Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling has said the newly-constructed airport at Pakyong will soon become operational. “The Pakyong airport is now ready and will be operational soon,” he told the state Assembly yesterday. Expressing happiness over the successful landing of an Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft on March 5, the first-ever landing of an aircraft at the new airport, Chamling said a SpiceJet plane was scheduled to land at Pakyong airport on March 10.
Friday, 30 March 2018
New airport to ease load on Bagdogra
Siliguri: The commissioning of the Pakyong aerodrome in Sikkim is expected to ease the load on the Bagdogra airport as a number of air travellers in the Himalayan state and Kalimpong district will shift to the new facility.
The Bagdogra airport has been facing acute congestion because of inadequate infrastructure at the terminal. But the state government is yet to provide land to the Airports Authority of India for expansion of the terminal and allied facilities like car parking.
The airport at Pakyong, located around 35km from Gangtok and around 95km from here, is set to be inaugurated soon. Spicejet has been permitted by the Union civil aviation ministry to operate flights from Pakyong. The airline will operate Bombardier Q 400 planes with 78 seats on the Calcutta-Pakyong-Guwahati and the Delhi-Pakyong routes.
The Bagdogra airport has been facing acute congestion because of inadequate infrastructure at the terminal. But the state government is yet to provide land to the Airports Authority of India for expansion of the terminal and allied facilities like car parking.
The airport at Pakyong, located around 35km from Gangtok and around 95km from here, is set to be inaugurated soon. Spicejet has been permitted by the Union civil aviation ministry to operate flights from Pakyong. The airline will operate Bombardier Q 400 planes with 78 seats on the Calcutta-Pakyong-Guwahati and the Delhi-Pakyong routes.
Centre to renovate 56 airports in 18 months
Hyderabad: In an infrastructure boost for the UDAN scheme, the Centre plans to finish renovating 56 airports and 31 helipads in the next 18 months for them to meet the licensing requirements to ply flights under the UDAN scheme, a senior official said here on Wednesday.
“The finance minister, in his 2017 budget speech, had allocated Rs 4,500 crore for the renovation of the airports so that they meet the licensing requirements. Over the next year and half, we are hopeful that the we’ll be able to complete renovating 56 airports and 31 helipads for them to meet the requirements,” the ministry of civil aviation joint secretary Usha Padhee said
Ms Padhee, who was in Hyderabad for the BizAVIndia 2018 summit organised by industry body BAOA, added, “About 20 such airports have already been renovated and have been given the go ahead. The remaining will soon be finished.”
“The finance minister, in his 2017 budget speech, had allocated Rs 4,500 crore for the renovation of the airports so that they meet the licensing requirements. Over the next year and half, we are hopeful that the we’ll be able to complete renovating 56 airports and 31 helipads for them to meet the requirements,” the ministry of civil aviation joint secretary Usha Padhee said
Ms Padhee, who was in Hyderabad for the BizAVIndia 2018 summit organised by industry body BAOA, added, “About 20 such airports have already been renovated and have been given the go ahead. The remaining will soon be finished.”
Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Jet Airways introduces filter coffee on international flights
Pune: Jet Airways has introduced authentic ‘Filter Coffee’ on its select international flights from India. Guests can now feel at home while enjoying a hot steaming cup of South India’s favourite brew while cruising at 35,000 feet, Jet officials said
The launch of Filter Coffee and a variety of other offerings including a fresh new range of champagne, forms part of Jet Airways’ refreshed in-flight dining experience in its endeavour to provide its guests with unique experiences aboard its international flights.
Effective March 1, guests flying First Class and Premiere onboard Jet Airways’ flights from/to India to/from Amsterdam, London, Paris and Toronto are able to enjoy Filter Coffee.
To Read the News in Full 07/03/18 Joy Sengupta/Times of India
The launch of Filter Coffee and a variety of other offerings including a fresh new range of champagne, forms part of Jet Airways’ refreshed in-flight dining experience in its endeavour to provide its guests with unique experiences aboard its international flights.
Effective March 1, guests flying First Class and Premiere onboard Jet Airways’ flights from/to India to/from Amsterdam, London, Paris and Toronto are able to enjoy Filter Coffee.
To Read the News in Full 07/03/18 Joy Sengupta/Times of India
Alliance Air adds aircraft for UDAN
Alliance Air, Air India’s fully owned subsidiary that operates flights to Tier II and Tier III cities, is expanding its fleet to operate more flights as it bags additional routes after the second round of bidding under the government’s subsidised air travel scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), aimed at boosting connectivity to the smaller towns. “Alliance Air is scheduled to add at least 10 ATR 72-600s in financial year 2017-18, of which seven have already joined the fleet and remaining three will join soon,” said an Air India official. The airline is also in the process of hiring cockpit and cabin crew for the same. Alliance Air operates air services to 46 destinations with a fleet of 13 ATR 72-600s and 2 ATR 42-320s (48 seater), with 90 daily departures and a load factor of about 90%.
Alliance Air, which was earlier the lone operator on many regional routes, finds itself pitched against not only new regional players like Zoom Air and Air Deccan but also fast-expanding private players like IndiGo, Jet Airways and SpiceJet, which deploy a majority of their capacity on trunk routes.
Alliance Air, which was earlier the lone operator on many regional routes, finds itself pitched against not only new regional players like Zoom Air and Air Deccan but also fast-expanding private players like IndiGo, Jet Airways and SpiceJet, which deploy a majority of their capacity on trunk routes.
Delhi, Mumbai Airports Among World’s Best: Survey
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport have been named among the world’s best airports in their respective categories in Airport Service Quality (ASQ) ratings for the year 2017 taken by Airport Council International (ACI).
While Delhi was named as the best airport in 2017 for passenger service, Mumbai was placed on top for customer experience under the category of airports handling over 40 million passengers per annum. The Hyderabad airport came No.1 in the category of airports catering to 5-15 million passengers per annum for the year 2017. In the very same category, Kochi, Kolkata and Pune airports tied for the third place.
Lucknow came in first in the 2-5 million passengers category, while Bengaluru and Chennai airports came second and third, respectively, in the 15-25 million passenger per year category in the survey results that were released on March 3 by ACI, an association of world’s airports comprising 1,953 member airports in 176 countries. ASQ helps in understanding how to increase passenger satisfaction and improve business performance.
While Delhi was named as the best airport in 2017 for passenger service, Mumbai was placed on top for customer experience under the category of airports handling over 40 million passengers per annum. The Hyderabad airport came No.1 in the category of airports catering to 5-15 million passengers per annum for the year 2017. In the very same category, Kochi, Kolkata and Pune airports tied for the third place.
Lucknow came in first in the 2-5 million passengers category, while Bengaluru and Chennai airports came second and third, respectively, in the 15-25 million passenger per year category in the survey results that were released on March 3 by ACI, an association of world’s airports comprising 1,953 member airports in 176 countries. ASQ helps in understanding how to increase passenger satisfaction and improve business performance.
Air Arabia eyes more flights to India, sees strong growth
Mumbai: Sharjah-based budget airline Air Arabia, which has not been able to expand in India due to constrained bilaterals between India and the UAE, says it sees strong demand to deploy more flights between India and its hub at Sharjah. It is hoping there would be an increase in the number of the seats allotted to the no-frills carrier in the near future.
“We always want more capacity and our job is to convey this to the governments. And the governments then meet and decide. We have been requesting the governments for some years now and whenever the decision is made (to increase the number of seats), it will be good,” said Adel Abdullah Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia.
The current stalemate over not allowing more seat allocation to airlines operating between India and the UAE, Ali said, was because airlines in India were not using the entire capacity that was made available. But now, as Indian carriers expand and budget airlines fly more passengers to the UAE, this seat utilisation has reached near-optimum levels with the scope for renegotiating the seat share between the countries.
“We always want more capacity and our job is to convey this to the governments. And the governments then meet and decide. We have been requesting the governments for some years now and whenever the decision is made (to increase the number of seats), it will be good,” said Adel Abdullah Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia.
The current stalemate over not allowing more seat allocation to airlines operating between India and the UAE, Ali said, was because airlines in India were not using the entire capacity that was made available. But now, as Indian carriers expand and budget airlines fly more passengers to the UAE, this seat utilisation has reached near-optimum levels with the scope for renegotiating the seat share between the countries.
Thomas Cook opens 2 foreign exchange outlet in Varanasi airport
New Delhi: Travel services firm Thomas Cook India today said it has opened two new foreign exchange outlets at Varanasi Airport considering the strong growth potential of Uttar Pradesh.
Citing industry data, the company said Varanasi Airport has witnessed strong growth in passenger numbers, from 1 million in 20142015 to 1.9 million passengers in 2017-2018.
"Varanasi is a key and high growth opportunity for our foreign exchange business being a prime gateway airport for the Buddhist circuit, also for UP's strongly emerging outbound travel segment," Thomas Cook (India) Senior VP & Head-Sales & Relationship Management Foreign Exchange Deepesh Varma said.
To Read the News in Full 08/03/18 PTI/Business Standard
Citing industry data, the company said Varanasi Airport has witnessed strong growth in passenger numbers, from 1 million in 20142015 to 1.9 million passengers in 2017-2018.
"Varanasi is a key and high growth opportunity for our foreign exchange business being a prime gateway airport for the Buddhist circuit, also for UP's strongly emerging outbound travel segment," Thomas Cook (India) Senior VP & Head-Sales & Relationship Management Foreign Exchange Deepesh Varma said.
To Read the News in Full 08/03/18 PTI/Business Standard
Jaipur Airport ranked #11 in country for daily scheduled flight operation
Jaipur: Jaipur International Airport has got ahead of Lucknow and many other airports in the country in terms of number of daily scheduled flights. A total of 69 scheduled flights are being operated from Jaipur Airport on a daily basis. Of them, 60 flights are domestic, while nine are international.
Lucknow has slid behind Jaipur on the list. The data was recently released by the Airport Authority of India. Delhi was ranked number one with 641 flights followed by Mumbai (459 flights), Bengaluru (320 flights), Chennai (251 flights), Hyderabad (228 flights), Kolkata (224 flights), Kochi (110 flights), Ahmedabad (99 flights), Pune (87 flights), Goa (75 flights) and Lucknow (64 flights).
Jaipur Airport still lags behind in terms of the number of international flights. Jaipur Airport was operating 46 flights daily till March, 2017 lagging behind Guwahati and Lucknow airports. The growth rate suggests that Jaipur will soon race ahead of Goa also.
To Read the News in Full 04/03/18 Pink City Post
Lucknow has slid behind Jaipur on the list. The data was recently released by the Airport Authority of India. Delhi was ranked number one with 641 flights followed by Mumbai (459 flights), Bengaluru (320 flights), Chennai (251 flights), Hyderabad (228 flights), Kolkata (224 flights), Kochi (110 flights), Ahmedabad (99 flights), Pune (87 flights), Goa (75 flights) and Lucknow (64 flights).
Jaipur Airport still lags behind in terms of the number of international flights. Jaipur Airport was operating 46 flights daily till March, 2017 lagging behind Guwahati and Lucknow airports. The growth rate suggests that Jaipur will soon race ahead of Goa also.
To Read the News in Full 04/03/18 Pink City Post
AirAsia India to begin overseas operations by Jan 2019: MD&CEO
Budget carrier AirAsia India has charted out expansion plans to connect more tier-II and III cities and set a target to commence flights to overseas destinations by January 2019, a top official said. The airliner last week inducted its 16th aircraft and announced the addition of Nagpur and Indore to its list of destinations.
According to AirAsia India, Managing Director and CEO, Amar Abrol, the airliner has planned to commence overseas operation by January 2019 once it has 20 or more planes. "Our strategy is that once we get to 20 planes (operating in domestic operations) we will start flying international. Mostly, it will be to South East Asian countries," he told PTI here.
Stating that 27 per cent of the people who fly with AirAsia were flying for the first time ever, he said, "So, we are opening up Indian skies. And we are getting lot many more Indians to fly for the first time."
According to AirAsia India, Managing Director and CEO, Amar Abrol, the airliner has planned to commence overseas operation by January 2019 once it has 20 or more planes. "Our strategy is that once we get to 20 planes (operating in domestic operations) we will start flying international. Mostly, it will be to South East Asian countries," he told PTI here.
Stating that 27 per cent of the people who fly with AirAsia were flying for the first time ever, he said, "So, we are opening up Indian skies. And we are getting lot many more Indians to fly for the first time."
Aviation sector on a high as UDAN spreads wings
Mumbai: India is rapidly expanding its aviation network beyond its biggest cities, developing airports at 18 smaller and unserved destinations over the past year and seeking to bring commercial flights to at least five more towns over the next few months. “By March end, we aim to operationalise others such as Adampur in Jalandhar and Salem in Tamil Nadu,” a senior official at the stateowned Airports Authority of India (AAI) told ET.
Another 12 airports, to be put up for bids, are in various stages of development and may take more than a year to be ready. To be sure, industry sources are somewhat sceptical about the fate of all of these links, and believe that some may require complex issues to be solved before flights were to begin. Under the UDAN plan, which seeks to democratise and broaden aviation linkage in a nation where flying still remains beyond the reach of many citizens,the government is building airports in unserved or under-served locations, offering incentives for airlines to fly to these destinations.
Another 12 airports, to be put up for bids, are in various stages of development and may take more than a year to be ready. To be sure, industry sources are somewhat sceptical about the fate of all of these links, and believe that some may require complex issues to be solved before flights were to begin. Under the UDAN plan, which seeks to democratise and broaden aviation linkage in a nation where flying still remains beyond the reach of many citizens,the government is building airports in unserved or under-served locations, offering incentives for airlines to fly to these destinations.
Tuesday, 27 March 2018
GoAir Offers Discount on Domestic Flight Tickets
GoAir airline is offering up to Rs. 1,000 discount on its domestic flight tickets. GoAir has partnered with Shopclues to give discount of up to Rs. 1,000 on domestic flight tickets. GoAir's offer is valid till March 31, 2018. The travel period for availing GoAir's discount offer on domestic flight tickets ends on August 10, 2018. However, GoAir's special offer is not applicable on travel between February 23, 2018 to March 4, 2018, March 20, 2018 to April 4, 2018 and April 15, 2018 to July 15, 2018, according to the carrier website-goair.in. Customers can avail the discount by using promo code 'GOAPP10' on GoAir's mobile app.
New amenities for passengers, visitors started at Vadodara airport
Vadodara: A slew of new facilities for passengers and visitors were launched at the new integrated terminal building of Vadodara airport on Saturday.Nearly two months after a restaurant facility was started at the security hold area of the new airport terminal, a second restaurant facility was inaugurated at the visitors area. Plus, we will shortly launch a medical counter which will be equipped with a doctor and supporting staff so that if there is any passenger in need of first aid, the first aid is provided on the spot and if the passenger is critical, he or she can be shifted to hospital with the help of the ambulance,” he said. Also, tactile paving facility to guide blind passengers and visitors coming at the airport was commissioned while the 108 emergency ambulance will remain stationed to assist in any medical emergency at the airport from now onwards.“Previously, the restaurant facility was started at the security hold area where passengers who were waiting in the boarding area could grab a meal before catching their flight,” said Vadodara airport director Charan Singh.
Trip to Munnar? You could fly there
Kochi:The tourists flocking to the destinations in Idukki and Wayanad could soon explore the possibility of touching down the hill stations on aircraft as the state government has asked the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) to conduct pre-feasibility study for constructing airstrips there.
Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) managing director M Beena told Express it "had already conducted a preliminary study at the proposed hill stations during the previous government's tenure and submitted reports. The pre-feasibility study seems to be a follow-up of that".Attempt to set up airstrip at Anakkara, Idukki and feeder airport at Panamaram, Wayanad had courted controversy after green activists and farmers opposed and forced the then government to ground the projects.
Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) managing director M Beena told Express it "had already conducted a preliminary study at the proposed hill stations during the previous government's tenure and submitted reports. The pre-feasibility study seems to be a follow-up of that".Attempt to set up airstrip at Anakkara, Idukki and feeder airport at Panamaram, Wayanad had courted controversy after green activists and farmers opposed and forced the then government to ground the projects.
Visakhapatnam airport gets a big thumbs up from international flyers
Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ) has registered a big growth in the number of international fliers, as per the latest air traffic report.
According to the report, a total 14,351 international passengers travelled through VTZ in January 2018 as against 10,221 in the corresponding period of 2017. In the month of January alone, VTZ has registered a 40.4% growth this year compared to last year’s figures.
Overall between April 2017 and January 2018, VTZ witnessed a total of 1,10,895 international passengers. The corresponding figure in 2016-17 (April-January) was only 81,650, which is a growth rate of 35.8%.
The growth rate is attributed to several reasons, which includes an increase in the number of international flights from VTZ to international destinations like Singapore, Colombo, Malaysia, Dubai among others. While the airport registered 158 international flights in January 2018, the number was 122 in January 2017.
According to the report, a total 14,351 international passengers travelled through VTZ in January 2018 as against 10,221 in the corresponding period of 2017. In the month of January alone, VTZ has registered a 40.4% growth this year compared to last year’s figures.
Overall between April 2017 and January 2018, VTZ witnessed a total of 1,10,895 international passengers. The corresponding figure in 2016-17 (April-January) was only 81,650, which is a growth rate of 35.8%.
The growth rate is attributed to several reasons, which includes an increase in the number of international flights from VTZ to international destinations like Singapore, Colombo, Malaysia, Dubai among others. While the airport registered 158 international flights in January 2018, the number was 122 in January 2017.
54 daily flight operations from Vijayawada airport
Vijayawada: Gannavaram airport, which is transforming into a major travel hub in South India, will achieving a milestone of 50 flights per day from Friday. The airport, which saw less than 10 flights per day before the bifurcation, will have 54 flights a day, connecting seven cities.
Gannavaram airport director P Madhusudan inaugurated the first service to Kadapa on Thursday, and handed over boarding passes to 45 passengers. "This is the first service to Kadapa under UDAN- Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN-RCS). The flight departs Vijayawada at 8.05 am, and reaches Kadapa within an hour. It takes the return journey from Kadapa to Vijayawada at 09.30 am," he said.
Gannavaram airport director P Madhusudan inaugurated the first service to Kadapa on Thursday, and handed over boarding passes to 45 passengers. "This is the first service to Kadapa under UDAN- Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN-RCS). The flight departs Vijayawada at 8.05 am, and reaches Kadapa within an hour. It takes the return journey from Kadapa to Vijayawada at 09.30 am," he said.
New Air India Milan Director
Rajender Kumar is the new Director of Air India Milan. He is being entrusted with the management of the territory of Northern Italy within the geographical boundaries with the official title of “Station Manager Milano” whose activities extend to the management of Air India flights to Milan Malpensa airport.
During the 35 years of activity with Air India which started in Amristar in 1982, R. Kumar has held important positions at the New Delhi office with tasks in the field of tourism and public relations, as well as the sales department and sales unit.
During the 35 years of activity with Air India which started in Amristar in 1982, R. Kumar has held important positions at the New Delhi office with tasks in the field of tourism and public relations, as well as the sales department and sales unit.
Skies clear for India’s aviation industry to take off in a big way
New Delhi: Aviation is a great industry. It is a force for good in the world that generates wealth—both material and of the human spirit. It has enormous potential—particularly in this region.
Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO, said: “These are good times for the global air transport industry. Safety performance is solid. We have a clear strategy that is delivering results on environmental performance. More people than ever are travelling. The demand for air cargo is at its strongest level in over a decade. Employment is growing. More routes are being opened. Airlines are achieving sustainable levels of profitability. It’s still, however, a tough business, and we are being challenged on the cost front by rising fuel, labour and infrastructure expenses.”
All the signs are positive. The future looks bright and without turbulence. The upswing in policy support, conducive business conditions, varied investment opportunities, open markets for foreign direct investments (FDI) and increased investments have been reflected in growing aircraft fleet size, strategic location, a trained pool of highly skilled engineering expertise clubbed with lower labour cost—all of these coming together as an entity.
Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO, said: “These are good times for the global air transport industry. Safety performance is solid. We have a clear strategy that is delivering results on environmental performance. More people than ever are travelling. The demand for air cargo is at its strongest level in over a decade. Employment is growing. More routes are being opened. Airlines are achieving sustainable levels of profitability. It’s still, however, a tough business, and we are being challenged on the cost front by rising fuel, labour and infrastructure expenses.”
All the signs are positive. The future looks bright and without turbulence. The upswing in policy support, conducive business conditions, varied investment opportunities, open markets for foreign direct investments (FDI) and increased investments have been reflected in growing aircraft fleet size, strategic location, a trained pool of highly skilled engineering expertise clubbed with lower labour cost—all of these coming together as an entity.
Saturday, 24 March 2018
Vijayawada airport becomes the 50th destination of IndiGo
Vijayawada: With IndiGo launching its services from Vijayawada on Friday, the airport at Gannavaram has reached a ‘milestone’, as airport director G Madhusudhan Rao points out, of handling over 50 aircraft movements per day. With the addition of IndiGo’s services to Hyderabad, and two each to Bengaluru and Chennai, the airport now has 53 aircraft movements, to be precise.
Speaking after the inauguration of new services, Madhusudhan Rao said that more services to destinations like Jaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai and others were on the anvil.
Speaking after the inauguration of new services, Madhusudhan Rao said that more services to destinations like Jaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai and others were on the anvil.
Passengers want reduction in airline cancellation charges
New Delhi: India is the third largest air-travel market in the world and is witnessing a constant double-digit growth, with each passing year.
With airlines offering extraordinarily low fares, people’s preference is shifting towards them and they don’t mind booking tickets three to six months in advance. But these low fares come with strict cancellation charges and limited baggage allowance in many cases.
According to a survey by leading community social media platform, LocalCircles, most consumers in India want the airline cancellation charges to be 20 percent of airfare.
On the other hand, 57 percent citizens want excess baggage charges to be reduced to Rs. 100 per kilo.
With airlines offering extraordinarily low fares, people’s preference is shifting towards them and they don’t mind booking tickets three to six months in advance. But these low fares come with strict cancellation charges and limited baggage allowance in many cases.
According to a survey by leading community social media platform, LocalCircles, most consumers in India want the airline cancellation charges to be 20 percent of airfare.
On the other hand, 57 percent citizens want excess baggage charges to be reduced to Rs. 100 per kilo.
Israel Seeks Green Light to Fly via Saudi Airspace Direct to India
Israel’s national airline, El Al, has asked the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to help obtain use of Saudi Arabia’s airspace on its Israel-India flights.
El Al CEO Gonen Usishkin asked Alexandre de Juniac, head of the world airline industry trade association, to intervene in order to prevent discrimination and “an uneven playing field,” according to Reuters.
“I am approaching you and kindly requesting IATA to intervene and to represent aviation industry’s interest by advocating equal overfly rights for all carriers over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and opposing any form of discrimination,” the letter said.
El Al CEO Gonen Usishkin asked Alexandre de Juniac, head of the world airline industry trade association, to intervene in order to prevent discrimination and “an uneven playing field,” according to Reuters.
“I am approaching you and kindly requesting IATA to intervene and to represent aviation industry’s interest by advocating equal overfly rights for all carriers over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and opposing any form of discrimination,” the letter said.
DHL launches first Service Center in Goa
Goa: Affirming its commitment to ‘ease of trade’ in India, DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, today inaugurated its first service center in Goa. Located in Verna, DHL Express’ 47th service point in India will cater to the substantial growth of imports and exports in the State.
The new 3088 sq. ft. facility, located in close proximity to the Goa International Airport, will benefit customers in the industrial hubs of Verna, Vasco, Madgaon, Ponda, Panjim, Mapusa, through the timely connection of shipments.
Goa has emerged as a strong manufacturing base for the pharmaceutical and engineering sector. It is a preferred choice for overseas customers while sourcing from India. It is also an emerging destination for knowledge-based industries such as biotechnology, IT, telecommunications and electronics.
The new 3088 sq. ft. facility, located in close proximity to the Goa International Airport, will benefit customers in the industrial hubs of Verna, Vasco, Madgaon, Ponda, Panjim, Mapusa, through the timely connection of shipments.
Goa has emerged as a strong manufacturing base for the pharmaceutical and engineering sector. It is a preferred choice for overseas customers while sourcing from India. It is also an emerging destination for knowledge-based industries such as biotechnology, IT, telecommunications and electronics.
Aviation multi-skill development centre opens in Chandigarh
New Delhi: An aviation multi-skill development centre (MSDC) was opened in Chandigarh by aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Tuesday. A CSR initiative of Airports Authority of India (AAI), this first-of-its-kind centre has been set up in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and is supported by the Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council (AASSC) of India.
"This centre which will train about 2,400 youth and women in eight aviation job roles over the next three years has already received a very enthusiastic response. I would like to see many more such centres for aviation skill development to be set up across the country," said Raju.
"This centre which will train about 2,400 youth and women in eight aviation job roles over the next three years has already received a very enthusiastic response. I would like to see many more such centres for aviation skill development to be set up across the country," said Raju.
Flyers won’t have to pay user fee after 2018
Chennai: The country’s airport tariffs regulator has suggested to Airports Authority of India that it not charge flyers user development fee (UDF) at Chennai International Airport from next year.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) recommended that AAI, AII facilty’s operator, discontinue the charge — a contentious issue due to the airport’s capacity constraints amd limited amenities — because it failed to use money it collected to develop the airport in the past five years.
AAI has in recent years collected between Rs 250 crore and Rs 300 crore and more as UDF annually.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) recommended that AAI, AII facilty’s operator, discontinue the charge — a contentious issue due to the airport’s capacity constraints amd limited amenities — because it failed to use money it collected to develop the airport in the past five years.
AAI has in recent years collected between Rs 250 crore and Rs 300 crore and more as UDF annually.
Know your rights when you fly: Government to ask airlines to educate flyers
The government is working on an exhaustive charter of passenger rights and is likely to ask airlines to take steps for educating first time flyers.
While number of air passengers have surged in Indian sky, there has been increasing tension resulting in number of unpleasant incidents involving airline staff and flyers. In 2017, domestic air traffic surged 17.4 per cent to cross the 100-million mark — a first for Indian skies thanks to low fares, an addition of new flights and economic growth.
Government officials say out of these at least a quarter are first-time flyers and they need to be made more aware of their rights protocols while catching a flight.
While number of air passengers have surged in Indian sky, there has been increasing tension resulting in number of unpleasant incidents involving airline staff and flyers. In 2017, domestic air traffic surged 17.4 per cent to cross the 100-million mark — a first for Indian skies thanks to low fares, an addition of new flights and economic growth.
Government officials say out of these at least a quarter are first-time flyers and they need to be made more aware of their rights protocols while catching a flight.
Friday, 23 March 2018
With aviation sector taking off strongly, more women taking to the skies
Compared with other countries in the Middle East and North Africa, MENA, region, the UAE has more women pilots, captains, aircraft engineers, mechanics, aircraft maintenance and air traffic controllers, among others.
Thirteen of the 15 countries with the lowest rates of women participating in their labour force are in the MENA.
Emirates currently employs nearly 27,000 women, making up 42 percent of the group’s workforce, including women pilots who includes the youngest Emirati female pilot operating the world’s biggest aircraft, A380, of which it is the world’s largest operator. Over 60 of more than 4,000 pilots employed by Emirates are females.
Etihad Airways currently employs over 2,850 Emirati women covering various roles, including 50 female pilots and also the first Emirati woman registered as a specialist in aviation medicine. Over 50 percent of the airline’s 13,000 strong workforce are women and the airline is keen to narrow the gender gap further.
Air Arabia employs women staff, including the first female Emirati holder of a multi-crew pilots, MPL, licence. Two years ago, the UAE became the first country in the world to launch an all-woman operated airline services company.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, said, "Women have played a key role in the success and development of the aviation industry in the UAE. With the region experiencing high passenger growth, and with more airlines, aircraft and flights in service, as well as more routes being served than ever before, there has never been a better time for women to build a successful career in the aviation industry than now."
Thirteen of the 15 countries with the lowest rates of women participating in their labour force are in the MENA.
Emirates currently employs nearly 27,000 women, making up 42 percent of the group’s workforce, including women pilots who includes the youngest Emirati female pilot operating the world’s biggest aircraft, A380, of which it is the world’s largest operator. Over 60 of more than 4,000 pilots employed by Emirates are females.
Etihad Airways currently employs over 2,850 Emirati women covering various roles, including 50 female pilots and also the first Emirati woman registered as a specialist in aviation medicine. Over 50 percent of the airline’s 13,000 strong workforce are women and the airline is keen to narrow the gender gap further.
Air Arabia employs women staff, including the first female Emirati holder of a multi-crew pilots, MPL, licence. Two years ago, the UAE became the first country in the world to launch an all-woman operated airline services company.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, said, "Women have played a key role in the success and development of the aviation industry in the UAE. With the region experiencing high passenger growth, and with more airlines, aircraft and flights in service, as well as more routes being served than ever before, there has never been a better time for women to build a successful career in the aviation industry than now."
Bengaluru, now check in your flight using your web kiosk in airport buses
In a bid to increase the ridership in its airport buses, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has started providing a web check-in kiosk inside the bus on a test basis.
Currently, buses from Electronic City to the airport (KIAS-8) have been installed with this facility as part of BMTC’s second pilot project. The first such pilot project was undertaken on buses plying from Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Station) to the airport.
With this facility, passengers can print their boarding passes beforehand and head straight for security checks, skipping the long queues at airline counters. This will be especially beneficial to those customers who do not have any check-in luggage and are travelling only with hand baggage.
Currently, buses from Electronic City to the airport (KIAS-8) have been installed with this facility as part of BMTC’s second pilot project. The first such pilot project was undertaken on buses plying from Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Station) to the airport.
With this facility, passengers can print their boarding passes beforehand and head straight for security checks, skipping the long queues at airline counters. This will be especially beneficial to those customers who do not have any check-in luggage and are travelling only with hand baggage.
Saras taking wing
Encouraging reports after the second test flight of the indigenous light aircraft Saras would point to the wisdom of reviving the project that had come close to being abandoned after a prototype had crashed eight years ago.
Hopefully the shortcomings have been rectified and the design upgraded ~ there is little point in trying to project unrealistic success stories ~ so that the National Aerospace Laboratory’s effort will bear fruit in the shape of commercial production.
There would be little point in thinking merely in terms of production for the armed forces, paramilitary and other sections of the “captive market”. With regional connectivity the current “buzz”, the projection of the Saras as costing 20-25 per cent less than an imported equivalent does raise exciting prospects.
Hopefully the shortcomings have been rectified and the design upgraded ~ there is little point in trying to project unrealistic success stories ~ so that the National Aerospace Laboratory’s effort will bear fruit in the shape of commercial production.
There would be little point in thinking merely in terms of production for the armed forces, paramilitary and other sections of the “captive market”. With regional connectivity the current “buzz”, the projection of the Saras as costing 20-25 per cent less than an imported equivalent does raise exciting prospects.
‘Aviation market flying high’
India’s success march in developing airports had made the country the third largest aviation market, Union Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju said on Monday.
Speaking at the plenary on ‘Connectivity and Communication: Fast-tracking infrastructure development and financing,’e said the Indian aviation market was growing at a fast pace.
Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran, Telecom Special Secretary N. Sivasailam, South Asia Gateways Terminals CEO Romesh David, Member, House of Lords, UK Baroness Sandip Verma, A.P.
Speaking at the plenary on ‘Connectivity and Communication: Fast-tracking infrastructure development and financing,’e said the Indian aviation market was growing at a fast pace.
Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran, Telecom Special Secretary N. Sivasailam, South Asia Gateways Terminals CEO Romesh David, Member, House of Lords, UK Baroness Sandip Verma, A.P.
Air India Express to increase flights to Doha
Air India Express is increasing the frequency of its Doha flights to and from Cochin.
The Indian low-cost airline will add 3 more flights every week from Cochin to Doha and this timetable will be in effect from March 25 till October 28.
The new timetable was tweeted by Indian embassy in Qatar.
The new addition will increase the frequency on Doha-Cochin sector from 4 weekly flights to daily service.
Flight IX 0475 from Cochin will leave at 23:30 and will reach Doha at 1:15. Meanwhile, flight from Doha IX 0476 will leave at 2:15 and will reach Cochin at 9:10.
To Read the News in Full 25/02/18 Peninsula Qatar
The Indian low-cost airline will add 3 more flights every week from Cochin to Doha and this timetable will be in effect from March 25 till October 28.
The new timetable was tweeted by Indian embassy in Qatar.
The new addition will increase the frequency on Doha-Cochin sector from 4 weekly flights to daily service.
Flight IX 0475 from Cochin will leave at 23:30 and will reach Doha at 1:15. Meanwhile, flight from Doha IX 0476 will leave at 2:15 and will reach Cochin at 9:10.
To Read the News in Full 25/02/18 Peninsula Qatar
Wednesday, 21 March 2018
Direct flights from Asean countries
Half of the 10 countries in Asean have direct flights to India. The three aviation hubs of Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur hold the lion's share of these direct flights, although they are not India's closest neighbours. Singapore has more than 240 flight services a week to India, while Thailand has 270 and Malaysia, 230.
Indonesia and Myanmar also have direct flights to India, but on a very limited scale.
Indonesia's Garuda launched a thrice-weekly direct flight from Jakarta to Mumbai in 2016, while Myanmar has three direct flights a week from Yangon to Kolkata.
Indonesia and Myanmar also have direct flights to India, but on a very limited scale.
Indonesia's Garuda launched a thrice-weekly direct flight from Jakarta to Mumbai in 2016, while Myanmar has three direct flights a week from Yangon to Kolkata.
Air services to Diu, Daman to cut travel time, boost tourism
Surat: Kanhaiya Paanwala, a real estate developer in Adajan, always wanted to fly to Diu with his family members. He still remembers the treacherous 16-hour long road journey from Surat to Diu. Paanwala’s dream came true with Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off Daman’s first commercial chopper service to Diu on Saturday. The PM also launched Diu-Ahmedabad flight service which will reduce the eight-hour road journey to just over an hour.
“It’s amazing. Now we can fly directly to Diu. But it will still take three hours for us to travel by road to Daman and get the chopper to Diu. I have gathered information from my friends in Daman about the chopper service and he has promised me to help book four tickets for the next weekend after Holi festival,” said Paanwala.
“It’s amazing. Now we can fly directly to Diu. But it will still take three hours for us to travel by road to Daman and get the chopper to Diu. I have gathered information from my friends in Daman about the chopper service and he has promised me to help book four tickets for the next weekend after Holi festival,” said Paanwala.
Safety, Security of Passengers is Our Priority, Says GoAir
New Delhi: Budget airline GoAir on Saturday said that the safety and security of the passengers have always been their priority, and they have never compromised with it at any circumstances. The statement came hours after the Delhi- Leh-Jammu flight landed back to Leh after a technical glitch was detected as soon as it took off.
“G8 205 (Leh – Jammu) 112 pax had a technical glitch right after becoming airborne. The flight crew chose to return back to Leh. The aircraft is on ground and being inspected. All passengers have been cared for and served refreshments. We are ensuring the next available flight options as well as hotel accommodation for passengers,” read the statement of the airlines.
“G8 205 (Leh – Jammu) 112 pax had a technical glitch right after becoming airborne. The flight crew chose to return back to Leh. The aircraft is on ground and being inspected. All passengers have been cared for and served refreshments. We are ensuring the next available flight options as well as hotel accommodation for passengers,” read the statement of the airlines.
New Air India service to boost local businesses
Businesses from across the Midlands are set to reap the benefits of a new service connecting Birmingham Airport to the Indian city of Amritsar.
The new Air India service was welcomed by Indian drummers and dancers who weaved their way through passengers who were joined by Members of Parliament, business leaders and members of the Sikh UK community.
Amritsar is the second direct Birmingham to India service, complementing the Delhi service which started in August 2013. The service has carried more than 600,000 passengers in the four years it has operated using the popular Boeing 787-8 ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft.
The new Air India service was welcomed by Indian drummers and dancers who weaved their way through passengers who were joined by Members of Parliament, business leaders and members of the Sikh UK community.
Amritsar is the second direct Birmingham to India service, complementing the Delhi service which started in August 2013. The service has carried more than 600,000 passengers in the four years it has operated using the popular Boeing 787-8 ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft.
UDAN Scheme: PM Launches Flight Between Ahmedabad And Diu, Travel Time To Reduce By 11 Hours
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched development schemes worth Rs 1,000 crore for Daman and Diu, and also inaugurated a flight connecting Ahmedabad to coastal town of Diu.
The prime minister, who inaugurated Air Odisha's flight connecting Ahmedabad with Diu under the Centre's regional connectivity scheme UDAN, said air connectivity will boost tourism in the region.
He also launched a helicopter service connecting Daman and Diu at an event here.
"The air connectivity will boost tourism as tourists who want to visit the Somnath temple, Gir forest (in Gujarat) can now go (there) from Diu," Modi said.
The prime minister, who inaugurated Air Odisha's flight connecting Ahmedabad with Diu under the Centre's regional connectivity scheme UDAN, said air connectivity will boost tourism in the region.
He also launched a helicopter service connecting Daman and Diu at an event here.
"The air connectivity will boost tourism as tourists who want to visit the Somnath temple, Gir forest (in Gujarat) can now go (there) from Diu," Modi said.
Govt pledges 40m-flyer/year 2nd Chennai airport soon
Chennai: The state government on Friday said the city would soon get a second airport with an annual passenger-handling capacity of 40 million.
"The government will establish an international airport with a capacity to handle four crore passengers per year in the suburbs of Chennai," deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam told an audience at property expo FAIRPRO 2018.
The statement was a reiteration of the state's commitment to a new facility that will cater to twice as many flyers as the current airport at Meenambakkam, which has no scope to expand capacity.
"The government will establish an international airport with a capacity to handle four crore passengers per year in the suburbs of Chennai," deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam told an audience at property expo FAIRPRO 2018.
The statement was a reiteration of the state's commitment to a new facility that will cater to twice as many flyers as the current airport at Meenambakkam, which has no scope to expand capacity.
Non-stop flight brings Amsterdam closer to Namma Bengaluru every day
Amsterdam (The Netherlands): With the number of visas issued by The Netherlands to Indians increasing by 25% each year, Jet Airways has brought the picturesque country closer to Bengalureans by launching its first non-stop daily flight between the city and Amsterdam.This marks the third daily service of the airline between India and Amsterdam, the other two services already functioning from Mumbai and New Delhi. Jet Airways is the only airline from Bengaluru that offers a direct flight to Amsterdam.
While the service was formally launched on October 29, 2017 from Bengaluru, a media team was taken by Jet Airways recently to the country to showcase the relaxed travel experience and ambience of its Airbus A330 aircraft.
While the service was formally launched on October 29, 2017 from Bengaluru, a media team was taken by Jet Airways recently to the country to showcase the relaxed travel experience and ambience of its Airbus A330 aircraft.
Tuesday, 20 March 2018
Jet Privilege bags nine awards at 11th customer loyalty and customer engagement awards
Mumbai: JetPrivilege, Jet Airways’ award winning frequent flyer and Loyalty rewards management programme, won nine key accolades at the 11th Customer Loyalty & Customer Experience Awards held at the Taj Lands End in Mumbai last week.
The wins highlight JetPrivilege’s continued success in providing all its members including the airline’s frequent flyer guests with the most unique and rewarding lifestyle experiences as well as engagement opportunities.
The frequent flyer programme of the country’s premier international airline was bestowed as the winner in the following categories:
The wins highlight JetPrivilege’s continued success in providing all its members including the airline’s frequent flyer guests with the most unique and rewarding lifestyle experiences as well as engagement opportunities.
The frequent flyer programme of the country’s premier international airline was bestowed as the winner in the following categories:
AirAsia reintroduces Chennai-Bengaluru flights
Chennai: Budget carrier AirAsia has resumed its service in the Chennai-Bengaluru sector more than two years after it suspended operations in this route. The Tata-AirAsia joint venture airline would fly five times a day in and out of Chennai to Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar. The first flight left for Bengaluru at 7.25 a.m today. AirAsia India, CEO and Managing Director, Amar Abrol announced the launch of five daily flights on Twitter. "We are back! Launching 5 daily flights connecting Chennai to Bangalore and Bhubaneswar #noweveryonecanfly #Chennai @AirAsia," he tweeted. The Bengaluru-headquartered air carrier also announced the induction of Airbus A320 into the fleet taking the total to 15. From today, the airline will operate three daily flights to Bengaluru and two to Bhubaneswar from Chennai making it as the 17th destination.
Abu Dhabi aviation offers help to start Air Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: The Abu Dhabi Aviation (ADA) has proposed a tie-up with the state government for commencing Air Kerala airlines, emergency helicopter medical services, international aviation academy, tie-ups with Kannur International Airport and setting up of aircraft engineering maintenance base. A high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary Paul Antony has been constituted by the government to examine the scope of the proposal.
Abu Dhabi Aviation is one of the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East. It operates a fleet of about 60 aircrafts and over 50 helicopters. Government sources said that the fresh move would be a major fillip to the state’s aviation sector, especially the long pending plans to have an own airline as well as air ambulance.
Abu Dhabi Aviation is one of the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East. It operates a fleet of about 60 aircrafts and over 50 helicopters. Government sources said that the fresh move would be a major fillip to the state’s aviation sector, especially the long pending plans to have an own airline as well as air ambulance.
Direct flight from Delhi to Imphal by April
Imphal: The civil aviation ministry has assured the Manipur government that Air India will begin daily direct flights from New Delhi to Imphal by the first week of April.
Chief minister N. Biren Singh announced this at the inaugural function of the 3rd International Convention of Service Industry NER(I)-ASEAN FOCUS CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam) held here on Thursday.
The convention was organised by the ministry of commerce and industry, the International Chamber for Service Industry and the Manipur Infrastructure Development Agency on the theme Tapping potential of services sector catering to domestic and international demands.
Chief minister N. Biren Singh announced this at the inaugural function of the 3rd International Convention of Service Industry NER(I)-ASEAN FOCUS CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam) held here on Thursday.
The convention was organised by the ministry of commerce and industry, the International Chamber for Service Industry and the Manipur Infrastructure Development Agency on the theme Tapping potential of services sector catering to domestic and international demands.
Vistara Announces New Flight Routes
Vistara airline today announced new flights starting from Kolkata. Vistara's flight service from Kolkata, which will begin from March 25, will offer double daily flights between Kolkata and Chennai, as well as a direct same aircraft service to Kochi via Chennai, the airline said. Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has also increased its frequencies between Kolkata and Delhi with the launch of a third daily flight, the airline said in a statement.
With these additions, Vistara will connect Kolkata directly with Delhi, Chennai, Port Blair (Andamans) and Kochi.
With these additions, Vistara will connect Kolkata directly with Delhi, Chennai, Port Blair (Andamans) and Kochi.
Vistara adds daily flights to Kochi and Chennai from Kolkata
Kolkata: Vistara, the TATA-SIA joint venture, is all set to connect Kochi and Chennai to Kolkata from March end this year, the airline said in a statement on Friday. The flight between Netjai Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata and Kochi will be a daily one with a stopover at Chennai. There will be another daily flight to Chennai, the statement said adding the two services will commence from March 25.
The airline has already added a third frequency between Kolkata and Delhi from mid February and it leaves for Delhi from Kolkata at 8.15 pm daily, it said. The existing two frequencies to Delhi from Kolkata are in the morning and in the afternoon, it added.
“The launch of these new routes and flights from Kolkata reflects the commitment Vistara has to Kolkata and of the positive response we have received to our flights from the city,” the Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer of Vistara, Sanjiv Kapoor, said.
The airline has already added a third frequency between Kolkata and Delhi from mid February and it leaves for Delhi from Kolkata at 8.15 pm daily, it said. The existing two frequencies to Delhi from Kolkata are in the morning and in the afternoon, it added.
“The launch of these new routes and flights from Kolkata reflects the commitment Vistara has to Kolkata and of the positive response we have received to our flights from the city,” the Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer of Vistara, Sanjiv Kapoor, said.
Jewar airport will now be a full-fledged aviation hub
UP government has decided to develop the proposed Jewar international airport in Noida as a full-fledged aviation hub. It will have at least four runways and facilities, including a flying and training institute, and cargo and aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) system.
The announcement was made on the second and concluding day of the Investors’ Summit on Thursday.
Director, UP civil aviation department, Surya Pal Gangwar said the plan to develop the Jewar airport as a state-of-the-art aviation hub was being worked out. “We hope to complete the planning and get other formalities completed soon,” he said in a session on ‘Civil aviation: emerging opportunities’ at the summit.
The announcement was made on the second and concluding day of the Investors’ Summit on Thursday.
Director, UP civil aviation department, Surya Pal Gangwar said the plan to develop the Jewar airport as a state-of-the-art aviation hub was being worked out. “We hope to complete the planning and get other formalities completed soon,” he said in a session on ‘Civil aviation: emerging opportunities’ at the summit.
Air India Delhi-Imphal Daily Direct Flights by April: Manipur CM
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has assured the State Government that Air India would begin daily direct flights from New Delhi to Imphal by first week of April, 2018. This was stated by him at the inaugural function of 3rd International Convention of Service Industry NER(I)-ASEAN FOCUS CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam) held at Classic Grande, Imphal on Thursday.
The Chief Minister said that the government is planning to build a Resort to attract more tourists in the State. The government is trying to acquire 100 acres of land near Tengnoupal area in Imphal-Moreh road for the construction of the Resort, he added. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated funds for the construction of 39 big culverts in the areas of Indo-Myanmar border. Chief Minister informed that he along with the Chief Minister of Sagaing Region, Myanmar would jointly inaugurate the said culverts soon.
The Chief Minister said that the government is planning to build a Resort to attract more tourists in the State. The government is trying to acquire 100 acres of land near Tengnoupal area in Imphal-Moreh road for the construction of the Resort, he added. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated funds for the construction of 39 big culverts in the areas of Indo-Myanmar border. Chief Minister informed that he along with the Chief Minister of Sagaing Region, Myanmar would jointly inaugurate the said culverts soon.
Indian carriers' share in international traffic up by 2.6%
New Delhi: This is one "made by Indians" programme that is showing the desired results.
Last year, 5.9 crore people flew in and out of India - up 11.3% from 5.3 crore in 2016. Indian carriers saw their share in this traffic going up to 38.6%, up a significant 2.6% in just one year from 36% in 2016. The jump came mainly on the back of a solid 58% increase in international passengers flown by IndiGo, followed by soon-to-be-privatised Air India express which saw 20% jump in this traffic.
Since the liberal grant of bilaterals to the Gulf, especially Dubai, by the previous UPA regime had become a controversy, the Modi government has not given more flying rights despite demand from all big players like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad. As a result, the 11% growth in international traffic to and from India seen in 2017 over 2016 is mainly a result of more passengers being carried by Indian airlines.
Last year, 5.9 crore people flew in and out of India - up 11.3% from 5.3 crore in 2016. Indian carriers saw their share in this traffic going up to 38.6%, up a significant 2.6% in just one year from 36% in 2016. The jump came mainly on the back of a solid 58% increase in international passengers flown by IndiGo, followed by soon-to-be-privatised Air India express which saw 20% jump in this traffic.
Since the liberal grant of bilaterals to the Gulf, especially Dubai, by the previous UPA regime had become a controversy, the Modi government has not given more flying rights despite demand from all big players like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad. As a result, the 11% growth in international traffic to and from India seen in 2017 over 2016 is mainly a result of more passengers being carried by Indian airlines.
Air Asia X to stop flights from Mumbai
Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia has decided to pull out its flights from Mumbai to Kuala Lumpur from April 30.
A report in The Times of India quotes an AirAsia India spokesperson saying passengers booked on the sector after April 29 will be allowed to either re-route through other destinations, get a credit refund, change the travel date or get a full refund.
The Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur flight has been popular with tourists to Malaysia and Bali, where Air Asia has excellent connections. If you were planning your South Asia summer holiday, you still have three good options from Mumbai. The following airlines operate non-stop flights:
A report in The Times of India quotes an AirAsia India spokesperson saying passengers booked on the sector after April 29 will be allowed to either re-route through other destinations, get a credit refund, change the travel date or get a full refund.
The Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur flight has been popular with tourists to Malaysia and Bali, where Air Asia has excellent connections. If you were planning your South Asia summer holiday, you still have three good options from Mumbai. The following airlines operate non-stop flights:
Monday, 19 March 2018
Free Wi-Fi still out of reach for many international flyers at Indian airports
At a time when airlines are planning to introduce in-flight voice and data connectivity, following a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) order, flyers using international SIM cards still can’t access free Wi-Fi at Indian airports.
Currently, only those with local mobile numbers or those international passengers with roaming packs can connect to Wi-Fi at airports. In contrast, most international airports provide free Wi-Fi to all passengers from any part of the world.
According to TRAI sources, public wireless network users need to be verified for security reasons through OTPs. “That is why the facility is limited to local mobile numbers and those using international roaming at Indian airports,” they say.
But this has been causing grave inconvenience for international passengers, who’re forced to sit through flight delays and long layovers without internet access. While passengers who have international roaming packs may not require free Wi-Fi at airports, the service in itself is expensive.
Currently, only those with local mobile numbers or those international passengers with roaming packs can connect to Wi-Fi at airports. In contrast, most international airports provide free Wi-Fi to all passengers from any part of the world.
According to TRAI sources, public wireless network users need to be verified for security reasons through OTPs. “That is why the facility is limited to local mobile numbers and those using international roaming at Indian airports,” they say.
But this has been causing grave inconvenience for international passengers, who’re forced to sit through flight delays and long layovers without internet access. While passengers who have international roaming packs may not require free Wi-Fi at airports, the service in itself is expensive.
Singapore Airlines Increases Frequency From Ahmedabad
Singapore Airlines has introduced a fifth weekly flight from Ahmedabad to Singapore; to cater to the increased travel demand during the summer holiday season. The additional flight will operate every Friday from April 27 – May 25, 2018.
David Lim, General Manager India – Singapore Airlines said, “Ahmedabad continues to be a key market for Singapore Airlines and we are pleased to offer an additional, seasonal frequency to meet the growing demand. The new flight will provide travellers an additional departure window to travel to Singapore and to onward destinations.”
To Read the News in Full 19/02/18 T3 News Network
David Lim, General Manager India – Singapore Airlines said, “Ahmedabad continues to be a key market for Singapore Airlines and we are pleased to offer an additional, seasonal frequency to meet the growing demand. The new flight will provide travellers an additional departure window to travel to Singapore and to onward destinations.”
To Read the News in Full 19/02/18 T3 News Network
Qatar Airways reiterates it will launch airline in India with 'at least 100 planes'
New Delhi: Qatar Airways on Tuesday reaffirmed its plans to start an airline in India. The airline’s CEO, Akbar Al Baker, told the media in France “we will launch an airline in India which will have a fleet of at least 100 aircraft”. He did not specify what type of planes will be deployed in India. Baker made this statement while taking delivery of Airbus A350-1000 in Toulouse on Tuesday.
The reiteration comes exactly a year after Al Baker had said that he along with Qatar government’s investment arm will start a domestic airline in India.
The reiteration comes exactly a year after Al Baker had said that he along with Qatar government’s investment arm will start a domestic airline in India.
Surat international airport inches towards reality
Surat: The dream of local people to have an international airport in the Diamond City may come true with the state government allocating Rs 1 crore for setting up of immigration facilities at Surat airport.
Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, while presenting the state budget in Gujarat assembly on Tuesday, stated that the government has earmarked Rs 1 crore for setting up of immigration facilities at Surat airport.
It was on September 20, 2017, that the home department of Gujarat government had asked the director general of police to allot 68 immigration staff for Surat airport in the financial year 2018-19.
The prime minister’s office (PMO), ministry of civil aviation and ministry of home affairs (MHA) had given clear directions to the state government to take over immigration functions at Surat airport.
Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel, while presenting the state budget in Gujarat assembly on Tuesday, stated that the government has earmarked Rs 1 crore for setting up of immigration facilities at Surat airport.
It was on September 20, 2017, that the home department of Gujarat government had asked the director general of police to allot 68 immigration staff for Surat airport in the financial year 2018-19.
The prime minister’s office (PMO), ministry of civil aviation and ministry of home affairs (MHA) had given clear directions to the state government to take over immigration functions at Surat airport.
Indian carriers' share in international traffic up by 2.6%
New Delhi: This is one "made by Indians" programme that is showing the desired results.
Last year, 5.9 crore people flew in and out of India - up 11.3% from 5.3 crore in 2016. Indian carriers saw their share in this traffic going up to 38.6%, up a significant 2.6% in just one year from 36% in 2016. The jump came mainly on the back of a solid 58% increase in international passengers flown by IndiGo, followed by soon-to-be-privatised Air India express which saw 20% jump in this traffic.
Since the liberal grant of bilaterals to the Gulf, especially Dubai, by the previous UPA regime had become a controversy, the Modi government has not given more flying rights despite demand from all big players like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad. As a result, the 11% growth in international traffic to and from India seen in 2017 over 2016 is mainly a result of more passengers being carried by Indian airlines.
Five Indian airlines fly abroad - Air India, AI Express, Jet Airways, IndiGo and SpiceJet. In 2016, these five accounted for 1.9 crore of the 5.3 crore passengers who flew in and out of India, which means a share of 36% in overall traffic. In 2017, they accounted for 2.3 crore of the 5.9 crore international traffic which saw their share go up to 38.6% - a jump of 2.6% in just a year.
Last year, 5.9 crore people flew in and out of India - up 11.3% from 5.3 crore in 2016. Indian carriers saw their share in this traffic going up to 38.6%, up a significant 2.6% in just one year from 36% in 2016. The jump came mainly on the back of a solid 58% increase in international passengers flown by IndiGo, followed by soon-to-be-privatised Air India express which saw 20% jump in this traffic.
Since the liberal grant of bilaterals to the Gulf, especially Dubai, by the previous UPA regime had become a controversy, the Modi government has not given more flying rights despite demand from all big players like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad. As a result, the 11% growth in international traffic to and from India seen in 2017 over 2016 is mainly a result of more passengers being carried by Indian airlines.
Five Indian airlines fly abroad - Air India, AI Express, Jet Airways, IndiGo and SpiceJet. In 2016, these five accounted for 1.9 crore of the 5.3 crore passengers who flew in and out of India, which means a share of 36% in overall traffic. In 2017, they accounted for 2.3 crore of the 5.9 crore international traffic which saw their share go up to 38.6% - a jump of 2.6% in just a year.
New international hall at airport may take 3 years to open
Chennai: The arrival hall of the international terminal may not be commissioned for three years till a new integrated terminal is constructed at Chennai airport. The building, lying unused for the past five years, has only two baggage conveyors and one ramp to the basement baggage area which means that the hall will have to be used simultaneously with the existing old building to handle the passenger flow. But this is not working out as customs, immigration and airlines have refused to split their staff between two arrival buildings.
An official said the terminal could be used only after the integrated facility proposed is completed. “When that building is ready, we are thinking of moving domestic operations here and push international arrival in the integrated terminal. As it will have facilities to handle domestic and international passengers, we will shift flights based on the need for space,” said an official.
An official said the terminal could be used only after the integrated facility proposed is completed. “When that building is ready, we are thinking of moving domestic operations here and push international arrival in the integrated terminal. As it will have facilities to handle domestic and international passengers, we will shift flights based on the need for space,” said an official.
Thai low-cost carrier Nok Air pins turnaround on more China, India flights
Bangkok: Nok Airlines Pcl, the struggling low-cost subsidiary of Thai Airway International Pcl, aims to turn around operations by growing international revenue with more flights to China and India, a top executive said on Monday.
The carrier, which posted a loss of 1.85 billion baht ($58.95 million) last year, aims to increase revenue by 3 billion baht this year from 20.4 billion baht in 2017, by carrying 9 million passengers, 4 percent more than a year prior, Chief Executive Piya Yodmani told reporters at an earnings review.
He also said the carrier aims to increase revenue from international operations to 40 percent of its total from 20 percent a year earlier.
The carrier, which posted a loss of 1.85 billion baht ($58.95 million) last year, aims to increase revenue by 3 billion baht this year from 20.4 billion baht in 2017, by carrying 9 million passengers, 4 percent more than a year prior, Chief Executive Piya Yodmani told reporters at an earnings review.
He also said the carrier aims to increase revenue from international operations to 40 percent of its total from 20 percent a year earlier.
Bhopal: IndiGo flights to Delhi, Mumbai & Nagpur from city by March end
Bhopal: In view of the significant rise in the domestic flyers from the city airport, IndiGo and other airline will start flights from Bhopal to Delhi, Mumbai and Nagpur by March end.
Anuj Agrawal, Member (HR) of Airports Authority of India (AAI), said the more flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Nagpur from here will start soon and once number of flights increase, fare will also come down. Agrawal was in the city to address officials of AAI in two days HR conclave which concluded on Sunday.
Anuj Agrawal, Member (HR) of Airports Authority of India (AAI), said the more flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Nagpur from here will start soon and once number of flights increase, fare will also come down. Agrawal was in the city to address officials of AAI in two days HR conclave which concluded on Sunday.
Air traffic grows 20 pc in Jan, Raju says lovely start in 18
New Delhi: Domestic air traffic grew 20 per cent in January, with airlines ferrying more than 1.14 crore passengers, according to official data.
Describing the growth as a "lovely start" in 2018, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said India continues to be the worlds fastest growing aviation market.
Airlines carried over 1.14 crore passengers in January this year compared to 95.79 lakh people in the year-ago period. This marks an increase of 19.69 per cent, data released by the DGCA showed.
In January, no-frills carrier IndiGo cornered the highest market share of 39.7 per cent while that of Air India and Jet Airways stood at 13.3 per cent and 14.3 per cent, respectively.
SpiceJet had a market share of 12.6 per cent and that of GoAir was 9.6 per cent.
Describing the growth as a "lovely start" in 2018, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said India continues to be the worlds fastest growing aviation market.
Airlines carried over 1.14 crore passengers in January this year compared to 95.79 lakh people in the year-ago period. This marks an increase of 19.69 per cent, data released by the DGCA showed.
In January, no-frills carrier IndiGo cornered the highest market share of 39.7 per cent while that of Air India and Jet Airways stood at 13.3 per cent and 14.3 per cent, respectively.
SpiceJet had a market share of 12.6 per cent and that of GoAir was 9.6 per cent.
Decision on big planes soon
Kozhikode: Pressure is said to be mounting on the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to resume the operation of wide-bodied aircraft at the Calicut airport after the Airports Authority of India (AAI) gave a favourable report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
“We have submitted an assessment report on the safety parameters and we are awaiting a decision in a week,” Airport Director J.T. Radhakrishna told The Hindu on Friday.
He said the DGCA could give approval after examining the report or inspect the tabletop runway and conduct a separate study to verify the safety assessment. Major airlines such as the Emirates, Saudia, and Air India had expressed willingness to operate the modern versions of the Boeing and the Airbus at the airport.
The operation of wide-bodied aircraft was banned from May 2015 in the wake of the Court of Inquiry report on the Air India Express Boeing 737 crash in Mangaluru in May 2010.
“We have submitted an assessment report on the safety parameters and we are awaiting a decision in a week,” Airport Director J.T. Radhakrishna told The Hindu on Friday.
He said the DGCA could give approval after examining the report or inspect the tabletop runway and conduct a separate study to verify the safety assessment. Major airlines such as the Emirates, Saudia, and Air India had expressed willingness to operate the modern versions of the Boeing and the Airbus at the airport.
The operation of wide-bodied aircraft was banned from May 2015 in the wake of the Court of Inquiry report on the Air India Express Boeing 737 crash in Mangaluru in May 2010.
Saturday, 17 March 2018
Vistara arrives in Chennai in a big way; to connect it to four cities in India
Chennai: India’s finest full-service carrier, Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, today inaugurated daily direct service between Delhi and Chennai. The airline will double the frequency between the two cities from March 1, 2018, providing convenient same-day return options in both directions. In addition, Vistara will fly daily direct between Chennai and Port Blair from March 1, 2018, and will further expand its operations from the city from March 25, 2018 with daily direct flights between Chennai and Kochi and double daily flights between Chennai and Kolkata. With the inclusion of Chennai to its expanding network, the airline now flies to all Indian metros.
In addition, Chennai customers can connect through Delhi to many additional destinations including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bagdogra, and Guwahati. Travellers also get to enjoy Delhi’s state-of-the-art Terminal 3 when flying Vistara, as well as seamless same-terminal connections when connecting to and from international flights at Delhi on Vistara’s 21 international airline partners.
In addition, Chennai customers can connect through Delhi to many additional destinations including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Varanasi, Bagdogra, and Guwahati. Travellers also get to enjoy Delhi’s state-of-the-art Terminal 3 when flying Vistara, as well as seamless same-terminal connections when connecting to and from international flights at Delhi on Vistara’s 21 international airline partners.
AirAsia to stop flights from Mumbai from April 29
Mumbai: AirAsia has again decided to pull its flights out of Mumbai airport—this time, barely a year after relaunch. From April 29, Indonesian AirAsia X will not operate its Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur flights, which were popular with city tourists bound for Bali. The decision has left hundreds of passengers who have already booked their summer jaunt to Bali in the lurch.
Confirming the flight suspension, an AirAsia India spokesperson said that passengers who had bought tickets on Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur-Bali flights scheduled post April 29 have been given four options. First, re-route their flights through other nearby AirAsia destinations in India (at no cost, but subject to ticket availability) or retain the value of the fare in a credit account to be redeemed in six months or change the travel date to one before April 29 (again subject to availability) or obtain a refund.
Confirming the flight suspension, an AirAsia India spokesperson said that passengers who had bought tickets on Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur-Bali flights scheduled post April 29 have been given four options. First, re-route their flights through other nearby AirAsia destinations in India (at no cost, but subject to ticket availability) or retain the value of the fare in a credit account to be redeemed in six months or change the travel date to one before April 29 (again subject to availability) or obtain a refund.
Bagdogra Airport to have night landing facility by March end
Kolkata: Come March 29, Bagdogra Airport will have night landing facility in place to facilitate landing of aircraft in early morning and late evening. The number of flights operating from the airport will naturally pick up with the new facility. Private airlines like Spice Jet, Air Asia and Indigo have already held meetings with the higher officials of the airport and have evinced interest in morning and evening flights to Kolkata, once the system is put in place.
India's domestic air passenger traffic up over 19% in January
New Delhi: India's domestic air passenger traffic surged by 19.69 per cent to 1.14 crore in January from 95.79 lakh reported during the corresponding month of last fiscal, official data showed here on Friday.
"Passengers carried by domestic airlines during January 2018 were 114.65 lakh as against 95.79 lakh during the corresponding period of previous year thereby registering a growth of 19.69 per cent," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in its monthly domestic traffic report.
According to the data, low-cost carrier SpiceJet had the highest passenger load factor (PLF) -- a measure of capacity utilisation of the airline -- at 95 per cent during during the moth under review.
"SpiceJet has yet again recorded the highest PLF in the industry and this is the 34th month in a row that we have flown with load factors in excess of 90 per cent...," said SpiceJet's Chief Sales and Revenue Officer Shilpa Bhatia.
It was followed by budget passenger carriers GoAir with PLF at 90 per cent, and IndiGo and JetLite at 89.7 per cent each.
"Passengers carried by domestic airlines during January 2018 were 114.65 lakh as against 95.79 lakh during the corresponding period of previous year thereby registering a growth of 19.69 per cent," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in its monthly domestic traffic report.
According to the data, low-cost carrier SpiceJet had the highest passenger load factor (PLF) -- a measure of capacity utilisation of the airline -- at 95 per cent during during the moth under review.
"SpiceJet has yet again recorded the highest PLF in the industry and this is the 34th month in a row that we have flown with load factors in excess of 90 per cent...," said SpiceJet's Chief Sales and Revenue Officer Shilpa Bhatia.
It was followed by budget passenger carriers GoAir with PLF at 90 per cent, and IndiGo and JetLite at 89.7 per cent each.
Vistara plans to fly abroad from H2 of 2018, after inducting 20th aircraft
Chennai: Vistara, a full-service carrier promoted by Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, is planning to expand its wings to international markets by the second half of 2018.
The airline plans to apply for clearance after inducting its 20th aircraft in May.
After announcing the launch of daily direct flights between Delhi and Chennai today, Sanjiv Kapoor, Vistara’s Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer said currently the airline has 17 aircraft and needs 20 to apply for an international license.
Vistara is expecting its 20th plane in May, and plans to add two more taking the total number to 22 by June 2018.
The airline plans to apply for clearance after inducting its 20th aircraft in May.
After announcing the launch of daily direct flights between Delhi and Chennai today, Sanjiv Kapoor, Vistara’s Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer said currently the airline has 17 aircraft and needs 20 to apply for an international license.
Vistara is expecting its 20th plane in May, and plans to add two more taking the total number to 22 by June 2018.
Air India planning direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Indian cities
In view of the developing bonds between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Air India will soon have direct flights connecting the major cities of both nations, a top official has said.
The management of Air India is mulling flights that connect Abu Dhabi with New Delhi and other Indian cities.
“The relations between two countries are on the upswing. There has been a great desire expressed by everyone that Air India should restore its full operations from Abu Dhabi to New Delhi. We are only connected to Mumbai and looking forward to having a connection to New Delhi,” said Ranjan Kumar Datta, Air India manager for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain region as quoted by Khaleej Times.
Revealing the strategy of increasing the frequency and seat pitch to woo the travellers, Datta said, “Our frequency here is not as high as we would like it to be and we are seriously looking at increasing the frequency.
Taking wings: Can Udan fly?
When the central government came out with the National Civil Aviation Policy on June 15, 2016, its commitment to ushering in regional air connectivity under Udan (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) was lauded by all industry stakeholders. However, behind closed doors they admitted that the scheme’s success was fraught with challenges. Biggest among them was whether all airlines, particularly IndiGo and Jet Airways, which together account for 58 percent of domestic air passenger traffic, would participate.
In the last week of January this year, the ministry of civil aviation announced that 325 additional regional air routes under Udan were awarded to airlines, including IndiGo and Jet Airways. This happened through a bidding process, the second in less than 12 months, wherein the airline with the lowest bid bagged the route. In order to incentivise airlines to operate in India’s hinterland, the government provides for a three-year monetary support.
In the last week of January this year, the ministry of civil aviation announced that 325 additional regional air routes under Udan were awarded to airlines, including IndiGo and Jet Airways. This happened through a bidding process, the second in less than 12 months, wherein the airline with the lowest bid bagged the route. In order to incentivise airlines to operate in India’s hinterland, the government provides for a three-year monetary support.
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