Aviation

Flying-Car Startup Kittyhawk to Shut Down

The flying-car firm Kittyhawk, which is backed by Larry Page, a co-founder of Google, said on Wednesday that it will be shutting down.

The firm was established in 2010 to produce eVTOLs, or electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and was given its name after the North Carolina town where the Wright brothers’ ground-breaking aircraft first took flight. Sebastian Thrun, a former Google vice president and co-founder of the startup, oversaw the creation of Google Glasses and the self-driving car.

Rolls-Royce and Air China announce Joint Venture for new maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Beijing(Opens in a new browser tab)

The Kittyhawk Flyer, an electric-only ultralight aircraft, was presented by the business in 2018 and was capable of carrying a single passenger up to 10 feet in the air at 20 mph. A two-person electric air taxi dubbed Cora was also being developed by Kittyhawk.

Cora is the centerpiece of Wisk Aero, a partnership that Kittyhawk and Boeing established in 2019. The strategic alliance was designed to provide both businesses a significant advantage over competing for flying vehicle and air taxi initiatives like Bell Nexus and UberAir.

Lufthansa welcomes its First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at Everett(Opens in a new browser tab)

Boeing’s dedication to Wisk is unaffected by Kitty Hawk’s decision to halt operations. We are happy to be a founding member of Wisk Aero and pleased with the work they are doing to advance innovation and sustainability in the field of future electric aviation, according to a statement from a Boeing representative. We don’t anticipate that Kitty Hawk’s announcement will have any impact on Wisk’s operations or other endeavors.

Source:

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

This country tops visa rejections in the popular Schengen countries

To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.