Airlines

American Airlines Passenger Ordered to Pay $42,000 for In-Flight Meltdown”

An American Airlines passenger who spat on a fellow passenger, shoved a flight attendant, unlocked the emergency exit as the aircraft was taxiing to the gate, then descended the emergency chute and ran across the tarmac, has been ordered to pay the airline more than $42,000 in restitution.

Cynthia McKnight, 24, of Rochester was sentenced late last week after a plea agreement with prosecutors for the incident on April 19, 2022, which led to the temporary halt of all operations at Buffalo Niagra International Airport while law enforcement brought the situation under control. When flight attendants urged McKnight to put down her phone as the Chicago O’Hare bound aircraft was taxiing to the runway, the prosecution said that McKnight lost her cool.

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McKnight confesses in her plea deal that she then tried to open an exit door and shoved a flight attendant who tried to stop her. Then, while the aircraft was still in taxi, she opened the door, causing the emergency slide to open on its own.

Before being stopped by airport security, McKnight first descended the emergency slide and then started to run across the tarmac. The claims that she resisted arrest and smashed a wall in her cell at the police station were dropped.

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She did, however, acknowledge that because of her actions, the flight had to be canceled and the passengers had to be rebooked on other flights. American Airlines calculated that the expense of rebooking customers and repairing the emergency slide would have been in the region of $50,000. Additionally, McKnight must pay American Airlines $42,128 in restitution, according to U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.

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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.