Boeing 737: Lion Air, Ethiopian Airlines and the Indian connection

The pilot of a Nairobi-bound Boeing 737 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-plane-crashes-with-157-on-board-no-survivors-says-state-media-202350">that crashed six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa</a> on Sunday, had alerted controllers "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-boeing-was-similar-to-lion-air-plane-that-crashed-last-october-202336">he had difficulties</a>" and wanted to turn back the plane carrying 157 people, the head of Ethiopian Airlines said.

The pilot "was given clearance" to return to Addis, chief executive officer Tewolde GebreMariam told journalists in the Ethiopian capital when asked whether there had been a distress call.&nbsp;

The new Boeing 737 MAX: Two crashes in six months

The 737 MAX, a new plane from US aircraft manufacturer Boeing, faces fresh scrutiny of its safety record after being involved in two crashes in six months.

The single-aisle airliner, which undertook its first commercial flight in May 2017, came under the spotlight in October last year in the wake of a fatal accident in Indonesia.

Lion Air Flight 610 vanished from radar shortly after taking off from Jakarta on October 29, crashing into waters off the north coast of Java Island and killing all 189 people onboard.

About 30 relatives of the crash victims have since filed lawsuits in the United States against Boeing, alleging that faults with the new airliner, including with its anti-stalling system, led to the deaths.

Questions were raised by experts and a pilots' union in the US about whether pilots had been properly trained and whether Boeing had fully shared data about changes made to the on-board control systems.

Boeing responded by saying that the 737 MAX was "as safe as any airplane that has ever flown the skies."&nbsp;

There is no indication that a technical problem was to blame for the crash of the Boeing 737-800 MAX operated by Ethiopian Airlines on Sunday which crashed minutes after taking off from Addis Ababa bound for Nairobi.&nbsp;

An investigation by aviation experts and analysis of the blackbox flight recorders is expected to shed light on the causes of the crash.

High demand 
Boeing is struggling to keep up with demand for the new aircraft, which offers far better fuel efficiency than earlier versions of the 737, the world's top-selling airliner.

Around 350 planes have been delivered to customers, with another 5,011 orders taken by Boeing, according to figures at the end of January.

Component suppliers and particularly the manufacturer of its engines -- CFM, a joint venture between US-based General Electric and France's Safran -- have struggled to keep up with demand.

Forced to announce delays in deliveries to clients, Boeing has sent some of its own employees to work alongside CFM workers with the aim of increasing production from its current rate of 52 planes a month to 57.

The 737 MAX family of planes includes versions with different seating capacities, with a maximum 230 for the MAX 9.

The price per plane ranges from 99.7-129 million dollars (89-117 million euros), though discounts are usually given to clients for large orders.

Its main competitor is the Airbus A320, which is also designed for short and medium-haul flights.

The pilot of a Nairobi-bound Boeing 737 that crashed six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa on Sunday, had alerted controllers "he had difficulties" and wanted to turn back the plane carrying 157 people, the head of Ethiopian Airlines said.

The pilot of a Nairobi-bound Boeing 737 that crashed six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa on Sunday, had alerted controllers "he had difficulties" and wanted to turn back the plane carrying 157 people, the head of Ethiopian Airlines said. The pilot "was given clearance" to return to Addis, chief executive officer Tewolde GebreMariam told journalists in the Ethiopian capital when asked whether there had been a distress call. The new Boeing 737 MAX: Two crashes in six months The 737 MAX, a new plane from US aircraft manufacturer Boeing, faces fresh scrutiny of its safety record after being involved in two crashes in six months. The single-aisle airliner, which undertook its first commercial flight in May 2017, came under the spotlight in October last year in the wake of a fatal accident in Indonesia. Lion Air Flight 610 vanished from radar shortly after taking off from Jakarta on October 29, crashing into waters off the north coast of Java Island and killing all 189 people onboard. About 30 relatives of the crash victims have since filed lawsuits in the United States against Boeing, alleging that faults with the new airliner, including with its anti-stalling system, led to the deaths. Questions were raised by experts and a pilots' union in the US about whether pilots had been properly trained and whether Boeing had fully shared data about changes made to the on-board control systems. Boeing responded by saying that the 737 MAX was "as safe as any airplane that has ever flown the skies." There is no indication that a technical problem was to blame for the crash of the Boeing 737-800 MAX operated by Ethiopian Airlines on Sunday which crashed minutes after taking off from Addis Ababa bound for Nairobi. An investigation by aviation experts and analysis of the blackbox flight recorders is expected to shed light on the causes of the crash. High demand Boeing is struggling to keep up with demand for the new aircraft, which offers far better fuel efficiency than earlier versions of the 737, the world's top-selling airliner. Around 350 planes have been delivered to customers, with another 5,011 orders taken by Boeing, according to figures at the end of January. Component suppliers and particularly the manufacturer of its engines -- CFM, a joint venture between US-based General Electric and France's Safran -- have struggled to keep up with demand. Forced to announce delays in deliveries to clients, Boeing has sent some of its own employees to work alongside CFM workers with the aim of increasing production from its current rate of 52 planes a month to 57. The 737 MAX family of planes includes versions with different seating capacities, with a maximum 230 for the MAX 9. The price per plane ranges from 99.7-129 million dollars (89-117 million euros), though discounts are usually given to clients for large orders. Its main competitor is the Airbus A320, which is also designed for short and medium-haul flights.

Ethiopian Airlines crash: Pilot reported 'difficulties', had asked to return

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-to-be-held-in-seven-phases-starting-april-11-202362">2019 Lok Sabha elections to be held in seven phases starting April 11</a>

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora.&nbsp;

The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-plane-crashes-with-157-on-board-no-survivors-says-state-media-202350">Ethiopian Airlines plane crashes with 157 on board: 'No survivors,' says state media</a>

An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet to Nairobi crashed early on Sunday with 149 passengers and eight crew members aboard, the airline said, and there were no survivors, according to the state broadcaster.

The flight left Bole airport in Addis Ababa at 8.38 am local time, before losing contact with the control tower just a few minutes later at 8.44 am.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/enough-is-enough-india-cannot-suffer-terrorism-till-eternity-pm-modi-202353">Enough is enough, India cannot suffer terrorism till eternity: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday sent across a strong message to terrorist forces targeting India, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever and that his government has taken some "strong decisions" against such elements.

"For many decades, the country and numerous families have suffered the wounds and pain given by terrorism, Naxalism and insurgency. What happened in Pulwama and Uri was heartbreaking.

"We cannot bear this pain till eternity. Enough is enough," the Prime Minister said while addressing CISF personnel.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-boeing-was-similar-to-lion-air-plane-that-crashed-last-october-202336">Ethiopian Airlines crash: Boeing was similar to Lion Air plane that crashed last October</a>

The Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed Sunday was the same type of Boeing as the Lion Air plane that crashed last October in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board.&nbsp;

The Lion Air plane was a Boeing 737MAX. The Ethiopian Airlines plane was a Boeing 737-800MAX.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/jawans-should-count-dead-bodies-after-air-strike-or-return-safely-sushma-swaraj-202348">Jawans should count dead bodies after air strike or return safely?: Sushma Swaraj</a>

Speaking at a gathering of the BJP's women workers in Mumbai on Sunday, senior leader and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj signalled that the military action against Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack would be a poll issue for the ruling party.

"We should ask questions about whether our jawans should count the dead bodies (after dropping bombs on terror camps) or return safely after carrying out the air strike. BJP workers should ask counter-questions to those who raise doubts about the impact of our air strike," Swaraj said.

2019 Lok Sabha elections to be held in seven phases starting April 11 The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora.

2019 Lok Sabha elections to be held in seven phases starting April 11 The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora. The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23. Ethiopian Airlines plane crashes with 157 on board: 'No survivors,' says state media An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet to Nairobi crashed early on Sunday with 149 passengers and eight crew members aboard, the airline said, and there were no survivors, according to the state broadcaster. The flight left Bole airport in Addis Ababa at 8.38 am local time, before losing contact with the control tower just a few minutes later at 8.44 am. Enough is enough, India cannot suffer terrorism till eternity: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday sent across a strong message to terrorist forces targeting India, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever and that his government has taken some "strong decisions" against such elements. "For many decades, the country and numerous families have suffered the wounds and pain given by terrorism, Naxalism and insurgency. What happened in Pulwama and Uri was heartbreaking. "We cannot bear this pain till eternity. Enough is enough," the Prime Minister said while addressing CISF personnel. Ethiopian Airlines crash: Boeing was similar to Lion Air plane that crashed last October The Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed Sunday was the same type of Boeing as the Lion Air plane that crashed last October in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board. The Lion Air plane was a Boeing 737MAX. The Ethiopian Airlines plane was a Boeing 737-800MAX. Jawans should count dead bodies after air strike or return safely?: Sushma Swaraj Speaking at a gathering of the BJP's women workers in Mumbai on Sunday, senior leader and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj signalled that the military action against Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack would be a poll issue for the ruling party. "We should ask questions about whether our jawans should count the dead bodies (after dropping bombs on terror camps) or return safely after carrying out the air strike. BJP workers should ask counter-questions to those who raise doubts about the impact of our air strike," Swaraj said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

'I thought it was thunder': Witness recounts Indonesia plane crash

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday said no technical issue has been experienced by Boeing 737 MAX planes operating in the country, after an aircraft crashed in Indonesia, with 188 people on board. Earlier in the day, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lion-airs-plane-was-almost-brand-new-was-recent-model-of-boeings-737-aircraft-174280">Indonesia’s Lion Air </a>crashed into the sea shortly after taking off from the Jakarta.

Jet Airways and SpiceJet are the Indian carriers that fly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/lion-air-plane-crash-body-parts-found-as-rescue-agency-says-likely-all-189-aboard-crashed-jet-dead-174197">Boeing 737 MAX</a>. A total of six such planes are in operation in the country. Since six Boeing 737 MAX planes are being operated by Jet Airways and SpiceJet, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in touch with Boeing and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to know more details about the unfortunate accident, a senior DGCA official said.

According to the official, as on September 2018, Boeing has informed that 219 737 MAX planes have been delivered across the world. “As far as the operation of B 737 MAX with Indian operators is concerned, no technical issue has been experienced by the operators,” the official said. The Lion Air flight — JT 610 — was flying from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang when it lost contact with ground control few minutes after take-off and was last tracked crossing the sea, he added.

Indian pilot Bhavye Suneja died in the crash. “Our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of lives in the Lion Air plane crash, off the coast of Jakarta today. Most unfortunate that Indian Pilot Bhavye Suneja who was flying JT610 also lost his life… The embassy is in touch with the Crisis Center and coordinating for all assistance,” Indian Embassy in Jakarta tweeted.

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday said no technical issue has been experienced by Boeing 737 MAX planes operating in the country, after an aircraft crashed in Indonesia, with 188 people on board.

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday said no technical issue has been experienced by Boeing 737 MAX planes operating in the country, after an aircraft crashed in Indonesia, with 188 people on board. Earlier in the day, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft operated by Indonesia’s Lion Air crashed into the sea shortly after taking off from the Jakarta. Jet Airways and SpiceJet are the Indian carriers that fly Boeing 737 MAX. A total of six such planes are in operation in the country. Since six Boeing 737 MAX planes are being operated by Jet Airways and SpiceJet, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in touch with Boeing and Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to know more details about the unfortunate accident, a senior DGCA official said. According to the official, as on September 2018, Boeing has informed that 219 737 MAX planes have been delivered across the world. “As far as the operation of B 737 MAX with Indian operators is concerned, no technical issue has been experienced by the operators,” the official said. The Lion Air flight — JT 610 — was flying from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang when it lost contact with ground control few minutes after take-off and was last tracked crossing the sea, he added. Indian pilot Bhavye Suneja died in the crash. “Our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of lives in the Lion Air plane crash, off the coast of Jakarta today. Most unfortunate that Indian Pilot Bhavye Suneja who was flying JT610 also lost his life… The embassy is in touch with the Crisis Center and coordinating for all assistance,” Indian Embassy in Jakarta tweeted.

Boeing 737 MAX planes in India have not experienced tech issues, says DGCA

Lion Air CEO believed ill-fated Lion Air plane was flight-ready

boeing-737-max-8

Boeing 737 Max 8, News on Boeing 737 Max 8, stories on Boeing 737 Max 8, articles on Boeing 737 Max 8, Boeing 737 Max 8 stories at Wion, Boeing 737 Max 8 news, Boeing 737 Max 8 latest news