Airlines

Air India is attempting to settle a lawsuit in the United States worth $1.2 billion, alleging a new owner.

Air India Unveils 'Fare Lock' Feature for Hassle-Free Flight Bookings

Air India is attempting to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Devas Multimedia Pvt. In a U.S. court, claiming that the carrier’s recent ownership change precludes demands for arbitration award recovery..

After winning three international arbitration rulings over a cancelled telecoms deal with a state-run corporation, Devas has demanded $1.2 billion from the Indian government. The corporation is attempting to seize the once government-owned flag carrier’s overseas assets, which were transferred over to Indian conglomerate Tata Sons Pvt. On Thursday, claiming that the national carrier is a fictitious entity of the Indian government.

The airline’s lawsuit in a US court came on the same day that a new management team took over, ending years of taxpayer funded bailouts and assisting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in completing the first major privatization in over two decades. The country will begin the process of shutting down Devas this week, according to Finance Minister.

According to a petition by Air India, the district court in New York has the option of dismissing and disposing of Devas’ complaint fully based on the airline’s request, or identifying unresolved issues in the case if the motion is denied.

Devas and Air India representatives did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Devas’ lawyers stated they will continue their efforts to recover the arbitration judgement money from assets of the Indian government in numerous countries in an interview before Air India’s recent filing. Devas will file a new arbitration against the Indian government, according to Matthew McGill, lawyer for Devas shareholders.

Related Topics:airindia Aviation Featured

Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

DAMAC Air: Dubai’s New Luxury Airline Offers Free Flights for Registration

The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.