Airlines

Air India Dismisses Pilot Caught Drunk After Operating International Flight

Air India to Upgrade Fleet with Retrofit of 100 Planes, CEO Says

Air India has taken decisive action, terminating the employment of a pilot who was found intoxicated after piloting an international flight from Phuket to India.

The incident, which occurred on a flight bound for Delhi, underscores the airline’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Following the flight’s arrival in India, the pilot underwent a breathalyzer test, revealing a positive result for alcohol consumption. This violation of Air India’s strict zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol consumption by flight crew, particularly during flight operations, prompted immediate disciplinary action.

Reports from TOI, the airline disclosed that in addition to the pilot’s dismissal, Air India is contemplating filing a First Information Report (FIR) due to the gravity of the situation. Flying under the influence of alcohol is not only a breach of airline regulations but also constitutes a criminal offense, as per aviation laws.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been apprised of the incident, highlighting the seriousness with which regulatory authorities view such infractions. The safety and well-being of passengers and crew are paramount concerns for Air India and the broader aviation industry.

Unlike domestic flights within India, where alcohol is not served or available, international flights often offer alcoholic beverages to passengers. Consequently, post-flight breathalyzer tests for flight crew serve as a crucial measure to uphold safety standards.

Penalties for failing these tests are severe, ranging from license suspensions to permanent revocation for repeat offenders. The pilot involved in this incident was reportedly undergoing a training flight with a newly-appointed captain, adding another layer of concern to the situation. Air India’s swift and decisive action in dismissing the intoxicated pilot underscores its firm stance against jeopardizing the safety of its passengers and crew.

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.