Airlines

Starlux Airlines begins A350 flights from Taipei to San Francisco

STARLUX Airlines, a luxury carrier based in Taiwan, starts offering nonstop flights from San Francisco to Taipei on December 16, thereby expanding its network in the United States.

The airline’s second U.S. gateway, after Los Angeles, is this strategically placed new route, which provides direct access to Taipei and seamless connectivity to 20 Asian destinations for American travellers. Before the departure at 11:40 p.m., STARLUX celebrated this milestone with a pre-flight ceremony and inaugural celebration.

With plans to launch new long-haul intercontinental routes spanning North America, Europe, and Oceania, this milestone not only demonstrates STARLUX’s dedication to growing its U.S. network but also lays the foundation for its future growth trajectory of expansion.

Three times a week, STARLUX now operates a next-generation A350 between Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11:40 p.m., Flight JX011 will depart San Francisco and arrive in Taipei at 5:30 a.m. the following two days. On the same days, flight JX012 will take off from Taipei at 11:20 p.m. and land in San Francisco at 6:15 p.m. On March 20, 2024, the airline will increase to daily flights.

The Airbus 350s operated by STARLUX are divided into four cabin categories: First Class (four seats), Business Class (26 seats), Premium Economy (36 seats), and Economy (240 seats). The new flights provide exquisite dining, including Taiwanese signature dishes, and amenities for all-class passengers to enjoy an at-home experience in the air.

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.