Aviation

IndiGo Hikes Seat-Selection Charge in some categories

The largest carrier in the nation in terms of market share and fleet, IndiGo, announced that the fuel charge will be eliminated on January 4, 2024. The airline has now raised its ancillary fees for seat selection in addition to raising the seat-selection fees.

Certain seats will now be priced at ₹2000 as of right now due to the change. The fees were updated on the company’s website today and have been shown on its booking engine.

The previously stated price range of ₹150 to ₹1500 has been revised to ₹150 to ₹2000, a 33% increase at the upper end. IndiGo designates certain of its seats as “XL,” designating those with more legroom or, in the case of first-row seats, convenience in terms of boarding early.

Prices have been known to decrease in certain instances, so the increase has not been consistent. On the more than 40 ATR 72-600 flights that the airline operates, there has been no change in the available seats.

For rows 2 and 3 on the Airbus fleet, the seat-selection fees have dropped from ₹450 to ₹400. The fees for aisle, window, and even middle seats on the A320s, however, have increased from ₹250 to ₹400 for rows 11 and 14 by 20. Optimising ancillary revenues is the goal of the airline’s pricing adjustments.

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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.