Airlines
Oldest Qantas A380 returns to service after being in storage : 16 years +
The Airbus A380 stands as an icon in the aviation world, captivating travelers with its engineering marvel. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a halt in its production, causing a surge in demand for airline travel and a scarcity of these aircraft. Now, many airlines are eager to reintroduce the A380 into their fleets to address this shortage.
Qantas, among the airlines, had one of its A380 aircraft sitting in storage for over 16 years. Now, they’re keen to put it back into service to meet the soaring demand. Meanwhile, Emirates, Etihad, and British Airways continue to operate their A380s.
Qantas’s A380, which made its debut landing at London Gatwick, had initially landed at 07:45 BST from Sydney via Singapore. Operated by the registration VH-OQJ, this flight marked a significant return to service.
Another Qantas A380, registered as VH-OQA, recently resumed operations after being stored in Abu Dhabi for over a year. Its return to Sydney on April 5 signaled its readiness to serve again. This fifteen-and-a-half-year-old aircraft made its first post-storage flight on April 6, a 13-hour journey from SYD to LAX, devoid of passengers. Shortly after arrival, it was swiftly deployed for a long-haul flight, QF11, from SYD to LAX.
These trial flights, including the Sydney to London Gatwick route, demonstrate the aircraft’s renewed capability for regular services.
Qantas, like other carriers, faces a challenge in meeting the surging passenger demand with its existing fleet. Hence, the decision to bring back stored aircraft to service is a strategic move to cater to this growing need.
Delivered to Qantas in September 2008, this A380 boasts 12 units, all equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines and a maximum take-off weight of approximately 570,000 kg (~1.26 million lbs). Most have a seating capacity of 485, including 14 first-class seats.
Airlines
DOT Proposes New Passenger Compensation Rules for Flight Disruptions
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has unveiled a major initiative to enhance protections for air travelers affected by flight cancellations or significant delays caused by airlines.
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This Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeks public feedback on new measures that could require airlines to compensate passengers and provide necessary services automatically.
Key Proposals by the DOT:
- Cash Compensation for Airline-Caused Disruptions
- Airlines may be required to pay passengers at least $200 in cash for flight disruptions caused by circumstances under their control, such as mechanical issues or IT failures.
- A tiered compensation system is being considered:
- $200–$300 for domestic delays of 3–6 hours.
- $375–$525 for delays lasting 6–9 hours.
- $750–$775 for delays exceeding 9 hours.
- The DOT is exploring whether smaller airlines should have different compensation thresholds and whether compensation is needed if passengers are notified weeks in advance of a disruption.
- Free Rebooking on the Next Available Flight
- Airlines may be obligated to rebook passengers at no extra cost if a flight is canceled or delayed by at least 3 hours domestically or 6 hours internationally.
- Rebooking options may include:
- Flights operated by the airline or its codeshare partners.
- Flights on other carriers with which the airline has a commercial agreement if no suitable options are available within 24 hours.
- Provision of Meals, Lodging, and Transportation
- Airlines may need to cover meals, overnight accommodations, and transportation for stranded passengers.
- Minimum reimbursements could be established when services aren’t provided upfront, ensuring passengers can recoup costs even without submitting receipts, up to a defined limit.
The DOT’s proposals draw inspiration from consumer protection frameworks in countries like Canada, Brazil, the UK, and the European Union. Research suggests that EU compensation requirements have successfully reduced the frequency and length of delays, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures.
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Passengers currently face numerous hurdles when seeking compensation or services, including vague policies, lack of upfront communication, and reliance on in-person requests at airports. The new rulemaking aims to close these gaps by establishing clear, enforceable standards for airlines.
Public input on the proposed measures will shape the final rules. The DOT hopes these changes will create a more accountable and passenger-friendly system, ensuring travelers are better supported during disruptions.
With these proposed rules, the DOT seeks to make airline travel more reliable and fair, setting a new standard for passenger rights in the United States.
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