Airlines

Woman applauded for defending passenger asked to swap seats on flight

Thousands of users on TikTok are praising Seattle-based user @not.cristinayang for splitting up an awkward conversation between two passengers during a journey home.

Earlier this month, the creator uploaded a video to TikTok revealing how she previously assisted the woman seated next to her in premium economy class to keep her seat when another passenger requested a seat swap. In the video, she described how a “soft-spoken” Asian woman named “Connie” was sitting in the middle of the row between herself and another passenger when a fourth passenger asked a question.

@not.cristinayang

Replying to @mixedchick132 the audacity of some people #flying #assignedseats

♬ original sound – Not it

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According to the video, the fourth passenger, who desired to remain anonymous, requested that Connie move them from row eight to a seat in row 26 so they could sit alongside their friend. The TikToker noted that the woman would no longer be in premium economy, where she said they received limitless snacks and beverages, if she were to sit in row 26.

She protested, but the anonymous woman who wanted to trade seats emphasised that it would be a window seat with more space than Connie’s centre seat. The TikToker, however, claimed that she continued to stand up for the senior citizen. She finally resorted to acting as though they were travelling together when the other passenger persisted.

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“Both of us are Asian. Of course, we are familiar “She spoke. When the little Asian woman turned to face me, I said, “Sit down, Connie!” According to the footage, the woman’s conviction allowed her to keep her seat while the other passenger was compelled to return to row 26 for the remainder of the four- to five-hour journey.

Over three million people have seen the video and over 11,000 people have commented on it, largely praising the creator for intervening to defend the woman. One user said “May your coffee always be hot, your drives always have green lights, and the parking places in the lot always be close.” Other comments noted the unwritten standards of aeroplane etiquette that passengers should adhere to.

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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.