Airlines

Airbus A340s Join SpiceJet Fleet for Delhi-Bangkok Flights, Replacing Boeing 737s

In a strategic move aimed at accommodating the surge in demand during the holiday season, SpiceJet has announced a significant upgrade to its Delhi-Bangkok route.

The airline revealed plans to swap out its narrow-body Boeing 737s with wide-body Airbus A340s, marking a substantial increase in seating capacity and comfort for passengers. Commencing on May 31 and extending until June 20, 2024, travelers on the Delhi-Bangkok route can expect a notable enhancement in their flying experience.

The introduction of the Airbus A340s, with a seating capacity of 324 passengers per flight, promises to meet the escalating demand for travel between the two bustling destinations.

SpiceJet’s commitment to providing unparalleled service to its customers, particularly during peak travel periods. By leveraging the larger capacity of the A340s, the airline aims to ensure that passengers have greater flexibility and convenience in planning their journeys.

The decision to upgrade to wide-body aircraft comes at a time when Bangkok continues to allure Indian travelers with its vibrant blend of work and leisure opportunities, further facilitated by visa-free entry for Indians. Recognizing the importance of catering to this growing demand, SpiceJet’s move is poised to strengthen its position in the market and solidify its reputation for customer-centric innovation.

It’s worth noting that SpiceJet’s utilization of the Airbus A340s extends beyond the Delhi-Bangkok route. The airline currently operates two A340s, sourced from Romanian operator Legend Airlines, primarily for Hajj pilgrimage flights.

Airlines

Federal Court Imposes $100M Fine on Qantas for “Ghost Flights” Scandal

In a major ruling, the Federal Court has confirmed a hefty A$100 million penalty against Qantas for its involvement in the “ghost flights” scandal. As reported by FlightGlobal.

The court found that Qantas misled consumers by offering and selling tickets for flights that the airline had already decided to cancel. Adding to the controversy, Qantas failed to promptly notify ticket holders about these cancellations.

The penalty follows Qantas’ admission of violating the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The airline agreed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the penalty amount, aiming to deter Qantas and other businesses from similar breaches in the future.

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The ACCC emphasized that this substantial fine sends a clear message: misleading customers will lead to serious consequences, regardless of a company’s size. In addition to the penalty, Qantas has committed to paying approximately A$20 million to affected passengers who unknowingly purchased tickets for canceled flights.

This compensation comes on top of any refunds or alternative flight arrangements already provided. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb praised the penalty, underscoring the importance of robust compliance programs red energy qantas in large corporations like Qantas.

She pointed out that Qantas has since made changes to its operating and scheduling procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.