Aviation
Air India Dreamliner Flight Diverted After Software Glitch
NEW DEHLI – An Air IndiaBoeing 787 Dreamliner flight was diverted to Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday following a software fault, the latest incident involving the world’s newest commercial airliner.
The plane, carrying 215 passengers and operating as flight AI 301, was flying to New Delhi from Melbourne when the glitch occurred, prompting the pilots of the widebody jet to make an unscheduled landing at the Malaysian capital as a precaution.
“Whenever you get a signal for a defect, you try to land at the closest airport,” an Air India spokesman said on Thursday, noting that teams from the airline and the plane’s manufacturer are working to resolve the problem.The airline said that Boeing recently upgraded computer software in the airline’s fleet of Dreamliner jets. Air India currently has a fleet of 12 Dreamliner jets. “They are close to rectifying the problem and the aircraft should be able to take off soon,” the Air India spokesman said.
Boeing Co. confirmed the incident but didn’t provide details. “We are aware of the in-service incident and are working with Air India to provide support,” said Jay Krishnan, a Singapore-based Boeing spokeswoman.
Air India was one of the early customers of the Boeing 787 jets, which were the first to extensively use composite materials to reduce weight and boost fuel efficiencies. However, the planes have been mired in a series of glitches. In particular, battery troubles involving two aircraft operated by Japanese airlines resulted in the grounding of the global fleet for around three months in early 2013.
Air India, which ordered a total of 27 787s and plans to take delivery of two more of the jets in the first quarter this year, has had its own series of problems with the technologically advanced aircraft.
In November, the windshield of an Air India Dreamliner cracked as the plane landed at Melbourne airport. That came just weeks after technical problems on the ground at the same airport that led to separate Air India 787 flights being canceled. Also in October, an exterior panel from the fuselage of another Dreamliner fell off as it landed at Bangalore’s airport.
Air India is counting on the Dreamliners to help the airline turn profitable after five straight years of losses since 2007, as the advanced jets are more fuel-efficient than the similar-sized aircraft they replace. Jet fuel accounts for about 40% of operating costs at most airlines
– WALLSTREET JOURNAL
An Abuja-Accra flight experienced technical difficulties mid-air on Friday, forcing it to return to Abuja, shortly after departure.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) made the disclosure in a statement, adding that it has launched investigation into what it described as a serious accident.
Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji stated that preliminary investigations revealed the aircraft experienced an engine number two indication issue.
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It was gathered that the aircraft, with registration number 5NKAL which was operating a flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja (DNAA), to Kotoka International Airport, Accra (DGAA).
She explained that four persons were onboard when the incident occurred. The crew immediately requested for a diversion back to Abuja due to the engine indication.
Oladeji added that the crew managed to safely land the aircraft at Abuja Airport at 18:16 UTC.
There were no injuries reported, and all individuals on board are safe.
Nigeria has acquired 12 pre-owned Alpha Jets from the French Air Force as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The deal, facilitated through SOFEMA, a French military and aeronautics company, was announced by Olusegun Dada, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on via X on Thursday.
He said, “All the 12 aircraft are ready for shipping.”
The Alpha Jet, a product of Franco-German collaboration, is a versatile military aircraft designed for light attack and advanced training missions.
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Equipped to carry bombs, rockets, and missiles, the aircraft also features a gun pod for close air support.
The NAF already operates 11 Alpha Jets, but this latest procurement signals a significant boost to its fleet.
Dada also confirmed that the Air Force is expecting 24 M-346FA light attack aircraft, ordered during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first batch of these Italian-made aircraft is expected to arrive early next year.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, described the acquisitions as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering the armed forces.
“This renewal of our aircraft fleet reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians,” Abubakar said.
The announcement comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The visit, which took place from November 27 to November 30, highlighted deepening ties between the two nations.
To ensure the sustainability of its expanding fleet, the Air Force has proposed establishing a local maintenance hub.
Speaking in October, Abubakar noted that six units of the M-346FA aircraft were already in production, with the initial batch of three expected to be delivered in early 2025. The full fleet is projected to arrive by 2026.
“These developments underscore the importance of creating a domestic support system for the long-term upkeep of our aircraft,” Abubakar added.
As the holiday season draws near, Aero Contractors has introduced a minimum ticket price of N80,000 for all local flights.
The move, which will last until January 2024, aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians amid the high cost of living.
Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing, describing the fare reduction as a gesture to help Nigerians celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the stress of steep ticket prices.
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Sanusi said, “We understand the economic hardship Nigerians are facing, especially with high ticket prices, and we know the holiday season is nearby.
“In the spirit of Christmas, Aero Contractors has introduced what we call pocket-friendly Christmas prices. These fares, starting at N80,000, will apply to all our destinations, allowing Nigerians to travel without excessive costs.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, an economy class ticket from Lagos to Abuja was priced at N99,643, while business class tickets were being sold for N189,167.
Sanusi further explained that the initiative was designed to make it easier for families to reunite during the holidays.
“This is a way for us, as an organization with a long history of serving Nigerians, to give back to our loyal customers. We want to make it possible for families to meet their loved ones during this festive season without worrying about exorbitant travel costs,” he added.
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