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Tuesday 28 April 2015

DGCA cautions against compromising aviation safety

New Delhi: Cautioning against laxity in aviation safety, particularly in the backdrop of incidents elsewhere, India`s aviation regulator on Friday said its inspections have thrown up instances where safety was compromised.
"There are a few incidents that are taking place mainly because we have been compromising on some of the safety aspects," Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) M. Sathiyavathy said here.

He was speaking at the launch of India Aviation 2016 to be held from March 16-20, 2016, at Begumpet airport of Hyderabad.

Air traffic rose by 20% in quarter, less occupancy in March

New Delhi: India's air passenger traffic rose by an impressive 20.57 percent in the March quarter over the same period a year ago. However, the carriers filled less number of seats in
March against February, according to the data released by the DGCA.
Nine Indian carriers together flew a total of 185.46 lakh passengers in the March quarter of the previous fiscal as against 153.81 lakh passengers ferried by them in January-March quarter of financial year 2013-14.
At the same time, the load factor of the domestic airlines in March this year has shown decreasing trend
compared to previous month due to end of vacation period of various sectors, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.
On a month-on-month basis, domestic carriers ferried a total of 62.85 lakh passengers in March with budget carrier IndiGo carrying more than a third of this at 22.86 lakh passengers.

Nagpur Flying Club takes off again

NAGPUR: The Nagpur Flying Club, which had stopped operations in January after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) did not extend its licence, has got a breather.

DGCA had taken similar action against 25 other flying clubs in the country, including National Flying Training Institute at Gondia, the electoral constituency of former civil aviation minister Praful Patel. Flying has resumed in Gondia too, which has also got three months to complete all requirements.

Despite AAI dampener, airport hope takes wings

AMRAVATI: Despite the negative opinion of Airport Authority of India (AAI) regarding the feasibility of Amravati airport, Union minister of state for civil aviation Mahesh Sharma has responded positively to the strong wishes of Union minister Nitin Gadkari and public representatives of Amravati, deciding to study the airport proposal afresh.

Juhu airport primary runway hold-up hits aircraft movement

Scores of arriving flights at Juhu airport were affected for over three hours after a fire engine got stuck on the primary runway on Friday morning.

Though the airport authorities could not confim the number of affected flights, saying most of the flight operations are of non-scheduled operators, the departing ones were made to take off from the secondary runway till the time the primary runway was occupied.

Tripura demands 4 more AI flights

Agartala: To curb the monopoly of private airlines in the Agartala-Kolkata and Agartala-Guwahati sectors, the Tripura government has demanded at least four more flights, preferably by national carrier Air India.

Transport minister Manik Dey said Air India has been operating only one flight in the Agartala-Kolkata sector, despite repeated requests to the civil aviation for additional flights.

Last-minute delay of AI flight leads to chaos at Delhi airport

New Delhi:  There was chaos at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday night as an Air India flight to Chicago was delayed by over 11 hours at last-minute.

According to passengers, Air India announced the delay in flight just before boarding was to begin.

A passenger booked on the flight told TOI that Air India cited lack of crew as the reason for delay.

Air traffic up 18.8%, IndiGo leads

Mumbai: Domestic air traffic grew 18.8 per cent in March on a year-on-year basis, with IndiGo leading all airlines with a 36.4 per cent market share.

This is the third consecutive month which saw a strong growth in air travel. Domestic airlines flew 6.2 million passengers last month as against 5.2 million passengers in March 2014.

Jet Airways and subsidiary JetLite retained the second spot, with 25.4 per cent share. Air India was third, with 16.9 per cent share in February.

Kozhikode-Runway to be closed for 2 hrs from July, re-carpeting to begin on Sept 1

Kozhikode: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has finalized the schedule for partial closure of the runway of Karipur Airport to facilitate re-carpeting works. As per the revised schedule, the runway will remain closed daily for two hours- from 3 pm to 5 pm - from July 1 to August 31. The preparatory works for the Rs 60 crore runway re-carpeting would be carried out during the period.

Cheap air travel at midnight: Jet Airways to start 'red-eye' flights

New Delhi: In a good news for frequent domestic flyers in India, the passengers can now book red-eye flights, that are comparatively cheaper than the daytime flights. Red eye flights, that are popular in West, operate in mid night till wee hours of mornings.

According to TOI report, Jet Airways is all set to start three red-eye flights. [After SpiceJet, GoAir in turbulent phase: 35 pilots resign in 3 months]

Subramanian Swamy smells a rat in SpiceJet buyout, writes to PM Modi demanding probe

Subramanian Swamy has waded into the controversy over the acquisition of a controlling stake by former promoter Ajay Singh in SpiceJet.
The BJP MP has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making several allegations against this transaction which has enabled Singh to acquire over 58% stake in the listed airline from former promoters, the Marans. Singh appeared as a white knight to save the ailing SpiceJet which had to briefly ground operations in December last year for lack of cash to pay oil companies. Singh bought out the promoters and has also committed to invest Rs 1500 crore in tranches into the airline to revive its fortunes.

PESB selects Vinod Hejmadi for Air India's Director-Finance post

New Delhi: Vinod Hejmadi was today selected for the post of Director-Finance in Air India by Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB).
Hejmadi, who presently holds the post of general manager for finance at the national carrier's office in Mumbai, was selected after he along with two others were interviewed today by the government's head hunting body.

Aviation regulator on track to meet US counterpart's conditions

India’s aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will be able to meet its requirement of hiring flight operations inspectors (FIOs), fixed by the US regulator as a pre-condition to maintain its air safety upgrade.
According to government officials, the DGCA has 55 FIOs at present — only 20 short of the total number of inspectors required according US aviation watchdog Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s directive.

Air India seeks government approval for Rs 200 crore asset sale

Air India is awaiting civil aviation ministry nod to sell its properties in Mumbai and Chennai as a part of the asset monetisation drive.

Air India hopes to collectively earn about Rs 200 crore from the sale of four flats on Pedder Road in Mumbai and 1.3 acre land parcel in Chennai.

Jet Airways starts more domestic services to cash in on summer rush

MUMBAI: Jet AirwaysBSE -4.75 %, India's biggest carrier by market share Friday announced plans of adding 31 domestic flights this summer.

Jet has introduced a total of 23 inbound and outbound flights from Delhi to cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengalore, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Lucknow, Patna, Srinagar, Jaipur and Pune.

Vistara seems to be struggling to fill seats

NEW DELHI: Vistara, a Tata Group and Singapore Airlines Ltd joint venture company, seems to be struggling to fill seats in their flights and has reported lowest load factors in the industry for the third consecutive month.

The airline, which has introduced premium economy for the first time in the country, reported load factors of 53.6% during the month of March - a decline from 58.6% in February but an increase from 45.4% in January.

Are our airports built right?

As the Chennai airport struggles to get its act together, it’s time to look at its environmental impact and the need to make its architecture and design energy-efficient.

Cockpit fight: In a first for India, anger management prescribed for pilot

New Delhi: In a first for India, an airline pilot has been prescribed anger management for losing his cool in the cockpit and getting into a heated argument with his captain. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked Air India to make the co-pilot undergo "corrective training" that includes anger management and psychological analysis before making him fly again.

Monday 27 April 2015

Odisha renews bid to start international flights from city airport

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Tourism Minister Ashok Panda met three Union ministers and chiefs of Indigo and Air India to push for international flight operations from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to Dubai and Bangkok on the eve of the Nabakalebar festival.

Aviation regulator on track to meet US counterpart's conditions

New Delhi: India’s aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will be able to meet its requirement of hiring flight operations inspectors (FIOs), fixed by the US regulator as a pre-condition to maintain its air safety upgrade.

According to government officials, the DGCA has 55 FIOs at present — only 20 short of the total number of inspectors required according US aviation watchdog Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s directive.

UP government pitches for airport at Saifai

Lucknow: After two-and-a-half-years of deadlock — first with the UPA regime and now with the NDA government — over construction of the Taj International Airport in western Uttar Pradesh, the state government is preparing to pitch for CM Akhilesh Yadav’s native place Saifai as one of the three new options where the airport can come up.

When Sachin Tendulkar was mobbed at Melbourne Airport!

Passengers lined up outside Gate 16 of the Melbourne International Airport as the boarding announcement confirmed the departure of their flight. Suddenly there was commotion, some people left the line and ran towards Gate 18. A short man, dressed casually, dragging his bag was making his way to his flight with a young, muscular and moustached man. “Who has come?” asked someone who couldn’t get a glimpse of them. “Don’t you know! That is Sachin Tendulkar,” said an Indian man as he ran towards Gate 18 to greet his hero.

Yet Again Ceiling Crashes Down At Chennai Airport

Chennai:  In the third such incident this month, a portion of false ceiling came down crashing at the airport here today, but no one was injured.       

The incident happened near Gate No.7 of the Domestic Departure terminal and officials immediately rushed to the spot. 

ONGC operations at Juhu airport affected for 3 hours as fire engine stuck on main runway

Mumbai: ONGC operations from the Juhu airport were affected on Friday morning as a fire engine was stuck on the main runway due to a mechanical failure.

South African woman held with narcotics at IGI Airport

New Delhi: A South African woman trying to smuggle about 24 kilo of pseudoephedrine drugs to Johannesburg was caught at IGI Airport in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The woman had neatly packed the drugs in nine packets and concealed them in bed sheets and pillow covers.

Women with Gold Bars Detained at RGIA

Hyderabad: Two women passengers were detained by custom officials for transporting 7 kg gold bars worth `3 crore, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) on Thursday.

Finally, maintenance repair and overhaul takes off with Boeing landing

NAGPUR: Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) hopes to beef up its third party business through the aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) depot at Mihan-SEZ. Much of AIESL's current turnover of Rs 2,000 crore comes from the parent company — Air India.

AIESL is now waiting for an approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the Mihan MRO to start operations. Based on the initial application, DGCA wanted certain steps to be taken.

Regional airlines may get to fly on metro routes

The civil aviation ministry is considering a proposal from regional airlines seeking permission to operate flights to an additional metro city.

The move, if cleared, would allow carriers like Air Costa and Air Pegasus to make up for losses on low-density smaller city pairs by deploying capacity on trunk routes where business potential is high.

Cochin likely to become SpiceJet’s hub for international operations

NEW DELHI: SpiceJet has announced to ramp up its international operations from Cochin International Airport, which may become its hub for international operations in the future.

Airports Authority of India Urged to Build New Terminal at Agartala

AGARTALA:  The Tripura government has requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to build a new terminal building at Agartala Airport immediately, an official said today.

"The government has already spent Rs. 35 crore to acquire 72 acres of land for modernization of the Agartala Airport and the AAI should go ahead with the construction of its new terminal building without any delay," Samarjit Bhowmik, Secretary of Transport Department told reporters.

Air India pilot who threw tantrums over 'dirty' oxygen mask suspended

New Delhi: An Air India pilot who delayed a New Delhi-Kochi flight by three hours over a dirty oxygen mask has now been suspended, as per the latest reports.
Earlier in the day, news had come in that an Air India flight was delayed by three hours after its pilot refused to accept a "dirty" emergency oxygen mask and insisted for a "fresh" one before flying the plane.

Bill to hive off air navigation services from AAI to be finalised soon

New Delhi: The Centre has almost finalised the draft of the Bill seeking to separate Air Navigation Services (ANS) from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), seen as a precursor to listing the authority. A government source said: “The draft Bill is in its final stages. There are a few human resources issues that need to be taken care of. The ministry will send the draft Bill for Cabinet approval after getting a go-ahead from the law ministry.”

Man's 'hijack' maneuvers to impress Air India airhostess runs him into trouble

Hyderabad: A lecherous passenger in an Air India flight landed up in the right place (police custody) when he went overboard in impressing an air hostess. In a flight from Dubai to Hyderabad, the man Yusuf Shareef (35), tried to attract the attention of the air hostess several times during the entire course of the flight. A resident of Mehdipatnam, Yusuf asked the hostess to take him to the cockpit for a photograph.

Trial run of new taxiway, MRO at Nagpur airport successful

Nagpur: The trial run of a newly constructed 3.4 kms long taxiway and Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) unit of Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport (MIHAN) was conducted successfully here, Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) said today.

In a first, Boeing 777 lands at Nagpur airport

Mumbai: A boeing 777-300 landed at Nagpur's Sonegaon airport for the first time on Wednesday, ahead of the inauguration of a Boeing maintenance and repair facility slated to start functioning in the city next month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the unit.

Jet Airways puts its wide-body fleet on sale to reduce debt

Mumbai: Jet Airways plans to sell all its wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 planes to raise cash and retire a portion of its Rs 12,000-crore debt.

Jet Airways has a fleet of 117 planes, a mix of turboprop, narrow-body and wide-body planes.  It flies the Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s to London, Paris, Brussels, Newark, Toronto and Hong Kong.

Jet Airways Adds 31 Flights on Domestic Routes

New Delhi: Jet Airways has added 31 flights on domestic routes for this summer, of which maximum are from the national capital.

The move is expected to significantly improve the airline's connectivity and provide greater convenience and choice to its passengers.

275 tonne flying machine pulled by tractor through village road

Nagpur: Curious villagers anxiously waited on terraces, some perched on trees, as a huge Boeing 777-300 rolled down a road through their village. The 275 tonne flying machine pulled by an aircraft tractor held everyone in awe as it took the first steps towards starting the much-touted $100 million maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) depot at Mihan. The MRO, which was announced nearly 10 years ago, has been used as a USP to pull investors to Mihan

Pilots battle growing loss of drive to fly, says IAF study

Chandigarh: A study conducted by specialists at the IAF’s Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) has revealed that loss of motivation for flying among aircrew in the armed forces is becoming more common.
Based on their findings, the authors of the study have suggested that pilot selection needs to include tests of motivation for flying and emotional stability, with separate tests for stress coping and resilience.

Air India seeks government approval for Rs 200 crore asset sale

Air India is awaiting civil aviation ministry nod to sell its properties in Mumbai and Chennai as a part of the asset monetisation drive.

Air India hopes to collectively earn about Rs 200 crore from the sale of four flats on Pedder Road in Mumbai and 1.3 acre land parcel in Chennai.

Kozhikode airport shutdown, an opportunity for Kannur

If completed on time, the Kannur International Airport, which is slated for commercial operations in June next year, will be able to accommodate flights diverted due to the partial shutdown of the Kozhikode airport.

The Kozhikode airport, which requires strengthening and re-carpeting of its runway, will be partially shutdown soon for nearly a year and half. For the first eight months, the airport will not be able to receive wide-bodied aircraft used by international airlines and, for the next few months, such aircraft can land only for a few hours a day.

Seema fliers wings clipped

Anantapur: Development of existing and also newly proposed airports is badly neglected in most parts of the Rayalaseema region. The existing airports were facing many problems while the newly proposed  ones existed on papers only. Presently, Tirupati is only the airport plying the passengers during daytime to Hyderabad, Chennai and other parts in the district. But none of them have night landing facilities and passengers, mo-stly political leaders and traders have to dep-end on Karnataka and Tamil Nadu headquarters to travel during night.

‘We are still some time away from pilotless flights’

After a co-pilot battling depression crashed his Germanwings aircraft into the Alps last month killing himself and 149 others instantly, several safety issues have come up again. In an interview with BusinessLine, Group Captain A K Sachdev (retd), the former COO of GoAir and one of the highly decorated officers in the Indian Air Force and the former command flight safety & inspection officer of IAF’s training command, Bangalore shares his views on how incidents of such nature can be prevented.

Odisha’s Jharsuguda airport work takes flight

The upgradation of the Jharsuguda airport in Odisha began today with the first phase construction work of a boundary wall of the airport which was inaugurated by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) chairman RK Srivastava.

DoNER urged to push Agartala airport project

Agartala: Tripura has demanded taking up construction of terminal building at Agartala Airport immediately as part of modernisation of airport.
At a meeting chaired by DoNER Secretary in Delhi on April 13, Tripura Secretary of Transport department Samarjit Bhowmik has sought the DoNER Minister’s intervention to begin construction of the terminal building at Agartala Airport.

Jet puts 16 wide-body aircraft on the block

Mumbai: Jet Airways has put more than half of its wide-body aircraft fleet on sale, a move that will help the carrier reduce its overall debt and improve profits.

On the trade website Speednews.com, Jet has invited offers for all 10 of its Boeing 777-300ERs (B77W) and all six of its Airbus A330-200s (A332) aircraft.

Jet Airways starts more domestic services to cash in on summer rush

Jet Airways, India's biggest carrier by market share Friday announced plans of adding 31 domestic flights this summer.

Jet has introduced a total of 23 inbound and outbound flights from Delhi to cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengalore, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Lucknow, Patna, Srinagar, Jaipur and Pune.

SpiceJet to ramp up international operations from Cochin airport

Kochi: SpiceJet, the country’s second largest low fare airline, plans to ramp up its international operations from Cochin airport to the Middle East with more flights, as well as increased connectivity to Maldives through Kochi.

Representatives of SpiceJet and officials of Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) held a discussion in this regard here on Wednesday.

Jet, set, cargo!

India is the largest air cargo market in the South Asian region, but very few airlines based out of the country have dedicated air freight services.

In fact, except for Blue Dart, no other Indian operator has a dedicated air freight service. This has allowed foreign airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines to corner a bulk of the market.

PESB selects Vinod Hejmadi for Air India's Director-Finance post

New Delhi: Vinod Hejmadi was today selected for the post of Director-Finance in Air India by Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB).
Hejmadi, who presently holds the post of general manager for finance at the national carrier's office in Mumbai, was selected after he along with two others were interviewed today by the government's head hunting body.

Air India SATS invests in IGI ground support equipment

Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) on Thursday said it has invested a further Rs.57 crore in new ground support equipment (GSE) at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport.

“This investment is part of the Rs.85 crore invested in GSE by AISATS in the past one year,” the company, which is a 50:50 joint venture between state-run Air India and SATS Ltd, said in a statement here.

Vistara to expand services in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Vistara Airlines of the Tata group has also expressed interest in expanding its services with Hyderabad as its centre of operations. The CEO of Vistara Airlines, Phee Teik Yeoh, formally met Minister for Panchayat Raj and Information Technology K.T. Rama Rao, and discussed the prospects of using the infrastructure of Hyderabad Airport exhaustively.

Vistara is a girl

That brands have personalities and attributes is well known. Brand custodians are taking the conversation a step further and assigning genders to them now. Joining the trend is the Tata Group-Singapore Airlines joint venture, Air Vistara. It's a girl.

India's Spicejet cool on JP Morgan Chase investment

Spicejet) has deferred an investment offer from one of the funds managed by US multinational banking and financial services holding company, JP Morgan Chase & Co., India's DNA news has reported.

"They [JP Morgan Chase] are interested in investing but Ajay Singh does not want to bring them on board at the present CMP [Current Market Price]," a senior company executive told dna. "He wants to further improve [the] valuation of the company before getting them (JP Morgan Chase) in."

Harni airport gallery to display exhibit of amateur artists

Vadodara: A dedicated art gallery is being established at Harni domestic airport near here where budding artists can showcase their creations.

"The gallery is being set up at the terminal building of the airport as per the instructions given by the Civil Aviation Ministry to the Airport Authority of India (AAI).

Upgraded Mirage fighters land at Jamnagar

Two upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter aircrafts landed at Jamnagar Airbase of the IAF from Istres, France, today.

Defence major Dassault Aviation had delivered the first two upgraded aircrafts to IAF just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to France earlier this month, where he had declared India's intent to buy 36 Rafale fighters through direct military sale.

AAI urged to build new terminal at Agartala

Agartala: The Tripura government has requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to build a new terminal building at Agartala Airport immediately, an official said on Wednesday.
“The government has already spent Rs 35 crore to acquire 72 acres of land for modernization of the Agartala Airport and the AAI should go ahead with the construction of its new terminal building without any delay,” Samarjit Bhowmik, Secretary of Transport Department told reporters here.

Bored waiting for your flight? Try flying one

New Delhi: From February, the GMR Group-led Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates the IGI Airport, has set up a simulator in Terminal 3. It is the first international airport in the world to offer passengers an opportunity to experience a flight simulator before boarding an actual flight.

Called The Cockpit, the ‘outlet’ is located in the duty free retail zone at IGI T3 and houses a state-of-the-art flight simulator. The simulator has a real size replica of the cockpit of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Indian firm provides aviation solutions to Malaysia Airlines

Singapore: Malaysia Airlines has deployed a full suite of aviation solutions by an Indian IT firm to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul support for over 145 aircraft, improving efficiency and enabling airworthiness.

Ramco Systems, headquartered in Chennai, achieved the deployment in a record time span of 11 months. The process will further improve efficiency and enable continuous airworthiness, thereby reducing aircraft on-ground time, the company said.

On service yardstick, Pune airport fares better

Pune:  An extensive survey conducted by the Airports Council International may have found overall improvement at the Lohegaon airport in Pune in terms of customer satisfaction, but it also points out shortcomings in services like cleanliness, availability of toilets, ambience among others.

The Airport Quality Survey (ASQ) for 2014 has given the Pune airport 4.20 points on a scale of 5. With this, the Lohegaon airport now boasts of 91st position among 250 airports in the world — an improvement from the 110th spot it occupied in 2013.

India sending special aircraft for victims of Nepal bus accident

The Indian government is sending a special aircraft to Kathmandu to air-lift the bodies and survivors of Wednesday's bus accident in Nepal in which 17 people were killed and 28 others injured, an official said.

Foul play in Karipur airport’s partial shutdown: INL

Kozhikode: The State committee of the Indian National League (INL) has alleged a conspiracy behind the move to shift the embarkation point of Haj pilgrims from the Calicut international airport to the CIAL airport at Nedumbassery this time.At a press meet here on Tuesday, the INL leaders said that the move should be seen in the light of the airport authorities decision to start recarpeting of the runway.

Maldives considered GMR buyout, but lacked funds

The Maldivian government considered buying out the 2010 airport development contract from India’s GMR, but lacking the necessary funds declared the agreement invalid, Minivan News can exclusively reveal.

The Maldives is now facing a payout to GMR, potentially as high as US$803 million or over half of the state budget, after a Singaporean tribunal last year ruled that the agreement was valid and binding.

Mumbai Airport's "Pranaam" promises to transform the Airport Experience in India

The first-of-its kind personalized Airport services "Pranaam" introduced by GVK CSIA at the Domestic & International terminals, received an international acclaim from the globally renowned Business Initiative Directions (BID) Group One. BID honoured Pranaam Services with the Century International Quality Era award as a recognition to the services' combined high delivery on customer-focused parameters such as quality, leadership, technology, management, customer satisfaction, brand name and business results.

Sunday 26 April 2015

AI CMD seeks extension for finance head

New Delhi: Air India CMD Rohit Nandan has asked the government to give a year's extension to the airline's finance person S Venkat. Nandan himself is set to become secretary and move out this summer.

Venkat, who was director finance and has now been promoted as joint MD, is going to retire this October.

7 Kg Gold Biscuits Seized at Hyderabad Airport

Hyderabad: Gold biscuits weighing around seven kilograms, which were allegedly being smuggled by two women passengers were seized today at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Shamshabad in Hyderabad, a custom official said.

NRI goes missing on the way to Mumbai airport

Tragedy struck for the second time in the Ali family, which had only just begun to mourn the demise of one family member, when another mysteriously went missing on Tuesday.
Sayyed Shahid Ali, a 38-year-old engineer based in Dubai, went missing on his way to Mumbai Airport, to catch a flight home after performing the last rites of his mother in Aurangabad.

Peacock feathers seized at airport

Kochi: Customs officials at the Kochi airport on Wednesday seized 65 kg of peacock feathers from two passengers booked on a Kula Lumpur flight. Peacock feathers are a banned export item. A 64-year-old man hailing from Thrissur and his female assistant were detained and the feathers handed over to the Forest Department.

Civil Aviation ministry starts listing achievements under Modi government

NEW DELHI: The civil aviation ministry has started taking stock of its achievements following a directive by the Prime Minister's Office to all ministries to submit a report on the work done in the first year of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government.

320 Pilots Flew Plane With Lapsed Proficiency Check, Says Aviation Minister

NEW DELHI:  320 pilots flew aircraft with lapsed Pilot Proficiency Check in 2014 with 219 of them belonging to private airlines and 101 to Air India, Lok Sabha was informed today.

During Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) audit of training facilities of airlines in 2014, it was found that maximum numbers of violation were done by Jet Airways with 130 of its pilots flying without the mandatory check, followed by Air India with 101 pilots, Air India Express with 70, SpiceJet with 10 and IndiGo with nine, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said in a written reply.

VIP facilities: Robert Vadra takes a swipe at Civil Aviation Minister

New Delhi: Robert Vadra on Tuesday took a swipe at Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju over his remarks that MPs and other VIPs will continue to enjoy facilities including free access to the airport terminal building.

AirAsia India set to launch flights from New Delhi



NEW DELHI: No-frills carrier AirAsia India today announced spreading its wings to the national capital which would serve as its hub for the north India market.

The airline would connect New Delhi with Bengaluru, Guwahati and Goa from May 21, AirAsia India said in a release.

Government gets Rs 5,814 crore revenue from Airports Authority of India in 4 years

NEW DELHI: The government has received more than Rs 5,814 crore from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in the last four financial years, Lok Sabha was informed today.

The amount has come by way of dividend, dividend tax, guarantee fees, interest on government budgetary support loan, income tax and service tax, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati told the Lok Sabha.

Airports Authority of India appeals for high tariff, airlines protest

The airlines are up against a recent submission to the civil aviation ministry by Airports Authority of India (AAI), which states that reduction in aeronautical charges at the Delhi airport will lower its revenue and impact its development projects.

Unable to zero in on next AI CMD, PESB asks civil aviation min

Unable to find a suitable nominee to take over as the next Air India Chairman and Managing Director, the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has asked the Civil Aviation Ministry to choose an "appropriate course" of action as regards finalising a selection.

PESB had last month held interviews for the post of Air India CMD.

After CEO, 30 GoAir pilots quit

NEW DELHI: Wadia Group's GoAir seems to be passing through a turbulent phase. Within weeks of GoAir CEO Giorgio De Roni quitting, 30 pilots of the low cost carrier (LCC) have now put in their papers.

Jet Airways plans to take back two Boeing 777s from Etihad

As per a PTI report, Jet Airways (India) Ltd, which plans to enhance its services on the US routes, may ask its strategic investment partner Etihad Airways to return two of its Boeing-777 planes which are currently on lease with the Gulf-based carrier.

The private carrier has leased out seven wide-bodied planes to Etihad, which holds 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways, including five Boeing 777-300 ERs which are used for ultra long-haul operations.

No end to VVIP privileges at airports

New Delhi:  Instead of ending privileges given to MPs, the aviation ministry has perpetuated the VVIP culture at Indian airports.

Aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Monday told Parliament there was 'no' proposal to curtail the privileges and protocol for VVIPs including MPs at airports.

Hijack scare on Dubai-Hyderabad Air India flight

Hyderabad: High drama was witnessed on board an Air India Dubai-Hyderabad flight on Tuesday after a youth reportedly threatened to hijack the aircraft.

A youth named Yousuf, 35, was flying from Dubai when he initiated conversation with an airhostess on the flight. During conversation, he used the words hijack and hostage following which the airhostess alerted the pilot of the aircraft.

AAI’s submission short-sighted; will affect traffic growth

New Delhi: Days after the state-owned Airports Authority of India (AAI) asked the government not to reduce tariff at Delhi airport, an international airline body has called it a short-sighted approach which will affect traffic growth.

Bhogapuram Airport Plan Hits Roadblock

Vizhinagaram: Opposing the government’s decision to set up an airport at Bhogapuram, a large number of farmers along with their families from around 18 neighbouring villages near Bhogapuram gathered Monday and took out a rally to the Vizianagaram Collectorate expressing their anger. Tension prevailed as opposition leaders too joined the protest in support of the farmers. A large number of police were deployed as a precautionary measure.

Separate bylaws for highrises near airport

Jaipur: To keep a check on highrise buildings near the state hangar and Jaipur airport, the urban development and housing (UDH) department might formulate separate bylaws for this zone. In a meeting, chaired by the UDH additional chief secretary (ACS), Ashok Jain, directions have been given to Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) zone commissioner to analyze and examine the bylaws of other airports in the country before formulating new norms. Talking to TOI, Jain said, "We have sought a report in 15 days. After examining the report a decision will be taken about formulating norms."

VDI checks-in with DIAL

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) is a joint venture between GMR Group, Airports Authority of India, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). In January 2006, the consortium was awarded the concession to operate, manage and develop the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi. IGIA is the busiest airport in India and looks set to maintain its position thanks to ongoing development projects.

Jharsuguda airstrip inspection tomorrow

Bhubaneswar: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) chairman R K Srivastav is scheduled to visit proposed Jharsuguda airport on Wednesday to review progress of work for terminal building and expansion of runway.

Jharsuguda airstrip will be upgraded into a full-fledged airport to facilitate landing of big aircraft like Boeing 767 and Airbus A-321, official sources said.

7 flights diverted due to evening nor'wester

Kolkata: Seven flights were diverted due to a nor'wester at the N S C Bose International Airport this evening.
The seven diverted flights included one Air India Delhi-Kolkata flight which was diverted to Lucknow and is scheduled to land here by 10.30 pm.

Aviation safety upgrade: DGCA asked to meet 4 pre-conditions

New Delhi: The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may have restored category I status to India’s aviation safety oversight mechanism but the upgrade has been accorded based on DGCA’s promise to meet four stringent conditions in up to a year’s time. The FAA may come for an audit again in 12 months to assess the development.

Operation Rahat: Air India sought to pull out as many Indians as possible from Yemen

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing if Air India's highly applauded rescue flights from Yemen carried more passengers back home than aircraft capacity.

Earlier this month, AI had operated flights for 'Operation Rahat' wherein 182-seater Airbus A-321s were deployed for flying from India to Djibouti in Africa.From there, the aircraft would fly to Yemen's war-torn capital Sanaa to evacuate Indians and bring them back to India after a refuelling stop in Djibouti.

Aviation awareness programme concludes

The College of Aeronautical Engineering, which is the lone aircraft maintenance engineering institute of northeast India, in association with Guwahati Press Club has organized a daylong media aviation awareness programme in press club on 21 April 2015. Prior to the orientation programme, prominent aviation personalities from Assam including Air Marshal (retired) PK Barbora, Air Commodore (retired) DJ Sharma and Air Marshal (retired) Anjan Gogoi were felicitated.

Air India to operate additional Jammu-Leh flight

Jammu: Air India would operate an additional Jammu to Leh flight tomorrow for the stranded passengers, an official spokesman said.

"Air India shall operate additional flight on Jammu-Leh sector on April 21," the spokesman said.

SpiceJet Opens Advance Bookings Up To March Next Year

SpiceJet on Monday said it has opened advanced bookings up to March next year, following the nod from aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The customers can now start planning their trips early for the winters to get the best deals, the airline said in a statement.
Winter schedules for airlines in India this year would commence from October and last up to March 24, 2016.

Amravati's airport hope takes wings with Gadkari move

Amravati: City MLA Sunil Deshmukh's 15-yr-old dream of developing the Belora airstrip near Badnera into a full-fledged airport might be realized in near future as Union minister Nitin Gadkari has, upon persuasion by Deshmukh, intervened to expedite the matter.

All central government nods in place for Navi Mumbai airport

Mumbai: All central government permissions for the Navi Mumbai international airport have been granted, chief secretary Swadhin Kshatriya said on Monday.

Seven permissions, from the environment and civil aviation ministries were received last month, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's countrywide video-conference with chief secretaries. When Modi asked Kshatriya about the status of the airport project, he informed him that a miracle had occurred.

Partial relief to Gaya air travellers, flight schedule extended till 30 June

Gaya: In what is being regarded as partial relief to Gaya air travellers, the schedule of the Air India Gaya-Delhi flight has been extended till 30 June'2015. However the frequency of the flight has been reduced. As against the existing daily flight schedule, the revised schedule for the month of May and June make it a tri weekly phenomenon. For the last several years, Air India has been ferrying passenger between Gaya and the national capital only during the October-March tourist season.

Start Planing for Winter Trips! SpiceJet Opens Bookings Up To March 2016

Following aviation regular Directorate General of Civil Aviation's nod, SpiceJet said on Monday, it had opened advanced booking up to next years March.

Exorbitant Airfares for JK Hajj Pilgrims

New Delhi: : Expressing dismay over the exorbitant airfare being charged from the Hajj pilgrims of Jammu and Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and Member Parliament, Ms Mehbooba Mufti has sought the intervention of Union External Affairs Minister, Mrs Sushma Swaraj in the matter.

Gold smuggling on rise at Ahmedabad airport, 18 cases in 4 months

Ahmedabad: In spite of relaxation by the central government in restrictions on import of gold, smuggling of the yellow metal continues to rise at the city airport. In the first four months of 2015 itself, Customs and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have detected 18 cases of gold smuggling and recovered 22.87kg gold worth Rs 6.17 crore at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Man held for smuggling gold worth Rs 52 lakh at airport

New Delhi: A man has been arrested at the international airport here for allegedly trying to smuggle into the country gold valued at about Rs 52 lakh.

The passenger was intercepted by customs officials after his arrival from Bangkok yesterday.

Largest gold haul worth Rs 6 crore at IGI airport, 2 arrested

New Delhi: Two people were arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday for allegedly trying to smuggle into the country gold worth approximately Rs 6 crore.
The passengers, identified as Mohammed Quamruzzama and Gulab Anwar, were intercepted by customs officials after their arrival from Dubai. “Both of them did not declare the gold brought by them in Indian customs declaration slip.

South African woman held with drug worth Rs.1.18 crore

New Delhi: A 22-year-old South African woman was arrested at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) here while carrying a 19.30 kg consignment of narcotic drugs, valued at Rs.1.18 crore in the international market, the CISF said on Monday.

Suspect in explosives case caught at airport

Trichy: Immigration authorities on Sunday night caught an accused in the 2008 Ariyalur explosive dealing case at the international airport here. He was nabbed after it was found that his passport had been revoked by Indian immigration authorities.

Suspect in explosives case caught at the airport

Trichy: Immigration authorities on Sunday night caught an accused in the 2008 Ariyalur explosive dealing case at the international airport here. He was nabbed after it was found that his passport had been revoked by Indian immigration authorities.

Govt puts UPA's low-cost airport project on hold

New Delhi: The present government has decided to put on hold the previous one's ambitious plan of developing low-cost airports in non-metro cities. However, of the 50 centres identified by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2013, work will continue on five low-cost airports - in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha - where construction has already been sanctioned.

Friday 24 April 2015

SpiceJet cuts JP Morgan's chase for better valuation

New Delhi: Troubled budget airline SpiceJet Ltd, which is on recovery path, has declined an investment offer from one of the funds managed by the US-based JP Morgan Chase & Co. Ajay Singh-promoted low-fare carrier says the valuation offered by the MNC does not match up to its expectation. "They (JP Morgan Chase) are interested in investing but Ajay Singh does not want to bring them on board at the present CMP (current market price).

GoAir seeks Airbus instructors as 35 pilots resign

Mumbai: GoAir is seeking instructors from Airbus after 35 pilots resigned in the past three months because of delays in career progression.

“Thirty-five pilots have resigned largely because of delays in command and upgrade training. There is a shortage of instructors and examiners (senior training captains) in the airline and the available pilot strength is deployed for operations instead of training,” said an airline source.

Man offloaded without valid reason, airline told to pay him Rs 50,000

Chandigarh: The district consumer disputes redressal forum of Chandigarh has ordered a private airline to pay Rs 50,000 in compensation for offloading a passenger without any valid reason, holding that it was a case of deficiency in service.

In his complaint, R K Sharma, a resident of Sector 19, said that he had booked a ticket with Air India for travelling from Chandigarh to New Delhi, and New Delhi to Ranchi on May 21 last year.

Govt gets Rs 5,814 cr revenue from AAI in 4 years

New Delhi: The government has received more than Rs 5,814 crore from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in the last four financial years, Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.

The amount has come by way of dividend, dividend tax, guarantee fees, interest on government budgetary support loan, income tax and service tax, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati told the Lok Sabha.

China's airport plan on Pamir plateau near PoK worries India

China is planning to build its first ever airport in Xinjiang, on the strategically important and high altitude Pamir plateau, close to its border with Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Air Asia, Costa to spread wings over Delhi skies

COMPETITION is set to heat up on domestic sectors connecting Delhi, the country's largest aviation hub handling over 750 flights a day, with regional player Air Costa and no-frill carrier Air Asia India planning to spread their wings to the capital.

While Air Asia India is expected to start its flights to Delhi from May this year, Air Costa is gearing up to launch flights during September-October.

Proposal to build airport at Shamirpet not tenable

The repeated assertion of the Chief Minister, K. Chandrasekhar Rao, to construct a second airport at Shamirpet on the city outskirts may not be tenable, given the clause in the Concession Agreement signed between Hyderabad International Airport Limited (HIAL) and the Government of India.

AAI opposing cut in Delhi airport charges unfortunate: IATA

NEW DELHI: Terming as "unfortunate" and "disappointing" the AAI decision to oppose proposed reduction in charges at Delhi airport by 78 per cent, International Air Transport Association (IATA) has said the move would prove detrimental to both passengers and airlines.

Odisha passengers stranded on bus as Air India flight fails to take off

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Hundreds of passengers had to keep waiting at the IGI Airport and Biju Patnaik International Airport of Odisha capital as the New Delhi-Bhubaneswar-Port Blair flight AI-9601 of Air India failed to take off from IGI early Sunday morning.

The flight was scheduled to take off at 5:45 AM from IGI, reach Bhubaneswar and then depart for Port Blair.

Air Travellers Association opposes Bhogapuram airport

Srikakulam: Air Travellers Association of India (AITA) strongly oppose the construction of the Greenfield airport at Bhogapuram saying that it would hardly benefit the backward Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts.

Government rejects BP's application for selling aviation turbine fuel to airlines

New Delhi: Government has rejected BP plc's application for selling jet fuel to airlines on the ground that its investment does not qualify to get a retailing licence, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said today.

Gannavaram airport expansion work in rapid pace

Expansion works at the existing terminal building at the Gannavaram airport will be completed by the end of this month, according to officials.
The works were taken up by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in view of the growing passenger patronage at the airport post-bifurcation. The works are being carried out without affecting regular operations at the airport.

Air cargo target fixed at 6,000 metric tonnes

Tiruchi: With overseas air cargo growth witnessing a continuous upswing at the Tiruchi international airport, an internal target of 6,000 metric tonnes has been set in the 2015-16 fiscal.

A higher target has been fixed going by the current volume of cargo handled and in anticipation of its rise in the present financial year.

Jet Airways appoints Women Director

The Board of Directors of Jet Airways (India) Ltd has appointed Mrs. Anita Naresh Goyal, as an Additional Director (non-executive and non-independent) with effect from April 08, 2015.

Smoke causes panic in NSC Bose airport

Kolkata: A small fire broke out in the integrated cargo complex of the domestic terminal at the NSC Bose International airport on Sunday evening.
An airport official said the smoke, which was seen inside the complex at around 7.20 pm, triggered panic but fizzled out in another five minute's time.

14 Kg Gold Goes Missing from Customs Vault

Tiruchy: Around 14 kg of gold has mysteriously gone missing from the safe vaults at the Customs and Central Excise office here. The theft came to light during a routine audit of the vaults on Saturday night, and the officials lodged a complaint with the police.

The gold seized by the customs officials from smugglers and unclaimed gold from the airport are usually kept at the safe vaults in the office on Williams Road.

Gold Worth Rs. 35 Lakhs Seized From Woman Passenger at Chennai Airport

Chennai: Gold worth approximately Rs. 35 lakh was seized from a woman passenger who arrived at Chennai airport from Singapore on Monday, airport officials said.

IATA criticises AAI's demand for higher tariff at Delhi airport

Mumbai: The International Air Transport Association has criticised the Airports Authority of India for backing high user charges at the Delhi airport. The AAI holds a 26 per cent stake in Delhi International Airport Ltd and receives 46 per cent of the airport’s revenue.

The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority has proposed a 78 per cent reduction in landing, parking and other user charges in a consultation paper to determine tariffs for 2014-19. The consultation process is under way.

Private operators irked at 300% hike in hangar charge at Juhu airport

Private charter operators at country's oldest civil aviation airport in Juhu are following in Bapu's footsteps of 'civil disobedience' to register their protest.
Agitating against the proposed 300% hike in hanger and other charges at the airport, the operators have collectively refused to pay the same, terming the hike "unjust" and "grave" for the private charter business. The order for increase comes months after the office space was hiked to 504%, from last October.

Operation Raahat: Pilots dealt with dust storm, damaged machines

Blinding dust storms, damaged navigational aids and confusing instructions from the ATC were some of the challenges braved by Air India crew who took part in the recent mission to airlift thousands of people, including foreign nationals, out of strife-hit Yemen.
Recounting the edgy operation, an Air India pilot who was part of the efforts said that they managed to evacuate nearly 2,900 people with the help of three aircraft and eight pilots. ‘Operation Raahat’, as the mission to airlift civilians was called, had featured a 55-member AI team, he said.

Emergency landing of a private jet at Bhopal airport

Bhopal: A private jet from United Kingdom took an emergency landing at Raja Bhoj airport in the evening after witnessing technical snag in the engine.

According to director of Bhopal airport, K Gunasekaran, a private jet carrying three crew members requested for emergency landing.

Passengers of Air India flight to Andaman made to wait in bus for an hour, will now fly two days late

An Air India flight to Port Blair, via Bhubaneswar, was cancelled on Sunday morning leaving close to 60 passengers stranded inside the airport shuttle bus for at least an hour.
AI flight 9601 was scheduled to depart at 5.45 am from Delhi, but it was delayed due to “technical reasons”.

Travel pangs: Delhi-Dharamsala air fare more than trip to Singapore!

Dharamsala: With tourist season setting in, the air fare to Dharamsala has inexplicably shot up with a ticket costing as much as Rs 21,000 from Delhi. What flummoxes passengers is the fact that the fare is much higher than a flight to Singapore or Thailand that costs Rs 18,000 and Rs 15,000, respectively.

Jet Airways plans to take back two Boeing 777s from Etihad

New Delhi: Jet Airways, which plans to enhance its services on the US routes, may ask its strategic investment partner Etihad to return two of its Boeing-777 planes which are currently on lease with the Gulf-based carrier.

Dead Guntur Woman's Liver Flown to Hyd

Hyderabad: A 54-year-old brain dead woman’s liver from Guntur was airlifted and transplanted on a 43-year-old man in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Thanks to the efforts of Hyderabad police a green channel was created for transporting the liver from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Shamshabad to KIMS Hospital on the Minister’s Road.

40 kids board flight of fantasy

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Round Table 53 (BRT 53), a group of young men engaged in charitable activities, in collaboration with Serajuddin & Co & Indigo Airlines sponsored a flight a fantasy, a trip to Visakhapatnam today for 40 children of RAWA Academy. RAWA Academy is an orphanage based on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar at Mendhasala.

Emirates, waiting on Indian government, wants to fly A380 to Delhi

London: Emirates airline will fly the world’s largest passenger jet twice daily to New Delhi and Mumbai if approval is granted by the Indian government, President Tim Clark said in an interview in London on Friday.

Emirates currently flies the Airbus A380 daily to Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, however, the airline is restricted by government approved seating capacity in adding additional A380 services.

Air ambulance ditches patient

Jorhat: The family of a critically ill patient from Sivasagar district in Upper Assam has decided to sue Luan Airways for refusing to carry him from Dibrugarh to Delhi on the ground that he did not possess a swine flu clearance certificate.

The family of the patient, Surendra Boruah, who is suffering from septicaemia, had deposited the required Rs 9 lakh with the airline.

Passengers left in the lurch at KIA

Bengaluru: A number of passengers scheduled to fly to and from the City were stranded at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) due to the Karnataka bandh on Saturday.

Many who were scheduled to take evening flights, reached the airport as early as 5 am, fearing unavailability of cabs and to avoid any outward incidents. People even took shared cabs to the KIA and paid exorbitant fares.