Akbar Merchant

Writes on Aviation and Automotive for @financialxpress newspaper and online

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

Here's how you can join us in providing water to #COVID19India
Patients in Mumbai. #Spreadtheword #fundraiser

https://t.co/T6zrTkkNhE

[Azúl @Azulaviation]

It's hard to say goodbye.Bye European Cargo 👋

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

Extremely tough to fly 4 engined aircraft with the current crude pricing. Those ex Virgin 340-600s can be a good fit for Iran or Venezuela if at all.

https://t.co/cH44eSmOSV

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

The numerous fancy hotels and restaurants across LBS Kurla have hardly any fire exits or even fire extinguishers. Most built overnight illegally. Seems the authorities are not able to see them clearly.

https://t.co/o9WwcHjioj

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

Last week, the #TataSons board took a deep-dive into three of the group’s most ambitious and expensive bets. We take a close look at #AirIndia which is one of them.

https://t.co/WfHMiEj7xT

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

Exclusive! #Mumbai may get 1,000 new AC electric buses from Olectra by year end. @myBESTBus https://t.co/rnJeh13TU1

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

Almost all hawkers near the traffic lights are now collection agents. We have a sugarcane juice and a pani puri stall here.

[Chronicles @YMehta_]

My two wheeler was towed outside a bank in Mumbai.

After towing, the traffic police has said that you can take the two wheeler back by giving him some money.

I asked how much should I give and to whom.

He pointed to a pan shop and told me to give him Rs 500 that’s it or else challan if generated then I have to pay Rs 780.

I told him I want to go with challan and he got upset and he started bargaining with me to pay Rs 400 then Rs 300 then Rs 200.

I told him I want to go with challan and he was talking in a rude manner. He started checking PUC, Insurance and past dues if any.

I was clear with everything and after 30 minutes of discussion he gave me a challan, I paid through credit card and took my two wheeler back.

The problem is a honest citizen will not bribe an officer but if someone wants to get off at less fine he will simply pay Rs 200 instead of Rs 780 and effectively he will save Rs 580.

Bribing still exists in India even after 2014.

PS. While travelling in AC local in Mumbai, if anyone is found travelling without valid ticket TCs will not leave the person until he pays the full fine. Hardly I have seen any corruption there.

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

@ANILGALGALIRTI Sir... It's being made since 2019.. and also it seems there is no roof planned!

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

@OfficialStarAir CEO Capt. Simran Singh Tiwana on passenger growth, profitability, fleet expansion, regional connectivity, MRO plans and the future of India's regional aviation sector. ✈️

https://t.co/TUYh6fYy5t

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

@AviationAll_ @BhatAnvesh The other two were from Fly Globe Span UK

[AviationAll @AviationAll_]

Probably Some of the Best Shots of Air India’s 777-200LRs you’d Ever See! 😍

Check Out the Thread Below. Insane Shots. By the One & Only @KadamAnshul!

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

@kushanmitra Reported on Alhind back in Jan, one of my first news breaks at FE.

Aircraft acquisition, funding delays stall Alhind Air launch - Airlines/Aviation News | The Financial Express https://t.co/RN05UFCWwm

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

@MTPHereToHelp As if they don't know 😁

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

Park a car or bike even for a min at this spot & you get fined but such private construction equipment blocking footpath bus stop and damaging it since months seems all ok.
Location: Anjanabai magar stop opp Asha petrol pump kurla west.
@MTPHereToHelp @mybmcInfra @myBESTBus

[Antonello Guerrera @antoguerrera]

Former Ferrari chairman Montezemolo tears the new electric Ferrari “Luce” apart:

“I cannot say what I really think: I would harm Ferrari. We risk the destruction of a legend. So sorry. Take the Prancing Horse off. At least the Chinese won’t copy this car”

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

These horribly maintained garbage trucks can ply on the roads of Mumbai even today but perfectly running, owned BEST buses cannot.

Wah @mybmc wah!

@myBESTBus big mistake for not rigorously appealing to extend the crazy 15 year scrapping rule.

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

@akshaywcam1 @myBESTBus @AshwiniBhide @Dev_Fadnavis Seems now there is a need for a fire station at every bus depot.

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

@Vinamralongani @airindia Sadly no more special livery for this one.

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

@AviationAll_ @LiveFromALounge @iFlyTheAirbus I am told it will be just a one off ferry to maybe TEV for part out and scrap.

[Akbar Merchant @akbars600]

@ArcelvandenBerg Ex Aeroflot partner colors

[Nepal Embassy, India @EONIndia]

Inviting Applications from Indian Social Media Influencers/Vloggers/Podcasters for Familiarization Trip to Nepal