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New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline IndiGo has announced a significant revision of pilot allowances, effective January 1, 2026, in an effort to address morale issues, strengthen retention and ensure smoother flight operations following widespread cancellations earlier this month. The allowance revisions were communicated in an internal email sent to IndiGo’s pilots by Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President for Flight Operations, outlining the updated pay and allowance structure. It increases key components of pilot compensation across a range of duty types, including domestic layovers, deadhead travel, night flying, transit stops and tail‑swap operations. Under the revised structure: Domestic layover allowances for stays between 10:01 and 24 hours have been raised by about 50% captains will receive ₹3,000 (up from ₹2,000) and first officers ₹1,500 (up from ₹1,000). Deadhead travel allowances paid when pilots reposition as passengers have increased to ₹4,000 for captains and ₹2,000 for first officers. Night flying compensation has been standardised to a fixed payment of ₹2,000 per hour for captains and ₹1,000 for first officers. Tail‑swap allowance, a new category for duties involving a change of aircraft mid‑duty, has been introduced at ₹1,500 for captains and ₹750 for first officers. Transit allowances for extended ground halts beyond 90 minutes have also been adjusted upwards. The revisions come after a turbulent December, during which IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded amid challenges in crew rostering under stricter Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. According to industry reports, the airline’s failure to sufficiently staff pilots in anticipation of the new regulations led to widespread operational disruptions. In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered a reduction in IndiGo’s winter schedule and has been engaged in ongoing regulatory oversight. IndiGo, which employs roughly 5,000 pilots and controls around 65% of India’s domestic market, has faced criticism from some pilot groups and aviation analysts for fatigue‑linked rostering pressures and competitive hiring practices by foreign carriers. While the airline has not publicly commented on the revisions, industry experts say the allowance uplift represents a strategic move to stabilise operations ahead of the peak travel season and improve pilot retention amid intensified competition. Regulatory sources indicated that the airline’s leadership has held dialogue with pilot representatives at several operational bases in recent weeks.

IndiGo Raises Pilot Allowances As Airline Addresses Crew And Rostering Pressures

Aviation Today News Desk / December 30, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline IndiGo has announced a significant revision of pilot allowances, effective January 1, 2026, in […]

London, United Kingdom: Air travel across Europe faced widespread disruption on December 29, as operational strain during the peak holiday season resulted in 1,828 flight delays and 113 cancellations, affecting passengers across multiple countries and major aviation hubs. The disruption unfolded during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, compounding the impact on travelers returning home or departing for year-end holidays. The operational impact was particularly visible in Hungary, Switzerland, Malta, Portugal, and France, where airports reported a sharp rise in delayed departures and arrivals. Knock-on effects extended into Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and Southern Europe, disrupting connecting flights and long-haul services. Several key hubs experienced sustained congestion throughout the day, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) saw significant delays, affecting onward connections across Europe and transatlantic routes. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) recorded dozens of delays, placing additional pressure on Scandinavian and Northern European schedules.Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) and Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) experienced elevated disruption levels, reflecting the impact of winter operations in the Nordic region. Smaller airports, including Malta International Airport and Ponta Delgada in the Azores, also reported unusually high disruption ratios relative to daily traffic volumes. Both full-service and low-cost carriers were affected, with several airlines reporting hundreds of delayed flights: easyJet recorded the highest number of delays on the day, with more than 600 flights arriving or departing late. Air France experienced over 200 delayed flights, highlighting pressure at its primary hub operations. KLM logged nearly 30 cancellations along with more than 150 delays, disrupting schedules across its European and intercontinental network. Other affected operators included Wizz Air, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Finnair, Swiss, and regional carriers such as SATA Air Açores, underscoring the breadth of the disruption. Industry observers attributed the scale of disruption to a combination of seasonal and operational factors rather than a single triggering event. Winter weather conditions, including low visibility and cold-weather ground handling requirements, reduced operational efficiency at several northern and central European airports. Also in addition to adverse winter weather and heavy passenger volumes, industrial strike action by airport ground staff and airline cabin crews further intensified flight delays. For travelers, the disruption translated into missed connections, extended ground delays, overnight stays, and rebookings pushed into the following day. Passenger queues were reported at airline service desks at several major airports as travelers sought alternative flights amid limited seat availability. With schedules tightly packed during the holiday period, even minor delays earlier in the day resulted in widespread knock-on effects by evening, particularly for long-haul departures relying on inbound aircraft. Passengers affected by significant delays or cancellations may be entitled to assistance under EU Regulation EC 261/2004, including meals, accommodation, and rebooking, depending on the cause of the disruption. Compensation eligibility varies, particularly when delays are linked to extraordinary circumstances such as weather. Airlines and airports have advised travelers to monitor flight status updates closely, allow additional time for connections, and retain all travel documentation when seeking assistance or reimbursement. With heavy holiday travel continuing into the New Year period, aviation analysts warn that operational resilience will remain under pressure, particularly if adverse weather conditions persist.

Airlines

Over 1,800 Flights Delayed As Holiday Travel Disruptions Spread Across Europe

Aviation Today News Desk / December 30, 2025

London, United Kingdom: Air travel across Europe faced widespread disruption on December 29, as operational strain during the peak holiday

Muscat, Oman: A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Muscat International Airport (MCT) became the centre of an unusual aviation exchange on Sunday when the aircraft’s flight crew and Muscat air traffic control (ATC) disagreed over a descent clearance during the approach phase. The Airbus A321neo was being vectored for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach when Muscat ATC instructed the crew to descend to 2,200 feet, identified by controllers as a minimum safe altitude suitable for sequencing and terrain clearance in that segment of airspace. The pilot responded that the airline’s company-approved navigation charts did not list 2,200 feet as an acceptable minimum altitude in that sector and that his flight crew could only descend to 3,600 feet in accordance with their procedures and published minimum vectoring altitudes (MVAs). In recorded ATC transmissions that have circulated within aviation safety analysis communities, the exchange became tense as the pilot repeatedly stated he was “unable to accept vectors” below the charted limit. The controller, while asserting that “our minimum safe altitude is 2,200,” urged the flight crew to comply with ATC instructions. Despite the firm tone in radio exchanges, both sides maintained professional conduct, and the disagreement did not escalate into an unsafe operational situation. The pilot proposed alternative vectors that would allow the aircraft to remain at or above 3,600 feet while aligning for the approach sequence. Minimum vectoring altitude and minimum safe altitude figures are critical safety parameters that provide required terrain and obstacle clearance during radar vectoring. Air traffic controllers and pilots derive these altitudes from different sources controllers from their local surveillance and obstacle databases, and pilots from company-approved charts often supplied by third-party aeronautical data providers. International aviation regulations and standard operating procedures emphasise that the pilot in command retains ultimate responsibility for the safety of the aircraft. When an ATC-issued clearance conflicts with a pilot’s verified safety limits, the flight crew may lawfully decline and request clarification or alternative instructions. The Turkish Airlines aircraft remained at or above the altitude the crew could accept until it was safely established on the final approach. There were no reported safety incidents, and the flight landed without further operational disruption.

Incidents

Turkish Airlines Pilot Disputes Descent Clearance With Muscat ATC, Flight Lands Safely

Aviation Today News Desk / December 29, 2025

Muscat, Oman: A Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Muscat International Airport (MCT) became the centre of an unusual aviation

Birmingham, United Kingdom: A Ryanair Boeing 737‑8 MAX operating flight FR1121 from Birmingham Airport (BHX) to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) was forced to declare an emergency and return to the UK on 28 December 2025 after encountering severe turbulence that resulted in injuries to several passengers mid‑flight. The aircraft, registered EI‑HGO, departed Birmingham at approximately 14:50 GMT, climbing to a cruising altitude of around 35,000 feet over French airspace near Brest, when it suddenly encountered unexpected and intense turbulence. According to passenger reports and aviation tracking data, cabin service was in progress at the time, with service trolleys in the aisle, which likely contributed to the number and severity of injuries on board. In response to the turbulence and injuries sustained, the flight crew declared a general emergency, squawking transponder code 7700, signalling a critical situation to air traffic control. The aircraft then executed a turnaround and descent, initially descending rapidly from cruise before stabilising at around 10,000 feet during the return flight. The flight made a safe landing back at Birmingham Airport approximately 92 minutes after departure. Emergency services, including paramedics, were stationed at a remote stand to provide immediate medical assistance to passengers affected by the turbulence. A Ryanair spokesperson later confirmed that the aircraft “landed normally” and that a small number of passengers received medical attention on the ground. The airline also stated that FR1121 continued its scheduled flight to Tenerife later that evening after the situation was resolved. Details on the exact number and extent of injuries have not been fully disclosed by Ryanair or medical authorities. Eyewitness accounts collected by aviation reporting services indicate that the turbulence was sudden and significant, causing unsecured passengers and objects to be thrown about the cabin. Severe turbulence, especially at cruising altitude, can occur in clear air without obvious visual warning signs, often related to atmospheric phenomena such as jet streams or weather fronts.

Incidents

Ryanair Flight Returns To Birmingham After Severe Turbulence Injures Passengers

Aviation Today News Desk / December 29, 2025

Birmingham, United Kingdom: A Ryanair Boeing 737‑8 MAX operating flight FR1121 from Birmingham Airport (BHX) to Tenerife South Airport (TFS)

New Jersey, United States: A mid-air collision between two helicopters over Hammonton Municipal Airport in southern New Jersey on Sunday resulted in one fatality and one critically injured pilot, officials confirmed as emergency crews continued their response and federal investigators prepared to launch a full inquiry. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) characterized the incident as a mid-air collision between an Enstrom F-28A helicopter and an Enstrom 280C helicopter near the Hammonton Municipal Airport at approximately 11:25 a.m. local time on December 28, 2025. Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said first responders were dispatched following reports of an aviation crash. Video from the scene showed one helicopter spiraling rapidly to the ground before impact, prompting immediate deployment of police, fire and medical units. Fire crews extinguished flames on one of the aircraft. One pilot was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second pilot was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to police and fire officials. Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved. The collision occurred in clear weather conditions and was witnessed by local residents, some of whom captured footage showing both helicopters in distress moments before impact. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash. Early investigative focus is expected to examine flight paths, pilot communications, and whether both aircraft operated under visual flight rules. A preliminary report may be released within days, though a final probable cause determination could take months. Hammonton, a community of about 15,000 in Atlantic County, lies roughly 35 miles southeast of Philadelphia and is home to general aviation activity at the municipal airport. Several witnesses near the crash site described hearing a loud noise followed by the sudden descent of the aircraft. Local café owner Sal Silipino, familiar with the pilots, said they were regular patrons who often flew together. “It was shocking. I’m still shaking after that happened,” one resident told reporters. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the crash area to allow emergency crews and investigators unobstructed access to the scene. Further updates, including official preliminary findings from the NTSB, are expected as the investigation progresses.

Helicopter Crash

Mid-Air Helicopter Collision In New Jersey Leaves One Dead, One Critically Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / December 29, 2025

New Jersey, United States: A mid-air collision between two helicopters over Hammonton Municipal Airport in southern New Jersey on Sunday

Moshi, Tanzania: A helicopter conducting a medical evacuation on Mount Kilimanjaro crashed near Barafu Camp on Thursday, killing all five people on board, according to Tanzania’s aviation and regional authorities. The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) said the helicopter went down at high altitude between Barafu Camp and the Kibo summit area, one of the final ascent routes used by climbers. The aircraft was reportedly responding to a distress call involving climbers who had fallen ill on the mountain. Authorities confirmed that those killed included two foreign tourists, identified by local media as Czech nationals, along with a Tanzanian medical doctor, a Tanzanian mountain guide, and the pilot, who was reported to be a Zimbabwean national. The helicopter was operated by a local aviation service provider that regularly conducts high-altitude rescue and medical evacuation missions on Africa’s tallest peak. No other aircraft were involved in the incident. Emergency teams and park authorities reached the crash site after challenging efforts due to the terrain, altitude and rapidly changing weather conditions common in the upper sections of Kilimanjaro. All five occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The TCAA, in coordination with the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), has launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Officials said investigators will examine operational factors, aircraft performance at altitude, weather conditions and pilot communications. No preliminary cause has been released. Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises to nearly 6,000 metres (20,000 feet), attracts tens of thousands of climbers each year. While aviation incidents on the mountain are rare, helicopters are frequently used for emergency evacuations due to altitude sickness and medical emergencies.

Helicopter Crash

Medical Evacuation Helicopter Crashes On Mount Kilimanjaro, Killing Five People

Aviation Today News Desk / December 26, 2025

Moshi, Tanzania: A helicopter conducting a medical evacuation on Mount Kilimanjaro crashed near Barafu Camp on Thursday, killing all five

Mumbai, India: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced commercial flight operations, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation infrastructure expansion and easing long-standing capacity constraints in the Mumbai metropolitan region. On its first full day of scheduled operations, the airport handled 48 domestic flights, collectively serving more than 4,000 passengers, according to officials and airline data. The launch positions Mumbai as India’s first true dual-airport metropolitan region, complementing the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). The inaugural commercial arrival was an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru, which landed earlier in the day and received a ceremonial water salute. Other carriers operating from NMIA on day one included Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air, offering connectivity to multiple domestic destinations. Initial operations at NMIA are being conducted on a limited daily schedule, with authorities confirming that flight volumes and operating hours will be gradually expanded in the coming weeks. The airport is expected to transition to round-the-clock operations once infrastructure readiness and air traffic coordination are fully optimized. Designed to significantly decongest CSMIA, NMIA will play a central role in accommodating Mumbai’s rapidly growing air travel demand. Once fully developed, the airport is projected to handle tens of millions of passengers annually, with future phases including international passenger services and dedicated cargo operations. Navi Mumbai International Airport is positioning itself as more than a transport hub by embedding culture, hospitality and leisure into the passenger journey from day one. Its non-aeronautical ecosystem introduces India-first concepts such as locally rooted dining brands, personalised meet-and-greet services, an in-terminal transit hotel and immersive cultural zones, reflecting a shift toward experience-led airport design. By integrating rest, retail, art and public spaces into its phased rollout, NMIA aims to redefine how airports engage with both travellers and the city, treating the airport as an extension of urban life rather than a standalone transit facility Aviation and government officials have described the launch as a transformational step for the region’s mobility ecosystem. By redistributing domestic traffic between two airports, authorities expect improved operational efficiency, reduced congestion, and better on-time performance for airlines operating in and out of Mumbai. The airport is also expected to act as a catalyst for economic development in Navi Mumbai, supporting employment generation, real estate growth, and logistics expansion.

Airports

Navi Mumbai Airport Begins Operations With 48 Flights, Serving Over 4k Passengers Daily

Aviation Today News Desk / December 26, 2025

Mumbai, India: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) has officially commenced commercial flight operations, marking a major milestone in India’s aviation

Montreal, Canada: Global air transport is positioned for a historic expansion in 2026, with passenger volumes and airline revenues reaching new heights even as supply chain constraints and cost pressures persist, according to the latest forecasts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and related industry reporting. Airlines worldwide are expected to carry approximately 5.2 billion passengers in 2026, marking a continued recovery from the pandemic era and outpacing previous demand projections, the industry body and multiple analysts report. The global airline industry’s combined net profit is forecast at around US$41 billion in 2026, an increase from roughly US$39.5 billion in 2025, though profit margins are expected to remain thin by historical standards. “This growth is extremely welcome considering the headwinds that the industry faces including rising costs from supply chain bottlenecks, geopolitical conflict, sluggish global trade and increasing regulatory burdens,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General, in the association’s latest outlook. Industry revenues are forecast to exceed US$1 trillion in 2026, broadening the sector’s economic footprint and anchoring the recovery in passenger demand. Revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) are expected to expand by around 4.9 percent, driven by continued travel appetite in key markets across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas. Seat load factors, a key measure of airline efficiency, are projected to rise to record levels of nearly 84 percent, indicating strong capacity utilization even as aircraft availability tightens. The Middle East is projected to outpace all regions in profitability in 2026, with carriers delivering the highest net profit margin (about 9.3 percent) and the highest profit per passenger (approximately US$28.6). This performance is attributed to strategic investment, supportive policy frameworks and the region’s role as a global connecting hub. However, IATA officials caution that profit strength is uneven, with some carriers still under pressure from geopolitical instability, blocked funds and uneven infrastructure development. Despite robust demand, airlines face persistent supply chain disruptions that continue to constrain aircraft deliveries and fleet renewal efforts. Production backlogs for new aircraft and engines remain at historic highs, creating a structural mismatch between airline requirements and manufacturing capacity that is unlikely to normalise before the early 2030s. Industry analysts warn that these bottlenecks including delays in delivery slots and parts shortages not only limit capacity growth but also contribute to rising maintenance costs and an aging global fleet. While aggregate profits are climbing, the net profit margin is expected to hover around 3.9 percent in 2026, modest by historical standards and reflective of sustained cost pressures. Factors such as labour costs, regulatory compliance, fuel price volatility and infrastructure charges continue to weigh on airline financials. Analysts also note that cargo operations remain resilient, though growth in cargo tonne kilometres is forecast to be more moderate compared with pre-pandemic peaks. Industry forecasts underscore a cautiously optimistic outlook for global aviation: strong passenger demand and revenue growth amid ongoing structural challenges. As airlines prepare for operational and financial execution in 2026, capacity management, supply chain resolves, and regional market dynamics will likely determine which carriers sustain profitability and growth.

IATA

IATA Forecasts Record Passenger Demand And $41bn Airline Profits In 2026

Aviation Today News Desk / December 25, 2025

Montreal, Canada: Global air transport is positioned for a historic expansion in 2026, with passenger volumes and airline revenues reaching

Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan has completed the long-delayed privatisation of its loss-making national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), selling a majority stake to a local business consortium as part of economic reforms tied to International Monetary Fund (IMF) support. A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation emerged as the highest bidder in a government-run auction, agreeing to acquire 75% of PIA for approximately 135 billion Pakistani rupees (around $482 million). The Pakistani government will retain the remaining 25% stake. Officials said the sale marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to restructure state-owned enterprises and stabilise public finances amid a prolonged economic crisis. The privatisation followed a televised bidding process overseen by Pakistan’s Privatisation Commission after earlier attempts to offload the airline failed due to a lack of qualified bidders. Authorities restructured PIA ahead of the auction, transferring a large portion of its historical debt and liabilities to the government to make the carrier more attractive to investors. According to government statements cited by international media, operational control of PIA is expected to transition to the new owners from April 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and completion of legal formalities. PIA has struggled for years with mounting losses, an ageing fleet, safety compliance issues, and international route restrictions, including a prolonged ban on flights to the European Union. The airline has required repeated state bailouts, becoming a key concern for lenders during negotiations with the IMF. The IMF has consistently pushed Pakistan to reduce fiscal pressure by privatising or reforming loss-making public entities, making PIA’s sale a central component of the country’s broader economic reform programme. While the government has described the transaction as a step toward restoring efficiency and competitiveness at the airline, labour unions and opposition figures have raised concerns about job security and transparency. Officials have said employee protections and service continuity will be addressed during the transition phase. The new owners are expected to focus on fleet modernisation, route rationalisation, and restoring international operations as Pakistan looks to revive its national carrier after years of financial distress.

Airlines

Pakistan Completes Privatisation Of PIA, Sells 75% Stake To Arif Habib Consortium

Aviation Today News Desk / December 24, 2025

Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan has completed the long-delayed privatisation of its loss-making national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), selling a majority

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two proposed airline operators Al Hind Air & FlyExpress in a strategic move aimed at expanding competition in India’s domestic aviation market following recent operational turmoil involving market‑leader IndiGo. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in a social media post that the ministry has met with representatives from three emerging carriers Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress over the past week as part of efforts to encourage new entrants to the sector. While Shankh Air had already received its regulatory clearance earlier, both Al Hind Air and FlyExpress secured their NOCs this week. Al Hind Air is backed by Kerala’s Alhind Group, and FlyExpress is a Hyderabad‑based enterprise traditionally focused on courier and cargo operations. Shankh Air’s proposed business plan includes connecting major cities within Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra and Gorakhpur, with affordable air connectivity options. The government’s approvals come amid heightened scrutiny of India’s aviation market structure. Earlier this month, IndiGo’s failure to fully adapt to new crew rostering regulations triggered the cancellation of thousands of flights, stranding thousands of passengers. Industry analysts and officials have called for greater competition to prevent future systemic shocks. The Civil Aviation Ministry has highlighted existing schemes such as UDAN as instrumental in enabling smaller regional players including Star Air, India One Air and Fly91 to expand connectivity, while stressing there is substantial scope for further growth in what is one of the world’s fastest‑growing aviation markets. In the aftermath of IndiGo’s operational disruption, regulators have initiated multiple reviews. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has taken cognisance of complaints alleging antitrust violations by the airline, which holds a dominant market share. The initial assessment could lead to a detailed investigation if evidence of market abuse is found. IndiGo’s operations, which stabilised in mid‑December with restoration to roughly 2,200 daily flights, are also under regulatory examination. Authorities have imposed temporary fare caps and ordered expedited refunds for affected passengers.   While the approvals for Al Hind Air and FlyExpress signal a policy pivot towards diversification, aviation experts caution that long‑term viability for new carriers hinges on tackling structural challenges such as high operating costs, fuel taxation, and aircraft acquisition bottlenecks. The government’s move to issue NOCs to new airlines reflects a broader strategy to build resilience in India’s air transport sector by reducing over‑dependence on a small number of carriers and enhancing choices for millions of domestic flyers.

Airlines

India Grants NOCs To Al Hind Air And FlyExpress To Boost Airline Competition

Aviation Today News Desk / December 24, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two proposed airline operators Al

Aviation Today

IndiGo Raises Pilot Allowances As Airline Addresses Crew And Rostering Pressures

Over 1,800 Flights Delayed As Holiday Travel Disruptions Spread Across Europe

Turkish Airlines Pilot Disputes Descent Clearance With Muscat ATC, Flight Lands Safely

Ryanair Flight Returns To Birmingham After Severe Turbulence Injures Passengers

Mid-Air Helicopter Collision In New Jersey Leaves One Dead, One Critically Injured

Medical Evacuation Helicopter Crashes On Mount Kilimanjaro, Killing Five People

Navi Mumbai Airport Begins Operations With 48 Flights, Serving Over 4k Passengers Daily

IATA Forecasts Record Passenger Demand And $41bn Airline Profits In 2026

Pakistan Completes Privatisation Of PIA, Sells 75% Stake To Arif Habib Consortium

India Grants NOCs To Al Hind Air And FlyExpress To Boost Airline Competition

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