Airlines

US man gets entire flight to himself, parties with crew after 18-hour delay

On Sunday, Phil Stringer was traveling from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Oklahoma City on his way home, but unfortunately to experience an 18-hour flight delay. By that time, the majority of the passengers had either made alternative arrangements or decided against leaving that day, but Mr. Stringer remained and as a result, he was the only person on board when the plane finally took off.

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The lone traveler told Insider that he felt terrible for making the American Airlines staff show up solely for him — but the flight attendants laughed it off and eventually turned it into a “private party” in the sky, which Stringer marked and shared to TikTok.

“When you buy every single ticket on the plane so you don’t have to deal with people,” Stringer wrote on TikTok. “(Just kidding, it was delayed 18 hours and everyone else gave up).”

@phil.stringer

18-hour delay turned this flight into a private party! ✈️🥳 Watch how the amazing crew and I made the most of it! #americanairlines #flightattendant #airplanetiktok #privateparty #FlightFun #delayedflight #fyp #viral ♬ Makeba – Jain

“When I arrived at the gate, nobody was there. “I asked, ‘Did you guys already board everyone?'” he said.The flight attendant “was like, ‘No, honey, you’re the only passenger’,” he said. And claimed that he attempted to change his flight numerous times without success and waited in the airport for 18 hours since he had to get home to resume his duties as the COO of a real estate agency.

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They were sort of making fun of me, he stated, asking, “Really, bro, you couldn’t have left a few hours later?” “I firmly believe that your attitude influences where you end up. Yes, the day was terrible. No one likes to spend 18 hours in an airport, but with the right attitude, it can be a lot of fun,” he added.

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Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.