Aerospace

A historic deal for 500 aircraft worth billions from Air India is getting close.

Air India will order 500 aircraft, shattering a massive record!

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Paris and New Delhi As it carves out an ambitious recovery under the Tata Group conglomerate, Air India is close to placing unprecedented orders for as many as 500 jetliners worth tens of billions of dollars from both Airbus and Boeing, industry sources told Reuters on Sunday..

They claimed, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the massive transaction is still being finalized, that the orders comprise up to 400 narrow-body aircraft and at least 100 wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and Boeing 777 models.

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As it prefers to deploy independently rather than relying on the lessor, Air India is already searching for narrow-body aircraft. And this year, in the month of March, Airbus sent the A350 aircraft to India for demonstration purposes. According to rumors, TATA is willing to purchase this aircraft because Air India will be the first customer to order such advanced aircraft in the Indian market, and TATA received special pricing on it.

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Speaking on the condition of anonymity because the massive transaction is still being finalized, they stated that the orders comprise up to 400 narrow-body aircraft and 100 or more wide-body aircraft, including Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and Boeing 777s.

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Both Boeing and Airbus declined to comment. An inquiry for comment was not immediately answered by the Tata Group.

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.