Aerospace

Russia bans Pakistan’s flight to Toronto from using its airspace due to unpaid fees

According to Zee news report Due to unpaid debts, Russia banned a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight with a destination of Toronto from using its airspace. According to 24 NewsHD TV, the “embarrassing” incident took place on June 17 when a PIA flight to Toronto was refused permission to cross Russian territory. The aircraft, which was sent back to Karachi, carried 250 passengers. Later, it was flown through Europe to reach in Canada the same day.

A PIA official downplayed the situation after pointing out the public embarrassment over Russia’s refusal to permit flight across its airspace despite economic collapse “Due to international sanctions, Russia is having trouble receiving overflight payments. The PIA is compelled to choose a different path.” After refuelling in Karachi, the jet travelled nonstop for 17 hours via Iran, Turkey, and Europe before landing in Toronto.

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As it makes its route from Islamabad to Toronto, the PIA flight will pass through Iran, Turkey, and Europe.” For the 17-hour nonstop journey, the aircraft will be refuelled in Karachi, he had noted. Investigative reporter Mubasher Lucman provided more specifics about the situation on Twitter, writing: “The PIA flight from Islamabad to Toronto is delayed because the Russian government wants PIA to pay off all outstanding debts.

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Europe is a potential detour, but that presents its own challenges. To keep planes operating normally over the next two hours, PIA must take action. Social media users are currently inquiring about the origins of this “embarrassing predicament” with the Pakistani government.

Courtesy : Zee News

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.