Airlines

Air India Unveils ‘Fare Lock’ Feature for Hassle-Free Flight Bookings

Air India, under the ownership of the Tata Group, unveiled a new feature called “Fare Lock,” offering customers the flexibility to secure their chosen fare for a period of 48 hours.

This innovative option empowers travelers to confirm their travel plans while avoiding sudden fare fluctuations or availability issues. With Fare Lock, passengers can reserve their selected fare for up to two days by paying a nominal fee. This feature applies to flight options at least 10 days away from the booking date, providing ample time for travelers to finalize their plans.

To access this service, Air India customers need to select their preferred flight options during booking and opt for the Fare Lock feature. Upon payment of a non-refundable fee, passengers can revisit their bookings through the website or mobile app and confirm their reservations at the pre-selected fares using the ‘Manage Booking’ option.

The fees for Fare Lock vary depending on the route and are inclusive of taxes. For domestic flights, Air India charges a fee of Rs 500, while short-haul international departures from India incur a fee of Rs 850. Incoming short-haul international flights attract a fee of $10, whereas longer international outbound flights entail a fee of Rs 1,500. Similarly, incoming longer international flights to India will be charged $18, as stated by the airline.

This introduction of Fare Lock adds to Air India’s range of ancillary offerings, aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience for its customers. By providing this option, the airline aims to cater to the evolving needs of travelers and ensure a seamless booking process.

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.