Aviation

How Bomb Threats Affect Airlines and Their Costs

Bomb threats create significant problems for airlines, impacting both their operations and finances. When a threat is reported, airlines often have to divert or delay flights to ensure passenger safety. This precautionary measure is essential, but it comes with a hefty price tag.

For instance, a recent Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was diverted to New Delhi due to a bomb threat, resulting in a rescheduling of the flight. On the same day, two IndiGo flights bound for Jeddah and Muscat also faced similar threats, leading to delays of several hours. These incidents raise critical questions about the costs airlines incur due to bomb threats.

A 17-yr boy was arrested for making a hoax bomb threat, causing multiple flight diversions and delays.

Airlines face various expenses when responding to bomb threats. These include additional fuel costs for rerouting, airport fees for landing and parking, and compensation for affected passengers. The diversion, deplaning of passengers, and necessary security re-checks create a logistical nightmare for airlines, leading to substantial financial losses throughout the process.

The costs can quickly add up. For example, the extra fuel, catering, and airport charges can cost an airline around Rs 12 lakhs per hour. The longer the delay, the more money the airline ends up spending. Some estimates suggest that an airline could incur as much as Rs 50 lakhs in extra costs for each diversion related to a bomb threat.

Moreover, these disruptions can affect flight schedules, particularly for budget domestic carriers that have shorter turnaround times between flights. This not only impacts the airline’s bottom line but also causes inconvenience for passengers, especially those with connecting flights or those traveling for emergencies.

Aviation

Saudi Arabia may replace F-35 with Turkies made KAAN

Image courtesy : KAAN

Turkey has secured a significant potential customer for its newly built KAAN fighter jet, with a substantial order that could transform the landscape for this domestically developed aircraft. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia is considering purchasing around 100 units of the fifth-generation Turkish-made KAAN fighter jet.

This proposal was a central topic during the recent visit of Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, the commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, to Turkey.

During the visit, Prince Banda engaged in high-level discussions with key Turkish defense companies, including Roketsan and Turkish Aerospace Industries, the developers of the KAAN fighter.

Türkiye’s indigenous fighter jet KAAN to take to the skies in ..

The aim of these discussions was to provide the Saudi delegation with a comprehensive understanding of the KAAN’s capabilities and to explore broader defense collaboration between the two nations.

Saudi-Turkish defense cooperation

According to international defense sources, this potential acquisition could herald a new chapter in Saudi-Turkish defense cooperation, aligning with both countries’ ambitions to strengthen their military capabilities.

Previously, the Trump administration approved the sale of F-35 aircraft to Saudi Arabia, but this was denied due to geopolitical concerns, particularly regarding Israel, which operates more than 25 of these aircraft.

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Saudi Arabia and Qatar have also shown interest in acquiring F-35s. Following that, Saudi Arabia engaged in discussions with China regarding the J-31 aircraft; however, these talks were put on hold due to American diplomatic relations. Meanwhile, the UAE refused to comply with U.S. directives to sever ties with Huawei, the Chinese 5G technology giant.

Saudi Arabia made headlines by announcing a $3 billion acquisition

This proposed deal reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasing interest in Turkish defense technology. In July of last year, Saudi Arabia made headlines by announcing a $3 billion acquisition of medium-altitude, long-endurance drones.

This marked Turkey’s largest defense contract and is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to modernize its military and enhance its indigenous defense capabilities.

The deal includes provisions for technology transfer and local manufacturing, with a notable requirement that 70% of the drone components be produced domestically.

Beyond the potential fighter jet deal, Saudi Arabia’s collaboration with Turkish defense companies is expanding beyond drone acquisitions.

Saudi Arabian Military Industries has signed agreements with Turkish firms such as ASELSAN and Roketsan, covering the supply of electro-optical systems, smart bombs, and guidance kits.

Saudi Arabia is focused on achieving self-reliance in defense for the future, aiming to procure products that will support national growth and enhance its defense capabilities. Collaboration with Turkey significantly contributes to technological advancement.

These agreements emphasize the integration of advanced systems into Saudi Arabia’s defense framework.

Notably, a partnership has been formed with the Saudi National Company for Mechanical Systems to develop electro-optical surveillance and targeting systems. Additionally, Roketsan will supply weapon systems, including those for drone integration. This collaboration further bolsters Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities.