Airlines

European regulator rules out single-pilot flying by 2030

Why there may soon be only one pilot on aeroplanes

A single pilot would be flying passenger jets instead of two, according to airlines and regulators. It would save costs and relieve pressure from crew shortages, but some people find it disturbing to place such authority in the hands of a single individual.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has also been collaborating with aircraft manufacturers to develop guidelines for regulating solo flights and to assess how they would function. EASA stated that these services might begin in 2027.

The regulator is considering a proposal from European aircraft manufacturers Airbus SE and Dassault Aviation for solo flight during the cruise phase, which is less taxing than takeoff and landing but still requires at least two pilots to be in the cockpit.

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Since the relaxing of regulations would permit pilots to rest during lengthy flights without replacements being on board, the aviation industry wants solo flying to help ease a challenging labor crisis.

An earlier industry plan for sole-pilot flying by 2030 was “absolutely not practical,” according to Andrea Boiardi, a manager with the regulator (EASA), because automation had not advanced enough and solo flight required a degree of safety similar to current operations.

The International Civil Aviation Organization, the individual airlines, and their pilot unions must all approve solo flying, even when on a cruise. Early this year, the U.N. organization is anticipated to start studying the issue.

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Boiardi stated that only the most sophisticated aircraft, outfitted with a higher level of safety than required by basic certification standards, could be utilized for solo flight in cruise. They might include Boeing 777Xs and 787s as well as Airbus A350s. In the first in-depth interview, EASA has given on the subject. EASA was soliciting opinions on the issue from airlines and pilots in a process that was anticipated to end in March.

Eventually, long-haul crews that currently required three or four pilots might be reduced to two, with both in the cockpit for takeoff and landing. If safety was established. However, even limited solo flying is causing friction between airlines and public unease while also igniting a growing opposition among pilot organizations like the European Cockpit Association.

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Airlines

Air India Rolls Out A350s for Delhi-New York JFK and Newark Routes

In a major development for North American travelers, Air India has announced the deployment of its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 aircraft on two key routes: Delhi to New York and Delhi to Newark.

The service on the Delhi-New York route will commence on November 1, 2024, while the Delhi-Newark route will see its inaugural flight on January 2, 2025.

The introduction of the air india a350 will bring significant enhancements to Air India’s offerings, particularly with the launch of its Premium Economy class. air india retrofit This new class will feature 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, providing passengers with extra legroom and a more comfortable flying experience.

Soon, Air India aircraft will feature onboard WiFi & all-new cabins: Click here

“We are encouraged by the positive guest feedback we have received from the domestic deployment of our air india a350 interior to offer our hero product on the Delhi-New York JFK and Delhi-Newark routes. This is a significant leap forward for our U.S. operations that also underscores our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Air India.

The A350’s Business class will set new standards with 28 private suites, each equipped with full-flat beds, direct aisle access, and personal wardrobes. Economy class will be configured to accommodate 264 passengers in a 3-4-3 layout. Across all cabins, passengers will enjoy the latest Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system, offering over 2,200 hours of content.

Air India’s First A350-900: Interior, Routes, &Inflight Features: Click here

This strategic deployment marks a notable enhancement in Air India’s U.S. operations, with 60% of its flights to the U.S. now featuring new or upgraded cabin interiors. The air india new international routes currently operates 51 weekly flights to five U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, and San Francisco.

The revamped cabins, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and improved service standards represent air india wifi commitment to providing a superior travel experience. “We believe this enhanced offering will solidify Air India’s position as a leading carrier and attract travellers seeking a world-class flying experience between India and the United States,” the airline stated.

Seats on these flights are now available for booking on Air India’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents, ensuring that passengers can easily plan their journeys on these newly upgraded routes.