International airport

Strike By Air India Employees Causes Flight Delays At Mumbai Airport!

AirWhizzNov 09, 2018 No Comments

Strike By Air India Employees Causes Flight Delays At Mumbai Airport!

Aviation Insider

A flash strike by employees of Air India’s ground handling arm, Air India Air Transport Services Ltd (AIATSL) on Wednesday and Thursday led to massive flight delays at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

The employees of AIATSL stopped work at Mumbai airport on Wednesday night, demanding payment of Diwali bonus and reinstatement of three of their colleagues whose contracts were not renewed by the company.

Due to this sudden situation, many Air India flights were delayed. Around 37 flights, including international ones, were delayed by 2.5 hours to 3 hours till 3:00 p.m, Thursday. However, no flights were cancelled.

Here are a few details of the incident :

  • The arrival of eight flights and the departure of 16 flights were delayed.
  • Among those were the 1.45 am Mumbai-Bangkok flight which was delayed by over six hours and departed at 8:18 am
  • The Mumbai-Newark flight left at 4:08 am which was late by 2.5 hours.
  • Several passengers took to Twitter to complain about the flight delays and long wait at the airport.
  • The lack of ground handling staff during the night when a majority of international flight depart led to flight delays.

The Strike was called off this morning after discussions with the management. Most of the issues have been sorted out and employees are back to work. Flight operations are back to normal now. But, the employees whose contracts were not renewed have not been taken back.

AIATSL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the national carrier, provides ground handling services to Air India across airports in the country. It has about 5,000 employees, including those on contract.

Ground crew, generally carry out functions like loading/unloading bags and cargo, checking-in passengers, cleaning aircraft and much more. They also take up similar duties for foreign airlines on a contract basis.

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Turkey Unveils The World’s Largest Airport In Istanbul!

AirWhizzNov 01, 2018 No Comments

Turkey Unveils The World’s Largest Airport In Istanbul!

Aviation Insider

Turkey is all set to assert itself as the global hub for travel, as it inaugurates the “Istanbul New Airport”, which is the world’s largest airport to be built from scratch.

The airport, which will be fully functional over the next decade, has six runways and the whole airport is larger than all of Manhattan put together.

Not just that, it will be able to handle 200 million passengers per annum when fully operational, which is almost double of Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (The Busiest Airport In The World) located in Atlanta which handled 103 million passengers in 2017, with over 2,500 flights operated every day.

There are currently three terminals planned for Istanbul’s New Airport.

The Istanbul New Airport’s architecture reflects the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul, with the design inspiration coming from Istanbul’s various mosques, baths, domes and other historic structures. As you land, you will notice the ATC tower, which has been designed in the shape of a tulip, Turkey’s national flower.

The first flight took of yesterday from the newly inaugurated airport. Turkish Airlines flight TK2124 with 340 people on board completed its maiden flight from Istanbul to Turkey’s capital, Ankara.

For now, only 1 terminal is open as part of its 1st phase of operations. This terminal is the world’s largest airport terminal under one roof, with a capacity to handle 90 million passengers per day.

Turkish Airlines will operate 5 flights a day from this airport November 1 onwards, which will include three domestic and two international flights. For the next couple of months, it will use the airport code ISL and will use these five flights as a test case to complete the 1st phase by the end of 2018.

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4-Day Dussehra Festivities Kick-Start At Bengaluru Airport!

AirWhizzOct 16, 2018 No Comments

4-Day Dussehra Festivities Kick-Start At Bengaluru Airport!

Aviation Insider

Bengaluru Airport is all set to dazzle passengers this festive season!

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru kickstarted its four-day cultural extravaganza to celebrate the spirit of Dussehra on Monday.

Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL), who operate KIA, in association with the Department of Kannada and Culture as well as the government of Karnataka, are organizing this event.

They have organized this gala event to showcase the rich cultural heritage of South India, with music and dance performances. It was a treat for the global audience transiting through the Airport.

Here are all the details about the event:

  • TM Vijay Bhaskar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, inaugurated the show.
  • The festivities kicked off with a stimulating performance by award-winning Hindustani Classical vocalist Smt. Sangeeta Katti.
  • This was followed by a dazzling ‘Mohiniattam’ performance by Smt. Sreelekha, one of the earliest employees of BIAL.
  • The final show of the day was a one-hour classical dance performance by Vidhwan Ashok and his team.

During the course of these 4 days, a special Dussehra/Dasara food menu will be available inside the Terminal for passengers, to add flavour to the festivities.

Passengers can also experience a Dasara-themed virtual reality game with Ravana as the main protagonist. Passengers, who play the game and win, will be given gift vouchers that can be redeemed at select outlets at the Airport. A crystal ‘Rangoli’ has been created especially for the festivities.

The next three days promise to be exciting, as several renowned classical and folk artists will captivate the visitors and passengers at the Bengaluru Airport between 6.00 pm and 8.30 pm.

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Hyderabad Airport Gets A Brand New International Terminal!

AirWhizzOct 11, 2018 No Comments

Hyderabad Airport Gets A Brand New International Terminal!

Aviation Insider

Hyderabad Airport is all set to handle the demands of its increasing passenger traffic!

In a move to decongest the airport, a new international terminal will be opened on 23rd October 2018. Spread over an area of 1 lakh square feet, the temporary terminal will exclusively cater to international passengers.

Due to the ongoing expansion work at Hyderabad Airport, which will take about three years to be completed, this interim terminal will be operational.

According to the  CEO of Hyderabad International Airport Limited, Mr. S.G.K Kishore, this arrangement has been done keeping the growth of passenger traffic in mind. It has spiked from 10 million in 2015 to  20 million passengers in 2018.

He expects that this traffic will further increase to 40 million in the next three years. This interim terminal will reduce inconvenience to passengers due to increase in volume.

Here are a few interesting facts about the new international terminal:

  • With a total budget of Rs 50 crore, the interim facility was built within just six months.
  • It has 40 check-in counters, 30 immigration points and an exclusive checkpoint for business class passengers.
  • It will also have India’s first remote hand baggage screening facility
  • The terminal is also unique in a way that it uses Pre Engineering Building Technology, which means it can be dismantled and taken elsewhere.
  • A total of 22 airlines will operate from the terminal
  • The terminal will have 32 international flights daily which will connect the city to 29 different global destinations.

The new terminal which is adjoining the existing airport was built in place of the Aerobridge that was present there.

Mr. Kishore has also said that once the main airport’s expansion is over, this terminal will be used as a Haj Terminal, a VIP terminal or may be dismantled altogether.

The exclusive interim international departure terminal facility is located close to the Haj Terminal facility and is adjacent to the international section of the main passenger terminal building.

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17 Airlines Keen To Operate From Kannur International Airport In Kerala!

AirWhizzOct 01, 2018 No Comments

17 Airlines Keen To Operate From Kannur International Airport In Kerala!

Aviation Insider

According to the Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan, 11 international and 6 national airlines have expressed their willingness to conduct services from Kannur International Airport.

The international airlines include Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Saudia, Silk Air, Air Asia and Malindo Air. Domestic carriers such as Air India, Air India Express, Jet Airways, Indigo, SpiceJet and Go Air will operate out of Kannur International Airport.

Mr Vijayan was speaking at the annual public meeting of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, where other issues related to the Kannur airport were also discussed.

Here are the key points from the meeting-

  • Authorities are planning to increase the length of Kannur airport’s runway from 3050 meters to 4000 meters. The formalities of acquisition of lands are in progress. The CM said that Kannur Airport will become the largest airport in Kerala.
  • The Kerala police will have the temporary responsibility of immigration. Air India Services Limited and Celebi Ground Handling have the responsibility of ground handling services.
  • Construction of terminal building and arranging facilities inside terminal have been completed.
  • Monti Carlo Limited has been given Rs 113 Crore to construct the International Air Cargo Complex, 4 storeyed airport office building, 5 storeyed CISF residence building and the approaching roads to the airport. They have also been given the task of lighting and decorating the airport.
  • 29 people in the families who lost houses when the government acquired lands were appointed in different positions. The remaining people in this category will be appointed through Air India ITSL, ground/cargo handling agency of the airport.
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10 Best Airports In The World For Shopping!

AirWhizzSep 28, 2018 No Comments

10 Best Airports In The World For Shopping!

Aviation Insider

For some travellers airport shopping may mean discounted foreign liquor or high-end chocolates and sweets, but frequent international fliers know well that hubs around the globe are stepping up their retail game.

A little retail therapy can make hours spent waiting at an airport fly by.

Why waste valuable time dragging heavy bags around the city when all of your shopping needs can be fulfilled at the airport on your way home?

To intrigue the inner shopaholic in you, here are the 10 best airports in the world for shopping

1.London Heathrow Airport, England

Europe’s busiest airport boasts of a 42000 square feet shopping space which is spread over 4 terminals.

You will find everything from pocket-friendly goods to premium products from world-renowned brands.

Things like perfumes, skin care products, alcohol and chocolates are available at all terminals but if you’re looking for items from brands like Burberry, Dior, Gucci and Cartier visit the airport’s Terminal 3.

Terminal 5 of the airport showcases the best of British design and craftsmanship with brands like Mulberry, Paul Smith, Links of London, and Smythson showcasing their products to departing passengers.

2.Singapore Changi International Airport, Malaysia

Singapore’s Changi Airport has been awarded the best airport in the world for the past 6 consecutive years, thanks to its beautiful architecture, efficient operation, luxurious amenities, dining and shopping.

You’ll get to enjoy products with prices which are comparatively cheaper than most airports around the world.

If you have time to spare, you can indulge yourself at the duty-free shops which are located in Terminal 1.

It has the widest range of beauty and skincare products amongst Asia Pacific airports, with more than 190 international brands on display.

You can buy electronic items like printers, laptops ,computer accessories from renowned brands and is a paradise for gamers with an extensive range of software and hardware from Sony PlayStation on display.

A wide selection of the world’s most premium wines and spirits is available, with an alcohol sampling bar where you can taste and buy.

3.Hong Kong International Airport, China

The city has a culture of shopping, which you can experience at the airport as well.

‘SkyMart’ in Terminal 1 and ‘SkyPlaza’ in Terminal 2 have the kind of retail space which would make any shopaholic jump with joy.

SkyMart has a “Downtown Pricing Guarantee,” so the price you pay at the airport will not be higher than what you would pay in the city.

The airport is not only about high-end products either. There’s a good mix of both premium and locally branded products on display.

4.Hammad/Doha International Airport, Saudi Arabia

If you have a long-haul flight with a layover in Doha, time will fly by thanks to the wide array of restaurants and shops in ‘Qatar Duty-Free’ located inside the airport.

It consists of a shopping plaza spanning over 40.000 square meters and comprising more than 30 fine dining establishments and 70 luxury retail stores.

Products like leather goods, designer bags, watches, jewellery, perfumes, souvenirs, travel gifts etc are available apart from the usual tax-free tobacco and liquor.

Luxury brands like Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Giorgio Armani, Godiva, Harrods, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren & Rolex have their goods displayed for passengers.

It’s a bit on the expensive side but the experience is defiantly worth it!

5.Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Netherlands.

Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is the perfect paradise for shoppers on a tight budget.

It is regarded as one of the best airports for shopping because of its unique offers which run mostly round the year.

With discounts and promotions such as ‘Buy 2 Get 3 Free’ on premium products, it can make any passenger think twice before moving to the boarding gate.

You can check out the latest offers and discounts at Schiphol Airport’s Official Site.

6.Incheon International Airport, South Korea

South Korea’s main international gateway in Seoul, the Incheon International Airport, is most popular for items such as perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol and cigarettes.

It’s regarded as the best one-stop shopping place for world travellers.

The shopping plaza is located in Terminal 1 and has more than 200 popular brands located in one place.

It offers reliable products at reasonable prices and the best quality services.

7.Dubai International Airport, UAE

Dubai International Airport has been one of the top three (based on total sales) duty-free retailer for a couple of years now.

Alcohol, perfumes and gold are the must-buys in the Sheikh Rashid Terminal (also known as the Concourse) which is home to majority of the shops.

Open 24/7, there’s 58,125 square feet of retail heaven with products from premium brands up for grabs.

8.Zurich International Airport, Switzerland

Zurich Airport calls its shopping area ‘Paradise’, and it might well be, based on the reviews from frequent flyers around the world.

Switzerland is one of the last places in Europe where fliers can still buy duty-free goods.

Perfumes, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco and, of course, fine Swiss chocolates can all be pre-ordered via their website if you’re all about the bargains.

If you’re in the mood for browsing, you’ll be in for a treat, with various Swiss brands displaying their products.

Also, if you purchase stuff worth 250 Swizz Franc or more, you can check-in through their ‘Fast Track’ security queue.

9.Vancouver International Airport, Canada

Vancouver International Airport has often been voted the best airport in North America.

And one of the main reasons the airport is so highly regarded is the nearby designer outlet mall – McArthurGlen Designer Outlet.

Fashion savvy travellers can browse designer names like Armani, Coach and Banana Republic along with world-famous brands which are situated alongside top-notch restaurants and stylish coffee houses.

Prices are also reduced (up to 70%), making Vancouver Airport all the more attractive to the savvy spender. The outlet is currently being expanded to house another 35 new premium lifestyle brands.

10.Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, France

Being one of the largest airports in Europe, Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport may not be the most attractive, but it does house a sea of shops.

And this being Paris, the fashion capital of the world, exclusive brand names and designer boutiques that can be seen on the streets can also be found on the airport’s three terminals.

However, Terminal 2 is perhaps best if it’s luxury you’re after. It is home to upmarket brands such as Hermès, Salvatore Ferragamo and Longchamp.

Now that we’ve got you excited about shopping at the airport, why not install the AirWhizz App. Get all the information about different airport shops along with real-time flight updates, airline information and much more on your fingertips and Fly Stress-Free!

 

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10 Tips To Survive A Long-Haul Flight!

AirWhizzSep 07, 2018 No Comments

10 Tips To Survive A Long-Haul Flight!

Travel Like a Pro

With air travel becoming popular each day, airlines are looking at new routes to connect us to the world.

It is finally possible to fly to far off destinations about which you have dreamed about.

But before you reach your destination you’ll be sitting in a stuffy aircraft cabin for more than 8 hours ,which might sound like a nightmare to most.

However, a little preparation can make long-haul International flights a breeze!

To help you start your holiday refreshed and relaxed as soon as you airplane lands, here are 10 travel tips to survive a long haul flight.

1. Choose Your Seat Wisely

One of the most essential long-haul flight tips is to think ahead and choose a good seat on a flight which is scheduled to depart at a comfortable time.

Make sure that you check-in online and pre-book your seat. Whether you’re an aisle person( for ease of moving around) or a window person (for views and something to lean on), it’s essential to ensure you don’t spend your time for elbow room in the dreaded middle seat.

Also, try to book a seat in the emergency exit row if possible, so that you have extra legroom.

2.Book The Right Flight

The cheapest flight isn’t always the best!

Yes, if it’s a short journey you can survive the small seats and the lack of service. But when it comes to long-haul flights you have to think about what that flight is actually going to be like.

Many budget carriers have long layovers at terrible airports, so keep that in mind. It’s better to pay a few thousand rupees more to travel in comfort.

Also, try to book a flight that arrives at your destination in the morning. This way you can sleep through most of your journey and begin your holiday when the sun is up and the city is active.

In case, you have budget restrictions, read more about “Top 10 Budget Carriers That Fly Out Of India”.

3.Wear Comfortable Clothes For Your Trip

Dress for Comfort, not looks!

Wear an outfit that you will be comfortable in, even after 10 hours of flying.

Remember, sitting still and being blasted by an air-conditioning system can get chilly. Wear several loose layers to help you adjust to the temperatures inside the cabin.

Also, wear closed toed shoes rather than flip-flops. Make sure you don’t wear any footwear that’s too tight because your feet tend to swell up at high altitudes.

4. Prepare Yourself For Sleep

You’ll be on the airplane for quite some time, so it’s worth bringing a few long-haul flight essentials.

Start with a lightweight blanket and invest in a good travel pillow to make sleeping on an airplane more comfortable.

An eye mask and a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones can make you forget about the other 300 odd passengers sitting inside.

Read More About  “10 Travel Essentials You Should Bring On A Long-Haul Flight”

5.Don’t Stuff Your Carry-On Bag

Don’t pack too much in your cabin luggage. While a few little extras definitely help, keep things travel-sized and to a minimum.

There’s nothing more stressful than carrying around a big suitcase and trying to fit it in the overhead bin.

Try to carry a small suitcase that you can keep in the overhead bin and a handbag or back pack (depending on your airline’s hand baggage policy) to keep smaller essentials such as your headphones and tablet/laptop within your reach.

6.Pack Your Own Snacks

Of course, you’ll get meals on long-haul flights, but the timing of those meals might be an issue.

International flights travel through different time zones, which means you will end up with breakfast at dinner time and a heavy meal, first thing in the morning.

To avoid feeling hungry while you wait for the food trolley to come, pack some fruits, salads, nuts, protein bars or other healthy homemade snacks.

7. Stay Hydrated

Did you know? Our body sheds up to 1.5 liters of water during a three-hour flight!

The air inside the airplane is almost 15 % drier than the air that we breathe on the ground and the chances of becoming dehydrated are high.

Remember to regularly drink water during a flight. It will keep the oxygen levels in your body up and will help boost your energy. You will feel energetic and lively.

8. Move Around The Airplane

Not moving enough on the airplane is the biggest reason why you feel inactive after a flight.

Why not use the aisle instead?

Stretching and small muscle-friendly exercises will help you keep your energy up and your body active. Speaking of which, mind your posture as well! A simple shoulders-back-and-spine-straight stance will go a long way.

9. Make A Few Friends

Flights are a great opportunity to meet interesting people going your way.

One of the most fun ways to survive a long-haul flight is to strike up a conversation with your seat-mate.

Making small talk can be an exhausting task, but chatting with a fellow traveller keeps you alert when you’re flying. It keeps your mind active, engages you, and who knows, you may end up with a  new travelling companion by the time you step off the airplane.

10.Relax & Enjoy Your Ride

There is no better time to just forget about your worries and do nothing than when you’re flying. No mobile phone coverage, a dedicated crew to pamper you and someone else in the driving seat.

Use the time to catch up on that book you haven’t had the chance to read, the list of movies you didn’t get the time to watch or get excited about your destination by going through the guidebook.

See those eight, ten or twelve hours as bonus time and your long flight will immediately become a positive thing rather than a drag.

So, the next time you fly and are looking for travel accessories, headphones, sleeping gear or just a nice book to read, download the AirWhizz App. Avail exclusive discounts on Swiss Military accessories as an app user and get information about airport shops and their location on the move.

Have a comfortable flight and Fly Stress-Free!

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The 10 Most Fascinating Airports In The World!

AirWhizzAug 03, 2018 No Comments

The 10 Most Fascinating Airports In The World!

Travel Like a Pro

In a world where travel is the name of the game, airports often become our second homes.

They are an essential part of our travel plans especially when we are travelling abroad on a business or an adventure trip.

To make a passenger’s journey stress-free, airports have upped their game by incorporating some of the most beautiful architectural features and exciting amenities.

To show you how they’ve done this, we bring you a list of the most beautiful and fascinating airports from around the world, which can make your long layovers a breeze!

1.Incheon International Airport, Incheon, South Korea

This airport was inaugurated in 2001 and since then it has been one of the busiest and largest airports in the world. In fact, it is the largest airport in South Korea.

It has been rated as one of the best airports by the International Airports Council in the past and has been rated ‘5 Star’ by Skytrax.

The Incheon International Airport boats of an 18-hole golf course, an indoor casino, beautiful gardens and provides world-class facilities to travelers from around the world.

2.Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Madrid, Spain

In case you like your airports to reflect a natural, aesthetic charm, this is the place to be.

In the year 2006, the famous architects Antonio Lamela and Richard Rogers designed the building of Terminal 4 in the airport using bamboo.

It also showcases the best of Spanish culture. They have authentic Spanish food restaurants and have duty free shops with traditional goods on sale.

3.Menara International Airport, Marrakech, Morocco

This airport is the best example of how to mix historical and modern architectural designs to create something beautiful.

This is the only airport in Marrakech and has been an important factor in making the city a wonderful destination for a short trip.

Its curved, concrete roof and large triangular windows painted with Arabic designs are visually stunning. It has been cleverly constructed to let in natural light and generate electricity by incorporating solar photovoltaic panels.

4.Courchevel Altiport, France

Since this airport was inaugurated in 1961, it has been famous for being featured in movies such as James Bond’s “Tomorrow Never Dies”.

While the ski resorts located near the airport gives it a picturesque appeal, the Alpine mountain ranges give it a touch of thrill and adventure at the same time.

History Channel named it one of the ‘Most Extreme Airports’ in the year 2010.

5.Wellington International Airport, New Zealand

Nicknamed ‘The Rock’, because of its steel-beam design and copper roof, this airport is a great example of a futuristic airport.

Designed by renowned architectural firms, Studio Pacific Architecture and Warren & Mahoney, this airport was inspired by the legend of the sea monsters Ngake and Whataitai.

Another interesting fact about the airport is that the food court area showcases a large statue of the iconic character ‘Gholum’, from the Lord of the Rings movie franchise, catching a fish.

6.Giovanni Nicelli Airport, Venice

When you think of European airports, the Marco Polo International Airport’s stunning architecture may come to mind, but if you visit this one and you might just forget the grandeur of the former.

Constructed in the year 1935, it has some of the murals of the aircraft dating back to the 1930s and a giant piano where a pianist plays music for the visitors.

You will also be able to view some historic buildings and medieval churches from this airport.

7.Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Japan

This airport took 38 months to build and a million workers to construct.

It is built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Japan with a runway that is 4km long.

The most interesting fact about the airport is, that it’s made and designed in such a way that the airport can withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons.

8.Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport, China

Opened just before the 2008 Olympics, the Terminal 3 at Beijing International Airport is a class apart, designed by the famous architect Sir Norman Foster.

At two miles long, it is one of the largest buildings in the world and uses a complex mesh to allow sunlight in.

The building is designed to represent a dragon and features a traditional Chinese color scheme which you will be able to notice the second you step off your airplane.

9.Carrasco International Airport, Montevideo, Uruguay

This new terminal at Carrasco International Airport was designed by the renowned Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly.

It is Uruguay’s largest airport and has been cited as one of the most efficient and traveller-friendly airports in Latin America and the world.

It symbolizes a milestone for the country in terms of investment, architecture, high-quality services, technology, and innovation.

10.Changi International Airport, Singapore

Singapore’s Changi Airport has been awarded the best airport in the world for the fifth consecutive year at the “World Airport Awards” hosted by Styrax.

This comes as no surprise. It is an architectural wonder and has some of the most unique and world-class services that it offers to weary travelers from around the world.

It has a beautiful garden which showcases thousands of flora/fauna and has a rooftop swimming pool, a jacuzzi, an entertainment deck with a free 24-hour cinema and Xbox zone.

It has been offering free Wi-Fi to travelers since 2002 and takes travelers for a free city tour if they are waiting for a connecting flight.

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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