Aviation

Acquired from scrap, restored Dakota to join IAF fleet in March

Published

6 years ago

February 13, 2018

Douglas DC3 aircraft, better known as the Dakota, carried the troops of the Army’s 1 Sikh Regiment to Srinagar on Oct 27, 1947, during the 1st Indo-Pak War.
The Dakota will bear the tail number VP 905, the same as the 1st such aircraft in the Indian service that transported the troops during the 1947 war to J&K.

New Delhi, 13 February 2018: In a Historic moment for the nation and the Indian Air Force, Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar today gifted a DC3 Dakota aircraft bearing the Tail Number VP 905 and called “Parashurama” in a signing ceremony to The Indian Air Force to be part of its Vintage Fleet.

The Gift Deed was signed between Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VM, ADC , Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force and Air Commodore M K Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd)- Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s father who an Dakota Pilot himself.

The MP gifted the restored WW2 Dakota aircraft’s Papers & Deed to Chief of Air Staff on behalf of his father.

This Tail No. VP -905 is the same as the first Dakota aircraft that transported troops of 1 Sikh regiment to Srinagar on 27 October 1947 in the J&K operations.

The Tail No. VP 905 – this holds special significance for the Dakota and the Indian Air Force.

On 27 October 1947, three Dakotas of No. 12 Sqn took off from Wellingdon airfield (Safdarjung) at 0500 hours for Srinagar signalling the start of the IAF operations in the 1947-48 Indo Pak War. Before the end of the day, 28 Dakota sorties were flown (including 6 civilian sorties.)

The first Dakota Aircraft to take off and land at Srinagar piloted by Wing Commander K L Bhatia and carrying the first batch of troops of 1 Sikh Regiment under command of Lt Col Dewan Ranjit Rai bore the Tail No VP 905.

Speaking on the Occasion, MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar said “The Dakota (Dak) was also part of my childhood as my father flew it all over India and so today I fulfil my dream of helping my father donate a DC3 Dakota to the Indian Air Force”

“This aircraft VP 905 is dedicated to all Air Warriors and their families who served an flew the Dakota in various IAF operations in remotest parts of #India from 1947-1971” an emotional Air Commodore M K Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd) said.

“On being asked on why he chose the Aircraft to be named “Parashurama” the MP said “The Dakota DC3 was named Parashurama – to signify the eternal warrior – after Saint Parashurama – the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Like other avatars of Vishnu, he appears at a time when overwhelming evil prevailed on earth to correct the cosmic equilibrium by destroying the evil forces.”

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Airlines

These are the four-star low-cost Carriers for 2024

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3 hours ago

September 25, 2023

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These are the four-star low-cost Carriers for 2024

In the rapidly evolving world of aviation, staying ahead of the curve and finding the most cost-effective options for air travel is crucial for both travelers and airlines alike. As we approach the year 2024, Apex, a renowned authority in the aviation industry, has released its highly anticipated list of four-star low-cost carriers.

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The APEX Four Star Airline Awards were unique since they were created solely from verified passenger reviews submitted by more than a million fliers using TripIt.

These airlines have achieved a remarkable combination of price and great service, making them the top alternatives for budget-conscious travelers searching for a pleasant and joyful flying experience. In this article, we will look at the four-star low-cost airlines for 2024.

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low-cost Airlines

Allegiant
Breeze
GOL
Southwest
Spirit
Sun Country Airlines
WestJet

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These are the airlines with Four-Star and Five-Star APEX ratings for 2024.

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3 hours ago

September 25, 2023

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These are the Airlines with Four and Five-Star APEX Ratings for 2024

In the ever-evolving world of aviation, these awards stand as a testament to excellence, innovation, and outstanding service within the airline industry. As travelers around the globe seek ever more personalized and remarkable experiences, these airlines have risen to the occasion, setting new standards for quality, comfort, and customer satisfaction.

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The APEX Five Star and Four Star Airline Awards were unique since they were created solely from verified passenger reviews submitted by more than a million fliers using TripIt.

Global Passenger Choice airline Award Winners 2022 by Apex.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Here, we’ve highlighted some of the 2024 Apex Four-Star and Five-Star Airlines Awards, recognizing these airline giants and the outstanding traveler experiences they provide. Whether you are a frequent traveler or only sometimes do so, these awards highlight the airlines who have changed the definition of what it means to fly in luxury and grace.

REGIONAL AIRLINE FIVE STAR*

GLOBAL AIRLINES FOUR STAR

British Airways
Ethiopian
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Airlines

Qantas says cost to fly may rise, Due to Soaring Jet Fuel Prices

Published

4 hours ago

September 25, 2023

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Qantas says cost to fly may rise, Due to Soaring Jet Fuel Prices

Qantas has been absorbing a $200 million increase in fuel costs, the airline warned that if prices continue to rise, the costs may be passed on to customers and it may raise its already high ticket rates.

The airline reported in a market update that fuel costs have gone up 30% since May of this year, including 10% just in the past month. “This is driven by a combination of higher oil prices, higher refiner margins, and a lower Australian dollar,” Qantas stated.

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But Qantas asserted that it will keep an eye on fuel costs in the upcoming months and “look to adjust its settings” if they continue to be this high. Any modifications would aim to strike a balance between the need for reasonably priced travel in a situation where tickets are already high, according to Qantas.

Qantas and competing airlines use methods of hedging to control erratic pricing changes. An effort to win back consumer support that included an apology from the airline’s new CEO, Vanessa Hudson, and a commitment to rebuild the airline’s reputation after a “humbling period” is in jeopardy as a result of the warning about ticket prices.

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Analyst Owen Birrell with RBC Capital Markets predicted that the firm will likely accept the higher fuel costs “until its target margins come under pressure, and then would seek to claw back those costs through capacity cuts and higher fares.”

Given the increased competition, expanding consumer and corporate cost pressures, and incoming reinvestment in the product/platform, we don’t think a substantial earnings shift is possible going forward.

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