Airlines
ANA to start drone delivery service as Japan eases regulations
TOKYO, April 15, 2021 – ANA HOLDINGS INC. (hereinafter “ANA HD”) is collaborating with German drone manufacturer and service provider Wingcopter to accelerate the delivery of vital pharmaceuticals and other consumer products via unmanned aircraft. The two aviation innovators is conducting comprehensive trials with the electrical fixed-wing VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft developed by Wingcopter, with the aim of building a drone delivery network capable of serving needs across Japan. ANA HD is providing insights gained from decades of aviation experience that is helping Wingcopter, in full compliance with local aviation regulations, succeed in the unique flight conditions of Japan. Wingcopter is providing support in terms of training of pilots, mission planning, operation design as well as maintenance.
ANA HD has a history of innovation in autonomous technology, testing advanced prototype baggage loaders and towing tractors at Saga Airport. In 2016, ANA HD began to lay the framework for its drone transportation infrastructure, with the aim of fully commercializing drone delivery services by 2022. Drone delivery trials have been conducted in Japan since 2018, and the first flights with Wingcopter aircraft took place in 2019. Also in 2019, ANA HD signed an MOU with Zambia Government to conduct similar field tests with drones to improve the delivery of medical supplies in Zambia.
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The first phase of the current tests took place between March 21-26, with the supervised flight of a Wingcopter aircraft between Fukuejima and Hisakajima in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture. The flights demonstrated the viability of drone delivery for medical supplies, dramatically reducing patients’ waiting times. In this remote region of Japan, it is difficult to quickly transport medical supplies due to poor infrastructure. This has created problems for public health officials and medical professionals looking to rapidly respond in situations where time is a key factor in treatment.
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Airlines
Woman slams Air India for downgrading her mother’s business class ticket to economy,
Air India finds itself embroiled in controversy yet again following a recent incident where a passenger was downgraded from Business Class to Economy Class on a flight from Delhi to Washington DC.
The incident has sparked a debate surrounding customer service standards and the airline’s adherence to established protocols. when a user, Ms. Vitasta, took to social media to share her mother’s troubling experience. According to her account, her mother, who held a Business Class ticket for the Delhi to Washington DC flight, was confronted with a series of bewildering situations.
Initially, airline staff informed her that her seat couldn’t recline, followed by the explanation that it was reserved for the crew. However, to her dismay, she later discovered another passenger occupying her rightful seat while she was unceremoniously shifted to Economy Class. Ms. Vitasta expressed her frustration in a tweet, condemning Air India for its actions and highlighting the discomfort and inconvenience her mother endured.
In response, Air India reached out to Ms. Vitasta, assuring her that they were investigating the matter with priority alongside the airport team. However, their subsequent offer of compensation, which included 75% of the fare and an upgrade voucher, was met with skepticism and further criticism. Ms. Vitasta updated her followers, expressing dissatisfaction with the compensatory measures and denouncing the rude behavior of the ground staff in Delhi.
Following the incident, Air India purportedly offered to compensate 75% of the fare and provided an upgrade voucher to Ms. Vitasta’s mother. However, many online users deemed this response inadequate and urged her to file a formal complaint against the airline for the deficiency of service experienced. “Don’t accept the 75%; she paid for a service and didn’t receive it; she should get 100% minimum,” said a second person. “@airindia’s reckless, arrogant culture would never change regardless of who owns it,” commented a third.
Airlines
Somalil and ATC Prevents Collision Between Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines
Somalil and’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) played a pivotal role in preventing a potential catastrophe as an Ethiopian Airlines plane narrowly dodged another near-collision incident with an Emirates aircraft over Somalia’s airspace.
The harrowing event unfolded last Sunday, involving flight ethiopian airlines ETH 690 and emirates UAE 722, both cruising at 37,000 feet. According to an incident report released by the Somaliland Civil Aviation and Airports Authority on Tuesday, the two planes were on a collision course after receiving conflicting instructions from Mogadishu Control, placing them on a collision trajectory.
Fortunately, swift action by Somaliland’s ATC, in collaboration with the ethiopianairline
crew, averted disaster. The pilots of the et airline 737 MAX promptly ascended to 39,000 feet, creating a safe distance between the two airliners.
This incident underscores the critical importance of proficient air traffic control in ensuring the safety of airspace, particularly in the Horn of Africa region, which has witnessed similar close calls in recent times. The repeated errors by Mogadishu’s air traffic controllers highlight the pressing need for enhanced oversight and training within the aviation sector.
The Somalil and Civil Aviation and Airports Authority has issued a cautionary statement, warning that such mistakes pose a significant threat to the safety of international flights. They emphasized that the “stubbornness and lack of knowledge” displayed by Mogadishu Tower personnel present a clear danger to air safety.
The government of Somalia has yet to respond to the incident or address concerns raised by Somaliland authorities.
Airlines
Emirates A380 superjumbo was damaged by a ground vehicle in Moscow
In a startling incident at Moscow Domodedovo Airport, an Emirates Airbus A380, one of the largest passenger aircraft in the world, encountered significant damage as it prepared for departure.
The mishap unfolded on a Wednesday afternoon when a pushback tug found itself wedged beneath the colossal double-deck aircraft.
Photographs circulated on social media platforms depicted the vivid yellow pushback truck ensnared under the belly of the A380, indicating the severity of the situation. The unfortunate incident, as per RadarBox data, unfolded mere hours prior, during the preparation for flight EK133 from Dubai to Moscow, operated by the aircraft with registration A6-EDM.
Thankfully, the aircraft had not yet welcomed passengers on board, as it awaited departure scheduled for 16:35 local time.emirates flights However, the faced postponement and eventual cancellation due to the damage sustained. The underbody of the airbus a380 emirates
bore notable harm, necessitating extensive repairs before it could resume service.
Emirates promptly responded to the incident, ensuring the safety and convenience of its passengers. A spokesperson for the airline conveyed, “ek flight EK134 has been cancelled due to a ground services vehicle making contact with the aircraft prior to passengers boarding.” Additionally, affected passengers were swiftly rebooked on alternative Emirates flights, assuring minimal disruption to their travel plans.
The statement issued by emirates air line underscored their commitment to passenger and crew safety, reiterating that the well-being of all involved remains paramount. While the setback in Moscow may cause inconvenience, Emirates assures passengers that steps are being taken to rectify the situation and resume normal operations swiftly.
Aerospace
China is secretly testing its next-generation medium combat helicopter Z21
China consistently keeps aviation enthusiasts surprised with its advancements in fighter jets and other aircraft. Leading the pack in Asia, China continuously pushes boundaries in developing domestically-built aircraft.
Recently, images circulating on the internet reveal China’s latest creation, the Z-21 helicopter. Resembling its predecessor, the Z-10, this helicopter boasts enhanced fighter capabilities. The emergence of these images sparks questions regarding the fate of plans to acquire Russian-made Ka-52K attack helicopters, particularly the naval version.
Observing the helicopter in flight, it shares design elements with the Harbin Z-10, notably in the front fuselage and cockpit canopy. The wing stubs for weapon mounts exhibit similar shapes, though with less pronounced angular features. With a tandem seating arrangement, the Z-21 also draws comparisons to the Mil Mi-28, featuring an elongated body with five rotor blades and weapon bays on its sides.
The unveiling of the Z-21 has triggered speculation about its potential role in future military operations. Analysts suggest that beyond its firepower, its introduction could signal significant technological advancements. There’s particular interest in whether China will incorporate a ‘manned-unmanned teaming’ system akin to later Apache models, enabling the Z-21 to control armed drones for reconnaissance and attacks, reducing risks to the helicopter itself.
The emergence of the Z-21 underscores China’s increasing military prowess and its commitment to developing cutting-edge weaponry. Its deployment and capabilities will be closely monitored, especially concerning regional security dynamics.
The helicopter presents a significant challenge to American-built Apache and other medium helicopters, boasting superior capacity for flying at higher altitudes and more powerful speed and combat capabilities, thus enhancing its effectiveness on the battlefield. On the other hand, amidst ongoing Indian border tensions, this aircraft is poised to play a crucial role in surveillance along the sensitive China border and beyond.
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