Sakshi Kochhar Becomes India’s Youngest Civil Pilot at 18 and Breaks All Records of Maitri Patel, Ayesha Aziz

Parents should save money for their daughters’ higher education rather than for their wedding. This reformative thought is gaining momentum in Indian society where fathers start dreaming of daughters’ grand wedding and saving for the big day right from the cradling of baby girls. Some parents are exceptions, like Kalpana Chawla’s father. He had taken his daughter to a flying club and requested a pilot to give her a ride. This marked the beginning of her epic journey to having become a legendary astronaut in 1995 when there was no “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign by the government of India.

The parents of India’s youngest commercial pilot, Sakshi Kochhar, invested in their daughter’s dream of flying high to the height of 35,000 feet. On 30 May 2023, she celebrated her 18th birthday and her feat of earning a commercial pilot license. Interestingly, she broke the record of Maitri Patel from Gujarat. Maitri, when 19, became the youngest civil pilot in 2022 and broke the record of Ayesha Aziz from Kashmir. Ayesha Aziz took to skies with her pilot license at the age of 21.

Sakshi, who is now the youngest civil pilot of the world’s second populous nation, made headlines once again on Father’s Day 2023 as she made a wish to give back Rs 70 lakh that her parents spent on her training in India and America. It is nearly impossible for middle-class Indian families to afford lakhs of rupees for fulfilling their children’s career dreams. However, Sakshi’s parents poured out their savings for her training in civil aviation. Indeed, it is financially and psychologically draining for the middle-income group. Sakshi feels indebted to not only her parents, but also grandparents.

Multi-talented Sakshi is from a small town in Himachal Pradesh, where the richest Indian American billionaire – cyber tycoon Jay Chaudhry with a net worth of $12bn – had studied under a tree in his childhood. Himachal Pradesh is not only a place of scenic beauty that begets poetry, but also a place of lofty mountains that make one dream big.

Unlike Maitri Patel, Sakshi Kochhar was not fixated on the idea of flying aircraft in her childhood. She had a penchant for dancing. She was a state-level runner-up in dance before she aspired to make it big in civil aviation. That’s why she took up Mathematics and Physics in her 12th grade at the Government Model Senior Secondary School, Chandigarh. After having passed the 12th grade, she joined the Skyline Aviation Club in Mumbai; her maiden step into the world of aviation for basic training.

After 4 months of ground training in Mumbai, she traveled to the USA for advanced training in commercial aviation. She got trained in the dynamics of piloting a passenger aircraft there, completed the program only in 7 and half months, earned a commercial pilot license (CPL), and became India’s youngest commercial pilot. Hope an employment opportunity with IndiGo or Air India that is on a hiring spree for pilots will soon give her thrust to take off.

30/06/2023 Indian Eagle/Travel Beats

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Chopper services to start between Agra, Mathura after cabinet approval

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is set to launch helicopter services between Agra and Mathura after receiving approval from the state cabinet to lease the city's heliports to Rajas Aerosports and Adventures Private Limited under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

According to a senior official of the government, helicopter services will operate from the newly built heliport in the Etmadpur sub-division of Agra to Mathura's Goverdhan, where another heliport is under construction.

Earlier, at least five chopper operating companies participated in the tendering process to start services between Agra and Mathura, out of which Rajas Aerosports and Adventures Private Limited was selected to provide helicopter services between the two cities.

Speaking to India Today on the start of the helicopter services, senior government official in Uttar Pradesh's Tourism Department, Avinash Chandra Mishra said, "Rajas Aerosports and Adventure will have to get approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), civil aviation body of the union government, following which the company can start services between Agra and Mathura.

30/06/2023 Siraj Qureshi/India Today

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India’s indigenously designed light combat aircraft makes its mark

Celebrating seven years of service in the Indian Air Force on 1st July 2023, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), known as Tejas, has emerged as a formidable force in its class. Purpose-built for air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions, Tejas combines unrivaled agility with carefree handling, making it an exceptional multi-role platform. Equipped with state-of-the-art features such as the Multi-Mode Airborne radar, Helmet Mounted Display, Self-protection suite, and Laser Designation Pod, Tejas demonstrates India’s prowess in aerospace technology.

No 45 Squadron, aptly named the ‘Flying Daggers,’ became the pioneering unit to induct Tejas, marking a significant milestone in India’s aviation history. Having transitioned from Vampires to Gnats and then the MiG-21 Bis, this esteemed squadron now commands the advanced capabilities of Tejas. It’s worth noting that each Tejas aircraft flown by the Flying Daggers proudly bears the “Made in India” stamp, either through indigenous design and development or under license production. Following suit, No 18 Squadron joined the Tejas fleet in May 2020, further solidifying the Indian Air Force’s trust in this homegrown marvel.

Demonstrating its global potential, Tejas has showcased its capabilities at prestigious international events, including LIMA-2019 in Malaysia, Dubai Air Show-2021, Sri Lanka Air Force anniversary celebrations in 2021, Singapore Air Show-2022, and multiple Aero India Shows from 2017 to 2023. Notably, the Tejas made its international debut in March 2023 during Ex-Desert Flag, a groundbreaking exercise conducted on foreign soil in the United Arab Emirates. This successful foray further amplifies the confidence and recognition bestowed upon Tejas.

30/06/2023 Financial Express

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Regulator warns airlines over 'guests' being allowed in cockpit

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory to all airlines asking them to sensitise their pilots and cabin crew regarding the authorised categories of people who can enter an aircraft cockpit.

Any unauthorised entry will be dealt with strictly and may also invite stringent enforcement action, reads the notice.

The advisory clearly specifies the authorised persons who can enter an aircraft cockpit and occupy the jump seat.

"As per the Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 17 of 2019, it includes only the crew members, an officer of the Civil Aviation Department, an officer of the India Meteorological Department, an officer of the Ministry of Civil Aviation of the rank of Joint Secretary and above, an employee of the aircraft operator, officials of the airline, any flight crew member of the aircraft operator or a duly authorized representative of the manufacturer of the aircraft.," stated the advisory.

Also, all the authorised persons are required to comply with the mandatory pre-flight and post-flight breath analyser test requirement. The DGCA, in its advisory, further asked all airlines to sensitise their flight crew to strictly comply with the rules.

This latest advisory, that reminds airlines of the existing rules comes after two recent incidents of ‘unauthorised entry’ of passengers into the aircraft cockpit of the Air India flight.

30/06/2023 Poulomi Saha/India Today

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Air Fares Further Slashed Up To 74% Amid Aviation Ministry's Constant Intervention

After the continuous intervention of the Civil Aviation Ministry, airfares have once again been slashed bringing respite to travellers. The need for intervention arose as post covid prices of various airlines on multiple routes had skyrocketed. 

Acting swiftly, the Ministry for Civil Aviation intervened and convened a meeting with the Airlines' advisory group on June 6 where a resolution was passed to monitor and reduce the airfares. This resulted in the deduction of the airfare by 14% to 61%. The announcement was made by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on June 8. 

The prices have been further reduced between the range of 5% to 74% depending on various flight routes. 

The Director General For Civil Aviation (DGCA) is monitoring the airfare daily. 

The airfare that has been slashed today is for economy class. 

Scindia in the past had observed that the role of the aviation Ministry is that of a facilitator, not a regulator. He chaired the high-level meeting of the advisory group that had asked the airlines to self-regulate airfares and maintain reasonable price levels.

30/06/2023 Madhurima Mishra/Republic World

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India’s indigenously designed light combat aircraft makes its mark

Celebrating seven years of service in the Indian Air Force on 1st July 2023, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), known as Tejas, has emerged as a formidable force in its class. Purpose-built for air defense, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions, Tejas combines unrivaled agility with carefree handling, making it an exceptional multi-role platform. Equipped with state-of-the-art features such as the Multi-Mode Airborne radar, Helmet Mounted Display, Self-protection suite, and Laser Designation Pod, Tejas demonstrates India’s prowess in aerospace technology.

No 45 Squadron, aptly named the ‘Flying Daggers,’ became the pioneering unit to induct Tejas, marking a significant milestone in India’s aviation history. Having transitioned from Vampires to Gnats and then the MiG-21 Bis, this esteemed squadron now commands the advanced capabilities of Tejas. It’s worth noting that each Tejas aircraft flown by the Flying Daggers proudly bears the “Made in India” stamp, either through indigenous design and development or under license production. Following suit, No 18 Squadron joined the Tejas fleet in May 2020, further solidifying the Indian Air Force’s trust in this homegrown marvel.

Demonstrating its global potential, Tejas has showcased its capabilities at prestigious international events, including LIMA-2019 in Malaysia, Dubai Air Show-2021, Sri Lanka Air Force anniversary celebrations in 2021, Singapore Air Show-2022, and multiple Aero India Shows from 2017 to 2023. Notably, the Tejas made its international debut in March 2023 during Ex-Desert Flag, a groundbreaking exercise conducted on foreign soil in the United Arab Emirates. This successful foray further amplifies the confidence and recognition bestowed upon Tejas.

30/06/2023 Financial Express

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Why signing aircraft purchase deals abroad makes sense for Indian airlines

During a conference call on the afternoon of February 14 this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were joined by representatives from Air India (AI), who announced that the airline had made a firm commitment to purchase 250 Airbus aircraft.

Later the same evening, US President Joe Biden announced that AI had also placed a firm order for 220 Boeing aircraft. These two mega announcements completed the AI order for 470 aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing.

But it was almost four months later at the Paris Air Show that the airline signed the purchase agreement for the mega fleet order. Incidentally, IndiGo also announced its largest order of 500 Airbus A 320s, a day before AI at the Paris Air Show.

Why was there a delay in AI signing the purchase agreement when the deal was announced in February? And why was the final signing done in France and not in India?

This delay led many to wonder if it had something to with Indian laws which makes aircraft, engine manufacturers and other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), have greater faith in foreign laws than in Indian law in case of disputes.

However, various lawyers and analysts say it would be wrong to think that aircraft, engine manufacturers or other foreign companies do not have faith in Indian law. Vikrant Pachnanda, Partner, Fox and Mandal and an aviation attorney, explains that globally most airlines first announce a provisional agreement for purchase of aircraft and engines. Fox and Mandal is one of India’s oldest and premier law firms that was established 125 years ago.

“A provisional agreement is announced as happened in the case of Air India in February this year. This provisional agreement is basically a commercial decision whereby AI agreed to purchase 470 aircraft from both Boeing and Airbus at a particular price post negotiations between the parties. Subsequently the final purchase agreement was firmed up by both sides and involved lawyers as well who looked at everything from a legal perspective including which law will come into play in case of dispute,” Pachnanda says. He adds that normally English law is the preferred law for aircraft purchase agreements due to the English jurisdiction’s recognised body of commercial law and established precedents in large financial transactions.

“It has nothing to do with Indian law or any other law. English law has been a preferred choice of law for decades as far as aircraft purchase agreements are concerned,” Pachnanda emphasises. Another person who declined to be quoted added that English courts have in the past dealt with aviation related matters swiftly and without unnecessary delays. “Given aircraft deteriorate in value quickly if it is not maintained properly, swift adjudication in these matters is key,” he adds.

29/06/2023 Ashwini Phadnis/Federal

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Pooping on the Floor to Going for the Emergency Door: Meet the Unruly Passengers of 2023 So Far

In yet another in-flight incident of the kind, a male passenger on Air India’s Mumbai-Delhi flight on June 24 defecated, urinated and spat on the floor of the aircraft, forcing the cabin crew to seclude him from the others.

The passenger, identified as Ram Singh, was handed over to the security personnel after the plane landed at Delhi airport. A police complaint has been registered and the incident has also been reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Here’s a look at the mid-flight incidents caused by unruly passengers so far this year >>

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Jyotiraditya Scindia writes to five states to lower VAT on jet fuel

New Delhi: Union aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has yet again urged five states to lower VAT on aviation turbine fuel (ATF). While 19 states and UTs have moved to the low VAT regime after Scindia’s intervention, five states still continue to levy high rates with Bihar and Tamil Nadu at 29%; Delhi and West Bengal at 25% and Assam at 23.65%. With finmin not yet conceding to aviation ministry’s old request to lower excise on ATF, the only way to rationalise jet fuel prices is tax cut by states.

“Scindia has again written to the five states on Monday. All other states have agreed to lower tax on ATF and are reaping the benefit of that. Only these five are yet to come on board,” said a ministry official.

“It is my fervent appeal and hopefully they will understand the multiplier effects of lowering tax rates in terms of they want a larger chunk of a smaller pie or a smaller chunk of a larger pie. There are multiplier effects both in terms of refuelling and connectivity. This is being reaped by lot of states where tax on ATF has fallen…. airlines will get refuelling done in states where fuel is cheaper. That economic reality has to dawn on them at some point or the other. If 28 states are charging between 1% and 4%, and some (much higher), then you as an airline know where to refuel from. Earlier airlines didn’t have an option. Today you have an option,” Scindia had said recently.

Indian carriers have historically faced high operating costs primarily due to steep ATF prices — caused by high base price and then even higher state and central taxes/duties on that. As a result, except IndiGo all other contemporary desi airlines face huge losses and require constant fund infusion from promoters or loans to remain airborne.

26/06/2023 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Indian Girls Completes Commercial Pilot training in Record time of 5 months and 10 days

Mumbai: Anshika Aashish Mangal, 19, from Mumbai, has made aviation history by being the fastest Indian female to finish her Commercial Pilot flight training in the United States in a record 5 months and 10 days. 

This incredible achievement has won Anshika a well-deserved place in the Indian aviation sector, establishing a new standard for aspiring pilots nationwide. Her amazing success has not only delighted her parents, Aashish and Payal Mangal, with pleasure but has also given enormous pride to India.

Anshika's remarkable journey began after completing her 12th grade in March 2022. With sheer determination and unwavering focus, she cleared her commercial pilot training theory papers and the WPC Radio Telephone Examination RTR(A) between June and September 2022. Anshika's adventure took flight when she obtained her US visa in November 2022, and in the last week of December 2022, she embarked on her flight training.

While the usual duration for flight training in India ranges from 1 to 1.5 years, in the United States'-- it takes around 9 to 12 months-- favourable weather conditions allowed Anshika to complete her training in a significantly shorter timeframe. According to an RTI reply by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), 747 commercial pilot licenses were awarded to women between 1st April 2015 and 30.6.22. India has the most female pilots in the world, with 20,993 licenses as of 31st March 2023.

Demonstrating her commitment and talent, she successfully completed the student Pilot, Private pilot, instrument rating, and Commercial pilot License examinations on June 6, 2023. Anshika's resolute focus and unwavering dedication were pivotal in accomplishing her goals with exceptional efficiency.

Anshika's burning passion for aviation blossomed during her 10th grade, fueling her ambition to become a pilot. “My family supported my dreams; their primary concern was my safety,” said Anshika. “To address these worries, my father made it a point to speak to the pilots on every flight we took. After ensuring my safety, they wholeheartedly supported my pursuit of becoming a pilot.”

24/06/2023 PTI

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Boeing to invest $100 mln in infrastructure, pilot training in India

One of the biggest aircraft corporations in the world, Boeing, has made a sizable investment in India as a statement of support for the nation’s aviation sector. To meet India’s rising need for qualified pilots, the business has announced a massive $100 million investment in infrastructure and pilot training initiatives.

Boeing plans to play a key role in helping to satisfy India’s expected need for 31,000 new pilots over the next two decades.

One of the biggest aircraft corporations in the world, Boeing, has made a sizable investment in India as a statement of support for the nation’s aviation sector. To meet India’s rising need for qualified pilots, the business has announced a massive $100 million investment in infrastructure and pilot training initiatives.

Boeing plans to play a key role in helping to satisfy India’s expected need for 31,000 new pilots over the next two decades.

Boeing and India‘s partnership is not brand-new. Boeing has taken a leading role in a number of projects and alliances in the nation throughout the years. Airlines, governmental agencies, and academic institutions are just a few of the Indian aviation stakeholders with whom the company has developed close ties. These partnerships have mostly focused on projects like pilot training programmes, aerospace research and development, and technology transfer, all of which are intended to promote the expansion of the Indian aviation ecosystem.

The Indian government’s primary objective of making India a hub for international aviation is consistent with Boeing’s investment in India. India is working to establish a favorable climate for the aviation industry to flourish through the implementation of progressive legislation, the development of infrastructure, and a focus on skill development.

24/06/2023 Sana Khan/Jetline Marvel

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Green wings: Inside airlines’ quest to become more environment-friendly

These lines from the iconic British rock band Pink Floyd’s 1987 hit are emblematic of aviation. For, it’s trying and trying again that has enabled humankind to fulfil its dream to fly. And amid warnings of a changing climate, there is a growing aspiration to make flying sustainable. But since caring for the environment demands a massive overhaul of existing technologies as well as copious expenditure, it’s not going to be easy. So, when Air India’s low-cost subsidiary AirAsia India successfully operated the country’s first commercial flight on the Pune-Delhi sectors using an indigenously produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend on the morning of May 19, the world’s fastest-growing aviation market achieved yet another milestone on its flight towards sustainability.

“SAF’s efficacy as an aviation fuel has already been proven across the world. Within the country, we have put in place some thoughts in terms of what that mix should be and we’re looking at blending 1 per cent of SAF by 2025, 2 per cent by 2028, and 5 per cent by 2030 in regular aviation turbine fuel (ATF),” Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation, tells Business Today.

For the past several months, Scindia’s ministry has been coordinating with the Ministry of Petroleum and Nat­ural Gas on guidelines for promoting SAF by getting Ind­ian carriers to use it with ATF. “By 2025, if we ta­r­get bl­ending 1 per cent SAF in jet fuel, India would req­uire ar­ound 140 million litres of SAF per annum. More am­bi­tiously, if we target for 5 per cent SAF blend, India re­quires around 700 million litres of SAF per annum,” says Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

17/05/2023 Manish Pant/Nidhi Singal/Business Today

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There'll always be a robust startup ecosystem for airlines in India: Salil Gupte, president of Boeing India

For Salil Gupte, the timing couldn’t have been any worse. A long-time executive at American aircraft manufacturer Boeing, Gupte made the shift to New Delhi from Seattle to head the Indian arm, just as the aircraft maker became embroiled in one of its worst crises ever.

In an interview with Forbes India, Gupte outlines Boeing’s plan for India, the domestic demand for aircraft, partnering with MSMEs, setting up an assembly plant in India, and the opportunities in the defence sector. Edited excerpts >>

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Sudhansh Pant named new Union Health Secretary, Chanchal Kumar Aviation Secretary

Senior IAS officer Sudhansh Pant has been named as the new Union Health Secretary as part of a top-level bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre on Tuesday.

Pant, a 1991-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Rajasthan cadre, is currently the Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

He has been appointed as the Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

The officer will take over as Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare upon retirement of Rajesh Bhushan on July 31 this year, according to an order issued by the Personnel Ministry.

Chanchal Kumar, Managing Director of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd., has been named as the new Civil Aviation Secretary.

"The officer will join as Officer on Special Duty, Ministry of Civil Aviation in the rank and pay of Secretary to the government of India on 01.08.2023 and take over as Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation vice Shri Rajiv Bansal, lAS (NL:88) upon his superannuation on 31.08.2023," the order stated.

14/06/2023 PTI/India Today

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India’s aviation sector is having a smooth flight! Air passenger traffic up 2.3% in May, says ICRA

In its monthly report on the aviation industry in India, Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency (ICRA) revealed that the domestic air passenger traffic was estimated at about 131.8 lakh in May, which is about 2.3 per cent higher than about 128.9 lakh in April 2023.

According to the credit rating agency’s study, the Indian airline sector is having a smooth flight in terms of increasing passenger traffic this fiscal.

ICRA informed that the Indian airline sector witnessed a year-on-year (YoY) growth of about 15 per cent, compared to May 2022. Earlier, last year the year-on-year (YoY) growth of domestic passenger traffic was about 8 per cent compared to the pre-Covid levels (that is, May 2019). The ICRA data also revealed that the airlines’ capacity deployment in May 2023 was higher by about 1.4 per cent than that of May 2022. 

Additionally, the international passenger traffic for Indian carriers for FY2023 stood at approximately 239.4 lakh, which is an improvement from the pre-Covid (FY2020) levels of about 227.2 lakh. 

Through its report, the credit rating agency concluded that the Indian aviation industry has been revised to Stable from Negative in the recent past. The report stated that the recovery in domestic passenger traffic in FY2023 was rapid and the same trend is expected to continue in FY2024.

13/06/2023 Financial Express

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Despite Go First crisis, domestic air traffic up 15 per cent in May on high demand

 New Delhi: Domestic air traffic grew by 15% year-on-year in May 2023 to about 1.32 crore passengers. This is 8% higher than the pre-Covid month of May 2019. The growth in traffic comes even as the budget carrier, Go First, suspended its flights on May 3 and is yet to restart operations.

According to data shared by rating agency ICRA, the domestic air passenger traffic for May 2023 is estimated at 131.8 lakh, marginally higher by 2.3% in comparison to 128.9 lakh in April 2023. Further, it witnessed a YoY growth of 15% in comparison to 115 lakh in May 2022 and 8% higher than pre-Covid levels of 122 lakh in May 2019.

ICRA noted that airlines’ capacity deployment in May 2023 was higher by 1.4% than in May 2022, thus reaching the pre-Covid levels of May 2019. It is estimated that the domestic aviation industry operated at a passenger load factor (PLF) of 94% in May 2023, against 83% in May 2022 and 90% in May 2019 (pre-Covid levels).

Go First, which is going through insolvency proceedings, used to carry 8-9 lakh passengers a month. The suspension of its flight is prompting other airlines to increase their fleet and benefit from the vacuum created, especially during the peak summer season.

Suprio Banerjee, Vice-President & sector head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA, said despite a healthy recovery in passenger traffic, the domestic aviation industry continues to face challenges due to elevated ATF prices and depreciation of INR vis-à-vis US$ as against the pre-Covid era, both of which have a major bearing on the airlines’ cost structure. He added that the airlines’ efforts to ensure fare hikes proportionate to their input cost increases, will be key to expanding their profitability margins.

13/06/2023 New Indian Express

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Denied boarding due to overbooked flight? How to get Rs 20,000 as refund

If you have been denied boarding because your flight was overbooked and you have not been offered an alternate flight in the next one hour, you are eligible for a compensation of up 200% of booked one way basic fare + airline fuel charge subject to maximum of Rs 10,000.  However, for any delay beyond 24 hours, a compensation of up to Rs 20,000 has to be paid. 

The passenger will be eligible for a compensation of up 400% of booked one way basic fare + airline fuel charge subject to maximum of Rs 20,000 if airline aranges an alternative flight schedule to depart more than 24 hours of the booked scheduled departure.

Read more details >>

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Civil Aviation Regulator Simplifies Norms For Indian Airlines To Fly To New International Destinations

As many Indian Airlines are planning to go international, Civil aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on June 12, eased norms for Indian airlines to operate flights to a new international destination.

Directorate General of Civil Aviation has decreased the number of checkpoint from 33 to just 10 now. This is done to make it easier for airlines to expand their networks to destinations without air service.

Air India, IndiGo, Vistara and Akasa Air are looking to expand their international operations. IndiGo plans to start direct flights to six new destinations in Africa and Central Asia in August, while Air India plans to add flights to Europe, West Asia and the United States.

Interestingly, the newest entrant, Akasa Air is also planning to make a debut in the international commercial airline business in 2023.

According to DGCA notification, "The DGCA conducts this assessment to check the preparedness levels of Indian airline operators before permitting their operations to a new foreign destination. In order to further ease the process for grant of such permission the existing regulatory requirements have been comprehensively reviewed in consultation with all stakeholders and the current 33-point checklist has been rationalised and reduced to a 10-point checklist related to their preparedness for the intended operations, removing other generic and redundant provisions in the existing checklist." 

“This systemic reform comes at a time when the Indian carriers are poised to expand their international footprint," the official notification added.

While the other Indian airlines are planning to go international, Wadia Group’s Go First had filed for voluntary insolvency under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and was granted bankruptcy protection by the National Company Law Tribunal. 

12/06/2023 Outlook

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Rampant air rage may be even worse this summer as packed planes and alcohol create a ‘recipe for violence’

A warning as the Northern Hemisphere summer travel season kicks off: air rage is rampant in the post-pandemic world. 

Recent unruly behavior includes a man allegedly pinning an American Airlines Group Inc. flight attendant to the cockpit door after an argument about vegetarian meals; an Air India Ltd. passenger being restrained after trying to open the aircraft door and attacking crew; and Qantas Airways Ltd. and its low-cost carrier Jetstar temporarily banning four drunk men in Australia for allegedly verbally abusing customers and staff.

Globally, there was one disorderly incident reported for every 568 flights in 2022, up from one per 835 flights in 2021, the International Air Transport Association said in a statement this month, citing data collated from more than 20,000 reports submitted by around 40 airlines. Failure to comply with crew instructions — such as using e-cigarettes and vapes and not fastening seatbelts — increased by more than a third. 

Fraying passenger tempers can be put down to a few things. With lounge access easier than ever, more people are drinking alcohol before boarding. There’s also the general annoyance over high ticket prices and heightened anxiety in wake of Covid. Chaotic airports, lost luggage and flight cancellations as carriers struggle with a lack of planes and labor aren’t helping either.

Now the aviation industry is calling for action. IATA, which represents about 300 airlines accounting for 83% of the world’s air traffic, wants more nations to prosecute offending passengers. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents US cabin crews, says flight attendants should be given mandatory self-defense training and security beefed up at airport screening points, boarding gates and on planes.

The Federal Aviation Administration has started a campaign with social media memes and airport signs explaining what constitutes disruptive behavior and its potential consequences, said Tim Colehan, IATA’s assistant director for external affairs. Other countries can look to the zero-tolerance approach in the US, which he said deters misbehavior by taking strong enforcement action.

IndiGo Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers said since Covid restrictions were lifted there’s been a change in the flying experience and some people are struggling to adjust. “Planes were pretty empty and suddenly they were full again, and people lost a little bit of that feeling of being with so many people together,” sparking some anxiety, he said.

Those fears are playing out in different ways. A man on an Asiana Airlines flight in South Korea late last month opened an exit door as the plane neared the airport in the city of Daegu in the southeast of the country. He later told police he did it because he felt suffocated and wanted to get off the aircraft.

The US has seen 783 air rage incidents so far this year, 49% higher than pre-Covid levels, according to the FFA. In the UK, instances in 2022 nearly tripled from 2019 to 1,028, according to the television news channel Sky News.

In Australia, as travelers took to the air again last year, authorities noticed an emerging pattern of disruptive behavior. Australian Federal Police reported a series of what it called air-rage incidents at major airports stemming from missed flights, delays and problems with baggage. Violence also broke out outside terminals in disputes over taxis or ride-share vehicles.

12/06/2023 Ragini Saxena/Bloomberg/Fortune

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Govt won’t allow airlines to indulge in predatory pricing in Go First aftermath: Scindia

After asking airlines to self-monitor a surge in fares, the government is keeping a close watch on the situation to prevent predatory pricing by airlines, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Wednesday. 

The minister said that the civil aviation sector in India, as in the rest of the world, was a seasonal industry with demand increasing from October to January to cooling down till April before it again revived with the onset of school holidays in May. 

However, there had a been twin demand increase due to a combination of factors this year. 

“One, we are operating in a high season. Secondly, Go First, which used to operate on 315 routes, is no longer operating those routes. Therefore, we have had a capacity squeeze in airline seats,” said Scindia. 

This culminated in a tremendous amount of demand coming to the fore with the average seat load factor experiencing an all-time high, leading to an unparalleled surge in ticket prices. 

Low-cost carrier (LCC) Go First suspended operations after announcing that it was filing for insolvency on May 2. 

“Generally, in India, we have experienced seat load factors of 80-84 per cent in high season. We are currently operating with 94-95 per cent seat load factor,” he said. 

Scindia said that permissions had been granted for the deployment of additional flights on 68 routes to ease the seat shortage, particularly on flights from Delhi to Srinagar, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Leh. 

“Most [domestic] airlines have algorithms that are set for ticket prices. These algorithms are international and they work on Reservation Bucket Designator (RBD). I took a meeting on May 5 with all our airlines and urged them to rationalise pricing,” he said. 

The airlines were also asked to keep their prices in check for destinations that had unforeseen incidents, as was the case with Imphal in the aftermath of violent clashes between different tribal groups, and Bhubaneswar following the train crash in Odisha’s Balasore district. 

07/06/2023 Manish Pant/Business Today

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India has one of the best airfare regimes; there should be no 'gouging': Akasa Air CEO

India has one of the best airfare regimes in the world, but there should not be "gouging" in terms of ticket prices to take advantage of a particular situation, according to Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube. His comments come against the backdrop of concerns about a steep rise in airfares in certain routes amid capacity reduction due to the Go First crisis and higher travel demand, and the government asking airlines to devise a mechanism to ensure a reasonable ticket pricing system.

India is one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, and domestic air traffic is recovering strongly after the coronavirus pandemic.

Dube, also the founder of Akasa Air, said the civil aviation ministry has an excellent point in terms of gouging and is not talking about average fares in India, like equivalent to USD 45 or 50, which is too high.

"Gouging is what the government is worried about... as an airline fraternity, we should ensure that there is no gouging," Dube told PTI in an interview in Istanbul.

He explained that gouging is a particular term used when anybody really jacks up the price of something to take advantage of a particular micro-environmental situation.

"Gouging is just not a good thing. The airfares on an average in India are the most customer friendly in the world in any kind of sizeable aviation economy. The Indian consumer average has one of the best airfare regimes you can find anywhere in the world. That is a fact and we have some of the cheapest average fares anywhere in the world," he pointed out.

On June 5, the ministry asked airlines to devise a mechanism to ensure reasonable airfares amid a surge in air ticket prices, particularly on certain routes that were earlier served by Go First.

Airlines have been asked to self-monitor airfares on routes that have seen a considerable rise in ticket prices and also to devise a mechanism to ensure reasonable pricing within the high RBD (Reservation Booking Designators).

Airfares are deregulated and pricing runs on multiple levels.

07/06/2023 PTI/Economic Times

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Maximum airfares drop up to 61% after govt intervention, says Scindia

Maximum airfares on certain busy routes from Delhi dropped between 14 per cent and 61 per cent in the past two days, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who had instructed airlines in a meeting on June 5 to keep fares reasonable, said on Wednesday.

“I am happy to say that the maximum fares on flights connecting Delhi with Srinagar, Leh, Pune and Mumbai dropped 14-61 per cent on June 6. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and my ministry are monitoring fares on a daily basis," Scindia said.

Clarifying that the government was not considering regulating fares like it did during the Covid-19 pandemic, the minister said it was for airlines to proactively monitor fares as part of their social objective and not wait for the government to point out abnormalities.

“The fare bands imposed during the pandemic were to protect airlines, which had all their planes on ground, and to safeguard passengers from predatory or extensive pricing.” 

He said he did not think regulating fares was an option in a deregulated sector. But “we cannot have fares that are way beyond what they should rationally be”.

Flights to and from cities like Srinagar, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Leh — where low-cost carrier Go First had a sizeable presence — had seen the biggest pressure on fares in the past few weeks. Go First, which is currently under an insolvency resolution process, stopped operating flights on May 3.

07/06/2023 Business Standard

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Blade India Launches Bengaluru-Tirumala Tirupati Helicopter Services

FlyBlade India, a joint venture between Hunch Ventures and Blade Air Mobility, has launched same-day return helicopter services connecting Bengaluru to Tirupati Airport as part of its expansion plan. The flights are available 'on demand basis and are available at Rs 3,50,000, accommodating 5 guests at a time which can be crowdsourced and/or booked via charter.

Onward journey from the Bangalore airport shall start in the morning hours between 09:15 am to 09:30 am from HAL, whereas the return flights will be in the evening between 04:00 pm to 4:15 pm. The service aims at enhancing connectivity to Tirupati and making travel more convenient and time effective for pilgrims, especially the elders. 

Blade India also expanded to Karnataka by connecting Bangalore to Coorg and Kabini. It provides by-the-seat helicopter services to Coorg and Kabini starting at Rs 20000 per person and connecting BIAL to the city center for Rs 4500 per person.

Commenting on the launch of Blade's services in Tirupati, Mr. Amit Dutta, Managing Director, Blade India said, "Pilgrimage in India presents itself as a transformative odyssey, but it remains fraught with accessibility challenges, particularly for the elderly. Among the cherished destinations, Tirupati stands as a beacon of devotion. Keeping this in mind, Blade India endeavors to improve connectivity to this spiritual destination with its goal to connect popular destinations which are otherwise not accessible or well connected. We are delighted that the customary Tirupati darshan, encompassing two full days of travel, finds respite with Blade India. Pilgrims can now traverse the same celestial journey, returning to the city on the very day, unraveling a tapestry of convenience, swiftness, and timeless efficacy"

06/06/2023 ZeeNews

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Soaring Airfare Leaves Vacationers Grounded

Private airlines are raising ticket prices up to threefold in the wake of the government lifting Covid-19 restrictions on airfare caps, coupled with the recent suspension of budget airline Go First. These sudden cost hikes coincide with the end of summer vacation, stranding tourists and inflating return ticket prices, especially for flights departing from North India.

Airline companies took advantage of the summer vacation season by significantly increasing fares, with tourist hotspots such as Srinagar, Shimla, Kullu Manali, Dalhousie, Amritsar, and Chandigarh in North India, as well as Bengaluru, Kochi and Chennai in South India, witnessing a sharp surge in ticket prices.

Anuj Pathak, president of the Tour Operator and Travel Agent Association of Gujarat (TAG), said, “The removal of the price cap on airfares led to a doubling and even tripling of costs. This has impacted even busier sectors like Srinagar, Shimla, Bagdogra, Amritsar and Chandigarh, where we are now seeing double the prices for return air tickets.”

Pathak added, “The suspension of low-cost carrier Go First during the summer vacation resulted in most passenger traffic diverting to other airlines, who subsequently hiked their prices. “

One week ago, the cost of a return air ticket for sectors such as Delhi-Ahmedabad, Bagdogra-Ahmedabad, Chandigarh-Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad-Amritsar-Ahmedabad ranged from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000. Now, prices for these same evening flights, which typically see a high frequency of travellers, have soared to between Rs 13,000 and Rs 15,000.

04/06/2023 Vipul Rajput/Ahmedabad Mirror

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Go First impact: Airfares at record high, spot fares 10x on some routes

New Delhi: Air ticket prices, booked for the same day travel, were exorbitantly expensive on Sunday and on some routes, it was as high as 10 times than normal fares. In many routes, economy class tickets were priced way above what average business class fares were a month ago. 

A search on various portals showed that a single flight ticket on economy class from Delhi to Delhi for same-day travel was priced between Rs 17,000 and Rs 29,000. The one-way economy flight ticket between Delhi and Chennai was sold for R68,000 by Air India. Historical data showed flight ticket prices between Delhi and Chennai hovered around R6,000 about a month ago. 

Coming to other popular routes, one-way ticket prices from Delhi to Bengaluru were sold between R24,000 and R40,000 while from Delhi to Hyderabad it was between R28,000 and R 52,000. In the busiest route (Delhi to Mumbai ), air tickets were priced between R15,000-R30,000 on Sunday. In most cases, carriers such as IndiGo and SpiceJet were offering tickets at prices lower than Tata Group-run airlines Air India and Vistara.

Airfares have skyrocketed since the grounding of cash-strapped Go First on May 3. 

04/06/2023 New Indian Express

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CIASL aims high in aircraft maintenance & repair biz

Kochi: With aircraft servicing poised for a significant growth in the years ahead, Cochin International Aviation Services Limited (CIASL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cochin International Airport Limited (Cial), is vying to tap the business opportunities in the industry.

CIASL is expanding its focus on aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services by improving the infrastructure and the plans include setting up a new MRO hangar at the facility.

There has been a steady increase in the number of aircraft seeking MRO services at CIASL over the last three years. CIASL marked a major milestone by carrying out the maintenance and repair of the first foreign aircraft at the facility a week ago. Four more aircraft are undergoing servicing at the facility.

In FY 2021-22, CIASL provided MRO services for 56 aircraft while in 2022-23, it did maintenance and repair for 98 aircraft. In FY2023-24, so far, 20 aircraft, including five foreign aircraft of Saudi Arabian airline Flynas, flew to CIASL for MRO. The plan is to eventually transform Kochi as an MRO hub in South India, not just for domestic airlines but also for international airlines.

“Indian aviation sector is growing fast with a year-on-year growth of around 11%. Currently, around 850 aircraft are operating in India and 1,200 more are expected to join the fleet in the next five years, which means there will be a huge potential for MRO business. Cial aims for marking its identity and share in the business. The state government has decided to include aircraft maintenance too as a focus area in the industrial policy. The sector also opens up a lot of job opportunities,” said Cial MD S Suhas.

The services at CIASL are handled by aviation service provider Air Works. CIASL offers both base and line maintenance for airlines. Base maintenance includes heavy maintenance checks on aircraft taken out of service, while line maintenance is maintenance carried out before each and every flight to ensure that the aircraft is fit for flight.

04/06/2023 Anantha Narayanan K/Times of India

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Pune Takes Flight: India’s First Performance-Based Helicopter Navigation Demo A Success

Pune: In a groundbreaking achievement, India has successfully conducted its first-ever demonstration of performance-based navigation for helicopters between Juhu, Mumbai, and Pune.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed this as a remarkable example of the Indian aviation sector leading the way in innovation. Notably, this demonstration marks the first of its kind in Asia.

The successful demonstration was made possible by utilizing GAGAN satellite technology, which significantly enhances accuracy and enables high-quality air traffic management. Experts consider this a significant milestone in the field of Air Navigation Services. GAGAN is recognized as one of the four Space-Based Augmentation Systems available worldwide, with the other systems operated by Europe, Japan, and the United States.

The demonstration flight between Juhu and Pune took place on May 31, drawing appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

GAGAN operates by utilizing a network of ground stations to augment the GPS standard positioning service navigation signal. This system proves particularly beneficial for helicopters, which often have to land in areas with limited prominent landmarks. GAGAN assists pilots in accurately pinpointing their location during flights and landings, providing an additional layer of precision.

04/06/2023 Punekar News

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Go First Insolvency's Impact On Aviation Industry: Uncertainty Over 7000 Jobs, Rising Airfare

From a surge in airfares to rattled aircraft lessors to thousands of employees staring at uncertainty, it has been a month of continued turbulence since cash-strapped Go First suspended flights from May 3. As the government and other stakeholders hope that Go First restarts operations at the earliest, plans are being worked out for the budget airline's revival. A section of Go First staff are optimistic about restarting of operations, another section are pessimistic about the airline's future course considering what had happened to erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways, according to employees who spoke to PTI.

Earlier this week, senior executives of Go First discussed the revival plans with senior officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Apart from the uncertainty staring at more than 7,000 Go First staff, a significant fallout is the spike in air ticket prices on certain routes that used to be serviced by the airline, which was operating around 170-180 flights daily.

The crisis at Go First, having its roots in non-availability of Pratt & Whitney engines resulting in grounding of more than half of its operational A320 neo fleet, reached a flash point as the promoters of the carrier decided to suspend flights and sought voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings on May 2. The airline has not flown since May 3 and its petition for the insolvency proceedings was admitted by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on May 10.

03/06/2023 PTI/ZeeNews

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While environmentalists want to reduce air travel, airlines are offering fixed-price subscriptions

While the past year or so has seen environmentalists float the possibility of personal individual carbon allowances or budgets that could in theory implement a quota limiting the number of flights you can take in a lifetime or the number of kilometers flown, the airline industry is, in contrast, trying to woo passengers with the concept of a pass to take to the skies all year round.

It seems like Ryanair's 99-pence or 10-pound airline tickets are already relics, something from the distant past. Last summer, the Irish airline's CEO warned that the skyrocketing price of kerosene would put an end to those kinds of ultra-affordable ticket prices. And the effects are being felt. Hopper's report on 2023 summer travel indicates that while domestic flights in the US is relatively stable, "airfare to Europe and Asia this summer is already the highest it’s been in more than 5 years, with trips to Europe averaging over $1,100 per ticket and trips to Asia averaging over $1,800 per ticket. Both have increased more than $300 per ticket compared to last summer." Meanwhile, airfare for intra-regional flights within Europe are expected to be an average of 5.5% higher for economy class according to American Express's Air Monitor Report.

With airfares soaring, airlines are devising a host of strategies to tempt travelers to take to the skies again.

In this regard Aegean Airlines' strategy is likely to draw the ire of environmentalists. The Greek airline has just unveiled the concept of a fixed-price pass, introducing the idea of a fare lock, for visiting Greece and its various island destinations throughout the year as well as an international version between Greece and certain European destinations including Paris, Frankfurt, Barcelona and London. For instance a pass costing 656 euros, entitles the holder to eight flights between Paris and Athens. The holder gets a seat in economy class included in that price, or a half-price reduction for front seats offering more legroom. Holidaymakers may also be tempted by a 30% reduction on baggage charges.

A concept that is clearly light years away from the idea of a lifetime quota on flights -- in particular the number of four flights in a lifetime evoked by French engineering consultant and climate expert Jean-Marc Jancovici.

03/06/2023 AFP/Forbes India

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Indian Airlines To Induct New Aircraft To Cover Void Left By Go First

Indian airlines are planning to increase their fleet by approximately 115 aircraft in the current financial year to capitalise on the growing number of passengers. The majority of these aircraft will be introduced by market leaders IndiGo and Air India and will primarily be used for domestic routes. 

Although the shutdown of Go First has resulted in a capacity reduction and an imbalance between supply and demand, airline executives believe that the addition of aircraft by other airlines will soon bridge the gap. Go First, which held a 7 per cent market share as of March, ceased operations on 3 May and filed for bankruptcy. 

IndiGo, holding around 60 per cent of India's domestic market share, plans to have a net addition of approximately 50 aircraft by the end of FY24. The fleet size currently stands at 304, but senior executives of the airline have set a target of reaching 350 aircraft by the end of FY24. They mentioned that the capacity addition could be higher if there is an improvement in engine supply. Currently, around 35 aircraft of IndiGo are grounded due to engine shortages. 

According to a source aware on the matter, the new aircraft to be added by IndiGo will consist of a mix of Airbus A320 Neo and the longer version of A321 Neo. Although IndiGo has plans to grow its international routes, in the immediate future, these aircraft will probably be utilised for domestic routes to compensate for the void created by the absence of Go First. As a result, the airline may postpone launches to destinations like Tashkent, Baku, and Tbilisi to prioritise the use of aircraft for domestic operations. 

Air India, owned by Tata, plans to add 21 Airbus A321 Neo aircraft by March 2024. The airline has already received four A321 Neo aircraft, which it plans to deploy from June. Additionally, the low-cost unit, Air India Express, which will be formed by the merger of Air India Express and Air Asia India, aims to add around 50 Boeing 737 Max aircraft during this fiscal year. 

An Air India official stated that deliveries of the Boeing 737 Max will commence from September, with 50 aircraft set to be delivered within approximately six months. These are aircraft that were previously built but not taken by other airlines. By the end of FY24, the combined entity of Air India Express and Air Asia India is expected to have a total of 75 planes. Vistara, another entity under the group, will merge with Air India by March 2024 and plans to add nine Airbus A320 aircraft. 

02/06/2023 Business World

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Fare turbulence: Summer travel plans scupper in vacuum left by Go First

Airfares on several leisure routes have skyrocketed, foiling travel plans of summer tourists or making their budgets go awry. For instance, Delhi-Leh return fare had touched Rs 52,000 — the same as for Delhi-Paris return — some days back in this peak demand season, TOI has reported. The steep jump in airfares on certain routes comes after Go First grounded flights from 3 May, removing capacity from the aviation sector.

A few weeks ago, the government had asked airlines to exercise moderation and ensure a balance in pricing of air tickets amid a spike in airfares after suspension of Go First flights. However, the government has no plans to regulate airfares. Taking cognisance of the surge in airfares, Union aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has put together a group to study the spikes. Scindia said there had been a pullback on the 315 routes Go First was operating. "So there is excess demand on those routes, though we have given those routes to other airlines,” he said on Thursday. Airfares are market driven and are neither established nor regulated by the government.

Go First had high frequency on leisure destinations such as Srinagar, Leh and Goa, according to data by aviation analytics firm Cirium. Pune and Ahmedabad too have been affected.

Data from Cirium show that according to the schedule filed by Go First for May, the airline was supposed to operate 199 flights from Delhi to Srinagar, 182 flights on the Delhi-Leh route and 156 flights from Mumbai to Goa. The airline also accounted for six of 30 non-stop flights on the Delhi-Srinagar and Mumbai-Goa routes, six of the 52 daily Delhi-Mumbai flights, five of the 13 Delhi-Leh flights and three of the 10 flights on the Delhi-Bagdogra route.

Airfares are already higher this summer than in the previous season as carriers are unable to deploy full capacity. This is due to a supply chain constraint that has resulted in a slowdown of aircraft delivery. Domestic air travel has been hitting new all-time highs since this March and all airlines are reporting over 90% occupancy.

02/06/2023 Economic Times

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Go First grounding: Civil aviation ministry to analyse impacted routes; Indian carriers plan to add more jets

Go First bankruptcy: Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said there is an unusual situation due to the Go First crisis and there has been an excess demand on the routes the airline had been operating. 

Go First has not been flying since May 3 and is currently undergoing an insolvency resolution process.  

Go First's grounding has also resulted in trouble for air travellers as airfares have reportedly spiked multi-fold in the last one month. Some of the key routes that Go First operated on are seeing a very sharp surge. 

"We have given additional routes to other airlines but it is a piquant situation... I doubt any other sector has seen the vicissitudes that civil aviation has seen in the last three years," Scindia said while speaking at the India Economic Conclave. 

"... I have put together a group in the last couple of days and we are doing an analysis of a lot of those routes... that have been affected by this unusual event (Go First crisis),” the minister added. 

Go First, before suspending its operations, carried about 35,000 passengers daily. After its operations got suspended, flyers are now trying to book tickets with other airlines. Therefore, a squeezed capacity and increasing demand have led to airfares peaking especially due to the summer rush. 

As per a report in CNBC TV18, some of the routes that have seen a huge spike in airfares are Delhi to Leh, Mumbai to Leh, Delhi to Srinagar, Mumbai to Jammu, Delhi-Goa, Delhi-Patna, Mumbai-Patna, Mumbai-Varanasi, and Mumbai-Chennai. 

While responding to queries related to high airfares on certain routes, Scindia said: "One is Srinagar, Pune, slightly Ahmedabad, we are doing a full analysis on that... we will speak to airlines to make sure fares are within a certain level... it is an issue created by an unforeseen demand-supply imbalance." 

02/06/2023 Business Today

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May was historic for Indian aviation, closing with highest passenger traffic

As the Ministry of Civil Aviation declared its daily passenger data for the last day of May, the total for the month came up to 13.1 million. This not only pips the 12.8 million each in March and April, but also goes past the 13 million mark of December 2019, previously the best month for domestic aviation.

This comes even after Go First stopped operating flights after the first three days of May. The airline carried 829,000 passengers in April for a 6.4 percent market share.

The stage for a bumper month was set after the best-ever day in terms of domestic traffic was recorded on the last day of April. New highs were expected as May is the peak month for travel because of the holidays and the risk of COVID was at an all-time low this year.

Every airline tried to take advantage of Go First’s absence. Air India and Vistara operated widebody aircraft on some routes to cater to additional traffic while IndiGo increased utilisation. Yet, the total count of flights could not match what would have been possible with Go First.

Data released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on its website shows that airlines in India operated 87,497 domestic flights on a daily basis in May, or an average of 2,822 flights per day, which is 86 percent of the daily flights approved for the summer schedule. Yet, this was lower than April (with fewer days than May), when airlines operated 88,749 flights, and March, when there were 92,098 domestic departures.

While the number of flights has gone down with each passing month, passenger numbers have gone up.

Go First used to ferry 15,000 to 20,000 passengers daily when it ended operations. The number of passengers in India averaged 425,000 daily in May, the same as in February 2020, the last full month of operations before COVID. These are about 3,000 passengers less per day than in April, but that shows that even with fewer flights, the industry was able to absorb almost the full impact of Go First’s absence.

This was largely driven by higher load factors, with all major airlines clocking load factors in excess of 90 percent on most days of the month. The top six airlines are likely to report load factors in excess of 89 percent for the entire month, when the regulator releases granular data later.

Social media has been abuzz with complaints from passengers about higher air fares. As load factors cross 90 percent on most days, the last few seats offered are in the highest fare brackets by airlines, which is a function of revenue management. These are mostly last-minute fares, those to high-demand tourist destinations or on sectors where Go First had a strong network and were immediately affected after the airline halted operations.

01/06/2023 Ameya Joshi/Moneycontrol

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