Aviation

Thai Airways Files Lawsuit Against Passenger for Criticizing Flight Delay

Thai Airways has declared that it will take legal action against a traveler who publicly criticised the airline for its choice to cancel a flight because of bad weather. A Bangkok to Melbourne flight experienced an issue that required it to land in Sydney, causing it to arrive at its intended destination four hours later than expected.

The airline decided to change course due to safety concerns related to Melbourne’s bad weather, where low visibility could be dangerous during landing. Although these kinds of diversions are frequently used as a preventative measure in the aviation industry, a disgruntled passenger expressed his dissatisfaction on Facebook.

The passenger questioned the need for the diversion in the since-deleted post, stating that the weather was fine and expressing concerns about fuel levels and the cabin crew’s assertiveness when speaking with air traffic controllers. The post went viral very soon after it attracted attention.

A Thai Airways pilot conversed with the passenger in response to the criticism, outlining the airline’s compliance with safety regulations, fuel specifications, and pilot training procedures. Thai Airways has chosen to take legal action even though the passenger removed the critical post and apologized for the rapidly written comments.

The airline stressed that during the incident, its crew adhered to international safety and security regulations. Thai Airways stated that the legal action is a demonstration of its commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and security while protecting its reputation from what it perceives as harmful and inaccurate public perceptions.

Aviation

Airbus and French Aerospace Firms Growing Exports from India

In a significant move to bolster its supply chain, European aerospace giant Airbus has announced plans to ramp up component sourcing from India, tapping into the country’s vast opportunities.

During a press briefing in New Delhi on October 7, CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the strategic importance of India within the Airbus supply chain, highlighting the company’s robust network of over 100 suppliers in the region.

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Faury, who also serves as Chairman of the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS), noted that there are abundant prospects for collaboration between Indian and French aerospace companies. Leading a high-level delegation from GIFAS, comprising more than 60 companies and over 100 representatives, Faury aims to foster deeper partnerships and enhance business opportunities between India and France.

“We will continue to grow our sourcing of components,” Faury stated, forecasting a doubling of component sourcing approximately every five years over the next decade. This stable growth trajectory underscores Airbus’s commitment to deepening its ties with India.

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Currently, Airbus holds an impressive order book of around 8,600 aircraft and anticipates producing about 770 planes this year. This ambitious production plan aligns with the expected surge in India’s domestic air passenger traffic, projected to reach 300 million by 2030, according to Union Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.

During the briefing, Naidu also highlighted the substantial investments being made to develop India’s airport infrastructure, with $11 billion allocated for this purpose. The government plans to develop 200 additional airports over the next 20 to 25 years, significantly expanding the current count of 157 airports, heliports, and waterdromes. By the end of 2025, the number of operational airports is expected to reach 200.

“The potential for partnership between India and France is immense,” Naidu remarked, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit that Airbus and French aerospace firms seek to cultivate in India.