Aerospace

Air India’s Maharaja’retires’ his ‘queens of the skies’ after 51 years.

The legendary Boeing 747 will be retired from the Air India fleet. It is one of Boeing’s first largest aeroplanes. From April 1971 to April 2022, Air India flew Boeing 747s for more than 51 years. Three of the four 747s were operating. The last time it was seen was during the covid for evacuating passengers from Wuhan, China.

It had 12 first-class seats, 26 business-class seats, and 385 economy-class seats were available on Air India. It has a maximum take-off weight of 377.8 tonnes and was powered by four Pratt & Whitney engines.

Boeing 747s are currently operated by Lufthansa and Korean Air. The e-registration of these planes is a sad day in aviation. This aircraft was the largest, fastest, and heaviest ever flown by an Indian carrier. None of the pilots who have flown a Boeing 747 have indicated it is a bad plane. The title of “Queen of the Skies” has stuck with her. Air India had a fleet of roughly 20 Boeing 747s, some of which were leased.

According to the latest reports, Air India’s legendary Boeing 747s may have finally reached the end of their service after more than half a century of flying the tricolour across foreign skies. It was also known for the Maharaja Brand. The airline’s website was recently updated by the Tata Group, and the jumbo planes are no longer listed as part of the fleet. Because the majority of airlines revamp fleets by the years. The Maharaja’s final four queens of the skies were deregistered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in April.

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As the aircraft fleet ages, it becomes more difficult for airlines to keep them functioning. Only when 80 percent of the seats on a jumbo aircraft are filled can it be profitable, albeit given their age, scarcity of spares, cabin quality, and, most crucially, the investment necessary, it remains to be seen if that happens.

In 1971, the airline received its first jumbo jet, the Emperor Ashoka. AI, under the leadership of JRD Tata, had set new standards for in-flight luxury with the 747s. For this aircraft, it has created a special “Palace in the Sky” livery. When JRD himself introduced the attractively adorned staircase to the top deck, jharokha flight panels, dewans, and bar onboard these gorgeous machines in the 1970s, they were much ahead of their time.

The president, vice president, and prime minister were all flown aboard B747s on medium to long-haul overseas travels. They couldn’t go directly to the Americas, so they had to stop in Europe, especially Frankfurt. Then India received two state-of-the-art Boeing 777s, which, unlike the jumbos that previously served both VVIP and normal flights, will be dedicated to dignitaries and can fly nonstop to and from practically any location on the earth. When the VVIP duty ended, the four-engine double deckers were no longer in demand, especially as fuel prices began to climb.

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These planes are listed as part of AI’s fleet on the newly updated website: single aisle Airbus A320 family (319, 320, and 321) and wide body B777 and B787s. AI could be the only commercial airline in India to fly four-engine aircraft.

According to recent reports, Tata Group is considering merging with Vistara and plans to deploy Boeing Triple 7 and 7 8 7 aircraft for long-haul flights.

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However, given that this aircraft has carried India’s aviation history since 1971, saying goodbye is difficult for any aviation lover.

Have you ever flown these planes? Tell us about your favourite moment with Air India in the comments section.

End of Queen of the Skies production, Boeing 747

Boeing 747 jet clocked up just 42 hours in the sky is scrapped

Aerospace

India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN

Coutresy : Boeing planes

India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.

Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.

For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.

Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.

FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.

Aerospace

Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?

Courtesy : Tony Fernandes (Linked in Story)

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.

C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders

COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.

Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.

During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.

He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.

Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.

Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements

The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.

Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.

In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.

Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).