Aviation

Delta Airlines B757 aircraft loses nose wheel just before takeoff

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On January 20, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 faced a harrowing incident as it lost its nose wheel shortly before attempting to take off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

According to US aviation officials, the incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. as the aircraft was preparing to embark on a flight to Bogota, Colombia. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) swiftly initiated a preliminary investigation into the matter.

Their initial report revealed that the nose wheel detached from the aircraft and rolled down a hill, creating a potentially perilous situation for the departing flight. Fortunately, all passengers on board were able to disembark safely, and there were no reported injuries.

Passengers were later transported back to the terminal via buses, as confirmed by the FAA. Delta Air Lines, the operator of the flight, promptly arranged for a replacement flight for the affected passengers, ensuring minimal disruption to their travel plans.

While the investigation is ongoing, the FAA has not yet determined the cause of the incident. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, declined to comment on the matter and directed inquiries to Delta Air Lines, the entity responsible for the maintenance of its planes.

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Aviation

Airbus and French Aerospace Firms Growing Exports from India

In a significant move to bolster its supply chain, European aerospace giant Airbus has announced plans to ramp up component sourcing from India, tapping into the country’s vast opportunities.

During a press briefing in New Delhi on October 7, CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the strategic importance of India within the Airbus supply chain, highlighting the company’s robust network of over 100 suppliers in the region.

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Faury, who also serves as Chairman of the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS), noted that there are abundant prospects for collaboration between Indian and French aerospace companies. Leading a high-level delegation from GIFAS, comprising more than 60 companies and over 100 representatives, Faury aims to foster deeper partnerships and enhance business opportunities between India and France.

“We will continue to grow our sourcing of components,” Faury stated, forecasting a doubling of component sourcing approximately every five years over the next decade. This stable growth trajectory underscores Airbus’s commitment to deepening its ties with India.

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Currently, Airbus holds an impressive order book of around 8,600 aircraft and anticipates producing about 770 planes this year. This ambitious production plan aligns with the expected surge in India’s domestic air passenger traffic, projected to reach 300 million by 2030, according to Union Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.

During the briefing, Naidu also highlighted the substantial investments being made to develop India’s airport infrastructure, with $11 billion allocated for this purpose. The government plans to develop 200 additional airports over the next 20 to 25 years, significantly expanding the current count of 157 airports, heliports, and waterdromes. By the end of 2025, the number of operational airports is expected to reach 200.

“The potential for partnership between India and France is immense,” Naidu remarked, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit that Airbus and French aerospace firms seek to cultivate in India.