Airlines

Virgin Atlantic to join SkyTeam alliance

SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, and Virgin Atlantic have announced that the UK airline will join as SkyTeam’s newest member in early 2023

SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, and Virgin Atlantic have announced that the UK airline will join as SkyTeam’s newest member in early 2023. Virgin Atlantic will join SkyTeam as the first and only airline from the United Kingdom, expanding the alliance’s transatlantic network with services to and from Manchester and Heathrow.

Virgin Atlantic and IndiGo announce new codeshare agreement(Opens in a new browser tab)

Customers of Virgin Atlantic will enjoy a consistent, seamless customer experience at more than 1,000 international locations. Additionally, they will gain access to a network of more than 750 airport lounges spread across six continents and more possibilities to accumulate and redeem points across member airlines.

With a global extension of its reward program, the airline’s Flying Club members will start receiving major perks on the day they join. SkyTeam Elite Members will be recognized as Virgin Atlantic Silver Card holders, while Elite Plus status will be awarded to the airline’s Gold Card customers.

Virgin Australia unveils business class suites for A330 fleet.. !!(Opens in a new browser tab)

Numerous advantages are available as a result of this identification, including priority boarding, baggage management, and check-in. As soon as Virgin Atlantic formally joins SkyTeam, which is anticipated in early 2023, Flying Club members will be able to take advantage of the perks.

At Virgin Atlantic’s hub at London Heathrow Terminal 3, SkyTeam members Delta, Air France, and KLM are already based there. Regional airports in the UK, such as Edinburgh and Manchester, are served by Virgin Atlantic’s long-haul flights. In collaboration with Delta Air Lines, Air France, and KLM, the airline offers a wide network to North America and the Caribbean. In addition, it runs flights to Greater China, Israel, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Africa.

Airlines

Air India Express Aircraft Engine Part Falls Outside Delhi Airport; DGCA Orders Probe

Air India Express flight skids off runway while landing at Kochi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an inquiry following reports that metal fragments were discovered at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after an Air India Express flight made an emergency landing on Monday evening.

The emergency landing was prompted by a detected engine fault, but fortunately, the landing was executed safely without any injuries to the passengers.

The situation began when crew members of the Air India Express flight reported an engine issue, leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway and has directed that the aircraft undergo a comprehensive safety inspection.

Air India Initiates Construction of MRO Facility at Bengaluru Airport

The discovery of metal debris outside the airport has raised concerns, prompting the DGCA to probe whether these fragments are linked to the aircraft involved in the emergency landing. Authorities are particularly focused on whether the metal pieces, which were found near the airport, originated from the same Air India Express flight that experienced engine trouble.

While preliminary assessments suggest that the debris could be a broken blade from an aircraft engine, the exact source remains unconfirmed. The airline has yet to verify if the metal fragments are from their aircraft.

Airbus Beluga to Deliver Spare Parts for Stranded British Airways A350

The Delhi Police, working in conjunction with the DGCA, have initiated their own investigation to determine the origin of the metal pieces. A technical team is set to analyze whether the fragments are associated with the aircraft in question. As the investigation continues, a case has been filed with the airport authority to address the matter.