Aviation

3 passengers sue Boeing, Alaska Airlines for $1 billion after door plug incident

Three passengers who were aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which experienced a terrifying mid-flight incident when a portion of the aircraft blew off, have filed a lawsuit against Boeing and Alaska Airlines seeking $1 billion in damages.

The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of both companies, citing a pressurization issue identified by alaska airlines before the incident. The plaintiffs, Kyle Rinker, Amanda Strickland, and Kevin Kwok, were among the passengers on the routine flight when the Boeing 737 side panel explosively detached, leading to depressurization inside the aircraft and causing air masks to deploy.

The incident, which occurred in early January, prompted an emergency landing at Portland International Airport (PDX). This lawsuit follows a class-action suit filed by four passengers and an amended lawsuit filed by an attorney representing an additional 22 passengers from the same flight, both alleging negligence against Boeing and Alaska Airlines.

The expanded lawsuit claims that further inspections should have been conducted before the aircraft was placed in service, and seeks to hold Boeing accountable for what the plaintiffs argue was a preventable incident.

Boeing CEO David Calhoun expressed regret for the disaster and acknowledged that hundreds of passengers’ and crew members’ lives were in danger due to the preventable accident. The lawsuit claims that not only was the tragedy avoidable but that many other boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft were also affected by the aircraft’s manufacturing flaws, which prompted the FAA to temporarily ground and inspect those planes.

The plaintiffs are suing Boeing for significant punitive damages, claiming that the incident caused them to suffer from severe panic, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The lawsuit also refers to an NTSB preliminary report that stated the cockpit door was intended to blast open in the event of depressurization—a feature that pilots and crew were allegedly unaware of.

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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.