Aviation
British Airways’ Christmas Surprise For A 12 Year Old Boy With Cerebral Palsy.
Christmas has come early with the help of British Airways for 12-year-old football fan, Finlay Sangster, who has cerebral palsy.
Finlay’s mum, Gail, wrote to the airline to ask for some Christmas BA Magic for her son. Finlay has a severe form of cerebral palsy, which sees him relying on adult support for everyday tasks. Gail explained that despite Finlay’s difficulties, he has an amazing can-do attitude to life and his resilience truly shines through.
Gail told British Airways that Finlay has, for the last two years, dreamt of being able to play football games on Xbox with his friends and family. This hasn’t been possible for Finlay as he has very little hand control and can’t use the standard computer games controls. After a lot of research, Gail found a charity the south of England, but didn’t think they’d ever be able to take Finlay there. That was until British Airways stepped in!
Flying to Aberdeen, where Finlay and his family live, British Airways pilot Jonathan Knowlson made a surprise trip to Finlay’s school. Finlay was presented with a signed Real Madrid shirt from his idol Cristiano Ronaldo and received a video message from Rangers Football Club Captain Lee Wallace, before being told that he and his mum, Gail, his dad, Bruce and his five-year-old brother, Brodie, would be whisked off to London for the weekend that very evening to get Finlay his very own bespoke Xbox controller. Finlay and Bruce would be going to the airport in style, with supercar fan Bruce being surprised with a Lamborghini Huracán Spyder to drive his son to Aberdeen airport in.
The following day, British Airways made arrangements for Finlay and his family to visit SpecialEffect, an Oxford based organisation which helps people with disabilities play video games, by using technology ranging from modified joypads to eye-control. SpecialEffect assessed Finlay to work out the exact requirements for his bespoke remote control, so that he could finally enjoy the magic of playing on an Xbox together with his friends and family.
On their last day in London the family were taken on a surprise visit to Hamleys toy shop which had opened early especially, where Finlay and Brodie were treated to early Christmas gifts. British Airways ensured there was some Magic included for Gail and Bruce, and surprised them with a holiday to New York – the city they had been desperate to return to for their upcoming wedding anniversary.
Once the family were back in Scotland the surprises continued, as Finlay’s favourite Rangers Football Club player, Josh Windass, took a trip to Aberdeen just to present Brodie at home with the finished bespoke controller and his very own brand-new Xbox.
Finlay’s mum, Gail, said “I got in touch with British Airways in the hope that they would spread their Magic to our family, and we are so overwhelmed. Finlay is an absolute star and deals with life and all that is thrown at him in such a remarkable way. To be able to see him do something he’s dreamed of doing for the last two years is the best Christmas gift we could have wished for. It’s been such a special and memorable experience for us all.”
Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ director of brand and customer experience, said: “As soon as we read Gail’s e-mail, we wanted to help make Finlay’s Christmas wish come true and give the Sangster family a weekend to remember. We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to do something special for a truly deserving family.”
British Airways is asking customers who have booked a trip with them to email their stories to the airline, in the hope of making their trip a little bit more magical.
Customers can visit the BA Magic page (https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/destinations/where-in-the-world/bamagic) to watch Finlay’s video and share their own story.
Courtesy : BA official press release.
Aviation
Tejas and C-390 Millennium: India and Brazil’s Defense Trade Vision
India and Brazil are exploring a mutually beneficial deal to enhance their defense product exports. There are indications that this potential agreement could include the exchange of fighter jets, essentially functioning as a barter system. For example, India has a long-standing offset policy requiring foreign defense companies to reinvest a portion of their contract value back into India through technology transfer or other reciprocal benefits.
Many countries engage in such exchanges to support each other’s defense industries, thereby strengthening national policies and economies. A notable example is the barter deal between South Korea and Indonesia, where South Korea sold its T-50 jets to Indonesia in return for defense-related goods and trade advantages.
India-Brazil defence mutual benefits
If the India-Brazil deal comes to fruition, it could provide mutual benefits, as both nations are in need of advanced platforms. Brazil is well-known for its Embraer aircraft, which ranks as one of the top three manufacturers of private and commercial jets. However, Brazil lacks expertise in fighter jet production, and this deal could provide the exposure needed to enter the fighter jet market.
In 2014, Brazil made a significant purchase of 36 Gripen fighters, with deliveries expected by 2027. Brazil is also producing Gripen fighter jets at its Embraer plant, with SAAB and Embraer collaborating to enhance the performance of the Gripen aircraft further.
India Faces Shortage of Military Aircraft Materials
Currently, India faces a shortage of medium military transport aircraft and is seeking to acquire more. The C-130J and C-17 Globemaster, along with the Russian IL-76, are currently in service. However, the production of the C-17 has been halted, making it unavailable in the market, while the IL-76 is experiencing maintenance challenges due to a shortage of spare parts.
Air India Might Operate Tata-Made New Airbus C295 Aircraft
India is currently seeking a reliable partner for military transport aircraft, and the Embraer C-390 Millennium stands out as an ideal fit. If a deal between Brazil and India materializes, it could yield significant benefits for both nations.
Embraer C390 payload capacity
The Brazilian Air Force is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and the second largest in the Americas. Embraer proudly presents the C-390 Millennium as the future of military transport aircraft, featuring a payload capacity of 26,000 kg. This makes it a compelling choice, especially since it outperforms the C-130J Super Hercules, which has a payload capacity of 19,000 kg. Given India’s interest in enhancing its military capabilities, it’s clear why experts believe that discussions around this aircraft could lead to a significant agreement.
This international airline is offering free flight tickets to Indian travelers
Brazil operates the Gripen E fighter jet, which is expected to expand its fleet in the near future. However, the Tejas fighter jet has certain advantages over the Gripen. For instance, the Tejas features a quadruple digital fly-by-wire system that offers greater redundancy and safety compared to the single FBW system in the Gripen. Additionally, its use of composite materials reduces its radar cross-section, and its wide duct air intake enhances performance. Notably, the Tejas can take off in as little as 460 meters, significantly shorter than the Gripen’s 800-meter requirement.
Tejas and Gripen E Engine
Both jets are equipped with advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems, but the Gripen does hold some advantages with its more powerful GE F414 engine. The Gripen has a better payload capacity and maximum takeoff weight, and the optimized F414 engine provides superior thrust, enhancing agility and aerial engagement capabilities. However, the F404 engine of the Tejas is cheaper to maintain and operate compared to the F414.
With a maximum capacity of 26 tonnes, the C-390 surpasses the C-130’s 19-tonne capacity. Additionally, the C-390 is equipped with both probe and drogue systems, allowing it to refuel fighter jets and even serve as a tanker—capabilities that the C-130J does not offer. If India and Brazil decide to collaborate on the C-390’s production, it could be a game-changer for both nations.
India could potentially modify the C-390 aircraft for combat roles, such as launching long-range subsonic cruise missiles. This adaptation is feasible, as evidenced by the U.S. using its MC-130 to launch AGM-158 missiles.
India’s collbration with TATA & Airbus C295
Currently, India, in collaboration with Airbus, is producing around 56 aircraft for defense purposes. This milestone strengthens India’s defense capabilities, as spare parts will be more accessible due to local production and support. The C295 aircraft plays a crucial role in boosting regional connectivity and transporting troops and essential military supplies.
Furthermore, the C-390 could function as a drone mothership for deploying India’s swift and stealthy drones, providing a cost-effective solution that maximizes operational capabilities. However, challenges related to self-survivability, precision strikes, and operations in contested environments need to be addressed. If these challenges can be resolved, this concept could significantly enhance India’s long-range strike capabilities.
Similarly, manufacturing the Tejas MK1 in collaboration with Brazil would bring substantial benefits, especially for Brazil. Their mutual membership in BRICS could foster deep cooperation, defense technology sharing, and industrial development. By partnering on the Tejas program, Brazil’s aerospace industry could enter the fighter aircraft segment, leading to advancements in knowledge transfer and the establishment of local supply chains.
Reducing reliance on India for fighter maintenance and support, the C-390 Millennium would significantly enhance India’s logistical and operational capacity. Meanwhile, the Tejas MK1A offers Brazil an affordable yet effective solution to bolster its air combat capabilities, further deepening the strategic ties between the two nations.
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