024, that figure is set to hit 7,200 in 2024.

The launch of Iberia's A321XLR has added at least another 1,400 flights for 2025, per Cirium, with more to come as the jet is delivered to more airlines.

Such growth has come at the expense of Boeing's 757. The jet has been a transatlantic workhorse since the 1980s but now only represents 23% of flights to and from Europe, down from 82% in 2019.

With no replacement available, airlines are turning to the A321XLR β€” paving the way for Airbus to continue dominating the growing market.

Long-haul narrowbodies are cheaper to fly

Before long-haul single-aisle operations became popular, airlines struggled to fly lower-demand city pairs with widebodies because the bigger planes weren't always full β€” meaning they weren't making money.

This effectively eliminated direct routes to smaller leisure markets, forcing flyers to make one or more stops to reach smaller cities.

New narrowbodies solve this problem thanks to their powerful engines, fuel efficiency, and lighter weight.

United Airlines, for example, uses single-aisle jets between unique city pairs that other carriers don't fly, such as those from Newark Liberty to Malaga, Spain, and Chicago to Shannon, Ireland.

United's SVP of global network planning and alliances, Patrick Quayle, told BI in August that a Boeing 787 or Boeing 767 widebody wouldn't economic make sense in these smaller markets. The carrier plans to expand its long-haul operations with the cost-effective A321XLR.

Meanwhile, Icelandic low-cost carrier Play learned from its predecessor, WOW Air, that using widebody planes in a budget transatlantic business model is difficult because the big jet requires constant high demand β€” prompting Play to use Airbus narrowbodies between the US and Europe.

Single-aisle jets offer versatile route options

One reason mainline carriers like United and Iberia are moving in the single-aisle direction is because it allows them to right-size their routes depending on demand.

Cirium data shows Iberia plans to fly two A321XLRs daily between Madrid and Boston in the summer of 2025, with each carrying up to 182 people.

This allows Iberia to capture the demand without oversizing the route with two 288-passenger A330s or losing out on potential business with just one widebody.

Flying two single-aisle planes across the Atlantic instead of one widebody, for example, could up daily frequencies from one to two and give travelers more flexible options.

Airlines like Tap Air Portugal and Ireland's Aer Lingus switch between A321neo and A330 planes throughout the year, flying the bigger jet during the summer and holiday months, per Cirium.

Single-aisle planes don't always fly long haul. Their versatility, especially the previous generation A321neos and the Boeing 757, allows airlines to efficiently deploy them on short or medium-haul routes.

Delta Air Lines has decreased its 757 transatlantic flying over the years in favor of more domestic routes, per Cirium.

Widebodies don't have the same flexibility, except on a few very high-demand cross-country treks like New York to Los Angeles.

Narrow-body planes can accommodate more flexible cabins

One of the draws of these small but powerful aircraft is their versatility because they can fit into both mainline and low-cost fleets with varying cabin layouts.

Some airlines, like JetBlue and Aer Lingus, equip their A321LRs with business and economy classes. Meanwhile, Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air plans to fly a no-frills, all-economy A321XLR cabin where even water costs extra, and France's La Compagnie has all-business-class A321LRs.

Some flyers may be hesitant to fly on a narrow-body long-haul, but flying on these planes across the Atlantic is not much different from riding in a one cross-country.

Boston to Madrid lasts about seven hours, while New York to Los Angeles is about six and a half hours β€” though most flyers will get more perks on flights to Europe, like hot meals and linens.

Plus, single-aisle flying allows for quicker boarding and deplaning, which may be welcome time-savings for some customers β€” especially during tight layovers.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Airbus' A321 jets are reshaping transatlantic travel. I've toured 3 airlines' business classes — here's how they compare.

23 November 2024 at 02:57
JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neo
JetBlue Airways, La Compagnie, and Iberia are among the few airlines that fly lie-flat business class on narrowbody aircraft across the Atlantic.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

  • Airlines are increasingly using Airbus A321neo family planes for transatlantic flights.
  • These single-aisle aircraft offer efficient long-haul economics for routes to Europe.
  • JetBlue, La Compagnie, and Iberia offer lie-flat business class on these narrow-body planes.

More airlines are flying single-aisle Airbus A321neo family planes across the Atlantic.

The aircraft are a popular choice because of their favorable long-haul economics. They can efficiently fly routes that may not have the demand to fill a widebody and still be profitable for airlines.

Because the planes can cross oceans β€” with the longest-range variant, the A321XLR, flying up to 11 hours nonstop β€” many airlines have equipped them with lie-flat business class to optimize comfort (and revenue).

I've seen three examples of these transatlantic premium Airbus cabins: JetBlue Airways, French boutique airline La Compagnie, and Spanish flag carrier Iberia.

Iberia is nice, but it and La Compagnie lack a flyer-favorite perk, while JetBlue offers the most amenity-heavy business experience.

All three have lie-flat seats, but prices vary.
Collage of lie-flat beds on Iberia, JetBlue, and La Compagnie.
The lie-flat narrowbody beds on Iberia (top left), JetBlue (top right), and La Compagnie (bottom).

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

La Compagnie is a small, all-business-class airline that serves Paris, Nice, and Milan from the US with A321neoLRs. It offers many cost-friendly fares, with roundtrip tickets starting at $2,500,

Iberia's new A321XLR will cost customers up to $5,000 or more roundtrip, depending on the season.

JetBlue's A321neoLR offers some discounted Mint fares to London, but other destinations are typically at least $3,000-$4,000.

Only JetBlue offers privacy doors.
JetBlue Mint with doors vs. Iberia business class without doors.
JetBlue (top) and Iberia (bottom).

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

La Compagnie and Iberia don't sport the sliding door that is standard at every JetBlue Mint seat. The privacy perk is increasingly popular on wide-body premium seats.

The French carrier's 2Γ—2 layout would make one impossible to fit, while Iberia carefully designed its 1Γ—1 cabin to be private without one. It has angled seats, high walls, and large wings.

Forget about privacy on La Compagnie.
Flying on La Compagnie all-business class airline from Paris to New York β€” the loungers.
Half of La Compagnie's 76 business class seats do not offer direct-aisle access like JetBlue and Iberia.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

La Compagnie has the most awkward layout of the three. The 2Γ—2 layout optimizes the space, but it means flyers could be sleeping right next to a stranger on a full flight β€” and the window seat can't freely access the aisle.

There is a small divider between seats, but it doesn't do much to block travelers from one another. The airline is largely meant for families and couples, so you may not have an unknown neighbor.

Iberia lacks extra-space seats at the front.
Mint business class onboard JetBlue Airways' new Airbus A321neoLR β€” JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neoLR Tour
JetBlue's front-row Mint Studio comes at an extra fee.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

Two of JetBlue's 24-person Mint business class seats are designated as the extra-large "Studio" with a companion seat to dine or meet with another traveler.

La Compagnie offers more legroom in its exit rows and bulkhead. This provides more ease for the window passenger if climbing over an aisle seatmate.

Iberia's smaller 14-person business class does not have any extra-large seats available.

Iberia has a Bluetooth television.
Viewing the red Iberia television from the row one business class.
Iberia and JetBlue's screens are moveable, while La Compagnie's is stationary. The Spanish carrier's TV helps with privacy.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Iberia's 18.5-inch television has Bluetooth built-in, allowing travelers to connect their own wireless headphones to the screen.

JetBlue provided customers on its inaugural flight from New York to Paris in June with a free AirFly Pro Bluetooth audio transmitter, but it doesn't come as the standard β€” future travelers need to bring their own.

La Compagnie's 15.6-inch screen also didn't have Bluetooth. All three did have a remote, with JetBlue's Studio having the largest screen at 22 inches. Its regular suites boast a 17-inch television.

Storage on La Compagnie is minimal.
Collage of La Compagnie, Iberia, and JetBlue business class seat storage.
La Compagnie (top) has minimal tabletop space, and it is shared by two people. Iberia (bottom left) and JetBlue (bottom right) offer more overall storage.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

La Compagnie had barely any storage space aside from the overhead bin that was big enough to fit bigger items, like a laptop or a small backpack.

Iberia's storage under the television and behind the screen provides more ample storage, as does JetBlue's design. And both have more tabletop space β€” something La Compagnie customers have the share.

JetBlue has a 'do not disturb' sign.
Flying JetBlue Airways from London to New York in Mint business class β€” JetBlue Airways London to New York in Mint business class flight 2021
Iberia and La Compagnie lack this perk.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

JetBlue's "do not disturb" sign tells flight attendants not to wake up passengers, even during a meal service.

It's likely a welcome perk for overnight flights. Iberia and La Compagnie don't have the same feature.

All three offer the usual business-class perks.
Collage of the wireless pad on JetBlue, the amenities on La Compagnie, the food on JetBlue, and the linens on Iberia.
The wireless pad and an example of a meal on JetBlue (top left, bottom right), an amenity kit on La Compagnie, and the linens on Iberia.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini, Business Insider

All three airlines offer the same standard business-class perks, including an amenity kit, hot meals, a tray table, linens, WiFi, and power.

For power, the airlines each have a USB-A port and a universal outlet. JetBlue and Iberia both also offer a USB-C port, and the former includes a wireless charging pad that the other two don't.

JetBlue does not yet have a dedicated lounge.
Entering the JFK chase location.
JetBlue Mint travelers in Boston and New York must rely on lounge access via a credit card for now.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Iberia has its own branded business-class lounges in Madrid. In the US, flyers can use Oneworld partner lounges. La Compagnie offers their travelers lounge access via partnerships.

JetBlue, however, does not have a dedicated lounge. However, JetBlue plans to build airport lounges to expand its premium offerings.

For now, flyers can access airport lounges via a credit card, like American Express or Chase.

JetBlue is my preferred pick.
JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neo
The Studio with the door closed. It also has more storage space than the regular Mint seats.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

Despite JetBlue's lack of a lounge, the cabin seat is the most amenity-heavy with its door and do-not-disturb sign. Plus, its Studio offers more choice.

Iberia is a close second with good privacy and comfort, but I'd personally prefer JetBlue when flying transatlantic for price and amenities.

La Compagnie is awkward but worth splurging on.
La Compagnie's all-business class cabin with blue headrests.
La Compagnie is one of two all-business-class airlines in the world. The other, Beond, has a similar 2Γ—2 layout.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

La Compagnie has the most awkward design, but there isn't a logical other way to configure its planes because it needs to optimize space.

Still, the prices are among the cheapest ways to cross the Atlantic in business class. I think it's a good option for leisure travelers willing to splurge but don't want to pay for more expensive airlines.

JetBlue has more routes to Europe.
Iberia A321XLR on the ramp in Boston.
JetBlue flies higher-demand routes with its A321neoLR, but the A321XLR may open new niche ones.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

JetBlue offers the most A321neoLR routes across the Atlantic with service to London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin, and Edinburgh, Scotland, from New York or Boston.

Iberia flies the A321XLR to Boston and, soon, to Washington Dulles. JetBlue plans to eventually receive the A321XLR, which could open new European routes, such as Italy and Spain.

La Compagnie indirectly competes with JetBlue in Paris. Instead of flying from New York-JFK to Charles de Gaulle like JetBlue, it flies from nearby Newark to Paris-Orly.

The A321XLR will add narrow-body routes to Europe with lie-flat beds.
Aer Lingus lie-flat business class on its A321neoLR.
Aer Lingus is among the carriers adding more narrowbody lie-flat seat across the Atlantic in 2025.

Aer Lingus

There are a few other narrow-body, lie-flat business classes that I haven't yet seen, like Aer Lingus 'A321neoLR. Starting in 2025, the airline will also fly bed-equipped A321XLRs on routes like Nashville to Dublin.

American and United are among the other carriers planning A321XLR flights with beds in business class β€” with United replacing its lie-flat Boeing 757s with the A321XLR in 2026 and adding new routes.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I toured the world's first Airbus A321XLR business class. The lie-flat seats lack one popular feature — but are easy to love anyway.

21 November 2024 at 12:49
A selfie of the author in Iberia's A321XLR business class.
I don't think Iberia's lack of business-class doors on its new A321XLR is a big deal.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

  • Iberia launched the first long-haul Airbus A321XLR flight from Madrid to Boston on November 14.
  • It's the world's first example of lie-flat business class on the highly anticipated new jet.
  • The seats don't have a door or an extra-large front row, but I don't think either is necessary.

Spanish flag carrier Iberia launched the first long-haul Airbus A321XLR flight on November 14, flying seven hours from Madrid to Boston.

The new Airbus narrow-body looks like its A321neoLR predecessor but can fly about 800 miles further thanks to an extra fuel tank in the belly, extending the aircraft's range 11 hours nonstop.

This plane is poised to open new routes for airlines they couldn't previously reach β€” or couldn't profitably fly with a wide-body.

Because the A321XLR will likely fly long-haul, many airlines plan to fit them with lie-flat business class to optimize comfort and choice.

Business Insider toured Iberia's A321XLR in Boston after its inaugural flight to see the industry's first example of these new premium narrow-body cabins.

It almost mirrors JetBlue Airways' Mint business class, minus two key features some passengers may miss β€” but I don't think Iberia needs either of them.

Iberia's A321XLR has 14 business-class seats.
The Iberia A321XLR cabin.
Iberia's A321XLR has wood-like finishes and a calm color scheme.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The Thompson Aero Vantage Solo seats are configured in a 1Γ—1 layout, meaning all passengers have direct aisle access. Flyers will get the standard business-class perks, like priority boarding and hot meals.

The section takes up about one-third of the cabin, while the rest of the plane hosts 168 economy seats in a 3Γ—3 layout. There is no premium economy.

Each seat is equipped with a lie-flat bed.
Grey lie-flat business class.
The bed is narrow, but flyers can lay comfortably on their side or back.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The lie-flat beds are likely a welcome feature for flyers during the seven-hour trek between the US and Spain. Iberia provides plush linens for sleeping.

I thought the beds were long enough for my five-foot, three-inch tall self, but they were too narrow to comfortably sleep on my stomach. Customers should have enough room to sleep on their side or back.

The Bluetooth-enabled television is 18.5 inches.
Viewing the red Iberia television from the row one business class.
The author viewing the television from the first-row business class seat. It is full of movies, games, and other entertainment.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Few airlines offer Bluetooth-capable televisions so I was excited to see the option on Iberia β€” which also extends to the economy cabin.

I would prefer to connect my AirPods, but customers without Bluetooth headphones can use the headset provided by Iberia.

There is surprisingly plentiful storage space.
Red television on Iberia A321XLR and storage under it.
There is storage under and beside the seat.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

With minimal cabin real estate for business class, Iberia got creative with storage. Beyond the tabletop space and overhead bins, flyers have nooks beside the seat and below the television.

A larger backpack likely won't fit, but chargers, books, electronics, and other small items needed during the flight can be at arm's length.

There are no privacy doors as many airlines have added in recent years.
Iberia's A321XLR.
Iberia's A321XLR has no sliding doors.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

JetBlue Airways has the same business-class seat on its Airbus A321neoLR, but it comes complete with sliding doors β€” something that has become a flyer-favorite perk in modern business-class cabins.

Iberia has not equipped its A321XLR with doors, instead relying on the seat's angle and high wings for privacy. I think the design easily does the job, and the swing-out television helps further cacoon passengers.

A fully private space is preferred among many travelers, but I think adding a door would take up unnecessary space and add costly weight that Iberia likely didn't want to take on.

There is no extra-large front row, either.
The front row of Iberia's A321XLR.
The front row of Iberia's A321XLR.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Another popular trend among new business-class cabins is larger front-row seats, which typically have extra space for a bigger bed or a companion seat but come at an extra fee.

JetBlue, for example, has its "Studio," while Virgin Atlantic Airways has the "Retreat Suite." Iberia's entire A321XLR business cabin is equipped with standard seats, which was likely the best way to optimize the cabin.

Designating an extra-large front row would also likely decrease the number of Iberia's regular high-dollar seats available to sell.

Business class won't have to fight for a lavatory.
One of the aft lavatories on Iberia.
One of the three aft lavatories on Iberia. They will be difficult for travelers to access, given the tight space at the back of the plane.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The A321XLR is a smaller long-haul plane, so its likely more passengers will be visiting the lavatory during the flight.

The front of the cabin has one lavatory for up to 14 people, which will be fine so long as the flight attendants keep it clean and stocked.

Business class passengers will likely be happy to have their own bathroom as the 168 economy flyers have to share the three at the back β€” and there's very little room to queue.

American and United are planning A321XLRs with lie-flat business class.
American's new Flagship Suite on its A321XLR.
American's new Flagship Suite on its A321XLR.

American Airlines

Airlines like JetBlue and Ireland's Aer Lingus have flown narrow-body planes with lie-flat business class for years, and American has a lie-flat cabin on its transcontinental fleet.

American is bringing that strategy to its future A321XLR with a new and improved business class β€” and this time with sliding doors and direct-aisle access for all travelers.

United is also planning a lie-flat cabin, though details are limited.

Not every airline plans to have an A321XLR premium cabin.
Wizz Air Airbus A321neo β€” Dubai Airshow Trip 2021
A Wizz Air Airbus A321neo, which will be the same cabin as its A321XLR.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The A321XLR is a versatile plane that can fit into both mainline and low-cost fleets β€” meaning some examples of the jet will not have business class.

Hungarian budget carrier Wizz Air recently announced a seven-hour A321XLR flight between London and Saudi Arabia. The flight will be all-economy with minimal legroom and no fancy amenities.

Wizz Air CEO JΓ³zsef VΓ‘radi said in September that the no-frills cabin will keep prices cheap, but customers will "have to create the fun for yourself."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Mysterious exploding craters started turning up in Siberia 10 years ago. Scientists say more are likely.

21 November 2024 at 08:36
massive crater in siberia

Aleksandr Lutcenko/iStock

  • Parts of Siberia's landscape are a ticking time bomb.
  • Giant craters started mysteriously appearing 10 years ago.
  • A team of scientists think they finally know why.

Tucked away in the frigid northern corner of Siberia are giant craters, some deep enough to fit a 15-story building. Scientists observed the first crater in 2014 and have found about 20 more in the years since.

It's been fairly clear from the beginning that the craters are caused by some type of explosion deep underground. What's triggering the explosions is a topic of debate β€” one that Ana Morgado, a chemical engineer at the University of Cambridge, thinks she and her colleagues have settled.

If their theory is correct, it would mean these types of exploding craters are rare and only form under specific geologic conditions, so there's no risk of something similar showing up in, say, downtown Manhattan.

Their theory also ties these massive eruptions to climate change. As the planet continues to warm, more craters will likely erupt. When this happens, it releases a highly potent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, which in turn contributes to climate change.

The mysterious case of Siberia's exploding craters

The colder nooks of the world, in places like Siberia and northern Canada, have a subsurface layer of soil called permafrost that's been permanently frozen for millennia. As global temperatures climb, pockets of permafrost are thawing worldwide.

This has led to some spectacular discoveries like a perfectly preserved 30,000-year-old squirrel in Canada and a 46,000 year-old worm in Siberia. It's not just ancient squirrels and worms hiding in permafrost.

Concentrated amounts of the highly explosive greenhouse gas methane are trapped deep underground in the permafrost in ice-like solids called methane hydrates.

Researchers widely agreed that when these hydrates are damaged, they release methane gas, which is what's triggering the explosions in Siberia.

How the hydrates are damaged in the first place, though, is less clear.

Existing theories suggest that warming permafrost, as a result of the warming Arctic, could ultimately destabilize the hydrate layer, releasing explosive methane gas.

"That was the initial idea, and we didn't question it at all at the beginning," Morgado told Business Insider. "What we questioned was that: Okay, you're saying that that is the case, but you don't present a physical model that can explain that. So no math."

When the team tried matching the math with the observations, they found that it would take centuries for the process to trigger an explosion. The Arctic had only been significantly warming over decades.

"So either something else was happening or magnifying this effect," Morgado said in an email.

The team found the missing piece to their puzzle when they learned of past geological surveys that had identified pools of liquid water, called cryopegs, just above the methane hydrates in Siberia.

What's causing the ground to erupt in Siberia

graphic explaining the four steps that must occur to lead to an explosion in Siberia's permafrost
The four-step process that may be what's causing Siberia's landscape to erupt in massive explosions.

AGU/Madeline Reinsel

Normally, the cryopegs are stable. Morgado and the team realized that the summer would threaten this stability.

In summer, frozen soil at the surface melts. That meltwater is then pulled down toward the cryopegs via a process called osmosis β€” the same process that helps water climb against gravity through tall plants.

Osomis was the magnifying effect the researchers were looking for.

With longer, warmer summers in recent years, enough meltwater is available for long enough periods that it's being driven down to the cryopegs on timescales that matched the observations, Morgado said.

Once the meltwater reaches the cryopegs, it's over.

The meltwater increases the pressure inside the cryopegs, just like adding more water to a water balloon. That pressure cracks the soil leading to the surface, which triggers a drastic reverse in pressure. And that pressure change is what damages the methane hydrates, triggering an explosion.

More exploding craters to come

Siberia will likely have more explosive craters in the coming years as global temperatures continue to warm. That's a problem because the methane these explosions release is a highly potent greenhouse gas, which helps drive global temperatures up even more.

It's unclear exactly how much methane these explosions release, but in the grand scheme of climate change, they're a small matter. Thawing permafrost is a larger concern because it contains concentrations of not only methane but also carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere when it melts.

Siberia isn't the only place in the world with permafrost.

If the team's theory is correct, it's possible, but unlikely, that other places with permafrost will start erupting the way Siberia has, Morgado said.

"It would need to be very specific that you would have this in another place," Morgado said, adding, "Luckily we are not seeing the entire world, or the entire Arctic, bursting into craters."

Read the original article on Business Insider

Parts of Russia are canceling New Year's parties to redirect funds to the war in Ukraine

21 November 2024 at 04:56
The Peter and Paul Fortress in St Petersburg is seen in dim light through out-of-focus New Years' illuminations in the foreground on January 1, 2024.
New Year's illuminations in St. Petersburg. Image used for illustration only.

Artem Priakhin/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

  • Officials in two Russian regions have said public bodies won't be holding New Year's parties this year.
  • The regions said that they're planning to redirect funds to the war in Ukraine instead, per reports.
  • This would be the third year of Russia scaling back celebrations in part to fund its war efforts.

The governments of several Russian regions have decided not to hold New Year's parties, with many proposing to allocate savings to funding the war in Ukraine, according to multiple reports.

The heads of the regions of Buryatia and Sakha, both in the east of the country, announced the move this week, according to The Moscow Times.

The Buryatia region's Telegram account proposed using the saved funds for those participating in the war, and encouraged others to do the same.

"It's wrong for public administrators and local governments to hold such events when the country is conducting a special military operation," the region's government said, per The Moscow Times' translation.

There will also be no fireworks as part of public celebrations to mark the season in the region's capital, Ulan-Ude, local outlet Arigus reported.

In Sakha, Russia's largest region, public institutions will not hold lavish celebrations, local outlet Yakutia 24 reported.

It is the third year in a row that cities and regions in Russia have scaled back festive celebrations.

In 2022, authorities in Tomsk, as well as Saint Petersburg, Sakha, Yaroslavl, and Nizhny Novgorod, all toned down festivities, The Telegraph reported at the time.

In addition to Buryatia and Sakha, several other regions have also said they'll be scaling back this year and sending funds to the military, according to Russian outlet Vedomosti.

Leningrad's governor announced plans to limit concerts and celebrations in favor of supporting the war efforts.

New Year is Russia's main festive celebration in December, as the country celebrates Christmas on January 7, in accordance with the practices of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Russian children traditionally receive gifts for New Year. The governments in both Buryatia and Sakha said that children's festivities wouldn't be affected.

There are signs that Russia's public sector is under strain, with large layoffs planned in 2025.

Russia is expected to lay off at least 40,000 government officials next year, according to a report by the Russian Kommersant newspaper.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered regional branches of federal government agencies to cut staff by 10% by July, per the outlet, which said that the cuts are designed to make the civil service more efficient and raise the salaries of existing staff.

It would also allow more people to enter Russia's labor market, which is experiencing a widespread shortage of workers amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Many holiday celebrations have been affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in the last years, not least Ukraine's own.

Ukraine is bracing itself for rolling blackouts this winter, per the Atlantic Council.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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