Airlines

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific to ramp up flights to top destinations as airline resumes travel

With an additional 700 passenger flights in November and 1,200 in December to popular locations like Japan and Britain, Cathay will be running more flights than usual.

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As a result of Japan lifting restrictions to permit visa-free travel for individual visitors starting on October 11, Cathay announced it would begin daily flights to Tokyo Haneda on November 1 and operate aircraft to Sapporo four times a week from December 1.

According to the airline, there were 146 extra flights to Osaka, Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Sapporo during the month of November, which contributed to an increase in passenger flights to and from Hong Kong. In December, there were 234 flights, adding up to 140,000 extra seats over the final two months of the year.

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Additionally, the airline has hired 200 local pilots since last year and intends to hire another 700 by the end of 2023. Cathay Airways plans to hire more than 4,000 frontline staff members, including roughly 2,000 cabin crew, to meet its demands over the next 18 to 24 months. This endeavor is a part of a larger initiative to grow the number of employees.

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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.