Airlines

Biden administration moving toward blocking JetBlue-Spirit merger

According to Politico on Friday, which cited five people with knowledge of the situation, the Justice Department is expected to file a suit to block the proposed $3.8 billion merger of JetBlue Airways Corp and Spirit Airlines Inc.

According to the article, the DoJ may file a lawsuit as early as March. It also stated that different individuals in the department’s anti-trust section had differing views over whether to initiate a case or not.

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In a statement sent through email, JetBlue stated, “We continue to work through the regulatory process to explain how this merger will promote competition in the airline market.” In Friday’s extended trading, shares of JetBlue and Spirit were unchanged. As the DoJ continued its anti-trust investigation earlier this week, JetBlue representatives responded to inquiries and provided depositions.

This week, Spirit Airlines Inc. stated that it anticipates U.S. antitrust authorities would decide within the “next 30 days or so” whether to approve the low-cost carrier’s $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue Airways Corp. Spirit CEO Edward Christie stated on an investor call that the company was “now waiting to see whether the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed suit to halt the deal or enables us to proceed.”

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JetBlue has proposed to sell Spirit’s assets in New York, Boston, and some Florida locations in order to satisfy the DOJ and the Transportation Department, which is providing advising input on the merger clearance process. However, DOJ antitrust chief Jonathan Kanter has criticized utilizing settlements to address competition issues in mergers, preferring to litigate to stop problematic deals entirely.

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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.

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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.

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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.