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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

AI’s Maharaja smiles joyfully

All 30 grounded aircrafts now fly Mumbai : Air India’s Maharaja is all pleased as punch at 80. After years of huge costs and efforts, the last of the grounded 30 aircraft – inherited by the Tata Group during the privatization in Jan. 2022 – is now resurrected fully and took to the skies gracefully on Monday.   The aircraft is the gleaming VT-ALL, a Boeing 777-300ER, that was gathering grime since February 2020, and becomes the final among the two-and-half dozen aircraft that have been revved...

AI’s Maharaja smiles joyfully

All 30 grounded aircrafts now fly Mumbai : Air India’s Maharaja is all pleased as punch at 80. After years of huge costs and efforts, the last of the grounded 30 aircraft – inherited by the Tata Group during the privatization in Jan. 2022 – is now resurrected fully and took to the skies gracefully on Monday.   The aircraft is the gleaming VT-ALL, a Boeing 777-300ER, that was gathering grime since February 2020, and becomes the final among the two-and-half dozen aircraft that have been revved up and revived in the past few years, AI official sources said.   It marked a symbolic milestone for Air India itself - founded in 1932 by the legendary Bharat Ratna J. R. R. Tata - which once ruled the roost and was India’s pride in the global skies.   Once renowned for its royal service with the iconic Maharaja welcoming fliers on board, in 1953 it was taken over by the government of India. After years of piling losses, ageing aircraft, decline in operations and standards – almost like a Maharaja turning a pauper - it returned to the Tata Group four years ago.   This time it was not just the aircraft, the brand and the deflated Maharaja coming into the large-hearted Tata Group stables, but a formidable challenge to ensure that the airline could regain its old glory and glitter. Of the total around 190 aircraft in its fleet were 30 – or 15 pc – that had been grounded and neglected for years.   At that time, the late Ratan N. Tata had directed that all these valuable aircraft must be revived as far as possible and join the fleet. Accordingly, the VT-ALL, languishing at Nagpur for nearly five years, was ‘hospitalized’ at the Air India Engineering Service Ltd., its MRO facility in May 2025.   New Avatar Then started a thorough, painstaking nose-to-tail restoration of an unprecedented scale, in which over 3000 critical components were replaced, over 4,000 maintenance tasks executed, besides key structural upgrades like the longeron modification, engines, auxiliary power units, avionics, hydraulics, landing gears and almost every vital system was rebuilt or replaced.   After the repairs, the old aircraft was reborn, under the gaze of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and technical assistance from Boeing, and the new ‘avatar’ jetliner emerged with the highest global safety standards.   The aircraft cleared all the rigorous checks, a successful test flight, earned the mandatory Airworthiness Review Certificate and then made its maiden commercial flight from Monday, March 16 – after a wait of six years.   Sturdy Fliers Created in 1946 to become an instant global icon, the Air India’s mascot Maharaja now sports a youthful and chic look, a welcome with folded hands, closed eyes, featuring a bejewelled turban, stylish jootis, and a textured kurta in Air India’s new colours. He is prominently visible at various touch-points in a flyer’s journey, such as First Class, exclusive lounges, and luxury products.   Today, he commands a mix fleet of around 190 narrow and wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft like : A319, A320, A320neo, A321, A321neo, A350-900 and B787-8, B787-9, B7770200LR, B-777-300ER. With the merger of Vistara and agreements signed for 10 A350 and 90 A320 aircraft, the Maharaja’s fleet is slated to soar to some 570 in the near future.

Riding for a Cause

Updated: Jan 20, 2025

Riding for a Cause

Being a passionate biker myself, I’ve always believed that the open road holds a unique power, not just to free the soul, but to connect, protect and empower those in need. Over the years, I’ve come across extraordinary stories of motorcycle groups transforming lives, from safeguarding children to redefining freedom for women and uplifting entire communities.


Case in point is the Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) in the U.S. This is no ordinary motorcycle club. It is an extraordinary organization with a singular mission: to shield and empower children who have suffered abuse. Established in 1995 in Provo, Utah by John Paul ‘Chief’ Lilly, BACA began with a modest ride of 27 bikers supporting an 8-year-old boy too terrified to leave his home. Since then, the organization has expanded significantly with chapters forming nationwide.


BACA’s members come from diverse backgrounds and undergo thorough training, fingerprinting and comprehensive FBI background checks to ensure they are well-prepared to assist abused children. These bikers collaborate with local and state authorities to provide a sense of security and protection to the children they support. They stand guard outside homes, accompany children to court, and offer a ‘biker family attitude’ that helps these children feel safe and not alone.


One child, known as Froggy, along with her two brothers, experienced severe physical and emotional abuse. During their most challenging times, they found comfort and protection within the BACA community. The bikers’ presence and support have significantly improved their lives, making them feel secure and empowered.


In a similar vein, Indian motorcycle riders are also contributing to social causes and promoting education in rural areas.


Founded in January 2011 by Urvashi Patole, The Bikerni has become a symbol of empowerment for women in India, challenging gender stereotypes and carving a space for women in the male-dominated world of motorcycling. What started as a small group of passionate riders has grown into a nationwide movement, with chapters in nearly every major city.


The Bikerni’s mission is clear: to provide an equal platform for women motorcyclists while fostering confidence, independence, and solidarity. Beyond riding, the group emphasizes community and empowerment, encouraging members to treat each other like family and participate in social causes, making their impact felt far beyond the road.


For these women, motorcycling isn’t just a sport but a statement of liberation and defiance against societal norms. With every journey, The Bikerni redefines freedom and gender roles, inspiring women across India to embrace the open road. Together, they ride towards an empowered future.


In Pune, the Sahyadri Trail Seekers, a biker community established in 2022, organizes events like the ‘Giving Back Ride.’ On January 22, 2023, they rode to Ghogati Vasti near Chandar Village (Panshet). The kind villagers warmly welcomed them, and the bikers, in return, decided to assist the community by distributing household items for Ghogati Vasti and notebooks and books for school students in Chandar Village.


The event held on April 8-9, 2023, was one of their largest trail rides, combining social work with camping by Panshet Dam. The schedule included meet-ups, an exhilarating trail ride, distributing goods, and camping. Although contributions to the cause were encouraged, they were not mandatory.


The Sahyadri Trail Seekers’ efforts demonstrated the power of community and the positive impact bikers can have in supporting and uplifting those in need. Their dedication to social causes, such as donating books and stationery, highlights their commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.


Pradip Pawar, founder of the Sahyadri Trail Seekers and an avid biker and instructor, envisions expanding his community with the help of doctors to conduct safety awareness and first aid sessions. Additionally, he plans to collaborate with traffic police to raise awareness about traffic rules.


(The author is a media professional.)

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