Fifteen airports built by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at a cost of Rs 438.4 crore are yet to receive their first scheduled commercial flight in a decade. The state-run authority spent the above mentioned figure in the past 10 years. The costliest of them has come up at Maharashtra's Gondia, former aviation minister Praful Patel's home city, and it alone cost Rs 207.6 crore.
Monday, 29 February 2016
Dense fog hits air services, trains in Surat
Surat: Residents in the Diamond City woke up to dense fog on Friday morning with visibility reducing to just 50 m in several areas like Jehangirpura, Rander, Adajan, Pal and Sachin.
The fog also disrupted the flight operations at the Surat airport and lead to the delay in the running time of the trains from Mumbai and Ahmedabad
The fog also disrupted the flight operations at the Surat airport and lead to the delay in the running time of the trains from Mumbai and Ahmedabad
No gate number on boarding pass: Airline fined 13K
Chennai: Airlines can't go scot-free if a passenger misses a flight because the boarding gate number is not mentioned on the ticket, a consumer body ruled on Thursday.
Rapping a private airline for the oversight, the district consumer disputes redressal forum, Chennai (South), directed it to pay compensation of Rs 12,500 to the passenger and refund him the ticket cost.
Thomas Findo of Mylapore, an accountant and managing director of a private company , had to attend a meeting at the union ministry of defence, New Delhi, and booked a to-and-fro ticket worth `12,293 with SpiceJet on January 8, 2012.
Rapping a private airline for the oversight, the district consumer disputes redressal forum, Chennai (South), directed it to pay compensation of Rs 12,500 to the passenger and refund him the ticket cost.
Thomas Findo of Mylapore, an accountant and managing director of a private company , had to attend a meeting at the union ministry of defence, New Delhi, and booked a to-and-fro ticket worth `12,293 with SpiceJet on January 8, 2012.
Night flights at Sgr airport: Civil aviation DG’s nod for airlines only hurdle
Srinagar: The only reason Srinagar airport is not operating night flights is that airlines are yet to apply for approval from the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA), an official said.
Director Srinagar Airport RK Shinde told Kashmir Reader that night flights will operate the same day the five airlines operating flights to the Valley are given a green signal by the DGCA. After the approval, he said, flights can be operated till 10pm.
Director Srinagar Airport RK Shinde told Kashmir Reader that night flights will operate the same day the five airlines operating flights to the Valley are given a green signal by the DGCA. After the approval, he said, flights can be operated till 10pm.
GoAir hints at Surat ops, but needs long-term commitment
Surat: Surtis fliers are pinning their hope on GoAir to fulfill their flying dreams.
After SpiceJet withdrew from the Diamond City following the buffalo-hit incident in 2014, GoAir has shown interest to connect the city with important domestic destinations.
Senior officials from GoAir including the vice president (network and planning), Clayton Begido were in the city to attend a meeting hosted by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGto discuss air connectivity issue and the potential at Surat airport on Friday.
After SpiceJet withdrew from the Diamond City following the buffalo-hit incident in 2014, GoAir has shown interest to connect the city with important domestic destinations.
Senior officials from GoAir including the vice president (network and planning), Clayton Begido were in the city to attend a meeting hosted by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGto discuss air connectivity issue and the potential at Surat airport on Friday.
Singapore Airlines to scale up ops from Mumbai
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has said it will scale up operations from Mumbai with four new weekly flights from the country's financial capital to the city state in April to cater to the rising demand on the route.
The airline currently has two daily flights, one each in morning and evening, on the route, run by Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 respectively.
The airline currently has two daily flights, one each in morning and evening, on the route, run by Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 respectively.
Government mulling to and fro night flights in Kashmir
Srinagar: Authorities on Friday discussed modalities for starting to and fro night flights in Kashmir valley and a DGCA team is expected to arrive here next month to take stock of the facilities at Srinagar International Airport.
Asgar Hassan Samon, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, held a meeting to review the functioning of Srinagar airport and discuss modalities to start night landing of flights at the airport, an official spokesman said.
"The meeting was informed that the Indian Air Force had given the permission to start night flights at Srinagar airport in May 2013," Samon said. The airport frequently hosts night flights from non-scheduled aircrafts, state aircraft and some special flights.
Asgar Hassan Samon, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, held a meeting to review the functioning of Srinagar airport and discuss modalities to start night landing of flights at the airport, an official spokesman said.
"The meeting was informed that the Indian Air Force had given the permission to start night flights at Srinagar airport in May 2013," Samon said. The airport frequently hosts night flights from non-scheduled aircrafts, state aircraft and some special flights.
Federal govt has assured nod for Air Kerala project, says Chandy
Trivandrum: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that the state government had received assurance from the federal government regarding exemption to the proposed Air Kerala project from the 5/20 norm.
Inaugurating the new international terminal at the Cochin International Airport on Friday, he said that the airline was ready to begin operations soon after receiving the exemption from the rule, which insists five years of domestic operations with a fleet of 20 aircraft for flying abroad.
Inaugurating the new international terminal at the Cochin International Airport on Friday, he said that the airline was ready to begin operations soon after receiving the exemption from the rule, which insists five years of domestic operations with a fleet of 20 aircraft for flying abroad.
AirAsia loss narrows to Rs 32 crore
New Delhi/Mumbai: The losses of AirAsia India narrowed to Rs 32.7 crore in the December quarter, 23 per cent less than Rs 35.2 crore in the same period a year ago.
Revenue doubled to Rs 208 crore from Rs 62 crore in the same quarter last year, as the airline doubled its fleet to six aircraft.
AirAsia was unable to derive substantial benefits of lower fuel costs. On an operating level, the airline posted a loss of Rs 25.6 crore, against Rs 33.1 crore in same quarter a year ago.
Revenue doubled to Rs 208 crore from Rs 62 crore in the same quarter last year, as the airline doubled its fleet to six aircraft.
AirAsia was unable to derive substantial benefits of lower fuel costs. On an operating level, the airline posted a loss of Rs 25.6 crore, against Rs 33.1 crore in same quarter a year ago.
Immigration red flags Air India's Hub & Spoke policy
New Delhi:Immigration authorities have red flagged Air India's Hub and Spoke policy that connects several Tier-II cities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency Varanasi, saying security risks are involved with this plan.
Several security lapses have been detected by immigration and customs authorities in the airline's hub and spoke operations, which connect Amritsar, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Panaji, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi with metro cities before flying the passengers to foreign destinations, official sources said.
Several security lapses have been detected by immigration and customs authorities in the airline's hub and spoke operations, which connect Amritsar, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Panaji, Bhubaneswar, Varanasi with metro cities before flying the passengers to foreign destinations, official sources said.
Kerala CM Dedicates New CIAL Terminal to Nation
Nedumbassery: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday said the State Government would entrust the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) with the task of constructing an air strip at Bekal and eight helipads in various parts of the State.
He was speaking after inaugurating the new international terminal (T-3) at the CIAL here.
The State Government will identify the land required for the project and hand over the same to CIAL Infrastructure - a subsidiary of the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL).
CIAL International Terminal Completed in Record Time
He was speaking after inaugurating the new international terminal (T-3) at the CIAL here.
The State Government will identify the land required for the project and hand over the same to CIAL Infrastructure - a subsidiary of the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL).
CIAL International Terminal Completed in Record Time
DGCA revises crew rest rules, experts raise safety concerns
Mumbai: The new work and rest rules for cabin crew, rolled out by the Indian aviation regulator on Thursday, could have a grave impact on passenger safety during emergencies like fire on board aircraft, crash landing, etc, as some provisions would increase the cumulative fatigue of flight attendants.
Given the critical nature of their jobs, pilots and cabin crew members are required to be alert during their duty hours so as to ensure flight and passenger safety. Hence the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues guidelines that define several parameters like the maximum duty hours and landings that they can be rostered for, the minimum rest period mandatory, number of days they can work at a stretch, among others. Airlines are bound to adhere to these rules when rostering their crew for flight duties.
Given the critical nature of their jobs, pilots and cabin crew members are required to be alert during their duty hours so as to ensure flight and passenger safety. Hence the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issues guidelines that define several parameters like the maximum duty hours and landings that they can be rostered for, the minimum rest period mandatory, number of days they can work at a stretch, among others. Airlines are bound to adhere to these rules when rostering their crew for flight duties.
Cial eyes direct flights to US, Europe
Kochi: With a new international terminal getting operational at the Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) on May 25, 2016, the authorities are trying to bring in direct flight connectivity from the US and Europe to Kochi.
Chief minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the new terminal, T-3, on Friday.
Chief minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the new terminal, T-3, on Friday.
No large aircraft for Karipur airport
Karipur: In a major blow that could possibly sink the viability of Karipur airport in Malappuram, the Emirates Air has dismantled its check-in counters foreseeing complete suspension of the operation of large aircraft. The operation of big aircraft has been in a suspended mode since May 2015 citing safety norms. Even with the runway renovation nearing completion by November, large aircraft will probably not get the permission to operate from the airport any time soon.
New international terminal at Cochin airport takes off today
Passengers at India's first green field airport at Co-chin in the southern Indian state of Kerala can expect to get a hassle-free travel with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art new international passenger terminal at the airport on Friday.
The new terminal known as T3 to be dedicated to the nation by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has a peak-hour capacity to handle 4,000 passengers. The terminal will be able to handle 13-15 air-craft through aerobridges during the peak operation as against the current five aircrafts.
The new terminal known as T3 to be dedicated to the nation by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has a peak-hour capacity to handle 4,000 passengers. The terminal will be able to handle 13-15 air-craft through aerobridges during the peak operation as against the current five aircrafts.
'Delhi, Mumbai airports collect over Rs 10,000 cr fee'
New Delhi: Delhi and Mumbai airports have collected more than Rs 10,139 crore in user development and passenger fee till December last year since their privatisation during 2006-07 period.
The airport in the national capital is operated by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) -- a joint venture where the majority stake is owned by GMR.
GVK group-led Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) operates the Mumbai airport.
The airport in the national capital is operated by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) -- a joint venture where the majority stake is owned by GMR.
GVK group-led Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) operates the Mumbai airport.
Asian airport traffic jumps 8%, driven by China and India
According to the latest data report from Airports Council International (ACI), Asia Pacific’s growth was considerably faster than the global average of +6.1% seen in 2015, with China (+8.0%) and India (+16.4%) driving the region. Half of the passenger traffic growth seen in Asia Pacific last year came from these two countries.
Other major contributors to the region’s strong growth were Thailand (+21.2%), South Korea (+10.7%), Hong Kong (+8.3%) and Japan (+4.0%). Indonesia was the only major Asia Pacific country to end the year with a decline in airport passenger traffic (-1.2%).
Other major contributors to the region’s strong growth were Thailand (+21.2%), South Korea (+10.7%), Hong Kong (+8.3%) and Japan (+4.0%). Indonesia was the only major Asia Pacific country to end the year with a decline in airport passenger traffic (-1.2%).
Man falls ill on flight; passengers find it suspicious, and cause delay
Mumbai: It seems, owing to various threat alerts, air passengers these days are overcautious about safety measures while flying to their destinations. A classic example of this was seen on Wednesday evening in a SpiceJet flight. Few passengers, on Wednesday evening, delayed a flight only because they found something ‘suspicious’ in a person falling sick. At about 7.50am on Thursday, SpiceJet flight SG-487 (Goa-Kolkata via Mumbai) returned from taxiway on medical ground as a passenger, Sounak Kar, complained of unease. However, the flight got further delayed only because five of the passengers, who raised concern over the sick passenger delaying the flight for around three hours.
Saturday, 27 February 2016
Air India Delhi flight timings changed
Coimbatore: Air India has notified change in timings of its flights from Coimbatore to Delhi and Delhi to Coimbatore. The flight to Coimbatore AI 887 will depart from Delhi at 9am and arrive in Coimbatore at 2.05pm, while the flight to Delhi will leave Coimbatore at 2.45pm and reach the destination at 8.20pm.
Call for air cargo industry to drive supply chain improvements in India
The air cargo industry should take more responsibility and drive improvements in India’s supply chain operations rather than wait for major changes in infrastructure and bureaucracy.
During the Air Cargo India event, a panel of speakers outlined what quick-win changes could be made to improve air cargo supply chains in India.
Saudia Cargo vice president commercial Rainer Mueller said he felt that the air cargo industry should try to do more itself to improve some of the problems it faces in India, for instance flying to more than one airport on international freighter flights, to improve the service and reduce costs.
During the Air Cargo India event, a panel of speakers outlined what quick-win changes could be made to improve air cargo supply chains in India.
Saudia Cargo vice president commercial Rainer Mueller said he felt that the air cargo industry should try to do more itself to improve some of the problems it faces in India, for instance flying to more than one airport on international freighter flights, to improve the service and reduce costs.
GoAir officials' visit spurs hope for Surtis
Surat: The trade and industry bodies and the general fliers are expecting some good news on Friday when the top authorities from GoAir will visit the Diamond City.
The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGhas hosted meeting with the network and commercial team of GoAir. It has invited representatives of the trade and industry and travel agents to discuss connecting Surat with the potential routes across the country.
Last week, GoAir's technical team had visited city to assess connectivity from the city to the potential sectors.
The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGhas hosted meeting with the network and commercial team of GoAir. It has invited representatives of the trade and industry and travel agents to discuss connecting Surat with the potential routes across the country.
Last week, GoAir's technical team had visited city to assess connectivity from the city to the potential sectors.
Jet, IndiGo to move operations to T2 at Mumbai international airport
Mumbai: While full-service carrier Jet Airways is scheduled to move its operations to the new integrated terminal, T2, at Mumbai international airport in March, the country's largest domestic airline, IndiGo, is expected to follow suit in the second half of the year.
Embraer unveils new greener, quieter aircraft
Embraer, the Brazilian planemaker, has unveiled its new E2 aircraft, the first in a series of new fuel-efficient, quieter passenger jets.
The E2 series, which ranges from 70 to 130 seats, will feature new engines, fly-by-wire flight controls and aerodynamic improvements, including a new wing design, to reduce fuel burn, CO2 emissions and noise.
The first aircraft unveiled this week was an E190-E2, which will be able to carry between 97 and 106 passengers depending on the layout. This will be followed by the smaller E175-E2 and larger E195-E2.
The E2 series, which ranges from 70 to 130 seats, will feature new engines, fly-by-wire flight controls and aerodynamic improvements, including a new wing design, to reduce fuel burn, CO2 emissions and noise.
The first aircraft unveiled this week was an E190-E2, which will be able to carry between 97 and 106 passengers depending on the layout. This will be followed by the smaller E175-E2 and larger E195-E2.
CM to dedicate nation new terminal of CIAL tomorrow
Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will dedicate to the nation tomorrow the new International terminal,terminal 3 of the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), the first airport in the world fully operated by solar energy.
The new state-of-the-art International terminal at CIAL, built with an area of 15 lakh sq ft, would be the largest three International airports in Kerala and second in South India after the Hyderabad airport.
The new state-of-the-art International terminal at CIAL, built with an area of 15 lakh sq ft, would be the largest three International airports in Kerala and second in South India after the Hyderabad airport.
GMR awarded damages in Maldives airport arbitration
Mumbai: An arbitration tribunal in Singapore has ruled in favour of the GMR group of companies on its dispute with the Maldives government on the airport project in that country.
GMR, the tribunal has decided, is entitled to payment of damages for termination of its contract in Maldives for the airport. This will include all the money it had borrowed from Axis Bank for the project. The payment is to be completed by the third quarter of this calendar year.
GMR, the tribunal has decided, is entitled to payment of damages for termination of its contract in Maldives for the airport. This will include all the money it had borrowed from Axis Bank for the project. The payment is to be completed by the third quarter of this calendar year.
Jet Airways, Korean Air ink codeshare pact
New Delhi: Private carrier Jet Airways today said it has inked a codeshare pact and loyalty exchange programme with the Korean Air which will allow passengers of the two airlines seamless travel between India and South Korea.
As part of the pact, which will come into force on March 1, Jet Airways and Korean Air will be able to connect from multiple points in India to Seoul over various gateway points in Asia.
Korean Air operates over 462 flights per day to 129 cities in 46 countries with a fleet of 167 aircraft, including 10 jumbo jets A380s.
As part of the pact, which will come into force on March 1, Jet Airways and Korean Air will be able to connect from multiple points in India to Seoul over various gateway points in Asia.
Korean Air operates over 462 flights per day to 129 cities in 46 countries with a fleet of 167 aircraft, including 10 jumbo jets A380s.
The comeback act of SpiceJet founder Ajay Singh
On the seventeenth day of December 2014, a near bankrupt SpiceJet ceased operations till 1600 hours. Flights resumed only after oil companies started refuelling after the airline made a part payment on outstanding dues.
Part payment was one of the reasons the airline took wings again. The other crucial reason for SpiceJet's return from death was the return of original founder Ajay Singh, who was seen meeting officials at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan - the building that hosts the civil aviation ministry in Delhi - an hour before flights resumed. Singh, who had co-founded SpiceJet in 2005, had sold a majority stake in the airline to Kalanithi Maran of Sun TV in SpiceJet for Rs 750 crore in 2010. But when SpiceJet ran into rough weather, Singh acquired 58 per cent equity from Maran in January 2015.
Part payment was one of the reasons the airline took wings again. The other crucial reason for SpiceJet's return from death was the return of original founder Ajay Singh, who was seen meeting officials at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan - the building that hosts the civil aviation ministry in Delhi - an hour before flights resumed. Singh, who had co-founded SpiceJet in 2005, had sold a majority stake in the airline to Kalanithi Maran of Sun TV in SpiceJet for Rs 750 crore in 2010. But when SpiceJet ran into rough weather, Singh acquired 58 per cent equity from Maran in January 2015.
Airport may get big Cat to fight fog
Chandigarh: Finally, the union ministry of civil aviation and the ministry of defence are seriously considering to install a new Instrument Landing System (ILS) of category-III at the Chandigarh airport to facilitate the operation of commercial flights during poor visibility.
The chairman of the Airport Authority Of India (AAI) has also agreed to fund the project of installing the top version of ILS.
The chairman of the Airport Authority Of India (AAI) has also agreed to fund the project of installing the top version of ILS.
Tatas refute accusations of foreign control in AirAsia India, Vistara
New Delhi: The Tata group flatly denied accusations by rivals that the carriers it held stakes in were violating the law on management control as the ill-tempered argument between the two sides showed little sign of abating.
"Majority ownership and effective control of both airlines - AirAsia India and Vistara - are with the Indian parties as per the requirements of press note 6," parent Tata Sons said in a release. "All the important decisions concerning the day-to-day operations of the airlines are taken by the management teams of these airlines under the overall supervision, control, and direction of the respective boards of directors (which include a majority of Indian nationals)."
"Majority ownership and effective control of both airlines - AirAsia India and Vistara - are with the Indian parties as per the requirements of press note 6," parent Tata Sons said in a release. "All the important decisions concerning the day-to-day operations of the airlines are taken by the management teams of these airlines under the overall supervision, control, and direction of the respective boards of directors (which include a majority of Indian nationals)."
How CEO Cramer Ball got Jet Airways flying back to profits
When Jet Airways announced a record net profit of Rs 467.11 crore for the quarter ended December 2015, it was a bitter sweet moment. The taste of profits was sweeter as Jet was just coming out of a turbulent patch, having reported a Rs 2,097.4 crore loss in FY15. Yet bitter, because CEO Cramer Ball, the architect of the airline's dramatic turnaround, had stepped down a few weeks earlier and only had a few more days at the helm.
And so, even as analysts were applauding the turnaround and record profits, doubts lingered about the frequent CEO-level churn at the airline. Ball was Jet's third CEO in 15 months.
And so, even as analysts were applauding the turnaround and record profits, doubts lingered about the frequent CEO-level churn at the airline. Ball was Jet's third CEO in 15 months.
Expat pilots get breather, to fly in India till 2018
New Delhi: The civil aviation ministry has accepted a demand to extend the deadline to phase out expat pilots by December 2016, providing relief to companies that are planning to expand their fleet substantially.
The decision comes after the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) sent a letter to the ministry asking for the extension, based on a request from airlines.
"The ministry has decided to extend it as airlines are expanding rapidly and need commanders," a senior ministry official said. "The deadline is to be extended by two years to December 2018," he added.
The decision comes after the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) sent a letter to the ministry asking for the extension, based on a request from airlines.
"The ministry has decided to extend it as airlines are expanding rapidly and need commanders," a senior ministry official said. "The deadline is to be extended by two years to December 2018," he added.
Kannur airport braces for maiden trial landing
Elaborate arrangements are being made for the test flight at the Kannur airport project site here, on February 29. The event will be organised as a major public function by the Kannur International Airport Ltd (KIAL) and the district administration.
If SpiceJet bled because of 5/20 rule, all new airlines need not
Mumbai: Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, is crying foul over an existing aviation policy that requires new airline companies to fly in India for five years and have a fleet of at least 20 airplanes before becoming eligible for international routes.
Tata is right in pointing out that the rule does not make any sense in allowing an airline to bleed in the domestic markets, with 20 aircrafts in tow for a period of five years. Given high competition in the industry, very few older airline companies, operating purely as a domestic player, are profitable. And that is the reason most airlines want to fly on the profitable international routes and cross-subsidise the losses in their domestic operations.
Tata is right in pointing out that the rule does not make any sense in allowing an airline to bleed in the domestic markets, with 20 aircrafts in tow for a period of five years. Given high competition in the industry, very few older airline companies, operating purely as a domestic player, are profitable. And that is the reason most airlines want to fly on the profitable international routes and cross-subsidise the losses in their domestic operations.
New civil aviation policy to focus on connectivity to smaller cities: Pranab Mukherjee
New Delhi: The government is working on a new civil aviation policy which seeks to provide connectivity to the smaller cities even as domestic air traffic has been on a growth path in the last one year, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Tuesday.
"The government is working on a new Civil Aviation Policy with thrust on connectivity to small cities," he said in his address to the joint sitting of Parliament.
The President said domestic air traffic has also registered substantial growth during the year.
The Civil Aviation Ministry had last October unveiled an elaborate and revised draft National Civil Aviation Policy and stakeholders were given time till November 30 to give their feedback and suggestions.
"The government is working on a new Civil Aviation Policy with thrust on connectivity to small cities," he said in his address to the joint sitting of Parliament.
The President said domestic air traffic has also registered substantial growth during the year.
The Civil Aviation Ministry had last October unveiled an elaborate and revised draft National Civil Aviation Policy and stakeholders were given time till November 30 to give their feedback and suggestions.
Older carriers allege Vistara and AirAsia India flouting norms, hit out against abolishing 5/20 rule
New Delhi: Two days after Ratan Tata's complaint that older carriers were lobbying for protection against newer airlines, his rivals launched a strong joint counterattack, accusing the Tata Group of not conforming to guidelines.
AirAsia India and Vistara, in which Tata Group has stakes, were set up in the past two years. The older carriers say overseas stakeholders, AirAsia Bhd and Singapore Airlines, respectively, are managing the two airlines, in contravention of the rules, which stipulate that control has to be local in nature.
AirAsia India and Vistara, in which Tata Group has stakes, were set up in the past two years. The older carriers say overseas stakeholders, AirAsia Bhd and Singapore Airlines, respectively, are managing the two airlines, in contravention of the rules, which stipulate that control has to be local in nature.
Friday, 26 February 2016
President Pranab Mukherjee to inaugurate aviation show in Hyderabad in March
Hyderabad: Leading aircraft manufacturers and airlines participate in India Aviation-2016, an international exhibition-cum-conference on civil aviation, which will be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee. Mukherjee will open the 5th edition of India Aviation, which will be held from March 16 to 20 at Begumpet Airport here.
Union Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nayan Choubey today held a high-level meeting with Telangana Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma, other officials and reviewed the arrangements of the five-day show, an official release said here.
Union Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nayan Choubey today held a high-level meeting with Telangana Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma, other officials and reviewed the arrangements of the five-day show, an official release said here.
ICAO prohibits lithium-ion shipments on passenger aircraft
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has adopted a new aviation safety measure which prohibits, on an interim basis, all shipments of lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft. The council’s decision, effective from April 1, 2016, pertains only to lithium-ion batteries shipped as cargo on passenger aircraft, and not to those contained in personal electronic devices carried by passengers or crew.
Air India mishap: ATC, 2 pilots suspended after plane hits light pole in Mumbai airport
Mumbai: An air traffic controller (ATC) and two Air India pilots were suspended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after an Air India Boeing hit a light pole in Mumbai airport Tuesday, causing a two-and-a-half-hour delay to the flight.
The Boeing 777-300ER hit a light pole as it was about to take off from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Tuesday. No damage was caused to the plane, but it had 447 passengers on board, which made the authorities take action.
The Boeing 777-300ER hit a light pole as it was about to take off from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Tuesday. No damage was caused to the plane, but it had 447 passengers on board, which made the authorities take action.
City airport records delay of whopping 2 flights in a week
A day after a Mumbai-bound flight made an emergency landing at the city airport, a Chennai- bound flight of the same airline was delayed by 10 hours in the early hours of Wednesday. With this, the number of delayed departures from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, between February 18 and 24 touched a whopping 32. As per airport authorities, while the reasons for delay of the 32 flights differed as did the number of hours delayed, the number of hours delayed ranged between two hours to five hours from February 18 to 22. The airline companies who marked delayed departures included Indigo (11 flights), Spice Jet (10 flights delayed, 1cancelled), Jet Airways (2 flights), Air India (2 flights) and one Air Costa flight.
SpiceJet flight to Chennai delayed by nine hours
Ahmedabad: More than 100 Chennai-bound passengers created a ruckus at the city airport on Wednesday morning after SpiceJet flight SG-501 was delayed by several hours due to unavailability of the aircraft. This is the second instance of SpiceJet flight getting inadvertently delayed from Ahmedabad due to technical reasons.
The Chennai flight with 117 passengers was scheduled to depart at 6.35am. However, the flight kept getting delayed only to take-off more than nine hours late at 4.10pm.
The Chennai flight with 117 passengers was scheduled to depart at 6.35am. However, the flight kept getting delayed only to take-off more than nine hours late at 4.10pm.
India-Maldives to scrap double taxation on airlines
India and Maldives are set to scrap the double taxation for their airlines operating between the two countries.
Indian media reports said the Indian union cabinet on Wednesday gave the green light to sign the agreement with the Maldives that will provide relief from double taxation.
Indian media reports said the Indian union cabinet on Wednesday gave the green light to sign the agreement with the Maldives that will provide relief from double taxation.
24x7 airport operations soon
Bhubaneswar: The Biju Patnaik International Airport here will have to keep the operations on 24X7 for three and half months to facilitate landing and takeoff of Kolkata-bound flights as renovation of one of the runways in Kolkata is underway.
Usually, operations at Bhubaneswar airport close at 10.30 pm. Winter is an exception, when airport authorities continue operations beyond 10.30 pm as flights from other neighbouring airports land here because of zero visibility due to fog at the scheduled destination. However, the headquarters of Airports Authority of India (AAI) has directed the Bhubaneswar airport officials to pull up their socks for additional duties.
Usually, operations at Bhubaneswar airport close at 10.30 pm. Winter is an exception, when airport authorities continue operations beyond 10.30 pm as flights from other neighbouring airports land here because of zero visibility due to fog at the scheduled destination. However, the headquarters of Airports Authority of India (AAI) has directed the Bhubaneswar airport officials to pull up their socks for additional duties.
Air Odisha to start flight to Raipur
Bhubaneswar: After a month of successful intra-state flight operations, local carrier Air Odisha has decided to run a flight to Raipur, the capital of neighbouring Chhattisgarh. The carrier has given a proposal to the government requesting permission for the Raipur operations.
No night flights for stranded despite Air Force permit
Jammu: Despite being granted permission by the Indian Air Force to fly during the night from the Jammu Airport, no airline has come forward to help the stranded passengers in Jammu.
Only one extra flight of Air India took off this afternoon with 150 Delhi-bound passengers. Hundreds of pilgrims and other passengers are stranded in Jammu for the past three days due to the Jat agitation in Haryana, leading to suspension of trains and buses to other parts of the country. The airlines have increased fares manifolds as air travel is the only mode of transport for stranded passengers.
Only one extra flight of Air India took off this afternoon with 150 Delhi-bound passengers. Hundreds of pilgrims and other passengers are stranded in Jammu for the past three days due to the Jat agitation in Haryana, leading to suspension of trains and buses to other parts of the country. The airlines have increased fares manifolds as air travel is the only mode of transport for stranded passengers.
Vistara to cut business class seats to fly more passengers
Mumbai: A year after starting its operations, the country’s youngest full-service carrier Vistara has been trying to increase capacity, expand networks and reduce the business class seats to attract more passengers. “We will also be offering more choices of destinations and improving the timings of our flights based on customer feedback. We are also gearing up to expand the footprint by 50% in 2016,” Phee Teik Yeoh, CEO, Vistara told FE.
A wishlist from aviation sector
The aviation sector is on a growth path. With over 20 per cent domestic growth and a little less international growth, it is one of the leading sectors. It is also well established that with good air connectivity, both domestic and international, the advantages of globalisation become more easy.
While ease of doing business in India has been highlighted by the government, the essentiality of a good aviation sector to attract FDI has not been highlighted.
While ease of doing business in India has been highlighted by the government, the essentiality of a good aviation sector to attract FDI has not been highlighted.
Air India aircraft bangs into light pole at Mumbai airport
Mumbai: A Boeing aircraft suffered partial damage while it was moving towards its bay on Tuesday at the Mumbai airport. The Air India (AI 191) flight had arrived from Ahmadabad with 447 passengers and was about to take off for Newark when it hit a light pole at the perimeter area, damaging its right wing partially.
Fares to zoom if 5/20 goes, say old airlines
New Delhi: Jet Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir on Tuesday warned of a steep hike in cost of domestic flying if the government removes the 5/20 rule under which an Indian carrier must be five years old and have 20 planes in its fleet to go abroad. These airlines, whose combine domestic and international flying market share is 78.3% and 21% respectively, have also said removing this rule will make Indian airports unviable along with restricting growth of aerial connectivity for small towns and remote parts of India.
Govt will take call on Tata’s suggestion at the right time: Mahesh Sharma
New Delhi: A day after chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata, accused older airlines of lobbying to retain the rule permitting overseas flights by Indian carriers, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma on Monday welcomed Tata’s suggestion and said the government would take a call on such issues at the right time. “We salute him (Ratan Tata). As an Indian citizen, he has given a suggestion. We welcome his suggestion. We will try to take a call on his suggestion,” Sharma was quoted by PTI. “We as a government are here to address and take call on such issues which come from various stakeholders and well wishers. The government will take a call at the right time,” Sharma said.
Thursday, 25 February 2016
Jet Airways appoints Rahul Taneja as Chief People Officer
Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, today announced the appointment of Rahul Taneja as Chief People Officer.
Mr. Taneja, 47, has over 25 years of experience in diverse industry sectors and has worked in HR leadership positions across leading Indian and international companies.
Mr. Taneja, 47, has over 25 years of experience in diverse industry sectors and has worked in HR leadership positions across leading Indian and international companies.
Jet Airways showers discounts for global flyers
Chennai: Jet Airways on Tuesday announced special discounts on economy and premiere fares for passengers travelling on the airline's international network.
The seven-day sale, effective from Tuesday, is valid for travel from March 10 onwards on all Jet Airways' direct flights and Jet Airways' flights aligned with partner Etihad Airways.
The seven-day sale, effective from Tuesday, is valid for travel from March 10 onwards on all Jet Airways' direct flights and Jet Airways' flights aligned with partner Etihad Airways.
Protest on air ticket cancel charges
New Delhi: A body promoting flier rights has complained to the government and the directorate-general of civil aviation against domestic airlines repeatedly and sharply raising their ticket cancellation charges.
IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet this month revised their penalty fees on ticket refunds as a "deterrent" against cancellations. Many airlines are expected to follow suit.
Budget carrier IndiGo last week fixed its minimum and maximum cancellation charges at Rs 1,900 and Rs 2,250, up from Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,050.
IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet this month revised their penalty fees on ticket refunds as a "deterrent" against cancellations. Many airlines are expected to follow suit.
Budget carrier IndiGo last week fixed its minimum and maximum cancellation charges at Rs 1,900 and Rs 2,250, up from Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,050.
Kannur airport in final stages of work, may become functional by year end
Kasargod: As per information gathered, works on the fourth international airport of Kerala at Kannur are in final stages, and that the airport is likely to begin functioning from December this year.
Towards this end, the first trial flight will be undertaken on February 29. Arrangements are being made to make some flights operational by September.
Towards this end, the first trial flight will be undertaken on February 29. Arrangements are being made to make some flights operational by September.
Seaplane project awaits DGCA nod for take-off
Alappuzha: The seaplane flown in from the US in October last year by Seabird Seaplane Private Limited, a company based in Kochi, is yet to make its trial run on Indian waters. The trial run is a prerequisite for the 10-seater amphibian aircraft to get a nod from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for operating flights within the country.
The aircraft, which landed at the Cochin International Airport four months ago, has been undergoing examinations to for obtaining an Indian licence. The company, which plans to operate flights from Kochi to Lakshadweep, is hopeful of getting all the required clearances within two months.
“Commercial operations are expected to start by the end of March or early April,” a spokesman of the company told The Hindu .
The aircraft, which landed at the Cochin International Airport four months ago, has been undergoing examinations to for obtaining an Indian licence. The company, which plans to operate flights from Kochi to Lakshadweep, is hopeful of getting all the required clearances within two months.
“Commercial operations are expected to start by the end of March or early April,” a spokesman of the company told The Hindu .
Etihad seeks to ramp up stake in India's Jet Airways to 49%
Etihad Airways has held talks with Jet Airways over the proposed acquisition of a further 25% stake in the Indian carrier.
Sources who spoke to India's Financial Express indicate the two sides have now reached a tentative deal after agreeing on a valuation of the shareholding.
Sources who spoke to India's Financial Express indicate the two sides have now reached a tentative deal after agreeing on a valuation of the shareholding.
'Govt can only request airlines to lower fares during crisis'
New Delhi: Asserting that globally air fares are "unregulated," Union minister Mahesh Sharma today said the government can only request airlines to keep their ticket prices low during an extraordinary situation such as the ongoing Jat quota stir in Haryana.
The Minister of State for Civil Aviation also said the government has immediately stepped in and instructed airlines to mount additional capacity as a measure to keep air fares under control in view of the agitation.
The Minister of State for Civil Aviation also said the government has immediately stepped in and instructed airlines to mount additional capacity as a measure to keep air fares under control in view of the agitation.
SpiceJet website crashes on pre-summer offer, fares start at Rs 599
SpiceJet, India’s most aggressive airline, has seen its website crash today due to heavy load on the first day of its pre-summer sale.
Fares under the offer start at Rs 599 plus taxes and levies.
The three day sale launched today will be open till midnight, 25th February 2016.
The travel period covered in this sale is 1st March 2016 to 13th April 2016.
Fares under the offer start at Rs 599 plus taxes and levies.
The three day sale launched today will be open till midnight, 25th February 2016.
The travel period covered in this sale is 1st March 2016 to 13th April 2016.
Toll-free number for Chennai airport soon
Chennai: A toll-free number for the Chennai airport may soon be made available for passengers.
Airport director Deepak Shastri said, “We are working on starting the toll free number soon.
Airport director Deepak Shastri said, “We are working on starting the toll free number soon.
NSG conducts anti-hijacking drill to check preparedness
Mumbai: The National Security Guard team (NSG) on Monday performed a mock anti-hijacking drill at Mumbai airport from 1 pm to 5 pm.
These drills are conducted to check the preparedness of the airports security agencies and as many as 121 NSG personnel took park in it. The last such drill was conducted in October 2015.
These drills are conducted to check the preparedness of the airports security agencies and as many as 121 NSG personnel took park in it. The last such drill was conducted in October 2015.
Airport sees 21% rise in passenger traffic
The Cochin International Airport saw a passenger traffic of 74.17 lakh during the whole of 2015, compared to the 61.05 lakh passengers during the previous year. This is an increase of 21 per cent.
Twenty-four airlines have their operations in Kochi and the airport saw a total of 56,196 aircraft movements during the last financial year, said a statement issued by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) here on Tuesday.
Twenty-four airlines have their operations in Kochi and the airport saw a total of 56,196 aircraft movements during the last financial year, said a statement issued by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) here on Tuesday.
Jet Airways expands its operations to Bangkok
Jet Airways, India's premier international airline, is expanding its operations to Bangkok with the launch of new daily flights from its hubs in Mumbai and Delhi.
With the introduction of these new frequencies, Jet Airways becomes the largest Indian airline flying between India and Bangkok.
With effect from March 27, 2016, Jet Airways will launch a third daily frequency from Mumbai to Bangkok, making it the airline with the maximum number of daily frequencies between the two cities.
With the introduction of these new frequencies, Jet Airways becomes the largest Indian airline flying between India and Bangkok.
With effect from March 27, 2016, Jet Airways will launch a third daily frequency from Mumbai to Bangkok, making it the airline with the maximum number of daily frequencies between the two cities.
3 more flights on Amritsar-Delhi route
Amritsar: Airlines today pressed in three more flights on the Amritsar-Delhi circuit, taking the total number of flights on the route to 11.
Following rampant incidents of arson and unrest besides rail and road blockades in Haryana, the demand for tickets on the Delhi-bound flights has outnumbered the available seats. It has prompted the airlines to operate additional flights on the route after the AAI officials at the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport was flooded with requests to operate these.
Following rampant incidents of arson and unrest besides rail and road blockades in Haryana, the demand for tickets on the Delhi-bound flights has outnumbered the available seats. It has prompted the airlines to operate additional flights on the route after the AAI officials at the Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport was flooded with requests to operate these.
Campaign on in social media for Dubai flights
Coimbatore: Tired of petitioning Ministers, politicians, and bureaucrats over the years seeking flights from Coimbatore International Airport to Dubai, a few associations have decided to use the social media to press the demand.
Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC) and Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Coimbatore (ICCIC) have also decided to make it a poll plank.
Residents Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC) and Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Coimbatore (ICCIC) have also decided to make it a poll plank.
Night flight passengers from Kolkata worry about conveyance
Port Blair: To fulfill the demand of the Islanders, the Administration has announced that a chartered flight in Kolkata –Port Blair-Kolkata sector will be operated every Thursday from the 25th of February, 2016. As per the schedule, Air India will operate weekly one charter flight with a 144- seater Airbus during night hours. The Air India flight AI 3707 will depart from Kolkata at 9 p.m. and reach Port Blair at 11 p.m. On its return, the flight will depart from Port Blair at 11.40 p.m. to reach Kolkata at 01.40 a.m.
Civil Aviation ministry invites bid from airlines for Haj
New Delhi: The Civil Aviation ministry has invited bids from airlines of India and Saudi Arabia to operate Haj charter flights from 21 destinations, including Kochi, Varanasi and Ahmedabad, to Jeddah.
UAE expats welcome trial flight landing in Kerala’s 4th international airport
Expatriates from Kerala are excited about having a fourth international airport in their home state.
The Kannur International Airport (KIA) is all set to have its first trial landing of an aircraft on February 29. Expats from Malabar region cannot wait for the airport to be fully operational, as that would mean they can directly fly into their hometown.
The Director General of Civil Aviation has given clearance and a defence aircraft will touch down on the runway on the morning of February 29. The military plane will take off from the Karipur International Airport and land on the partially-completed runway. Full-fledged operation of international flights from KIA will commence from September 2016.
The Kannur International Airport (KIA) is all set to have its first trial landing of an aircraft on February 29. Expats from Malabar region cannot wait for the airport to be fully operational, as that would mean they can directly fly into their hometown.
The Director General of Civil Aviation has given clearance and a defence aircraft will touch down on the runway on the morning of February 29. The military plane will take off from the Karipur International Airport and land on the partially-completed runway. Full-fledged operation of international flights from KIA will commence from September 2016.
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
New Indian cargo carrier starts operations
New Indian cargo carrier Quikjet Airlines will launch 4X-daily freight services serving Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad using a Boeing 737-400SF. Quikjet received an air operator’s certificate this month.
The company is a joint venture between Mumbai-based aircraft and services company Sovika Aviation, and the Dublin-based leasing company ASL Aviation Group. ASL recently agreed to purchase courier service TNT’s airline operations as part of recent moves to extend its presence in the cargo business.
The company is a joint venture between Mumbai-based aircraft and services company Sovika Aviation, and the Dublin-based leasing company ASL Aviation Group. ASL recently agreed to purchase courier service TNT’s airline operations as part of recent moves to extend its presence in the cargo business.
Despite double digit growth of air travel in India, airlines are in distress
New Delhi: Lightson Ngashangva still remembers the long train journeys followed by interminable bus rides each summer when he went home from New Delhi to his village in India's remote northeast.
Now, when the 26-year-old biotechnology student visits his home in Manipur state, his nearly three-day long journey by train and bus has been reduced to a four-hour flight.
A fast-growing economy and an expanding middle class have made India the world's fastest growing air travel market. The number of passengers grew 20 percent last year and airlines are announcing flights to new destinations almost every week.
Now, when the 26-year-old biotechnology student visits his home in Manipur state, his nearly three-day long journey by train and bus has been reduced to a four-hour flight.
A fast-growing economy and an expanding middle class have made India the world's fastest growing air travel market. The number of passengers grew 20 percent last year and airlines are announcing flights to new destinations almost every week.
Airlines cash in on Jat agitation, Delhi-Chandigarh fares hit the sky
Amid the Jat community's agitation for job quota, which led to the obstruction of the Delhi-Chandigarh highway, private airlines have hiked their fares 15-20 times.
Since Saturday, the airlines were charging anywhere between Rs 25,000 and Rs 55,000 for the one-hour flight between Delhi and Chandigarh, as against the fare of Rs 2,500-Rs 3,000 on normal days.
Since Saturday, the airlines were charging anywhere between Rs 25,000 and Rs 55,000 for the one-hour flight between Delhi and Chandigarh, as against the fare of Rs 2,500-Rs 3,000 on normal days.
Jet Airways to operate two additional flights on Feb 22
Jet Airways said that it will operate two additional flights, one each to Chandigarh and Amritsar from Delhi on February 22, 2016. This is to assist those who have been inconvenienced by the lack of availability of other means of transportation to and from these cities.
AI to fly from Pantnagar to Delhi six days a week
Nainital: Kumaon region, which has many picturesque places like Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet and Kauani, is set to get better air connectivity in the near future. Air India has finally approved a proposal of starting flights between Pantnagar and Delhi for six days a week. At present, flight are available just four days a week from Pantnagar.
Jat stir: Major domestic operators like AI, Jet Airways and others to fly additional flights
New Delhi: With public transport system in Haryana severely hit by the Jat stir for quota, the Civil Aviation Ministry has asked airlines to operate additional flights from here to Chandigarh, Amritsar and Jaipur to enable stranded people reach their destinations.
As part of this, all major domestic operators including Air India, Jet Airways and IndiGo will fly additional services from and to Delhi, an official release said.
As part of this, all major domestic operators including Air India, Jet Airways and IndiGo will fly additional services from and to Delhi, an official release said.
Rs 55,000 for Delhi-Chandigarh flight: Airlines cash in on Jat protest
New Delhi: The ongoing Jat agitation is having its direct impact on flights to the areas affected by the protests. India's leading private carrier Jet Airways is showing a ticket price of Rs 46,235 for those wanting to book a flight to Chandigarh; the Delhi-Chandigarh road is blocked because of protests by Jats who are demanding reservation under Other Backward Class (OBC).
Air Arabia witnesses 97% load factor from India
Sharjah based low-cost airline, Air Arabia has witnessed a healthy load factor of 97 per cent from the India sector in 2015. “Today, Air Arabia is a well recognised and well established brand in India, people get value for money and on time performance. The load factor was well over 97 per cent from India in 2015. Also, our Indian team worked very closely with the travel trade to promote the airlines along with a few exciting destinations like Georgia, Armenia, etc in India where we have our network. Sharjah is also getting more and more popular amongst the Indians. So we enjoy a good response from this market,” Shalini Rajan, Head of Sales, Air Arabia said.
Currently, Air Arabia operates 112 weekly flights to 13 cities in India. “As of now, we don’t have any plans to expand the geographical network in India, but in future we will be happy to tap more Tier II and III Cities,” she added.
Currently, Air Arabia operates 112 weekly flights to 13 cities in India. “As of now, we don’t have any plans to expand the geographical network in India, but in future we will be happy to tap more Tier II and III Cities,” she added.
CM urges Aviation Minister to use city airport for Haj pilgrims
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday urged Civil Aviation Minister A Gajapathi Raju to declare the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) as the embarkation point for the Haj pilgrims of Odisha from Haj-2016 onwards.
LDF to boycott trial flight landing at Kannur airport
Kannur: The LDF will boycott the trial flight landing at the Kannur airport, scheduled to be held on February 29.
Oman Air, Cargolux introduce two weekly cargo flights to Mumbai
Dubai: Oman's flag career and Luxembourg's cargo airline have expanded their partnership with the addition of two weekly cargo flights to Mumbai from next month.
The move is in line with a Joint Venture agreement signed by Oman Air and Cargolux in April last year and follows the successful launch of joint cargo flights to Chennai.
The move is in line with a Joint Venture agreement signed by Oman Air and Cargolux in April last year and follows the successful launch of joint cargo flights to Chennai.
Jet Airways Group has a fleet of 116 aircraft
New Delhi: Jet Airways will start new daily flights to Bangkok from the national capital and Mumbai from next month.
The private carrier would launch a third daily frequency from Mumbai to Bangkok, "making it the airline with the maximum number of daily frequencies between the two cities", according to a release.
Besides, Jet Airways would have a second daily service from Delhi to Bangkok. Both new flights would be from March 27.
The private carrier would launch a third daily frequency from Mumbai to Bangkok, "making it the airline with the maximum number of daily frequencies between the two cities", according to a release.
Besides, Jet Airways would have a second daily service from Delhi to Bangkok. Both new flights would be from March 27.
Fire at Lucknow airport runway, eight flights affected
Lucknow: Flight operations at Amausi airport came to a halt for nearly half an hour on Saturday afternoon after side strip of runway caught fire. The incident was reported to have occurred because of crackers which were burst by the airport staff to scare away the birds.
Andhra Pradesh airports improve on customer satisfaction, says AAI survey
Visakhapatnam: All the four operational airports in Andhra Pradesh have registered an improvement in customer satisfaction index as per the survey conducted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) during the July-December 2015 period.
While none of the four airports in AP figure among the top 10 airports under AAI, the Visakhapatnam airport has been ranked 14 out of 49 airports, whereas Rajahmundry is ranked 33, Tirupati is at 37 and Vijayawada is ranked at 40. As per the survey, Raipur Airport ranks first followed by Chandigarh, Udaipur, Bhubaneswar and Mangalore.
While none of the four airports in AP figure among the top 10 airports under AAI, the Visakhapatnam airport has been ranked 14 out of 49 airports, whereas Rajahmundry is ranked 33, Tirupati is at 37 and Vijayawada is ranked at 40. As per the survey, Raipur Airport ranks first followed by Chandigarh, Udaipur, Bhubaneswar and Mangalore.
Jat protests: SpiceJet to run additional flights
Budget airline SpiceJet on Saturday said it is doing its bit to help people stranded because of the Jat agitation for reservation in Haryana with additional flights.
Drone alert by Air India pilot delays IndiGo flight by 25 minutes
Adding to the growing incidents of pilots spotting unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the aerospace over international and domestic airports, a Bhubaneshwar-bound Indigo flight was delayed by almost 30 minutes after an Air India pilot informed the Air Traffic Control (ATC) centre about the presence of a drone-like object near Jari Mari slums.
Ratan Tata says old airlines 'lobbying for protection'; SpiceJet chief hits back
New Delhi: Tata Group chairman emeritus Ratan Tata has lashed out at old Indian carriers' bid to ensure that the 5/20 rule — which makes it mandatory for desi airlines to be five year old and have a fleet of at least 20 planes to go overseas — is not done away with.
"In the airline industry in India it is sad to see the incumbent airlines lobbying for protection and preferential treatment for themselves against the new airlines which have been formed in full compliance with prevailing government policy and providing air transport to Indian citizens in line with the dream of a 'New India' promoted by the new government under Modi's leadership," said Ratan Tata in an open letter titled "5/20 rule and vested interests" which he tweeted on Sunday.
"In the airline industry in India it is sad to see the incumbent airlines lobbying for protection and preferential treatment for themselves against the new airlines which have been formed in full compliance with prevailing government policy and providing air transport to Indian citizens in line with the dream of a 'New India' promoted by the new government under Modi's leadership," said Ratan Tata in an open letter titled "5/20 rule and vested interests" which he tweeted on Sunday.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
Let AirAsia, Vistara serve India before flying international: Ajay Singh to Ratan Tata
New Delhi: With Ratan Tata accusing older airlines applying "monopolistic pressures" to retain 5/20 rule, SpiceJet chief Ajay Singh on Sunday said the industrialist should ask Vistara and AirAsia to serve India before getting to fly international.
Joining the debate over the 5/20 norm, under which Indian carrier need to have minimum five years operational experience and at least 20 planes to operate international flights, Tata today applauded the Civil Aviation Ministry's proposal to remove the "controversial" rule.
Terming as sad the lobbying of incumbent airlines for "protection and preferential treatment", he tweeted that such moves were reminiscent of the monopolistic pressures by entities with vested interests who fear competition.
Joining the debate over the 5/20 norm, under which Indian carrier need to have minimum five years operational experience and at least 20 planes to operate international flights, Tata today applauded the Civil Aviation Ministry's proposal to remove the "controversial" rule.
Terming as sad the lobbying of incumbent airlines for "protection and preferential treatment", he tweeted that such moves were reminiscent of the monopolistic pressures by entities with vested interests who fear competition.
'Resist Airliners' Bid to Fleece Passengers'
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Congress (M) has flayed the airline companies for fleecing Keralite passengers in the Gulf region by charging exorbitant fares even before the commencement of summer vacation.
“Signs of rampant exploitation have surfaced without fail this year as well. The ticket fare for the months of July and August bookings have already been doubled,” party state general secretary Joseph M Puthuserry said.
“Signs of rampant exploitation have surfaced without fail this year as well. The ticket fare for the months of July and August bookings have already been doubled,” party state general secretary Joseph M Puthuserry said.
Jat stir: Additional flights to be operated for passengers
With public transport system in Haryana severely hit by the Jat stir for quota, the Civil Aviation Ministry has asked airlines to operate additional flights from here to Chandigarh, Amritsar and Jaipur to enable stranded people reach their destinations.
As part of this, all major domestic operators including Air India, Jet Airways and IndiGo will fly additional services from and to Delhi, an official release said.
Air India also said that it is offering special nominal fares for its additional flights.
As part of this, all major domestic operators including Air India, Jet Airways and IndiGo will fly additional services from and to Delhi, an official release said.
Air India also said that it is offering special nominal fares for its additional flights.
Travellers fume as Air India server acts up
Mumbai: Several passengers of national carrier Air India on Friday said they were stuck at the Mumbai airport early on Friday as the server of the airline was down and issuing of boarding passes had to be done manually, which took a long time.
However, the airline refused to comment on the issue. According to airport sources, at about 3 am on Friday the IT server went down. The airline staff was forced to fill and create the boarding passes manually. As this was a busy traffic hour in the city airport the queue of passengers started swelling and almost 600 were stuck in queue.
However, the airline refused to comment on the issue. According to airport sources, at about 3 am on Friday the IT server went down. The airline staff was forced to fill and create the boarding passes manually. As this was a busy traffic hour in the city airport the queue of passengers started swelling and almost 600 were stuck in queue.
Information TVs at Chennai airport to be restored soon
Chennai: Visitors and passengers at Chennai airport will continue to be deprived of information about flight status as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will take another week to restore all TV screens which were removed more than a week ago.
Pvt airline mulls connecting Surat with other cities, towns
A technical team of GoAir, which visited Surat airport on Friday, came out impressed with the state-of-the-art facilities available for smooth operations of its air services and with the airport's development in the last one-and-a-half-years. The four-member team led by GoAir vice-president Kamal Kikani and general manager (operations) Shivanand Naik met members of airport associations and the airport director to discuss possible routes of operations from Surat.
DGCA asks airlines to change call signs after mid-air panic
New Delhi: Some time in 2014, two aircraft belonging to two different airlines but with similar call signs came uncomfortably close to each other while in the Kolkata airspace. An accident was averted but the panic it created was enough for the Air Traffic Control (ATC) to write to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to ensure no two flights operating under the same airport should have similar-sounding call signs.
Jammu airport opened for night flights
Jammu: In a major relief to the passengers stranded in Jammu following suspension of trains due to Jat agitation, Indian Air Force opened the Jammu airport for civil air traffic in night from today to felicitate more flights as well as medical emergencies.
The decision was taken in view of ongoing Jat Quota agitation in Haryana, which resulted in cancellation of several trains between Jammu, Udhampur and Delhi and other towns.
Surface link and interstate bus service between various north India cities and Jammu/Katra has been hampered considerably resulting in severe hardships and constraints to passengers.
The decision was taken in view of ongoing Jat Quota agitation in Haryana, which resulted in cancellation of several trains between Jammu, Udhampur and Delhi and other towns.
Surface link and interstate bus service between various north India cities and Jammu/Katra has been hampered considerably resulting in severe hardships and constraints to passengers.
Air ambulances to lower cost of flying organs
Mumbai: An air ambulance service will be launched in Maharashtra and other states in August, promising to bring down the cost of flying organs to Rs 2.2 lakh. At present, organs for transplant patients are usually transported by road (if distances between centres are short) or by chartered aircraft, which costs Rs 6 lakh for an hour of flying time. Air ambulances will ensure that freshly removed organs from brain dead donors reach the intended recipients within the golden period of six hours.
The service is to be launched by the city-based MAB Aviation Private Ltd in cooperation with the UAE-based Radius Circle. An MoU of Rs 10 crore was signed between the two companies at the Make In India Week on Wednesday.
The service is to be launched by the city-based MAB Aviation Private Ltd in cooperation with the UAE-based Radius Circle. An MoU of Rs 10 crore was signed between the two companies at the Make In India Week on Wednesday.
Air India to launch direct flights to Vienna
New Delhi: Air India on Friday announced the launch of non-stop flight services to Vienna from New Delhi following the Austrian Airlines' decision to opt out of the route for unspecified reasons.
Starting from April 6, the national carrier would operate flights three times a week to the Austrian capital city, Air India Director for Commercial Pankaj Srivastava told reporters here.
Starting from April 6, the national carrier would operate flights three times a week to the Austrian capital city, Air India Director for Commercial Pankaj Srivastava told reporters here.
Cochin airport's 3rd terminal to open next week
Kochi: The third terminal at the Cochin International Airport here will be opened next Friday by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, an official said.
"The brand new terminal is built in a record time of two years over an area of 15 lakh sq ft and will handle 4,000 passengers," the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) official said.
"The brand new terminal is built in a record time of two years over an area of 15 lakh sq ft and will handle 4,000 passengers," the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) official said.
DGCA likely to issue type certification for Airbus Neos aircraft by March
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is likely to issue a 'type' certification by the first week of March, paving the way for induction of Airbus A320 aircraft with new engine options or Neos into the fleet of India's leading airline Indigo.
IndiGo had applied for type approval during the first week of December 2015, a DGCA official said. "It normally takes three months to issue a certificate for any new type of plane that comes into the country and the certificate will be issued by March first week," said the official, who did not wish to be identified.
An emailed query sent by ET to Indigo did not elicit any response.
IndiGo had applied for type approval during the first week of December 2015, a DGCA official said. "It normally takes three months to issue a certificate for any new type of plane that comes into the country and the certificate will be issued by March first week," said the official, who did not wish to be identified.
An emailed query sent by ET to Indigo did not elicit any response.
Scrapping 5/20 rule will bring India in sync with US, Canada
New Delhi: If India does away with the 5/20 rule then it will bring its aviation rules in line with those followed in the US, Canada, Australia and the UAE.
These countries do not lay down any eligibility criteria in terms of the number of years of continued domestic operations or the number of aircraft for their carriers to start international operations, a senior government official said.
These countries do not lay down any eligibility criteria in terms of the number of years of continued domestic operations or the number of aircraft for their carriers to start international operations, a senior government official said.
Ministers Discuss Draft Aviation Policy
A group of ministers on Thursday discussed the draft aviation policy including the existing norm for international flying by domestic carriers and the proposed options at a meeting chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
The dozen odd-ministers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, held extensive discussions on the norm for international flying by domestic carriers and regional air connectivity, sources said.
The dozen odd-ministers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju, held extensive discussions on the norm for international flying by domestic carriers and regional air connectivity, sources said.
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