Airlines

Japanese flight with over 300 passengers sent back to starting point after 7-hour nightmare

A domestic flight in Japan that just missed a curfew and was then sent on a roundabout journey back to its originating point evolved into a seven-hour experience for more than 300 passengers.

JL331 of Japan Airlines Co. was scheduled to depart Tokyo’s Haneda Airport at 6:30 p.m. local time on Sunday for the two-hour journey to Fukuoka. Nevertheless, a last-minute plane switch caused a 90-minute delay in takeoff, and as the plane approached Fukuoka, it became clear that it would just miss the airport’s 10 p.m. commercial plane cutoff time, contrary to earlier expectations that it would land with 4 minutes to spare, the airline said in a statement.

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Several flights headed for the city had already experienced delays due to the morning’s strong winds at Haneda. A few late-running aircraft were permitted to land after the curfew, but JL331 was denied permission.

The lengthy trip back to Tokyo then started. JAL reported that an original proposal to divert the flight to the adjacent city of Kitakyushu was abandoned because there weren’t enough buses to transport the 335 passengers. Instead, pilots were diverted to Kansai International Airport near Osaka, about 280 miles (450 kilometres) from their original destination, where they landed at 10:59 p.m.

Unlucky JL331 passenger tweeted a picture of the flight’s path, showing the aircraft doing a significant U-turn close to Fukuoka.

JAL331 ダイバート

羽田発→福岡行

これ羽田着いた後ホテル用意してくれるんかな？ pic.twitter.com/KRwKTEpzko

— うぱ?? (@pococha_upa) February 19, 2023

The airline said it provided lodging and transportation expenses as compensation for the travellers. To make up for its customers’ unfortunate travel experiences, it also provided a cash payment and a replacement flight.

Source:

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.