Express News Service
NEW DELHI: Air India, which has been sending evacuation flights to deliver again Indians from Ukraine, despatched its smaller plane (Boeing 787 Dreamliner) on account of scarcity of pilots who fly greater plane, just like the Boeing 747.
Nearly 1,400 Indians have been flown again to India within the first six evacuation flights from Ukraine. More individuals may have been evacuated had Air India been in a position to ship a bigger capability plane just like the B 747.
While the Dreamliner has a capability of 330 passengers, B 747s can fly as much as 600 passengers. According to sources, this has occurred on account of scarcity of pilots that fly this plane. It is reliably learnt that pilots who have been flying B 744 (B 747-400) have been despatched to fly B 777, B 787 and A 320.
According to sources, the 4 B 747 plane that Air India has at current are being thought of to be utilised later for cargo and Haj operations (two every). Since the B 747 pilots have been requested to fly B 744, with a view to return again to flying B 747 they must do an prolonged floor refresher course, couple of simulator and route checks. The Boeing 744 simulator was decommissioned on account of upkeep, and within the interim pilots have been utilizing simulator of Singapore Airlines.
Air India has refused to touch upon the scarcity of pilots. “Positioning of aircraft depends on various factors, including availability of aircraft, ground handling infrastructure at destination airports, fuel efficiency etc. Due to operational reasons and infrastructure feasibility. B787 aircraft are being used now,” an Air India spokesperson informed TNIE.
Air India operates 141 plane, together with the Air India Express’s 24 Boeing B737-800s. Around 43 of those are on lease. The Air India fleet of plane contains Airbuses (A 319-100, A 320-200, A 320-200neo,
A 321-200) and Boeings (B 747-400, B 777-200(LR), B 777-300(ER) and B 787-800. Meanwhile, extra airways from India will now fly again these stranded in Ukraine.
