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Air India-Vistara flights come as close as 100 ft, avoid mid-air collision over Mumbai by a few seconds

Air India adds more flights to Dubai from Delhi and Mumbai

The incident reportedly took place on February 7 in the Mumbai airspace after 8 pm when Air India’s Airbus A-319 was flying from Mumbai to Bhopal as AI 631 and Vistara’s A-320 Neo was flying from Delhi to Pune as UK 997.

While the AI flight was at a level of 27,000 feet, the Vistara plane, with 152 passengers, had been assigned the flight level of 29,000 feet.

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However, at 8 pm, the Vistara came down to 27,100 feet, after which the planes sped towards each other with a vertical separation of only 100 feet, the Times of India reported. Following this, the traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) alarms went off in the respective cockpits, and the pilots managed to avoid the mid-air crash.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded two VIstara pilots over the incident. However, Vistara maintained that its pilots were told to drop the altitude to 27,000 and they “did not do so inadvertently.”

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However, UK 997 came down to 27,100 feet – after which the two planes were flying towards each other with a vertical separation of just 100 feet. At that moment, the traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS) alarms went off in the cockpits of both the planes, and the pilots managed to avoid a midair collision. “At one point, AI 631 and UK 997 were 100 feet apart vertically and 2.8km laterally apart. They were just seconds away from each other. This is the most serious airport (accident) or near-miss in recent times,” said a source.

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Airlines

5 Most Popular Airline CEOs Who Grow Companies to the Next Level

5 Most Popular Airline CEOs Who Grow Companies to the Next Level

In the airline business, one of the most crucial aspects is providing high-quality service to customers and clients. The utmost priority lies in the commitment to delivering quality service and swiftly implementing new developments in the industry, staying ahead of customer expectations. This undoubtedly strengthens airlines’ positions in the market.

Similarly, within the airline industry, there are five CEOs who have transformed their airlines’ image and facilitated substantial profit growth while setting benchmarks for other companies. In this article, we will delve into the top airline CEOs and their contributions to the industry.

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Emirates CEO Tim Clark

Sir Tim Clark is a British aviation executive who served as the President of Emirates Airline from 2003. He was born on 22 November 1949 in Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom. Prior to joining Emirates, Sir Tim established himself at Gulf Air, which recruited him from Caledonian Airways, as a skilled route planner. He was also the Managing Director of Sri Lankan Airlines till 2008.

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Emirates has significantly expanded and grown under Sir Tim Clark’s direction. He was instrumental in making Emirates one of the biggest and most prosperous airlines in the world. He worked closely with Dubai Airports and the Dubai government to construct cutting-edge infrastructure and amenities, and his efforts were important in establishing Dubai International Airport as a major international center for aviation. He has held advisory positions and taken an active part in industry organizations throughout his career.

Qatar Ex CEO Akbar Al Baker

Akbar Al Baker is a prominent figure in the aviation industry and has served as the CEO of Qatar Airways for many years. On September 22, 1961, Akbar Al Baker was born in Doha, Qatar. Akbar Al Baker was chosen to lead Qatar Airways, the nation of Qatar’s state-owned national airline, in 1997. Qatar Airways underwent a substantial turnaround and expansion under his direction.

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He is renowned for his hands-on leadership style and for holding the airline to a high standard. He oversaw the development of Hamad International Airport in Doha, which has become a major hub in the Middle East. Mr. Akbar Al Baker was Honoured with the Prestigious APEX CEO Lifetime Achievement Award.

With effect from November 5, 2023, Mr. Akbar Al Baker, will step down from his position. Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer will take over as Group Chief Executive for Qatar Airways after 27 years of exceptional service.

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Ryan Air CEO Michael O’Leary

Michael O’Leary was born on 20 March 1961, in Kanturk, Ireland. Ryanair joined in 1988, the airline was a struggling regional carrier primarily serving Ireland. Through his leadership, Ryanair underwent a remarkable transformation into one of Europe’s leading and most profitable low-cost airlines. Taking the helm as CEO in 1994, O’Leary has remained at the forefront, guiding the company’s growth and success.

Today, Ryanair operates over 2,000 flights daily, serving 33 countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. O’Leary’s strategic vision has propelled the airline’s rapid expansion, consistently adding new routes and destinations throughout Europe and beyond. Embracing technological advancements, Ryanair under O’Leary’s direction introduced pioneering features such as online booking and mobile boarding passes, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of the passenger experience. O’Leary’s marketing approach, characterized by its boldness and occasional controversy, has garnered substantial attention over the years.

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Air India CEO Campbell Wilson

Campbell Wilson is a well-known CEO who is renowned for his ability to lead and strategize. He was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1971. He completed his education at Canterbury University in New Zealand. Previously, he served as Scoot’s chief executive officer, a low-cost carrier based in Singapore.

Wilson, who is known for his ability to deal with difficult situations, showed outstanding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wilson’s leadership style is distinguished by a concentration on innovation, client satisfaction, and operational effectiveness. Among his peers and the larger business community, Wilson is respected for his strategic vision and practical approach.

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Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong

Goh Choon Phong was born on July 1963 in Singapore. He serves as the CEO of Singapore Airlines and Singapore Airlines Cargo. Assuming the role on 1 January 2011, Before his appointment, he worked for the SIA group for more than 20 years for the airlines’ operations in China and Scandinavia.

Throughout his illustrious career at Singapore Airlines, Goh Choon Phong has demonstrated exceptional leadership, emphasizing innovation and elevating the customer experience. Under his guidance, the airline has maintained its esteemed reputation for excellence within the fiercely competitive aviation industry.

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Goh’s tenure has been marked by strategic expansion, both in terms of route networks and global partnerships. Through his vision, Singapore Airlines has successfully entered new markets and solidified its presence in key regions worldwide. His strategic approach to route development has enabled SIA to effectively capitalize on emerging opportunities and secure a greater market share in global air travel.

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Aviation

Japan to Construct Second Passenger Jet Following First’s Setback

Japan to build the 2nd passngers jet after its first one has got failure

The Japanese government is set to collaborate with a private firm to construct a new passenger jet, a project expected to require approximately USD 33 billion. The anticipated outcome of this endeavor could materialize by 2035, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions and establish a new standard in eco-friendly aviation.

Japan is strategically focused on developing its passenger aircraft to compete globally, following a previous unsuccessful attempt with the Mitsubishi Regional Jet, which failed to gain approval from the FAA and other aviation authorities. After years of research, the decision was made to innovate by revamping the aircraft and introducing a unique hydrogen-powered engine concept.

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While concrete plans are yet to be finalized, discussions revolve around various propulsion technologies, including hybrid electric systems and hydrogen combustion or fuel cell technologies. Notably, hydrogen emerges as a prominent contender, with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) emphasizing the importance of leveraging Japan’s competitive advantage in technological innovation to drive the decarbonization of air transport.

Video: The First MRJ regional Plane from Japan is scrapped in United States

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Numerous aerospace companies are already pioneering hydrogen-powered electric aircraft as a promising solution to combat carbon emissions. Companies such as ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen are at the forefront, with projects ranging from small regional planes to larger passenger aircraft, reflecting a concerted effort towards sustainable aviation.

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In parallel, collaborations between budget airlines like EasyJet, engine manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, and industry giants like Airbus underscore the collective commitment towards developing hydrogen-powered aircraft. Airbus, for instance, aims to introduce hydrogen-powered planes into commercial service by 2035.

Despite setbacks like the failed SpaceJet aircraft program, which incurred substantial costs without achieving liftoff, Japan remains undeterred. The country’s new aircraft venture indirectly challenges competitors like China’s COMAC C919, signaling Japan’s determination to carve out a significant presence in the aerospace industry.

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Additionally, Japan’s collaboration with Britain and Italy in developing a sixth-generation fighter jet highlights its pursuit of cutting-edge aviation technology. This advanced fighter jet, featuring Rolls-Royce engines, laser targeting systems, and three-dimensional thrust vectoring engine nozzles, represents a leap forward in military aviation capabilities.

Under an MOU agreement, Japan retains the option to export these fighter jets to allied nations, potentially reshaping the global landscape of military aircraft manufacturing and distribution. With these ambitious projects, Japan aims to assert itself as a leader in both commercial and military aviation, pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector.

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Emirates denies report of near-miss air collision with Ethiopian Airlines

Emirates denies report of near-miss air collision with Ethiopian Airlines

Emirates has firmly refuted social media reports suggesting a near-miss air collision with an Ethiopian Airlines flight, asserting that there was no compromise to aircraft safety during the specified time and airspace.

In a statement issued by an Emirates spokesperson, it was emphasized that all Emirates aircraft are equipped with capabilities to ensure safe separation and distance during operations.

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The controversy arose when Somaliland Civil Aviation and Airports Authority initially attributed the incident to conflicting instructions from Mogadishu Control, alleging that Emirates flight UAE722 and Ethiopian Airlines flight ETH690, both cruising at 37,000 feet, were on a collision course. However, Emirates has rebutted these claims, maintaining that their aircraft were never in jeopardy.

According to the incident report released by Somaliland authorities, the potential collision occurred on Sunday, March 24, 2024, around 12:43 East Africa Time. The report detailed how conflicting instructions from Mogadishu Control led to the convergence of the two flights.

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Swift action by Somaliland’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) averted disaster, as the pilots of the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 MAX promptly ascended to 39,000 feet, creating a safe distance between the two aircraft. Somaliland’s ATC, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Airlines crew, played a crucial role in preventing a potential catastrophe.

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Aviation

HAL’s Indigenous Tejas MK-1A completes its first maiden flight

The LCA Tejas Aircraft Crash: Understanding the Reasons - Air Marshal GS Bedi's Perspective

The inaugural flight of the first production series fighter of LCA Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced iteration of the LCA Mk-1 recently inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru Today.

Over the past several days, the Defence PSU HAL has been conducting various taxi trials in preparation for this milestone.

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The maiden flight lasted 18 minutes and marked a triumph for the project. The Mk-1A boasts several enhancements, including digital radar warning receivers, an advanced AESA radar, improved beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, and external self-protection jammer pods.

The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A aircraft features a larger cockpit canopy, enhancing the pilot’s outside visibility and facilitating better movement of their helmet. Additionally, the air intake has been redesigned to supply faster airflow to the engine, enhancing performance. Modifications to the vertical radar in the tail section have been made to improve control during turns. Overall, these upgrades elevate the aircraft’s standards compared to previous versions, providing increased comfort and functionality.

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Under a contract worth Rs 46,898 crore signed in 2021, HAL is mandated to deliver 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets between March 2024 and February 2028. This follows the completion of the order for 40 Tejas Mk1 jets valued at Rs 8,802 crore, of which 32 single-seat fighters and two twin-seat trainers have already been delivered.

The IAF, which currently operates two Tejas squadrons named ‘Flying Daggers’ and ‘Flying Bullets’, has deployed one squadron in the southwestern sector. Recognizing the significance of the Tejas in bolstering its fleet, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the acquisition of an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. However, the final clearance from the cabinet committee on security (CCS) is pending before the order can be placed.

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With the IAF grappling with a decline in the number of its fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 31 against the required 42 to effectively counter threats from China and Pakistan, the Tejas assumes a crucial role in filling this gap. Despite initial skepticism, the Tejas has evolved into a flagship platform for India, garnering attention and accolades at numerous defense and aerospace exhibitions worldwide.

However, it is essential to note that the IAF recently experienced its first loss of a Tejas Mk 1 fighter aircraft due to an air crash on March 12.

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