Aviation
The world’s first automatic refuelling Airbus A330 MRTT has been certified.
the Airbus A330 MRTT has become the first tanker in the world to be authorised for autonomous air-to-air refuelling (A3R) boom operations in daylight (RSAF).@AirbusDefence #SmartMRTT #A3R #UpNext #FIA2022
Following a successful campaign in conjunction with the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Airbus A330 MRTT has become the first tanker in the world to be authorised for autonomous air-to-air refuelling (A3R) boom operations in daylight (RSAF).
This capability is a component of the new SMART MRTT created by Airbus and certified by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA). The aim of the A3R system is to optimise the pace of air-to-air refuelling (AAR) transfer in operational situations to enable air superiority while reducing the burden of the air refuelling operator (ARO), improving safety, and requiring no new equipment on the receiving aircraft.
“The world’s first automated contact with a boom system in a joint operation with the Royal Australian Air Force in 2018 marked the beginning of a successful journey that culminated in the certification of the A3R capability” (RAAF). Since then, with the help of our customers, particularly with the crucial involvement of our partner the RSAF, a launch customer and the first operator to take advantage of this paradigm-shifting capability, we’ve accomplished more aeronautical “world firsts.” With improved air refuelling capabilities, the A330 MRTT maintains its technological edge, according to Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Military Air Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.
An RSAF A330 MRTT participated in the development, flight test campaign, and certification of the A3R as part of the collaboration between Airbus and the RSAF for the development of the SMART MRTT. Furthermore, improved maintenance capabilities have been created, enabling quicker completion of ground operations while giving a way to make the best possible use of spare components.
The A330 MRTT will continue to develop in this direction. Auto’Mate, a demonstration that will develop, adapt, mature, integrate, and assess technologies enabling autonomous assets air-to-air refuelling (A4R) and autonomous formation flight (AF2) operations, has been established by Airbus through its subsidiary Airbus UpNext. The primary goal of Auto’Mate will be to automate the reception aircraft’s operations, which calls for a number of novel technologies that serve as the foundation of the UpNext Auto’Mate demonstrator.
In both scenarios, an A310 will serve as the Tanker Refuelling Flight Test Bed and DT-25 Target Drones will serve as the receiving aircraft. These technological building blocks will be evaluated in flight during 2023 with a final end-to-end demonstration mid-2024. Reduce crew fatigue and training expenses, increase safety and efficiency, and pioneer unmanned air-to-air refuelling operations (including unmanned-to-unmanned AAR operations), a highly desired capability for future defence scenarios. These are just a few of the benefits of the technologies developed in the Airbus Auto’Mate demonstrator. The first UpNext demonstrator to be introduced, created, and finished in Spain is Auto’Mate.
Airlines
The Nine Freedoms of the Air – Jetline Marvel
Most of us travel from one city to another city via road we need to get permission to that specific city if it is in another country like a visa or Road access permission to use its property for revenue purposes to carry passengers and Cargo. Similarly, In the airline Industry, it is also important that the Company have permission to fly and access that country whether it’s for stoppage flying above them, or Operating the passengers within that country This is called Freedom of the Air.
Some countries together they agree with certain conditions to access their Aerospace for to access for the airline to travel above their nation. If the bilateral is done for Their own countries’ airlines or other countries’ airlines. In this chapter, we understand how this thing is carried out. What all the condition has to look into that.
The Freedoms of the Air are international commercial aviation agreements (traffic rights) that grant a country’s airline(s) the privilege to enter and land in another country’s airspace. They were formulated in 1944 at an international gathering held in Chicago (known as the Chicago Convention) to establish uniformity in world air commerce. There are generally considered to be nine freedoms of the air.
Most nations of the world exchange first and second freedoms through the International Air Services Transit Agreement. The other freedoms,chase freedom airline miles when available, are usually established between countries in bilateral or multilateral air services agreements. The third and fourth freedoms are always granted together. The eighth and ninth freedoms (cabotage) have been exchanged only in limited instances
First Freedom:
The basic permission granted to an airline from one country (A) to fly through the airspace of another country (B)
Second Freedom:
The permission for a commercial airplane from country (A) to land and refuel (often called a technical stop) in another country (B).
Third Freedom :
The privilege for an airline to transport paying (Revenue) passengers from its home country (A) to another country (B).
Fourth Freedom
The rights for an airline to transport paying (Revenue )passengers from another country (B) to the airline’s home country (A).
Fifth Freedom
Fifth Freedom (also known as beyond rights): The rights for an airline to transport passengers from its home country (A) to a destination (B), then pick up and carry passengers to other international destinations (C).
Sixth Freedom:
Sixth Freedom (Combination of Third & Fourth Freedoms) The right for an airline to carry passengers or cargo between two foreign countries (B and C), provided the aircraft touches down in the airline’s home country (A).
Seventh Freedom:
The authorization for an airline to operate flights that start in a foreign country (B), skip its home country (A), and transport passengers to another international destination (C).
Eighth Freedom Air
The rights for an airline to transport passengers from one location within a country’s territory (B) to another point within the same country on a flight originating in the airline’s home country (A). This right is commonly referred to as cabotage and is notably scarce outside of Europe.
Ninth Freedom Air
The entitlement for an airline from a specific country (A) to begin a flight in a foreign country (B) and transport passengers from one location to another within that foreign country. This concept, also referred to as stand-alone cabotage, distinguishes itself from the traditional aviation definition of cabotage by not directly involving the airline’s home country.
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 |
The Nine Freedoms of the Air – Jetline Marvel
IndiGo to Roll Out In-Flight Entertainment Service for Flyers
ANA and Air India Launch Codeshare Agreement for Enhanced Travel Options
Air India’s B747 Makes Its Final Journey, Waving Farewell to Fans
British Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Abu Dhabi, After 4-Year hiatus
FAA investigation: Passenger seated in Captain’s seat inside cockpit at cruising altitude
Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India
An A320 plane flew for 28 minutes with both pilots asleep
Airbus and the Antonov An-225: The Best Partnership for Rebuilding the Largest Aircraft
United Airlines Discover Fake engines parts on several aircrafts
The total aircraft orders for Boeing and Airbus at the Dubai Airshow 2023 : Day 5
Indigo’s Latest Milestone: Connecting Australia with 21 New Indian Destinations
Airline Introduces Child-Free Zones On Its long haul flights
American Airlines plane diverted after passenger calls Flight Attendant ‘waiter’
From CEO to Cabin Crew: Lufthansa CEO Works Trip As a Flight Attendant
