News for 'aircraft operations'

Indian Air Force to set up Tejas engine maintenance facility with GE Aerospace's help

Indian Air Force to set up Tejas engine maintenance facility with GE Aerospace's help

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is establishing a maintenance facility for GE Aerospace's F404-IN20 jet engines, which power the Tejas light combat aircraft, with technical support from GE Aerospace. This initiative aims to enhance India's indigenous defence capabilities and reduce reliance on overseas repair centres.

AAIB begins Baramati crash probe, focus on technical factors

AAIB begins Baramati crash probe, focus on technical factors

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

A specialized team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has arrived at the Baramati crash site to investigate the accident that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The investigation will focus on the technical factors that led to the crash of the Learjet 45 aircraft during its second landing attempt.

Fliers protest as SpiceJet delays disrupt travel plans

Fliers protest as SpiceJet delays disrupt travel plans

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

SpiceJet passengers experienced significant disruptions as flights were cancelled and delayed, leading to chaos at airports and a barrage of complaints on social media.

MLA Rohit Pawar Raises Concerns Over VSR Ventures' Statement on Learjet Crash

MLA Rohit Pawar Raises Concerns Over VSR Ventures' Statement on Learjet Crash

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has questioned whether VSR Ventures owner V K Singh is attempting to blame the pilot for the Learjet crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others in January. Pawar cites media reports about Singh's purported submission to the CID, raising concerns about the investigation's transparency.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: AAIB flags low visibility, poor runway

Ajit Pawar plane crash: AAIB flags low visibility, poor runway

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Following a fatal Learjet crash, the AAIB is urging the DGCA to implement stricter standard operating procedures for Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights at uncontrolled airfields to improve aviation safety in India.

'We're in war': Trump says downing of US jet not to affect Iran talks

'We're in war': Trump says downing of US jet not to affect Iran talks

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has asserted that the destruction of an American military aircraft will have no bearing on diplomatic discussions with Iran, according to a report by NBC News.

AI171 crash: Govt refutes media report blaming pilots

AI171 crash: Govt refutes media report blaming pilots

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol refutes a foreign media report regarding the Air India AI171 plane crash investigation, emphasizing that the probe is ongoing and trusting Indian agencies.

USS Tripoli enters West Asia combat zone with 3,500 marines

USS Tripoli enters West Asia combat zone with 3,500 marines

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The USS Tripoli, carrying around 3,500 US Marines, has entered the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, marking the deployment of one of America's largest amphibious assault ships into an active combat theatre in West Asia amid the ongoing conflict.

IAF to procure high-altitude compact UAV for Garud Special Forces

IAF to procure high-altitude compact UAV for Garud Special Forces

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force is set to procure a compact, indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system for its elite Special Forces unit, designed to operate in extreme conditions and high altitudes.

Lessons from Operation Sindoor: Defence budget up by 15%

Lessons from Operation Sindoor: Defence budget up by 15%

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

In 2025-26, the government allocated Rs 6,81,210 crore for defence budget.

Wingtips of Air India, IndiGo jets touch at Mumbai airport

Wingtips of Air India, IndiGo jets touch at Mumbai airport

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Wingtips of Air India and IndiGo planes came in touch with each other at the Mumbai airport on Tuesday evening, and both aircraft have been grounded for checks, according to officials. Aviation regulator DGCA's team is at the site and will be probing the incident.

IdeaForge, DMP Join Hands To Develop Next-Gen AI Drones

IdeaForge, DMP Join Hands To Develop Next-Gen AI Drones

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

IdeaForge Technology Ltd has announced a partnership with Digital Media Professionals Inc. (DMP) to develop next-generation AI drones, aiming to enhance autonomous capabilities and expand into the Japanese market.

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Gulf War: Indian Airlines Face Rs 2,500 Cr Losses

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The broader conflict in West Asia, the largest international market for Indian carriers, has forced a sharp reduction in daily flights relative to the summer schedule.

Iranian plane set to pick up aid from India hit by US strike

Iranian plane set to pick up aid from India hit by US strike

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Iranian officials allege a US airstrike on Mashhad airport damaged a Mahan Air plane set to collect vital medical aid from India.

Iran rejects US proposal for 48-hour ceasefire as tension escalates

Iran rejects US proposal for 48-hour ceasefire as tension escalates

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Iran has formally turned down a proposal from the United States for a 48-hour ceasefire, according to Al Jazeera, citing reports from the semi-official Fars news agency.

Arca Global Aviation to Expand Fleet for Enhanced Pilot Training Program

Arca Global Aviation to Expand Fleet for Enhanced Pilot Training Program

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Arca Global Aviation Pvt Ltd (AGAPL) has announced a phased fleet expansion plan, aiming to increase its training aircraft to 10 within 15 months and 25 by 2029, to enhance its pilot training capabilities and meet international aviation standards.

Rajnath calls Coast Guard a 'wall of trust' after Operation Sindoor

Rajnath calls Coast Guard a 'wall of trust' after Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Coast Guard's role during Operation Sindoor and highlighted its importance in national security on the occasion of its 50th Raising Day.

Is The Tata Legacy Losing Its Shine?

Is The Tata Legacy Losing Its Shine?

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Three disappointing experiences with Tata companies made me question whether the group's historic values of customer focus and accountability are slowly fading, notes Dr N Ravichandran.

IAF Unleashes Firepower At Pokhran

IAF Unleashes Firepower At Pokhran

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Glimpses from Vayu Shakti 2026 highlight India's aerial might and combat readiness. From sonic booms to precision strikes, the Indian Air Force showcased its full-spectrum capabilities over Rajasthan skies.

DGCA Gets New Chief After Turbulent Year

DGCA Gets New Chief After Turbulent Year

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Events from mid-2025 to early 2026 exposed deeper systemic concerns for India's aviation safety architecture.

Iran claims its supertanker transited Hormuz despite US blockade

Iran claims its supertanker transited Hormuz despite US blockade

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Conflicting reports emerge regarding the effectiveness of the US blockade on Iranian ports, with Iran claiming successful transit of vessels and the US asserting complete maritime dominance.

2 killed after Air Canada plane, firetruck collide at New York's LaGuardia airport

2 killed after Air Canada plane, firetruck collide at New York's LaGuardia airport

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

An Air Canada plane collided with a ground vehicle at La Guardia Airport, resulting in a ground stop and significant flight disruptions, impacting travel plans for countless passengers.

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Why Trump Enforced A Naval Blockade In Strait Of Hormuz

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The US blockade on Iranian ports is aimed to curb Iranian energy exports, thereby crippling its economy to force Iran back to the negotiating table, points out Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Steps Down; Successor Search Begins

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Steps Down; Successor Search Begins

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson has resigned after four years at the helm, prompting the airline to form a committee to find his replacement. Wilson's tenure saw significant changes, including the merger of airlines and fleet expansion, but also faced challenges such as the London-bound flight crash and safety concerns.

NCP Leader Raises Concerns Over VSR Ventures' Account of Fatal Plane Crash

NCP Leader Raises Concerns Over VSR Ventures' Account of Fatal Plane Crash

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has raised concerns about the statement given by VSR Ventures owner V K Singh to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) regarding the plane crash that killed former Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others. Pawar questions whether Singh is attempting to blame the pilot for the accident.

Air India crash: Govt says all causes being probed

Air India crash: Govt says all causes being probed

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The civil aviation ministry on Monday said all probable causes leading to the Air India plane crash in June last year are being investigated, and all efforts are being made to complete the probe in a time-bound manner.

Pak sends 13,000 soldiers, fighter jets to Saudi Arabia

Pak sends 13,000 soldiers, fighter jets to Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Pakistan has deployed a military contingent, including soldiers and fighter jets, to Saudi Arabia as part of a joint strategic defence agreement aimed at enhancing military coordination and regional security.

Fuel switch moves from 'run' to 'cut off', Air India grounds jet

Fuel switch moves from 'run' to 'cut off', Air India grounds jet

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Air India grounded a Boeing 787-8 after a pilot reported a potential fuel control switch defect. The incident occurs amidst an ongoing investigation into the airline's Dreamliner crash last June.

What Secrets Did Sumit Kumar Give Pakistan?

What Secrets Did Sumit Kumar Give Pakistan?

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Prayagraj native Sumit Kumar is suspected to have passed on sensitive information related to air force operations, including details of fighter aircraft deployment, missile systems and information concerning officers and personnel.

'Oil Is Not The Problem. The Bigger Problem Is Gold'

'Oil Is Not The Problem. The Bigger Problem Is Gold'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'Every year we import approximately $70 billion worth of gold -- closer to $72 billion in 2025-2026, an all-time record.' 'There is no parallel for this anywhere in the world. And this love for gold will not disappear overnight.'

Paras Defence Partners with Northstar for Air-to-Air Refuelling Tech for Indian Military

Paras Defence Partners with Northstar for Air-to-Air Refuelling Tech for Indian Military

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Paras Defence and Space Technologies partners with Northstar Aviation to provide air-to-air refuelling technologies and support services to the Indian armed forces, enhancing mission endurance and operational flexibility.

Airspace curbs hit Indian aviation, 10,000 flights cancelled since Feb

Airspace curbs hit Indian aviation, 10,000 flights cancelled since Feb

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Indian carriers have cancelled over 10,000 flights since the onset of the West Asia conflict, as escalating tensions and airspace restrictions disrupted international operations, a senior government official said.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Kharat link sparks fresh doubts

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Kharat link sparks fresh doubts

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar has raised concerns about the 2024 plane crash that killed Ajit Pawar, following allegations of a link between a self-styled godman and unusual financial transactions.

US Eyes Iran Assault: High Risks Ahead

US Eyes Iran Assault: High Risks Ahead

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Although extensive air attacks have been carried out to destroy most of Iran's defence capabilities, the latter's resilience and sustenance during the war clearly indicate that the US landing force would encounter severe resistance in the operation, explains Commodore Venugopal Vengalil (retd).

IDF strikes over 200 Iranian targets, 140 Hezbollah sites

IDF strikes over 200 Iranian targets, 140 Hezbollah sites

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have conducted a massive military operation targeting more than 200 infrastructure sites within Iran and an additional 140 Hezbollah assets across Lebanon.

CAE Inaugurates Advanced Pilot Training Centre in Mumbai

CAE Inaugurates Advanced Pilot Training Centre in Mumbai

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

CAE Simulation Training has launched a new pilot training facility in Mumbai, its fourth in India, to address the increasing demand for skilled pilots in the rapidly growing domestic aviation market.

Downed US pilot hid in mountain crevice, hiked 7,000 feet to evade Iranians for 48 hours

Downed US pilot hid in mountain crevice, hiked 7,000 feet to evade Iranians for 48 hours

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

A US Air Force officer was rescued from deep inside Iran after his jet was shot down, following a two-day mission involving US Special Operations forces. The officer evaded Iranian forces for over 24 hours, hiding in a mountain crevice and hiking to high altitudes before being rescued.

Big boost to Aatmanirbharta! India to develop 1000-kg aerial bomb

Big boost to Aatmanirbharta! India to develop 1000-kg aerial bomb

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Indian defence ministry has initiated a project to indigenously design and develop a 1000-kg aerial bomb for the Indian Air Force (IAF), aiming to enhance self-reliance in the defence sector.

Indian Air Force's Tejas Fleet Set to Fly Again After Software Glitch Resolved

Indian Air Force's Tejas Fleet Set to Fly Again After Software Glitch Resolved

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian Air Force's Tejas light combat jets are scheduled to return to the skies next week after being grounded for two months due to a software glitch. HAL expects to deliver over 20 Tejas Mark 1A variants by December, but delays persist due to engine supply issues.

Israel destroys late Ayatollah Khamenei's plane at Tehran airport

Israel destroys late Ayatollah Khamenei's plane at Tehran airport

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Israeli Air Force has destroyed an aircraft used by Iranian leadership at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, along with striking over 200 targets across western and central Iran, significantly impacting Iran's strategic capabilities.