Airlines

Boeing has regained trust and received order from Ethiopian Airlines

“Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia, has chosen to enhance its business ties with Boeing despite facing the deadliest crash in its history. The tragic incident occurred in March 2019 when flight ET 302, a Boeing 737-8 Max, crashed, claiming 157 lives.

Boeing has compensated the families and settled financial matters with Ethiopia professionally, leading to the airline’s renewed trust in the aircraft manufacturer. Recent developments highlight Boeing’s success in regaining Ethiopian Airlines’ confidence, resulting in a significant new order.”

Ethiopian Airlines to Order Up to 67 Boeing Jets

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines today announced the carrier has agreed to order 11 787 Dreamliners and 20 737 MAX airplanes with an opportunity for 15 and 21 additional jets, respectively. The agreement, signed by Ethiopia’s national carrier at the Dubai Airshow, represents the largest-ever purchase of Boeing airplanes in African history.

The new commitment allows Ethiopian Airlines to strengthen and diversify its fleet, which currently consists of more than 80 Boeing planes. Ethiopian has Africa’s largest Dreamliner fleet, consisting of 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. When the new 737 MAX order is finalized, it will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website, increasing the airline’s backlog for the fuel-efficient jet to 50.

Boeing Plans to Upgrade In-Flight Entertainment and Install New Seats

Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have also agreed to collaborate on cabin modification services for the carrier’s existing 787 Dreamliners. With advanced in-flight entertainment and new seats in all cabins, including lie-flat business-class seats from Boeing joint venture Adient Aerospace, the extensive retrofits will improve the passenger experience.

Airlines

A 17-yr boy was arrested for making a hoax bomb threat, causing multiple flight diversions and delays.

Mumbai police have detained a 17-year-old boy from Chhattisgarh who allegedly issued bomb threats to multiple international flights via social media. According to the police, the minor made the threats to settle a financial dispute by framing another person.

The incident began on Monday night when a New York-bound Air India flight, originally departing from Mumbai, had to be diverted to New Delhi after receiving a bomb threat. The flight was later rescheduled. That same evening, two other international flights operated by IndiGo, heading to Jeddah and Muscat, also received similar threats, causing delays of several hours.

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The investigation revealed that all three threats originated from posts made by the minor from Chhattisgarh, leading to his detention. He was subsequently handed over to the local Juvenile Justice Board. The Mumbai police found that the boy had used the name and picture of another individual, also from Chhattisgarh, to create a fake social media account and issue the threats. The intention, according to the police, was to frame the other person and settle a score over a financial disagreement.

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The situation escalated on Tuesday, when a total of seven flights, including one bound for the United States, received similar threats through a social media handle. Security agencies initiated counter-terrorist drills at various airports to ensure safety. Further investigation into the minor’s actions and motivations is ongoing.