Airlines

Qatar Airways fined Rs 7.5L in an old complaint of Kerala HC judge

Qatar airways adds the world’s first cloud-native inflight entertainment platform from thales

In response to a five-year-old complaint made by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas of the Kerala High Court against Qatar Airways for removing him and his friends from the plane despite possessing tickets, a consumer court in this city fined the airline Rs 7.5 lakh.

The consumer court ordered an amount of Rs 7 lakh to be paid to the complainant as compensation for the mental distress, hardship, and physical stress that endured as a result of the other parties’ poor service and unfair business practices, along with an additional Rs 50,000 to cover the expense of the legal action.

Virgin Wins $160 Million Alaska Airlines Trademark Lawsuit(Opens in a new browser tab)

His case was brought before the Consumer Commission in 2018, two years before he was sworn in as a judge. The 54-year-old judge, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, is the son of former Supreme Court Judge K.T. Thomas.

His case was against Qatar Airways, for which he and friends had booked tickets for months before their actual departure date. However, when they arrived in Qatar from Kochi on their way to Scotland, they were told that the flight to Edinburgh had been overbooked. They provided hotel accommodations, a $250 voucher, and booked the group on a flight to Edinburgh the next day.

Kerala man travels through Europe with family – in plane he built himself(Opens in a new browser tab)

Thomas issued a legal notice to Qatar Airways after arriving at his house requesting compensation, but he never heard back. Thomas then went to the Ernakulam district commission to get compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs.

On December 30, 2022, the Consumer Court finally granted Justice Thomas’ request. The Consumer Court determined that it is an unfair business practise and a deficit in service to prevent passengers with valid boarding cards from boarding the flight. The airline must pay a total fine of Rs. 7.5 lakh to the court within 30 days.

Source:

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.

This country tops visa rejections in the popular Schengen countries

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.

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

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.