Aviation

Air Canada sent a passenger’s cats from Toronto to San Francisco without him – and then told him to go collect them

After the owner was separated from the trip, Air Canada assists passengers in reuniting with his animals.

After the owner was separated from the trip, Air Canada assists passengers in reuniting with his animals. Abbas Zoeb checked in for his July 6 flight on Air Canada from Toronto to San Francisco, but his travel plans were delayed when they were refused boarding owing to visa complications.
His two cats, Mimi and Bubba, had already been relocated to San Francisco, which presented a bigger issue. While his pets would “under no circumstances” go without him, according to Zoeb of Insider Air Canada, his luggage might.

He was told, however, that the cats had in fact been sent to the US without him after waiting for several hours.
Even worse, according to Zoeb, Air Canada advised him to either try to travel to San Francisco on his own or contact a local to collect cats for him. He stated, “I informed that was ridiculous and I had no one to collect them.

Abbas’ cats, Mimi and Bubba, were in the kennel for more than 15 hours. Abbas Zoeb Close to midnight and more than 15 hours after being separated from your pets Zoeb is finally reunited with the two cats at the Toronto airport.
“My pets were treated like discarded baggage and I was worried the whole time because no one could tell me where they were,” Zoeb said. “When I picked up my pets, they were visibly tired and not feeling well ,Both sneezed.”

According to an update posted on the airline’s website, Air Canada is no longer allowing pets to be checked into the hold area where Zoeb says his cats were placed. The airline cited “longer than usual airport delays” for the new rules, which are in effect through September 12.Passengers who wish to fly with their pets must now take them on board as hand luggage or send them via Air Canada Cargo, the update says. The airline confirmed this policy in an email to Insider. “I’m glad they don’t take pets anywhere because I don’t want any pet parent going through the same thing as me,” Zoeb added.

Many passengers have complained to Air Canada about misplaced luggage, and one passenger even accused the company of losing a bag holding the ashes of her deceased parents.

According to Air Canada, there are currently facing a problems with airport capacity, baggage management at airports, and third-party service providers for things like passenger screening, customs, and air navigation. In order to address these problems as they relate to airline operations, we are working closely with these partners and the governments.

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Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.