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5 Travel Technology Trends in travel industry

The majority of the aviation industry is investing in technologies to attract more passengers. Check out some of the newest trends in the aviation business.

Jet2 plane diverts to Bilbao so passengers could go to the toilet

Prices are rising across the board, from food to fuel, just as people are enjoying their long-awaited summer holidays. While travel costs may be higher than usual this year, this hasn’t stopped a flood of consumers willing to spend or a wave of technological advances made by travel brands to improve the experiences of travelers.

1. Southwest Connects Passengers to Destinations Via Flight Tracking Technology

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The trendsetter Southwest Airlines has joined forces with mapping expert FlightPath3D in a new partnership. As a result of the new relationship, Southwest customers will have access to a number of mobile-friendly video travel guides as well as virtual reality videos that will be included in the inflight moving map. The “Destination Reels” enable travelers to explore their destination depending on their interests for a more customized, virtual experience by using data to rank attractions and match user preferences.

The new technology also fills the gap between consumers’ experience with onboard entertainment and social, mobile content from platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Along with its relationship with Delta, FlightPath3D has agreed to supply its technology to China Airlines and Lufthansa, expanding the range of passenger experiences before they ever step off their flight.

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2. Hertz Gets Boost From Tech Investments, Travel Rebound

Courtesy: Polestar Media

The development of a contemporary mobility ecosystem is the common objective of today’s travel technology. Hertz, whose fleet of rental cars from Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty will be completely connected by the end of the year, is one of the travel companies attempting to make that ambition a reality. Hertz is placing its whole fleet onto the cloud and is already realizing the financial rewards of this decision. The organization may gain knowledge from linked auto data such as a vehicle’s position, battery charge level, and even alarms like engine warning lights.

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The business has noticed advantages of telematics-equipped vehicles, such as enhanced data monitoring, more precise fuel readings, and less theft. According to Stephen Scherr, CEO of Hertz, example, recovery times after repossession are cut in half on linked automobiles, saving about $1,600 a month. As the program is expanded, the corporation intends to investigate new features to make use of telemetry data, and they are considering exploring digitization elsewhere too.

3. Coming to a Giant Airport Screen: Your Personal Flight Information

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At the Detroit Metropolitan terminal, Delta has installed a “Parallel Reality” system that enables passengers to see their specific flight details on a shared overhead screen by scanning their boarding card or their face. The only people who can see their personal information are they, even if other passengers are gazing at the same board at the same time.

The use of technology eliminates one of the most annoying airport inconveniences: having to search through a sea of other passengers to find a little row on a big screen that contains information about your flight. The display panels have received excellent reaction so far, according to Delta, and the airline intends to utilize digital identity technology more widely at other airports, such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York’s LaGuardia.

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4. The Future of Business Travel: Supersonic Flights, Computerized Chauffeurs, Beyond

The pandemic hastened the adoption of recent technology, and one overarching tendency among the recognized technical advancements is the blurring of the lines between leisure and work through convenience. A trip between Tokyo and Seattle might take as little as 4.5 hours in the future, dramatically reducing some of the most popular executive travel routes, according to Boom and Aerospace, two businesses developing supersonic passenger planes.

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Self-driving cars take the trouble out of getting transportation in foreign cities. These vehicles are currently being tested by tech and auto companies like Google and General Motors. With artificial intelligence able to handle laborious trip planning chores like hotel booking and ticket switching, robotics is becoming a developing industry for business travel. Business travellers might concentrate more on their commitments by eliminating the difficulties of trip planning.

5. Blockchain Technology Holds Potential for Travel Insurance

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Blockchain is one of the most significant emerging developments in travel technology. Travel insurance is one of the newest applications for the technology that has been found. A cost-effective means to track information, blockchain is not only a highly secure mechanism to store and record data but also one that can be quickly exchanged between different parties. Blockchain is being applied to insurance products in the travel industry to automatically issue policies and carry out compensation for aircraft delays and cancellations.

Recently, German blockchain firm Etherisc unveiled Flight Delay, a service that detects delays and automates payouts on 80 airlines without requiring human verification. Because information about airline cancellations and delays is easily accessible.

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aviation

HAL’s Indigenous Tejas MK-1A completes its first maiden flight

The LCA Tejas Aircraft Crash: Understanding the Reasons - Air Marshal GS Bedi's Perspective

The inaugural flight of the first production series fighter of LCA Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced iteration of the LCA Mk-1 recently inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru Today.

Over the past several days, the Defence PSU HAL has been conducting various taxi trials in preparation for this milestone.

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The maiden flight lasted 18 minutes and marked a triumph for the project. The Mk-1A boasts several enhancements, including digital radar warning receivers, an advanced AESA radar, improved beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, and external self-protection jammer pods.

The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A aircraft features a larger cockpit canopy, enhancing the pilot’s outside visibility and facilitating better movement of their helmet. Additionally, the air intake has been redesigned to supply faster airflow to the engine, enhancing performance. Modifications to the vertical radar in the tail section have been made to improve control during turns. Overall, these upgrades elevate the aircraft’s standards compared to previous versions, providing increased comfort and functionality.

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Under a contract worth Rs 46,898 crore signed in 2021, HAL is mandated to deliver 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets between March 2024 and February 2028. This follows the completion of the order for 40 Tejas Mk1 jets valued at Rs 8,802 crore, of which 32 single-seat fighters and two twin-seat trainers have already been delivered.

The IAF, which currently operates two Tejas squadrons named ‘Flying Daggers’ and ‘Flying Bullets’, has deployed one squadron in the southwestern sector. Recognizing the significance of the Tejas in bolstering its fleet, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the acquisition of an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. However, the final clearance from the cabinet committee on security (CCS) is pending before the order can be placed.

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With the IAF grappling with a decline in the number of its fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 31 against the required 42 to effectively counter threats from China and Pakistan, the Tejas assumes a crucial role in filling this gap. Despite initial skepticism, the Tejas has evolved into a flagship platform for India, garnering attention and accolades at numerous defense and aerospace exhibitions worldwide.

However, it is essential to note that the IAF recently experienced its first loss of a Tejas Mk 1 fighter aircraft due to an air crash on March 12.

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Aerospace

South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling

South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling

The first aerial refuelling test of South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet was successfully completed, marking a key milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.

Refueling from a Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KC-330 aircraft off the southern coast, the Boramae fighter jet took off from Sacheon Airbase, some 183 miles southeast of Seoul. The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) hailed this development, which represents a significant advancement for this state-of-the-art aircraft.

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The successful aerial refueling test corresponds with a staged production plan intended to ease worries brought forward by the feasibility assessment carried out a year ago. The research recommended cutting production to just 20 units and made additional test suggestions. A DAPA official continues to state that after discussions with pertinent agencies, plans are in place to conclude verification testing by June of this year and complete a contract for the remaining 20 units by February of the following year.

The kf 21, which has been compared to the Turkish KAAN and the Indian AMCA, has a more stealthy airframe than fourth-generation aircraft, but it is not yet capable of fifth-generation fighter capabilities. However, in the future, modifications such as internal weapons bays might force South Korea to reclassify it as a fifth-generation fighter. Even while South Korea has made significant strides towards constructing the KF-21, other countries, including Turkey and India, are also stepping up their efforts to push plans for creating fifth-generation fighter jets.

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As an initial phase, KAI boramae intends to manufacture a two-seat variant of the kai kf 21 boramae equipped with manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. According to current plans, the Block 2 kf 21 fighter is slated for an upgrade to a low observability (LO) configuration, elevating it to the status of a fifth-generation fighter.

Additionally, KAI has put forward a proposal for the development of a Block 3 kf 21 boramae fighter jet, categorized as a sixth-generation fighter. This iteration would be larger, boasting enhanced stealth features and capabilities. It would incorporate more potent engines and operate within a comprehensive ‘system of systems’ framework, integrating with unmanned effectors for increased effectiveness.

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With the KF-21’s production set to start later in the year, DAPA intends to finalise an agreement with KAI by the beginning of 2024. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is expected to receive 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.

The whole production plan for 40 kf21s has been approved by the Defence Project Promotion Committee, with an estimated cost of 7.92 trillion won (US$5.9 billion) between now and 2028.

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Aviation

Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival

Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival

In a shocking turn of events, a passenger jet was nearly blinded by the intense beams of hundreds of laser pointers wielded by festival-goers at a pyrotechnics festival in Tultepec, Mexico.

The harrowing incident unfolded last weekend during the National Pyrotechnic Festival, an annual celebration showcasing Mexico’s rich tradition in fireworks production and usage.

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Video footage captured the moment when a passenger jet, en route to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, soared above the festival grounds. As the aircraft approached, the sky became illuminated with a multitude of green laser beams, creating an eerie glow around the plane.

https://twitter.com/fl360aero/status/1770277290695385593

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The sight was both astonishing and terrifying, as the lasers posed a serious risk to the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Social media erupted with condemnation towards the festival-goers, labeling their actions as idiotic and dangerous.

Social media erupted with condemnation as the video spread rapidly, with users expressing outrage at the dangerous behavior of the festival attendees. Many denounced the act as foolish and illegal, highlighting the potential consequences of such reckless actions.

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It is currently unclear if the police are investigating the video or if the airline targeted has complained to air safety officials.

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Airlines

Indigo contributed 31 crores to India’s political party for election funds

Indigo contributed 31 crores to India's political party for election funds

In a recent disclosure, it has come to light that Rahul Bhatia, the promoter of IndiGo, along with companies under his InterGlobe Group, has made significant donations totaling Rs 56 crore to four political parties. Additionally, SpiceJet, led by Ajay Singh, has contributed Rs 70 lakh to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The data further reveals that InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd, a part of the InterGlobe Group, purchased 11 electoral bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each on May 10, 2019, amounting to a total of Rs 11 crore. Similarly, Interglobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, acquired 5 electoral bonds worth Rs 1 crore each on October 23, 2023, totaling Rs 5 crore.

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InterGlobe Real Estate Venture and InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd directed the lion’s share of their political contributions, totaling Rs 31 crore, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Surprisingly, the second-largest recipient was the Trinamool Congress (TMC), receiving Rs 16.2 crore from Bhatia. Additionally, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd allocated Rs 5 crore to the Congress party, while Bhatia contributed Rs 3.8 crore to its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Rahul Bhatia, individually, also made substantial contributions through electoral bonds, purchasing bonds worth Rs 20 crore. On April 7, 2021, a total of 29 electoral bonds were acquired, with 19 bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each and 10 bonds at Rs 10 lakh each, summing up to Rs 20 crore. When combined with the donations from IndiGo and its affiliated companies, the total contributions from the promoter and associated entities reach Rs 56 crore.

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On the other hand, SpiceJet, once a prominent player in the Indian aviation industry, has seen a decline in its market position, currently ranking fifth in terms of market share. Despite this, the airline has engaged in political contributions, with donations made in three separate installments.

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