Airlines

Pilatus Enhances PC-24 Jet’s Range, Payload, and Interior Amenities

Pilatus has increased the payload-range capability of its Super Versatile Jet to achieve a maximum range with six passengers of 2,000 nautical miles (3,704 km) beginning with new aircraft deliveries in 2024.

Pilatus also incorporated an array of new interior amenities, including a large side-facing divan which can be converted into a bed. The new PC-24 has an increased maximum payload capacity and full fuel payload of 600 pounds (272 kg).

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With six passengers on board, this enables operators to extend the PC-24’s maximum range by 200 nm (370 km). The PC-24 currently has a class-leading maximum payload capacity of 3,100 pounds (1,406 kg), which includes a single pilot plus 1,315 pounds (596 lb) of full fuel payload.

To widen the overall envelope for the heavier design weights, Pilatus engineers ran a lengthy flying test campaign. Balanced field length at sea level for the PC-24’s maximum takeoff weight is only 3,090 feet (941 metres), enabling the use of extremely brief and even unpaved runways.

A new integrated cabin management system (iCMS) with a 10″ touch screen controller, a 3D moving map, four high-fidelity cabin speakers with a sub-woofer option, mood lighting, USB connections, and a media storage server was developed by Pilatus in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik.

A new feature that enables predictive services will be included with every PC-24 starting with serial number 501. Upon landing, the automated data transmission of critical aircraft data to Pilatus will be examined, and if necessary, the operator will receive a predictive recommendation.

Airlines

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

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The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

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The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.