Aviation

The cargo loader ‘falls asleep’ on an IndiGo flight en route to Abu Dhabi,

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The cargo loader ‘falls asleep’ on an IndiGo flight en route to Abu Dhabi, prompting the DGCA to launch an investigation.

According to sources, a Mumbai airport cargo loader “fell asleep” within the stomach cargo space of an IndiGo plane flying to Abu Dhabi. The DGCA, the aviation security regulator, has taken note of the incident and launched an investigation into it. On the return leg of the flight, the loader was reintroduced to India.

An IndiGo spokesperson stated in a press release, “We are aware of the incident and have informed the appropriate authorities.” “The matter is under investigation.”

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“On Sunday, an IndiGo A320 aircraft was scheduled to operate as flight 6E-1835,” said DGCA Director-General Arun Kumar (Mumbai to Abu Dhabi). Following the loading of baggage into the aircraft, one of the loaders on board relaxed in baggage compartment 1 and fell asleep behind the baggage. After the hold staff completed the head count, the cargo door was closed. As the plane took off from Mumbai airport, the loader awoke. This was discovered in Abu Dhabi, and the loader was subjected to a medical examination by Abu Dhabi authorities. His physical condition was found to be stable and normal during the examination. He was sent back to Mumbai as a passenger on the return flight after obtaining the necessary clearances from local authorities in Abu Dhabi.”

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Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.