Latest News.
Air India plane crashes in Kerala after skidding off the runway, pilot and 2 Passengers died
A pilot and two passengers were killed after an Air India Express plane with more than 180 passengers on board skidded off the runway on Friday at the Karipur airport in Kozhikode in Kerala. The plane skidded off the tabletop runway and fell into a 50-feet valley breaking into two portions. as per the News18 report
Twenty-four ambulances and fire tenders have been rushed to the airport.
According to officials of the Kerala Police, at least 35 people have been reported injured and shifted to various hospitals. It had been raining heavily at the time of the accident.
“We are still searching for around 100 people,” said officials, adding that a shortage of torches and incessant rainfall were causing the rescue process to halt.
“Air India Express flight IX 1344 operated by B737 aircraft from Dubai to Calicut overshot runway at Kozhikode at 1941 hours tonight. No fire reported at the time of landing,” Air India Express said in a statement. “There are 174 passengers, 10 infants, two pilots and five cabin crew on board the aircraft.”
India’s top aviation body, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter. It said the plane broke into “two pieces” after landing at the airport.
The regulator said the flight — IX 1344 — continued running to the end of the runway amid heavy rain and “fell down in the valley and broke down in two pieces”.
There were 174 passengers, 10 infants , 2 pilots and 5 cabin crew on board the aircraft.
Air India Express Flight No IX 1344 from Dubai to Calicut skidded off the runway. We will keep you updated as and when we receive further updates. Our helplines – 056 546 3903, 0543090572, 0543090572, 0543090575: Consulate General of India, Dubai.
Airlines
EU Bans Turkish-based Southwind Airlines due to links with Russia
In a significant move reflecting the ongoing geopolitical tensions, the European Union (EU) has taken measures to prohibit Turkey’s Southwind Airlines from utilizing its airspace.
The decision, stemming from alleged connections with Russia, underscores the broader repercussions of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the subsequent international sanctions imposed.
The ban, enforced on March 29, disrupts Southwind Airlines’ operations, initially leading to the cancellation of flights. The Finnish transport authority Traficom, headed by Jarkko Saarimäki, has been instrumental in elucidating the rationale behind the EU’s decision. Saarimäki’s assessment highlights a concerning lack of substantial ownership and effective control held by Turkish entities within Southwind Airlines.
Established in 2022 in Antalya, Turkey, Southwind Airlines had primarily focused on flights originating from Russia. However, scrutiny into its ownership structure has revealed apparent links to Russian stakeholders, prompting concerns over its allegiance and operational control. Saarimäki’s assertion of Russian influence over the airline’s affairs underscores the broader geopolitical implications of such connections.
The EU’s ban extends beyond merely restricting Southwind Airlines’ access to its airspace; it also encompasses prohibitions on takeoffs, landings, and overflights within EU territory. Consequently, the airline faces operational hurdles, impacting its routes not only to Finnish destinations like Helsinki but also to prominent German cities and potentially planned routes such as Zurich.
This development aligns with the stance adopted by other Western nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, which have implemented similar bans on Russian airlines. Such coordinated actions underscore the global resolve to hold Russia accountable for its aggressive actions in Ukraine and to mitigate potential security risks posed by entities with alleged ties to Russian interests.
Airlines
Indigo contributed 31 crores to India’s political party for election funds
In a recent disclosure, it has come to light that Rahul Bhatia, the promoter of IndiGo, along with companies under his InterGlobe Group, has made significant donations totaling Rs 56 crore to four political parties. Additionally, SpiceJet, led by Ajay Singh, has contributed Rs 70 lakh to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The data further reveals that InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd, a part of the InterGlobe Group, purchased 11 electoral bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each on May 10, 2019, amounting to a total of Rs 11 crore. Similarly, Interglobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, acquired 5 electoral bonds worth Rs 1 crore each on October 23, 2023, totaling Rs 5 crore.
InterGlobe Real Estate Venture and InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd directed the lion’s share of their political contributions, totaling Rs 31 crore, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Surprisingly, the second-largest recipient was the Trinamool Congress (TMC), receiving Rs 16.2 crore from Bhatia. Additionally, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd allocated Rs 5 crore to the Congress party, while Bhatia contributed Rs 3.8 crore to its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Rahul Bhatia, individually, also made substantial contributions through electoral bonds, purchasing bonds worth Rs 20 crore. On April 7, 2021, a total of 29 electoral bonds were acquired, with 19 bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each and 10 bonds at Rs 10 lakh each, summing up to Rs 20 crore. When combined with the donations from IndiGo and its affiliated companies, the total contributions from the promoter and associated entities reach Rs 56 crore.
On the other hand, SpiceJet, once a prominent player in the Indian aviation industry, has seen a decline in its market position, currently ranking fifth in terms of market share. Despite this, the airline has engaged in political contributions, with donations made in three separate installments.
Aerospace
Comac is set to fly to five Southeast Asian countries for a C919 and ARJ21 demonstration tour
Following the successful debut of the COMAC aircraft at the Singapore Airshow 2024, the company has secured new branding rights for its products in the Southeast Asian aviation market. According to sources, the airline is directing its aircraft displays to Malaysia.
A static display and demonstration flight featuring the China-manufactured commercial aircraft C919 and ARJ21 were held on Wednesday at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Malaysia’s Selangor state.
The event showcased the brand-new C919 and ARJ21 aircraft, both quietly competing in the narrow-body segment market and slightly challenging the Boeing 737 and A320 family aircraft. The ARJ is tailored for regional airports with shorter routes.
C919 and ARJ21’s five-country tour.
This event concluded the C919 and ARJ21’s five-country Southeast Asian demonstration flight tour, which included visits to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
COMAC is actively seeking an international market alongside China. Currently, the company has amassed over 1100 aircraft orders for the COMAC C919 aircraft.
Throughout the demonstration flights and static displays, the aircraft manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) conducted a series of product promotion activities targeting potential customers.
Furthermore, the company aims to expand its airline network in these countries by obtaining regular licenses from their respective national aerospace authorities.
The purpose of the tour was to evaluate the aircraft’s adaptability to various airports and routes in the five countries, assess the ground service equipment’s suitability, test special flight procedures’ feasibility, and highlight the economic viability of these routes. COMAC stated that demonstration flights would lay the groundwork for future market development in Southeast Asia.
ARJ21 can carry 97 seats and C919- 192 seats.
The ARJ21 regional aircraft is designed to accommodate 78-97 passengers with a flight range of 2,225-3,700 kilometers. Meanwhile, the C919 jetliner offers a layout for 158-192 seats and a range of 4,075-5,555 kilometers, as per the company’s specifications.
The C919 completed its maiden commercial flight on May 28, 2023. Since then, China Eastern Airlines, its inaugural customer, has received five C919 aircraft, operating round-trip flights on Shanghai-Beijing and Shanghai-Chengdu routes. COMAC reports that it has safely transported over 140,000 passengers to date.