Airlines

China to Design second Phase of C919 Aircraft; Cathay Pacific Shows Interest

In a significant move reflecting China’s growing ambitions in the aviation industry, the state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) is set to expand its production facilities for the indigenous C919 jets in Shanghai.

This expansion comes in response to a surge in orders, signaling a significant milestone for China’s efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global aerospace market. According to reports from the China Aviation Planning and Design Institute (AVIC-CAPDI), a key contractor involved in the project.

COMAC has embarked on the second phase of the C919 large passenger aircraft batch production capacity construction project. The project, located in Pudong, Shanghai, boasts a substantial total construction area of 330,000 square meters.

The expansion project, as outlined by AVIC-CAPDI, primarily focuses on the construction of crucial infrastructure including an assembly plant, parts warehouse, and tarmac area. Such developments underscore COMAC’s commitment to ramping up manufacturing capabilities to meet the burgeoning demand for the C919 aircraft.

This move comes on the heels of major orders from leading Chinese carriers, including Air China and China Southern Airlines, each placing orders for 100 C919 jets. These substantial orders not only validate the growing confidence but also aim to challenge the dominance of industry giants Airbus and Boeing in the commercial aircraft market.

Despite primarily securing orders from Chinese airlines and aircraft lessors, the C919 has garnered significant traction, accumulating over 1,000 orders to date. Moreover, at the recent Fortune Innovation Forum held in Hong Kong, Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay Pacific, hinted at the airline’s potential interest in adopting the C919 in the near future.

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.