Aviation
Spice Jet suffers 7 emergency landings in 17 days, trouble brewing for airline.
On Tuesday, a Spice Jet flight from Delhi to Dubai suffered a fuel indication malfunction in the air and had to be diverted to Karachi. At a height of 23,000 feet, the windshield of another Spice Jet started to break, necessitating an urgent landing in Mumbai. The budget airline suffered two defeats in a single day, bringing the total number of technical fault issues involving Spice Jet aircraft to seven during the previous 17 days. Although neither of the two parties in this case has made a statement, officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) claim that the aviation regulator of India is looking into each of the seven events and may take actions against the airline if it determines that it is at fault.
Regarding the seven incidents, six were domestic flights and one was an international flight. On June 5 in the early morning, a Spice Jet Boeing 737 Max carrying about 150 passengers on a trip from Delhi to Dubai was reported to have an international flight incident when it made an emergency landing in Karachi, Pakistan. While in the air, the plane began to exhibit an odd fuel quantity reduction from its left tank, which caused it to be redirected to Karachi.
When an inspection was done at the Karachi airport, no visual leak was observed from the left tank, they added. Spice Jet deputed another aircraft from India in the evening and by 10 PM in the night, all passengers left for Dubai again, spending 12 hours in Pakistan.
In the second incident, the Q400 plane’s windshield cracked at a height of 23,000 feet, forcing the pilots to make a quick landing at the Mumbai airport, according to DGCA officials. It was not immediately known how many people were travelling on the 78-seat Q400 aircraft on the Kandla-Mumbai journey. According to them, the aircraft had no problems with cabin pressurization. “Spice Jet Q400 aircraft was flying SG 3324 on July 5th, 2022. (Kandla-Mumbai). At FL230 (23,000 feet above sea level), the P2 side windshield outer pane cracked. It was noted that pressurization was typical. The plane touched down safely in Mumbai “In a statement, Spice Jet said.
On June 19, the carrier’s flight bound for Delhi with 185 passengers experienced an engine fire shortly after departure from Patna airport and necessitating an emergency landing. Because of the bird strike, the engine broke down. The plane’s pilot, Monica Khanna, is given credit for a successful landing after one of the most significant occurrences in recent days.
In another incident on June 19, a flight for Jabalpur had to return to Delhi due to cabin pressurization issues. Fuselage door warnings lit up on two separate planes while taking off on June 24 and June 25, forcing them to abandon their journeys and return.
On July 2, a flight to Jabalpur made a turn back to Delhi when the crew noticed smoke in the cabin at a height of about 5,000 feet.
One more on 5th of july, Due to a malfunctioning weather radar, a Spice Jet cargo flight headed for China made a Tuesday return to Kolkata. The Spice Jet cargo Boeing 737 was supposed to fly from Kolkata to Chongqing, however the spokesperson said that after takeoff it was discovered that the weather radar was inoperable. The pilot-in-command made the decision to return to Kolkata and successfully touched down there.
Aviation
Air India’s B747 Makes Its Final Journey, Waving Farewell to Fans
In a poignant moment marking the end of an era in aviation history, Air India’s iconic Boeing 747 aircraft, affectionately known as the ‘Queen of the Skies,’ embarked on its ultimate journey from Mumbai’s international airport.
The departure, bound for Plainfield, USA, where it will undergo dismantling and part-stripping under the ownership of American AerSale, signals the closure of a storied chapter for the airline.
Once revered for transporting dignitaries ranging from prime ministers to presidents, the Boeing 747 has etched itself into aviation lore. Yet, as airlines worldwide pivot towards more contemporary and cost-effective aircraft, Air India’s decision to bid farewell to its remaining Boeing 747s reflects the pragmatic realities of today’s aviation landscape.
The sale of these majestic planes to AerSale represents a strategic move by Tata Group, Air India’s new custodian, towards optimizing operational efficiency and embracing modern industry standards. Out of the four aircraft sold, two will be repurposed into freighters, while the remaining pair will be meticulously disassembled to salvage valuable components.
The final flight from Mumbai witnessed a touching tribute as pilots performed a traditional ‘Wing Wave,’ symbolizing the conclusion of the Boeing 747‘s distinguished service with Air India. This poignant gesture encapsulates the deep sentiment attached to the aircraft’s departure and its significant contribution to the airline’s legacy.
As the Boeing 747 embarks on its journey to Plainfield, USA, nostalgia permeates the air, evoking memories of its maiden flight on March 22, 1971. Over five decades, Air India operated a total of 25 Boeing 747s, each leaving an indelible mark on the annals of aviation history.
Middle East
British Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Abu Dhabi, After 4-Year hiatus
British Airways made its way back to Abu Dhabi, landing at Zayed International Airport. Following a four-year break in service, both crew and passengers were greeted with enthusiasm.
In the summer of 2024, British Airways plans to launch a daily route, utilising a Boeing 787-9, from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi. The new route enhances ties between the UAE and the UK and expands vast worldwide network, catering to passengers who may be visiting friends and family or travelling for business.
Arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08.30+1, flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi leaves London Heathrow at 22.25. Departing at 10.10 and landing at London Heathrow at 15.20 is the inbound flight (BA072).
The chief executive officer and managing director of Abu Dhabi Airports, Elena Sorlini, stated: “We are delighted to welcome British Airways to Zayed International Airport. Their daily schedule is expected to improve connectivity and stimulate travel and business.” Visitors may experience the dynamic capital of the United Arab Emirates like never before at our brand-new, award-winning, state-of-the-art terminal, where they will be welcomed with the best kind of Emirati hospitality.”
Flight schedule:
| London Heathrow (LHR) to Zayed International (AUH)All times are local | ||||||
| Season | Flight number | Departing LHR | Arriving AUH | Flight number | Departing AUH | Arriving LHR |
| Summer ‘24 | BA73 | 22:25 | 08:30+1 | BA72 | 10:10 | 15:20 |
| Winter ‘24 | BA73 | 22:25 | 09:30+1 | BA72 | 11:10 | 15:20 |
Aviation
FAA investigation: Passenger seated in Captain’s seat inside cockpit at cruising altitude
A viral video capturing a startling moment aboard a United Airlines charter flight from Denver to Toronto has triggered a federal investigation.
The footage, initially shared on social media by Hensley Meulens, the hitting coach for the Colorado Rockies baseball team, depicts a member of the coaching staff seated in one of the pilot seats while the aircraft was in mid-flight.
In his caption, Meulens expressed gratitude to the captain and first officer for allowing him this unusual experience. The video, filmed by another passenger, reveals the cockpit door open, and at one point, a third passenger briefly enters the flight deck. Alarmingly, during this time, the captain was absent from the cockpit.
Despite the flight being a private charter operated by United Airlines, company and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations strictly prohibit passengers from entering the cockpit during flight or leaving the flight deck unsecured.
United Airlines swiftly responded, expressing deep concern over the incident. A spokesperson emphasized that the video depicted an unauthorized person in the flight deck at cruising altitude with the autopilot engaged, constituting a clear violation of safety and operational policies.
The FAA confirmed that it is actively investigating the incident, highlighting that unauthorized access to the flight deck during flight is a violation of federal regulations. The agency assured that it is taking the matter seriously and will conduct a thorough examination to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.
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