Airlines

Comac &Tibet Airlines partner to develop a high-altitude C919 variant

COMAC Hikes Price Of C919; Now More Expensive Than Boeing 737

Comac, China’s state-owned commercial aircraft manufacturer, has entered into a partnership with Tibet Airlines to collaborate on the development of a Chinese-made airliner specifically designed for high-altitude plateau operations.

This initiative marks Tibet Airlines as the first carrier in China to engage in the creation of a variant of the narrow-body aircraft. As part of the agreement signed in Shanghai, the two entities will establish a national-level research center focused on the high-altitude operation of large jets.

The primary objective is to promote the operational capabilities and technological advancements of Comac’s existing ARJ21 and C919 aircraft models. The proposed C919 plateau variant is tailored for airports situated at high altitudes and is designed to accommodate 140 passengers, 28 fewer than the standard model.

Tibet Airlines has signed a deal with Chinese Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to research plateau-suited C919 variant.#aircraft #aviation pic.twitter.com/jOx2RsMJuB
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) December 17, 2023

With a range of 3,000 kilometers, a prototype of the aircraft was showcased at the China International Import Expo and the Shanghai International Commercial Airshow earlier this year. The C919 plateau variant, at approximately 34 meters in length, will be 3.6 meters shorter than the basic C919 model but will retain standard wings and engines.

This specialized model aims to address the unique requirements of air transport in western China and is well-suited for plateau airports. Comac asserts that it is not only adapted to challenging environmental conditions but is also cost-effective. Wang Yanan, the chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, highlighted that this development will establish a foundation for the potential export of C919 aircraft to countries neighboring Xizang, such as Nepal, and other nations with high-altitude airports like Mexico.

Source

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.

This country tops visa rejections in the popular Schengen countries

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.

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

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.