Did You Know

Let Your Dreams Take Flight:10 Career Options In Aviation!

The aviation industry has some of the most lucrative and glamorous jobs anyone can think of.

The most attractive parts of working in the airline industry are the salaries, the lifestyle, and the prestige that comes along when representing an airline.

It’s like a family and everyone involved in it works together to make your air travel as comfortable and safe as possible.

When people think about jobs in aviation they think about being a pilot or a cabin crew member. But, there is more than what meets the eye.

But before we discuss how you can be a part of this industry lets discuss how to get a professional degree for it.

BBA In Aviation Management

If you’ve passed your 12th standard, go for a BBA in Aviation Management

Learn the fundamentals of Aviation, Travel and Tourism, business communication, aviation operations, safety & security along with role of human resource management in this sector.

MBA In Aviation Management

Airlines & aviation companies are expanding at a phenomenal rate in India.

Which means that they will require people to plan infrastructure modernisation, investment analysis, scope of fleet expansion and many such management functions.

Getting a unique & structured MBA programme in aviation management will lay the foundation for a great career graph in the industry.

You will be able to learn about things like fleet management, ground handling, cargo, customer service, medical tourism, crew management & ticketing.

Where You Should Pursue These Degrees From

The Institute of Logistics And Aviation Management (ILAM), with its state of the art campuses in major cities, offers specialised BBA & MBA programmes in partnership with airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet & Jet Airways as recruiters.

These programs are very unique and come with inbuilt live practical sessions pertaining to aircraft ground handling, safety training and Galileo software training to name a few.

These courses provide a blend of practical and theoretical knowledge which will make you stand apart for your future employees.

Now that we’ve discussed how to get a professional degree, let’s see some amazing ways in which you can become a part of this industry.

Pilot

This one is obvious. All you have to do is to attend a course or academy to get your Air Transport Pilot License (ATPL).

Once you have the flying license, you’ll have to get some flying hours on your record for the experience.

Being a pilot is great! You get to travel to different places, fly an airplane and enjoy the view at 30000 feet in the air.

Cabin Crew

20% of all the employees in the aviation industry are working as cabin crew members.

The major part of the job as a cabin crew member is to make sure that air passengers are feeling comfortable and safe while flying in an airplane or in emergency situations.

To become a cabin crew member you can go for small courses or join institutes and academies which train and teach you how to be a part of an airline’s cabin crew.

Airport Station Attendant/Airport Assistant

The name of this job describes its role.

If you want to work as an airport assistant, you’ll be responsible for assisting customers with general queries and support.

The support can vary from assisting physically abled or elderly with wheelchairs to help a customer with directions. An Airport assistant is always there when it comes to assisting passengers on the ground.

Flight Ticket Agent

These agents are the people you will see assisting passengers at the ticket counter.

The job requires them to issue boarding passes, giving information about the flights, helping in reservations or changes, and receiving the check-in luggage.

They are the face of the airline they are representing and are first people to greet the passengers when they arrive at the airport.

Administrative Support

All airlines require administrative support for the smooth operation.

Administer support is a general word used for job profiles such as receptionists, data entry workers, communications, PR specialist, secretaries, I.T. administrator etc.

Administrative support also includes a human resource department who are responsible for hiring, labor relations issues, and training of employees.

Aviation Meteorologist

Aviation meteorologists provide information about weather conditions to flight dispatchers and pilots.

They have a huge responsibility and have to make sure that the airplane is safe.

They have to calculate the current and the forecasted weather conditions at all altitudes, by determining the direction and speed of the wind, the intensity of lightning and rain conditions.

Flight Dispatcher

They are responsible for the safety of the aircraft’s flight.

They do this by preparing a flight plan, which is a detailed schedule of destinations, layovers, distance, expected fuel consumption, weather conditions, altitude, compass bearing, and alternate destinations in case problems arise.

Avionics  Technicians/Mechanics

They are the specialized technicians and mechanics who look after servicing and maintaining the aircraft on the ground.

Aircraft mechanics make sure that the aircraft has no mechanical related issues by conducting routine maintenance and safety checks.

Avionics technicians service the electronics systems of an aircraft by repairing, installing, and troubleshooting avionic equipment.

Crew Schedule Coordinator

An airline’s crew schedule coordinator looks after the staffing of the air and ground support crew.

If there are any troubles with the flight taking of due to weather conditions or technical issues, it is their responsibility to make adjustments in the scheduling plan of the cabin and ground crew.

Aviation Attorney

Aviation attorneys specialize in civil or general aviation-related cases.

Many aviation attorneys represent government organisations such as the DGCA, while others may be on staff or on a contractual basis by large corporations who own airplanes or deal with airlines

Conclusion

There are many other ways in which you can join the aviation industry. You can look online for the openings in airline industry or airports. This industry also offers jobs indirectly to professions like travel agents, insurance agents etc.

It is estimated that by 2025 India will be the 3rd largest aviation market in the world.

Areas such as customer service, operations, logistics, airport management, retail, medical tourism, and many more sectors will see huge prosperity and growth. So if you’ve had a dream of living the lifestyle called aviation, then now is the time to be in it or think about being a part of it.

So go ahead and let your dreams take flight!

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Reasons Why Flying Is Still The Best Way To Travel!

At times, Flying has been perceived very wrongly or unsafe which is not true!

There’s a whole new experience to discover while you’re sitting comfortably in your seat and travelling thousands of feet in the air.

Beautiful views, great service, decent food and accessibility are a few words you can associate with flying, but there’s much more to it.

Here are 9 reasons why flying is still the best way to travel.

1.Its The Fastest Way To Get Anywhere

Flying has always been faster than taking the bus, boat, or train!

For instance, if you travel via road from Delhi to Bombay it takes around 8 hours 11 minuets and whereas it takes on 1 hour 55 minuets by a flight on the same route.

Plus, when you’re to go back at the end of your trip, a flight is able to get you there in a matter of a few hours while a return trip by car or a train can seem painful.

2.Flights Are Surprisingly Affordable

It may seem like it due to inflation but airline ticket prices are actually near an all-time low. In fact they have been declining for the past 30 years, allowing more of us to fly than ever before.

More efficient airplanes, increased competition, and the amenity to bargain shop for flights online have all played a role in this trend.

And while we may frown when we see the ticket prices online, we are lucky enough to live in an era when the cost of flying is affordable.

3.It’s Safe

On a daily basis, there are more than 93,000 scheduled commercial aircraft flights across the world, and yet we can go weeks, months or even years without a fatal crash.

When you crunch the numbers, the chances of you being onboard an aircraft that crashes is really small. In fact, you are more likely to be struck by lightning than to be in an airplane crash.

But should your flight actually go down, you’re also likely to still survive. A study of all the air crashes that took place in the U.S. between 1993 and 2000 showed that more than 90% of passengers and crew survived.

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

4.It Opens The World To You

Want to visit Paris Or have dreams of chilling on the beaches of Hawaii? Then flying is really the best option you have.

The days of taking a slow boat to anywhere else in the world are long gone.

For international travellers, flying opens up nearly an unlimited number of possibilities, allowing us to visit distant lands, experience unique destinations, and explore our planet to the fullest.

5.In-Flight Entertainment

Modern airplanes are often equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems that put a selection of movies, television shows, music, and games right at our fingertips.

This can help time to pass more quickly while on a flight and allow us to relax more in the process.

But even if your aircraft doesn’t have a built-in entertainment system, chances are you brought one with you. Most travellers now come equipped with smartphones and tablets, which can fill the entertainment void nicely.

6.You Can Be Productive

Carrying a laptop with you when traveling, plus having some free time aboard the aircraft while in flight, can give you the opportunity to be more productive than if you were driving to your destination.

If you have a long flight, it can be the perfect time to pull out the computer and get some work done.

7.Instagram Worthy Views

If you’re lucky enough to get a window seat, you are often treated to some great views.

There is nothing quite like soaring over the countryside while lakes, rivers, mountains, and other beautiful landscapes pass beneath.

Even at night, when darkness shrouds the sky, it is fun to look out and see the islands of light that spread across the world below.

Sure, you can get good views from other forms of transportation as well, but there is nothing that compares to the bird’s eye view you get from an airplane.

8.A Sense Of Community

Flying, particularly in economy class, can create a sense of community amongst passengers.

There is often this feeling that everyone on the aircraft is traveling together, even if just for a brief time.

This can in turn knock down barriers and create good conversations between passengers. People are generally very excited about the journey they are about to undertake and they often want to share that excitement with others.

9.Amazing Services

Beautiful airports, friendly flight attendants and the amenities they provide to ease us flyers are unparalleled as compared to other modes of transport.

Aviation industry provides its guests with the most amazing services. For instance, mostly you won’t find celebrity chef restaurants or world-class spas at train or bus stations.

Airlines and airports work hard to make our journey as comfortable as possible and in return, we have to pay a comparatively small fee for it, which is definitely worth it.

If you want to know more about these amazing services, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz app and get information about different airport amenities, airline policies along with real-time flight updates on the move and Fly Stress-Free.

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Why Do Commercial Airplanes Fly At High Altitudes?

It would be safe to say that most passengers have never thought about why airplanes fly at a specific height of 35000 feet.

We all assume that since its an airplane it will fly 10600 meters above in the sky, but have you ever wonder why exactly that height?

Well, we did some digging and found out there are some pretty interesting reasons why most airplanes around the world fly so high.

Why Do Airplanes Fly So High?

1.The Higher The Better

One of the central reasons behind an aircraft’s altitude is that, as the air gets thinner with every foot climbed, airplanes can travel more easily and therefore move faster and burn less fuel, saving money.

The “sweet spot” of flying is regarded as between 35,000 and 42,000 feet.

If the airplane flies above this limit the oxygen becomes too sparse to fuel the engines. If it ’s too low, the airplane will experience greater air resistance.

2.Weather Conditions

Flying thousands of feet above the ground also means airplanes avoid much of the bad weather people on the ground are subjected to.

You know the feeling when you see nothing but blue skies from your window seat, only to descend into your destination airport to a dull drizzle.

3.Avoid Heavy Traffic

We aren’t talking about our usual road traffic!

Of course, it does avoid the hectic city traffic, but what we mean is the airborne traffic such as light aircraft or helicopters, which fly lower, as well as insects and birds.

Light aircraft do not have pressurised cabins, therefore stick below 10,000 feet.

4.In The Event Of An Emergency

Should something bad happen to an aircraft at 35,000 feet, like losing power in its engines, the pilot has much longer to deal with the situation, than if the aircraft was just at 10,000 feet.

This may sound silly, but remember that planes can still land safely even if both engines fail

How Low can Airplanes Fly?

The lowest an airplane can fly is a 1000 feet, but this is not applicable to airliners.

Known as the Lowest Safe Altitude (LSALT), this value has been applied by aviation bodies around the world, including Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration.

Airlines can fly at this low but there are safety standards and rules that don’t allow this. In fact, its illegal for any aircraft to fly lower than a 1000 feet.

Aircraft must not fly less than 1000 feet above the “highest fixed object” beneath them and pilots must make sure that they are high enough to clear the congested area below in the event of engine failure.

Obviously, this doesn’t apply to take-off and landing for an aircraft as it’s done in a controlled flight path.

Is There A Maximum Height?

There is no maximum altitude for flying, however, engines will struggle as the oxygen levels fall, and communication with the ground will become a greater challenge.

The record altitude for a jet plane is 123,520 feet, set by Alexandr Fedotov in 1997 flying a military Soviet MiG-25M.

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Everything You Need To Know About Buying Travel Insurance!

International travel in India has increased exponentially over the past few years and so has the need for a travel insurance cover.

According to World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) report, 25 million Indian tourists travel abroad every year for vacationing. It is estimated that India will account for 50 million outbound tourists by 2020.

More travellers want to experience offbeat places and are willing to go on adventurous trips but despite this, while planning a trip, Indians don’t consider travel insurance as one of their priorities for their journey.

This is because most people fail to understand what travel insurance actually covers.

To help you make informed choices as travellers , let’s first understand the basic types of covers under travel insurance in India.

Basic Travel Insurance Policy

A basic travel insurance will primarily cover your emergency medical care and loss of belongings while travelling. However, you can add other covers such as:

  • Burglary at home at the time of travel
  • Reimbursement if your flight gets delayed for more than 12 hours
  • Coverage of bounced/cancelled bookings of hotels and airlines

Travel insurance also covers personal liability. For instance, if someone sues you for damage to property during the period of your insurance and is caused by an occurrence to which this coverage applies, the company will pay up to the amount stated in the policy.

The medical benefits of a travel insurance policy include accidental death or injury during the trip, expenses incurred on account of injury, sickness etc.

There Are 2 Basic Types Of Travel Insurance

1.Domestic Travel Insurance

The domestic travel insurance promises to have your back at every step when you’re travelling within the country.

This cover mainly looks into all your critical travel mishaps mentioned above.

The cover also reimburses the cost of round-economy airfare and hotel of an immediate family member in case of sudden hospitalization on the trip.

A domestic travel insurance will cover accidental medical emergencies or assistance required in India. It additionally reimburses for transportation, treatment and medical supplies in case of hospitalization or will compensate for death/injury while boarding or already on a flight.

2.Overseas Travel Insurance

An overseas travel insurance is a must-have while you’re travelling abroad, not only because it shelters your primary covers as mentioned above but offers protection for a number of contingencies during an international trip.

  • The insurance policy extensively covers, loss of passport, documents, baggage loss and baggage delay.
  • It covers you in case your checked-in luggage is lost while in the custody of your airline due to theft or non-delivery at its destination
  • It also covers accidental death & dismemberment, emergency medical evacuation which includes transportation, medical treatment, medical services and supplies necessary during an emergency evacuation
  • Additionally, an overseas policy will also cover fraudulent charges on your credit/debit card. This cover rescues you not only when you lose money but when you lose money where help is not easily found.

A travel insurance policy also covers students who travel abroad for education. A student travel insurance policy is a must for students as it largely protects the individual from study interruption, health cover, sponsor protection and compassion visits.

The student travel plan further covers mental and nervous disorders, rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction.

Tips To Choose The Best Travel Insurance Plan For You

Before you choose a travel insurance plan, ask yourself these questions:

1.WHERE AM I GOING?

Your destination determines the size of the cover or the amount of insurance money (Sum Insured).

Since medical cover is the main feature of travel insurance, decide the sum insured on the basis of how expensive medical services are in the country or city you are travelling to.

For instance, Medical treatment is significantly costlier in countries like the US and Canada than in South East Asia. This will cause the premium paid on the insurance by you to go higher.

2.WHAT WILL BE THE DURATION?

Longer the trip, higher the premium!

If you are a frequent flyer, opt for annual multi-trip policies to save money. These plans are valid for a year and usually cover any number of trips abroad, each trip having a maximum duration of 30-45 days.

Annual multi-trip plans turn out to be cheaper than the single-trip policies for each trip. This is because the insurance company doesn’t have to bear additional administrative expenses.

3.WHAT WILL I DO?

Is it a sleep, eat and sightseeing holiday or do you plan to be more adventurous?

If your itinerary includes sporting activities such as trekking in difficult terrains, skiing, water sports, etc, you must fill the gaps in your travel cover.

Though a regular travel insurance plan will not cover risks involved in these activities, you can get special coverage on request at an extra cost.

Similarly, if you are above 65, you can opt for plans for senior citizens that have features such as coverage for pre-existing illness in special situations, higher sum insured, accidental death and dismemberment cover.

4.Which Policy Should I Buy?

Always compare the plans. Don’t buy only on the basis of the sum insured and the premium you have to pay.

Conduct a comparative analysis of companies and their offerings like online services, claims process, toll-free number, payment options, network of hospitals etc

Also remember, since so many different covers are clubbed in one policy-medical, accident, passport and baggage loss, personal liability, trip cancellation, etc-the claim procedures differ according to the situation.

So, the next time you book your ticket, Download the AirWhizz app and apply for a travel insurance with us. We at AirWhizz have partnered with prestigious travel insurance companies such as HDFC Ergo to help you plan for any unforeseen changes that might occur.

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10 Simple Airplane Stretches To Beat Travel Fatigue!

Whether you’re 16 or 60, it’s never comfortable being stuck on an airplane for a long flight.

Between the stress of flying and being crammed into an uncomfortable seat for hours, your body can quickly become stiff.

While these hacks may not beat the comfort of a first-class seat, simple airplane stretches and exercises can help you reach your destination without a sore body.

WHILE SEATED

There are plenty of small stretches and movements you can do while seated throughout a flight.

Neck Rolls/Stretch

Release tension from your neck by slowly twisting your neck from side to side and moving it up and down in a “yes” then a “no” movement.

After a few of these try bringing your right ear down toward your right shoulder to stretch the left side of your neck then repeat on the other side.

Finally, drop your chin down toward your chest and gently roll it from side to side.

Seated Twist

Grab on to your seat’s armrest with both hands and gently pull to twist your torso to one side helping stretch and relax the spine. Do the same for the other side.

Ankle Stretches

Start with both feet flat on the floor then flex your ankles by stretching your toes upward then bringing them back down. From there, roll through your feet, lifting your heels up with your toes still on the ground. Repeat these movements several times to get the blood moving in your legs.

Ankle Circles

Additionally, lift one-foot slight off the ground and gently roll your ankle in a circle changing directions every couple of rolls. Repeat on the other side.

Leg Extensions

If you’re in an aisle seat, try lifting your foot up extending at the knee to stretch out stiff legs and really get the blood circulating. Do a couple of these movements for each foot.

WHILE STANDING

Though everyone knows they should stand up and walk around during a long flight, that’s often easier said than done. Make sure to try some of the seated stretches, but when you’re able to stand up, take advantage of this time with these exercises.

Quadriceps Stretch

Rest your left hand on the wall or back of a seat for balance and use your right hand to reach back and grab your right ankle, bending your right foot up so your knee is pointing down.

Hold this for several breaths before gently releasing your foot to the ground and repeating on the other side. This stretch will help release tension in your quadriceps (front thigh) and hip after sitting still for a long time.

Calf Raises

Stand with your feet a couple inches apart and raise your heels so you’re standing on the tip of your toes, hold for a couple seconds then lower back down feeling the stretch in your calves and waking up your legs.

Lateral Stretch

Standing with your left arm down, stretch your right arm straight up then softly start to bend to the left side stretching your arm over your head to feel a lengthening stretch in your right side.

Come back up to center, release your right arm and repeat on the other side.

AFTER THE FLIGHT

Once you reach your final destination, take a few moments to relax into these two restorative stretches that will help melt stress away.

Child’s Pose

This common yoga pose is a great way to stretch your hips, back, shoulders and chest while also having a grounding, calming effect.

Kneel down on your knees and slowly stretch your upper body forward toward the ground, reaching your arms in front of you until your forehead touches the ground. Stay there for a couple of minutes before sitting back up.

Legs Up Against The Wall

This position may feel a little awkward at first, but you’ll soon notice that after a couple minutes your legs will feel lighter and less lethargic.

Sitting on the ground next to a wall, lay down on your back as you slide your legs together straight up the wall. Stay here for at least three minutes letting your stress drain away.

When you’re ready to get out of the pose, slowly swing your legs down to one side and rest there for a couple breaths before sitting up.

If you’re looking for a yoga room at the airport to stretch your tiredness away, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz app and get all the information about Yoga rooms and spa’s along with other amenities located at your airport & fly stress-free.

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10 Longest Non-Stop Flights In The World!

Each year, airlines are pushing boundaries when it comes to how far and how long we can stay in the air.

In a bid to connect us to this global village called earth, airlines have started operating to far and offbeat places to help us discover new destinations.

Earlier this month, Singapore Airlines relaunched the world’s longest non-stop flight which got us wondering which are the world’s longest non-stop flights.

Well, we did some digging and found out which are the top 10 longest non -stop flights in the world

10.Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles (Etihad Airways)

Scheduled flight time: 16 hours, 30 minutes
Flight number: EY 171
Distance: 8,390 miles

Etihad has many non-stop flights flying from the United Arab Emirates to the United States, however, this one takes the longest amount of time.

This 8,390-mile flight clocks in at 16.5 hours long, but that time will go by in a snap if you’re travelling in Etihad’s sweet first-class cabins.

9.San Francisco to Singapore (United/Singapore Airlines)

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 5 minutes/16 hours, 40 minutes
Flight number: UA 1/SQ 31
Distance: 8,446 miles

Singapore Airlines is one of the 8 airlines in the world to get a 5-star rating, thanks to its impeccable service and award-winning in-flight entertainment. It will be a breeze for you to cover this  16 hours and 40 minute journey from San Francisco, California to  Singapore with this airline.

On the other hand, United, an American Airline also makes the trip from San Francisco to Singapore. The only difference is that they add an additional 25 minutes to the trip, bringing it up to 17 hours and 5 minutes.

And the best part about this journey, you get to visit the best airport in the world for the past 6 consecutive years, The Singapore Changi Airport.

8.Manila To New York (Philippine Airlines)

Scheduled flight time: 15 Hours
Flight number: PR 126
Distance: 8,519 miles

The gorgeous Southeast Asian city of Manila is 8,519 miles away from New York, making it one of the farthest non-stop flights, distance-wise. But time-wise, the 15 hour flight is on the shorter end (if you can call 15 hours short).

Because Philippine Airlines only recently earned four stars, their flights run cheaper than some of the others on this list.

You can expect to pay around $1,000 for a round-trip flight from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, to New York.

8.Sydney To Dallas (Qantas)

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 15 minutes
Flight number: QF 8
Distance: 8,578 miles

Australia is pretty far from many places. But its travel-hungry people are eager to get out and explore the world because being from a giant island in the middle of the ocean, it’s hard to get around.

The way North Americans dream of backpacking through Europe, Australians dream of backpacking across North America, visiting as many states as possible.

That’s why a direct flight from Sydney to Dallas makes so much sense.

6.Houston To Sydney (United Airlines)

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 30 minutes
Flight number: UA 101
Distance: 8,596 miles

When it comes to flying long distances within a budget, United Airlines is one of the best.

Normally when you’re flying with a low-cost airline internationally, you’re limited to flights with countless stopovers, long wait times at airports, and the horrible luggage pickup and check-in between airplanes, among other hellish airport rituals.

However, this flight only has one stopover, that to at Singapore Changi Airport.

5.Los Angeles To Singapore(United Airlines)

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 50 minutes
Flight number: UA 37
Distance: 8,770 miles

The 8,770-mile flight is United Airline’s longest flight route.

In about $700 you can fly from the sunshine state of Los Angeles, California to the spectacular city of Singapore.

Just make sure you bring snacks, drink water, and pack a book because it’s going to be a long hard day of travel.

Read more about “10 Travel Essentials To Bring On a Long Haul Flight

4.Dubai To Auckland (Emirates)

Scheduled Flight Time: 17 hours 5 minutes
Flight number: EK 449
Distance: 8,824 miles

It’s never easy to fly to New Zealand, a thrill-seeker’s paradise near Australia.

It’s also never easy to fly for an extended period of time. So, a 17 hour and 5 minute flight to Auckland, New Zealand won’t be a walk in the park, by any measure.

Luckily Emirates is an airline designed to help you pass the time, winning the Skytrax award for best entertainment year after year.

Those 14,200 kilometres may drag on, but at least you’ll be able to cross off a few movies from your must-watch list.

3.London To Perth (Qantas)

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 20 minutes
Flight number: QF 9
Distance: 9,010 miles

It’s always easier to fly direct. You don’t have to worry about changing planes, waiting around in airports, and possibly missing your connecting flight.

But if your direct flight is upwards of sixteen hours, maybe that stop-over in between flights would be a welcome break.

However, it is now possible to fly directly between Australia and the UK, thanks to Qantas launching their Perth to London flight in  early 2018.

2.Auckland To Doha (Qatar)

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 40 minutes
Flight number: QR 921
Distance: 9,032 miles

The flight from Auckland, New Zealand to Doha, Qatar was once the longest non-stop flight, both in terms of distance (covering 14,536 kilometres) and time (18 hours and five minutes).

If you’re gearing up to make the trip, you better be prepared. And we aren’t talking about bringing a crossword. Get ready to hydrate yourself regularly and to get up and stretch those tired legs every now and then.

18 hours in the air is no joke on your body and mind. However, Qatar Airways does everything they can to keep you from going insane, including giving you ice cream (along with other meals and drinks).

1.Singapore To New York (Singapore Airlines)

Scheduled flight time: 17 hours, 50 minutes
Flight Number: SQ 22
Distance: 9,540 miles

The airline is one of the best in the world, and its main airport hub, Changi International Airport, has been named #1 for more than five years.

Singapore Airlines previously flew this route with their Airbus A340-500 aircraft with a scheduled flight time of 18 hours, 50 minutes. However, the route was discontinued in 2013 due to rising fuel costs.

To solidify their place as innovators, Singapore Airlines Relaunched Its Singapore To New York flight in October of 2018.

The competition for top spot on the World’s Longest Flight list won’t be ending any time soon. The only question is, how will the airlines choose to get there?

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10 Surprisingly Cool Airport Attractions Around The World!

Airports can sometimes be a boring place.

At many of them, the most exciting thing can be looking at airplanes flying through the big terminal windows.

But a few airports want passengers to have an exciting experience by offering fascinating, fun, or relaxing amenities.

Museums, thrill rides, dental surgeries and swimming pools are just some of the attractions you’ll find at the world’s busiest airports.

To give you more insight into how airports are making air travel unique, here are 10 super cool airport attractions that will make you wish your flight gets delayed.

1.Four Story Indoor Slide, Changi International Airport, Singapore

Getting around the world’s best airport is pretty easy, thanks to a 12 meter tall, steel tube slide, known as “Slide@T3”.

It is spread vertically across the 4 stories of the airport’s terminal 3 and you can slide down and check out the many other airport attractions on each floor like the fantastic shopping options, restaurants, cactus garden or the movie theatre.

The best part about this slide that it is suitable for both kids and adults.So go ahead and take a trip down the memory lane while you slide away at Changi Airport.

2.Beer Garden, Munich Airport, Germany

You can experience the Bavarian culture while sitting at the famous beer garden at the Munich Airport.

But this is no ordinary beer garden, it’s Europe’s largest roofed-in beer garden, complete with traditionally dressed waitresses and authentic German food including pork knuckles and beef goulash.

So enjoy the German way of life while you sit on your wooden tables , sipping on some freshly brewed beer while listening to some local live music.

You can even pre-book and reserve a table if you’re planning to transit through Munich Airport.

3.An Aquarium, Vancouver International Airport

If you’re flying to Vancouver, make sure you check out the airport’s enormous 114,000 litre aquarium, which contains a number of species native to Canada’s coastline.

These include rainbow-hued starfish, crimson anemones, wolf eels, jellyfish and giant kelp. In fact, its home to one of the rarest of Jellyfish species, the Pacific sea nettle jellyfish.

This  15cm thick and 5.2m deep beautiful aquarium is located in the international terminal of the airport.

4. Behind The Scenes Tour, Zurich International Airport

At Zurich Airport, you’re invited to take a sneak peak behind how exactly an airport functions.

“Airport Tours” offer a memorable way to see what it takes to move more than 2 million passengers a month.

Hop a bus on a sightseeing tour to see the runways, hangars, cargo areas, and even a nature conservation area between runways. You’ll also get a close-up of airplanes landing and taking off.

Additional guided tours take visitors through the check-in process and on a tour of the aircraft parking areas.

5.Live Concerts, John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York

Since its debut in 2009, JetBlue’s free “Live From T5” concert series has welcomed acts including Taylor Swift, Sarah McLachlan, and The Wanted.

Performances take place post-security at JetBlue’s terminal at JFK Airport and are exclusively for JetBlue passengers and contest winners.

A concert before take-off is a pretty good reason to hope for a flight delay!

6.“ Jaya He” Art Museum, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai

If you have travelled to the Terminal 2 of Mumbai airport, you must have come across the beautiful paintings and sculptures that are displayed at the ‘Jaya He’ Museum.

The museum has won many awards and is the largest airport museum art project in the world with more than 6,000 artworks.

The Jaya He museum spreads across 4 levels of the Terminal 2 and  displays Indian culture through beautiful paintings, arts & crafts and sculptures.

7.Full Size Dinosaur Skeleton, Chicago O’Hare International Airport

If you visit Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, you will come across a 72 foot long fibreglass dinosaur skeleton.

It’s a replica of the Brachiosaurus dinosaur skeleton excavated in 1900 by palaeontologist Elmer Riggs, who was working in Chicago’s Field Museum at the time.

For years its home was the entrance hall of the Field Museum of Natural History but was donated to the airport in 1999.

8.Ice Skating, Seoul Incheon Airport, South Korea

Apart from a 18 hole golf course, movie theatre and a casino , Incheon’s most unique airport amenity is the all season ice skating rink.

Lace up your white boots at the “Ice Forest” ice skating rink, ideal for kids, families, couples and anyone just looking to have some fun.

It is located in Terminal B1, and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

9.Nap Rooms, Heathrow Airport, London

Airports have started proving napping pods and sleeping couches for weary passengers, but the Napping Rooms at London’s Heathrow airport are quite unique.

Located before the security checkpoint in Terminal 4, Yotel offers “cabins” complete with in suite bathrooms and comfy beds from £25 (about Rs 2400) for four hours of blissful sleep.

Post-security in Terminal 3, you’ll find twin and single in suite napping rooms with showers.

10.Wave Pool, Munich Airport

Between Terminal 1 & Terminal 2 of the Munich Airport, lays a giant pool that produces the world’s biggest stationary wave.

And the best part, It’s completely FREE !

Plus you don’t need to get your own gear. Complimentary loaner boards, helmets and wetsuits will be provided and surf instructors will be on duty offering encouragement and surfing tips.

Each year about 4,000 guests, locals and passengers alike, go for the wave , with plenty of spectators hanging out in deck chairs and at the makeshift beach bar near the pool.

So, the next time you happen to travel to one of these airports, spare some time to explore the spot by using the AirWhizz App. Get all the information about things to do and places to visit at the airport along with airline information and real-time flight updates on the move.

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10 Famous Airlines That No Longer Exist!

Aviation industry has existed for more than a 100 years now, but it has seen many airlines come and go.

Whether it’s rising oil prices, politics , mismanagement or financial loss, this notoriously fickle industry can have an effect on even the biggest airlines in the world.

In fact, on 2nd October 2018, “Primera Air”, a Scandinavian low-cost airline, left thousands of flyers stranded in the Northern Atlantic and European region, when it abruptly ceased its operations.

To give you more insight into the airlines of the past, here are 10 Carriers that managed to make an impression on the industry and passengers before their final flights.

1.Pan Am

Pan Am, short for Pan American World Airways, started off as a tiny, airmail carrier that hopped from Florida to Cuba and back in 1927.

However, it went on to become the world’s largest airline and an industry innovator.

Graduating from small planes to Boeing 747s, the airline pioneered flight routes, opened hotels (InterContinental hotel chain), and symbolized the glamor of the jet age.

Oil crises, hijackings and other operational setbacks plunged Pan Am into financial crisis, and the carrier ceased on December 4, 1991.

Delta airlines acquired its assets for $1.39 billion.

2.Virgin America

Known for its colourful cabin lights and a desire to offer its passengers a stylish flying experience, Virgin America captured the US air travel market and won many prestigious awards for it.

Although Virgin Group head Mr. Richard Branson was only a minority owner, his stunts combined with innovative marketing approaches often grabbed headlines making it a household name in America.

Many hearts broke across the country when the carrier was purchased by “Alaska Airlines” and the final Virgin America flight took off on April 24, 2018.

3.Air Berlin

Founded in 1978, the airline operated holiday flights from Berlin to vacation destinations in the Mediterranean. Eventually, the airline became popular and Air Berlin went on to become one of the biggest airlines in Europe.

Expansion plans, which were dependent on the future, didn’t go as planned and the airline had to scale back its operations leading to financial loses.

It flew its final flight in October 2017. Lufthansa group swopped in to buy 81 airplanes and employed more than 3,000 former Air Berlin employees.

4.Monarch Airlines

Primera Air isn’t the only airline to abruptly fail and strand travellers far from home.

The budget British airline, founded in 1967, flew vacationers to tourism hotspots around Europe and Israel.

However, financial difficulties drove the airline to desperately seek funding and, despite Boeing’s investment in 2016, the airline flew its last flight on 2nd October 2017.

The airline stranded around 111000 passengers, who were shifted to other airlines. It is estimated that this whole operation costed $78 million.

5.Kingfisher Airlines

Since commencing its flights in 2005, Kingfisher wasn’t just a brand name associated with beer in India. It had taken over the masses who wanted to fly in style.

Its international flights featured a bar in first class and top of the line entertainment systems and full-size pillows in the economy class.

Consistent heavy financial losses drove Kingfisher to the brink of shutting down several times before the airline was forced to end operations in 2012, when the government suspended its license and froze its accounts for non-payment of taxes.

6.US Airways

Founded in 1937 as “All American Airways”, the airline went through a lot of name changes (from ‘US Air in 1979 to “US Airways” in 1997), but it was the world’s largest airline during the mid 70’s and early 80’s.

On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 landed on the Hudson River following engine failure from multiple bird strikes. All passengers and crew survived in the event, now termed the “Miracle on the Hudson.”

US Airways merged with American Airlines in 2013, forming the world’s largest airline. The final US Airways-branded flight flew in April 2015.

7.Continental

Continental’s long history started in 1937, when the airline was rebranded and refocused from flying airmail to carrying passengers.

The airline was responsible for many historic “firsts” such as, hiring the first African-American pilot to work for any major US carrier (1963), inaugurating the first regular jet routes connecting islands across the Pacific (1968), flying the first non-stop route over 16 hours (Newark to Hong Kong, 2001) and offering 24-hour online support (2009).

Headquartered in Houston, the airline flew until it merged with United Airlines in 2012.

8.Air Australia

About 4000 passengers were left stranded in 2012 when Air Australia went bust out of the blue, suddenly grounding flights in its network.

It had pushed itself to the financial brink, literally running out of money to buy fuel. The Brisbane-based carrier failed to pay its debts of up to $90 million and was liquidated.

Up until a few hours before liquidation, tickets were still being sold online. The airline ended up making $36 million from about 100,000 tickets for future travel, which became worthless.

9.Swiss Air

For years, the national airline of Switzerland seemed unbreakable. Founded in 1931, it was known as the “Flying Bank” because it was so financially stable and had a reputation for great service.

Throughout the 1980s the airline continued to thrive and was one of the major carriers in western Europe. But it didn’t last.

A disastrous overexpansion program and an unstable economic environment hit the airline hard during 2001.

With its entire fleet grounded, it was only kept alive by the government. After months of chaos and injections of millions of dollars, it was closed down the following year in a move that shocked the country.

Most of its airplanes and routes were taken over by a new airline, Swiss International Air Lines a.k.a ‘SWISS’.

10.Trans World Airways (TWA)

One of Pan Am’s main rivals, TWA has a long and glamorous history spanning 71 years.

In its early days, it flourished under billionaire Howard Hughes, however, poor management in the 1980s hurt the airline, which eventually suffered huge losses.

The airline declared bankruptcy in 1992 and 1995 but that was not the end of it. Disaster struck In 1996, when flight TWA 800 exploded and crashed just minutes after taking off from John F Kennedy Airport, killing all 230 people aboard, which garnered negative media publicity.

The airline continued to struggle until it was once again forced into bankruptcy in 2001 and was acquired by American Airlines.

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