Airlines
This National Airline adds extra features to protect against missile attacks, which comes at a $1 million cost
The majority of airlines in the world only carry passengers or cargo; they don’t have any extra features. However, one airline stands out in its class and is equipped with self-defense features beneath the fuselage. Yes, we are referring to the Israeli national carrier EIAI. It is the only airline in the world equipped with an anti-missile system that can identify any threat in the area and has 360-degree protection against attacks.
Because the country of Israel experiences frequent attacks, they have developed a unique method that can save the lives of the passengers. which, like any defense aircraft or American Air Force aircraft, is also among the safest Just one
This makes it one of the safest airlines globally because they have strict security on the ground and during flights. Although there have been attempts to hijack or attack their planes, only one El Al flight has been taken over, and fortunately, nobody was hurt
In 2004, El Al Israeli Airlines (LY) made a significant achievement. They equipped their planes with shields to protect them from missiles. This shield was originally intended for use by the Israeli Air Force. It works like a dedicated radar, detecting oncoming missiles and deterring them with flashes of light. With time, El Al refined their shield.
The Doppler effect is used by El Al’s aircraft radar to calculate distance velocity. When a LY plane is attacked, this radar rapidly fires targets that heat-seeking missiles pursue. This radar system uses four antennas to scan the entire aircraft: two in the front, two on the sides, and one in the back.
The cost to install this radar on an aircraft is approximately $1 million. It was initially installed on six aircraft, with the intention of installing it on every aircraft if it performed well. As a result, LY is a safe airline because they were the first in the region to use one of the greatest systems available.
In 1948, El Al started offering flights from Geneva to Tel Aviv. They currently fly to over 50 destinations from their main airport in Tel Aviv, transporting passengers and goods throughout Israel as well as to Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, Africa, and the Far East.
They have been using their missile shield for a good while now, having received it first almost 20 years ago. It all started in Kenya in 2002 when missiles almost destroyed an additional Israeli plane. The missiles were so close, even though they missed, that Israel chose to suspend operations and build a missile shield for their aircraft. The plane, carrying more than 200 people, was almost taken out by two missiles. This is why they wanted to protect their planes.
The primary purpose of anti-missile systems on aircraft and helicopters is to thwart shoulder-launched and short-range missiles. Infrared sensors are used by missile defense systems to identify the heat signatures of approaching missiles. This extremely cold liquid capsule either completely obscures the incoming missile from detection or hinders the system’s ability to identify it in a timely manner.
By identifying and tracking an approaching ballistic missile and then launching an interceptor to destroy the missile before it reaches its target, an anti-missile defense system aims to protect a specific area from attack. The system responds to an attack on an aircraft by igniting flames, which are intended to deflect missiles that seek heat.
The entire system runs on autopilot. A laser beam is directed toward a missile when it gets close enough to detect anti-missile radar. This tells the pilot that an attack is about to occur and changes the missile’s trajectory away from the aircraft.
Furthermore, an anti-missile defense system consists of several independent parts, including weapon systems, support, sensors, communication networks, and command and control.
The avionics package of the aircraft is equipped with a missile approach warning (MAW) system. A sensor picks up on missiles that are attacking. In an attempt to obstruct missile tracking, the pilot employs defensive maneuvers, countermeasures when they are available, and safety procedures in response to its automated warning. When a plane is attacked, the system responds by launching flares that are meant to deflect
Airlines
IndiGo Awards 45-Day Bonus to Employees Equivalent to 1.5 Months’ Salary
IndiGo, India’s leading airline, has made headlines with its latest announcement of a generous reward for its workforce, celebrating their exceptional contributions throughout the fiscal year 2024.
In a move aimed at recognizing and appreciating their outstanding performance, the company has unveiled the “Thank You Bonus,” equivalent to 1.5 months’ basic salary. This bonus will be disbursed as an ex-gratia payment alongside the May 2024 salary.
The decision comes on the heels of remarkable financial achievements for IndiGo, marked by a notable surge in profits during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024. With a staggering 110% increase in profits, the airline reported standalone profits of Rs 2,998 crore for the quarter ended December 31, compared to Rs 1,423 crore in the same period of the previous year.
IndiGo’s CEO, Pieter Elbers, has consistently emphasized the company’s resilience in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. This substantial bonus underscores the company’s positive trajectory and its commitment to recognizing and rewarding the dedication and hard work of its employees.
Beyond financial success, IndiGo is also dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. The Thank You Bonus initiative is not just about monetary appreciation but also about empowering every member of the IndiGo family, including specially-abled colleagues, by providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and abilities.
Moreover, this move reaffirms IndiGo’s core values of providing an affordable, punctual, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience for all passengers. The airline has consistently prioritized accessibility, ensuring that all its facilities, technologies, information, and privileges are accessible to persons with disabilities.
In sum, IndiGo’s decision to award a 45-day bonus to its employees amid significant profits not only reflects the company’s financial success but also underscores its commitment to its workforce and its values of inclusivity, excellence, and customer satisfaction.
Airlines
A New Player Takes Off: Embraer Poses a Formidable Challenge to Boeing
In the midst of ongoing challenges faced by Boeing and the aviation industry at large, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has been thrust into the spotlight.
Recent reports suggesting that Embraer is eyeing the development of a next-generation narrow-body aircraft have sparked intrigue and speculation. However, the company has swiftly moved to quash such rumors.
Internal assessments conducted within Embraer have indeed highlighted the company’s impressive technological prowess and manufacturing capabilities. These findings have led some to speculate about the potential for Embraer to enter the narrow-body aircraft market, traditionally dominated by industry giants Boeing and Airbus.
In light of Boeing’s recent challenges, including the protracted grounding of its 737 MAX jets and leadership upheavals, some industry analysts have suggested that there may be an opportunity for smaller players like Embraer to disrupt the market duopoly. Airbus, too, has plans to introduce a new narrow-body aircraft in the future, further intensifying competition in this space.
However, despite the potential openings created by Boeing’s troubles, Embraer appears cautious about overextending itself. The company is currently focused on maximizing the success of its existing portfolio, which includes the innovative E2 aircraft series.
Additionally, the emergence of alternatives such as China’s Comac C919 adds another layer of complexity to the competitive landscape. While the C919 has thus far secured orders primarily from Asian carriers, Boeing’s challenges could prompt airlines worldwide to explore alternative options.
Airlines
Air India Revised Baggage Rules for Domestic Flights
Air India, one of India’s leading airlines, has implemented significant changes to its baggage policies, affecting travelers across various fare classes.
Effective May 2, 2024, the airline has rolled out a revised baggage allowance scheme, marking a reduction in the permitted weight limits for most fare categories. Under the updated guidelines, passengers booking economy and business class tickets will notice a decrease in their baggage allowance by 5 to 10 kilograms compared to previous allowances.
These adjustments reflect Air India’s response to market dynamics and regulatory requirements. In the Economy Comfort category, encompassing S, T, U, and L fare classes, travelers will now have a baggage allowance of 15 kilograms, down from the previous 20 kilograms. As reported by livefromalounge.
Similarly, passengers availing themselves of Economy Comfort Plus, including G, W, V, Q, and K fare classes, will see their baggage allowance reduced to 15 kilograms from the earlier 25 kilograms.
However, not all fare classes are subject to reductions. Economy Flex passengers, represented by the H, M, B, and Y fare classes, will maintain their previous baggage allowance of 25 kilograms.
In the business class segment, changes are also evident. Business Comfort Plus, consisting of Z and J fare classes, will now offer a baggage allowance of 25 kilograms, down from the prior 35 kilograms. Meanwhile, passengers booking Business Flex tickets under the D and C fare classes will have a revised baggage allowance of 35 kilograms, compared to the previous 40 kilograms.
For passengers planning their upcoming journeys with Air India, it is essential to review the updated baggage policies to ensure compliance and avoid any inconvenience during their travel experience.