Aerospace

U.S. fines 6 airlines $7.5 million and force them to refund customers

U.S. fines 6 airlines $7.5 million and forces them to refund customers. Includes Air India, Aeromexico,

The DGCA penalized Air India $37K and suspended the pilot for 3 months for improper handling of the Peegate issue.

Officials from the federal government announced on Monday that Frontier Airlines and four foreign carriers have agreed to refund more than $600 million to travellers whose travels have been postponed or considerably delayed as a result of the pandemic.

Jet Airways CEO Gives Sassy Reply to Man Who Asked For 2019 Cancelled Flight Refund(Opens in a new browser tab)

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, it also fined the same airlines more than $7 million for their long refund delays that violated consumer protection laws.

When the airlines cancelled a large number of flights after the epidemic hit the U.S. in early 2020, customers rushed the agency with thousands of complaints about their inability to get refunds.

It was by far the most common type of complaint.

Frontier Airlines, based in Denver, is returning $222 million and paying a $2.2 million civil penalty, according to the government. The Transportation Department announced that TAP Portugal would refund $126.5 million and pay a $1.1 million fine, Air India would pay $121.5 million in refunds and a $1.4 million fine, Aeromexico would pay $13.6 million and a $900,000 fine, Israel’s El Al would pay $61.9 million and a $900,000 fine, and Colombia’s Avianca would pay $76.8 million and a $750,000 fine.

Air India to take legal action and impose fine on unruly passengers, to charge Rs 5 lakh for 1 hour delay(Opens in a new browser tab)

According to Blane Workie, the assistant general counsel for the Transportation Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, there won’t be any penalties for other U.S. airlines because they responded “shortly after” the department reminded them in April 2020 of their duty to make prompt refunds.

“We have no open cases involving other U.S. carriers. On the same call as Buttigieg, Workie stated that the cases that remain are against foreign airlines. Consumer activists were unsatisfied, claiming that the main US airlines also breached refund policies, even if they took corrective action more rapidly.

On customer refunds for airlines, the Department has also suggested stronger regulations. According to the DOT, consumers can file air travel consumer complaints online. http://airconsumer.dot.gov/escomplaint/ConsumerForm.cfm or by voicemail at (202)-366-2220.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.