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US airlines to limit ‘smart luggage’ over battery fire fears

US airlines

According to CNET news Many major US airlines have announced restrictions on so-called smart luggage out of concern their lithium ion batteries may pose a fire risk.

Smart luggage tends to contain a USB port for charging devices, GPS to track the bag’s location, remote locking and built-in weight sensors. Some even sport a motor to propel the bag for ease of movement through an airport.

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These features require power that is often supplied by built-in lithium ion batteries, which contain highly flammable liquid. Worried the batteries could cause a fire in the cargo hold that would go undetected, airlines are instituting new rules that require fliers remove the batteries when they check their luggage and carry them into the passenger cabin.

“Beginning Jan. 15, customers who travel with a smart bag must be able to remove the battery in case the bag has to be checked at any point in the customer’s journey. If the battery cannot be removed, the bag will not be allowed,” American Airlines said in a statement on Friday. Delta and Alaska soon followed suit with similar policies on their flights.

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In the past couple of years, the use of lithium ion batteries has been linked to fires and spewing smoke in a slew of products, including Samsung’s now-canceled Galaxy Note 7hoverboards, and Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning about the batteries last year, urging airlines to examine the risks associated with transporting lithium batteries as cargo, including “the potential risk for a catastrophic hull loss.” The alert covered batteries being transported as components and not those already inside devices such as laptopstabletsphones or hoverboards.

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However, many bags have batteries that can’t be removed, and that has smart luggage makers like Bluesmart worried.

“We are saddened by these latest changes to some airline regulations and feel it is a step back not only for travel technology, but that it also presents an obstacle to streamlining and improving the way we all travel,” Bluesmart told CNN.

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aviation

Emirates is hiring pilots with higher salaries across 18 countries

Emirates Airlines, headquartered in Dubai, has unveiled a series of significant alterations to its recruitment strategy, particularly targeting aviators.

Celebrating World Pilots’ Day, the airline is rolling out enticing incentives including augmented salaries and novel roles for prospective pilots. This initiative aims to bolster its esteemed ranks with top-notch talent.

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Among the key changes, Emirates is extending a warm welcome to First Officers who lack type ratings, opening doors for those with experience limited to turbo props or jets. These aviators will now have the opportunity to undergo comprehensive training to operate Emirates’ expansive fleet of 144 Boeing aircraft, traversing its vast network spanning over 140 destinations. Additionally, they’ll have the chance to pilot the innovative Boeing 777-Xs slated to join the fleet starting 2025.

Emirates is further enhancing career progression opportunities through its Accelerated Command Programme, previously exclusive to the A380 fleet, now extended to include Boeing 777s. This presents a remarkable avenue for motivated captains flying narrow-body aircraft to swiftly transition to wide-body aircraft within Emirates’ fast-track promotion program.

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In another strategic move, the airline is seeking Direct Entry Captains for its eagerly anticipated A350 fleet. With deliveries set to commence mid-year, Emirates is offering enhanced remuneration packages to attract top-tier talent for both the A350s and A380s.

Moreover, Emirates is elevating its recruitment efforts by offering lucrative salary packages to experienced First Officers with over 4,000 flying hours on modern Airbus fly-by-wire or Boeing aircraft. Interested pilots, who would like to learn more about the various flight deck roles, can get more info on entry requirements here.

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Pilots joining Emirates can expect a host of perks including competitive tax-free salaries, profit share, spacious accommodations in gated communities, education allowances, comprehensive healthcare coverage, and access to a provident fund. They are also provided with chauffeur-driven transport, laundry services, generous annual leave, and concessional travel benefits for themselves and their families.

As Emirates gears up for substantial growth with the impending arrival of 65 A350s and a mix of 205 777-9s and 777-8s, the airline is intensifying its pilot recruitment efforts. This year, Emirates’ recruitment team will embark on a global roadshow spanning 26 cities across 18 countries.

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To checkout the eligibility criteria and apply for pilot roles, click here: https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots/

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Aerospace

India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN

India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN
Coutresy : Boeing planes

India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.

Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.

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For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.

Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.

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FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.

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Aviation

Airbus is set to increase the production rate for the A350 as demand surges

Airbus is set to increase the production rate for the A350 as demand surges

Airbus SE is set to boost production of its advanced A350 widebody jet as it capitalizes on rising demand for long-distance travel and wide-body aircraft, amidst the ongoing crisis affecting its competitor Boeing due to issues with the B737 Max.

The surge in orders for Airbus’s A350 aircraft has instilled confidence in the company, prompting them to ramp up production rates. This move is particularly advantageous as Boeing continues to grapple with production quality issues surrounding its 787 and 777x aircraft.

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In 2024 alone, Airbus has received 137 orders for the A350, signaling a need to expand manufacturing capabilities to meet customer demands. With 1,277 orders received and 592 aircraft delivered as of April 2024, Airbus is poised to fulfill pending deliveries efficiently.

The European aircraft manufacturer announced plans to increase production of A350 jets to 12 per month by 2028, surpassing earlier projections aiming for 10 per month by 2026. This decision was disclosed alongside the company’s first-quarter figures.

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The Asian market is proving lucrative for the A350, with significant orders from airlines like Indigo and Air India, totaling nearly 70 aircraft commitments for the future. Meanwhile, Airbus is progressing with its A220 and A320 programs, aiming for a monthly production rate of 14 and 75 aircraft, respectively, by 2026. Additionally, the long-range A321XLR is anticipated to commence service in the third quarter of the current year.

In contrast, Boeing has been compelled to scale back production due to regulatory pressures aimed at enhancing factory processes. While Airbus anticipates a positive market outlook, Boeing continues to face challenges with FAA certification and quality approvals, resulting in ongoing delays for its 737 Max and 777x models.

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Financially, Boeing reported a significant cash burn of $3.9 billion in the first quarter, leaving it with $7.5 billion in cash and short-term securities by the quarter’s end, down from $16 billion at the beginning of the year. Consequently, Boeing’s stock has plummeted by 38% in the year so far, contrasting with Airbus’s 14% gain, marking Boeing’s lowest performance in over a year.

For a full listing including details on customers and regions, as well as historical data for the previous year, go to the download section below.

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  • March 2024 deliveries: 63 deliveries to 32 customers
  • March 2024 gross orders: 137
  • 2024 deliveries to date: 142 deliveries to 45 customers
 Single-AisleA300/A310A330A340A350A380TOTAL
Total Orders194708161774377127725123965
Total Deliveries11705816159837759225115339
Aircraft in Operation11007271148220259123413787
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