Aviation

From Seizure to Scrap: The Fate of Venezuela’s Boeing 747 Unveiled

The Venezuelan Boeing 747, embroiled in a diplomatic saga, faced its final fate as it was dismantled in the United States following its seizure in Argentina.

Images circulating on social media captured the somber dismantling process, marking the conclusion of a contentious chapter that spanned nearly two years. According to the report from Aviacionline, The aircraft, belonging to Venezuelan airline Emtrasur Cargo, found itself at the center of a diplomatic dispute involving the United States, Iran, and Argentina.

Así quedó destruida, la aeronave venezolana Emtrasur tras su llegada a suelo de EEUU.
Ellos practican con placer, la doctrina Sionista, que es la que los dirige … tal cual como en Gaza, no solo asesinan, se burlan, dañan instalaciones, arrancan los árboles… son perversos. pic.twitter.com/bjyk6c27jY
— Aecio 🇻🇪 (@AecioEscalante) February 29, 2024

The US Department of Justice confirmed late Monday that it had taken custody of the plane after Argentina grounded it 18 months earlier. Washington alleged that the sale of the aircraft to Venezuela violated its sanctions on Iran, citing the involvement of Mahan Air, a carrier linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, Yván Gil, condemned the seizure as “blatant theft” and “shameful plunder,” adding it to the list of seized or frozen Venezuelan assets, including the multibillion-dollar oil subsidiary CITGO and various bank accounts. Despite protests and campaigns by the Maduro administration, the dismantling of Emtrasur’s Boeing 747 proceeded without major incident.

The Boeing 747-300, a 36-year-old aircraft, was purchased by Emtrasur in January 2022 from Mahan Air, with technical assistance from Iranian nationals. The plane, equipped with a reported 90-tonne, 600 cubic-meter capacity, was primarily used for cargo shipments from countries like China and India to Venezuela, as well as for delivering humanitarian aid to Caribbean nations.

The confiscation of the aircraft by Argentina in response to US sanctions prompted an outcry from the Venezuelan government, which vowed to pursue all avenues to restore justice and reclaim ownership of the plane. However, the dismantling process signifies the end of this turbulent chapter, leaving behind a trail of diplomatic tensions and legal wrangling.

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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.