Airlines

Air France, Airbus face angry families in AF447 crash trial

The crash was caused by a number of circumstances, according to the official inquiry, but the firms dispute any criminal activity.

On Monday, as the two businesses went on trial on manslaughter charges for the 2009 tragedy over the Atlantic Ocean, grieving families of those who died in Air France’s worst-ever crash shouted back at the airline’s and planemaker Airbus’ CEOs.

After the executives took the stand, the courtroom erupted in cries of “Shame!” All 228 passengers aboard the storm-tossed Flight 447 from Rio de Janeiro to Paris died in the tragedy, which also had a long-lasting effect on the industry. As a result, new rules regarding airspeed sensors and pilot training have been implemented.

US Charges Boeing with Misleading Investors on 737 MAX Safety, Fined $200 Million(Opens in a new browser tab)

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which has been fought for more than ten years to reach trial, include families from all over the world. The victims were from 33 different nations.

The fact that we advanced to the trial stage is crucial. Thirteen years of waiting is practically cruel “German Bernd Gans, whose daughter Ines died in the collision, remarked. Another man arrived in the court holding a sign that read: “Justice in France. Thirteen years too late.

This international airport got most Indian visitors in 2022, details here(Opens in a new browser tab)

The crash was caused by a number of circumstances, according to the official inquiry, but the firms dispute any criminal activity. Pilot error and the icing over of external sensors known as pitot tubes are expected to be the main topics of the two-month testing.

In his opening remarks, Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, said: “I wanted to be here today, first and foremost to speak of my deep respect and deepest sympathy for the victims; loved ones.” Members of the family responded, “Shame on you!” One said, “You have demonstrated contempt for us for 13 years!”

American Airlines CEO defends JetBlue alliance in antitrust trial(Opens in a new browser tab)

Already, Air France has made compensation to the victims’ families. Each corporation might be fined up to 225,000 euros (US$219,000) if found guilty, which is a small portion of their yearly earnings. Since only the firms are being tried, nobody faces the possibility of going to jail.

Despite the concerns, Air France is charged with failing to undertake training in the event that the pitot probes ice up. Since then, it has updated its simulations and training materials. The business declared it will argue for acquittal and show in court “that it has not committed a criminal fault at the root of the accident.”

Airbus is charged with knowing that the pitot tube model used on Flight 447 was defective and failing to act quickly to alert airlines, and their crews, and assure training to reduce the risk. The questioned model, a Thales AA pitot, was later outlawed and replaced.

Source:

Airlines

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.