Airlines

STARLUX Airlines orders A350F and more A330neo widebodies

Taiwan’s STARLUX Airlines has put in a formal order for three additional A330neo widebody aircraft and five brand-new A350F freighters. Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus’s Commercial Aircraft division, and KW Chang, Chairman of STARLUX Airlines, signed the deal during the Singapore Airshow.

With this purchase, STARLUX will fly the next-generation A350F widebody freighter, making it the first airline from Taiwan to do so. With its unparalleled fuel burn, CO2 emissions, and economic efficiency, the A350F offers substantial energy savings and carbon reduction advantages in an era of climate change. It complies with client demands for carbon reduction and supports STARLUX’s ESG goal of zero emissions by 2050. The three new A330neos will also increase our fleet advantage and give passenger operations more flexibility.

STARLUX Airlines now flies the A350-900, A330neo, and A321neo as part of its all-Airbus passenger fleet. STARLUX Cargo will fly the A350F on some of the busiest cargo routes in the world. The A350F, which is still in development, will be able to travel up to 4,700 nautical miles or 8,700 km and carry a cargo of up to 111 tonnes for a substantially cheaper price than any other freighter on the market. STARLUX Cargo will be able to service all heavy cargo markets globally with the A350F.

Equipped with the most recent Rolls-Royce Trent-XWB97 engines, the aircraft is at least 20% more efficient than its rival and will result in a 40% decrease in fuel consumption and carbon emissions when compared to the older 747F.

With its fuselage length and capacity built around the industry standard pallets and containers, the A350F boasts the largest main deck cargo door in the business. The airframe weighs 46 tonnes less at takeoff than the rival variant because more than 70% of it is constructed of cutting-edge materials. Additionally, starting in 2027, only the A350F will be able to fully comply with the ICAO’s higher CO2 emissions criteria.

STARLUX Airlines will continue to construct one of the most cutting-edge and effective passenger fleets, providing the highest standards of in-flight comfort, thanks to the further order for the A330neo. With the additional order, the airline would have seven A330neos instead of just four. These aircraft have a luxurious two-class cabin with 28 business class seats and 269 economy class seats.

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.