Airlines

Spirit Airlines Takes Home Prestigious ‘Value Airline of the Year’ Award from ATW

Spirit Airlines’ efforts to redefine ultra-low-fare travel are getting recognized on the global stage. Aviation Week Network’s Air Transport World (ATW) named Spirit Airlines the Value Airline of the Year as part of the ATW 2023 Airline Industry Achievement Awards.

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The ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards were established in 1974 to recognize excellence across a broad range of airline operations. They are bestowed upon individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves through outstanding performance, innovation and superior service. Winners are selected by a panel of editors and analysts at ATW, Routes, Aviation Week and CAPA, and the award will be presented to Spirit Airlines at an awards ceremony on June 2 prior to IATA Annual General Meeting.

Spirit’s commitment to Invest In The Guest entails a number of initiatives aimed at delivering the best value in the sky. Below are recent examples:

Spirit continues to introduce new cabin enhancements that boost comfort while maintaining its industry-leading commitment to affordable travel. Spirit completed a major cabin refresh in 2019, and starting in April 2023, Spirit is introducing wider seats with more cushion and new headrests. The seats come with an environmental benefit as well with a decrease of nearly 11 ounces per seat thanks to advances in materials and seat frame technology.
Spirit’s Fit Fleet® is one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry. In Q2 2023, Spirit expects to receive its 200th Airbus delivery, and the airline also plans to accept its first A321neo. Additionally, Spirit recently announced an agreement with Pratt & Whitney for PW1100G-JM engines to power its latest order of new Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. The GTF engine has demonstrated its promised ability to reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions by 16 percent on A320neo Family aircraft, reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 50 percent compared to the regulatory standard, and reduce the noise footprint by 75 percent.
In a groundbreaking moment for ultra-low-fare airlines, Spirit Guests can now binge their favorite shows via Spirit Wi-Fi on flights operated by its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The major milestone marks the first time a U.S.-based ultra-low-fare airline has offered high-speed Wi-Fi for a true broadband experience in the air.
Spirit completed major investments throughout its operation while it prepares for future growth. In 2022, Spirit added another large aircraft maintenance facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) with two aircraft bays and ramp space for up to four aircraft. Additionally, Spirit launched new crew bases in Miami, Atlanta & Houston to continue strengthening its operation. Major investments in technology continue to strengthen and evolve Spirit’s systems and increase automation for greater efficiency.

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.