After a long and illustrious career, Air India's Boeing 747, affectionately known as the "Queen of the Skies," made its final journey from Mumbai International Airport today. The remaining four planes were sold by the Tata Group, the new owner being US-based AerSale with plans for freight conversions and disassembly. Airlines mourned the end of an era, with former Jet Airways CEO Sanjiv Kapoor expressing regret that one could not be retained as a museum in honor of its founder, JRD Tata.
Air India's Boeing 747: A Farewell to an Icon
Air India's Boeing 747, a legendary aircraft that graced the skies for decades, has bid farewell to the airline. The final four planes, known affectionately as the "Queens of the Skies," made their last journey from Mumbai International Airport on February 15, 2023.
Historical Background
Air India introduced the Boeing 747 to its fleet in 1971, becoming one of the first airlines to operate the wide-body aircraft. Over the years, the 747 played a pivotal role in Air India's growth and reputation, connecting India to major destinations around the world.
The 747 was admired for its spaciousness, comfort, and reliability. It could carry up to 420 passengers and had a unique upper deck, which became a signature feature of the aircraft. The airline's 747s underwent several upgrades and refurbishments to meet the changing needs of passengers and the aviation industry.
The Farewell
After nearly 50 years of service, Air India's 747s have reached the end of their operational life. The remaining four planes were sold by the Tata Group, the airline's new owner, to US-based AerSale. The aircraft will be converted into cargo freighters or disassembled for spare parts.
The farewell ceremony at Mumbai International Airport was a bittersweet moment for the airline and aviation enthusiasts. Air India employees, veterans, and former passengers gathered to bid farewell to the iconic aircraft. Former Jet Airways CEO Sanjiv Kapoor expressed regret that the airline could not retain one of the 747s as a museum in honor of JRD Tata, the founder of Air India.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why did Air India retire its 747s? The 747s had reached the end of their operational life and required significant maintenance and upgrades to continue operating efficiently.
2. What will happen to the retired 747s? The four retired planes will be converted into cargo freighters or disassembled for spare parts.
3. Is this the end of the Boeing 747? No, the Boeing 747 is still in service with several airlines around the world, although it is being phased out gradually in favor of more modern aircraft.
4. What was the significance of Air India's 747s? Air India's 747s played a crucial role in the airline's growth and international operations. They were also symbols of India's aviation industry and provided a comfortable and spacious travel experience for passengers.
5. Is there any way to see a retired Air India 747? Currently, there are no plans to preserve one of Air India's retired 747s as a museum. However, there are several 747s from other airlines on display at aviation museums around the world.
In an effort to reduce reliance on China for key minerals used in advanced technologies, India is exploring partnership with a rebel group in Myanmar to secure rare earth samples. The Ministry of Mines has directed state-owned and private companies to collect samples from Kachin Independence Army-controlled mines and test them in domestic labs. This move comes in light of China's recent export restrictions on rare earth magnets, causing disruptions in global supply chains.
Oracle chairman Larry Ellison, who hails from the Bronx, has surpassed Tesla CEO Elon Musk as the richest person in the world with a net worth of $405 billion. This jump in wealth was reported by Barron's on Wednesday, putting Ellison ahead of Musk's net worth of $390 billion. This milestone marks a shift in the top spot amongst the world's wealthiest individuals.
The US Producer Price Index fell 0.1% in August, bucking expectations of a rise and indicating a potential slowdown in overall economic growth. The decline was driven by a slump in the cost of services, particularly within wholesalers and retailers. The news has led to a drop in Treasury yields and solidifies expectations of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week.
The Hilton Kathmandu, once a symbol of Nepal's ambition and modern design, recently fell victim to violent anti-government protests. The hotel, built by the Shanker Group with a significant investment and featuring luxurious amenities and seismic safeguards, opened in 2024 but tragically, went up in flames a year later. The Hilton was not just a hotel, but a cultural statement, embodying Nepalese heritage and offering breathtaking views of the Langtang range.
In a shocking incident, a brand-new Mahindra Thar crashed through a glass wall and landed on the road below in Delhi's Preet Vihar. The SUV had just been purchased by a couple who were inside the vehicle at the time with a showroom salesman. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the accident. The incident, captured on video, has gone viral on social media. Police are investigating the cause of the incident.
Delhi-based manufacturer Vikas Ecotech has acquired an existing Plasticizer Manufacturing Business, valued at Rs 270 million, in an all-cash deal. With this acquisition, the company aims to enhance its product offering and become debt-free by 2023-24. This move comes after the firm recently paid off Rs 101 crore of its debt to lenders.
The Indian Express has obtained information that the Registrar General of India has requested a budget of Rs 14,618.95 crore for the upcoming Census 2027. This will be the first "digital census" and will include the collection of caste data through dedicated mobile applications. The option for self-enumeration will also be provided to the public. Additionally, Indian refiners have saved approximately $12.6 billion in the past three years through their Russian oil imports, which has caused tensions with the Trump administration.
The Trump administration's latest move has caused major disruptions in the Indian export industry with the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Sectors such as apparel, textiles, gems, and jewelry will bear the brunt of the higher tariffs, putting low-skilled jobs in India at risk. India's response has been to extend tariff exemptions on cotton imports, but many are criticizing the government for not taking strong action against the US. Political figures like Saurabh Bhardwaj and Akhilesh Yadav have slammed the BJP-led government for its failed foreign and economic policies which are negatively impacting traders, manufacturers, and workers.
The highly anticipated 2025 model of the popular Suzuki Access 125 has finally been unveiled at the Auto Expo. While it comes in three variants and boasts 5 different colour options, there are complaints about the fluctuating mileage and poor design choices such as fixed mirrors. With tough competition in the two-wheeler market, Suzuki may need to offer attractive deals to customers to stay ahead.
At the Plumbex India exhibition, Minister Hardeep S Puri launched the BHARAT TAP initiative, which aims to improve products and services related to plumbing, water, and sanitation. In his speech, Puri emphasized the importance of sanitation in India's development and praised the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission and AMRUT in achieving 100% toilet coverage in rural areas and significant progress in urban areas. He also announced the launch of AMRUT 2.0, with an outlay of Rs. 2,77,000 crores, to further strengthen water and sanitation services in cities.