China’s aviation industry reached a significant milestone as the country’s first domestically produced passenger jet, the C919, embarked on its inaugural commercial flight. The momentous event was captured by state TV, showcasing the C919 soaring into the skies above Shanghai and making its way to the capital city of Beijing. This moment marks a crucial step in China’s ambition to challenge the dominance of Airbus and Boeing in the single-aisle jet market.

Breaking the Dominance of Airbus and Boeing: The C919’s Ambitious Mission

The Commercial Aviation Corporation of China (Comac) designed and built the C919 with the primary objective of establishing itself as a formidable competitor to Airbus and Boeing. With a seating capacity of 164 passengers, the C919 aims to cater to the growing demand for domestic and regional air travel in China. However, despite its domestic production, the C919 still heavily relies on Western components, including engines and avionics, highlighting the technological collaboration between China and established aerospace manufacturers.

Reliance on Western Components: Engine and Avionics Integration

While the C919 symbolizes China’s strides in indigenous aircraft manufacturing, it is essential to acknowledge its dependence on Western technology. The engines and avionics systems incorporated into the C919 are sourced from international suppliers, underscoring the global nature of the aviation industry. This reliance on Western components highlights the challenges China faces in achieving complete self-sufficiency in aircraft manufacturing.

Future Orders and Production Plans: Comac’s Vision for the C919

Comac has ambitious plans for the C919, with a target of producing 150 aircraft annually within five years. The company has already secured over 1,200 orders for the C919, demonstrating strong interest from both domestic and international customers. However, industry experts caution that many of these orders might be in the form of letters of intent rather than firm commitments. Nonetheless, the C919’s production ramp-up signifies China’s determination to establish itself as a key player in the global aviation market.

President Xi Jinping’s Endorsement: China’s Proud Achievement

Chinese President Xi Jinping has been an avid supporter of the C919 project since its inception. Several years ago, he sat in the cockpit of a mock-up C919, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of China’s innovation and technological advancements. President Xi considers the C919 project as one of the country’s most noteworthy achievements, reflecting China’s commitment to developing its aviation industry and reducing dependence on foreign manufacturers.

READ MORE ABOUT THE C919: What Do We Know About COMAC C919 So Far?

In conclusion, China’s first domestically produced passenger jet, the C919, marks a significant milestone in the country’s aviation industry. While aiming to challenge the duopoly of Airbus and Boeing, the C919 acknowledges the need for collaboration with Western suppliers for crucial components. With a strong order book and ambitious production plans, China is determined to establish its presence in the global aviation market and showcase its technological prowess.

In an effort to meet the growing demands of its operations, Air India Express, the low-cost carrier subsidiary of Air India, has recently completed a nationwide recruitment drive to find new pilots and cabin crew members. The recruitment drive was conducted to increase the airline’s staffing levels in anticipation of a significant order of 190 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbodies made by its parent airline earlier this year. The airline has been actively increasing its workforce since October 2022 and has already successfully recruited more than 280 pilots and 250 cabin crew members.

Pilot Recruitment Drive

Air India Express organized a variety of recruitment events in different cities across the country, with a focus on attracting pilots and first officers for its Boeing 737-NG and 737 MAX fleets. The airline held these events in major metropolitan areas like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai. According to the airline’s estimates, approximately 300 pilots actively participated in the selection process over the course of these events.

Air India Express is seeking to fill various roles, including Pilots In-Command, Captains, Copilots, and Transition First Officers. The airline witnessed a considerable turnout of pilots during the recruitment events, hinting at the increasing demands of its operations. Air India Express is particularly interested in hiring pilots from Indian carriers like Go First, which filed for voluntary insolvency earlier this month. Other airlines like IndiGo have also intensified their recruitment efforts, competing to attract pilots and cabin crew members from Go First.

Cabin Crew Recruitment Drive

Air India Express is actively searching for a substantial number of cabin crew members to join its workforce. The airline has scheduled hiring events for Trainee Cabin Crew in significant metropolitan areas such as Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi. Additionally, the airline has also conducted walk-in recruitment drives in several other locations, including Imphal, Guwahati, Surat, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, and Kozhikode, for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a cabin crew member.

Since October 2022, Air India Express has been steadily expanding its workforce and has successfully hired more than 280 pilots and 250 cabin crew members. The recruitment campaign is an essential component of the ongoing merger and integration of Air India Express and AirAsia India, which are both low-cost carrier subsidiaries of Air India. Recently, both budget airlines launched a unified website and reservation system, leading to a significant improvement in forward bookings.

Tata Group’s Recruitment Drive

The Tata Group, the parent company of Air India Express and AirAsia India, is also open to applications for Trainee Pilot (Junior First Officer under training) and Pilot In-Command positions on its Airbus A320 fleet of aircraft. Additionally, the group is currently accepting applications for Pilot and Copilot roles on the narrowbody Boeing 737 family of aircraft as well as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777 aircraft.

Air India Express conducted the recruitment drive to bolster its staffing levels in preparation for a significant order of 190 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbodies made by its parent airline earlier this year. As the aviation industry continues to recover from the pandemic, the demand for skilled pilots and cabin crew has risen, prompting Air India Express to seek out the best talent from all over the country. The recruitment campaign is part of an ongoing merger and integration of Air India Express and AirAsia India, which strives to create a more efficient and streamlined operation.

Also you might be interested in reading: Air India Pilot Investigated for Flight Deck Breach with Female Friend

Sources

• Source: Simple Flying

Turkish Airlines teases a gargantuan order of 600 aircraft. The first part of this deal will be announced at the forthcoming IATA AGM in Istanbul, 4-6 June. Professor Doctor Ahmed Bolat, the airline’s Chairman, shared some details at the airline’s new menu reveal event a couple of days ago.

Turkish Airlines’ Massive Order Announcement

In an interaction with journalists, Bolat revealed, “Over the past 20 years, Turkish Airlines has grown by an average of 12%. We intend to grow 7.6% over the next decade and aim to possess 813 aircraft by 2033. During the IATA event, we plan to share these updates with a major manufacturer. We are close to finalizing discussions. Our plan involves ordering approximately 600 aircraft, of which 200 will be widebody and 400 narrowbody.”

Bolat further emphasized that the fleet expansion would facilitate the airline’s goal. They aim to transport 170 million passengers within a decade.

Boeing and Airbus in Turkish Airlines’ Plan

Bolat remained tight-lipped about the aircraft type and manufacturer. However, he hinted at both Boeing and Airbus being a part of these deals. “We are almost there with one company,” he said. “We don’t want any delays. There is an air show coming up, and we can announce the other company then.”

Currently, Turkish Airlines has a diverse fleet. It comprises a large number of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, both widebody and narrowbody. The new technology aircraft in the fleet include A320neo family jets and 737 MAX. On the widebody side, it flies the A350-900 and the 787-9. A330s and Boeing 777s are also in operation.

Turkish Airlines’ Eyes Australia

Turkish Airlines has Australia on its radar. Bolat hinted at launching either Melbourne or Sydney routes this year. Melbourne seems to be the front-runner due to its night flight curfew flexibility and a large Turkish diaspora.

However, the current aircraft can’t make the trip in a single go. Bolat suggested a stopover, likely in Singapore, for the short term. For nonstop flights, they would need something with more legs, putting two aircraft in contention.

The Right Aircraft for Turkish Airlines

“An XWB A350 or a 777X, the -8, is the right aircraft for this,” Bolat stated. “But, as you know, they are not going to be available. Turkish Airlines doesn’t want to take the risk of being launch customers. We have avoided immature aircraft for the past 20 years.”

Without explicitly stating, Bolat ruled out the 777X as a potential aircraft for the fleet. Considering its unavailability and immaturity, the airline is keen on the A350-1000 for the Australia route. This aircraft is also Qantas’s choice for its Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul flights. If Airbus manages to tweak its range, it might gain another customer.

READ ALSO: United Places Largest Aircraft Order in a Decade

This doesn’t mean Boeing is out of the picture. The Dreamliner’s fuel efficiency makes it valuable for Turkish Airlines. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a top-up for that fleet. With the order details set to be announced next month, we will soon see how it pans out.

Considering the significance of this development, how do you think this strategic move will shape Turkish Airlines’ future in global aviation? Share your insights in the comments section below!