Stranded UK F-35 jet becomes unexpected star in Indian tourism campaign
The Royal Navy aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on June 14 and has been grounded ever since, despite efforts to repair it.
An AI-generated image of the stealth aircraft parked on the tarmac surrounded by coconut trees has gone viral after it was shared by Kerala's tourism department on Wednesday.
"This was part of our tourism campaign. It has been one of the most innovative and eye-catching ones... It's all in good humour and creativity," Biju K., Kerala's tourism secretary, told Reuters.
In the viral social media post, originally created by entertainment website The Fauxy, the jet can be seen giving the state of Kerala five golden stars, calling it "an amazing place".
"I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend," the image quotes the jet as saying.
"Though tourism is under the government, it has moved out of government space in promoting the destination," said Roy Mathew, director of Stark Communications, the tourism department's brand promotion agency.
Kerala is among India's most popular tourist destinations, and markets itself with the tagline 'God's own country'. Last year, 22.2 million tourists visited the state.
It boasts natural beauty along India's south-western coastline and a rich heritage of classical dances, temple festivals and vibrant cuisine.
The Indian Air Force said last month it would help in the repair and return of the F-35, which made an emergency landing on June 14 when it was flying over the Arabian Sea off Kerala's coast.
A British High Commission spokesperson told Reuters the UK had accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. The jet will be moved to the hangar once engineering teams arrive from the UK with specialist equipment, the spokesperson added.
The Royal Navy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
UK's Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said in Parliament on Monday that a Royal Air Force crew were in Thiruvananthapuram and working with Indian counterparts.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Fears wind could worsen Crete wildfire as temperatures soar to 38C
Firefighters on the Greek island of Crete are in their third day of battling a wildfire which has already razed forests and olive groves, forcing thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate. Around 130 firefighters, 48 vehicles, and six helicopters are deployed, contending with gale-force winds and dry conditions. An anonymous fire brigade official warned that gusts could fan embers from smouldering trees, threatening to reignite contained areas. The Crete fire comes as Europe endures an early summer heatwave, which has been linked by officials to at least eight deaths across the continent. The fire, which broke out in a village about 16 kilometres (10 miles) east of Ierapetra on Wednesday, has consumed swathes of agricultural land in the southeastern corner of the island. It has left dead animals and scorched farmhouses in its wake. Some 1,000 residents evacuated on Wednesday found temporary shelter at an indoor stadium and in nearby hotels and about 5,000 holidaymakers left the area. Many of the evacuees were expected to make their way back home later on Friday as the situation improved, George Tsapakos, a deputy civil protection governor for Crete, said. Tourism is a key earner in Crete, the largest island in Greece, and local hoteliers were concerned about the impact on future bookings as the fire hit at the start of the peak summer holiday season. Separately, some 148 firefighters battled a fire that broke out in the Athens suburb of Pikermi on Thursday, threatening many homes, causing power cuts and prompting authorities to move more than 300 people to safety. The fire was contained but not extinguished, the fire brigade official said. Temperatures in Greece were forecast to reach up to 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) on Friday, the Greek weather service said. In Italy, the health ministry put 20 of the 27 cities it monitors for heatwaves on red alert on Friday. RAI public broadcaster said temperatures would go as high as 38 C in Florence and 37 C in Rome, Bologna and Perugia. With the heat comes a higher risk of wildfires. Greece and other Mediterranean countries are in an area dubbed "a wildfire hotspot" by scientists - with blazes common during hot and dry summers. These have become more destructive in recent years due to a fast-changing climate.
Reuters
8 hours ago
- Reuters
Stranded UK F-35 jet becomes unexpected star in Indian tourism campaign
NEW DELHI, July 3 (Reuters) - India's southern state of Kerala has found a unique ambassador to promote its coconut palm-lined beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture to tourists - a British F-35 fighter jet that has been stranded there since mid-June. The Royal Navy aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on June 14 and has been grounded ever since, despite efforts to repair it. An AI-generated image of the stealth aircraft parked on the tarmac surrounded by coconut trees has gone viral after it was shared by Kerala's tourism department on Wednesday. "This was part of our tourism campaign. It has been one of the most innovative and eye-catching ones... It's all in good humour and creativity," Biju K., Kerala's tourism secretary, told Reuters. In the viral social media post, originally created by entertainment website The Fauxy, the jet can be seen giving the state of Kerala five golden stars, calling it "an amazing place". "I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend," the image quotes the jet as saying. "Though tourism is under the government, it has moved out of government space in promoting the destination," said Roy Mathew, director of Stark Communications, the tourism department's brand promotion agency. Kerala is among India's most popular tourist destinations, and markets itself with the tagline 'God's own country'. Last year, 22.2 million tourists visited the state. It boasts natural beauty along India's south-western coastline and a rich heritage of classical dances, temple festivals and vibrant cuisine. The Indian Air Force said last month it would help in the repair and return of the F-35, which made an emergency landing on June 14 when it was flying over the Arabian Sea off Kerala's coast. A British High Commission spokesperson told Reuters the UK had accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. The jet will be moved to the hangar once engineering teams arrive from the UK with specialist equipment, the spokesperson added. The Royal Navy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. UK's Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said in Parliament on Monday that a Royal Air Force crew were in Thiruvananthapuram and working with Indian counterparts.
Time Out
16 hours ago
- Time Out
Japan Airlines is giving away free flights to American travelers—here's how to get one
If Tokyo is the only Japanese city on your itinerary, you're missing out—and Japan Airlines wants to fix that. In a bid to fight overtourism and encourage exploration beyond Japan's capital, JAL is offering international travelers complimentary domestic flights to any of its 64 destinations across the country. That means the ancient temples of Kyoto, the powdery ski slopes of Niseko or the coral reefs of Okinawa could all be part of your trip—for free. Here's how it works: Book your international flight with Japan Airlines and as long as you include a domestic leg on the same reservation, that flight within Japan won't cost you a yen. The offer is available to travelers from countries including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, India, and others. No end date has been announced, making this a golden opportunity with an open window. What's the catch? Very few. The main condition: U.S., Canada, Mexico and China-based travelers will pay a $100 stopover fee if they stay in their initial destination (usually Tokyo) for more than 24 hours before moving on. Everyone else flies domestically free of charge, no stopover fee applied. Checked luggage is included: economy and premium economy passengers get two bags (up to 50 pounds each), while business and first-class travelers get three (up to 70 pounds each). So, you're free to pack for the slopes, the countryside and the beach, all in one go. This offer is part of a bigger push by the country to spread the love for Japan to cities other than Tokyo. By making it easier (and cheaper) to travel further afield, JAL's program is designed to spread the tourism footprint across to the country's lesser-visited gems. If you've been dreaming of sipping matcha in Uji, soaking in an onsen in Beppu or wandering the samurai streets of Kanazawa—this is your chance to go beyond the expected, without blowing your budget. Find details and booking info here.
