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The Life of Queen Elizabeth Include Several Aviation Milestones

Here are a few of the Aviation adventures of Queen Elizabeth II that are always the most unforgettable for aviation enthusiasts all over the world.

The Life of Queen Elizabeth Include Several Aviation Milestones

The longest-reigning monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that used the media to bridge the gap between the old and the new.

Here are a few of the Aviation adventures of Queen Elizabeth II that are always the most unforgettable for aviation enthusiasts all over the world.

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1. The Queen does not need a British passport to travel abroad.

The Queen does not need to own a British passport since they are issued in Her Majesty’s name. The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Edinburgh are two further members of the Royal Family who all possess passports.

The Life of Queen Elizabeth Include Several Aviation Milestones

Courtesy : Twitter

The first page of British passports contains a representation of the Royal Arms, together with the following wording: ‘Her Britannic Majesty’s Secretary of State requests and requires in the name of Her Majesty all those whom it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford the bearer such assistance and protection as may be necessary.’

 

2. In 1954, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a guest on a Qantas flight.

In 1954, the Queen travelled on Qantas aircraft for numerous of her official engagements in Australia. Her Majesty dined from a special royal meal in the “Royal suite” in 1954, which was separated from the rest of the cabin by a curtain carrying the Crown emblem. Prince Charles, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Duchesses of Sussex, as well as their many trips, have all flown on Qantas to Australia.
The Life of Queen Elizabeth Include Several Aviation Milestones

Courtesy : Qantas

 
In 1954, Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia for the first time as a monarch. The Queen crossed Australia onboard a specially fitted out Qantas Lockheed Constellation aircraft dubbed ‘Horace Brinsmead’
The Life of Queen Elizabeth Include Several Aviation Milestones

Courtesy : Qantas

 
 

3. When ‘Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited India

India was visited by Queen Elizabeth three times: in 1961, 1983, and 1997. The most talked-about of her visits was her first one, which took place eight years after her coronation and after nearly 15 years of India’s independence.

The Life of Queen Elizabeth Include Several Aviation Milestones

Courtesy: Getty images and ABP news

President Rajendra Prasad welcomes Queen Elizabeth II of England and her husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, upon their arrival at Delhi’s Palam Airport in January 1961 for a royal trip to India. Source

The Queen visits New Delhi, in 1983

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4. How Do the Royals of the United Kingdom Fly?

Strict confidentiality restrictions apply to the crews who have flown with The Queen, however, it is known that the aircraft are modified for The Queen’s usage.

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She also rented out military or governmental aircraft, such as the Royal Air Force’s specially modified Airbus A330. The British Prime Minister and other high government officials frequently fly on the aircraft, which has comfortable-looking staggered business class seats with direct aisle access.

The Life of Queen Elizabeth Include Several Aviation Milestones

Courtesy : British Airways

She previously chartered Concorde as well as a British Airways Boeing 777 for her trip to Australia for an 11-day visit with the Duke of Edinburgh. Source 

QANTAS’ NEW YORK TO SYDNEY NON-STOP RESEARCH FLIGHT SET FOR TAKE-OFF(Opens in a new browser tab)

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5. HRH Queen Elizabeth 2 flew a Concorde for the first time in 1977.

Following the Silver Jubilee tour, on November 2, 1977, the Queen took a Concorde flight for the first time from Barbados to Heathrow, as shown in the image below.

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There was a 3-hour, 42-minute flight. In February 1979, the Queen travelled extensively throughout the Middle East on Concorde.

The Life of Queen Elizabeth Include Several Aviation Milestones

England’s Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, disembark from a British Airways Concorde supersonic transport aircraft upon their arrival for a royal visit.

The Life of Queen Elizabeth Include Several Aviation Milestones

Her Majesty The Queen, Concorde G-BOAE, Barbados – London Heathrow, 2 November 1977 (Image Credit: British Airways)

 

6. The Queen frequently took Qantas flights on her official visits to Australia.

Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II's Life In Flight

Courtesy: Qantas

The Queen defied convention once more in 1995 when she travelled to New Zealand on an ordinary commercial airline for an official 10-day tour. She took the Boeing 747-400, Air New Zealand’s own Queen, on NZ1, the company’s flagship flight from London to Auckland via Los Angeles.

 

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7. Aircraft models that the Royal Family have travelled

These included images from 1951 when the then HRH Princess Elizabeth and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh made their first transatlantic flight on a Boeing Stratocruiser from London to Montreal aboard British Airways’ predecessor, BOAC, as well as a photo from Her Majesty The Queen’s first Commonwealth tour in 1953, after her Coronation.
The Life of Queen Elizabeth Include Several Aviation Milestones

Courtesy: British Airways

 
Aircraft models that the Royal Family have travelled on lined The Speedbird Centre route including De Havilland Comet 4s, Boeing 70s, Vickers VC-10s and Lockheed Tristars, along with items from Royal flights such as the Royal book, which has been signed by members of the family including Her Majesty The Queen, HRH Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, HRH Prince Philip and HRH The Prince of Wales.
 

8. The Queen’s Terminal

Openings of airport terminals. In addition, the Central Terminal Area at London Heathrow, Terminal 1, Terminal 5, and the North Terminal at Gatwick were all formally inaugurated by the Queen in 1955, 1969, and 2008.

Heathrow Terminal 2 is an airport terminal of Heathrow Airport, the primary airport servicing London, United Kingdom. It is commonly referred to as The Queen’s Terminal. Source

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#QueenElizabeth #Royalfamily

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aviation

HAL’s Indigenous Tejas MK-1A completes its first maiden flight

The LCA Tejas Aircraft Crash: Understanding the Reasons - Air Marshal GS Bedi's Perspective

The inaugural flight of the first production series fighter of LCA Tejas Mark-1A, an advanced iteration of the LCA Mk-1 recently inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru Today.

Over the past several days, the Defence PSU HAL has been conducting various taxi trials in preparation for this milestone.

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The maiden flight lasted 18 minutes and marked a triumph for the project. The Mk-1A boasts several enhancements, including digital radar warning receivers, an advanced AESA radar, improved beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, and external self-protection jammer pods.

The upgraded Tejas Mark 1A aircraft features a larger cockpit canopy, enhancing the pilot’s outside visibility and facilitating better movement of their helmet. Additionally, the air intake has been redesigned to supply faster airflow to the engine, enhancing performance. Modifications to the vertical radar in the tail section have been made to improve control during turns. Overall, these upgrades elevate the aircraft’s standards compared to previous versions, providing increased comfort and functionality.

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Under a contract worth Rs 46,898 crore signed in 2021, HAL is mandated to deliver 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets between March 2024 and February 2028. This follows the completion of the order for 40 Tejas Mk1 jets valued at Rs 8,802 crore, of which 32 single-seat fighters and two twin-seat trainers have already been delivered.

The IAF, which currently operates two Tejas squadrons named ‘Flying Daggers’ and ‘Flying Bullets’, has deployed one squadron in the southwestern sector. Recognizing the significance of the Tejas in bolstering its fleet, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the acquisition of an additional 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft. However, the final clearance from the cabinet committee on security (CCS) is pending before the order can be placed.

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With the IAF grappling with a decline in the number of its fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 31 against the required 42 to effectively counter threats from China and Pakistan, the Tejas assumes a crucial role in filling this gap. Despite initial skepticism, the Tejas has evolved into a flagship platform for India, garnering attention and accolades at numerous defense and aerospace exhibitions worldwide.

However, it is essential to note that the IAF recently experienced its first loss of a Tejas Mk 1 fighter aircraft due to an air crash on March 12.

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Aerospace

South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling

South Korean KF-21 Completed First Successful Aerial Refueling

The first aerial refuelling test of South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet was successfully completed, marking a key milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.

Refueling from a Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KC-330 aircraft off the southern coast, the Boramae fighter jet took off from Sacheon Airbase, some 183 miles southeast of Seoul. The Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) hailed this development, which represents a significant advancement for this state-of-the-art aircraft.

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The successful aerial refueling test corresponds with a staged production plan intended to ease worries brought forward by the feasibility assessment carried out a year ago. The research recommended cutting production to just 20 units and made additional test suggestions. A DAPA official continues to state that after discussions with pertinent agencies, plans are in place to conclude verification testing by June of this year and complete a contract for the remaining 20 units by February of the following year.

The kf 21, which has been compared to the Turkish KAAN and the Indian AMCA, has a more stealthy airframe than fourth-generation aircraft, but it is not yet capable of fifth-generation fighter capabilities. However, in the future, modifications such as internal weapons bays might force South Korea to reclassify it as a fifth-generation fighter. Even while South Korea has made significant strides towards constructing the KF-21, other countries, including Turkey and India, are also stepping up their efforts to push plans for creating fifth-generation fighter jets.

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As an initial phase, KAI boramae intends to manufacture a two-seat variant of the kai kf 21 boramae equipped with manned/unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. According to current plans, the Block 2 kf 21 fighter is slated for an upgrade to a low observability (LO) configuration, elevating it to the status of a fifth-generation fighter.

Additionally, KAI has put forward a proposal for the development of a Block 3 kf 21 boramae fighter jet, categorized as a sixth-generation fighter. This iteration would be larger, boasting enhanced stealth features and capabilities. It would incorporate more potent engines and operate within a comprehensive ‘system of systems’ framework, integrating with unmanned effectors for increased effectiveness.

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With the KF-21’s production set to start later in the year, DAPA intends to finalise an agreement with KAI by the beginning of 2024. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is expected to receive 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.

The whole production plan for 40 kf21s has been approved by the Defence Project Promotion Committee, with an estimated cost of 7.92 trillion won (US$5.9 billion) between now and 2028.

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Aviation

Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival

Laser Attack on Aircraft after flying over at Mexico Fireworks Festival

In a shocking turn of events, a passenger jet was nearly blinded by the intense beams of hundreds of laser pointers wielded by festival-goers at a pyrotechnics festival in Tultepec, Mexico.

The harrowing incident unfolded last weekend during the National Pyrotechnic Festival, an annual celebration showcasing Mexico’s rich tradition in fireworks production and usage.

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Video footage captured the moment when a passenger jet, en route to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, soared above the festival grounds. As the aircraft approached, the sky became illuminated with a multitude of green laser beams, creating an eerie glow around the plane.

https://twitter.com/fl360aero/status/1770277290695385593

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The sight was both astonishing and terrifying, as the lasers posed a serious risk to the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. Social media erupted with condemnation towards the festival-goers, labeling their actions as idiotic and dangerous.

Social media erupted with condemnation as the video spread rapidly, with users expressing outrage at the dangerous behavior of the festival attendees. Many denounced the act as foolish and illegal, highlighting the potential consequences of such reckless actions.

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It is currently unclear if the police are investigating the video or if the airline targeted has complained to air safety officials.

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Airlines

Indigo contributed 31 crores to India’s political party for election funds

Indigo contributed 31 crores to India's political party for election funds

In a recent disclosure, it has come to light that Rahul Bhatia, the promoter of IndiGo, along with companies under his InterGlobe Group, has made significant donations totaling Rs 56 crore to four political parties. Additionally, SpiceJet, led by Ajay Singh, has contributed Rs 70 lakh to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The data further reveals that InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd, a part of the InterGlobe Group, purchased 11 electoral bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each on May 10, 2019, amounting to a total of Rs 11 crore. Similarly, Interglobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, acquired 5 electoral bonds worth Rs 1 crore each on October 23, 2023, totaling Rs 5 crore.

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InterGlobe Real Estate Venture and InterGlobe Air Transport Ltd directed the lion’s share of their political contributions, totaling Rs 31 crore, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Surprisingly, the second-largest recipient was the Trinamool Congress (TMC), receiving Rs 16.2 crore from Bhatia. Additionally, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd allocated Rs 5 crore to the Congress party, while Bhatia contributed Rs 3.8 crore to its ally, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Rahul Bhatia, individually, also made substantial contributions through electoral bonds, purchasing bonds worth Rs 20 crore. On April 7, 2021, a total of 29 electoral bonds were acquired, with 19 bonds valued at Rs 1 crore each and 10 bonds at Rs 10 lakh each, summing up to Rs 20 crore. When combined with the donations from IndiGo and its affiliated companies, the total contributions from the promoter and associated entities reach Rs 56 crore.

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On the other hand, SpiceJet, once a prominent player in the Indian aviation industry, has seen a decline in its market position, currently ranking fifth in terms of market share. Despite this, the airline has engaged in political contributions, with donations made in three separate installments.

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