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Interesting Facts About Airplanes That You Probably Didn’t Know

Airplanes have changed a lot since the time Wright brothers invented it.

Those bulky wood and cloth aircrafts have transformed into sleek Boeing Dreamliners, thanks to modern technology.

Airplanes today are designed in a very unique way and everything you see inside has a specific purpose.

To help you understand the inner workings of air travel, here are a few interesting facts about airplanes that you must know.

1.Some Airplanes Have Secret Bedrooms

On long haul flights, a cabin crew can work for up to 16 hours a day!

To help them combat fatigue some aircrafts, such as the Boeing 777 & 778 Dreamliners, have tiny bedrooms where the cabin crew can rest and relax.

These bedrooms can be accessed via a hidden staircase that lead up to the room which has facilities such as beds, a bathroom and in-flight entertainment.

2.Airplane Cabins Are Deliberately kept Cold

While boarding an airplane you must have felt a sudden change in temperature as soon as you enter the cabin.

As it turns out, there is a pretty good reason why they are kept bone-chilling cold.

According to a study conducted by the American Society for Testing and Materials, travellers are more likely to faint inside an airplane than on the ground due to ‘Hypoxia’.

This is a medical condition where the body tissue does not receive enough oxygen and can be triggered inside a warm airplane cabin.

Plus, we as humans have different internal body temperatures, but airlines can’t really adapt to everyone’s internal system.

This is why, they regulate the temperature based on the average population and keep the cabin on the cold side.

3.Airplane Seats Don’t Face Backwards

Many researchers suggest that backward facing seats on an airplane are safer because during an emergency landing, they provide more support for the head, neck and back.

However, it’s unlikely that passengers will walk into an airplane and see rows facing the tail of an airplane.

The reason is simple! Airlines want to save money.

During an impact, the passenger’s centre of gravity will be higher on a backwards facing seat, causing it to take more strain. The seat itself, the fittings and the floor of the aircraft will need to be strengthened.

That would increase the weight of the aircraft, which would increase fuel consumption. With oil prices rising each day, airlines can’t take that chance and cut costs.

International airlines such as British Airways, American Airlines and Etihad feature backward facing seats but they are rare and only available in the First-Class or Premium cabin.

4.Airplanes Tyres Are Burst Proof

The tyres of an airplane are designed to withstand a weight of more than 35 tons.

These tyres are so strong that airplanes can land at 170 Miles per hour for more than 500 times.

Additionally, airplane tyres are inflated to 200 pounds per square inch, which is about six times the pressure used in a car tyre.

If the ground crew needs to change the tyre, they simply use the technique applied in changing car tyres, however the tools used are much bigger.

5.Airplane Lights Set Your Mood

According to researchers, lighting in an area has a direct effect on our mood. The more intense a light is, the more intense human emotions will be.

For instance, Virgin Atlantic uses LED cabin lights which create more than 16 million different colour combinations. They use it not only to calm down, but also refresh passengers.

If you’ve travelled on a Virgin Atlantic flight, you may have noticed colour changes throughout the flight. Each colour has a different purpose: to induce deep sleep, to gradually wake passengers up and to energize them.

This is one reason why the crew dims the cabin lights during landing at night. In the unlikely event that the airplane landing goes badly and passengers need to evacuate, airlines want passengers to be calm. The dim lighting also helps passengers adjust their eyes to the darkness.

6.Airplanes Don’t Need Both Engines To Fly

The idea of an engine failing mid flight can be a frightening one, but don’t worry. Your airline has you covered!

Airplanes usually use both engines, but in case of emergencies, pilots sometimes switch off one engine.

Any airplane must be certified by authorities for Extended-range Twin Operations (ETOPS), which basically means how long it can fly with one engine.

You’d be surprised to know that an aircraft can fly for almost 5 and a half hours with just one engine functioning.

7.Airplane Windows Have Tiny Holes

We constantly look outside the airplane window while flying, but hardly do we notice the tiny hole at the bottom of it.

An airplane window has 3 layers of special glass known as ‘Acrylic’.

The exterior window is used to prevent things from coming inside the airplane and maintain cabin pressure.

In the unlikely event that something happens to the exterior window pane, the second layer of acrylic acts as a fail-safe option.

The tiny hole in the interior window is there to regulate air pressure so that the middle pane remains intact.

8.Airplane Oxygen Masks Are Functional For A Short Time

Safety instructions on a flight include how to use oxygen masks.

But one thing that flight attendants don’t tell you is that oxygen masks only have about 15 mins worth of oxygen.

It sound like a short amount of time, but in reality, its more than sufficient.

Oxygen masks drop when the airplane cabin loses pressure, which means the aircraft is also losing altitude.

A pilot responds to this situation by moving the airplane to an altitude below 10,000 feet, where passengers can breathe normally.

That rapid descent usually takes way less than 15 minutes, meaning those oxygen masks have more than enough air to protect you.

9.Why Airplanes Leave Trails In The Sky

Most of us love watching how airplanes paint the blue sky with their white trails!

But, have you ever wondered what those white lines are?

When airplane engines run, the exhaust releases hot water vapor which condenses when it hits the cool air outside, leaving a cloud of white puffy lines in the sky.

That is why these lines are called ‘Contrails’.

So the next time you fly, take a moment to admire the fact that even the most insignificant details about an aircraft have a lot of thought and science behind them.

Nothing in the aviation industry is done without a good reason!

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Indian Airports Left Vulnerable Due To Lack Of CCTV Cameras!

In an annual audit conducted by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), it was found that security at Indian airports is not as tight as it should be.

CISF has highlighted that there are “Dark Zones” at 34 airports in India. These zones have been created due to a lack of CCTV cameras at these airports.

‘Dark Zone’ is a term used by authorities to identify areas inside the airport which cannot be seen by the security through CCTV cameras. Dark zones arise due to modification work inside terminal areas or change in the airport layout

According to CISF’s audit report, there is a deficiency of 1,882 cameras at these 34 airports and many of them don’t have a ‘Digital Video Recording System’. This hampers the CISF’s investigation process.

Apart from CCTV cameras, the audit report also addresses other security issues such as shortage of baggage X-ray machines, bomb detectors and walkie-talkies at airports across the country.

According to a CISF officer, passengers are occasionally checked at entry gates based on profiling. For that, they need  X-ray machines, Hand-Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs), Door-Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) and Explosive Trace Detectors (ETDs). He also said that 26 airports need X-ray machines,  3 airports need HHMDs, 8 airports need DFMDs & 30 airports need ETDs.

Airports Authority Of India(AAI) has said that 402 additional x-ray machines have been procured. Apart from this AAI will hold meetings with stakeholders and members of the airport security committee on a regular basis to implement various security measures required.

CISF was created in 1969 and has been providing security to airports, government buildings, seaports and power plants amongst others. It manages security at 60 out of the 98 operational airports in India.

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Navi Mumbai Airport’s ‘Phase 1’ Construction Cost Escalates By 50%!

Credit Rating Agency, CRISIL, has estimated that the cost of construction for Navi Mumbai Airport’s ‘Phase 1’ will be more than what the authorities had initially thought.

Here are all the details about it –

  • The construction cost is expected to go up to Rs 13,562 Crore which is almost 50% more than the earlier projected cost of Rs 9,600 crore.
  • GVK group, which is constructing the airport, has announced a partnership with Yes Bank to fund the project.
  • CRISIL has given an A+ stable rating for the project’s Rs 10300 Crore bank loan.

The planning process for Navi Mumbai Airport started back in early 2000’s, but pre-development work began in June 2017 as the project was stuck due to litigation and land acquisition issues.

The airport is being developed under a public-private partnership model. City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) is the project’s planning authority. In 2012, CIDCO had prepared a master plan for the airport to be developed in four phases, at a projected cost of Rs 16000 Crores.

In March 2018, GVK group had appointed Zaha Hadid Architects, a UK-based firm, to design the airport’s terminal building and air traffic control tower. The plans have been submitted to CIDCO.

According to the agreement between Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) and CIDCO, the deadline for the commercial launch of the Navi Mumbai airport was set in 2021. But, the Maharashtra government is keen to launch operations by December 2019.

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The Ultimate Guide For First Time Flyers!

Airports in India handled almost 117 million passengers in 2017, with almost 100 flights taking off every hour.

With airline ticket prices going down each day, the popularity of travelling by an airplane is at an all-time high and many people are willing to try it.

But navigating through an airport, getting through security and travelling at 30000 feet in the air can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you’re flying for the first time.

So, if you’re a first time flyer and aren’t really sure about what to do, here’s a step by step guide for you to follow the next time you fly.

Booking Your Ticket

The first step in an air travellers journey is booking a flight ticket!

With the help of online travel portals such as MakeMyTrip, GoIbibo & Expedia, you can compare ticket prices for different airlines travelling to your destination.

It’s a relatively easy process which you can handle by yourself.

Once you buy your ticket, you will get a confirmation email and an e-ticket. Make sure you carry a print out of these when you leave for the airport.

In case you don’t have access to an online facility, you can always get in touch with a travel agent in your area.

*PRO TRAVEL TIP – Airlines also give you an option to choose your seat. This process is known as ‘Online Check-In’. Airlines usually open online check-in 48 to 72 hours before the departure time. Choose your seat the night before the departure date and fly comfortably.

Packing

Airlines have kept a limit on the weight and number of bags you can carry with you!

So before you start to pack for your trip, visit your airline’s website to review luggage size and weight restrictions, as well as extra baggage fees.

If your trip is short or are travelling alone, carry a small suitcase or bag pack with you. You won’t have to go through the hassle of getting your bag checked-in with the airline.

However, if you are going on a long trip or are travelling with your family, try to pack according to the limits set by the airline.

If you feel that your luggage exceeds that limit, carry some extra cash with you.

Learn more about “Airline Baggage Rules In India

Travel Documents

Apart from your e-ticket printouts, you will need to carry an identification proof with you.

If you’re travelling on a domestic route your driver’s license or your Aadhaar card is sufficient, but if you’re travelling abroad you’ll need a passport.

Make sure your passport is updated and is valid at least 6 months from your date of travel.

Arriving At The Airport

No matter what time of the day you’re travelling, arrive at least 2 hours before your flights departure time.

This gives you plenty of time to deal with security, find your gate, and get everything ready for your flight.

You don’t want to add the stress of being late if you’re travelling by air for the first time.

We would recommend you to take an Ola/ Uber to travel since you can calculate the time it would take to reach your terminal and they will drop you off right in front of the airport entrance.

Dropping off Luggage/Collecting Boarding Pass

If you haven’t booked a seat online or have to get your luggage checked-in, you will have to go to the airline counter once you enter the airport.

There will be enough signs at the airport to guide you to the airline counter, but if you can’t find it by yourself, ask the security personnel at the entrance and he/she will be more than happy to guide you.

Once you reach the airline counter collect your boarding pass/check-in your luggage and head for security check.

Security

Most first time flyers get nervous when they hear the word ‘Airport Security’!

Don’t worry! they’re just making sure that you have a safe flight. Follow whatever instructions the security personnel is giving you and you’ll be fine.

Keep your personal items such as laptops, cell phones or wallets in the containers provided, along with your carry-on bag for inspection.

After this, you’ll go through a metal detector and the security personnel will give you a quick frisk.

Before you know it, your bags will be stamped and your security check would be complete.

It’s that simple!

Finding Your Boarding Gate

The airport offers no shortage of information on anything!

From large screens to friendly staff, there’s always someone who can help you figure things out if you get lost.

After security, you will be able to see airline schedule boards with a list different arrival and departure flights. They display the flight number, arrival or departure time and the boarding gate number for different airlines.

Just cross check that information in case your ticket doesn’t list the gate number or simply to reassure yourself.

If you’re still not sure, they have attendants sitting at desks in every terminal who are always ready to help you.

When it’s time to board, passengers line up and present their boarding pass to a gate agent. Once the agent is done checking your bag for the stamp and the boarding pass, you can either directly walk through a ‘Jetway’ to board your flight or a bus will take to you and your fellow passengers to your airplane.

The Airplane Journey

Now for the fun part, the flying itself!

Board the airplane, find your seat and put your carry-on bags in the overhead bin. Once everyone is seated, the crew will give you safety instructions and soon after that, the airplane will take off.

While flying if you feel turbulence, don’t worry. Its caused by fluctuating air pressures and all airplanes experience it. The occurrence of an accident is very rare and in case of an emergency, the crew is well trained and equipped to handle the situation.

Read more about “Why Flying Is The Safest Way To Travel

Collecting Your Bags

Once you’ve made it through your first ever successful flight, head down to baggage claim to pick up your check-in bags.

It takes time for the crew to unload the bags onto the baggage conveyor belt, so be patient and wait for your bag.

In case you only have a carry-on bag, you don’t need to go to the baggage claim and can straight away head for the exit.

Another way in which you can make your first flight comfortable is by downloading the AirWhizz App. Get all the information about your airline and airport along with real-time flight updates on your fingertips to plan your trip on the move.

Have a great flight & Fly Stress-Free!

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Ministry To Remove Cancellation Fee For Air Tickets Cancelled Within 24 Hours Of Booking

Civil Aviation Ministry will soon introduce a new reform for the convenience of air travellers.

Passengers travelling by airlines in India will not have to pay any cancellation fee if they cancel their tickets within 24 hours of booking it.

Here are the details about the new cancellation fee rules-

  • The customer will not have to pay cancellation charges on the sole condition that the air ticket is bought 96 hours prior to the flights departure time.
  • In case the passenger is informed about a cancelled flight between 2 weeks to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, the airline has to offer an alternative flight within 2 hours of the departure time.
  • The cancellation fees and rules regarding it have to be printed on the air ticket.

Airlines in India, however, have shown their displeasure towards these proposed changes saying that if new rules are implemented, it will lead to a rise in airfares.

According to experts, these rules will have a massive impact on air ticket prices since airfares in India are already at a lower level as compared to other countries.

Currently, every airline has a cancellation policy of their own. For example –

  • IndiGo charges its passengers a minimum of Rs 3000 on cancelling flight tickets
  • In case of GoAir, a passenger has to pay Rs 2950 for cancelling the ticket within 2 hours of the flight’s departure time.

Airlines like Vistara and Jet Airways allow their passengers to modify or make cancellations for free within 24 hours of booking the ticket, but the government is looking to make this a standard rule across all airlines in India.

The Minister of State of Civil Aviation, Mr Jayant Sinha, has said that the ministry will look into all these arguments before they implement these reforms.

The ministry will put these rules into effect from 15th July 2018 if the proposed air passenger charter is approved.

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Surat Airport Puts In Request To Operate Round-The-Clock!

Authorities at the Surat Airport have put in a request with the Airports Authority Of India(AAI) to make the airport operational for 24 hours a day.

At present, flights operate in 2 separate shifts which fall between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Surat Airport was recently declared customs notified by the central government and has been authorised to install immigration check posts. This makes the airport eligible to operate international flights. This is why authorities want AAI to let Surat Airport to be functional for the whole day.

Surat Airport’s Director, Mr. Sanjay Kumar Panigrahi has said that they have made this request to accommodate international flights at night. He expects AAI to approve this request in the next two months.

He also said that this decision will help Surat airport smoothen out domestic flight operations during daytime.

Authorities want Surat Airport to be operational for 24 hours for one more reason. Air India Express had submitted an ‘Expression Of Interest’ to operate direct flights from Surat to Sharjah. Once, AAI approves this request, Air India Express will launch the Sharjah-Surat flight service between 12.30 a.m. and 5 a.m.

5 Airports in India, including Vadodara Airport, had previously handed in a similar request to AAI. Surat Airport has become the 6th airport to do so.

According to a study conducted by Surat Travel & Tourism Association, air passenger traffic at the airport has been continuously increasing by 20-25 percent for the past few years. In fact, more than 5 lakh people travelled from Surat and south Gujrat to international destinations in 2017-2018.

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Vadodara Airport Will Soon Switch To Solar Power

Vadodara Airport in Gujrat is all set to go ‘Green’!

The airport will use clean and natural energy for its day to day operations which will be produced by the newly installed solar power plant.

The power plant, which is located within the airport complex, will generate 675 Kilowatts of power, which will help the airport save around Rs 60 lakh every year on its electricity cost.

According to Vadodara airport director, Mr. Charan Singh, the solar plant will take care of 50 % energy requirements of the airport.

He also said that Airports Authority Of India(AAI) is responsible for building the power plant and a contract worth Rs 3.5 Crores was awarded to a private company to complete the job.

Recently, Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore announced that they will soon go green and have started the expansion work of their solar power plant. You would be proud to know that, Cochin International Airport in India was the first airport in the world to be completely powered by solar energy.

This initiative by AAI to make ‘Green Airports’ will not only cut down an airport’s operating cost but will also help the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

We hope that more airports in India follow Vadodara and Bangalore airport’s example to save on electricity and go green. In a country where more than 300 million people still don’t have access to power, going solar may just be the solution that is needed to light up their lives.

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Air India Puts Restriction On ‘Powder-Like Substances’ In Carry-On Bags!

Air India has upped its security measures for USA bound flights!

The state-owned international airline has restricted passengers, flying to America, from carrying ‘powder-like substances’ in carry-on bags.

Here are the details of the new rule –

  • Passengers cannot carry more than 350 grams of powdered substances in carry-on bags.
  • These include items like sugar, ground coffee, cosmetics, flour etc.
  • Medically prescribed powder-like substances such as baby formula or cremated remains can be carried, however, they have to be packed in sealed containers.
  • Air India has already started implementing this rule and has advised passengers to pack such items in check-in luggage.

Last month the US Department Of Homeland Security wrote a directive to the airline asking them to implement this rule for security purposes.

In 2017, the US Transportation Security Administration(TSA) enacted this rule after a failed terrorist attack on an Australia bound Gulf airline. Reports say that the terrorists used an improvised explosive device using powdered explosives.

Flyers boarding Air India from UAE and other Gulf nations will also have to comply with this rule. In fact, Dubai based Emirates Airlines has issued a notice saying that powder like substances have to be checked-in and won’t be permitted in carry-on bags.

Air India is the only India-based airline which operates non-stop flights from Delhi and Mumbai to American cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington DC. Along with them, US-based United airlines also operates direct flights between the 2 countries.

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