Asia

Indian-built Tejas Fighter Jet & Dhruv Helicopter to be displayed at Dubai Airshow 2023.

Tejas aircraft, ALH Dhruv to participate in Dubai airshow

India’s cutting-edge light helicopter Dhruv and light combat aircraft Tejas will take part in the biennial Dubai Airshow, which is set to take place from November 13 to November 17.

According to officials on Wednesday, the two platforms are a part of the Indian Air Force’s deployment at the prestigious event. According to an official statement, “an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has landed at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai to participate in the biennial Dubai Airshow.”

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has landed at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai for participation in the biennial Dubai Airshow, scheduled from 13 to 17 November 2023. The IAF contingent comprises two indigenous platforms – the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas… pic.twitter.com/laSAwH8DfH— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2023

“The IAF contingent comprises two indigenous platforms – the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv,” stated the statement. The Sarang Helicopter Team will be showing off their formation aerobatics talents during the airshow, while the Tejas will be featured in both the static and aerial presentations.

India and the UAE have a strategic connection in terms of diplomacy. With the US, UAE, and Israel, India is a member of the “new QUAD,” or I2U2, which focuses on improving digital infrastructure, connectivity, and marine security.

The IAF further cemented ties between the two countries in 2020 when it used the UAE’s Al Dhafra air base as a critical layover point when transporting Rafale fighter planes from France.

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Asia

Singapore Airlines emergency landing after severe turbulence

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777 Aircraft lands at Singapore Changi Airport (Incident aircraft not pictured)

One passenger passed on, while dozens of passengers were injured when a Singapore Airlines Boeing B777-300ER aircraft experienced severe turbulence while en route to Singapore from London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft diverted to Bangkok, and landed at 3:45pm Local time on 21 May 2024

The flight landed with 211 Passengers and 11 Crew members at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. According to the Airport Director Kittipong Kittikachorn at a news conference, there were 7 passengers who suffered serious injuries, while a number of other passengers suffered injuries of varying seriousness.

It was also confirmed that the passenger who passed on was a 73 year old British Man. In a statement from Singapore Airlines ‘ As of 0505 hours Singapore Time on 22 May 2024, 79 passengers and 6 crew members from SQ321 remain in Bangkok’. In another statement, it was reported that a relief flight with 143 passengers and crew members arrived in Singapore at 0505 hours Singapore time on 22 May 2024.

According to aircraft tracking site FlightRadar24, the 16 Year Old Boeing B777-300ER aircraft descended sharply from 37,000 feet to 31,000 feet in a short time. It was also further reported by FlightRadar24 that the descent was commanded by Autopilot, instead of being caused by turbulence.

Shortly afterwards, the pilot declared an emergency by squeaking 7700 on the transponder, indicating an emergency situation onboard the aircraft. The Boeing 777 aircraft then diverted to Bangkok, instead of continuing on its planned journey to Singapore.

In view of this incident, Singapore Airlines mentioned in a statement that they are working with the relevant authorities on the investigation into this incident.

The National Transportation Safety Board, a US Government investigative agency for civil aviation incidents, is sending an accredited representative and 4 technical advisors to support the investigation by Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB). TSIB mentioned in a statement that it ‘is in touch with its Thai counterparts and will be deploying investigators to Bangkok’.

Boeing, the manufacturer of the Boeing B777 aircraft mentioned in a statement that they are in contact with Singapore Airlines regarding the ill-fated flight, and ‘stand ready to support them’.

This situation is developing, more details will be added when they become available.