In a significant move aimed at enhancing child safety and passenger convenience, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced a new mandate for airlines regarding the seating of children.

Effective immediately, airlines are now required to allocate seats for children aged up to 12 years alongside at least one of their parents or guardians who are traveling on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR).

This directive, announced by the DGCA, emphasizes the crucial importance of ensuring children’s well-being during air travel. By facilitating seating arrangements that keep families together, the regulation addresses a common concern among parents: the potential separation of young children from their caregivers during flights.

Such separation can lead to heightened anxiety and stress for both children and parents, making the travel experience less comfortable and secure. Furthermore, the DGCA has mandated that airlines maintain records of these seat assignments, introducing a transparency measure to ensure compliance with the new rule.

Importantly, the regulation acknowledges that unbundled services, including seat selection, are typically offered by airlines on an “opt-in” basis and are not mandatory. Additionally, the DGCA has specified a provision for auto seat assignment for passengers who have not selected seats during web check-in before the scheduled departure.

This proactive approach by the DGCA aligns with its overarching responsibility for regulating air transport services and ensuring adherence to civil aviation standards. By collaborating with international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the DGCA reinforces India’s commitment to upholding global aviation best practices.

In the vast expanse of his retirement years, a former dentist embarked on an extraordinary journey of ingenuity and adventure. Armed with a plane kit procured from the depths of the internet, he set out to defy gravity and conventional wisdom alike, crafting his very own jet aircraft from scratch.

With each meticulously placed rivet and calculated design choice, he breathed life into his airborne dream, proving that even in retirement, the spirit of innovation knows no bounds.

In the coastal town of Moruya, retired dentist Andre Viljoen has taken to the skies in a remarkable feat of engineering and passion. With over 3,000 hours spent meticulously crafting in his small hangar, Viljoen has brought to life his dream—a homemade jet aircraft, soaring at nearly 500 kilometers per hour. According to the report by ABC news.

This Subsonnex jet marks the pinnacle of Viljoen’s aviation journey, a journey that began with tinkering with model airplanes in his youth. Despite starting small with remote-controlled aircraft, his ambition knew no bounds. Transitioning to piloting gliders, Viljoen yearned for a craft to call his own, yet the prohibitive costs of traditional aircraft ownership stood in his path.

Undeterred, Viljoen took matters into his own hands. Over 21 months of tireless work and the placement of 15,000 rivets, his vision took shape. Utilizing kits ordered from the United States, each complete with detailed plans, Viljoen’s craftsmanship brought forth marvels that defied convention. Despite a price tag of approximately $230,000 per aircraft, the value of his creations transcends mere monetary worth.

Despite the technical complexities involved, Viljoen’s aircraft are not merely experimental novelties but meticulously crafted marvels that adhere to the strictest safety standards. Registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Viljoen’s creations have earned the respect of aviation enthusiasts and experts alike.

As he navigates the skies above southeast New South Wales, Viljoen’s passion for flight remains undimmed. For him, each journey is a testament to the enduring thrill of freedom and the indomitable spirit of human endeavor. From his first solo flight to the countless adventures that lie ahead, Viljoen’s homemade jet aircraft is more than a machine—it’s a symbol of possibility and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

On a routine Sunday flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, passengers aboard a FlySafair aircraft found themselves in the midst of an unexpected turn of events.

The flight, which commenced its journey at 11:32 am, encountered a harrowing situation during takeoff as ground staff observed what appeared to be damage to one of the rear wheels of the aircraft.

Reacting swiftly to the alarming observation, the flight crew was promptly alerted, and a collective decision was made to return to Johannesburg for the safety of all on board. With the aircraft en route back to its origin, a crucial yet standard procedure was enacted to ensure a safe landing: entering a holding pattern near Parys to burn off excess fuel. This precautionary measure aimed to lighten the aircraft’s load, enhancing safety during the impending landing.

In a display of meticulous caution, the aircraft performed a low pass over OR Tambo Airport, allowing safety and technical teams to visually inspect the landing gear before the final descent. It was during this inspection that the gravity of the situation became apparent: one of the four rear wheels had detached from the aircraft during the takeoff phase. Specifically, the affected wheel belonged to the left rear landing strut, further underscoring the severity of the incident.

Despite the harrowing circumstances, the skilled pilots and crew of FlySafair were commended for their adept handling of the emergency. Their extensive training and experience proved instrumental in ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew members on board.

Upon executing a safe landing, passengers bound for Cape Town were swiftly rerouted to an alternate aircraft, guaranteeing their timely and secure arrival at their destination. Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the wheel’s damage have been initiated by technical teams and authorities, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. Passengers were advised to stay informed by checking with their respective airlines for updates on their travel arrangements.

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has once again been named the “World’s Best Airport” by the esteemed 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards, which took place in Frankfurt, Germany at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2024.

Along with winning “Best Airport in the Middle East” for 10 years running, the airport was named “World’s Best Airport Shopping” for the second year in a row. In 2023, Hamad International Airport saw an extraordinary increase in passenger volume, marking a noteworthy milestone.

Serving more than 45 million travellers, the airport saw a startling 31% rise from the year before. The airport serves over 250 destinations with passenger, cargo, and chartered flights. It also welcomed new distinguished airline partners, such as Vistara, Iberia, Xiamen Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Japan Airlines.

Hamad International Airport is looking forward to a busy 2024 as it enters its historic tenth year of existence. The airport wants to become even more of a leader in the aviation sector by investing in cutting-edge technologies and industry-first projects that will improve sustainability efforts.

A varied lifestyle destination in itself is Hamad International Airport. The airport combines modern food and shopping options, leisure and entertainment venues, and a top-notch collection of artwork from globally known artists all within its single, spacious terminal.

With the completion of the first phase of the airport expansion project, Hamad International Airport has improved its multi-dimensional offering and greatly boosted capacity. A business subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group, MATAR is responsible for managing the commercial and operational aspects of the airport. It is also known as the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation.

A Jetblue Embraer E190 had a near-miss incident with a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8 Aircraft at Ronald Reagan International Airport in Washington D.C. 

‘A JetBlue flight was starting its takeoff roll on runway 4 at the airport in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., around 7:41 a.m. Thursday, when an air traffic controller instructed a Southwest Airlines flight to cross the same runway’, the FAA said in a statement. The FAA also included that it will be investigating this incident. 

The Jetblue Embraer E190 was bound for Boston, and landed safely after inspection in Washington at 2:47pm, according to FlightRadar24, an aircraft tracking site. The Jetblue flight was delayed approximately for 6 hours after its scheduled take-off time. The Southwest flight, meanwhile, continued to its destination in Orlando, arriving on time at its destination. There are no injuries sustained in this incident.

‘The aircraft was inspected before ultimately taking off for Boston. Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will work closely with federal officials as this event is fully investigated,’ Jetblue mentioned in a statement provided to ABC news.

This incident comes amidst a recent spate of close calls which have been on an increasing trend, as noted by the FAA, in an article by Associated Press, which mentions that it is a clear warning sign that the aviation system is under stress.

Welcome to our new series, Week In Review, where we compile the biggest news in the Aviation Industry for the entire week. This week, we will be taking a look at a few headlines in the Aviation Industry which have impacted air travel.

Dubai’s Flood and It’s impact on Aviation 

Dubai recently experienced record-setting rainfall and subsequent flooding. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) witnessed the heaviest rain since records began in 1949. Flights were severely disrupted due to flooded runways, with the tarmac of Dubai International Airport being completely flooded due to the overwhelming rainfall. Dubai, a country with an arid climate, usually receives approximately 100 milliliters of rainfall a year on average. However, this particular time, it received some 250 milliliters of rainfall in fewer than 24 hours, leaving its drainage system struggling to cope with such large amounts of rainfall. This severely affected air travel, with Dubai Airport temporarily pausing arrival flights, resulting in the diversion of some flights. As the world’s second largest airport, together with it being home to one of the world’s largest airlines, this led to many holiday plans being cancelled or delayed, resulting in travelers flooding to the social media pages of Emirates and FlyDubai to voice their discontent.

In the latest statement released by Dubai Airport, Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports stated that Dubai International Airport will return to its full operational capacity in 24 Hours, likely bringing an end to the massive disruptions caused. 

Airlines are rerouting routes to avoid Iranian Airspace, longer flight times expected 

Amidst the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, due to instability in the region, multiple airlines have announced that they have rerouted the flight paths of some routes to avoid Iranian Airspace, with longer flight times expected for these routes. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has safety advisories in place for multiple regions in the Middle East, including Iranian and Israel’s Airspace.

This rerouting has been described by The Daily Mail as ‘the biggest disruption to air travel since 9/11’, with airlines across the world rerouting and cancelling services due to the ongoing conflict.

Singapore Airlines, a major airline which has had flights to most of its destinations in Europe rerouted as a precautionary measure, informed passengers of the potentially longer flight time expected, further adding that they would assist affected customers to re-accommodate them on to alternative flights, should they miss their connection. This mirrors actions by airlines such as Qantas, Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic, who had to modify the flight paths of some flights to avoid the Iranian Airspace. 

Scoot Takes Delivery of new E190-E2 aircraft 

Scoot, a Singapore-based Low Cost Carrier, took delivery of its first E190-E2 aircraft this Monday, with it set to be operating flights on regional routes once deemed commercially unviable. This delivery of the Embraer E190 aircraft also marks the first time a Singapore-based carrier is introducing an aircraft from a Brazilian Manufacturer.

Scoot plans to start using the Embraer E190 aircraft on flights from Singapore to Krabi, before further expanding to other new destinations such as Koh Samui in Thailand and Sibu in Malaysia.

The E190 aircraft will also be used to operate flights to Hat Yai in Thailand, together with Kuantan and Miri in Malaysia after more aircraft are received. The first E190 flight would be set to take place on May 7, with an inaugural flight to Krabi. 

Airlines cancel flights due to Mount Ruang Eruption

Mount Ruang, a volcano in Northern Indonesia, erupted, resulting in cancellation of flights by airlines to Indonesia and East Malaysia. The eruption has resulted in extensive volcanic ash clouds in the air, therefore affecting airspace and visibility in the region. This has resulted in the cancellation of flights in the region, so as to ensure the safety of the passengers travelling by air. In a press release, AirAsia, a Malaysian-based Low Cost Carrier, announced that it would cancel flights to and from 9 airports, namely Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Labuan, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Kuching and Brunei.

‘AirAsia is committed to prioritising safety during this time and has notified all guests affected by the cancellations. Guests who are travelling to/from the affected destinations are encouraged to check their registered email and mobile phones for cancellation notifications.’

Apart from AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines have also cancelled flights to and from Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. However, due to the improving weather conditions, some of these cancelled flights have been reinstated, therefore lessening the impact of the flight disruptions.

FAA investigation: Passenger seated in Captain’s seat inside cockpit at cruising altitude

A viral video capturing a startling moment aboard a United Airlines charter flight from Denver to Toronto has triggered a federal investigation.

The footage, initially shared on social media by Hensley Meulens, the hitting coach for the Colorado Rockies baseball team, depicts a member of the coaching staff seated in one of the pilot seats while the aircraft was in mid-flight.

In his caption, Meulens expressed gratitude to the captain and first officer for allowing him this unusual experience. The video, filmed by another passenger, reveals the cockpit door open, and at one point, a third passenger briefly enters the flight deck. Alarmingly, during this time, the captain was absent from the cockpit.

Hamad International Airport Recognised as the “World’s Best Airport” at the 2024

Hamad International Airport (DOH) has once again been named the “World’s Best Airport” by the esteemed 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards, which took place in Frankfurt, Germany at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2024.

Along with winning “Best Airport in the Middle East” for 10 years running, the airport was named “World’s Best Airport Shopping” for the second year in a row. In 2023, Hamad International Airport saw an extraordinary increase in passenger volume, marking a noteworthy milestone.

Qatar Airways is set to unveil two new credit cards, promising lucrative benefits for travelers. The airline will launch a Visa Infinite card and a Visa Signature card, offering exclusive perks to Privilege Club members in the United States.

Joining the waitlist for these cards by May 3, 2024, unlocks a special offer: an additional bonus of 10,000 Avios for the Visa Infinite card and 5,000 Avios for the Visa Signature card upon approval.

This bonus comes with no extra minimum spending requirement, providing an enticing incentive for potential cardholders. While specific details about the cards are still limited, early marketing suggests that the Visa Infinite card will offer premium benefits, making it an attractive option for frequent flyers.

Qatar Airways has reached out to Privilege Club members, encouraging them to sign up for the waitlist in anticipation of the card launch. Join the waitlist by May 3, 2024, to take advantage of this fantastic offer. Once you’re approved and apply for the cards, you’ll receive the bonus miles with no extra minimum spending requirement, on top of the standard sign-up bonus.

While details about the cards are still limited, the Visa Infinite is expected to be the premium option, promising even more exciting perks for cardholders. Keep an eye out for updates as Qatar Airways gears up to unveil its new credit card offerings.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to earn extra bonus miles and elevate your travel experience with Qatar Airways’ new credit cards. Join the waitlist today and get ready to embark on your next adventure in style.

In a peculiar turn of events, a recent video circulating online has captured the attention of netizens worldwide.

The footage depicts a pack of stray dogs roaming freely on the of Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. In a scene reminiscent of a surreal chase, the dogs can be seen barking and pursuing an aircraft as it maneuvers along the runway.

The clip, which has quickly gone viral on various social media platforms, has sparked widespread astonishment and concern. As the dogs dart around the airport runway, several parked airplanes serve as a backdrop to the unusual spectacle. The surreal nature of the scene, coupled with the potential safety risks posed by stray animals near active runways, has left viewers both bewildered and apprehensive.

Amidst the flurry of reactions online, aviation experts and concerned individuals have highlighted the critical need for airport authorities to secure areas from wild or stray animals. The risk of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) incidents, where loose objects on the runway pose hazards to aircraft during takeoff and landing, is a pressing concern in aviation safety.

Authorities at Baghdad International Airport are urged to take immediate action to address this concerning situation and implement effective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Ensuring the safety and security of both air travelers and airport operations must remain a top priority.

In the world of air travel, reclining seats have long been a point of contention among passengers. While some view them as essential for finding comfort on lengthy flights, others see them as a source of frustration, leading to spilled drinks, cramped space, and inflight disagreements.

Now, it seems that this controversial amenity may be on its way out of economy class altogether. Flight experts, citing concerns over space, rising fuel costs, and inflight conflicts, suggest that reclining seats could soon become a relic of the past in economy cabins.

William McGee, a senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, highlights a significant trend toward lighter seating options favored by airlines eager to reduce onboard weight and cut fuel expenses.

The push for lighter, non-reclining seats not only addresses fuel efficiency but also translates into cost savings for airlines through reduced maintenance requirements. Major carriers like Delta, United, American, and Southwest have already begun scaling back the recline capacity of their economy seats, transitioning from a standard of four inches to just two inches.

While the move to eliminate or limit seat recline may be met with mixed reactions, some argue that it’s a necessary evolution in air travel. McGee advocates for allowing passengers the option to recline but suggests imposing restrictions during specific periods, such as meal service, to mitigate disruptions and conflicts. However, despite such compromises, McGee predicts that reclining seats will likely vanish from economy class in future.

Lufthansa marked a historic moment as the first Airbus A350 adorned with the brand-new Allegris cabin touched down at Munich Airport.

Flight LH9581 heralded the arrival of D-AIXT, the inaugural aircraft to showcase this innovative cabin, boasting new products across all classes. Piloted by Thomas Jahn and Corvin Jacobs, the flight journeyed from Toulouse to Munich, symbolizing a new era of passenger comfort and luxury.

Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa, extended a warm welcome not only to the aircraft but also to the dedicated team instrumental in bringing this newest addition home. Notably, this ferry flight made strides in sustainability, operating with 17% Sustainable Aviation Fuel, underlining Lufthansa’s commitment to eco-friendly aviation practices.

The unveiling of the Allegris cabin marks a significant milestone in lufthansa flights
history, representing the largest product and service overhaul in the airline group’s journey. With a staggering investment of 2.5 billion euros by 2025, the Allegris project aims to revamp the First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, promising passengers an unparalleled travel experience.

In the coming days and weeks, travelers can anticipate discovering more about the Allegris cabin, as lh flights prepares to roll out this innovative concept across its fleet. With a total of 27,000 new seats set to grace the interiors of Boeing 747-8, Boeing 787, A350-900 aircraft, and the future Boeing 777-9, passengers can look forward to elevated levels of comfort and sophistication on their journeys with Lufthansa.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has set forth a proposal for an airworthiness directive concerning specific Boeing 747-400F series airplanes. This directive, outlined in a Federal Register notice, necessitates the application of cap seals to certain fastener collars within the fuel tanks of these aircraft.

The impetus behind this proposed directive stems from a concerning revelation: certain fasteners within the fuel tanks were found to lack cap seals during the production process. This oversight poses a potential safety hazard and demands immediate rectification to ensure the continued airworthiness of the planes.

This proposed airworthiness directive underscores the FAA’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest safety standards within the aviation industry. By taking decisive action to rectify potential safety hazards, the FAA aims to safeguard the well-being of passengers, crew members, and the broader aviation community.

Boeing The proposed directive serves as a proactive measure to mitigate risks and uphold the integrity of the affected aircraft. Through collaboration with Boeing and other relevant stakeholders, the FAA seeks to ensure compliance with the proposed requirements in a timely and efficient manner.

Scoot, a Singapore Based Low Cost Carrier, received its first of nine Embraer E190-E2
aircraft on Thursday, April 11 at a special handover ceremony in Embraer’s headquarters in
Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil.

The event was attended by senior executives from Azorra, Scoot and Embraer, celebrating the delivery of the first of nine E190-E2 jets for Scoot, all of which were leased from Azorra, an aircraft leasing company. Nicknamed ‘Explorer 3.0’ this aircraft celebrates the third and latest fleet addition to Scoot’s fleet.

Scoot is also currently operating aircraft from the A320 family and the Boeing 787
family, with the E190 aircraft set to be operating flights on regional routes once deemed
commercially unviable. This delivery of the Embraer 190 family also marks the first time a
Singapore-based carrier is introducing an aircraft from a Brazilian Manufacturer.

Celebrating this milestone for Scoot, Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer of Scoot says “We
are honoured to be the first Singapore carrier to take delivery of this modern and fuel-
efficient aircraft and the E190-E2 jets are crucial to our overall network growth strategy.”

Scoot plans to start using the Embraer E190 aircraft on flights from Singapore to Krabi,
before further expanding to other new destinations such as Koh Samui in Thailand and Sibu
in Malaysia. The E190 aircraft will also be used to operate flights to Hat Yai in Thailand,
together with Kuantan and Miri in Malaysia after more aircraft are received. The first E190
flight would be set to take place on May 7, with an inaugural flight to Krabi.

A Sustainable Jet
Touted for its low emissions, the E Jets E2 is the most environmentally friendly single aisle
jet today, with the E-Jets E2 emitting 30% less CO2 on an average 600nm flight, therefore
reducing the CO2 emitted per flight. This is due to its lighter weight compared to other single
aisle aircraft, therefore resulting in a lower amount of fuel burn. Furthermore, the E-Jets E2
family is already certified to operate with up to a 50% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
(SAF) blend, with the E195-E2 jet having conducted a successful test flight with 100% SAF