Airport Authority of India wants Indore airport to operate 24 hours

Indore: The local Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport will join the club of select airports in the country that remain busy 24 hours if everything goes as per the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI’s) plan, a senior official said on Wednesday.
“Our priority is to improve facilities for passengers at fast pace and increase cargo transport from the Indore airport,” AAI Regional Executive Director (Western Region) Keshav Sharma told reporters. He said the AAI has a plan to keep the airport open 24 hours from April next year and in view of this, it is improving the basic infrastructure and other facilities. He expressed confidence that the airport will join the club of the country’s 20 best airports in the next few years.

‘You name the city, we’ll fly there’

Dubai: With at least two more Indian carriers on the verge of starting international operations, Dubai-based low-cost airline flydubai feels this is the best time for the Indian government to have a relook at its various bilateral air service agreements (ASAs), including with Dubai.

In an informal chat with Indian media persons, Sudhir Sreedharan, flydubai’s Senior Vice-President, Commercial Operations - Indian Subcontinent, GCC and Africa, expressed hope that India will eventually yield and exchange more ASAs. Vistara and GoAir are likely to become eligible for international flights soon, he observed.

DGCA: Patna not to have any new flights till Mar 25

Patna: New flights will not be allowed to operate from the Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna at least till March 25 next year, when the airport is scheduled to open for 24x7 flight operations.
With Indigo and GoAir introducing one and two flights respectively, the number of flights to and from the airport increased from 33 to 36 under the winter schedule, which came into effect from October 30,
Sources said certain airlines proposed to add few more flights under their revised winter schedule, taking the total from 36 to 44. However, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) denied timeslots to them.

Celebrating safe skies

Begumpet: Acknowledging the efforts of CNS Electronic Personnel in ensuring safe skies for civil aviation, the International Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) Day was celebrated by the Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) Officers’ guild at the Begumpet airport here on Monday.

Supervising the 2.8 million square nautical miles of Indian airspace, electronic specialists of CNS test and deploy advanced operating systems to ensure that passengers have a comfortable flight experience.

Jet Airways give wings to 100 underprivileged children

Mumbai: On the occasion of Children’s Day, Jet Airways on Monday celebrated its annual and much-awaited ‘Flight of Fantasy’ initiative by delighting over 100 young fans including underprivileged children and those with special needs. The airline provides them with the opportunity to experience the world of aviation, in its effort to spreads joy and smiles all around.
The event marked the 20th Anniversary of this unique initiative and of the airline’s philosophy, that espouses active support and contribution towards the society in which it operates, together with a healthy respect for human life and potential.
This year, the airline invited young guests from four NGO’s - Save The Children India, Sahayini, Center for Social Action and CanKids for the initiative.
To Read the News in Full 14/11/17 Times Now

Thai Smile says hello Mumbai

Thai Smile, the regional airline and subsidiary of Thai Airways, expanded its Indian connectivity by introducing direct flights from Bangkok to Mumbai.
Thai Smile which has been operating in India since the last quarter of 2016 already has direct flights from Bangkok to Jaipur, Lucknow, Gaya and Varanasi. The recent addition of Bangkok-Mumbai has been in sync with Mumbai airport’s crowd pulling capacity. Mumbai is an important and old Indian seaport, which also serves as a popular tourist attraction apart from being the film capital of India.
The new route will promote and aid travellers who are travelling for different purposes, be it leisure, corporate or MICE travellers while promoting Bangkok as a multifaceted destination.

Bio-metric access at Madurai airport

Madurai: The Madurai International Airport will be better secured soon, with the implementation of bio-metric access control system. Once, the system is in place, employees can enter into each zone in the airport only after stamping thumb impression in the system installed at the entry points.
At present paper based Airport Entry Permits (AEPs) is in use. AEPs would be manually checked for authorization and allowed by the security personnel. There are many departments working together at the airport and not all are allowed to access all the zones. In the AEP system, there will be markings on the individual's ID card specifying the zones where he/she is allowed.

Allahabad' Bamrauli airport set for upgrade before Ardh Kumbh

New Delhi: If all goes according to the government’s plans, Allahabad will have a revamped airport ahead of the 2019 Ardh Kumbh mela. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has commissioned the construction of a new passenger terminal at Allahabad’s Bamrauli Airport, which is owned by the Indian Air Force.

Currently, only one ATR aircraft of national carrier Air India operates from the defence air base for civil operations from the Sangam city. Sources say that so tight is the time available to revamp the airport that Airports Authority of India (AAI) will set a record for itself if it meets the 11-month deadline.

The proposal of construction of a new terminal at Allahabad was sent by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. AAI Chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra told The Sunday Standard that AAI had two meetings with state government officials for deciding land for the new airport terminal. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh government had sanctioned `290 crore for upgradation of the Bamrauli airstrip. 

Foreign tourist arrivals to India jumps 18.1% in October 2017

The Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in October 2017 was 8.76 lakh as compared to FTAs of 7.42 lakh in October, 2016 and 6.83 lakh in October, 2015. The growth rate in FTAs in October, 2017 over October, 2016 has increased to 18.1%, compared to 8.6% in October, 2016 over October, 2015.
FTAs during the period January- October 2017 were 79.96 lakh with a growth of 15.8% over same period of the previous year, compared to FTAs of 69.05 lakh with a growth of 9.6% in January- October, 2016 over January- October, 2015.
The percentage share of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during October, 2017 among the top 15 source countries was highest from Bangladesh (21.66%) followed by USA (11.57%), UK (10.23%), Sri Lanka (3.79%), Canada (3.36%), Germany (3.17%), Australia (3.07%), France (2.81%), Russian Fed. (2.81%), Malaysia (2.76%), Japan (2.44%), Thailand (2.10%), China (1.93%), Nepal (1.66%) and Rep. of Korea (1.48%).

Flemingo confirms duty free win at Chandigarh Airport

A senior source at Flemingo International has confirmed that the company has won the duty free departure and arrivals contract at India’s Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL).

Confirmation of the award today follows an earlier duty free tender process, which was advertised last May where the Airports Authority of India posted tender documents for prospective bidders.

According to sources, these shops will be up and running in a few months where they are expected to serve passengers travelling mainly to and from the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh – plus a limited number of key international services to Middle East destinations.
To Read the News in Full 13/11/17 Doug Newhouse/TRBusiness

55 new airports needed by 2030 as traffic grows

Mumbai: Major airports such as Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai are at the highest risk of saturation with increase in number of fliers+ . Smaller airports like Agartala, Dehradun, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Pune, Srinagar and Trichy are already operating beyond their design capacity.
The Indian airport system is expected to exceed its maximum structural capacity+ by FY 2022 and this level could be breached earlier if the new airport projects are delayed. Maximum structural capacity is the maximum passengers an airport can handle if all the possible infrastructure and operational improvements are carried out. Beyond this, the only option would be to go for a new airport at a different site.

India's aviation market to be third largest by '27

Mumbai: With its consistent double-digit growth in domestic passenger traffic, India set to be the third largest aviation market in the world by 2027.
In the next ten years then, the India's aviation market will generate close to 2.6 million direct, indirect and induced jobs, said a report released by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) on Friday.
"The current staffing, as on FY 2017 is 1,97,309 which is expected to reach 4,32,021 by FY 27 and all of this would be direct jobs," said the CAPA report.

Direct flight from Gannavaram to Mecca on the anvil

 Vijayawada: West Assembly constituency MLA Jaleel Khan said measures were taken up to operate direct flights from Gannavaram Airport to Mecca, Saudi Arabia for the convenience of Haj pilgrims who travel from Amaravati region and other Coastal districts.

He presided over the Minorities Welfare Day and National Education Day observed here on Saturday to mark the birth anniversary of the first education minister of Independent India and freedom fighter Moulana Abul Kalam Azad.

AirAsia India offers base fare at Rs 99 for domestic travel

The Malaysian Budget carrier AirAsia today announced a discount sale, offering passengers one-way base fare at Rs 99 for a domestic journey across its Indian JV airline network and Rs 444 for international flights under a limited period offer.

However, the travel period under the offer, for which the bookings commence tonight, will be between May next year and January 2019, as per an airline statement today.

"Enjoy (base) fares from as low as Rs 99 to domestic destinations and (base) fares of Rs 444 for international destinations," the airline said.

55 new airports needed by 2030 as traffic grows

Mumbai: Major airports such as Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai are at the highest risk of saturation with increase in number of fliers+ . Smaller airports like Agartala, Dehradun, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Pune, Srinagar and Trichy are already operating beyond their design capacity.
The Indian airport system is expected to exceed its maximum structural capacity+ by FY 2022 and this level could be breached earlier if the new airport projects are delayed. Maximum structural capacity is the maximum passengers an airport can handle if all the possible infrastructure and operational improvements are carried out. Beyond this, the only option would be to go for a new airport at a different site.

Raipur airport soon to have night flying facility

Raipur: Amid Swami Vivekananda Airport in the state capital gearing up to go round the clock operational in the next couple of months with the possibility of more flights, frequent travellers in Chhattisgarh are looking forward to introduction of international flights.
The facility of 24x7 services from Raipur airport, which has been adjudged as one of the best airports recently, will become operational once airlines get permission for space to park aircrafts during the night at its premises. Raipur already has capacity for accommodate parking of aircraft.
The airports at Raipur, Patna, Ranchi and Guwahati will soon have flights operating 24 hours a day. Airports Authority of India (AAI) chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra Thursday said these airports will be operated round-the-clock from next April.

Vistara Launches Holiday Packages, Offers Sightseeing Options In 35 Cities

New Delhi: Full-service carrier Vistara on Thursday launched 'Vistara Getaways', a one-stop shop for holiday packages covering flights, hotels, cars and sightseeing options.
"Customers can choose holiday packages for as many as 35 cities in and around Vistara's network of 21 destinations," the airline said in a statement.

"The packages include convenient air travel options on Vistara, airport transfers as well as car rental options, and carefully curated sightseeing tours, and hotel stays."

In a short span of less than three years, Vistara has expanded its network to 21 destinations with over 660 flights a week, operated by a fleet of 16 Airbus A320 aircraft.
To Read the News in Full 11/10/17 IANS/NDTV

India's first remote Air Traffic Control tower likely by December 2018

New Delhi: India is likely to get its first remote air traffic control tower by December 2018 at Ahmedabad airport, allowing one tower to manage aircraft movements for several nearby airstrips, Chairman Airports Authority of India (AAI)Guruprasad Mohapatra said today.

Remote and Virtual Tower (RVT) is a new concept where air traffic service at an airport is performed somewhere else, thereby, dispensing with the need for a tower on its premises.

SpiceJet announces 20 new flights

Chennai: SpiceJet has announced introduction of 20 new flights, including an additional frequency on the Chennai-Goa route and new flights from Bengaluru to Bagdogra and a daily flight from Ahmedabad to Bangkok, from December. The new flights are expected to boost leisure and business travel in the holiday season.
The airline will also introduce daily non-stop flights on Jaipur-Jodhpur, Surat-Jodhpur, Ahmedabad-Varanasi and Bengaluru-Bagdogra sectors while additional frequencies will be on Bengaluru-Ahmedabad, Bengaluru- Kolkata, Chennai-Goa and Surat-Goa sectors and a seasonal nonstop flight on the Delhi-Port Blair route from December 10 to February 9.
The airline would launch a new daily direct flight on the Ahmedabad-Bengaluru route from December 1, connecting the financial capital of Gujarat with other domestic and international destinations, said a press release.

Brussels Airlines mulls non-stop service to Delhi airport

Brussels Airlines is evaluating a non-stop service between Brussels and Delhi to capitalise on the growth in air travel in India, the airline's chief executive officer Bernard Gustin said.
Brussels Airlines, part of Lufthansa group, had launched a service to Mumbai in March, its first destination in Asia. Encouraged by the response, the airline is now considering a service to Delhi. However, a final decision on the Delhi route is yet to be taken. Brussels Airlines is evaluating a non-stop service between Brussels and Delhi to capitalise on the growth in air travel in India, the airline's chief executive officer Bernard Gustin said.

Vistara passenger traffic surges 80% in Sept quarter

The Tata-SIA joint venture airline, Vistara, carried 81 per cent more passengers at 1.1 million in the three months ended September 30 over the same period last year.

The third full-service domestic carrier after state-owned Air India and Naresh Goyal-promoted Jet Airways, Vistara had flown 60 million passengers in the July-September period of the fiscal.

The massive jump in airline's passengers traffic came on the back of a 45 percent increase in the number of seats flown during the period as well as expansion of the fleet to 16 aircraft from 12 at the end of September 2016, the airline said.

Vistara, which launched its services about three years ago, currently flies only on domestic routes.

Fly Dubai willing to launch Dubai to Amritsar Flight

Chandigarh: Fly Dubai is one of the several international airlines willing to launch flights to Amritsar if the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India allows Amritsar to be added as a point of call for the carriers from Dubai. This was stated by Fly Dubai Regional Manager (India, Nepal) Pran Dasan, in response to the letter written by Amritsar Vikas Manch Overseas Secretary Sameep Singh. In a press release, Manch Patron Dr. Charanjit Singh Gumtala said that according to the airline, Amritsar is a very important and key market that they would like to serve. However, Amritsar is not a designated point of call in the bilateral air services agreement between Dubai and India that does not allow carriers from Dubai to fly to Amritsar. Furthermore, capacity between India and Dubai stands completely exhausted and the bilateral discussion needs to be called once again.
To Read the News in Full 09/11/17 Punjab News Express

Bengaluru airport projects 19% growth in winter air traffic movements

Bengaluru: The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has commenced the winter schedule 2017-18 for its Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru (BLR Airport).

During winter 2017-18, the daily Air Traffic Movement (ATM) is expected to be at 614 at the start of the schedule, and will progress to reach 660 ATM per day - a projected growth of 19% in overall ATMs, BIAL said in a press release.

New airlines that will begin operations from the airport are Malindo Air that will connect travellers to Kuala Lumpur twice each week and DHL Aviation (cargo) that will operate to Bahrain once a week.

SpiceJet to have seasonal nonstop on Delhi-Port Blair and daily direct on Ahmedabad-Bangkok route

New Delhi: SpiceJet has announced a number of new nonstop flights on both domestic and international routes this winter beginning December 2017. The airline will operate a daily direct flight on Ahmedabad-Bangkok sector from December 7, apart from daily nonstops on Jaipur-Jodhpur, Surat-Jodhpur, Ahmedabad-Varanasi and Bengaluru-Bagdogra sectors.
SpiceJet will have additional frequencies on Bengaluru- Ahmedabad, Bengaluru-Kolkata, Chennai-Goa, and Surat-Goa sectors and a seasonal nonstop flight on the Delhi-Port Blair route. "SpiceJet will be commencing operations on the Ahmedabad-Varanasi, and Ahmedabad-Bangkok routes effective December 7. While the flight on the Ahmedabad-Varanasi route will be operational on all days except Sunday, the airline will be operating a daily flight on the Ahmedabad-Bangkok route. The airline has also launched a new daily direct flight on the Ahmedabad-Bengaluru route effective December 1," the airline said.

Vistara to soon offer holiday packages

New Delhi: Full-service carrier Vistara will soon start offering passengers customised holiday packages, which will cover flights, hotels, cars, and sightseeing.
Vistara Getaways' will include holiday packages for as many as 35 cities in and around the airline's network of 21 destinations.
"The packages include convenient air travel options, airport transfers, car rental options, carefully curated sightseeing tours, and hotel stays at the best properties in partnership with leading hotel chains such as Taj, Hyatt, Radisson, Le Meridien, and upscale boutique hotels," according to a statement issued by Vistara.
The airline added that it will offer flexibility to passengers by allowing them to customise their holiday packages, choose the duration of holidays, their preferred cabin class for air travel, options to upgrade hotels and rooms, among others.
To Read the News in Full 08/11/17 PTI/Times of India

Vistara passenger traffic surges 80% in September quarter

Mumbai: The Tata-SIA joint venture airline, Vistara, carried 81 per cent more passengers at 1.1 million in the three months ended September 30 over the same period last year.

The third full-service domestic carrier after state-owned Air India and Naresh Goyal-promoted Jet AirwaysBSE 3.97 %, Vistara had flown 60 million passengers in the July-September period of the fiscal.
The massive jump in airline's passengers traffic came on the back of a 45 per cent increase in the number of seats flown during the period as well as expansion of the fleet to 16 aircraft from 12 at the end of September 2016, the airline said.

Vistara, which launched its services about three years ago, currently flies only on domestic routes.

The number of seats flown by the airline stood at 12,79,800 in the September quarter of the on-going fiscal as compared to 8,84,762 in the July-September period of last year, Vistara said.
To Read the News in Full 07/11/17 PTI/Economic Times

Vistara to launch international services in 2H 2018

Singapore Airlines says that its India unit, Vistara, plans to launch international operations in the second half of 2018.

At an analyst briefing, SIA Group chief executive Goh Choon Phong adds that Vistara will receive its 20th aircraft by the end of the current financial year, which ends on 30 March.

He also says that the carrier is expecting two more aircraft to be delivered in mid-2018, which will be mainly put on international services.

Vistara previously told FlightGlobal that they will be leased Airbus A320neos, bringing its total fleet to 22.

Salem to get flight to Chennai, Andhra cities before year-end

Salem: Before next year, people of Salem and its neighbouring districts will have flight connectivity between Salem and Chennai and some cities in Andhra Pradesh, said K Mariappan, president of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Salem chapter.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Marippan said Salem Airport will be revived before end of December. "It is going to be a New Year gift to people of Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri and Erode districts," he said.

Will Srinagar International Airport ever live up to its name?

Srinagar:  It is the twelfth year since the Srinagar Airport was granted international status, yet it does not operate international flights because the Government of India (GoI) has not given it permission.
Only during the 40 days in a year when Muslims go for the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, international flights operate from Srinagar airport; the rest of the year it is confined to domesticity.
Director of Srinagar International Airport, Sharad Kumar, told Kashmir Reader that the airport has the required facilities for operating international flights. He said these facilities were installed by the GoI in February 1998 and were first used to handle international Hajj flights from Srinagar in January 2002.

Air Odisha, Air Deccan to start ops from Dec: Aviation Secy

New Delhi: Air Odisha and Air Deccan are likely to start their operations under the government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) from December 15, Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said today.
The two carriers between them have 84 of the total 128 routes that were awarded under the RCS in March but they missed the six-month deadline, which ended in September, to start operations.

Links to this post India to become third-largest aviation market in terms of passengers by 2026, says Vice President Venkaiah Naidu

New Delhi: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said that India is witnessing a high-growth trajectory and set to become the third-largest aviation market in the world in terms of passengers by 2026.

He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 2nd Aero Expo India 2017 in New Delhi, on Thursday.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha, and others were present on the occasion.

SriLankan Airlines to increase frequency to key Indian destinations

Colombo: SriLankan Airlines plans to increase its presence in India, not only to service the surge in passenger demand but also to ward-off competition in one of its key markets.

According to SriLankan Airlines Head of Worldwide Sales and Distribution Dimuthu Tennakoon, the airline, which already has over 120 flights a week to 14 destinations in India, plans to further strengthen its network.

“We have witnessed a steady growth in passenger numbers travelling in and out of India in the recent past,” Tennakoon told IANS here.

Jaipur airport announces winter schedule for flights

Jaipur: The winter schedule of Jaipur airport has been announced. There will be no flights to Delhi before 6 am while two new flights have been started as per the new schedule – one from Jaipur to Varanasi and the other to Jaisalmer. There was no flight to Jaisalmer for the last decade. At the same time, the flight to Varanasi will facilitate people who go to pilgrimage.

Details of the new flights:
– Flight SG-2981 will depart from Jaipur to Jaisalmer at 11 am.
– Flight SG-2982 will depart from Jaisalmer and arrive in Jaipur at 4:55 pm.
– Flight SG-2985 will depart for Varanasi at 6:25 am.
– Flight SG-2986 from Varanasi will arrive in Jaipur at 8.35 am.

IndiGo to launch direct night-time flights between Madurai and Bengaluru

Madurai: IndiGo will launch direct night-time flights between Madurai and Bengaluru starting December 29.
The service will start from Bengaluru at 7.45pm and reach Madurai at 8.45pm. In the return direction, it will leave Madurai at 9.15pm and reach Bengaluru at 10.20pm.
The airline has already opened bookings.
IndiGo will be the third airline to operate direct flights between Madurai and Bengaluru, after Jet Airways and SpiceJet
IndiGo expects a good response from passengers for the night-time flights. Jet airways operates its flights on the route in the morning while SpiceJet flights are in in the evening.
To Read the News in Full 02/11/17 Devanathan Veerappan/Times of India

Government to set up 55 additional immigration counters at IGI airport

New Delhi: In a bid to bring down long queues at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport during peak hours, the home ministry has decided to set up 55 additional immigration counters by January 2018. Out of which, 20 counters will be opened by November-end.
The new counters, 20 of which will be in the departure area and 35 for foreigners arriving on electronic visa, are expected to be set up by January 2018, taking the total number of immigration kiosks at the IGI airport to 130. Around 1,800 personnel will be brought in to man the additional counters.
A meeting chaired by Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba on Wednesday in presence of senior officers of Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) and Bureau of Immigration (BOI) cleared 20 new immigration counters in 'departure' areas of the airport.

AAI inaugurates Integrity Club in Dum Dum

Kolkata: Airports Authority of India inaugurated the 'Integrity Club' at Dum Dum Airport Girl's High School on Wednesday. The Vigilance Department and the Human Resource Department of AAI, RHQ, Eastern Region, Kolkata, under the guidance of KL Sharma, Regional Executive Director(Eastern Region), took up the initiative of setting up the 'Integrity Club', to instil and strengthen human values among the children of Dum Dum Airport Girl's High School.
This is another feather in cap in his resolve to create corruption free delivery system.

AAI to introduce international courier service at Trivandrum airport

Thiruvananthapuram: Airport Authority of India (AAI) is all set to introduce the first international courier facility from Trivandrum International Airport next year. The international standard facility is likely to start functioning from January.
The international courier will be managed by AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Ltd (AAICLAS), a subsidiary of AAI.
AAI will utilise a building acquired from Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd (KSIE) at Chackai side of the airport.

Vistara launches Delhi-Ranchi direct flight

New Delhi: Vistara, a joint venture between the Tata group and Singapore Airlines, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Ranchi starting Sunday.

"Vistara will operate double daily direct flights between the two cities, providing a convenient same-day return option to travellers," the airline said in a statement.

"We are delighted to add Ranchi to our network and introduce the citizens of Jharkhand to a superior flying experience, as we continue to pioneer concepts and set new standards in service," Sanjiv Kapoor, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer, Vistara said.

It "reflects our strong commitment to the market, and we're confident that many business travellers and tourists will be delighted to fly their favourite airline to and from Ranchi", he said.
To Read the News in Full 30/10/17 IANS/Business Standard

Alitalia re-starts direct flight service to India

New Delhi: After a gap of nine years, Italian airline Alitalia has re-started direct flights to India with service connecting the national capital and Rome.
The daily flight service would be operated with a 250- seater Airbus 330 aircraft. The first flight from here took off today.
"Alitalia is flying back to India after a nine-year absence with a new direct service between Delhi and Rome operated every day for the whole winter season until March 24, 2018," the carrier said in a release.

Jet Airways commences its third non-stop daily flight between Mumbai and London Heathrow

Mumbai:  Jet Airways - India’s premier, full-service international airline, is all set to commence its third daily non-stop service between Mumbai and London Heathrow with effect from the forthcoming weekend.

The latest frequency to London Heathrow – 9W 116, will depart on Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 0925 hrs (LT) from Mumbai with an elaborate complement of Premiere and Economy guests on board Jet Airways’ Boeing 777-300 ER - flagship of the airline’s fleet, laid out in a comfortable three-class configuration including its award-winning ‘First Class’ private suites. The flight will arrive in London at 1355 hrs local time.

Jet Airways Starts Bangalore-Amsterdam Flight Service

Bengaluru: Private full service airline Jet Airways on Saturday commenced its first flight from Bangalore to Amsterdam, adding on to its existing Mumbai - Amsterdam and Delhi - Amsterdam route.
The new service was operated by the wide-body Airbus 330 aircraft. The bookings for this route were open from April 2017.
"The new route will enable people of the IT city to travel to different parts of Europe and North America as Jet has codeshare partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Delta Airlines," said Praveen Iyer, Vice President- India Sales, Jet Airways.
To Read the News in Full 30/10/17 Nagarjun Dwarakanath/CNN-News18

Non-stop Air India flights to the US to get additional security measures for electronic devices

Non-stop Air India flights to the US to get additional security measures for electronic devices
Non-stop flights from India to the US, have got extra explosive trace detectors at departure gates to scan personal electronic devices that will be carried as cabin baggage.
According to a report in The Times of India, departure gates dedicated for non-stop US flights at New Delhi and Mumbai airport, now have glass barricades to ensure that passengers go straight to the aircraft.
The United Airlines and Air India are the two non-stop flights that depart from India.

Delhi Airport gets ready for a new terminal

Due to a surge in traffic, the Delhi Airport has decided to give Terminal 1 (T1), the hub of the low-cost carriers, a Rs 16,000-crore facelift. For this purpose, IndiGo, Spicejet and Go Air — the three airlines operating from the terminal have been asked to partially shift operations to Terminal 2 (T2). While GoAir has agreed to shift to T2, even operating its first flight on Saturday morning, IndiGo and Spicejet are yet to come on board. T2 was shut down in July 2010 when international operations were shifted to Terminal 3.
To Read the News in Full 28/10/17 Business Standard

Tamil Nadu governor inaugurates Chennai-Paris flight

Chennai:  Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit inaugurated Jet Airways' first direct service between Chennai and Paris at a function held at Chennai International airport on Saturday.
An airline official said that the flight had 50% occupancy on the first service. The 9W 128 flight to Paris took off from Chennai at 1.45am on Sunday.
This was followed by a multi-faith prayer, after which the airline handed over boarding passes to the first guests to check in for the maiden flight.
N Shankar of the Sanmarg group gave floral presentations to the passengers while DGCA official Shanmugam and Assistant Commissioner of Police Vijaykumar handed over boarding passes.
To Read the News in Full 29/10/17 Times of India

Here is The Complete List of 10 Documents You Can Carry at Airports To Prove Your Identity

New Delhi: The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)  on Friday issued a circular and listed 10 identity documents that can be used to enter airports. To avoid any controversy or argument with the security staff, passengers entering the airport premises need to produce any one of the ten identity proofs listed by the BCAS in its latest communication.

However, the order, exempts minors accompanied by his/her parent from producing an identity proof.

Metro rail opens help desks at airport arrival & station

Chennai: Chennai metro rail has set up a special help desk at the airport and at the metro station to help passengers easily shuttle between the two facilities. Air passengers heading to the metro station can also buy smart cards from the desk instead of waiting at ticket counters.
A metro rail official said they opened the desks after they received many complaints from passengers over difficulty in shuttling between the airport and the metro station. These desks are set up at the arrival area of both the domestic and international terminals, and in front of the airport metro station as well. Cmrl staff man these desks during metro train operational hours.
"Many air passengers said they didn't know how to go to the metro station. People manning the desk will help them use our buggy cars to the airport and back," the official said. "At the airport, passengers can even buy smart cards from these desks before they head to metro station."

Chennai's second airport: Spot likely to be decided by December 31

The Tamil Nadu Government is studying two locations in the state to finalise a second airport for Chennai. The location is set to be decided by December 31, reports ToI.

According to reports, the plan to construct the airport at Sriperumbudur was dropped because the land acquisition costs were high. Now, a site near Madurantakam in Kancheepuram district and one near Gummidipoondi are under consideration. The government is reportedly aiming to keep displacement of people minimal and the airport not too far from the city.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami reviewed the expansion projects in the state and said that it will lead to handling of more wide-body aircrafts, as per TNIE. This would in turn ease mobility, create employment and promote business, said the CM. Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nayan Choubey, Airport Authority of India (AAI), chairman, Dr Guruprasath Mohapatra were present at the secretariat for this meeting to discuss the status of the projects.

GMR Hyderabad Airport, Malaysia Tourism, MAHB sign pact to promote tourism

Hyderabad:  GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board have come together to promote the growth of tourism traffic.

A memorandum of agreement was inked here on Thursday to promote tourism from the catchment area of Hyderabad to Malaysia and also explore new locations for connectivity.

SGK Kishore, CEO, GHIAL, Mohd Badlisham Ghazali, Managing Director, MAHB, and Abdul Khani Daud, Deputy Director General (Promotion), MTPB signed, the agreement in the presence of Hidayat Abdul Hamid, High Commissioner of Malaysia.

Over 100,000 passengers travel between Hyderabad and Malaysia every year and the traffic has grown by 28% CAGR in the last five years.

AI puts off launch of Delhi-Los Angeles flight till summer

The state-owned Air India has put on hold the launch of its much-talked-about flight service to Los Angeles from New Delhi, announced earlier this year.
Sources at the airline said non-availability of aircraft and crew coupled with higher costs of operations were the prime reasons for the deferment.
Then Air India chief Ashwani Lohani had in July said that the national carrier would add Los Angeles to its international route network from the coming winter.
"The proposed New Delhi-Los Angeles flight does not figure in our network this winter. We may look at introducing it in the summer schedule," a source told .

Fly from Tirupati to Dubai, Singapore with IndiGo's new flights

New Delhi: IndiGo on Thursday said it would provide connecting flights from Tirupati and Rajahmundry to various domestic as well as international destinations, including Singapore and Dubai.

The no-frills airline is adding 63 new connections to connect Tirupati and Rajahmundry on its existing network of Airbus 320 planes and ATRs.

"IndiGo will connect Tirupati and Rajahmundry to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Dubai, Muscat, Singapore among other cities via Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mangalore," it said in a release.

Domestic air-passenger traffic up 16.4% in September

New Delhi: Domestic airlines flew 95.83 lakh passengers in September registering an increase of 16.4 per cent over 82.30 lakh passengers flown during the same period of the previous year.

IndiGo flew the highest number of passengers at 36.65 lakh followed by Jet Airways with 14.77 lakh passengers and SpiceJet with 13.20 lakh passengers, the latest data released by the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation showed.

The state-owned Air India was at the fourth spot with 12.93 lakh passengers during the month while GoAir flew 8.09 lakh passengers, Air Asia flew 3.94 lakh passengers and Vistara flew 3.62 lakh passengers.

SpiceJet, however recorded the highest Passenger Load Factor of 94.2 per cent followed by GoAir (88.5 per cent) and IndiGo (85.2 per cent).

Passenger load factor shows how many of the total seats on offer by each airline are getting filled.

Airlines welcome changes, want better airport facilities

Most airlines have responded positively to the recent non-privatisation model airport, in lieu of the changes made in the last six months to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI). However, though they are happy with a single operator — Airports Authority of India — they want assurance of a futuristic at approach, considering the pace at which traffic is increasing. The partial privatisation made both passengers and airlines hopeful; but, the bidding has been delayed for more than a year now.

To attract more prospective bidders, the national airports operator, AAI, also made some major changes to the terms and conditions for privatising and modernising SVPI. The AAI had invited a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the bidders for the operation and maintenance of select areas of the Jaipur and Ahmedabad airports, late last year.

Student tour package to Singapore launched

Hydreabad: A travel agency in the city, with Scoot Airlines, will launch a four-day tour package to Singapore for students, priced at Rs. 38,000 per person, beginning in January .

Besides the round-trip flight charges, the four days, three nights package cost includes those towards accommodation at a three-star hotel, sight-seeing, travel insurance for six days and visa fee.

It is aimed to suit the pocket of students, said B. Bhoja Reddy of Archana Travels, which has formulated the package.

Bid opening date for Jaipur airport extended

The attempts of Airport Authority of India (AAI) to give selected areas of Jaipur international airport to a strategic partner for operation and maintenance (O&M) has hit turbulence once again.

The Authority, has once again changed the date of opening of technical bid and now, the date has been fixed as November 22. The earlier date was October 20 and with this, it is the 8th time that the date has been changed.

The starting date for opening of this technical bid was March 8 this year. After that, the date has been changed eight times, including the latest date now.

AI puts off launch of Delhi-Los Angeles flight till summer

The state-owned Air India has put on hold the launch of its much-talked-about flight service to Los Angeles from New Delhi, announced earlier this year.
Sources at the airline said non-availability of aircraft and crew coupled with higher costs of operations were the prime reasons for the deferment.
Then Air India chief Ashwani Lohani had in July said that the national carrier would add Los Angeles to its international route network from the coming winter.
"The proposed New Delhi-Los Angeles flight does not figure in our network this winter. We may look at introducing it in the summer schedule," a source told .

Now, show m-Aadhaar to enter airport

New Delhi: Mobile Aadhaar can be used as an identity proof to enter airports, while identification documents will not be required for minors accompanied by parents, according to a circular issued by aviation security agency BCAS.
Passengers entering an airport premises need to produce any one of the ten identity proofs listed by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in its latest communication, which include passport, voter ID card, Aadhaar or m-Aadhaar, PAN card and driving licence.
"In order to ensure that a bonafide passenger is travelling on a valid ticket issued in his/her name as well as to avoid any controversy/argument with the security staff, any of the following photo identity documents shall be carried in original," according to the BCAS circular issued on October 26.
To Read the News in Full 27/10/17 PTI/Times of India

No relief from IGI crowding, flight crunch this winter

New Delhi: Despite assurances from the authorities, there will be no relief from overcrowding at IGI's domestic terminal, nor will the airport's flight frequency go up this winter.
The infra crunch at India's busiest airport was supposed to have eased in the upcoming season, with its three runways handling six more flights every hour and the jam-packed Terminal 1 getting some breathing space. But neither is runway capacity increasing as promised nor are one-third flights shifting from T1 in a hurry.
The minutes of meetings prepared by Airports Authority of India on slot allocation this winter shows IGIA's runways will handle only 67 flights an hour, 62 schedule and five are VVIP, defence and charter flights. Aviation authorities had promised that IGIA's three runways will handle 73 flights an hour this winter. This was supposed to lead to six-seven more flights an hour from 6am to 11pm, meaning an increase of almost 120 flights a day -leading to more choice for flyers through increased frequencies and new destinations being connected to Delhi.

Archana Travels joins hands with Scoot Airlines

Hyderabad: City-based Archana Travels in association with Scoot Airlines has rolled out a four-day tour of Singapore for students at a very competitive price tag.

The four-day tour, priced at Rs 38,000, will enable students to visit various attractions in the island nation. The price includes travelling, hotel, food expenses and entry tickets. 

“The tour package which will allow students to have an elaborate view of Singapore in its pristine beauty and awe-looking locations. Students can explore the city and its treasured places of tourist attractions.

Hyderabad airport expansion work to begin in January

Hyderabad: The expansion work at the Rajiv Gandhi International airport here would start by January and it is expected to completed by the end of 2019, a top GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) executive said today.
"The expansion work will start by January. Already, the forecourt expansion works have started. May be, by end of 2019, early 2020, the new expanded terminal will be available," GHIAL CEO SGK Kishore told reporters at an event.
He said the airport is handling around 12,000 flights in a month.

Immigration staff okayed for int’l airport

Surat: The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) claimed on Wednesday that that police department had sanctioned 68 cops for immigration at the airport. However, the staff would be provided only once the airport is ready for international operations. In a statement, SGCCI said that the state government had sent a proposal to the Surat police for sanctioning 68 on October 6.
However, sources in the police department stated that the sanctioning of the immigration staff is the last thing. First of all, the airport has to be ready for the international operations.

New screenings for US-bound passengers on global airlines

Dubai: Five global long-haul airlines will begin new 'security interviews' of all passengers on US-bound flights beginning Thursday at the request of American officials, the companies said Wednesday.
Long-haul carriers Air France, Cathay Pacific, EgyptAir, Emirates and Lufthansa all said they'd start the screenings. However, the airlines offered different descriptions of how the interviews would take place.
It wasn't immediately clear if other global airlines would be affected, though the Trump administration previously rolled out a laptop ban and travel bans that have thrown global airlines into disarray.
The US Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Air India steps up security procedure for US-bound flyers

New Delhi: Following the American Department of Homeland Security directive to airlines flying to the US, Air India has also started asking passengers questions like the purpose of their trips and about their check-in bags. Starting Thursday, US asked all airlines flying to the country almost 2,100 daily flights from overseas to pose these questions to flyers as an additional security measure.
"We were already doing so by strict checking of passport and visas at check-in counters and also asking (some) passengers about the purpose of their visit and baggage content. We have a pre-boarding security check for passengers on US flights. However, as and when there is a new directive from the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), we comply with the same and are in compliance for the latest one too," an AI spokesperson said.

Winter is coming: Three new flights for Pink City

Jaipur: In the next four days, flight schedule at all the airports across country would be changed. Jaipur airport administration was expecting more than a dozen flights during the winter schedule but only three new flights would begin here while one flight of Chandigarh is going to be closed. Jaipur airport authorities had claimed that 13 new flights would augur from Jaipur in the winter schedule beginning October 29. Different airlines had filed schedules for new flights but they have shelved their proposals.
Jaipur airport director Jaideep Singh Balhara had said that during winter, flights frequency would increase and new cities will be linked with air connectivity. Indigo had proposed maximum seven new flights as per its scheduled filed with the DGCA. It has not refused to launch even a single flight. Indigo is currently operating 17 flights from Jaipur.

Vistara offers slew of benefits for corporate customers

Mumbai: Tata-SIA run joint venture airline Vistara today offered a slew of benefits, including additional 5-kg cabin baggage free of cost and preferred seating, to its corporate customers.

The other benefits include exit rows and complimentary priority check-in, boarding, and baggage-handling, among others.

All the benefits under the 'Vistara Corporate Flyer' programme come over and above other customer benefits of being a corporate customer, which include special fares and free changes and cancellation of bookings, the airline said in a release.

Jet Airways to launch 3rd daily flight on Mumbai-London route

Mumbai: Private carrier Jet Airways today said it will launch a third daily service to London Heathrow from here, starting Sunday.
The addition of the third flight from Mumbai to London Heathrow complements the airline's existing operations to the British capital from its hubs in Mumbai and Delhi, Jet Airways said in a release today.
With the launch of the latest flight, Jet Airways will become the only Indian carrier to operate thrice daily services between India's financial capital, and London Heathrow - one of the world's busiest and best airports, the airline said.

Air Odisha flights between Mysuru and Chennai soon

 Mysuru: Air Odisha has sought permission to launch operations from Mysuru airport from November 30, under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme titled UDAN (Udey Desh Ka Aam Nagrik).

This was confirmed by M.N. Singh, director of Mysuru airport, who said the flight will provide connectivity to Chennai in view of the passenger traffic to that city.

According to the tentative flight schedule submitted by Air Odisha, the flight will arrive in Mysuru at 8.50 p.m. and depart to Chennai at 9.15 p.m. At present, only TruJet operates a flight from Mysuru (also connecting the city to Chennai).