Aviation

Pilots battle for flying Qantas A380, The Qantas Pilot Association objects to the new recruitment structure for pilots

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Qantas filed a lawsuit against the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), alleging that the pilot union had prevented outside hiring for the Airbus A380.

Instead of using one of its own existing pilots while waiting for promotions, Qantas is considering hiring an outside pilot to fly the A380. Because of the rulings, the Qantas Pilot Association objected. A380 is a jumbo airplane that has a capacity of more than 450 people and will also come with additional benefits. So, for any pilot, achieving such a position to fly this huge aircraft will be a significant accomplishment.

On April 26, 2023, the airline filed a lawsuit against the union, and on May 26, 2023, Justice Goodman of Australia’s Federal Court set a hearing date.

Instead of only relying on the ranks of its current Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330 pilots, Qantas wants to recruit pilots from outside the company for 20 highly sought-after second-officer training places on its A380 aircraft.

The airline claims that internal promotions would result in a void that couldn’t be filled quickly enough, decreasing the pool of pilots available to fulfill the booming demand for overseas flights.

Since the Australian carrier has been reintroducing more of the Super Jumbos in recent months, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that the dispute in the Fair Work petition is about who would be promoted to fly the Airbus A380. While AIPA has noted that Qantas intends to hire outsiders, doing so would violate a practise that has existed for “more than half a century” of promoting internal applicants to fill posts on larger aircraft, in this case, the A380.

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.