Aviation
Mumbai crowned world’s busiest single-runway airport with 1 flight in 65 seconds
Mumbai: The GVK group-run Mumbai airport has become the world’s busiest amongst the single-runway facilities by handling 837 flights a day or one in 65 seconds on an average in fiscal 2017, taking over London’s Gatwick airport that had 757 flights a day.
In terms of the number of passengers also, the city airport tops with 45.2 million people flying in and out in fiscal 2017 as against 44 million at Gatwick airport. Notably, no other large city in the world is served by one airport, that too with a single-runway.
Besides, illegal squatters occupy nearly one-third of the airport land. The second airport proposed in Navi Mumbai is yet to come up. All the leading cities like New York, London, Dubai, and Singapore have more than one airports with multiple runways. The New Delhi airport has three parallel runways in use at any given time. As against this, Mumbai has to make do with a single runway (09/27) for all passenger and cargo aircraft and when it is shut for repairs, it uses the secondary runway (1432).
In terms of aircraft movement in a day, the city airport had one plane take-off or landing in 65 seconds, which means it handled on an average 48 flights, peaking at even 52 movements at times, making it the busiest in the world on both the counts, an airport spokesperson said.
The ATC (air traffic controller) thus has to manage two arrivals every 130 seconds and one departure in between these two arrivals. So there is one take-off or touch-down every 65 seconds from the main runway. That means the land-starved airport handled a whopping 837 flight movements a day, which on an average is 80 flights more than Gatwick handling 757 movements in a day, the spokesperson said. There are days when the number crosses even 900 movements a day, she said.
However, the Delhi airport handles much larger number of passengers. At 45.2 million, Mumbai handled only 18.6 per cent of the total air traffic in the country while the Delhi airport handled 57.7 million passengers or 21.6 per cent of the total air traffic in the country in fiscal 2017. Out of the 45.2 million passengers at the Mumbai airport, 12.4 million were international travellers.
The airport’s originally envisaged capacity is only 40 million passengers. Mumbai currently has an extensive network that takes passengers to over 95 domestic and international destinations. In fiscal 2017, the city airport logged in an 8 per cent growth in volume over fiscal 2016. When the GVK group took over the operations of the airport in fiscal 2006, it handled just 18 million passengers.
By handling 44 million passengers, Gatwick airport in the British capital was delegated to be the world’s second busiest airport with single-runway operations, a position it held for many years. However, it lost the position to Mumbai in fiscal 2017 which handled 45.2 million passengers between April 2016 and March 2017, the airport spokesperson said. “From around 453 aircraft movements a day in 2006, we have grown to handle over 800 movements daily, handling over 45.2 million last financial year.
In terms of cargo shipments, we have grown from 5,32,000 tonne in fiscal 2008 to 78,29,000 tonne in fiscal 2017,” she said. Recently, the city airport welcomed two Airbus A350-900 that resulted in it becoming the only airport in the country to handle daily operations of two of the world’s most advanced premium passenger aircraft, the spokesperson said.
“To augment operational efficiency, we are expediting a host of projects and initiatives including constructing rapid exit taxiways, widening runways and taxiways and improving airspace management, helping us seamlessly accommodate an increasing traffic,” she said.
“Currently, work is on to connect the taxiway to runway 27 which can provide the much-required additional holding area for aircraft ready to take off on the main runway,” the spokesperson added.
Source : Live mint
Aviation
Boeing says 787 Dreamliner aircraft is safe
Boeing is standing firm on the safety and durability of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft despite mounting criticism and whistleblower allegations.
In response to concerns raised by whistleblowers and ahead of a congressional hearing, the aviation giant emphasized its rigorous testing protocols and asserted confidence in the integrity of its planes.
During a media briefing accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, boeing aircraft
reiterated its confidence in the safety of both the 787 and 777 aircraft models. Senior engineers showcased extensive testing procedures aimed at refuting claims that approximately 1,400 Boeing planes may be afflicted by significant safety issues. The company addressed specific allegations, including concerns about gaps in manufacturing processes that could lead to premature fatigue failure over time.
The upcoming Senate hearing is expected to feature testimony from Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who has publicly criticized boeing airplanes safety practices and alleged retaliation for speaking out. Salehpour’s claims, currently under investigation by the FAA, include allegations of workers resorting to extreme measures during assembly, such as “jumping on pieces of the airplane” to align them.
Boeing officials stressed that thorough inspections of nearly 700 in-service Dreamliner jets revealed zero airframe fatigue findings, even after six and twelve years of heavy maintenance inspections. These results have been shared with the FAA, according to Boeing’s chief engineer, Steve Chisholm. He emphasized that the materials used in the construction of the 787 were specifically chosen for their resistance to fatigue and corrosion.
In response to Salehpour’s accusations of shortcuts in assembly processes, boeing planes
acknowledged instances where shims were not of the proper size and where areas did not meet skin-flatness specifications. However, the company dismissed claims of excessive force during assembly, stating that such practices were not part of their standard procedures.
Aviation
How to Utilize American AAdvantage Miles for Etihad Flights
Are you eager to make the most of your American AAdvantage miles by exploring exotic destinations served by Etihad Airways? Look no further! This guide will walk you through the process of redeeming your AAdvantage miles for Etihad flights, ensuring you unlock the full potential of your rewards.
Etihad Airways’ partnership with American Airlines opens up a world of possibilities, allowing travelers to access a wider range of destinations and flight choices. jetnet american airlines What’s more, passengers can earn AAdvantage miles for their Etihad flights, enhancing the value of their travel experiences.
To start earning Etihad Guest miles, one convenient option is through credit card rewards. While Etihad doesn’t offer a U.S.-based cobranded credit card, you can seamlessly transfer rewards from renowned programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.
Once you’ve accumulated your miles, it’s time to embark on your Etihad journey. But how do you ensure your flights are credited to your American AAdvantage account? concierge key american airlines Fear not, for the process is simple. After your Etihad flights, wait at least three days before requesting to add them to your AAdvantage account. Utilize the provided form, entering your AAdvantage number and the 13-digit ticket number. Additional information may be required, readily available on your boarding pass stub or ticket receipt.
Etihad Airways boasts an extensive network, particularly in North America, with flights to major cities including Boston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Washington. Whether your wanderlust leads you to the Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, or South Africa, Etihad can serve as your gateway to these captivating destinations.
Now, let’s talk redemption. If you’re eyeing the dream of using your AAdvantage miles for etihad airport, rest assured, the process aligns with the standard AAdvantage partner award chart. To provide clarity, consider these examples of one-way business aa pricing:
- From the United States to the Middle East and India for 70,000 miles
- Venture from the United States to Africa for 75,000 miles
For those seeking the epitome of luxury in first class
- Luxuriate in a flight from Abu Dhabi to London for 62,500 miles
- Indulge in a journey from Abu Dhabi to New York for 115,000 miles
With these redemption options, your AAdvantage miles can transform into unforgettable travel experiences aboard Etihad Airways.
Aviation
Is Russia’s dream of competing with Airbus and Boeing turning into a nightmare? Russian MC21 delay
The much-anticipated Russian competitor to Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, the Yakovlev MC-21, is encountering yet another setback as its first deliveries are pushed back to 2025 or 2026.
Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov disclosed the extended timeline, underscoring the ongoing challenges plaguing Russia’s aerospace industry.
Originally slated for delivery to the state-owned Aeroflot group in 2022, the MC-21’s schedule has been repeatedly pushed back, with 2024 being the subsequent target. However, amidst the aftermath of Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and ensuing international sanctions, the project has faced significant hurdles.
The conflict in Ukraine has triggered sanctions from the United States, European Union, and other Western nations, severely impeding Russia’s aerospace sector. Access to vital components and technology has been curtailed, impinging upon the MC-21’s development and production. The situation necessitated a shift away from reliance on foreign elements, with a focus on domestic alternatives to mitigate the impact of sanctions.
Initially hailed for its groundbreaking design featuring an innovative composite wing and reliance on foreign components like the Pratt & Whitney PW1400G engines, the MC-21 project has to adapt swiftly in the face of mounting challenges. The recent wave of sanctions has intensified the isolation of Russia’s aerospace sector, underscoring the pressing need for self-reliance in aircraft production.
Looking ahead, Rostec envisions a more optimistic trajectory, expressing its intent to ramp up production to 72 aircraft annually by the year 2029. Yet, achieving such aspirations hinges upon overcoming the multifaceted hurdles posed by ongoing sanctions and geopolitical tensions.
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Boeing says 787 Dreamliner aircraft is safe
How to Utilize American AAdvantage Miles for Etihad Flights
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