Airlines

Saudi Arabia Launches unified National visa platform

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To streamline the visa application process for the Hajj, Umrah visits, business visits, tourist visas, and work visas, Saudi Arabia has established the KSA Visa, a unified national visa platform that connects more than 30 ministries, authorities, and the private sector.

More than 30 ministries, authorities, and businesses in the private sector handle and process visa applications for a variety of purposes, including the Hajj, Umrah, education, tourism, employment, and business, through the new portal, ksavisa.sa.

KSA VISA… the national digital platform for issuing all types of visas. pic.twitter.com/ZXG4newfxg
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) December 19, 2023

Tuesday’s Digital Government Forum in Riyadh saw the announcement of its launch. The new platform helps users apply for visas by offering information on each kind and utilizing an intelligent search engine

It makes use of a sophisticated search engine to assist users in locating available visas as well as a centralized system that offers comprehensive instructions on visa requirements and application processes. Users can streamline future applications by creating a personal profile.

According to officials, the platform makes use of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies to help guarantee precise date verification and overall effectiveness. To utilize the new system, go to ksavisa.sa.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia is creating a system specifically tailored to improve the ease of use for Indian pilgrims, with an emphasis on women traveling alone on Umrah pilgrimages. To cater to the growing number of Indian pilgrims, the upcoming measures include extending the validity of the Umrah visa to ninety days and introducing a transit visa that lasts for four days.

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.

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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.

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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.