Air India is ramping up its European presence with exciting new flight additions to Amsterdam, Milan, and Copenhagen.

The move comes as a response to the sustained demand for travel to Europe and signals the airline’s commitment to meeting the needs of its customers. Beginning June 22, 2024, Air India will introduce daily non-stop flights from Delhi to Amsterdam Schiphol and Milan Malpensa, significantly increasing the frequency on these vital routes.

The service enhancements will elevate the weekly flights from one to four and five, respectively. Furthermore, an additional flight will be added to the Delhi-Copenhagen route, boosting the frequency to five flights per week.

Campbell Wilson, the CEO & MD of Air India, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, highlighting the burgeoning demand for travel between India and Europe. He emphasized the airline’s dedication to offering customers greater choice and convenience in their travel options.

These new flights not only cater to the increasing travel demand but also aim to strengthen trade and tourism ties between India and Europe. Moreover, they provide seamless connectivity for travelers from Europe to destinations across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia via Air India’s Delhi hub.

The expansion aligns with Air India’s strategy of enhancing connectivity to Europe. The airline recently announced daily, non-stop flights to Zurich, commencing June 16, 2024. Additionally, Air India operates daily services to Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), further bolstering passenger traffic and cargo flows between India and Europe.

With the increased frequency to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Milan, Air India will now operate 80 flights per week to and from seven key points in mainland Europe. Passengers can enjoy the comfort and amenities of Air India’s two-class configured Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring 18 flat beds in Business Class and 236 spacious seats in Economy.

Qantas, Australia’s national carrier, is set to revolutionize its in-flight dining experience with a significant menu transformation.

In response to customer feedback and to elevate the onboard culinary journey, Qantas has decided to bid adieu to lighter snack options and welcome a range of delectable hot foods on domestic flights lasting more than two hours.

Passengers can anticipate an array of tantalizing dishes featuring premium local ingredients sourced from Australian producers. From gourmet brekkie burgers to cauliflower bites and Mediterranean pizza, the new menu offerings promise to tantalize taste buds and provide a delightful culinary journey at 30,000 feet.

Among the exciting additions are scrambled egg brioche with tomato relish, ciabatta roll with Portuguese chicken and mango lime jam, and artisanal beef sausage rolls, all of which will be gradually introduced in the upcoming weeks.

But the enhancements don’t stop there. Qantas is extending its onboard tea and coffee service into afternoon flights until 4 pm, ensuring passengers stay refreshed throughout their journey.

For those with a sweet tooth, Weis ice cream bars will be a welcome addition on flights lasting over three and a half hours, such as the Sydney to Perth route.

Vegetarian options are also available, with offerings like Sunny Queen carrot and pumpkin fritters, cauliflower bites, or a mouthwatering Mediterranean pizza.

Phil Capps, Qantas’ executive manager of product and service, expressed the airline’s commitment to continuously improving the passenger experience. He emphasized that these hot menu items are crafted using the finest Australian ingredients, reflecting Qantas’ dedication to supporting local producers and offering passengers an elevated dining experience.

In a harrowing incident at an airport in Dakar, Senegal, Boeing 737 operated by Air Senegal’s Transair skidded off the runway just before takeoff, leaving 10 individuals injured.

The event unfolded late Wednesday, with 85 passengers onboard, bound for Mali. Passengers onboard the flight captured the terrifying moments and shared videos on social media, revealing flames engulfing one side of the plane and the distressing sounds of evacuation.

Transair Senegal Boeing 737-300 (6V-AJE, built 1994) was seriously damaged when it overran the landing runway at Dakar-Intl Airport(GOBD), Senegal. The left wing and engine caught fire but all 73 passengers were able to evacuate alive. There was unspecified number of injuries.… pic.twitter.com/SysgTSL3b8— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) May 9, 2024

Conflicting reports emerged regarding the exact count of passengers and injuries, with authorities indicating 78 passengers onboard and 11 wounded, while the transport ministry reported 79 passengers and 10 injuries, including one of the pilots.

Despite the confusion, swift action from the crew allowed for the deployment of side exit ramps, facilitating the evacuation of passengers as the aircraft began to burn. Authorities swiftly responded, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment while providing shelter to others at a nearby hotel.

Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, issued a statement expressing readiness to support investigations into the incident. The company referenced Transair for further inquiries, emphasizing their commitment to providing assistance to their customers. Notably, the ill-fated plane had previously experienced a tail issue during takeoff, returning to service a month later.

This incident adds to a string of recent challenges faced by Boeing, including heightened scrutiny following various incidents. In January, an Alaska Airlines flight encountered a mid-flight emergency when a door plug blew out, further amplifying concerns about aircraft safety and maintenance.

As investigations unfold, questions regarding aircraft maintenance, safety protocols, and regulatory oversight are likely to come under increased scrutiny, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring passenger safety in air travel.