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Kerala man travels through Europe with family – in plane he built himself

London based Ashok Aliseril Thamarakshan, a native of Alappuzha in Kerala, has successfully constructed a four-seat aircraft in a project that took nearly 18 months to complete

According to the Times of India, London based Ashok Aliseril Thamarakshan, a native of Alappuzha in Kerala, has successfully constructed a four-seat aeroplane in a project that took nearly 18 months to complete. Now, Thamarakshan and his wife fly the UK and Europe in their home-built aircraft along with their two daughters.

They have travelled to a number of nations aboard their single-engine Sling TSi, which Thamarakshan has dubbed “G-Diya” in honour of his younger daughter Diya. The 38-year-old son of former MLA AV Thamarakshan is a mechanical engineer by trade. He relocated to the UK in 2006, and he and his wife, Abhilasha, are now living in London. The concept of creating an aircraft first occurred to Thamarakshan during the Covid-induced lockdown.

After receiving my pilot’s licence in 2018, I initially used to rent tiny two-seater aircraft for trips, he said, adding that as his family grew, two-seater aircrafts became redundant. Since four-seater planes are uncommon and difficult to find, Thamarakshan came up with the idea of building one himself after realising he would need one if he wanted to take his family with him on his trips.

In 2018, the Johannesburg-based Sling Aircraft firm would introduce the Sling TSI, a new aircraft, he added. Thamarakshan purchased a kit to construct his own plane during a visit to their factory. He had plenty of time to work on the time-consuming project because of the lockdown brought by the pandemic.

According to Abhilasha’s statement to The Sun, “We started accumulating money during the first lockdown and we knew we always wanted to have our own plane. In the first few months, we were saving a lot of money so we thought we would give it a go.” The project’s estimated cost in Indian rupees is Rs 1.8 crore. Thamarakshan finished the aircraft and conducted its initial flight in February of this year. The engineer, who is currently on vacation in Kerala, asserts that home-built aeroplanes are not an issue in Europe or the US.

Middle East

British Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Abu Dhabi, After 4-Year hiatus

Photo: Wikipedia

British Airways made its way back to Abu Dhabi, landing at Zayed International Airport. Following a four-year break in service, both crew and passengers were greeted with enthusiasm.

In the summer of 2024, British Airways plans to launch a daily route, utilising a Boeing 787-9, from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi. The new route enhances ties between the UAE and the UK and expands vast worldwide network, catering to passengers who may be visiting friends and family or travelling for business.

Arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08.30+1, flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi leaves London Heathrow at 22.25. Departing at 10.10 and landing at London Heathrow at 15.20 is the inbound flight (BA072).

The chief executive officer and managing director of Abu Dhabi Airports, Elena Sorlini, stated: “We are delighted to welcome British Airways to Zayed International Airport. Their daily schedule is expected to improve connectivity and stimulate travel and business.” Visitors may experience the dynamic capital of the United Arab Emirates like never before at our brand-new, award-winning, state-of-the-art terminal, where they will be welcomed with the best kind of Emirati hospitality.”

Flight schedule:

London Heathrow (LHR) to Zayed International (AUH)All times are local
Season	Flight number	Departing LHR	Arriving AUH	Flight number	Departing AUH	Arriving LHR
Summer ‘24	BA73	22:25	08:30+1	BA72	10:10	15:20
Winter ‘24	BA73	22:25	09:30+1	BA72	11:10	15:20

Airlines

EU Bans Turkish-based Southwind Airlines due to links with Russia

In a significant move reflecting the ongoing geopolitical tensions, the European Union (EU) has taken measures to prohibit Turkey’s Southwind Airlines from utilizing its airspace.

The decision, stemming from alleged connections with Russia, underscores the broader repercussions of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the subsequent international sanctions imposed.

The ban, enforced on March 29, disrupts Southwind Airlines’ operations, initially leading to the cancellation of flights. The Finnish transport authority Traficom, headed by Jarkko Saarimäki, has been instrumental in elucidating the rationale behind the EU’s decision. Saarimäki’s assessment highlights a concerning lack of substantial ownership and effective control held by Turkish entities within Southwind Airlines.

Established in 2022 in Antalya, Turkey, Southwind Airlines had primarily focused on flights originating from Russia. However, scrutiny into its ownership structure has revealed apparent links to Russian stakeholders, prompting concerns over its allegiance and operational control. Saarimäki’s assertion of Russian influence over the airline’s affairs underscores the broader geopolitical implications of such connections.

The EU’s ban extends beyond merely restricting Southwind Airlines’ access to its airspace; it also encompasses prohibitions on takeoffs, landings, and overflights within EU territory. Consequently, the airline faces operational hurdles, impacting its routes not only to Finnish destinations like Helsinki but also to prominent German cities and potentially planned routes such as Zurich.

This development aligns with the stance adopted by other Western nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, which have implemented similar bans on Russian airlines. Such coordinated actions underscore the global resolve to hold Russia accountable for its aggressive actions in Ukraine and to mitigate potential security risks posed by entities with alleged ties to Russian interests.

Airlines

Indigo contributed 31 crores to India’s political party for election funds

In a recent disclosure, it has come to light that Rahul Bhatia, the promoter of IndiGo, along with companies under his InterGlobe Group, has made significant donations totaling Rs 56 crore to four political parties. Additionally, SpiceJet, led by Ajay Singh, has contributed Rs 70 lakh to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The data further reveals that InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd, a part of the InterGlobe Group, purchased 11 electoral bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each on May 10, 2019, amounting to a total of Rs 11 crore. Similarly, Interglobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, acquired 5 electoral bonds worth Rs 1 crore each on October 23, 2023, totaling Rs 5 crore.

InterGlobe Real Estate Venture and InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd directed the lion’s share of their political contributions, totaling Rs 31 crore, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Surprisingly, the second-largest recipient was the Trinamool Congress (TMC), receiving Rs 16.2 crore from Bhatia. Additionally, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd allocated Rs 5 crore to the Congress party, while Bhatia contributed Rs 3.8 crore to its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Rahul Bhatia, individually, also made substantial contributions through electoral bonds, purchasing bonds worth Rs 20 crore. On April 7, 2021, a total of 29 electoral bonds were acquired, with 19 bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each and 10 bonds at Rs 10 lakh each, summing up to Rs 20 crore. When combined with the donations from IndiGo and its affiliated companies, the total contributions from the promoter and associated entities reach Rs 56 crore.

On the other hand, SpiceJet, once a prominent player in the Indian aviation industry, has seen a decline in its market position, currently ranking fifth in terms of market share. Despite this, the airline has engaged in political contributions, with donations made in three separate installments.