Air India has resumed B777 flight operations to the United States (US) after approval from the authority. Earlier, Air India had cancelled eight flights to the US.
Air India was warned that a particular C band 5G service, which had been rolled out on Wednesday, could affect aircraft since the 5G technology may interfere with instruments such as altimeters which measures the aircraft’s distance from the ground.
Boeing had cleared Air India to operate in the US on B777, and the first flight had left for JFK on Thursday morning, said officials.
“Other flights leaving in the day are to Chicago and SFO. Efforts are being made to make arrangements to further carry stranded passengers, as matters relating to B777 flying into the US have been sorted out,” said a senior airline official.
Air India’s decision came after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved aircraft, including most of the Boeing Co. and Airbus SE models. The officials added that the approval also included Boeing 777, which was left off the list on Sunday.
Several foreign carriers had cancelled flights to the US on the 777 after Boeing issued a warning to its operators, they said.
Earlier, Air India had cancelled 14 flights to US from Wednesday onwards due to the deployment of 5G internet in North America, which could interfere with the aircraft’s navigation systems.
At present, three carriers – American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Air India – operate direct flights between India and the US.
