Airlines

Finnair discontinues in-flight and pre-order retail sales

Finnair is discontinuing its in-flight and pre-order retail sales of cosmetics, accessories, gifts, and other retail goods this spring. Customers can still place advance orders for meals and purchase snacks and beverages while travelling. In the same way as before, Finnair Plus members can still purchase from the Finnair Shop things that are available for home delivery as well as rewards.

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In-flight sales will end on all flights on 28 February 2023, but pre-orders are delivered for flights until 18 April 2023. Onboard and pre-order shopping has become a less important service among customers”, says Valtteri Helve, Head of Product Offering at Finnair. Already in spring 2020, we announced that we discontinue in-flight sales on our flights within EU as part of our goal to reduce the overall weight of the aircraft, and now it is time to take the next step. Food and beverage sales on flights will continue, of course, and we will continue to develop our service.”

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During the final discount campaign, which launches 1 February 2023, customers can buy products onboard or pre-order items with a significant -40% discount. In-flight shopping is available on long-haul flights, and flights to the Canary Islands, Dubai, Egypt, Iceland, Israel, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom. Customers can pre-order products for all flights with a duration of over 2 hours. Travel retail is not available on Doha route.

“Together with partners, we have been able to offer a wide range of products, and many Finnish brands have also been well represented on our flights”, says Tiina Tissari, Vice President Customer Experience and Products at Finnair.

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.