Aviation

Indian Navy bids farewell to reconnaissance IL 38 SD aircraft

Ilyushin-38 Sea Dragon Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft of the Indian Navy departed the country after 46 illustrious years of service.

At INS Hansa, Dabolim, on October 31, there was a decommissioning ceremony. Aside from dignitaries, the Chief of Naval Staff, families attended the occasion and shared memories of their yeoman service with veteran commanders and sailors of the IL-38 unit.

The Navy entered a new phase of airborne Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare on October 1, 1977, when IL-38 aircraft were introduced and INAS 315 was put into service.

Over the years, the IL-38 SD has demonstrated its exceptional force multiplier capabilities with its striking prowess, long reach, and unique capabilities that span the broad Indian Ocean region. The formidable “Winged Stallion” that graces the squadron crest has been honoring the slogan of the unit, “Victory is my Profession,” by keeping a vigilant watch over and beneath the waves as it relentlessly seeks to safeguard the country’s maritime borders.

With the IL-38 SD De-induction ceremony, a golden period that brought about ground-breaking capabilities in Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare missions comes to an end. The historical significance of the IL-38 SD’s operational role as “Eyes in the Sky” in an ever-changing and dynamic Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its invaluable contribution to several mission-critical deployments will live on forever in the history of Indian Naval Aviation.

Aviation

China Eastern Receives Its Ninth C919 Aircraft, Marking a New Milestone

China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of its ninth COMAC C919 aircraft, continuing its lead as the launch customer for China’s domestic narrow-body airliner.

On Thursday, the airline received the latest addition to its fleet, registered as B-657T, marking another step in China’s ambitious efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global aerospace market.

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This delivery is part of a major achievement for COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China), which has now delivered a total of 10 comac c919 in 2024 alone, a remarkable increase from just three jets delivered by the end of 2023.

The C919 program represents China’s entry into the competitive market for commercial aircraft, aiming to rival the dominance of manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing in the narrow-body sector.

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One standout feature of the c919 is its innovative in-flight technology, particularly its Wi-Fi system. Developed by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), this system allows passengers to connect to the “CEAIR-WIFI” wireless hotspot, providing seamless access to in-flight entertainment.

Through the website www.muflyer.com, travelers can enjoy a range of features including “Air Cinema” and “Air Games,” which enhance the flying experience.

Looking ahead, COMAC’s ambitions are not limited to narrow-body aircraft. At the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, c919 aircraft price made waves with the announcement of over 100 new aircraft orders.

A significant highlight was a high-profile agreement with Air China for the development of the C929, a widebody aircraft set to compete c919 vs a320 and c919 vs 737 with these models.