Airlines

Airline’s 1M passenger given free flights for life after boarding plane

A lifetime of free flights was a surprise offered by low-cost Icelandic airline PLAY to its one-millionth customer. On February 17, 2023, Ikechi Chima Apakama, the lucky traveller, was flying from Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport to Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport. Prosecco, cakes, and gift bags were given to every passenger on the flight.

The airline promised free flights for the rest of their lives to the lucky millionth passenger. IKechi was approached by staff who informed him that he had won the award after the plane touched down in Iceland.

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Ikechi received a coat and headgear from Cintamani, a renowned Icelandic brand, in addition to free PLAY flights for life. Following the surprise, IKechi and his two friends were driven off in a Cadillac filled with goodies and gifts that they could use to enjoy playing sports while on vacation.

PLAY CEO Birgir Jónsson said, “I want to congratulate each of the one million guests who decided to travel with PLAY and the PLAY team for delivering our award-winning service. “For a startup airline that was just 18 months ago dealing with a global epidemic and extraordinary travel restrictions, reaching one million passengers is a remarkable milestone.

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Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.