Airlines

Etihad Airways to allow bookings using AI within chat app BOTIM

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Etihad Airways, and leading consumer technology holding company Astra Tech have partnered to allow customers to book flights using BOTIM, the top VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service in the MENA region, which was recently relaunched as an Ultra app. Astra Tech’s founder, Abdallah Abu Sheikh, and Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves signed a partnership agreement today at the Arabian Travel Market.

Astra Tech and Etihad are working together to offer customers a new, simple way to purchase flights. Customers now have a fast and cutting-edge way to book Etihad flights with to the BOTIM GPT module created by Astra Tech, which integrates flights and other travel-related services into the Botim app.

Botim 3.0 was introduced earlier this week by Astra Tech (Astra), making it an all-encompassing digital platform for its customers by combining banking, e-commerce, GPT, and communications into a unified user experience. With access to services like Botim Money for peer-to-peer transactions and international transfers, Botim Stores with access to more than 100,000 stores, and advanced video services like tutoring and telemedicine later this year, Botim is a potent digital tool designed to make life easier for every user. Users all over the world can access Botim 3.0, which offers the sole open and seamless channel for communication and commerce to and from the MENA area.

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.

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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.

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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.