Aerospace
Indigo pilot’s inspiring journey from the family’s grocery store to the cockpit
The 28-year-old woman’s path from her family’s grocery shop to the pilot’s seat of a major airline in India is an inspiration.

Many people have the desire of becoming airline pilots. However, some individuals succeed in such competitive and expensive training. To become a pilot, talent is necessary, but financial security is also crucial; without it, your dream of becoming a pilot won’t come true. This is the account of a young Indian girl who comes from a middle-class home and achieves her dream.
The 28-year-old woman’s path from her family’s grocery shop to the pilot’s seat of a major airline in India is an inspiration. A success story that everyone can learn from. Aafrin Hirani is an Indigo pilot.
She is currently a pilot for Indigo Airlines, the top airline in India based on market share (55%), on-time performance, and other factors. With a fleet of more than 275 aircraft, the airline connects 74 domestic and 26 international destinations with more than 1600 daily flights.
An estimated number of flight hours and intensive training are required to become a pilot for a commercial airline. After years of dedication and grueling struggle, Aafrin is the second woman from Adilabad, Telangana, to achieve this milestone.
“I was resolved to be the best in my area and serve as a role model for young women. So, after completing intermediate in Hyderabad and going to school in Adilabad, I decided to major in aeronautical engineering at a private college. I successfully finished my two years of pilot school in Australia, fulfilling my lifelong ambition of flying, Aafrin said to Telangana Today.
After excelling in pilot training in Australia from 2018 to 2020, the 28-year-old was appointed as the first captain pilot of the private airline in August. She was chosen because she did well in aeronautical engineering to go through the demanding training. However, due to the appointment processes being slowed down by the government shutdown, she had to wait two years before entering the cockpit of an aircraft. the Covid-19 pandemic.
She acknowledged that even after completing the demanding training in a foreign country, she was a little nervous about waiting to fly a plane and being idle at home.
However, she said that she was ecstatic to fly and to be in charge of the crew. She attributed her success to the encouragement and support she received from her parents, Aziz and Navina.
About IndiGo
IndiGo is amongst the fastest-growing low-cost carriers in the world. IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer fares that are low, flights that are on time, offering a courteous, hygienic, and hassle-free travel experience. With its fleet of 275+ aircraft, the airline is operating over 1600 daily flights and connecting 74 domestic destinations and 26 international destinations. For more information, please visit www.goIndiGo.in or download our mobile app.
Aerospace
How airlines set ticket prices and how to find cheap flights?

Here are some of the most important factors that airlines consider when setting ticket prices:
To find cheap flights, there are several strategies you can use:
- Be flexible with your travel dates: By being flexible with your travel dates, you can often find better deals as prices can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and other factors.
- Book in advance: Booking your flight well in advance can often result in better prices, as airlines will typically offer lower prices for tickets booked further in advance.
- Look for deals and discounts: Airlines will often offer special deals and discounts on flights, so it’s worth checking their websites and signing up for their newsletters to stay informed.
- Use flight search engines: Flight search engines like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights can help you find the cheapest flights available by comparing prices across multiple airlines and dates.
- Consider alternative airports: Flying into or out of smaller airports can often be cheaper than larger airports, so it’s worth considering alternative airports if they are within a reasonable distance.
Aerospace
GE eyes multi-billion dollar engine deal with India for fighter jet programs

While the design of the aircraft manufacturing is rapidly progressing under the AMCA and TEDBF project. Now, the engine manufacturer is promising to provide HAL with the technology. In order to participate in the Indian future fighter lead design manufacture, GE is now prepared to express its interest.
General Electric (GE), a major American aerospace engine manufacturer, has submitted an application to the Pentagon asking for permission to jointly produce and share engine technology with India. The Pentagon has brought up the matter with the appropriate authorities, and the proposal is moving quickly as a result of the urgency displayed by GE, which is eager to expand its business in India with a multi-billion dollar engine deal for Indian fighter jet programs.
A military turbofan engine built by General Electric Aviation is known as the GE F114. Current applications include the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and other military aircraft. It was initially created for the F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft.
The modular design of the F114 engine makes maintenance and repair simple. It is able to travel at supersonic speeds and has a maximum thrust of about 29,000 pounds. Additionally, the engine is equipped with cutting-edge technologies like an afterburner for improved performance and a digital engine control system.
Overall, the GE F114 engine is a strong and dependable engine that has been instrumental in the development of numerous military aircraft.
For the Indian Navy’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) fifth-generation fighter programs, GE has requested authorization to jointly build a 110kn engine based on its F414 engine.
For the 4.5+ Gen Tejas MkII fighter program in India, GE intends to jointly produce a baseline F414 engine that generates a 98kN class of thrust. Moreover, GE wants to create an upgrade core that can provide 110-120kN Class of thrust for the AMCA and TEDBF Program.
For each fighter program over its life cycle, GE estimates a massive deal for 400 engines from India alone, with up to 1000 engines being produced locally in India. Due to the Tejas Mk1A program, GE has an advantage over its rivals in India. GE is eager to fend off offers from Safran and Rolls-Royce by providing engines that are not only economical but also include Transfer of Technology (ToT) for domestic production.
Aerospace
Cirium Launches the First Airline Routes Tool Based on Satellite-Based Flight Tracking

Cirium, the aviation analytics leader, has launched the aviation industry’s first Airline Routes tool to identify actual flights flown by aircraft type.
10 best airlines in the world for on-time performance 2022.(Opens in a new browser tab)
It uses applied analytics to derive routes flown by airlines based on satellite-based flight tracking and fuses this with advanced fleet data. The new premium Routes tool is part of Ascend Profiles, a visual descriptive analytics tool which enables businesses to quickly view aircraft intelligence by airline or lessor.
Businesses such as aircraft lessors, banks or aircraft manufacturers are empowered to identify the aircraft flown by route for 1,700 airlines and factor development opportunities or risk into their decision-making. By leveraging satellite-based flight tracking data the tool identifies what routes and aircraft airlines actually flew rather than what they planned to fly providing the most accurate flight completion picture.
India is one of the markets in the spotlight currently, as air travel is helping to boost economic growth in the region. Low-cost-carrier, IndiGo recently announced it was looking to grow its international network and further solidify its domestic operations. According to Ascend Profiles, IndiGo has a fleet of 306 aircraft – (273 in service and 33 in storage), plus 501 on order. Of the delivered fleet, 36% are on operating lease.
Boeing Awarded U.S. Army Contract for Next Generation Diagnostic Tool(Opens in a new browser tab)
The Routes tool shows which two-way international routes IndiGo was operating this January which it was not in January 2022. For example, 172 flights were tracked on the newly added route between Indira-Gandhi International Airport in Delhi to Tribhuvan International in Kathmandu. All operated using Airbus A320s.
Additionally, the new tool shows the bi-directional routes for which IndiGo has ramped up operations. The carrier saw the most significant growth on the Singapore – Bengaluru route, where it completed 62 flights, all using A320s, this January versus only one flight, using an A321, last January.
IndiGo also substantially increased its operations this year on the Dubai – Ahmedabad route, completing five times the number of flights in Jan 23 when compared with Jan 22. The Airline Routes tool is part of Ascend Profiles which visualizes aircraft intelligence of airline or lessor profiles and provides quick and accurate insights showing the latest 12-month year-over-year flights flown by an airline’s routes and can be viewed by flights, seats and ASKs. The tool is available as a web-app on desktop, tablet, and mobile.
Aerospace
Thief Trying to steal $7.5 million helicopter and crashed it during an attempted robbery at an airport.

Four thieves tried to steal a helicopter at Sacramento Executive Airport in the early hours of the morning between 4 am and 6 am in the morning, but only one was able to start. During an attempted theft at an airport in the US state of California, a criminal stole a $7.5 million chopper and crashed it. No one was hurt at the scene.
The gathered evidence, information from witnesses, and security footage, according to Sean Ragan, the FBI’s Special Agent in Charge, point to a suspect in the case.
The motive for the suspect’s desire to steal the helicopter is being investigated by federal officials. It’s possible that someone wants to purchase the plane for a trip. Terrorism might be a possibility if they intended to purchase it for a different illegal purpose or to harm other people’s property.
The blade of a Bell 429 helicopter plummeted to the ground, scattering debris over the immediate region. Other helicopters that were parked nearby also sustained minor damages.
The incident is being looked into by both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Aerospace
Two Spice Jet pilots were grounded by just one photo.

The pilots are the most important aspect of safe flight, and several standards are in place to help them maintain the standard operating procedure. One photo is circulating on the internet that resulted in the grounding of two pilots. The image is of the Spicejet aircraft pilots, who are shown eating snacks while keeping beverages in the cockpit with crucial controls. Now comes the debate regarding the safety considerations and normal standards for consuming meals in the cockpit.
This was captured during the Indian Holi celebrations when they were operating a flight from Delhi to Guwahati last Wednesday. The two had a cup of liquid on the flight deck’s center console, where even a small leak might have jeopardized safety. After a photo of the celebration at 37,000 feet while the plane was traveling at 0.79 mach (975 kmph) went viral, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday demanded the airline quickly identify and prosecute the crew members. In accordance with the directive, the airline off-rostered (removed from flying duties) the pilots a day later.
Appalling & extremely unprofessional behaviour by @flyspicejet pilots.
If the liquid (resting on the fuel cutoff levers) spills, it can short circuit the electronics affecting a range of systems and compromise the aircraft’s ability to fly safely.@DGCAIndia @JM_Scindia pic.twitter.com/2n7O5daIg1
— Bandit (@BanditOnYour6) March 14, 2023
“Both pilots have been de-registered awaiting an investigation. SpiceJet has stringent regulations concerning food eating in the cockpit, which is followed by all flight crew. Following the completion of the investigation, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken,” a SpiceJet spokeswoman stated. Veteran pilots have raised their alarm about the dangerous celebration. “The coffee cup has been placed on the aircraft’s fuel levers on the center console.
The engine and (auxiliary power unit) fire control switches are located just below. If the coffee spills and falls over the fire panel, it may cause a short circuit, resulting in a false fire alarm. The team must release fire bottles and declare an emergency.
Aerospace
Saudi Arabia intends to order the world’s 5th largest order of Boeing 787 planes

- Saudi Arabian carriers today announced their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth-largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history.
- This will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
SAUDIA to Grow Long-Haul Fleet with up to 49 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) today announced the national flag carrier will grow its long-haul fleet with the selection of up to 49 787 Dreamliners. SAUDIA is set to purchase 39 787s, with a further 10 options, utilizing the outstanding efficiency, range, and flexibility of the Dreamliner to sustainably grow its global operation. The agreement will include both 787-9 and 787-10 models.
This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. In total, Saudi Arabian carriers announced today their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth-largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history. This will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
SAUDIA currently operates more than 50 Boeing airplanes on its long-haul network, including the 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner. The additional 787s complement SAUDIA’s existing fleet, enabling it to effectively harness the value of the 777 and 787 families.
Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 350 new nonstop routes around the world, including about 50 new routes since 2020. The Dreamliner reduces fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.
Riyadh Air to Launch with All-Boeing Fleet of up to 72 787-9 Dreamliners
Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Riyadh Air announced today that the new Saudi Arabian carrier has chosen the 787 Dreamliner to power its global launch and support its goal of operating one of the most efficient and sustainable fleets in the world.
Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Riyadh Air said it will purchase 39 highly efficient 787-9s, with options for an additional 33 787-9s. Based in the capital city, Riyadh Air will play a key role in growing Saudi Arabia’s air transport network.
This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider strategic plan to transform the country into a global aviation hub. In total, Saudi Arabian carriers today announced their intent to purchase up to 121 787 Dreamliners in what will be the fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing’s history. This will support the country’s goal of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
The 787-9 provides the longest range of the 787 family of airplanes, flying approximately 300 passengers 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), with additional cargo capacity. Passengers enjoy a better experience with the largest windows of any jet, air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag; soothing LED lighting, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.
The 787 family is delivering unmatched fuel efficiency to airline operators around the world reducing fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to airplanes they replace.
Aerospace
How Airbus deftly avoided the A350 controversy while obtaining fresh orders to secure its future.

Building a brand takes a lot of time and effort, but when anything goes wrong, it can be a nightmare for a firm that is doing well in the market. A huge issue arises when the supplier fails to respond properly to the buyer. When a passenger’s query is not appropriately answered, most airlines suffer comparable challenges. Individuals may escalate the matter to a new level, causing the brand to suffer.
In business, the customer is always correct. When there is a problem with a client, before we criticize them, we must first try to remedy the situation, especially if that customer is very influential in your business. A good business can only be achieved when the products sell in the market after the services and guarantees of the product are taken care of.
Airbus had severe hurdles seeking fresh orders as a result of the A350 paint issue. The issue was temporarily halted due to the COVID pandemic. It had little effect on the Airbus corporation, but after the post-Covid period, the company experienced some difficulties in gaining further orders.
Farnborough Airshow is one of the most well-known aviation market events. Airbus did not receive any orders for wide-body aircraft such as the A350, but it did receive orders for narrow-body aircraft such as the A320 and A220 families.
Qatar Airlines reported paint problems with its Airbus A350 planes. The problem was with the paint on the aircraft’s exterior, which was reportedly peeling off and fading prematurely.
Qatar Airlines had discussed the matter with Airbus, which had acknowledged the issue and stated that it was working on a solution. The paint issue was not thought to have harmed the aircraft’s safety or performance, but it was viewed as a cosmetic issue that could harm the airline’s brand image.
Airbus indicated that the problem was with the paint’s supplier and that it was working with the supplier to enhance the paint’s quality. Airbus also offered to repaint the impacted aircraft for Qatar Airways and was said to be trying to prevent similar problems in the future.
Owing to the A350 situation with Qatar, Airbus canceled the A320 family aircraft orders. After the cancellation, Qatar turned its attention to Boeing and placed new orders for the Boeing Max and Boeing 777x aircraft. There was all-out head-to-head warfare between the two parties.
Airbus expertly managed the situation and provided the fixes.
Airbus indicated that the problem was with the paint’s supplier and that it was working with the supplier to enhance the paint’s quality. Airbus also offered to repaint the impacted aircraft for Qatar Airways and was said to be trying to prevent similar problems in the future.
However, Airbus wisely moved to the settlement of the concerns and initiated the resolution of the problem and remedy the issue, as well as ensuring that future aircraft will not suffer any such challenges. As soon as the news arrived, it began receiving new orders for aircraft. Air India has confirmed large orders for A350-900 and 1000 series planes. Other airlines began to show interest in it as well.
The longest flight in the world will be operated by Qantas Project Sunrise using the A350 aircraft since there is sufficient confidence in the aircraft. The range of the Qantas aircraft, which can fly nonstop for up to 19 hours, will be increased to around 9,700 nm.
Airbus addressed this incident skillfully to prevent lasting damage. The same thing serves as a reminder to other manufacturers that in order to prevent losing new orders, they must act promptly to address any problems that are delaying deliveries or after-sales services.
The aerospace sector is difficult since nothing is ever completely perfect when you release any new items. It’s important to embrace the truth and work through any problems.
Airbus is renowned for its highest-quality airplanes and advancements, and it always introduces the most recent technology first. we hope it will continue and aid in the future efficiency and smooth operation of the airline sector. Let us know what you think about Airbus and Qatar Airways. Conflict resolution and the lesson we learned from it, according to you.
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