Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker may be driving himself and Boeing executives in to a frenzy about delays on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, but two Indian carriers who ordered the aircraft are crying . . . . . . all the way to the bank. At the start of the week Boeing said that it will compensate Air …

It is well known that the national carrier is systemically fleeced by politicians and bureaucrats. Employees, past and present, who have experienced the monumental levels of waste, have also joined the bandwagon. Stung by record losses Air India has been toying with various measures to cut costs and boost revenues. Most Indians were cynical of true reforms at Air India, …

The drama involving Chennai based Paramount Airways and GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS) over a dispute on refunds and payments, began last Friday. Paramount officials explained that the dispute with GECAS was over maintenance reserves and deposit refund. An airline release claimed “Paramount had made a $15 million deposit to GECAS – $5 mn as deposit and $10 mn as …

Qatar Airways launched its first flight to the Australian continent with its non-stop Doha Melbourne service using its latest Boeing 777-200LR delivered just a few days ago. Two flight crews are needed for the long 14 hour flight. Click on image for high res version. The 42 2–2–2 configured Business Class seats convert into 180 degree horizontal flat beds with …

As Dubai based Emirates continues to get deliveries of new aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing, it is undertaking significant route expansion, especially to Europe. The airline has announced the launch of flights to Amsterdam from May 1, 2010. EK 145 departs Dubai each day at 08:25 arriving Amsterdam at 13:30. EK 146 departs Amsterdam at 15:30 arriving in Dubai …

Over the 24 hours a string of aviation incidents have come to light across India. One is a minor mistake with major reaction, and one which can be only described as outright reckless. 1. Jet Airways. VT-JGC. On 20th October, a Jet Airways Boeing 737-900 registration VT-JGC performing flight 9W 332 from New Delhi Indira Gandhi International to Mumbai Chhatrapati …

Boeing has completed the static test needed to validate the side-of-body modification made to the 787 Dreamliner. During the test, dubbed 2C, on the 787 Dreamliner static test airframe, the wing and trailing edges of the airframe were subjected to its limit load — the highest loads expected to be seen in service. The load is about 2.5 times the …

Last Saturday we got a “heads-up” that Capt. Gopinath’s new cargo airline Deccan 360 had sent one of it freighters to Bangalore for flying practice. At the old HAL airport we caught VT-AIO doing touch and go’s. This plane commenced it’s career as 9V-STE with Singapore Airlines in 1994. In 2005 it was leased to Air India and was re-registered …

It is ironic and symbiotic that today marks a day of giving thanks in two of the largest democracies of the world – India and the United States. In India it is the first anniversary of the dastardly and murderous rampage by Pakistan based, aided, and assisted terrorists, that began one year ago at precisely the time this article is …

The Boeing Company has delivered the first two Project Wedgetail 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at a ceremony at RAAF Base Williamtown, the main operating base for the Wedgetail fleet. Boeing image. Click for larger view. Three additional Wedgetail aircraft will be delivered to the RAAF by the end of …

Over the last few years, the incidents of bird strikes have been increasing. In 2006, 167 bird strikes were reported, in 2007 they increased to 217 and in 2008, 304. For 2009, till October, 241 bird strikes have been reported to the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This year till October, 2009, Air India has reported 24 bird …

Virgin Atlantic has unveiled a new and completely refurbished 795 sq. mtr. (8,500 sq. ft.) clubhouse at Gatwick airport featuring a luxurious Cowshed Spa. The Cowshed Spa and Internal Rock Garden provide a new focal point for the Clubhouse. With its porcelain slates, natural stone mosaic floors and black glass mosaic tiled walls, the Clubhouse provides passengers a feeling of …

Emirates has unveiled plans to launch direct services between Dubai and Tokyo which will be the 102nd destination for the Dubai based carrier. At present, Emirates operates daily services to Osaka which was launched seven years ago. Starting 28th March 2010, Emirates will fly non-stop to Tokyo five times a week on every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The …

Thanks to a technology based economy (sorry world, but Bangalore is a lot more than just BPO outsourcing), Bangalore has always been a preferred destination for air cargo. Bio-technology, electronics, aviation, pharmaceuticals, high-end precision engineering, floriculture, fresh produce, and the outsourcing industry which buys tons of imported computers, ensure that Bangalore is the leading hub for air cargo in Southern …

Bahrain based Gulf Air had suspended it’s Bahrain Bangalore service in March this year. It resumed the service recently on October 24, and the resumption reached an unhappy situation last night. A driver of Gulf Air’s ground handling agent GlobeGround India drove his step-ladder in to the rear horizontal stabiliser of their Airbus A320-212 registration A9C-EN, damaging and grounding the …

Boeing delivered a 777-300ER (Extended Range) to Philippine Airlines (PAL) via leasing company GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). Aircraft registration RP-C7777. Click on image for high res view. Boeing image. The new airplane is the first 777 to join PAL’s fleet and is one of two leased 777-300ERs the airline will deploy on its international routes. In addition the airline …

Today seems to be a day for Boeing 747 images. Boeing moved the first 747-8 Freighter out of the paint hangar in Everett, USA, sporting a special “light” livery, which is white with blue accents. Click on image for high resolution view. Image courtesy Boeing It features an oversized “8” on the background of the tail as well as “747-8” …

One of the better pictures I have taken. This Saudi Arabian Boeing 747-168 HZ-AID lifts off in the late evening carrying pilgrims for the Haj. Click on the image for a larger view and to see the minute details like the thrust of the jets. As usual comments and feedback is always welcome.

Toulouse, France based Airbus S.A.S. has commenced the Dubai Air Show 2009 with a slew of orders. Ethiopian Airlines has today ordered 12 Airbus A350 XWB aircraft, bringing total orders for the A350 XWB family to 505. The airline will operate the A350s from their hub in Addis Ababa on routes to Europe, the US and Asia. Luxury charter company …