Airlines
EasyJet to Operate Charity Northern Lights Flight
The crippled aviation charity Aerobility and EasyJet are teaming up once more to offer a special “Aurora Flight”
The crippled aviation charity Aerobility and easyJet are teaming up once more to offer a special “Aurora Flight” that will give passengers the chance to view the Northern Lights from 30,000 feet in the air.
The journey will be the first Northern Lights experience the airline and charity have offered since before the pandemic when hundreds of passengers had previously been able to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the “Aurora Borealis” over the preceding eight years. Even a marriage proposal has occurred during the flights; Oli and Steph Bruce from Oxfordshire will wed in June 2022 after proposing on the Aurora voyage in February 2020.
The “Aurora” flight departing from London Gatwick on February 18, 2023, includes a two-course meal at the Gatwick Sofitel Hotel, pre-departure presentations, in-flight commentary from special guests including Sky at Night host Pete Lawrence and Aurora specialists from the British Antarctic Survey, as well as entertainment and refreshments onboard.
On February 18, 2023, the “Aurora” flight departing from London Gatwick will feature a Aerobility.com/aurora now offers tickets for just £349 per person, with special discounts available for children, carers, and those with disabled flyers.
The charity’s CEO, Mike Miller Smith, said: “This offers the utmost feeling of freedom and escapes from disabilities, making everything else in life appear just a little bit more feasible.”
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“To Aerobility and the people we care about, the Aurora Flight with EasyJet means so much. Because our aircraft is just a little bit smaller, it naturally funds many more life-changing flights at Aerobility in addition to providing a life-changing experience at night. We cannot express our gratitude to everyone at EasyJet and the other businesses enough for making the Aurora Flight possible.
Captain Chris Foster of EasyJet, who flies the Aurora flight, said: “We are tremendously happy to be able to provide this exceptional Northern Lights journey once again and it is an honor to support Aerobility and the fantastic job they do. Anyone interested in taking a flight that is likely to be amazing and that supports a worthwhile cause while also providing a unique experience is encouraged to do so.
Airlines
An A320 plane flew for 28 minutes with both pilots asleep
In a startling incident, an Airbus A320 operated by an Indonesian airline, Batik Air, flew for a harrowing 28 minutes with both pilots asleep at the controls.
The alarming event unfolded on Batik Air Flight 6723, carrying 153 passengers, en route to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. The saga began when the first officer allowed the captain to take a nap, only to fatigue himself, attributing his drowsiness to caring for his one-month-old twins. As the pilots dozed off, the aircraft veered off-course, prompting concerns from air traffic control (ATC) who lost contact with the flight 90 minutes into its journey.
Despite the pilots being unresponsive for nearly half an hour, ATC managed to track the aircraft using radar as it covered a staggering 210 nautical miles, equivalent to the distance between New York and Washington, D.C. The captain eventually woke up, realizing the perilous situation and rousing his co-pilot.
After correcting the flight path, the captain attributed the radio silence to a “communication problem,” and the plane eventually touched down safely in Jakarta. However, the incident sparked widespread concern and investigation by Indonesia’s transport ministry.
A preliminary report revealed that the second-in-command had not rested adequately before the flight, shedding light on the potential dangers of pilot fatigue. While the identities of the pilots remained undisclosed, the incident underscored the critical importance of ensuring crew members are well-rested and fit for duty.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the swift actions of the awakened captain averted disaster, emphasizing the necessity for robust safety protocols and measures within the aviation industry.
Airlines
Ex-Cathay Pacific A330-300 Destroyed by Fire during Long-Term Storage at Spain
In a dramatic turn of events, an ex-Cathay Pacific Airbus A330 met a fiery end at Ciudad Real Airport in Spain. The aircraft, with a distinguished service history spanning 28 years, was resting in long-term storage at the airport when disaster struck.
Reports emerged detailing the unfortunate incident, painting a picture of destruction and chaos. The once majestic A330, bearing the serial number MSN113, became engulfed in flames while undergoing dismantling procedures. What began as a routine process turned into a nightmare as a fire erupted in the aircraft’s tail section, quickly spreading to consume the entire fuselage.
Emergency responders, including the Civil Guard, medical teams, and law enforcement personnel, swiftly descended upon the scene to contain the inferno. Despite the intensity of the blaze, their coordinated efforts prevented any injuries among both the public and the brave individuals working to quell the flames.
By mid-afternoon, the Ciudad Real fire service declared victory over the fire, announcing its successful extinguishment. However, the aftermath left behind a trail of questions and concerns. Authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, with initial findings shrouded in mystery.
The head of the airport expressed astonishment at the unprecedented event, highlighting it as the first instance where airport infrastructure had to grapple with such a significant fire-related challenge. As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community awaits answers, hoping to shed light on the circumstances leading to the demise of the retired Airbus A330.
Airlines
Air India’s last VVIP Boeing 747 now found a new home in USA
In a symbolic transition marking the end of a storied chapter in aviation history, Air India bid farewell to its last remaining Boeing 747-400 jumbo jetliners, once revered for ferrying dignitaries including prime ministers, presidents, and vice presidents.
The sale of these iconic aircraft to AerSale, a company based in the United States, signals the closure of a remarkable era for the airline.
The decision to part ways with the Boeing 747s was driven by practical considerations. Tata Group, the new custodian of airindia flights, deemed these majestic planes uneconomical to operate in today’s aviation landscape. As such, out of the four sold, two will be repurposed into freighters, while the remaining pair will be meticulously disassembled to harness their valuable parts.
The transaction, orchestrated by Mumbai-based Vman Aviation Services, underscores the strategic shift in Air India’s fleet management strategy under its new ownership. Tata Group’s decision to divest from the 747s reflects a commitment to optimizing operational efficiency and aligning with contemporary industry standards.
Skytech-AIC, a UK-based remarketing firm engaged by Tata Group, facilitated the sale of these iconic aircraft, marking the conclusion of their illustrious service with Air India. The airline’s last flight featuring the Boeing 747 took to the skies between Delhi and Mumbai in March 2021, encapsulating decades of distinguished service and indelible memories.
The allure of used aircraft parts continues to resonate across the aviation sector, offering operators a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality or performance. The transfer of these aircraft to AerSale not only ensures their continued utility but also underscores the enduring legacy of Air India’s fleet.