A retired Boeing 747 has discovered an unexpected second act as a distinctive and alluring cafe in the bustling city of Bangkok.

Before being placed into storage in 2016, the 29-year-old jumbo jet was operated by Orient Thai Airlines. Two years later, in 2018, the carrier ceased operations. But the famous plane, known as the “queen of the skies,” has been given new life, entertaining tourists in Bangkok.

The 747 Cafe is a creative and inventive landmark situated on Luang Phaeng Road in the Lat Krabang district. A dismantled aircraft that has been converted into a cosy dining space greets guests as they enter. Clients can enjoy beverages and delicious baked goods here, taking their time while enjoying their treats in cosy window seats that provide a distinctive view of the outside world.

A trip up to the second floor reveals the once-private cockpit of pilots, for those looking for a more luxurious experience. In addition to learning about the aircraft’s extensive history, visitors can explore this iconic location and perhaps even imagine the many trips it has completed.

The 747 Cafe attracts tourists, curious locals, and aviation enthusiasts alike. It is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. This abandoned aviation marvel never fails to captivate the imaginations of those who venture inside, adding a sense of airborne nostalgia to the vibrant tapestry of Bangkok’s culinary scene as sunlight filters through its windows.

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The Indian aviation industry has been a dynamic landscape, witnessing continuous growth and evolving competition among domestic airlines.

As the demand for air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, understanding the market share of key players becomes imperative for stakeholders, investors, and enthusiasts alike. According to DGCA data, In this article, we will explore the market share and passenger numbers achieved by these carriers. we analyze the key trends shaping the aviation sector in India.

Market share of Scheduled domestic airlines

1. IndiGo: From January to October, IndiGo reached new heights, transporting an impressive 755.35 lakh passengers. IndiGo remains the unrivaled leader in the Indian skies, with a commanding market share of 60.2%, demonstrating efficiency, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to passenger satisfaction.

2. Air India: From January to October, it has successfully carried 118.74 lakh passengers, making it stand out as a beacon of distinction. Air India, which has a 9.5% market share, is recognized as a symbol of dependability, customer service, and a dedication to offering the best possible flying experience.

3. Vistara: In the aviation spotlight from January to October, Vistara dazzled as it carried a remarkable 113.32 lakh passengers. With a market share of 9.0%, Vistara has carved its niche in the skies, offering a seamless blend of luxury and efficiency.

4.AirAsia: set a new record in 2023 by transporting 92.06 lakh passengers from January to October. AirAsia is a dynamic force with a 7.3% market share, providing a seamless blend of innovation and passenger-centric service.

5.SpiceJet: emerged as a dynamic force, carrying a remarkable 68.34 lakh passengers. With a market share of 5.4%, SpiceJet showcases its prowess in offering a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

6.Akasa Air: has emerged as a rising star, overseeing the seamless journey of nearly 50.91 lakh passengers from January to October. With a market share of 4.1%, Akasa Air is carving its path in the competitive skies, embodying innovation, comfort, and a commitment to elevating the passenger experience.

After the successful launch of the COMAC C919, China’s domestically built commercial aircraft, in collaboration with Chinese airlines, the country is now gearing up for its next aviation endeavor. Plans are in motion to enhance and develop a widebody aircraft.

Initially, there was a joint effort between Russia and China to develop this widebody aircraft. However, due to geopolitical and technology-sharing concerns, Russia withdrew from the project. As a result, China is now determined to proceed with the development of its own commercial widebody aircraft.

The C919 aircraft, while impressive, is a narrow-body aircraft that incorporates some Western components, including engines and avionics, which play crucial roles in its construction and operations. China’s future vision includes equipping the C919 with its own domestically produced engines within the next few years.

With the second-largest aviation market in the world, China’s aviation sector is experiencing significant demand for aircraft. Consequently, the nation is actively planning to launch its own widebody aircraft to meet the growing needs of its aviation industry.

The largest aerospace company in China, Comac, is moving forward with the design of a new widebody passenger jet. Despite claims that its joint venture with Russia to produce the plane has failed.

According to reports, UAC a major player in the Russian aviation industry, has left COMAC’s wide-body passenger aircraft development cooperation. The aircraft, which can carry 280 passengers, is now being promoted by the business as an entirely Chinese development, and Russia is no longer mentioned as a partner in the project.

According to COMAC’s prediction, the widebody project is projected to be operational by 2026–2027, and three variants of the C929 variants are anticipated.

The C929-500 variant, which can accommodate 250 passengers, has a range of 14,000 kilometers. The C929-600 variant, which can accommodate 280 passengers, has a range of 12,000 kilometers. The C929-700, the longest variant of the model, is anticipated to fly up to 10,000 kilometers.

The primary designer of the domestically produced C919, Wu Guanghui, stated that the widebody C929 model will have 60% less carbon emissions than the previous versions.

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Obtaining a Russian visa from India entails a number of procedures and requirements since the specific process varies depending on the type of visa required, the purpose of your visit, and your nationality. This is an outline of the steps and requirements for obtaining a Russian visa from India:

The application process for a Russian visa from India will vary depending on the type of permit. It is mostly available online for short-term use. The application must be made offline for long-term purposes. Also, before applying, make sure the person is qualified for the position. The following are the procedures for obtaining a visa to Russia from India:

1. You can start by filling out the Russia visa application form.
2. Confirm your email address.
3. Submit the form and attach all the required documents.
4. Attach a recent photograph.
5. Pay the required visa fees.
6. Get the permit verified.
7. You will then receive your e-visa.

There are a few more things you should do after submitting the application. You can download the relevant PDF file and check the status of your permit online. The file contains comprehensive instructions that outline when you can obtain a visa and the next steps to take.

Russia Visa Requirements

The Russian visa requirements will vary depending on the type of permit. They also differ based on the procedure used to obtain a Russian visa from India. The following are some examples of common documents:

1. E-Visa Requirements
2. Passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of travel.
3. Photo as per the photo specifications.
4. Confirmed flight tickets.
5. Travel Insurance.
6. Proof of purpose of visit – exhibition pass, hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.

How Much fees for a Russian visa for an Indian

The payment for the Russia visa must be made at the time the documents are first submitted online. You can pay the fee using any common electronic payment method.

1. Single entry Normal: Allows a 30-day stay within a 3-month validity period, costing ₹5,610.0.
2. Single entry Express: Same as the normal option but processed faster, costing ₹6,970.0.
3. Double entry Normal: Permits two entries with a 30-day stay for each within a 3-month validity, costing ₹6,426.0.
4. Double entry Express: Similar to the double entry normal, but with faster processing, at a cost of ₹8,602.0.

How to Check Visa Status?

You can check the status of your permission online by going to the Russia e-Visa portal. You can find out the status of your visa procedure for Russia by simply entering your reference number.

Where to apply?

To obtain a visa for Russia, you must submit an online application to the Russian Federation’s Consular Department. The offline application is sent to the Russian Federation’s Consulate in Mumbai or Embassy in Delhi. There are further application options.  You can apply through a visa application center or a third party.

In the Indian market, HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) is currently making headlines for receiving a significant boost in business from Airbus. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited shares price increased by almost 10% in November 2023. as it received business orders from Airbus.

HAL share price today

Airbus has signed new contracts with numerous Indian suppliers to produce commercial aircraft parts, assisting the Indian government in realizing its “AatmaNirbharBharat” objective.

HAL share price nse is currently at hal share price today Rs 2055. It increased the 1.05% shares yesterday. According to the record, its price on November 1st was about Rs 1822. Other companies associated with Aerospace Deals have also seen a sharp rise in prices.

Airbus wing parts for the A320neo, A330neo, and A350

Contracts for the supply of airframe and Wing parts for the A320neo, A330neo, and A350 programs have been signed by Airbus with Aequs, Dynamatic, Gardner, and Mahindra Aerospace.

The latest agreements will help Airbus accelerate its commercial aircraft programs worldwide and enhance the nation’s aviation ecosystem’s knowledge and capabilities in various areas, including sheet metal, machining, and extrusion profiles.

Keypoints.

1. HAL and Airbus Collaboration:
   • Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is partnering with Airbus to establish a Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility for the Airbus A320 family aircraft.
   • Airbus is collaborating with HAL to support HAL’s entry into commercial aircraft servicing.
2. Government’s Push for Localization:
   • The Modi government is encouraging aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing to source components from India, set up MRO facilities, and eventually establish a final assembly line in the country.
   • Orders worth $120 billion have been placed by Air India and IndiGo for nearly 1,000 Airbus A320 family aircraft.
3. Impact on Airlines:
   • Private airlines, including Air India, cannot offset requirements when placing aircraft orders.
   • The government aims to benefit from these orders through increased supply chains and the establishment of MRO facilities within India.
4. Airbus’s Commitment:
   • Airbus is committed to the holistic development of India’s aviation ecosystem and supports the growth of an indigenous MRO industry.
   • Airbus will assist HAL in tapping into the growing demand for MRO services, especially for the A320 family of aircraft.
5. Aircraft Types and Customers:
   • The Airbus A320 is the most used narrow-body aircraft with Indian carriers.
   • IndiGo is the world’s largest customer for the A320, with a substantial number of orders.
   • Air India and Vistara are other major customers.
6. HAL’s Vision:
   • HAL has a vision to establish an integrated MRO hub in India to provide effective MRO solutions.
   • This aligns with the government’s Make in India mission and the civil-military convergence.
7. Airbus’s Support:
   • Airbus will provide the A320 family tool package and specialized consulting services to HAL for setting up the MRO facility.
   • HAL will have access to AirbusWorld, a digital platform offering support, technical data, and training solutions.
8. HAL’s Capabilities:
   • HAL’s Nashik division already has capabilities in civil MRO, with DGCA-approved hangars and skilled manpower from their defense activities.

These key elements help summarize the collaboration between HAL and Airbus, the government’s localization efforts, the impact on airlines, Airbus’s commitment to India’s aviation ecosystem, and HAL’s existing capabilities.

India’s cutting-edge light helicopter Dhruv and light combat aircraft Tejas will take part in the biennial Dubai Airshow, which is set to take place from November 13 to November 17.

According to officials on Wednesday, the two platforms are a part of the Indian Air Force’s deployment at the prestigious event. According to an official statement, “an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has landed at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai to participate in the biennial Dubai Airshow.”

“The IAF contingent comprises two indigenous platforms – the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv,” stated the statement. The Sarang Helicopter Team will be showing off their formation aerobatics talents during the airshow, while the Tejas will be featured in both the static and aerial presentations.

India and the UAE have a strategic connection in terms of diplomacy. With the US, UAE, and Israel, India is a member of the “new QUAD,” or I2U2, which focuses on improving digital infrastructure, connectivity, and marine security.

The IAF further cemented ties between the two countries in 2020 when it used the UAE’s Al Dhafra air base as a critical layover point when transporting Rafale fighter planes from France.

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