Airlines

Lufthansa bans Apple AirTag for luggage tracking, says ‘danger to flight’

Lufthansa, the national airline of Germany, has prohibited Apple’s AirTags from travel bags

Lufthansa, the national airline of Germany, has prohibited Apple’s AirTags from travel bags, citing a flight safety risk. But based on media reports, the rule the airline cites doesn’t actually permit this. The airline’s Twitter account was reportedly contacted to confirm the restriction following early claims in German media. Activated AirTags from bags are prohibited since they are deemed harmful and must be switched off, a tweet from Lufthansa.

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Baggage trackers must adhere to dangerous goods restrictions, said International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations. Moreover, if the trackers are in checked luggage, they must be deactivated throughout the journey due to their transmission function and cannot be used as a result.

However, the investigation said that the airline’s assertion regarding ICAO regulations is wholly false. The law that Lufthansa is referring to in particular discusses restrictions on lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in larger devices like the MacBook Pro.

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The batteries used by the Apple AirTags and similar tracking devices are too small to be deemed problematic by the standards. Because CR2032 cells are not lithium-ion batteries and are not protected by the legislation, they are not used in AirTags.

The CR2032 cells were in fact used in wrist watches as well, and the report noted that using the same CR2032 would be prohibited on flights—even though it is not.

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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.