Airlines

Two aircraft, a B737, and an A330 suffered hull damage in the Sudan Conflict.

A SAUDIA aircraft was shot at while being prepared for its planned departure flight, SV458 to Riyadh, this morning due to security issues in the Republic of Sudan. Both crew and passengers were on board the aeroplane.

It has been reported that all of the aircraft’s passengers and crew have safely arrived at the Saudi Embassy in Sudan. In order to ensure the safety of the crew and passengers, all additional flights to and from Sudan have been cancelled. Aircraft that were over Sudan has now descended to earth.

SAUDIA’s Emergency Coordination Centre is working with the airline’s cabin crew, airport staff, and Saudi Arabia’s embassy in the Republic of Sudan to gather further information regarding the situation.

During the ongoing military coup, two aeroplanes are known to have been severely damaged or destroyed while parked at Khartoum International Airport (HSSS), Sudan. a Saudi Airbus A330-300 and a SkyUp Boeing 737-800. Other aircraft may also be affected.

During the ongoing military coup in Sudan, two aircraft are known to have been badly damaged or destroyed while parked at Khartoum Intl Airport (HSSS), Sudan. A Saudi Airbus A330-300 and a SkyUp Boeing 737-800. Additional aircraft may be affected as well. Ongoing story… pic.twitter.com/gqDZXJn1XH— JACDEC (@JacdecNew) April 15, 2023

Courtesy: Twitter

Fighting between the army and paramilitaries grew more intense, resulting in two aircraft being destroyed at the international airport in the capital of Sudan.

In a statement, Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, said one of its Airbus A330 planes was “involved in an accident” at the airport before a flight to Riyadh.

A passenger aeroplane that was about to depart from Sudan for Saudi Arabia on Saturday was shot at. The Airbus A330, which was scheduled to depart for Riyadh, “was exposed to gunfire damage… with passengers and crew on board.”

According to the national airline of Saudi Arabia, “It has been confirmed that all members of the aircraft’s cabin crew have safely arrived at the Saudi Embassy in Sudan.”

In a statement, Saudia said that all upcoming flights to and from Sudan had been cancelled for the sake of the crew members and passengers’ safety. In the meantime, aircraft that were above Sudan have returned.

Airlines

Federal Court Imposes $100M Fine on Qantas for “Ghost Flights” Scandal

In a major ruling, the Federal Court has confirmed a hefty A$100 million penalty against Qantas for its involvement in the “ghost flights” scandal. As reported by FlightGlobal.

The court found that Qantas misled consumers by offering and selling tickets for flights that the airline had already decided to cancel. Adding to the controversy, Qantas failed to promptly notify ticket holders about these cancellations.

The penalty follows Qantas’ admission of violating the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The airline agreed with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the penalty amount, aiming to deter Qantas and other businesses from similar breaches in the future.

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The ACCC emphasized that this substantial fine sends a clear message: misleading customers will lead to serious consequences, regardless of a company’s size. In addition to the penalty, Qantas has committed to paying approximately A$20 million to affected passengers who unknowingly purchased tickets for canceled flights.

This compensation comes on top of any refunds or alternative flight arrangements already provided. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb praised the penalty, underscoring the importance of robust compliance programs red energy qantas in large corporations like Qantas.

She pointed out that Qantas has since made changes to its operating and scheduling procedures to prevent similar issues in the future.