Aerospace
The B777’s new livery and impressive cabin of Air India pleased the customers.
In order to continue the strong improvement of the airlines, TATA, which owns Air India, has made some audacious decisions. For the time being, it has ordered some of the 6 wide aircraft for leasing from the western nation.
One of the Boeing 777 airplanes arrived yesterday for the international operation’s passenger service. The majority of the improvements were visible over the seats and the aircraft’s livery as it arrived.
There are various subtle yet noteworthy changes made by @airindiain to VT-AEF's livery (the 1st of 5 ex – @Delta #B777-200LRs).
Lets see if the #Avgeek's on my timeline are able to spot these changes from these brilliant photos of the #AirIndia LR's by @KadamAnshul #AvGeek pic.twitter.com/tlgVNNgBog— VT-VLO (@Vinamralongani) December 13, 2022
As we can see, the older Maharaja windows are no longer there in the newly arrived aircraft, which also has upgraded seat covers. The aircraft is marked with the Delta name because it was formerly run by the airline. In the case of Air India, they left it as is in order to avoid incurring additional costs for the seats. It entirely depends on the new owner whether they want to stick with the same brand or change that logo sign over the seat.
This Is The Most Punctual Airline In The Europe
There are the first interior shots of the Air India Boeing 200 LR aircraft, which previously belonged to Delta. It left the interiors very impressed.
Here are first cabin photos of @airindiain 's VT-AEF and of seats which may be sold as premium economy (Y+) on these 5 ex – @Delta #B777-200LRs.
For sake of comparison, I have added a photo of the Y+ cabin as flown by @Delta.
Thank you @sachmihika for the photos.#AvGeek#PaxEx pic.twitter.com/Iykg9QWGOx— VT-VLO (@Vinamralongani) December 12, 2022
Furthermore, considering that passengers were impressed by the upgrades, the majority of the long-haul flights definitely need some of the in-flight entertainment in the new aircraft, which has functional in-flight screens and a luxurious cabin.
More cabin photos of @airindiain 's VT-AEF taken by @deep_choudhuri who flew the aircraft from #Mumbai to #Delhi today.
I love the use of the @TataCompanies logo alongside that of AI and the mood lighting.
This is a fantastic product and a massive upgrade !#AvGeek pic.twitter.com/LJJkCCcRZy— VT-VLO (@Vinamralongani) December 13, 2022
The new in-flight meal menu that provides a variety of food options has also been improved by Air India, making passengers satisfied with the price they paid for the trip.
Finally here is a video of the economy cabin onboard @airindiain (AI) 's first of 5 ex @Delta #B777-200LRs VT-AEF.
It is evident few changes have been made to the hard product onboard these aircraft. AI passengers would love these LR's.
Thank you @sachmihika !#AvGeek #PaxEx pic.twitter.com/bvRZ9prlW7— VT-VLO (@Vinamralongani) December 12, 2022
Recently, Air India announced that it is considering purchasing a new wide-body aircraft, including A350 and other narrow-body aircraft which totaled 500 aircraft which is already being discussed with Boeing and Airbus. It carefully selects the décor and seating options for its cabin. Given that it is a full-service airline, emphasis is placed on business class, premium economy, and economy.
Image and footage courtesy: @Vinamralongani (Twitter) @sachmihika
Aerospace
India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN
India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.
Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.
For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.
Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.
FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.
Aerospace
Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.
C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders
COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.
Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.
During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.
He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.
Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.
Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements
The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.
Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.
In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.
Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.
Aerospace
Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India
InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.
Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.
This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.
At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.
Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.
Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).