Aviation

airBaltic Welcomes Millionth Bombardier CS300 Passenger

Today, April 24, the Latvian airline airBaltic welcomed its millionth passenger traveling on the
brand new Bombardier CS300 aircraft since the launch of commercial operations of the aircraft on
December 14, 2016. The lucky millionth passenger was Santa Klēģere, who arrived at Riga International
Airport on board an airBaltic flight from Paris.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “I am delighted today, together with our partners and
passengers, to celebrate such an important milestone in the modernization of our fleet – the millionth
passenger on our Bombardier CS300 aircraft. Since we became the first airline in the world to start
commercial operations with the Bombardier CS300, we and our passengers have benefited greatly from
the improved flying experience.“
“We are extremely satisfied that our new aircraft have exceeded expectations, and this has been the
best ever entry into service of a new aircraft type for airBaltic. Our team is happy to hear the positive
feedback from customers who appreciate the flying experience and are already asking for additional
CS300 operating on the airBaltic route map,” Gauss adds.

“We are happy to celebrate alongside airBaltic, and are thrilled that the airline has reached yet another
historical milestone with the CS300,” said Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President, Commercial Aircraft Sales –
Europe, Russia and CIS, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “airBaltic continues to achieve phenomenal
results with its new fleet of C Series. We congratulate the airline for their one millionth passenger, and
wish our CS300 launch operator continued success.”
Since the launch of commercial operations with the CS300, the airline has completed more than 9 069
flights and flown over 23 603 block hours. Today, every fourth airBaltic passenger flies the CS300
aircraft.
By the end of 2019, airBaltic is planning to have 20 Bombardier CS300 aircraft in its fleet. With an
average jet fleet age of only two years, airBaltic, as an all-Bombardier operator, will have one of the
youngest jet fleets in Europe.
This week, from April 25 till April 27, airBaltic together with Bombardier will participate at the global
aerospace industry exhibition ILA Berlin, where one of airBaltic’s Bombardier CS300 aircraft will be
displayed.

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.