 Meet F‑GRET: The Citation Mustang Behind Jet Bean Coffee: Photo Copyright Nathan Raab Recently, I met Nathan Raab, a British Airline Captain with a major flagship carrier, at Blackbushe Airport. He has transformed a damaged Cessna Citation Mustang into something completely unexpected: a mobile café inside a private jet fuselage. Nathan’s journey is a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of seeing opportunity where others see scrap. From being made redundant during COVID to creating the UK’s first jet café, his story is an inspiring example of entrepreneurship in action.  Captain Nathan Raab [Copyright to him!] From Pilot to Passion ProjectQ: You’re a commercial pilot, a father, and now the creator of a café inside an aircraft fuselage. What made you take on such a left-field project? Nathan: “We wanted to transform coffee on aeroplanes, but this wasn’t an easy thing to achieve. Long-term contracts with big airlines are difficult to access, and changing the system is even harder. It made sense that the path of least resistance was to get our own plane and serve incredible coffee from it — to lead by example and prove it was possible. It just seemed logical. It took a team to make it happen, and some of it came completely unexpectedly. I put out a post on Instagram saying, “I’m going to buy a plane and turn it into a coffee shop — can anyone help?” Of course, I didn’t have any money or know-how, but in life, you’ve got to take the punt, right? I actually got a reply from someone called Chris, who became an investor and co-owner of the business. Chris then posted on a Facebook aviation group, and a guy called Pat got in touch. Pat and his business partner, Rich, own a company called RPM Aviation — they sell private jet parts. RPM had a spare jet that they wanted to turn into a bar but didn’t have the time to run it or manage event bookings. So Chris and I explained our coffee vision, and eight weeks later, we had the world’s first private jet coffee shop.” According to Euronews, Nathan’s vision reflects a broader trend: pilots and aviation professionals using creativity and sustainability to innovate beyond traditional aviation roles.  Navjot S. Lauda, Nathan Raab and Chris Louch at Blackbushe Airport in September 2025. Aviation Skills Meet Entrepreneurial Risk Q: Aviation is a world of precision. How did those skills help—or hinder—you in building a mobile café? Nathan: “They can both help and hinder, but it’s all about self-awareness and reflection to ensure these skills are used to the business’s advantage. Much of flying these days revolves around CRM (Crew Resource Management). Human error contributes significantly to most aviation accidents, so self-awareness is crucial. As pilots, we maintain a growth mindset and continually seek to improve. We are assessed on our non-technical competencies — such as workload management, decision-making, leadership, and professional standards — during simulator sessions and assessment flights. In aviation, we also follow a ‘JUST’ safety culture, which means that if you make a mistake, you report it and learn from it. All reports feed into an industry-wide process, and the results are incorporated into training programs to improve overall safety. It’s a system built on accountability, self-responsibility, and a mindset of non-jeopardy and continuous improvement. A few tools I use in business are the same as those I use in flying. One of them is our decision-making model, called TDODAR:
Another key skill is risk management. How can we de-risk something in business? Does it mean bringing in an investor, avoiding ownership of an asset or liability, or having a solid backup plan? These considerations are critical for sustainable growth and avoiding unnecessary pitfalls." His approach shows how structured aviation practices can directly translate to entrepreneurial ventures, creating a balance between creativity and operational discipline.  Plane transformed into a mobile Café! F‑GRET is a Cessna Citation Mustang (Model 510), part of Cessna’s pioneering “very light jet” class. First flown in 2005 and entering service in late 2006, the Mustang was the first of its kind to receive full FAA certification. Production ran until 2017, with a total of 479 units built. Copyright Nathan Raab Balancing Fatherhood, Flying, and EntrepreneurshipQ: How do you balance raising a toddler while building an ambitious business and flying? Nathan: “What is balance? Maybe balance is sometimes 90/10 and other times 50/50. I don’t know — I’m still trying to work this one out. But I’m very conscious of spending quality time with my one-year-old. My dad worked a lot when we were young, and I want to be able to spend more time with my family. That’s my priority above everything else. You can’t buy that! If you achieve everything but lose everyone close to you in the process, isn’t that the ultimate failure? I’m trying to show my son that we create our reality, dreams do come true, and above everything else, be kind — no one is above you, and you’re not above anyone else. Having commitments has also really helped me. In a previous business, I got stuck in the day-to-day operations, and the business stopped growing. I simply do not have the time now, so I am forced to delegate and leverage my time by getting other people involved. It’s very easy to use your own sweat equity, but that will eventually lead to burnout and no growth. You really need to create a team.” Family, legacy, and personal growth are central to his approach. Nathan exemplifies how entrepreneurs can integrate personal values into business leadership.  Jet Bean Coffee: Photo Copyright Navjot S. Lauda Why the Mobile Jet Café WorksQ: What does your café offer that a conventional setup can’t? Nathan: “It’s a private jet, come on! I still look at it in complete awe and disbelief. It has a real wow factor and draws people in. I can say that without sounding arrogant, because I didn’t build it alone — without the incredible people around me, it would never have happened. The wow factor comes with some benefits… people take pictures of it, and it’s a fantastic marketing tool. On social media, across both my personal and business accounts, it receives about 2 million views a month. Any brand looking to sponsor the jet will gain exposure, though it’s hard to predict ROI at this stage since it’s so new and we don’t yet have case study evidence. Finally, the most important part is the product we deliver: the coffee. We serve the best coffee, and this isn’t an accident. We use an incredible single-origin Brazilian coffee called ‘Jumbo Jet,’ which emulates the flavors we imagine a 747 would taste like — rich, dark chocolatey, nutty, a real crowd-pleaser. We use the best equipment: a La Marzocco espresso machine that serves 1,000 coffees to 0.1-degree precision, and a Makohlig E65 GBW grinder. The water is filtered and heated precisely to 94°C. The milk is local to my home — full-fat Goodwood milk, pasteurized but non-homogenised, giving each cup a naturally sweet and full texture. Finally, we have a highly experienced, sometimes competition-level barista making the coffee. Of course, this isn’t the cheapest way to serve coffee, but we’re on a journey to perfection — to honour and respect both the coffee beans and the history of the jet we serve from.” Jet Bean Coffee combines aviation heritage with high-quality coffee craftsmanship, creating a unique mobile café experience that cannot be replicated by conventional cafés.  Nathan Raab admiring the view of a private jet. Mobility, Impermanence, and PurposeQ: The café is mobile, and so are you. How do you think about place and permanence? Nathan: “There isn’t permanence in life; life is about impermanence. But maybe, fundamentally, permanence beyond the human experience underpins everything. Perhaps the only permanence is the existence of creation, the soul, or consciousness. I don’t know — maybe that in itself is an illusion. How would we ever know what’s an illusion and what isn’t? Perhaps we will only know when we know. In the meantime, we want to fill others with love and joy through serving coffee from a converted private jet and improving the coffee scene in aviation. That’s the experience we have currently chosen to have.”  Jet Bean Coffee at Blackbushe Airport Lessons from Nathan Raab
Nathan’s story demonstrates that innovation is not just about tech—it’s about vision, courage, and blending human connection with creativity. His mobile café:
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I have just finished reading The Old Bold Pilot — a Pilot's Journey by captain Shakti Lumba and captain Priyanka Arora. “Ladies and gentleman, boy and girls…sit back, relax and enjoy the flight!” You’ve heard the announcement from the captain, but have you ever wondered what it's really like working in the front in the cockpit? These days, passengers are now prohibited from entering the cockpit during flight. Some aircraft are also equipped with CCTV cameras, so the pilots can monitor cabin activity, and some aircraft have extra gates to prevent anyone from entering the cockpit. Industry veteran captain Shakti Lumba — a pilot with over 40 years experience, who retired as IndiGo's vice president and had before that headed Alliance Air as well as being a union leader, has recently penned his memoirs to present to the lay reader a peek into Indian aviation through his personal journey. In this book, captain Lumba once again takes you beyond that locked door to see what the aviation industry is really like, and was like in India, and what real airline pilots do while you’re invited to “sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.” Captain Lumba shares intimate details with typical humor and candor, and some interesting details, too that have not been heard of before. As captain Lumba describes it, this book is ‘many years of writing and six decades in the making’. It comes highly recommended!  Captain Shakti Lumba's original pilot's license for Indian Airlines: Copyright Shakti Lumba Captain Lumba, thank you very much for the time you have taken to do an interview with me about your work and life. I have read your book with interest, and it is remarkable that you have written this book from memory and the notes on your iPhone, as all your original flying logbooks and personal notes were destroyed by termites (sorry to read about that!). So, thanks for your time. It is the first time I have come across a book about aviation in India, and that written by an Indian. There may be others that I have not come across; so, excited that I have got my hands on this!  Glad to get my hands on this book! Nav Singh [NS]: You are quite known for your passion, knowledge, and deep opinions about everything related to aviation and the safety, but what is the root cause of that? Where does this constant thirst for answers come from? Shakti Lumba [SL]: Nav, firstly, thank you very much for having me on your blog. It is an absolute pleasure, and glad you enjoyed my book! My passion for aviation started when I was two years old after my father sadly passed away and my mother – making sure that I did not become sad – told me that he had gone to live in the sky with the stars! From there on then, I vowed to fly and bring him back. For me, the thirst for aviation related knowledge started with reading fiction about aviation. Works such as Biggles, Richard Bach, and Ernest K Gann kept me involved until I actually started flying and realised that knowledge was as important part, just as important as the flying skillset. On top of that, the thirst for knowledge led me to do a lot of reading about the airline and general aviation industry, including flying techniques. RAF AP 129 was my go-to book in regards to building up my aviation knowledge along with books on airline management. Books such as Safe Airline by John Michael Ramsden and Staying Current: A Proficiency Guide for Serious Pilots by Dan Manningham kept me on track. Later during my career, when I got involved with the pilot’s union and represented a pilot in a court of inquiry, which looked into the crash of a Boeing 737 aircraft in Ahmedabad in 1988, it really hit me regarding the the ICAO annexures! As time went, I learnt to fly with the mind and then use my hands and feet to remain safe and professional: the reverse usually leads to disaster!  Boeing 737-200, registered VT-EAH belonging to Indian Airlines, seen here taxiing on 13 November 1978. Sadly, ten years later this aircraft crashed on approach to Ahmedabad due to pilot error in bad weather killing 133 passengers and crew. Captain Lumba was involved in the follow-up investigation. Photo Copyright Indian Airlines/Air India NS: You refer to IndiGo as a fledgling carrier…why fledging? SL: During the five years I was with IndiGo Airlines, from a startup in 2005 until I left in February 2010, it was a fledging airline with ambitions to be India’ largest with just over 40 aircraft. Although, in total it had over 300 aircraft on order! Today, I am proud to say that it is India’s most profitable airline, and the largest operator of Airbus A320 family of aircraft.  Captain Lumba was the global vice president at InterGlobe Aviation Limited (known as IndiGo Airlines). The company is India's most successful airline, operating 354 aircraft (45 ATR 72-600 and 309 A320/A321 family of aircraft), with 945 Airbus A320/A321 family of aircraft on order!). Seen here is a A320neo (registered F-WWDG, delivered to registration to VT-ITI). NS: You mention in your book about a Boeing 737 flight in 1983 with two captains disagreed and that resulted in an accident (landing gear not retracted) and you say that this could not happen these days, but it does seem to be quite common. SL: They agreed but simply the pilot in command (PIC) forgot to lower the undercarriage, while the pilot not flying realized and kept quiet until the last minute. At about two hundred feet (minimums), he pointed out there was no gear, and the pilot flying flipped the gear lever to extend the gear. The gear came down but as it had not locked down properly, it folded with the airplane settling on its engines. Such an accident is not expected to happen these days because the landing gear unsafe warning gets an input from App/Land flaps and radio altimeter. However, to the aviation world’s shock, it did sadly happen a few years ago– an incident with PIA on flight 8303 in 2020 did exactly that and killed ninety-seven passengers, and studies have shown that it may happen again. That can only happen if there is a total breakdown in CRM, and if the checklist is not diligently followed by the crew or if there is some kind of mechanical partial gear failure. Also, note that a landing without a gear can be done safely provided the aircraft has low fuel and the plane is glided down gently – so it is not so dangerous, but the aircraft will [in most cases] be written off! There was a case of an Indian Airlines Airbus A300 that ran out of fuel after diverting from Hyderabad with flaps and slats stuck after a missed approach. The captain made a what we call a “gear up dead stick landing” in a paddy field. In that incident there were thankfully no injuries. So that shows the fantastic airmanship of flying a A300 wide body like a glider by stick and rudder only. It has also been achieved with a Boeing 767 LOT Polish Airlines flight 16 in November 2011 in Warsaw. NS: Now, regarding the Japan Airlines Flight 516 [JAL516] crash in January 2024 – many aviation experts have commented that such an incident could have resulted in fatalities if it had been in another country, such as India for example. This may be due to passengers taking time to get out or taking their belongings etc. – what are your thoughts on that? What would have been the case if it happened in India? SL: Unmitigated disaster: the pre-departure safety briefing provided on Air India for example is totally inadequate for flight safety in my opinion. Meanwhile, the Japan Airlines safety video actually shows passengers how to evacuate and enforces the point not to take hand baggage on case of an emergency.  Captain Shakti Lumba in the left seat!: Copyright Shakti Lumba NS: In your opinion, is Indian aviation safe, if not safer in 2024? SL: The Indian aviation industry is statically safe simply because of how that safety is measured. In actual fact, the largest number of aircraft type operated in India is the Airbus A320 family. This aircraft is very pilot friendly, forgiving and can literally fly itself if it has to! In my opinion, there is a clear and present risk of pilots losing their ability of basic flying skills because the operators mandate is to use the autopilot after take-off till moments before landing. In some airline companies, they have a simple rule about engaging the autopilot on the A320: not before 100 feet and only after 300 feet (~5 seconds) after rotation from the runway. This begs the question, “how do you keep up your skillsets of manual and visual flying if the machine is doing everything?” The answer? You don’t. This to my mind is a huge safety risk if the automatic functions and systems fail. Another safety risk relates to the Flight and Duty Time Limitation [FDTL] prescriptive limits as per ICAO which operators schedule pilot to. This includes the maximum flight duty, unlimited daily duty and minimum legal rest time. The recent amendments to FDTL have given some respite but the carriers are up in arms! Therefore, in my opinion, Indian aviation is destined for growth but there is the risk of reduced regulatory oversight and the system working at it limits. Somethings got to give. The issue is increase in wakefulness and lack of sleep. Fatigue has also been identified in several other major aircraft accidents as either a cause or a contributing factor (National Transportation Safety Board [NTSB], 2000, 2001, 2010; Libyan Civil Aviation Authority, 2013). In addition, aviation policies reflect the importance of fatigue in aviation safety. Since 1972, more than two hundred safety recommendations issued by the NTSB focused on fatigue (Marcus and Rosekind, 2017). Moreover, pilot fatigue has been on the NTSB’s most wanted list of safety-related priorities since 1990 (Caldwell, 2012). These policies do not seem to have resulted in a significant improvement; however, as 23% of major aviation accidents between 2001 and 2012 were attributed to fatigue, compared with 21% in a 1980 study (Lyman and Orlay, 1981; Marcus and Rosekind, 2017). A very illustrating example of fatigue and its effect on the safe piloting of an aircraft is provided by the 2010 crash of Air India Express Flight 812, which crashed upon landing in Mangalore, costing the life of 158 of the 166 people on-board. Residual sleepiness and impaired judgement were believed to have contributed to this accident, as the cockpit voice recorder indicated that the captain had been asleep for the first hour and 40 minutes of the 2 hours and 5 minutes flight (Court of Inquiry India, 2010). According to the NTSB, this was the first instance of snoring recorded on a cockpit voice recorder! Therefore, in my opinion, fatigue is a clear and present danger to safety of aircraft operations. NS: There has been quite a lot of discussion about five B777-200LR aircraft, leased by Air India from Delta Air Lines, with oxygen issues as per this link, what are your thoughts on this on-going saga and the strained relations between Air India’s senior pilots & management? SL: For flights over mountainous terrain with limited passenger oxygen in case of depressurization/ 50% power loss, escape routes must be provided in the flight plan so that the pilot-in-command (PIC) can choose a route that is safe so that passengers can have enough oxygen supply without harm. The issue is that Air India does not provide the crew with escape routes in the flight plan and expects the PIC to decide on an escape plan on the fly. Another issue is that Air India’s leadership prohibits pilots from joining a trade union or associations. It is only airline in the country where every airline pilot is dissatisfied because of bad management, corporate bullying and other such actions which do not make it a safe airline to fly with and are not cohesive to safe operations. NS: Competition from Middle Eastern and Asian carriers is stiff, but with your vast experience, what do you think needs to be done to make Air India one of the best airlines in the world again? Are they (the management) doing what they should be doing? SL: I would say that Tata’s style of management is purely production related in order to generate revenue and focus on profits first and is not focused on the customers or their staff – both their internal and external customers. NS: Now, coming to the important topic of fatigue and sleep: we have been reading a lot about pilots sadly dying because of the extensive hours they have worked because of a lack of sleep. Why is this happening a lot now than before in your opinion and what could be done to fix such things that are “ailing Indian aviation” according to analysts? SL: As I mentioned in detail above, airlines treat pilots like bots these days! Poor crew scheduling and poor HR policies and procedures are the biggest headaches for pilots. Just like in any other industry, pilots don’t leave a company, they leave bad bosses! The issue of work/life balance does not exist, and it is not even considered as a human requirement. The management consider pilot reporting fatigue as malingering. NS: Would it be fair to say that your career was more about your passion and dream of flying rather than the money? What are your thoughts about the youth of today who want to enter aviation because of the big bucks rather than the passion of flying (take some Middle Eastern and Chinese carriers for example)? I am saying this because you see plenty of young airline pilots flaunting their newly found wealth on Instagram or Twitter (wearing a Breitling watch, driving luxury cars or showing off about drinking expensive whiskey etc…). SL: Yes, that would be a fair comment to make. For me it was all about passion, as we weren’t paid well, until at least 1996 (!) My salary only got boosted after my negotiation with the pilot’s union. However, it was based on work more, earn more. I was quite busy with office-based work and with that I could only get on average approximately 60 hours at most per month. However, I was content and happy, and I prioritized my happiness, heath and needs over wants. The guys you talk about we called (Equated Monthly Installment) EMI pilots, who loved (or still love!) buying snazzy cars and fancy goods on EMI equated monthly instalments: as their wants increased, so did their debt!  Alliance Air was a subsidiary of Indian Airlines [and later Air India]. Seen here one of the first aircraft in the fleet, a Boeing 737-238 Adv registered VT-EGI. Pictured in 2007. Photo Copyright Peter Marianic NS: You have at first hand seen many colorful airlines come and go (Kingfisher, Jet Airways, Alliance Air [merged with AI], ModiLuft, Vayudoot etc. because of financial woes), what, in your opinion, is the missing secret sauce for India to have a successful world-class airline that can be stable and provide an exceptional customer and safety experience? (i.e., how to make the likes of SIA, EK, QR jealous etc…) SL: Initially, I helped to merge Vayudoot into Indian Airlines: Alliance was a subsidiary of Indian Airlines that I started – it was my baby, like IndiGo. Now, Modiluft was an air taxi service using a Boeing 737-200 and a Boeing 737-200, which eventually became Spice Jet (they are always short of cash, and that is in their DNA!). Sahara, Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways went down into bankruptcy due to promoters skimming their airlines after they went public. The secret sauce to having a successful airline is to be well capitalized from start and make low cost as your mantra and your philosophy, and this should not be your strategy when times are tough. IndiGo keeps costs in control and seldom sells below costs and therefore it is quite profitable. Now, with Tata, Air India will bring no profits for at least 10-12 years (yes, you read that right…years!) and for that they do need to get their act together.  Shakti Lumba was one of the early pioneers of Vayudoot Airlines. Seen here is a Dornier 228: Photo Copyright Vayudoot Airlines  Modiluft Airlines, Boeing 737-4Y0, registered G-UKLB pictured in 1996 at Southend Airport [ex VT-MGE, MSN: 23865]. Photo Copyright David Oates  Modiluft Airlines, Boeing 737-230 Adv registred D-ABFF [ex VT-MGE, MSN: 22117]. Pictured in 1996 in Hamburg. Photo Copyright AirlineRoline NS: The merger of Air India and Indian Airlines, coupled with the unviable decision to purchase 111 new aircraft, contributed to the downfall of Air India, said the Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia a few years back. Despite all else, it was clear that Indian Airlines was doing well as a profitable airline, but since the late 1980s, Air India started making losses…so any ideas why were they merged together? And any lessons we can learn today? SL: This merger was a merger of chalk and cheese and would never have worked. Only now it was somewhat stabilizing and then Tata took over. Now they are merging four airlines into two. Regarding the aircraft orders, I was one of the few who supported it. The airline needed new aircraft, or it would have drowned. The kicker in the pack was a very badly negotiated deal by novices. The government withdrew sovereign guarantees, so Air India ended up taking loans at commercial rates up to 16% interest (!). Can you imagine? It is crazy! Knuckleheads, in my opinion.  '50 Years of Flying' for Indian Airlines titles. Indian Airlines and subsequently Air India were the only airlines who had A320s with dobule wheel bogies due to India's low pavement classifiction runways in the 1990s / 2000s. Indian Airlines, Airbus A320-231 registred VT-ESA, MSN: 499]. Pictured in July 2004 in Bangkok. Photo Copyright Anthony Jackson  Laksh Farm, India: Photo Copyright Shakti Lumba NS: Please tell us about Laksh farms and foundation, and anything you want the readers to know. SL: Laksh Farms is named after my dearly departed mother. Her name was Lakshmi and my father used to call her ‘Laksh’ which became her pet name. The book describes how I found it and developing it into a successful farm. was a great labor of love – I often say that it is my third startup! My wife and I have created a beautiful natural heavenly place, which we are now proud to call home. It is nestled in a valley in the Aravalli range and has great energy and good vastu (home). It was developed from a total waste land that I bought in 1997 and I turned it into paradise, planted over 2,000 trees, ornamentals, mangoes, chikoo fruit (Sapodilla), citrus and ambles. One visitor described Laksh as “one doesn’t need to die to see heaven. Just visit Laksh farms”. The farm, besides being an agricultural farm with a dairy, chicken, geese, rabbits, is also a farm stay and open for bookings for a farm day. We practice natural farming, and at Laksh we also have the fabulous The Laksh Foundation in Haryana, India. This is a women self-help group and includes the Laksh Foundation Education Society. The education society provides free post school tutorials to around 1,200 kids in five neighboring villages. As a small NGO, organic farm and women’s sewing co-operative, it also began to offer free education to the children of local farm workers, offering them a way to improve their futures – and this is where we partnered with Warwick University, one of the UK's leading universities, with an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. Warwick worked with the Foundation since the beginning and have helped to shape our teaching programmes over time, until at least the start of the Pandemic. Warwick would send 12 volunteers during the summer holidays for three months for a teach the teacher program. In this program we were able to develop 40 of the brightest kids into educators who teach the kids and also learn to graduate in the Open University program. The foundation is a charitable foundation and is totally dependent on family and friend support. We have a computer lab for students and have tied up a weekly visit by a group of doctors who spend half a day at our village, Mangar, for medical consultation and provision of medicines for poor villagers. Laksh is our small way of giving back to society and nature from whom we took so much till retirement: Laksh is our home and was one of the best decisions I took to avoid the rat race and the hustle and bustle of city life. We are only an hour away from Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad yet set in tranquil settings – so near and yet so far! Bouquets and brickbats as we say.  Laksh Farm: Photo Copyright Shakti lumba NS: Has India seen more near misses and collisions than other major aviation hubs/global average? SL: Not at all. As air traffic increases in the limited airspace, incidents of reduced separation are not only common but are not alarming and fall within the very low risk statistical average. There are risk mitigation options, both human and non-human. The whole issue comes under Communication Navigation Surveillance and the Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM). The most common human factor is fatigue in the cockpit or in the control tower with overworked and exhausted controllers and pilots. We need to bring in more stringent fatigue management and fatigue risk management laws with penalties for aircraft operators & air traffic control (ATC) managers. This is the responsibility of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which they unfortunately do not take as seriously as other safety regulators because of the commercial pressure from aircraft operators and the Airport Authority of India [AAI] who manage the CNS/ATM. A shortage of pilots and controllers adds to longer duty time, reduced rest and increased fatigue. NS: Who is to blame for such instances? Airlines, airports, or ground staff authorities? SL: In aviation, we don't play the blame game only look for the probable cause and learn from any incidents. NS: How can that gap be filled and who must fill it? SL: The only logical answer is to increase the airspace and improve surveillance by satellites. Air India and the DGCA are under no pressure to bring is proper laws to properly manage the fatigue issues for pilots and controllers. NS: Mr. Lumba, thank you very much for spending time to share your thoughts. It has been an absolute pleasure having you on my blog!
SL: You are welcome. The pleasure is mine. Thanks a lot, Nav!  Oberteuringen, March 14, 2024 - IHSE, the leading manufacturer of high-end KVM solutions for the extension and switching of computer signals, announces that it has equipped a high-altitude Chinese airport with a fully redundant KVM solution for fail-safe air traffic control. Over the past few years, IHSE KVM solutions have become an important and crucial element in air traffic control systems in major airports around the world. IHSE systems enable controllers in the visual control room to interact with all tower system equipment located in ground-level equipment room. Air traffic controllers can interact with all essential systems from their personal workstations, switch between them and react instantly to all eventualities. For these security-critical applications, IHSE KVM systems offer increased protection against cyber attacks and a comprehensive redundancy concept for fail-safe 24/7 operation. IHSE KVM systems are deployed by several government aviation authorities and in many major global airports, including Frankfurt, Paris and King Abd al-Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia. Air traffic management at an altitude of 3,500mAn IHSE system was recently installed in China at one of the highest airports in the world at an altitude of over 3,500 meters - the airport is unnamed. The extraordinary location presented the system planners with special challenges and posed complex requirements on equipment and systems that are not generally encountered in lower-level airports. The combination of low air pressure, difficult terrain and geomorphological features, high winds, low cloud and extreme diurnal temperature differences calls for a particularly robust and resilient system. These are in addition to the normal requirements for the highest levels of security and reliability that are essential in air traffic management systems.
The fully redundant KVM system deployed here comprises two Draco tera flex KVM matrix switches with automatic switchover to a hot standby unit in the unlikely event of a failure of the primary switch. For further protection, the installation includes redundant power supplies and redundant fiber optic connections. The IHSE solution creates optimum working conditions for air traffic controllers, who can switch all information sources to the screens directly from their multi-monitor workstations and immediately access all tower systems to ensure safe flight operations. From March 19-21, 2024, IHSE will present its flexible and highly secure KVM solutions for towers, apron control, simulation rooms, baggage handling and passenger information systems at Airspace World 2024 in Geneva. 
Farnborough Airshow 2022: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
The air show was delayed for two years during the pandemic
This week saw the welcome return of the Farnborough Air Show. Running from 18-22 July, visitors were treated to displays, press releases, panel roundtables, exhibitions from the aviation industry, including aerospace, defense. Issues such as Environmental, Governance and Sustainability (ESG) were high on the agenda, with aircraft manufacturers and airlines promising smarter technology, cleaner fuel, and greener business. This means more room for highly fuel efficient and quieter aircraft, and hopefully less expensive to operate.
As an example, Airbus and CFM International are collaborating to flight test CFM’s cutting-edge open fan engine architecture on board an Airbus A380. The Flight Test Demonstrator is aimed to mature and accelerate the development of advanced propulsion technologies, as part of CFM’s Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engine (RISE) demonstration programme. “New propulsion technologies will play an important role in achieving aviation’s net-zero objectives, along with new aircraft designs and sustainable energy sources,” said Sabine Klauke, Airbus Chief Technical Officer. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, astronaut Tim Peake, and British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps visited the show in the first two days. The Prime Minister met some of the 1,500 exhibitors at one of the world’s biggest aerospace and defense trade shows. In a speech, Mr Johnson said: "I’m glad that I finally made it to Farnborough, this famous air show, in the climactic weeks of my time as Prime Minister." The photos in this blog were taken over the five days, in a period in which we experienced the hottest day ever in the history of records in the UK (40.2C) on Tuesday July 19, followed by the obligatory rain showers. Hence why you seen a blue sky in some photos and a dark grey in others. 
Farnborough Airshow 2022: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Were there many orders?
With this being the first show in four years (and with a delay due to the Pandemic), it seemed and came across as a quieter affair compared to previous shows. There wasn't the much anticipated fanfare that happened in previous years. But one thing was clear: Boeing seemed to do quite well in terms of orders. Though Airbus, meanwhile, managed to conduct just two sales on the premises of the airshow, one for the A220 and one for the A321neo. However, it had secured a big win just ahead of Farnborough, with China’s top three carriers ordering almost 300 A320 family aircraft on 1 July, 2022. This chart from AeroTime shows a breakdown of the orders made in this year's show, and Boeing has certainly made more orders in 2022:
The Boeing 737 MAX 10
The largest of the 737 MAX family, the Boeing 737 MAX 10, made its international debut at the Farnborough International Airshow 2022. During the show, the aircraft ran on a blend of sustainable aviation fuel. Before the show, Boeing had already received more than 3,300 net orders for 737 MAX narrow bodies, and kicked off the Farnborough Airshow with firm order signings with Delta Air Lines, Inc. for at least 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10 jets and with All Nippon Airways parent ANA Holdings for twenty 737 MAX 8s, along with two Boeing 777-8F cargo variants.
Also, Qatar Airways made official an order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, with options for a further 25 of the type. "We are honored that Qatar Airways has decided to add Boeing’s single-aisle family to its fleet, deepening our relationship with this world-class airline," said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 MAX 10 is ideally suited for Qatar Airways’ regional network and will provide the carrier with the most capable, most fuel-efficient airplane in its class," he added. The order, worth $3.4 billion at list prices, capped a largely one-sided show dominated by Boeing's efforts to shore up the MAX 10, whose future lies partly in the hands of regulators and Congress. Qatar Airways displayed its Boeing 777-300ER (FIFA World Cup 2022 Livery), 787-9 Dreamliner and Qatar Executive Gulfstream at the airshow. 
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 at Farnborough. The B737 MAX 10 incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays, and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency. Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Stanley A Deal, Executive Vice President, President and Chief Executive Officer at Boeing Commercial Airplanes with Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways and Secretary-General of Qatar Tourism at the Farnborough Airshow: Photo Copyright Boeing Company
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 at Farnborough. Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 winglet is the most efficient winglet on any airplane: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
The Boeing 737 MAX 10 leaves Farnborough after the show back to Seattle via Reykjavik. The 737 MAX 10 will continue test flights and obtain its type certificate before it can begin scheduled operations. The delay, caused by the problems of the 737 MAX 8 and the extended scrutiny of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is a major stumbling block in its commercialization. Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
The Boeing 777X
One of the highlights of 2022’s edition of the show was the huge Boeing 777X, the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, which the manufacturer showed off in both static and flying displays. With new breakthroughs in aerodynamics and engines, the 777X will deliver 10 percent lower fuel use and emissions and 10 percent lower operating costs than the competition. The 777X is based on the original 777, but is much larger, more powerful, and is ready to serve the next generation of long-haul air travel, and generally passengers prefer large aircraft, and this will not disappoint!
Even though the 777X has been delayed by over five years, we are in this interesting period where the airlines that were affected by the delay have almost got over that part now. The COVID-19 Pandemic, if anything, has helped that cause. With any new aircraft, airlines are usually cautious. It is going to be great for the passengers and great for the airlines, too! 
With the wingtips extended, the 777X has a wingspan of 71.75 meters (235 feet and 5 inches). On the ground and when the wingtips are folded, the aircraft has a wingspan of 64.82m (212’ 8”): Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
So far 8 customers have confirmed orders for the Boeing 777X: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
The Boeing 777X during a display at the Farnborough 2022 Airshow: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Warm champagne anyone?
The show also saw the introduction of some interesting features that we may see. Thanks to the team at Turningleftforless for taking this video of a "Champagne on Demand" as demonstrated by Adient collaborating with Boeing to explore improved comfort, functionality of commercial aircraft seating and interiors. My mate, James Nixon (ex- A380 captain), queried "Why does any airline exec think passengers want to drink warm champagne?".
Airbus A350-900 XWB and the Airbus A220-300
Airbus brought its A350 test aircraft for display flights throughout the show. Also, Airbus showcased an ITA Airways A350-900 and an Air Baltic A220-300 aircraft on the ground.
Airbus A350-900 XWB displaying at Farnborough: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Airbus A350-900 XWB displaying at Farnborough: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Airbus A350-900 XWB displaying at Farnborough: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Italy's ITA Airways showcased their brand new Airbus A350-900 XWB, registered EI-IFF: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Italy's ITA Airways showcased their brand new Airbus A350-900 XWB, registered EI-IFF: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Italy's ITA Airways showcased their brand new Airbus A350-900 XWB, registered EI-IFF: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Italy's A350-900 and Air Baltic's A220: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
The APU of Italy's ITA Airways brand new Airbus A350-900 XWB, registered EI-IFF: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Italy's ITA Airways showcased their brand new Airbus A350-900 XWB, registered EI-IFF: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Air Baltic's A220. One of the biggest orders for the aircraft came from Delta Air Lines, Inc. Delta Air Lines firmed up orders for 12 A220-300 aircraft, bringing Delta’s total firm order for A220s to 107 aircraft – 45 A220-100s and 62 A220-300s. The A220s will be powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines. Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
New British Airline: Hans Airways
Start-up carrier Hans Airways moved a step closer to launching flights between the UK and India, with the lease of an A330-200 aircraft and the start of crew training. According to the CEO, Satnam S. Saini, the aircraft is weeks away from launch.
The airline plans to launch flights between Birmingham airport and Amritsar as a key destination using an ex-Air Europa A330 and with a two class configuration – economy (branded Anand Class) with 274 seats and a seat pitch of 31 inches, and premium economy (Anand Plus) with 24 seats and a seat pitch of 56 inches. Updating the media on progress Barry Humphries, CBE, Hans Airways’ board director and former head of air services policy at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “With the loss of flights operated by India’s Jet Airways and British inclusive tour operators Thomas Cook and Monarch Airlines, there is room for a third UK airline flying between UK and India (complementing British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.) All of us are working exceptionally hard and on schedule to be that third UK designated carrier.” Supernal's eVTOL vehicle cabin
Supernal's eVTOL vehicle cabin concept was on display at the Farnborough International Airshow, and provided the first look at how Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) is integrating automotive capabilities to develop the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Black Eagles and the Boeing Stearman (Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers)
South Korean Air Force's finest - the Black Eagles: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Boeing Stearman (Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers): Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Future is Boom?
Boom Supersonic announced the updated design of Overture with 4 engines. Carrying 65–80 passengers at twice the speed of today’s airliners, Overture will fly Mach 1.7 over water with a range of 4,250 nautical miles.
Boom further said that the new design is the culmination of 26 million core hours of simulated software designs, five wind tunnel tests, and the careful evaluation of 51 full design iterations resulting in an economically and environmentally sustainable supersonic airliner. Boom also announced a market-expanding alliance with Northrop Grumman to develop special mission variants for the U.S. Government and its allies. The question here is, will it better what Concorde achieved and will passengers pay for and enjoy the experience? United Airlines have already proudly stated that they plan to offer services on Boom. But will it be a success? We shall see. Maybe a debut at future Farnborough Airshows? 
Boom Supersonic during a demo video at Farnborough: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Aircraft on display
USAF CH-47 Chinook at the Farnborough Airshow 2022: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
USAF CH-47 Chinook at the Farnborough Airshow 2022: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
USAF's finest: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
This view could easily be confused with a US military base: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
F-15E Strike Eagles: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
USAF P-5A - a 737 converted for military usage: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Stuck inside the S-70M Black Hawk!: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
RAF Westland Sea King: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
 Can never get tired of this view on approach to Heathrow: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  BA's Business Class offering on the Bologna-Heathrow route: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
The much anticipated annual World Travel Market, the leading global event for the travel industry, generating more than £2.8 billion of business contracts between attendees, opened it's doors to the media and invited guests in London at the London ExCel with a spectacular display of song, dance and plenty of glamour on the morning of the 6th of November. It's the key event for the world's travel and tourism industry, with practically the who's who of the industry coming together to discuss important issues, close important deals and reveal new product and service offerings in a world exclusive. Below are some exclusive snippets I gathered from the action-packed three-day event.
Here is what I had to say about the importance of attending the event:
BBC News anchor Aaron Haslehurst opened the event for the media with an overview of the year for the industry. He summarised that the industry is more optimistic in 2017/8 than last year with over £3 billion in business and is set to grow. He also revealed that Italy and Greece are actually enjoying the high growth of tourism despite Brexit happening, and this trend is set to continue. Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Alex Cruz, the CEO of British Airways, gave an inspirational talk on his thoughts and strategy to make the national flag carrier a leading five-star airline while at the same time keep costs down. Despite being a tough year for the airline, Mr. Cruz is optimistic that 2018 will be a fruitful year for British Airways, and that cutting down on certain things, such as free in-flight food & beverages on European and Domestic routes is the correct thing to do because the majority of passengers would prefer that. Aviation experts predict that the introduction of paid services, such as in-flight Wi-Fi could also bring in extra income for airlines. Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Cricket legends attend the WTM 2017
One of the greats of the game of cricket, Sir Garfield Sobers, attended the event to promote Barbados as a brand ambassador: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Cricket legends Sir Vivian Richards (right) and Desmond Haynes (left), attended the event to promote Barbados as a brand ambassador: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Sir Garfield Sobers (right), Gordon Greenridge (second-right) and Wes Hall (3rd from right) at the World Travel Market 2017: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
When the world comes to London!
What an entrance from the Dominican Republic: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Promoting Karnataka in India: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
From the Punjab! Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Bolivian pride at the WTM 2017: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Cyprus is also set to see a growth in tourism this year: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
China's economic growth will see a trend in the independent traveller- whereas before it used to be that group travel was popular in the country. Chinese visitors to the UK will also increase in the coming year. A particular reason is the awareness about global tourism generated in China via digital and social media platforms such as WeChat: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Greek breakfast! Greece, along with Italy, is one of the few European countries that are going to see a growth in the number of tourists in 2018, especially from the UK and Brexit is actually good for them! Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Slovenia, one of those countries that deserves more attention than they get. With great food, wine and spectacular views, this is a country that offers a lot for the tourist and is not that expensive either. Foodies delight, Slovenia will be a major hit list in 2018 according to industry experts. Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
Happiest country in the world...! Rare and exotic, Bhutan is offering something unique to the travel nomad! Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
THY Turkish Airlines had one of the biggest stands I have ever seen displayed by an airline. The award-winning airline has constantly been voted the best in Europe and offers more routes worldwide than any other airline...will they be the next Singapore Airlines? We shall see. Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
SAUDIA- Saudi Arabian Airlines unveiled new Business and First Class seats and products during the WTM 2017. They have ambitious plans to operate to over 200 routes by 2020 and maybe even plan more routes to London, a traditional destination for them, and to emerging markets such as India and China. Photo Copyright Navjot Singh
 It doesn't get better than this. On our flight back from our honeymoon to Shanghai, we receveied a card signed by every member of the cabin crew and cockpit crew, and an announcement made over the PA- to the applause from the passengers. Quite a celebration and a joyful moment to remember for the rest of our lives: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Implacable customer service from Cathay Pacific Airways- flying the Boeing 777-200, with a nice greeting from the crew: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Just about to enter the active runway at Hong Kong's Chap Lap Kok International: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Kuala Lumpur airport is located around 50kms from the city centre- you can either cough up a heavy taxi fare (around $40 one-way) or take a quick express train from the airport to central station. The KLIA Ekspres is a premium non-stop high-speed train service that connects KL International Airport(s) and the Kuala Lumpur city center and takes around 30-minutes. It is clean, air conditioned and makes the London Underground and the New York Subway system look like wagons from a century ago!: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Kuala Lumpur is the 13th busiest in the world and always seems to be empty. It's built about 50kms from the city and not quick to get to by all means, and is surrounded by forest. But forests mean green and green means hot. During approach pilots (and passengers) have to contend with turbulence due to the localised hot air rising from the canopy: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Captured the moment...on the way to Kuala Lumpur on the Boeing 737-800NG with Malaysia Airlines: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh My wife and I would like to give a special thanks to Hong Kong based Passenger Services Officer, Ms. Koyi Wong from Cathay Dragon. After our flight was delayed from Shanghai Pudong to Hong Kong, we evidently ended up missing the HKG-KUL flight as well. Ms. Koyi Wong went out of her way to help us get not only onto our next flight, but also to make sure that our luggage arrived safely onto our next flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi (which was with Malaysia Airlines on a different ticket). Koyi is a customer service professional extraordinaire, and in all my travels so far I have never come across an airline personnel who genuinely goes out of their way to help passengers. If it was not for her, we would have missed our flight to Langkawi from KL and it would have occurred us extra charges and delays etc. She deserves a special mention in your company newsletter or similar communication materials and I hope she can become more successful in her career and life. There are some truly amazing people in the aviation industry and Ms. Koyi Wong is definitely one of them. Amazing human. I did not take her photo, but here is a photo of her badge, which she quite rightly deserves to wear with sheer pride. People like Koyi ALL work for airlines (except for the ones who work in hospitals...or ambulances...or rescue helicopters etc.). My hats off.  Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong was delayed. Flew Business Class on Cathay Dragon, but were provided with a first class standard service throughout by the crew (and those at the ground as well): Photo Copyright Navjot Singh Airline pilots are apparently trained not to spill drinks while in-flight. Interestingly, after our flight was delayed by nearly three hours (they like to avoid the insurance claims, so the delays are always just below three hours!), these chaps were in such a rush to get me to my wedding in Yangzhou that we ended up spilling the drinks in-flight!  There goes the orange juice!: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Yangzhou Airport: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The Boeing 737-800 on which we travelled: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh Dubai Airport at 1am...the world's jet lagged come here to do shopping at midnight. Yep, people love buying gold at night (like you do!)!  Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Wedding cake and card given by Emirates airline cabin crew on flight to Dubai from London. Great flight...photos on their camera came out better (yes, hard to believe that a PHOTOGRAPHER could not take his own photo!)...never had 12 crew surrounding my seat...what a celebration!: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Champagne to celebrate the upcoming wedding given by Emirates airline cabin crew on flight to Dubai from London: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh There's a #Londonminute but also a #HongKongsecond, which is what I did on today. I flew from Shanghai to Hong Kong to London, stayed in London for 10 hours, and then flew out back to Shanghai that night! Makes me realise how globally connected we all are - we're only an email or a flight away from everyone!. #london #hongkong Definitely the shortest time I've ever flown to a city!  A Thai Airways A330 takes off into the warm Hong Kong sky....what a view that must be with the full moon straight in front of the cockpit!: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Hong Kong airport at midnight....busy with the last few flights heading off to Europe and Australia: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Shining in the midday sun- seen from 38,000 ft: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Shining in the midday sun- seen from 38,000 ft: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Cargo terminal seen at Hong Kong: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Cathay City seen at Hong Kong: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh Time to go back to Shanghai (via Hong Kong)...def will beat DHL to get my parcel to the British Embassy- as that would have taken 3 days...quickest turnaround...12 hours of running around London getting errands done (including a quickfire shopping trip to Harrods) and 8 hours of bliss sleep thanks to a great book by James (read his book...perfect for long-haul flights and short stopovers!). Ciao London...   Hong Kong airport's extraordinary terminal is always captivating: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Dragonair has been re-branded as Cathay Dragon (an Airbus A330 in new colours seen getting ready to enter the active runway)...  plus managed to get a cool shot of the OLD Kai Tai airstrip (it is a terminal for luxury cruise liners now- I think)...  Emirates A380 pilot, Captain James Nixon: Photo Copyright Capt. Peter Krygger 2016 I first met James on an Emirates A380 flight from Dubai to London Heathrow (Callsign ‘EK003 heavy’- click here to view the review of that flight) in 2011. He was our Senior First Officer and was kind enough to take a few photos for me from the flight deck using my camera (my camera was allowed in, but not I!). We had an amazing crew on that flight, and the senior purser was a good bloke. Upon hearing that I was a photographer and journalist, he replied “Oh, our senior pilot is also a photographer and author- let me speak to him and see if he can lend you his book”. The guy gave me his book for the whole flight…best in-flight reading I have ever done! After we landed at a windy Heathrow, the senior purser (who somehow also doubled as a good salesman), asked me “So, what do you think? Would you like to buy it?” I burst into laughter….I thought it was a free gift from James! Ever since that flight, we have been good mates. I can say that he comes across as a very friendly and customer-focused person- which is a rare to find in the aviation industry these days. Reading his blog posts and his Facebook posts, you get the feeling that he is a true aviator and not just a pilot- he calls his planes girlfriends…I mean, you can’t really get much more love out of your job than that! He makes you wish you were a pilot, even if you are not into aviation and even if you have no love for planes whatsoever! James has always provided me with great advice about flying and I have cherished that advice. We met again in Dubai in 2015. This time he was preparing for his simulator test for his command course on the Airbus A380. It was at that time that he told me of his retirement plans. I was quite sad and surprised to hear it.  Emirates A380 pilot, Captain James Nixon: Photo Copyright Capt. Peter Krygger 2016 James’ last flight, EK407, was on the 24th of September from Melbourne (MEL) to Dubai (DXB) on aircraft registration A6-EDY, arriving early in the morning in Dubai. I cannot begin to imagine what he must be going through at this time, knowing that he will never fly ever again. His career has been nothing short of an exemplary one for those who want to enter the challenging but rewarding world of aviation. He will be writing books in his retirement on subjects related to aviation (while downing a few well-deserved daiquiris in Boracay, no doubt!). Click here to read a review I wrote for one of his books in sleeping for pilots and other insomniacs! In his own words, just before this last commercial flight out of Melbourne for Dubai, the great Melbournian said on Facebook: “They say pilots only love the plane they're flying ... And they remember only two flights, the last one they did and their first solo. Thanks, Peter Nelson, for sending me solo in 1985 ... Will never forget it!”. After a remarkable career of thirty-one and a half years that many can only dream of having, I am sure he will be yearning to fly again soon! Mate, you are really an inspiration to many and it has been an absolute pleasure to know you as a mate. Here’s cheers to a very well-deserved and happy retirement!  Emirates A380 pilot Captain James Nixon standing next to his beloved 'girlfriend': Photo Copyright Capt. Peter Krygger 2016 Below is a recording of James' interview on Melbourne's Radio 3AW with Darren James
 On 3 August 2016, a Boeing 777-300 aircraft, registration A6-EMW, belonging to Emirates Airline, was operating a scheduled passenger flight, numbered EK521, and departed Trivandrum International Airport (VOTV), India at 0506am local time for Dubai International Airport (OMDB), the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At approximately 0837am local time, the aircraft impacted the runway during an attempted go-around at Dubai. There were a total of 300 people on-board the aircraft, comprising of 282 passengers, two flight crew members, and 16 cabin crew members. However, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) was very sad to announce that one of the firefighters lost his life while saving the lives of the others. Jassim Isa Al Balushi managed to rescue 300 lives, but in doing so, he lost his own. The brave firefighter sustained fatal injuries after helping put out the flames during rescue operations, the report said. His valiant efforts, however, were not in vain, as everyone on board escaped from the burning jet alive—including 282 fliers and 12 cabin staff. Once everyone evacuated, the aircraft exploded and burst into flames and Al Balushi was unfortunately caught in the blaze. The initial report into the incident has shown the pilot had tried to abandon the landing after the main wheels of the Boeing 777-300 had already touched down. When such accidents happen, it is always best to wait for the investigators to do their job and publish the report, rather than listen to so many so-called 'aviation experts' on the TV and the internet because most of them are just guessing and have little or no idea on what the truth of the matter is. The official Preliminary Report has been published by the GCAA of the UAE. Click here to get it from their official website.  The wreckage of flight EK521 at Dubai airport after the crash: Photo Copyright Reuters  The wreckage of flight EK521 at Dubai airport after the crash: Photo Copyright Reuters  The wreckage of flight EK521 at Dubai airport after the crash. A sad photo that also illustrates the reason why you should NEVER wait to take your belongings from an aircraft in case of an emergency...just GET UP, and JUMP DOWN THE EMERGENCY CHUTE!: Photo Copyright Reuters  An illustration from the GCAA report  Jasim Issa Mohammed Hassan gave up his own life to save 300 others. Screen grab from @khaleejtimes/Twitter. 'Explore the Hutongs' - Article in August 2016 Issue of QRYX, In-Flight Magazine of Qatar Airways8/1/2016
My latest article is about Beijing's hutongs, for the August issue of Qryx, the in-flight magazine for Qatar Airways (the world's 5-star airline).   Paris at midnight as seen from 35,000 feet...see the Eiffel Tower and Arc De Triomphe to the right? (flying last night from Marseille to Gatwick). All the other 140 passengers were sleeping and missed such a beautiful view...: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  One of the BEST Business Class meals I have tried on an European airline: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Iberia Spanish Airlines Business Class: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh |
LIFE MATTERSHere I share my thoughts and experiences from my travels, and how certain events have shaped my life as an expatriate and world traveller. Travelling is about capturing moments in life. Every word, view, and opinion on this page is my own—Navjot S. Lauda—unless otherwise indicated. The most recent entries appear at the top; scroll down to read the archive or use CTRL+F (COMMAND+F) to search for keywords. These are some stories you have never heard before.
Investors and trend-watchers may find this site particularly useful. Investment often relies on personal observation and identifying emerging trends. The average person on the street frequently understands the economy better than politicians, university professors, or financial analysts, many of whom seldom travel—or if they do, move only between hotels. The true pulse and vibrancy of an economy are best seen on the streets of a country. 
All photos and words are © Navjot S. Lauda unless stated. Photos taken by others or by agencies are appropriately copyrighted under the respective name. No photo or word/s may be taken without the prior written permission by the author (i.e. Navjot S. Lauda). All Rights Reserved. 
Navjot being interviewed by Cecila Lu at GDTV.
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