An Israeli man was arrested for entering Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi with a canceled ticket, reported Press Trust of India. PTI identified the man, who was apprehended Friday, as Oren Levy.
31/08/12 JTA
31/08/12 JTA
Showing posts with label Foreign Aug 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Foreign Aug 2012. Show all posts
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Indian aviation the worst performer in slowing Global Aviation market: IATA
Mumbai: Confirming the worst fears of airline companies and aviation analysts the global airline body International Air Transport Association (IATA - has 254 scheduled airline as members) said in its latest report that Indian domestic market contracted by 1.1% compared to last July and got itself a not so an envious position as it is the worst performer globally.
The rest of the world too slowed down in July but aviation markets in Middle East and Africa grew bucking the trend the airline body said. But the increasing fuel prices will make airlines sweat and make it a tough second quarter for them.
"Indian domestictraffic fell 1.1% compared to a year ago, the worst performance for any market, reflecting the weakening economy among other factors. After expanding at 20%-plus rates through 2010 and early 2011, the Indian market stopped growing at the end of 2011. July capacity rose 2.1%, dropping the load factor to 69.6% from 71.8% last year," IATA's report for the month said.
30/08/12 Manisha Singhal/Economic Times
The rest of the world too slowed down in July but aviation markets in Middle East and Africa grew bucking the trend the airline body said. But the increasing fuel prices will make airlines sweat and make it a tough second quarter for them.
"Indian domestictraffic fell 1.1% compared to a year ago, the worst performance for any market, reflecting the weakening economy among other factors. After expanding at 20%-plus rates through 2010 and early 2011, the Indian market stopped growing at the end of 2011. July capacity rose 2.1%, dropping the load factor to 69.6% from 71.8% last year," IATA's report for the month said.
30/08/12 Manisha Singhal/Economic Times
Sri Lanka flights from India's Spicejet from Sept 20
India's Spicejet will fly to Sri Lanka from September 20, using 78-seat Bombardier Q400, 78-seater turboprop aircraft, a media report said.
The airline will fly from Madurai in South India at 12.30 pm and land in Colombo at 1.30 pm. The Colombo - Madurai will is from 2.35 pm to 3.20 pm, India's The Hindu newspaper said.
Spicejet's online booking engine is offering return tickets at 9,009 Indian rupees, with Madurai Colombo leg at 5,638 and the return leg at 3,371 rupees without a meal. A sandwich costs about four dollars.
"We are getting lot of enquiries, mostly from tourists, ever since we started the booking. As an inaugural offer, we are giving tickets for as low as Rs. 2,999 for limited seats," Gary Freeman Gary a Spicejet marketing official was quoted as saying.
30/08/12 Lanka Business Online
The airline will fly from Madurai in South India at 12.30 pm and land in Colombo at 1.30 pm. The Colombo - Madurai will is from 2.35 pm to 3.20 pm, India's The Hindu newspaper said.
Spicejet's online booking engine is offering return tickets at 9,009 Indian rupees, with Madurai Colombo leg at 5,638 and the return leg at 3,371 rupees without a meal. A sandwich costs about four dollars.
"We are getting lot of enquiries, mostly from tourists, ever since we started the booking. As an inaugural offer, we are giving tickets for as low as Rs. 2,999 for limited seats," Gary Freeman Gary a Spicejet marketing official was quoted as saying.
30/08/12 Lanka Business Online
Global carriers resent hike in airport charges at Chennai
New Delhi: After registering strong protest against the decision of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) to hike airport fees by almost 344 per cent, international carriers, on Thursday, took strong exception to the reported move to hike airport charges at the newly-developed Chennai International Airport.
Stating that any move to hike charges at the Chennai airport would have a negative impact on foreign travel, these international airlines were of the view that it would adversely impact the aviation sector in India.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has proposed to increase the rates which would be valid till 2015-16 and sought the views of all stakeholders.
Leading the charge against the hike is German carrier Lufthansa, which operates flights on the Chennai-Frankfurt route.
30/08/12 The Hindu
Stating that any move to hike charges at the Chennai airport would have a negative impact on foreign travel, these international airlines were of the view that it would adversely impact the aviation sector in India.
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has proposed to increase the rates which would be valid till 2015-16 and sought the views of all stakeholders.
Leading the charge against the hike is German carrier Lufthansa, which operates flights on the Chennai-Frankfurt route.
30/08/12 The Hindu
British Airways will revisit India strategy
New Delhi: British Airways on Wednesday said an increase in airport charges at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in the national capital has forced it to revisit its India strategy. “The aviation industry is going through a difficult phase and after the hike in airport charges it has become more difficult to operate at the Delhi airport. Currently, the charges are too high,” Christopher Fordyce, regional commercial manager, South Asia, said.
“Keeping the hike in charges in mind, we are revisiting our strategy and assessing route profitability,” Fordyce said.
Following the IGI move, airport charges may be hiked in other domestic airports he said, adding this would be detrimental to the growth of the airline sector.
30/08/12 Daily News & Analysis
“Keeping the hike in charges in mind, we are revisiting our strategy and assessing route profitability,” Fordyce said.
Following the IGI move, airport charges may be hiked in other domestic airports he said, adding this would be detrimental to the growth of the airline sector.
30/08/12 Daily News & Analysis
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Air India plane crash: 46 years later, Indian diplomatic bag discovered on Mt Blanc
A bag of Indian diplomatic mail is set to be delivered more than 46 years late after it was found on Mont Blanc in the French Alps, close to where an Air India plane crashed in January 1966.
The jute bag, stamped "Diplomatic mail" and "Ministry of External Affairs", was recovered by mountain rescue worker Arnaud Christmann and his neighbour Jules Berger on August 21.
"Some tourists came and told us they had seen something shining on the Bossons glacier," so he and his neighbour decided to go have a look, Christmann said.
The diplomatic bag was handed over to police in the town of Chamonix at the base of the mountain. The Indian embassy in Paris today said it had not been informed of the discovery but that officials would be looking into it with a view to recovering the bag.
29/08/12 Indian Express
The jute bag, stamped "Diplomatic mail" and "Ministry of External Affairs", was recovered by mountain rescue worker Arnaud Christmann and his neighbour Jules Berger on August 21.
"Some tourists came and told us they had seen something shining on the Bossons glacier," so he and his neighbour decided to go have a look, Christmann said.
The diplomatic bag was handed over to police in the town of Chamonix at the base of the mountain. The Indian embassy in Paris today said it had not been informed of the discovery but that officials would be looking into it with a view to recovering the bag.
29/08/12 Indian Express
Slovenia's Ljubljana Airport in talks with Air India
Ljubljana Jože Pucnik Airport has revived talks with Air India in order for the Indian national carrier to launch its once planned flights from Mumbai to New York via Ljubljana. Last year Air India and Adria Airways signed a memorandum of understanding which was to see Air India code share on Adria’s regional flights, while in return the Indian national carrier would operate some of its services to the United States via the Slovenian capital. The Managing Director of Ljubljana Airport, Zmago Skobir, has said he is an optimist when it comes to talks with Air India. A recently signed air transport agreement between the two countries has removed bureaucratic obstacles for the flights to be launched. However, Skobir did not want to give dates as to when services could be launched since the planed flights did not materialise the last time around.
Furthermore, Ljubljana has also begun talks with Chinese partners over potential flights. Skobir says the airport will work hard to attract additional low cost airlines in 2013. In just over a month, Wizz Air will launch services from London and Charleroi to the Slovenian capital.
29/08/12 Balkans.com
Furthermore, Ljubljana has also begun talks with Chinese partners over potential flights. Skobir says the airport will work hard to attract additional low cost airlines in 2013. In just over a month, Wizz Air will launch services from London and Charleroi to the Slovenian capital.
29/08/12 Balkans.com
Air India To Receive First Boeing 787 Widebody By End Of Week
National carrier Air India will receive its first 787 long-range aircraft from Boeing this week after a four-year delay in deliveries.
“The first aircraft is expected to arrive in New Delhi by Friday . . . This will be followed by the delivery of two others in September,” an airline official tells AviationWeek.
Air India plans to take delivery of all 27 787 aircraft by 2016, he continues, adding that a delivery schedule will be finalized after the carrier receives its two shipments in the first week of September.
The introduction of its 787 aircraft will enable cash-strapped Air India to increase its international network, including services to Melbourne and Sydney later this year, says the airline spokesman.
28/08/12 Jay Menon/Aviation Week
“The first aircraft is expected to arrive in New Delhi by Friday . . . This will be followed by the delivery of two others in September,” an airline official tells AviationWeek.
Air India plans to take delivery of all 27 787 aircraft by 2016, he continues, adding that a delivery schedule will be finalized after the carrier receives its two shipments in the first week of September.
The introduction of its 787 aircraft will enable cash-strapped Air India to increase its international network, including services to Melbourne and Sydney later this year, says the airline spokesman.
28/08/12 Jay Menon/Aviation Week
Air Arabia increases Delhi flights to double daily
Sharjah: Air Arabia announced on Tuesday the expansion of service to New Delhi, from the carrier’s primary hub in Sharjah. Air Arabia now offers twice-daily flights to the Indian city.
From Saturday, the carrier will offer flights 14 times per week.
“The rapidly expanding Aviation sector in India is one of the country’s major economic drivers,” said Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia. “We are confident that the expansion of service between Sharjah and India’s capital will further enhance the air travel options for the residents of both states and positively contributes to the economic development of both countries.”
28/08/12 Gulf News
From Saturday, the carrier will offer flights 14 times per week.
“The rapidly expanding Aviation sector in India is one of the country’s major economic drivers,” said Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia. “We are confident that the expansion of service between Sharjah and India’s capital will further enhance the air travel options for the residents of both states and positively contributes to the economic development of both countries.”
28/08/12 Gulf News
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Decks cleared for Silk Air flight to Singapore
Visakhapatnam: The decks have been cleared for operation of the Silk Air flight to Singapore with the Defence Ministry giving its nod for extension of watch hours at the Visakhapatnam airport.
Union Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju and Union Minister of State for HRD D. Purandeswari, who represents the Visakhapatnam constituency in the Lok Sabha, announced in Delhi on Monday that the airport would be operational for an additional three hours, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. thrice a week. Defence Minister A.K. Antony conveyed this to Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy.
The news comes as a great relief to air travellers, businessmen, the IT industry, investors and exporters.
28/08/12 The Hindu
Union Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju and Union Minister of State for HRD D. Purandeswari, who represents the Visakhapatnam constituency in the Lok Sabha, announced in Delhi on Monday that the airport would be operational for an additional three hours, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. thrice a week. Defence Minister A.K. Antony conveyed this to Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy.
The news comes as a great relief to air travellers, businessmen, the IT industry, investors and exporters.
28/08/12 The Hindu
Air India not yet taken decision on importing ATF directly: Ajit Singh
New Delhi: Air India has not taken any decision about importing aviation fuel directly, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said today.
In reply to a question in Rajya Sabha as to whether Air India was eyeing Rs 300 crore saving via direct fuel import, the Minister said, "AI has not yet decided about import of Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) directly".
The Minister had earlier informed the House that five domestic airlines -- Kingfisher Airlines, SpiceJet, IndiGo, Go Airlines and Air India -- had been granted permission to import ATF directly.
28/08/12 PTI/Economic Times
In reply to a question in Rajya Sabha as to whether Air India was eyeing Rs 300 crore saving via direct fuel import, the Minister said, "AI has not yet decided about import of Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) directly".
The Minister had earlier informed the House that five domestic airlines -- Kingfisher Airlines, SpiceJet, IndiGo, Go Airlines and Air India -- had been granted permission to import ATF directly.
28/08/12 PTI/Economic Times
Monday, August 27, 2012
Air India gears up to receive Dreamliner
New Delhi: With Air India’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner landing here on Wednesday, a delivery schedule for the aircraft would be firmed up soon as two more are ready for delivery, official sources said.
The last hurdle in taking delivery of this plane has been cleared with the law and justice ministry giving nod to the compensation settlement agreement which Air India would sign with the US plane-maker for the four-year delay in its deliveries.
An Air India team has reached Boeing's South Carolina facility to go through the formalities as soon as they get a nod from the airline's brass.
A definitive delivery schedule would follow soon and it could involve the first few of these long-haul planes being delivered in 7-10 day intervals, the sources suggested.
With the first aircraft coming in now, Air India plans to take delivery of all 27 of them by 2016. The Dreamliners' delivery was to take place in 2008 and the rest by October 2011. But their delivery was delayed due to various factors, including spare supply delays and labour trouble.
27/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
The last hurdle in taking delivery of this plane has been cleared with the law and justice ministry giving nod to the compensation settlement agreement which Air India would sign with the US plane-maker for the four-year delay in its deliveries.
An Air India team has reached Boeing's South Carolina facility to go through the formalities as soon as they get a nod from the airline's brass.
A definitive delivery schedule would follow soon and it could involve the first few of these long-haul planes being delivered in 7-10 day intervals, the sources suggested.
With the first aircraft coming in now, Air India plans to take delivery of all 27 of them by 2016. The Dreamliners' delivery was to take place in 2008 and the rest by October 2011. But their delivery was delayed due to various factors, including spare supply delays and labour trouble.
27/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
Jet Airways may not join Star Alliance
Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, may not get any member airline from India — one of the world’s largest growing aviation market.
After the 27-strong member alliance rejected Air India’s application for a membership, Jet Airways, who is in talks with the alliance, may decide against joining the group.
“We are talking to all three alliances and may not join Star Alliance because they already have a strong member in this side of the world,” said a senior Jet executive on condition of anonymity.
The Naresh Goyal-promoted airline is also in talks with global alliances Oneworld and SkyTeam.
27/08/12 Mihir Mishra/Indian Express
After the 27-strong member alliance rejected Air India’s application for a membership, Jet Airways, who is in talks with the alliance, may decide against joining the group.
“We are talking to all three alliances and may not join Star Alliance because they already have a strong member in this side of the world,” said a senior Jet executive on condition of anonymity.
The Naresh Goyal-promoted airline is also in talks with global alliances Oneworld and SkyTeam.
27/08/12 Mihir Mishra/Indian Express
Sunday, August 26, 2012
2 international flights greet Madurai
Madurai: In a historic day of sorts for the Madurai airport, two chartered flights from Malaysia landed at the airport on Saturday afternoon, making them the first set of international aircrafts that landed in the temple city.
The arrival of Malaysian flights with 18 tourists marked a day of celebration among the industrial community in Madurai who were demanding operation of flights to international destinations for long. A battery of government officials, including DRO Ravindran, customs commissioner Fakim Ahmed, representatives of industry like N Jegatheesan, president of Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, airport committee chairman and Virudhunagar MP Manick Tagore greeted the visitors.
"Every year, we visit Tamil Nadu. But we used to arrive in Chennai airport and then travel on road to reach this part of the country which is time consuming. But, this time around we managed to arrive at Madurai in three hours from Malaysia.
26/08/12 Times of India
The arrival of Malaysian flights with 18 tourists marked a day of celebration among the industrial community in Madurai who were demanding operation of flights to international destinations for long. A battery of government officials, including DRO Ravindran, customs commissioner Fakim Ahmed, representatives of industry like N Jegatheesan, president of Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, airport committee chairman and Virudhunagar MP Manick Tagore greeted the visitors.
"Every year, we visit Tamil Nadu. But we used to arrive in Chennai airport and then travel on road to reach this part of the country which is time consuming. But, this time around we managed to arrive at Madurai in three hours from Malaysia.
26/08/12 Times of India
Govt-sponsored Haj flights to ferry over one lakh pilgrims
Mumbai: Air travel arrangements by charter flights have been made for 1,25,000 pilgrims going on Haj through Haj Committee of India, said a release issued on Saturday by the ministry of civil aviation.
The Haj Charter flights will be operated from 21 airports in India to Jeddah/ Madina in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Air India and Saudi Arabian Airlines have been selected through tendering process to operator the charter flights, it added.
The release said that gradual reduction/abolition of subsidy on air travel of Haj pilgrims is under consideration of the government.
25/08/12 Manju V/Times of India
The Haj Charter flights will be operated from 21 airports in India to Jeddah/ Madina in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Air India and Saudi Arabian Airlines have been selected through tendering process to operator the charter flights, it added.
The release said that gradual reduction/abolition of subsidy on air travel of Haj pilgrims is under consideration of the government.
25/08/12 Manju V/Times of India
Friday, August 24, 2012
RBI bats for more FDI in retail, insurance and aviation
Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India said there is a need to further improve foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in sectors such as insurance, retail, aviation and urban infrastructure.
The central bank, which has made this suggestion in its Annual Report for 2011-12, said this will augment non-debt creating flows and keep the composition of India’s external liabilities at a comfortable level.
On the apprehensions over FDI in multi-brand retail, the RBI said international experience on the whole suggests that allowing FDI in retailing space leads to increased competition.
23/08/12 Business Line
The central bank, which has made this suggestion in its Annual Report for 2011-12, said this will augment non-debt creating flows and keep the composition of India’s external liabilities at a comfortable level.
On the apprehensions over FDI in multi-brand retail, the RBI said international experience on the whole suggests that allowing FDI in retailing space leads to increased competition.
23/08/12 Business Line
First Dreamliner expected on Tuesday
New Delhi: After a delay of nearly five years, the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner is likely to arrive here next week with Air India planning to take delivery of the aircraft on Tuesday.
"A total of three aircraft are ready for delivery at the Boeing's South Carolina factory. The first Dreamliner will take off from the US and is likely to arrive here on Tuesday," airline sources said.
The national carrier, which has ordered for 27 Dreamliners, will take the delivery of the rest two by early next month and get all the aircraft by the year 2016.Air India was the second airline to place orders for 27 B-787s but is yet to receive the aircraft even as two Japanese carriers, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, have started flying them.
24/08/12 PTI/ZeeNews
"A total of three aircraft are ready for delivery at the Boeing's South Carolina factory. The first Dreamliner will take off from the US and is likely to arrive here on Tuesday," airline sources said.
The national carrier, which has ordered for 27 Dreamliners, will take the delivery of the rest two by early next month and get all the aircraft by the year 2016.Air India was the second airline to place orders for 27 B-787s but is yet to receive the aircraft even as two Japanese carriers, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, have started flying them.
24/08/12 PTI/ZeeNews
Woman cons Customs by posing as a poor tourist
Mumbai: The 60-year-old lady, who was intercepted with two kg of cocaine at Mumbai airport on Wednesday morning, had fooled the officials at Mumbai airport during her last visit on July 1, agencies suspect. According to sources, the Vietnamese national Ly Loegsle (64), who on Wednesday was arrested with two-kg of cocaine (‘2 foreigners caught with 6 kg of cocaine’, August 23), on her previous visit to the city had posed as a poor tourist and had told officials that the purpose of her visit was to visit the churches and temples of Mumbai. She also managed to con the officials into believing that she needed help.
The authorities suspect that the entire thing was a ruse last time, as an attempt to gain the sympathies of the Customs officials.
24/08/12 MiD DAY/IBN Live
The authorities suspect that the entire thing was a ruse last time, as an attempt to gain the sympathies of the Customs officials.
24/08/12 MiD DAY/IBN Live
Dreamliner gets DGCA’s safety clearance; delay compensation on anvil
New Delhi: The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given safety clearance to Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The new aircraft will be inducted into Air India’s fleet shortly. The law ministry is also finalising the compensation amount that the US-based aircraft manufacturer will pay Air India for delay in delivering the aircraft. The first lot of the long-haul aircraft were to be delivered in 2008. During a pre-flight test on July 28 at the Charleston Airport in South Carolina one of the engines of the aircraft had developed a snag. “We received the report from FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and have gone into the details. We have given a go-ahead that it is fit for flying now,” said Arun Mihsra, DGCA.
24/08/12 VijaitaSingh/Indian Express
24/08/12 VijaitaSingh/Indian Express
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Jet Airways, Kingfisher, SpiceJet under pressure as FDI hopes fade
New Delhi: Jet Airways, SpiceJet and Kingfisher slipped over 2 per cent in early trade on Thursday after West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday stalled a discussion on the long-pending decision to allow FDI in aviation.
"There were expectations that Banerjee would back the proposal to allow foreign airlines to buy up to 49% equity in Indian carriers," ET reported. Currently, foreign investors can own up to 49% stake in Indian carriers, but only if they are not in the airline business.
23/08/12 Economic Times
"There were expectations that Banerjee would back the proposal to allow foreign airlines to buy up to 49% equity in Indian carriers," ET reported. Currently, foreign investors can own up to 49% stake in Indian carriers, but only if they are not in the airline business.
23/08/12 Economic Times
Airlines concerned about 49% FDI cap: Lufthansa's Hilgers
New Delhi: Lufthansa German Airlines’ south Asia director, Alex Hilgers, says global airlines have raised concerns over India’s proposed liberalisation of foreign direct investment in aviation, questioning the 49 per cent cap that would not give them a majority control over domestic carriers.
They have also raised issues pertaining to the level of government intervention they might face in the country even after they enter. In an interview with Business Standard, Hilgers talked about the concerns raised by global airlines at an IATA (International Air Transport Association) conference in Beijing in June 2012. “The issue is that 49 per cent is not enough. There are still doubts as to can I do what I want to do with 49 per cent?” he said.
Saying there were also concerns about government intervention, Hilgers added, “I think the guy who comes wants 51 per cent and not 49 per cent and he wants certain freedom from the government side.”
23/08/12 Disha Kanwar & Surajeet Das Gupta/Business Standard
They have also raised issues pertaining to the level of government intervention they might face in the country even after they enter. In an interview with Business Standard, Hilgers talked about the concerns raised by global airlines at an IATA (International Air Transport Association) conference in Beijing in June 2012. “The issue is that 49 per cent is not enough. There are still doubts as to can I do what I want to do with 49 per cent?” he said.
Saying there were also concerns about government intervention, Hilgers added, “I think the guy who comes wants 51 per cent and not 49 per cent and he wants certain freedom from the government side.”
23/08/12 Disha Kanwar & Surajeet Das Gupta/Business Standard
Air Astana hikes Almaty-Delhi services
Singapore: AIR Astana has bumped up the frequency of its Almaty-New Delhi flights, in response to growing demand fuelled by greater trade and financial co-operation between Kazakhstan and India.
Now available once a day except on Thursdays and Saturdays, the three-hour, 45-minute flights will continue to be serviced by Airbus A320 aircraft in a 148-seat, two-class configuration.
23/08/12 TTG Asia
Now available once a day except on Thursdays and Saturdays, the three-hour, 45-minute flights will continue to be serviced by Airbus A320 aircraft in a 148-seat, two-class configuration.
23/08/12 TTG Asia
Cathay announces Hong Kong-Hyderabad service
Hyderabad: Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific announced its new operations from Hyderabad beginning December with four flights a week to Hong Kong, on Thursday. GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) will take up joint marketing efforts with Cathay Pacific to attract passengers, highlighting it to be the shortest route to North America, China, Australia and others.
While talking about the fuel costs, Cathay’s general manager (South Asia, West Asia and Africa) Tom Wright said, “The high costs in India are a concern for the operators. This implies that the ticket fares will be high. India is a price sensitive market and even a small increase in the fares will result in a drastic fall in the passenger numbers.”
23/08/12 mydigitalfc.com
While talking about the fuel costs, Cathay’s general manager (South Asia, West Asia and Africa) Tom Wright said, “The high costs in India are a concern for the operators. This implies that the ticket fares will be high. India is a price sensitive market and even a small increase in the fares will result in a drastic fall in the passenger numbers.”
23/08/12 mydigitalfc.com
Soon, India’s own eye in the sky
Chennai: India’s efforts to build its own Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system crossed a milestone on Wednesday when a fully modified Brazilian Embraer-145 aircraft, on which the system will be installed, arrived on Wednesday night at the HAL airport in Bangalore.
The aircraft, with the indigenous Active Electronic Scanning Array (AESA) radar, will be an “eye in the sky.” The radar can look 240 degrees within a short time and has a range of 350 km. It can track more than 500 targets simultaneously.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with its various laboratories, is spearheading the (AEW&C) system programme. The aircraft was given an enthusiastic welcome by engineers of the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), nodal agency for building the AEW&C system. The CABS is a DRDO facility.
23/08/12 The Hindu
The aircraft, with the indigenous Active Electronic Scanning Array (AESA) radar, will be an “eye in the sky.” The radar can look 240 degrees within a short time and has a range of 350 km. It can track more than 500 targets simultaneously.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with its various laboratories, is spearheading the (AEW&C) system programme. The aircraft was given an enthusiastic welcome by engineers of the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), nodal agency for building the AEW&C system. The CABS is a DRDO facility.
23/08/12 The Hindu
Talks on only with French company for 126 Rafale aircraft:Govt
New Delhi: The Defence Ministry today said it was talking only to the French Dassault Aviation for procuring 126 Rafale aircraft under a multi-billion dollar tender.
"We are not talking to anyone except Dassault Aviation whose Rafale aircraft has been selected as the lowest bidder in the multi-billion dollar contract," Defence Ministry sources said here.
The Ministry was responding to reported claims made by German and Russian officials that India was discussing the contract with them and there was a possibility of the project being retendered.
23/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
"We are not talking to anyone except Dassault Aviation whose Rafale aircraft has been selected as the lowest bidder in the multi-billion dollar contract," Defence Ministry sources said here.
The Ministry was responding to reported claims made by German and Russian officials that India was discussing the contract with them and there was a possibility of the project being retendered.
23/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
Vietnamese professor, Indonesian businesswoman held with 6kg cocaine
Mumbai: Two South East Asian women carrying 6kg of cocaine worth over Rs3 crore in the Indian market were detained on Wednesday at the Mumbai airport. They had arrived from South Africa on an Ethiopian Airways flight and were headed to Singapore.
Vietnamese Ly Leogse, a 64-year-old professor of English and French, and Indonesian businesswoman Adma Siregar, 45, were apprehended by the air intelligence unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs after a tip-off.
“We have rarely come across South East Asian carriers at Mumbai airport. We have detained them. They will be arrested by Thursday,” said a senior customs official.
23/08/12 Preety Acharya/Daily News & Analysis
Vietnamese Ly Leogse, a 64-year-old professor of English and French, and Indonesian businesswoman Adma Siregar, 45, were apprehended by the air intelligence unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs after a tip-off.
“We have rarely come across South East Asian carriers at Mumbai airport. We have detained them. They will be arrested by Thursday,” said a senior customs official.
23/08/12 Preety Acharya/Daily News & Analysis
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Dreamliner induction after Law Min's nod to compensation plan
New Delhi: Induction of the much-awaited Boeing 787 Dreamliner by Air India is still hanging fire as the Law Ministry gives final touches to a compensation agreement which the airline would sign with the US plane maker for delaying deliveries.
The induction of the plane, which can enable Air India mount several new international flights, would take place only after the Delay Compensation Settlement Agreement, already approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, is fine-tuned by the Law Ministry, official sources said.
Another factor which has led to the delay in the national carrier accepting the plane was a probe report by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into a July 28 incident in which debris fell off a B-787's engine during a pre-flight test at the Charleston Airport in South Carolina.
22/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
The induction of the plane, which can enable Air India mount several new international flights, would take place only after the Delay Compensation Settlement Agreement, already approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, is fine-tuned by the Law Ministry, official sources said.
Another factor which has led to the delay in the national carrier accepting the plane was a probe report by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into a July 28 incident in which debris fell off a B-787's engine during a pre-flight test at the Charleston Airport in South Carolina.
22/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
Youngster flies from Kuwait to Ahmedabad without passport, held
Ahmedabad: A resident of Jamnagar detained at Sardar Vallabhbhai International airport on Monday morning has got both the immigration officials and local police in a tizzy.
The youth, who was nabbed by the immigration department, not only managed to go to Kuwait for four months, but even returned by flight without a passport.
Initial investigations have revealed that Guru Mohammed Munaf Bhaya had gone to Kuwait four months ago by sea. On Monday morning when he returned on a flight, the immigration officials asked him for his passport.
22/08/12 Daily News & Analysis
The youth, who was nabbed by the immigration department, not only managed to go to Kuwait for four months, but even returned by flight without a passport.
Initial investigations have revealed that Guru Mohammed Munaf Bhaya had gone to Kuwait four months ago by sea. On Monday morning when he returned on a flight, the immigration officials asked him for his passport.
22/08/12 Daily News & Analysis
Malaysia Airlines gets strong in the Indian Sub-continent
Malaysia Airlines will increase from September 1st its presence to the Indian subcontinent by adding 10 more extra-flights between Kuala Lumpur and the cities of Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai. This will bring the total of weekly flights to India to 50 return. Malaysia Airlines wants to react to an increase of 15% in passenger numbers from India in 2012. The carrier justifies its move by the resilience of the Indian travel market despite a rather difficult economic environment worldwide and the declining value of the Indian Rupiah.
Malaysia Airlines recently announced the introduction of its thrice weekly direct services between Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu effective 1 September 2012.
22/08/12 Travel Daily News
Malaysia Airlines recently announced the introduction of its thrice weekly direct services between Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu effective 1 September 2012.
22/08/12 Travel Daily News
Aircraft for cloud seeding may come from South Africa, not Israel
Mumbai: With rain playing truant, especially in the catchment areas where the water-supplying lakes are situated, the BMC hopes to start an experiment on cloud seeding in September. Though the decision is yet to be finalized, the civic body has already been forced to tweak its plan for the exercise. It was supposed to procure an aircraft from Israel for the procedure, but owing to hassles over clearances, it is now looking to get one from South Africa.
The civic body will first have to take the permission of the Directorate-General of Civil aviation on the air space to be used by a plane. ".. If we do opt for cloud seeding, it will be in September, as the frequency of appearance of 'seedable' clouds is more at that time. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 12 crore but it could rise," said additional municipal commissioner Aseem Gupta.
The BMC is negotiating with My Avni, a firm that will bring an aircraft from South Africa.
22/08/12 Times of India
The civic body will first have to take the permission of the Directorate-General of Civil aviation on the air space to be used by a plane. ".. If we do opt for cloud seeding, it will be in September, as the frequency of appearance of 'seedable' clouds is more at that time. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 12 crore but it could rise," said additional municipal commissioner Aseem Gupta.
The BMC is negotiating with My Avni, a firm that will bring an aircraft from South Africa.
22/08/12 Times of India
AAI gets Rs 1cr, allows lessor to repossess 2 planes of Kingfisher airlines
New Delhi: State-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) has stuck to its threat of not allowing Kingfisher's aircraft lessors to repossess planes from the crisis-ridden airline till it clears at least a part of the massive Rs 290 crore dues. A desperate lessor was able to take back two planes parked at a south Indian airport only after the cash-strapped airline managed to cough up Rs 1 crore to AAI.
"We have issued a final warning to the airline that now on no aircraft will be allowed to leave India till the dues are cleared. They have 40 planes of which 30 are leased and none of them would be allowed to be repossessed. The desperation among lessors, vendors and employees is reaching unsustainable levels," said a senior AAI official.Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation India head Kapil Kaul also warned on Monday that the airline may have to do a temporary operational shutdown unless the management is able to infuse funds.
21/08/12 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
"We have issued a final warning to the airline that now on no aircraft will be allowed to leave India till the dues are cleared. They have 40 planes of which 30 are leased and none of them would be allowed to be repossessed. The desperation among lessors, vendors and employees is reaching unsustainable levels," said a senior AAI official.Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation India head Kapil Kaul also warned on Monday that the airline may have to do a temporary operational shutdown unless the management is able to infuse funds.
21/08/12 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
GoAir seeks reversal of govt norm on flying overseas
Bangalore: CEO of the Wadia Group-owned budget carrier Go Airlines (India) Ltd, which operates services under the brand GoAir, Giorgio De Roni, today sought the reversal of the government norm of allowing only domestic carriers with a minimum fleet of 20 aircrafts to fly overseas.
"India allows foreign airlines with one or two aircrafts to operate international flights to India but does not allow Indian carriers to fly international", he told a press conference here.
Allowing Indian carriers to fly overseas (by waiving this norm) would see "foreign currency coming to India, foreign tourists coming to India and additional employment", De Roni said.
Besides a fleet of 20 aircrafts, Indian carriers must complete five years of operations to be eligible to fly overseas.
21/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
"India allows foreign airlines with one or two aircrafts to operate international flights to India but does not allow Indian carriers to fly international", he told a press conference here.
Allowing Indian carriers to fly overseas (by waiving this norm) would see "foreign currency coming to India, foreign tourists coming to India and additional employment", De Roni said.
Besides a fleet of 20 aircrafts, Indian carriers must complete five years of operations to be eligible to fly overseas.
21/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
Dreamliner in India by month end
Mumbai: After a delay of more than four years, India’s national carrier Air India (AI) is finally set to get the delivery of the much-awaited Boeing-787 Dreamliner by month end and fly the state-of-the-art aircraft into India. Clearing the final hurdle, the US aviation regulator — Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given its mandatory flying clearances to AI.
“A team of pilots, engineers and other crew members will leave for the US soon,” an AI official said. “We expect the aircraft to be in India within a fortnight,” he added.
According to the official, some top management officials like general manager for the wide bodied aircraft and director operation are already in the US to finish the final modalities of sales and lease back of the aircraft. AI hopes to save on maintenance and other cost by selling and leasing back the aircraft from international lenders.
21/08/12 Daily News & Analysis
“A team of pilots, engineers and other crew members will leave for the US soon,” an AI official said. “We expect the aircraft to be in India within a fortnight,” he added.
According to the official, some top management officials like general manager for the wide bodied aircraft and director operation are already in the US to finish the final modalities of sales and lease back of the aircraft. AI hopes to save on maintenance and other cost by selling and leasing back the aircraft from international lenders.
21/08/12 Daily News & Analysis
Monday, August 20, 2012
First Tata-made Sikorsky S-92 helicopter airframe flies
London: The first Sikorsky S-92 - a large, twin-engine helicopter that can be used for both civil and military purposes - with a Made-in-India airframe is now flying in Brazil.
Air Vice Marshal (retd) Arvind Walia, Sikorsky's regional executive for India and South Asia, told India Strategic defence magazine (www.indiastrategic.in) that the Tatas have supplied 15 airframes to the US company, which is fitting them with cockpits, engines, systems and rotors. The completed helicopters are then ready for supply to global customers.
The flight tests on the first Tata-made S-92 cabin have progressed satisfactorily and the helicopter is now being customised for supply to Lider Aviacao of Brazil. Lider charters both aircraft and helicopters for multi-applications, including servicing offshore oil installations.
20/08/12 ZeeNews
Air Vice Marshal (retd) Arvind Walia, Sikorsky's regional executive for India and South Asia, told India Strategic defence magazine (www.indiastrategic.in) that the Tatas have supplied 15 airframes to the US company, which is fitting them with cockpits, engines, systems and rotors. The completed helicopters are then ready for supply to global customers.
The flight tests on the first Tata-made S-92 cabin have progressed satisfactorily and the helicopter is now being customised for supply to Lider Aviacao of Brazil. Lider charters both aircraft and helicopters for multi-applications, including servicing offshore oil installations.
20/08/12 ZeeNews
Cox & Kings and Srilankan Airline to pay Rs 2L to couple
New Delhi: Tour and travel firm Cox & Kings Ltd (CKL) and Srilankan Airlines (SLA) have been asked by the apex consumer commission to pay Rs two lakh to a couple for issuing them 'OK' status air tickets, which turned out to be unconfirmed at last minute.
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) also asked CKL to pay Rs 19,000 as reimbursement of extra expenses incurred by Delhi residents Prashant Aggarwal and his wife Jyoti Bansal for extending their stay and as cost of litigation.
The NCDRC direction came on travel firm CKL's petition against the Delhi State Consumer Commission's verdict, which had upheld a district consumer forum's order holding CKL and the airline guilty of rendering deficient services and asking them to pay Rs one lakh each to the husband and wife.
20/08/12 Press Trust of India/Business Standard
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) also asked CKL to pay Rs 19,000 as reimbursement of extra expenses incurred by Delhi residents Prashant Aggarwal and his wife Jyoti Bansal for extending their stay and as cost of litigation.
The NCDRC direction came on travel firm CKL's petition against the Delhi State Consumer Commission's verdict, which had upheld a district consumer forum's order holding CKL and the airline guilty of rendering deficient services and asking them to pay Rs one lakh each to the husband and wife.
20/08/12 Press Trust of India/Business Standard
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Air carriers told to submit foreign operation plans
New Delhi: Indian carriers, most of which have planned to expand foreign operations from this winter, have been asked by Civil Aviation Ministry to submit their international flight plans till 2014 by this month end.
The ministry’s move comes in the wake of aggressive expansion carried out so far by foreign carriers, especially those from the Middle East.
Official sources said the global operation plans of the Indian carriers would be discussed at a meeting early next month. The data have been sought to assess the capability of Indian carriers to operate international flights, in terms of their fleet, crew and bilateral rights used, they said.
At present, foreign airlines weekly operate 1,356 flights to India as against just over 800 by Indian carriers. Indian carriers permitted to operate international flights are Air-India, Jet, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Kingfisher.
19/08/12 PTI/Oman Tribune
The ministry’s move comes in the wake of aggressive expansion carried out so far by foreign carriers, especially those from the Middle East.
Official sources said the global operation plans of the Indian carriers would be discussed at a meeting early next month. The data have been sought to assess the capability of Indian carriers to operate international flights, in terms of their fleet, crew and bilateral rights used, they said.
At present, foreign airlines weekly operate 1,356 flights to India as against just over 800 by Indian carriers. Indian carriers permitted to operate international flights are Air-India, Jet, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Kingfisher.
19/08/12 PTI/Oman Tribune
Record high airfare on Dubai-Kochi direct route
Mumbai: Air India pilots strike may be long over, but the airline has continued to operate a curtailed flight schedule, which in turn, has hit passengers who fly down to India from the Middle East for the festive season, Onam this time.
The reduction in number of seats on this route has taken airfares, especially those for direct flights between Dubai and Kochi, to an incredible high.
On Sunday, the lowest fare on offer for travel next week from Dubai and for return in September on the Dubai-Kochi-Dubai direct route begis at Rs 1.9 lakh.
The fare for a ticket to Emirates is being offered by some travel portals. Over a month ago, Emirates had sold out all the seats for flights scheduled in the coming weeks in this route. But seats to Emirates flights are available on some travel portals.
19/08/12 Manju V/Times of India
The reduction in number of seats on this route has taken airfares, especially those for direct flights between Dubai and Kochi, to an incredible high.
On Sunday, the lowest fare on offer for travel next week from Dubai and for return in September on the Dubai-Kochi-Dubai direct route begis at Rs 1.9 lakh.
The fare for a ticket to Emirates is being offered by some travel portals. Over a month ago, Emirates had sold out all the seats for flights scheduled in the coming weeks in this route. But seats to Emirates flights are available on some travel portals.
19/08/12 Manju V/Times of India
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Aircraft import requests to be analysed in-depth: Aviation ministry
New Delhi: With cash-starved domestic airlines turning defiant, the civil aviation ministry is reconfiguring its policies to tame them. In one such move, the ministry is adding an expert in the aircraft acquisition committee to do an in-depth analysis of the import requests by several airlines and operators.
“Currently, all the acquisitions we clear are on the basis of macro numbers of demand and supply. Now, we have decided to do a route or region-wise demand and supply analysis for which the import request is made,” said a senior civil aviation ministry official, who did not want to be identified.
The official added that to facilitate such analysis they have decided to add the economic advisor of the ministry in the aircraft acquisition committee.
17/08/12 Indian Express
“Currently, all the acquisitions we clear are on the basis of macro numbers of demand and supply. Now, we have decided to do a route or region-wise demand and supply analysis for which the import request is made,” said a senior civil aviation ministry official, who did not want to be identified.
The official added that to facilitate such analysis they have decided to add the economic advisor of the ministry in the aircraft acquisition committee.
17/08/12 Indian Express
4 Chinese detained at Bangalore airport with 202kg sandalwood
Four Chinese men were detained early today at the international airport here after 202 kgs of the precious Red sandalwood was recovered from their baggage.
The wood, smuggled extensively, is an endangered species and the seized consignment, intercepted by CISF personnel, is estimated to be valued about Rs 10 lakh in the market.
The Chinese men were bound for Chengdu on a China Airlines flight and Customs officials are now questioning them about the source of the precious wood.
17/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
The wood, smuggled extensively, is an endangered species and the seized consignment, intercepted by CISF personnel, is estimated to be valued about Rs 10 lakh in the market.
The Chinese men were bound for Chengdu on a China Airlines flight and Customs officials are now questioning them about the source of the precious wood.
17/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
Jet, Air India try to emerge as West-Saarc bridge
New Delhi: The absence of strong airlines in neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has led to Indian airlines trying to do an Emirates - by bringing traffic from these countries to their hubs in Delhi or Mumbai and then sending them to the West and vice versa - something called sixth freedom in aviation parlance. According to Jet Airways, 17% of its 60-lakh annual international travellers last year were people flying between Gulf (and Europe to some extent) and India and then taking connecting flights to and from places like Kathmandu, Dhaka.
Air India (international) says 1 lakh of its 30 lakh international travellers annually came from this segment and the airline has set a target of 1.25 lakh for this year. "The original target was 1.5 lakh but had to be scaled back due to reduction of flights because of almost two-month-long pilots' strike," said an official. Foreign airlines have historically carried almost 66%-80% of all international traffic in and out of India, thanks to a mix of sixth freedom use by mega airlines from Gulf, southeast Asia and Europe and direct point-to-point services offered by them.
17/08/12 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
Air India (international) says 1 lakh of its 30 lakh international travellers annually came from this segment and the airline has set a target of 1.25 lakh for this year. "The original target was 1.5 lakh but had to be scaled back due to reduction of flights because of almost two-month-long pilots' strike," said an official. Foreign airlines have historically carried almost 66%-80% of all international traffic in and out of India, thanks to a mix of sixth freedom use by mega airlines from Gulf, southeast Asia and Europe and direct point-to-point services offered by them.
17/08/12 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
Nigeria, India to revive direct flights
India is set to review the bilateral air service agreement (BASA) with Nigeria so that airlines can operate non-stop flights to both countries. Indian high commissioner Mahesh Sachdev said direct flights were necessary as trade and investment between the two countries now stands at $26 billion.
"We are negotiating with Nigeria renewal of BASA. Ideally, it should be possible for us to use the opportunity to ensure direct flights, especially for medical tourists," Xinhua quoted him as saying. According to the envoy, the excellent relations between Nigeria and India were evident in the current volume of trade.
16/08/12 Business Today
"We are negotiating with Nigeria renewal of BASA. Ideally, it should be possible for us to use the opportunity to ensure direct flights, especially for medical tourists," Xinhua quoted him as saying. According to the envoy, the excellent relations between Nigeria and India were evident in the current volume of trade.
16/08/12 Business Today
GippsAero selects Soloy for GA8 final assembly in North America
London: Australian aircraft manufacturer GippsAero has selected Soloy Aviation Solutions to conduct assembly of its GA8 Airvan utility aircraft for the North American market as it seeks to boost US orders for the type.
Soloy, which is based in Olympia, Washington, and provides a range of aviation services including retrofits, re-assembly and aircraft parts, will be responsible for assembly and technical support for GippsAero for all North American orders. Initially the deal covers the GA8 Airvan but it could be extended to include the new GA10 and GA18, says GippsAero, which is owned by India's Mahindra Aerospace.
GippsAero has 35 GA8 Airvans flying in the Americas, of which 26 are based in the USA. The manufacturer has recently been targeting the market for future sales, although it declines to comment on sales forecasts for the region.
16/08/12 Kate Sarsfiled/Flight Global
Soloy, which is based in Olympia, Washington, and provides a range of aviation services including retrofits, re-assembly and aircraft parts, will be responsible for assembly and technical support for GippsAero for all North American orders. Initially the deal covers the GA8 Airvan but it could be extended to include the new GA10 and GA18, says GippsAero, which is owned by India's Mahindra Aerospace.
GippsAero has 35 GA8 Airvans flying in the Americas, of which 26 are based in the USA. The manufacturer has recently been targeting the market for future sales, although it declines to comment on sales forecasts for the region.
16/08/12 Kate Sarsfiled/Flight Global
Poor visibility, Dubai flight diverted to Calicut
Mangalore: Poor visibility conditions forced the Air India Express 814 flight from Dubai to be diverted to Calicut on Thursday. It also disrupted the schedule of the domestic flight from Bangalore which landed here two hours late at 10 am.
Air India authorities said that the visibility was very poor, less than 100 mts, hence the flight was diverted to Calicut. The flight arrived at Bajpe airport at 1.30 pm, after it got replacement crew. This flight will leave for Dubai later in the night.
The Civil Aviation rules are very strict. After the requisite Flying Duty Time Limit, the crew has to be replaced whether they have reached the intended destination or not. The replacement crew took over at Calicut,'' the authority added. The flight was scheduled to land at 6.25 am.
16/08/12 Times of India
Air India authorities said that the visibility was very poor, less than 100 mts, hence the flight was diverted to Calicut. The flight arrived at Bajpe airport at 1.30 pm, after it got replacement crew. This flight will leave for Dubai later in the night.
The Civil Aviation rules are very strict. After the requisite Flying Duty Time Limit, the crew has to be replaced whether they have reached the intended destination or not. The replacement crew took over at Calicut,'' the authority added. The flight was scheduled to land at 6.25 am.
16/08/12 Times of India
Tiger claws and cow urine from India seized at airport
Herbal remedies and massage oils containing ground tiger claws, poisonous plants and cow urine have been seized by border officials at a UK port.
The illegally imported products, bound for an address in Birmingham, were discovered by officials at Felixstowe Port in Suffolk in a consignment of 45 large cardboard boxes which had travelled from India.
It is the first time ground tiger claws, which may have come from tigers which were illegally poached, have been found by customs in the UK, Border Force said.
Cow urine, poisonous plants, and goat meat were also found in the ingredients of the 450ml herbal remedy and five-litre massage oil bottles.
Officials examining the load also found several large cockroaches that had fermented in the boxes.
16/08/12 Asian Image
The illegally imported products, bound for an address in Birmingham, were discovered by officials at Felixstowe Port in Suffolk in a consignment of 45 large cardboard boxes which had travelled from India.
It is the first time ground tiger claws, which may have come from tigers which were illegally poached, have been found by customs in the UK, Border Force said.
Cow urine, poisonous plants, and goat meat were also found in the ingredients of the 450ml herbal remedy and five-litre massage oil bottles.
Officials examining the load also found several large cockroaches that had fermented in the boxes.
16/08/12 Asian Image
Embraer Delivers First AEW&C Aircraft to India
Embraer Defense and Security today delivered the first EMB 145 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) class of aircraft to the Government of India, in a ceremony held at Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
The delivery follows successful completion of ground and flight tests of the aircraft which met operational targets established by both Embraer and Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Later on the aircraft will be delivered to the Indian Air Force after integration of missions systems of DRDO by CABS in India.
“The collaboration with DRDO in such a complex program strengthens the ties between Brazil and India”, said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President & CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. “We are very proud to meet the expectations of our clients in providing CABS, DRDO with this platform.”
16/08/12 Aviation.ca
The delivery follows successful completion of ground and flight tests of the aircraft which met operational targets established by both Embraer and Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Later on the aircraft will be delivered to the Indian Air Force after integration of missions systems of DRDO by CABS in India.
“The collaboration with DRDO in such a complex program strengthens the ties between Brazil and India”, said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President & CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. “We are very proud to meet the expectations of our clients in providing CABS, DRDO with this platform.”
16/08/12 Aviation.ca
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
'Only India doesn't want A-380 aircraft'
Frankfurt: India may have to wait indefinitely for the world's biggest commercial aircraft Airbus A-380 to have regular flights here. German carrier Lufthansa, whose application for deploying this plane on the Delhi-Frankfurt route has been pending for years, says all its super jumbos have been put on other routes.
The airline has deployed the newest jumbo jet Boeing 747-800 on the Delhi-Frankfurt route now. "The A-380 is present in the American market and in other Asian countries like China and Japan. Only India doesn't want it. And I don't see it happening anytime soon. We presently have eight A-380s and they are flying other routes," Lufthansa director ( south Asia) Axel Hilgers said. The government has not cleared Lufthansa's request for the A-380 as that would lead to similar demands from other carriers like Emirates and Singapore Airlines, something that may further wean away traffic from Indian airlines. The IGI runway is Code F compliant, which means it can accommodate the A-380.
15/08/12 Times of India
The airline has deployed the newest jumbo jet Boeing 747-800 on the Delhi-Frankfurt route now. "The A-380 is present in the American market and in other Asian countries like China and Japan. Only India doesn't want it. And I don't see it happening anytime soon. We presently have eight A-380s and they are flying other routes," Lufthansa director ( south Asia) Axel Hilgers said. The government has not cleared Lufthansa's request for the A-380 as that would lead to similar demands from other carriers like Emirates and Singapore Airlines, something that may further wean away traffic from Indian airlines. The IGI runway is Code F compliant, which means it can accommodate the A-380.
15/08/12 Times of India
CIASL awaits European nod
Kochi: The Cochin International Aviation Services Limited (CIASL), a subsidiary of CIAL, will have a grand take-off on the global maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) of flights when the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approves it as a foreign maintenance organisation soon. The approval is expected within two weeks, say sources.
The audit team from EASA recently conducted an audit of the CIASL line maintenance facilities and suggested corrections. A Qatar Airways trainer arrived at the MRO facility and trained the personnel at CIASL and the relevant papers have now been sent to EASA.
When the facility becomes full-fledged, European flights will also come to CIASL for maintenance since the rates are much cheaper here.
India currently has the potential to emerge as the global hub for MRO outsourcing in the Asia-Pacific region and CIASL has vast scope to tap this market.
15/08/12 Vinod Nedumudy/Deccan Chronicle
The audit team from EASA recently conducted an audit of the CIASL line maintenance facilities and suggested corrections. A Qatar Airways trainer arrived at the MRO facility and trained the personnel at CIASL and the relevant papers have now been sent to EASA.
When the facility becomes full-fledged, European flights will also come to CIASL for maintenance since the rates are much cheaper here.
India currently has the potential to emerge as the global hub for MRO outsourcing in the Asia-Pacific region and CIASL has vast scope to tap this market.
15/08/12 Vinod Nedumudy/Deccan Chronicle
Government to overlook Trinamool Congress, clear aviation FDI
New Delhi: The government is ready to give the go-ahead to foreign airlines to buy stakes in domestic carriers, even though the Trinamool Congress, the second-biggest member of UPA, remains opposed to the proposal.
Participants at the last meeting of the UPA coordination panel agreed with the view that the issue should be cleared without delay, persons familiar with the matter told ET. Though the coordination panel may meet again towards the end of the month, Congress leaders are not likely to allow the issue to be reopened.
Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's resistance had earlier forced the government to put the decision on foreign direct investment in aviation on hold.
15/08/12 Economic Times
Participants at the last meeting of the UPA coordination panel agreed with the view that the issue should be cleared without delay, persons familiar with the matter told ET. Though the coordination panel may meet again towards the end of the month, Congress leaders are not likely to allow the issue to be reopened.
Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's resistance had earlier forced the government to put the decision on foreign direct investment in aviation on hold.
15/08/12 Economic Times
Briton held with sat phone at airport
The airport police on Monday arrested an English woman for allegedly possessing a satellite phone, a device which can be brought only with special permission.
Rebeca Harris, 44, who is employed with Burnnight Bright Company in the UK, was on her way to Bhuj for carrying out her research work.
15/08/12 Shahkar Abidi/Daily News & Analysis
Rebeca Harris, 44, who is employed with Burnnight Bright Company in the UK, was on her way to Bhuj for carrying out her research work.
15/08/12 Shahkar Abidi/Daily News & Analysis
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Stir-hit AI ready to spread its wings
New Delhi: After operating on a truncated schedule for more than three months, country’s national carrier Air India (AI) is set to resume full operations. Destinations like Hong Kong, Seoul and New York which were suspended following the 59-day long strike of the pilots will be reopened soon.
The airline will also be activating its entire fleet of Boeing 777s. These aircraft were grounded after the pilots’ strike crippled AI’s operations. The national carrier currently has 20 Boeing 777s including eight 777 LRs (Long Range) and 12777 ERs (Extended Range), which will be pressed back into service.
“We will begin our services on routes like Hong King, Seoul, Osaka in the first phase starting August 21 which will be followed by operations to New York, Frankfurt and Paris,” a senior AI official said.
14/08/12 Daily News & Analysis
The airline will also be activating its entire fleet of Boeing 777s. These aircraft were grounded after the pilots’ strike crippled AI’s operations. The national carrier currently has 20 Boeing 777s including eight 777 LRs (Long Range) and 12777 ERs (Extended Range), which will be pressed back into service.
“We will begin our services on routes like Hong King, Seoul, Osaka in the first phase starting August 21 which will be followed by operations to New York, Frankfurt and Paris,” a senior AI official said.
14/08/12 Daily News & Analysis
Thiruvananthapuram new gateway to India
Thiruvananthapuram: God’s Own Country will soon become the fifth gateway to India for holidaymakers from 11 countries who can get tourist visa on arrival (T-VoA) as the international airport here will join the airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata in issuing this passport to a dream vacation. Citizens of Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia can get T-VoA. The Union Ministry of External Affairs has approved it for the citizens of France, Germany and Russia, and nod from the Bureau of Immigration (BOI), which functions under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, is awaited.
14/08/12 S Anil Radhakrishnan/The Hindu
14/08/12 S Anil Radhakrishnan/The Hindu
London Olympics hit India-UK air traffic
London: The London Olympics have been blamed for a drop in passengers to and from India and other destinations during July, according to latest figures of arrivals at UK airports.
Airport operator BAA, which operates Heathrow and other airports, today said passenger numbers in July were down across the company's five airports by 4.1 per cent in the month to 9.6 million.
This included a drop of 4.4 per cent at Heathrow to 6.6 million passengers.
There was a drop of 11 per cent in passengers to and from Indian destinations during the month, BAA said.
"The drop was more pronounced in the second half of the month and it is likely that the Olympics played a part, with UK passengers staying at home as well as non-Olympic visitors from overseas choosing to defer their journeys," BAA said.
14/08/12 PTI/Economic Times
Airport operator BAA, which operates Heathrow and other airports, today said passenger numbers in July were down across the company's five airports by 4.1 per cent in the month to 9.6 million.
This included a drop of 4.4 per cent at Heathrow to 6.6 million passengers.
There was a drop of 11 per cent in passengers to and from Indian destinations during the month, BAA said.
"The drop was more pronounced in the second half of the month and it is likely that the Olympics played a part, with UK passengers staying at home as well as non-Olympic visitors from overseas choosing to defer their journeys," BAA said.
14/08/12 PTI/Economic Times
J-K to discuss direct Haj flight with Centre
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government will hold a meeting with the Centre next week to press for the resumption of a direct flight from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia during Haj this year.
"Minister of State for Haj, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, is holding a meeting with Union government after Eid-ul-Fitr to seek a direct Haj flight from Srinagar to Jeddah," Chief Executive Officer of State Haj Committee, Abdul Salam, said here.
The government is keen to see early resumption of flights from Srinagar to Jeddah, which were introduced in October, 2008, but later suspended.
14/8/2012 PTI/Business Standard
"Minister of State for Haj, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, is holding a meeting with Union government after Eid-ul-Fitr to seek a direct Haj flight from Srinagar to Jeddah," Chief Executive Officer of State Haj Committee, Abdul Salam, said here.
The government is keen to see early resumption of flights from Srinagar to Jeddah, which were introduced in October, 2008, but later suspended.
14/8/2012 PTI/Business Standard
SpiceJet adds Kabul service
Mumbai: Indian low-cost airline, SpiceJet, will start direct flights from New Delhi to the Afghan capital Kabul from Tuesday as trade and medical tourism grows between the countries.
SpiceJet will be India’s first private airline to operate a direct service to Kabul with its one-hour flight, three times a week. The state-run flagship Air India also flies to Afghanistan, six times a week.
“India and Afghanistan always had strong trade links. The idea is to revive that growth potential,” SpiceJet spokeswoman Priti Dey told AFP.
14/08/12 AFP/TR Weekly
SpiceJet will be India’s first private airline to operate a direct service to Kabul with its one-hour flight, three times a week. The state-run flagship Air India also flies to Afghanistan, six times a week.
“India and Afghanistan always had strong trade links. The idea is to revive that growth potential,” SpiceJet spokeswoman Priti Dey told AFP.
14/08/12 AFP/TR Weekly
Monday, August 13, 2012
Germany seizes Russian engines destined for Algeria, India
German customs officials have confiscated two shipments of military aircraft engines, seizing MiG-29 engines destined for Algeria and Tu-142 engines for India.
According to Spiegel, the four Tu-142 engines and a shipment of MiG-29 engines were seized because they lacked the necessary permits, in violation of Germany’s strict arms control laws.
Officials intercepted the Tu-142 engines at Hahn airport in Rhineland-Palatinate state. According to Spiegel, they are worth US$3.3 million. The Indian Navy has eight Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft in service. It is expected that they will be replaced by Boeing P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
13/08/12 defence Web
According to Spiegel, the four Tu-142 engines and a shipment of MiG-29 engines were seized because they lacked the necessary permits, in violation of Germany’s strict arms control laws.
Officials intercepted the Tu-142 engines at Hahn airport in Rhineland-Palatinate state. According to Spiegel, they are worth US$3.3 million. The Indian Navy has eight Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft in service. It is expected that they will be replaced by Boeing P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
13/08/12 defence Web
Air India to receive 787s this month
Air India expects to receive its first and second 787 in August, according to a request for proposals on the government-owned airline’s website.
The delivery could include the first Lowcountry-built 787, which Boeing Co. officials said would be delivered in June. But that delivery was delayed amid negotiations over the 787 program’s delays. Three Dreamliners await delivery in the company’s North Charleston flight line, including the 787 built next door at the final assembly center.
Air India included its delivery expectations in a request for proposals for bridge financing of as much as $500 million for the airline’s third, fourth, fifth and sixth Dreamliners. The airline expects those deliveries to fall between August and December.
Boeing officials weren’t available for comment.
Bridge financing isn’t common in airline purchases, said Tom Hollahan, managing director for Global Aviation at Citibank. In general, customers use bridge loans to take delivery if permanent financing isn’t ready.
13/08/12 Matt Tomsic/Charleston Regional Businss Journal
The delivery could include the first Lowcountry-built 787, which Boeing Co. officials said would be delivered in June. But that delivery was delayed amid negotiations over the 787 program’s delays. Three Dreamliners await delivery in the company’s North Charleston flight line, including the 787 built next door at the final assembly center.
Air India included its delivery expectations in a request for proposals for bridge financing of as much as $500 million for the airline’s third, fourth, fifth and sixth Dreamliners. The airline expects those deliveries to fall between August and December.
Boeing officials weren’t available for comment.
Bridge financing isn’t common in airline purchases, said Tom Hollahan, managing director for Global Aviation at Citibank. In general, customers use bridge loans to take delivery if permanent financing isn’t ready.
13/08/12 Matt Tomsic/Charleston Regional Businss Journal
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Submit foreign operation plans by Aug-end: Min to airlines
New Delhi: Indian carriers, most of which have planned to expand foreign operations from this winter, have been asked by Civil Aviation Ministry to submit their international flight plans till 2014 by this month end.
The ministry's move comes in the wake of aggressive expansion carried out so far by foreign carriers, especially those from the Middle East.
Official sources said the global operation plans of the Indian carriers would be discussed at a meeting early next month.
The data have been sought to assess the capability of Indian carriers to operate international flights, in terms of their fleet, crew and bilateral rights used, they said.
At present, foreign airlines weekly operate 1,356 flights to India as against just over 800 by Indian carriers. Indian carriers permitted to operate international flights are Air India, Jet, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Kingfisher.
12/08/12 PTI/Zee News
The ministry's move comes in the wake of aggressive expansion carried out so far by foreign carriers, especially those from the Middle East.
Official sources said the global operation plans of the Indian carriers would be discussed at a meeting early next month.
The data have been sought to assess the capability of Indian carriers to operate international flights, in terms of their fleet, crew and bilateral rights used, they said.
At present, foreign airlines weekly operate 1,356 flights to India as against just over 800 by Indian carriers. Indian carriers permitted to operate international flights are Air India, Jet, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Kingfisher.
12/08/12 PTI/Zee News
Saturday, August 11, 2012
To get local carriers soaring, wings of global airlines may be clipped
New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation is against allowing international airlines operate more flights into India till domestic carriers catch up.
With this in mind, it has asked all domestic airlines to submit, within 15 days, their plans for operating international flights till March 2014.
“If foreign airlines keep operating more and more flights into India then what chance do Indian carriers have to grow and become big players in the international arena?” a senior Government official asked.
At the moment, Air India, Jet, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Kingfisher are permitted to operate international flights from India. Currently, Air India’s international schedule is truncated due to the effects of the 58-day pilot strike, while Kingfisher has withdrawn from international routes because of its financial woes.
10/08/12 Business Line
With this in mind, it has asked all domestic airlines to submit, within 15 days, their plans for operating international flights till March 2014.
“If foreign airlines keep operating more and more flights into India then what chance do Indian carriers have to grow and become big players in the international arena?” a senior Government official asked.
At the moment, Air India, Jet, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Kingfisher are permitted to operate international flights from India. Currently, Air India’s international schedule is truncated due to the effects of the 58-day pilot strike, while Kingfisher has withdrawn from international routes because of its financial woes.
10/08/12 Business Line
Rossell India ties up with Canadian firm CAE Canada
Kolkata: Rossell India has tied up with Canadian firm CAE Canada to provide simulation training solutions to the Indian defence market, a top official of the company said.
Rossell India Limited has restructured itself into three divisions - Tea, Aviation & Defence (Technology and Engineering) and Product Support Services (Aerospace), according to the company.
"We have entered into a partnership with CAE Canada for providing simulation training solutions for the Indian defence market," Rossell India Executive Chairman H M Gupta said.
10/08/12 Economic Times
Rossell India Limited has restructured itself into three divisions - Tea, Aviation & Defence (Technology and Engineering) and Product Support Services (Aerospace), according to the company.
"We have entered into a partnership with CAE Canada for providing simulation training solutions for the Indian defence market," Rossell India Executive Chairman H M Gupta said.
10/08/12 Economic Times
Is Jean Gaetan Gingras a sinner or a saint?
As Jean Gaetan Gingras was being sentenced to 10 years for conspiring to traffic cocaine last week, the 69-year-old Montrealer made cryptic comments in B.C. Supreme Court.
"In the past, my actions have proven that I am not in agreement with people who are criminals and commit crimes," Gingras said through a French interpreter. "I have even put my life, my own life, into danger to save others."
While it was never revealed during his recent trial, Gingras was referring to his pivotal role in heading off a second Air India terrorist bombing in 1986, just a year after Flight 182 was blown from the sky over the North Atlantic in Canada's worst mass murder.
Details of Gingras's interaction with radicals in the Montreal faction of the Babbar Khalsa terrorist group are laid out in secret RCMP documents filed during pre-trial motions in the cocaine case and obtained by The Vancouver Sun.
They describe how 28 years ago, Gingras had become the go-to guy for the Babbar Khal-sa's Montreal wing. When a BK member wanted a gun in December 1985, he went to Gingras. When the BK man wanted to bomb the Surrey newspaper office of Tara Singh Hayer in January 1986, Gingras made the arrangements.
But when the same man approached Gingras a few months later to orchestrate a deadly airline bombing out of New York, Gingras was so concerned about the potential loss of life that he contacted the Sûreté du Québec about the plot.
Then Gingras turned on his contacts, and went on to play a key role in the resulting under-cover RCMP operation, code-named Project Scope, with the assistance of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In May 1986, Gingras arranged meetings in Montreal between FBI agent Frank Miele, posing as a Vietnam veteran with explosives expertise, and two Montreal men later charged in the terrorism conspiracy, Santokh Singh Khela and Kashmir Singh Dhillon.
11/08/12 Kim Bolan/Vancouver Sun
"In the past, my actions have proven that I am not in agreement with people who are criminals and commit crimes," Gingras said through a French interpreter. "I have even put my life, my own life, into danger to save others."
While it was never revealed during his recent trial, Gingras was referring to his pivotal role in heading off a second Air India terrorist bombing in 1986, just a year after Flight 182 was blown from the sky over the North Atlantic in Canada's worst mass murder.
Details of Gingras's interaction with radicals in the Montreal faction of the Babbar Khalsa terrorist group are laid out in secret RCMP documents filed during pre-trial motions in the cocaine case and obtained by The Vancouver Sun.
They describe how 28 years ago, Gingras had become the go-to guy for the Babbar Khal-sa's Montreal wing. When a BK member wanted a gun in December 1985, he went to Gingras. When the BK man wanted to bomb the Surrey newspaper office of Tara Singh Hayer in January 1986, Gingras made the arrangements.
But when the same man approached Gingras a few months later to orchestrate a deadly airline bombing out of New York, Gingras was so concerned about the potential loss of life that he contacted the Sûreté du Québec about the plot.
Then Gingras turned on his contacts, and went on to play a key role in the resulting under-cover RCMP operation, code-named Project Scope, with the assistance of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In May 1986, Gingras arranged meetings in Montreal between FBI agent Frank Miele, posing as a Vietnam veteran with explosives expertise, and two Montreal men later charged in the terrorism conspiracy, Santokh Singh Khela and Kashmir Singh Dhillon.
11/08/12 Kim Bolan/Vancouver Sun
Friday, August 10, 2012
GoAir signs 10-year contract with Lufthansa Technik for A320 maintenance
Mumbai: Budget airline GoAir has entered into a long-term component support contract with Germany-based Lufthansa Technik for maintaining its Airbus A320 aircraft.
The 10-year contract will cover most spare parts required for maintaining the Wadia Group-promoted carrier's fleet of A320 aircraft as well as the more fuel-efficient narrow-body A320 neo aircraft that it plans to add from 2016 onwards.
GoAir has 13 A320s and it plans to add 72 A320 neo aircraft after four years. The airline operates 98 daily flights and has a market share of over 7%. The carrier has achieved international benchmark for aircraft utilisation, with over 13 hours of flying on its Airbus A320 aircraft.
10/08/12 Manisha Singhal/Economic Times
The 10-year contract will cover most spare parts required for maintaining the Wadia Group-promoted carrier's fleet of A320 aircraft as well as the more fuel-efficient narrow-body A320 neo aircraft that it plans to add from 2016 onwards.
GoAir has 13 A320s and it plans to add 72 A320 neo aircraft after four years. The airline operates 98 daily flights and has a market share of over 7%. The carrier has achieved international benchmark for aircraft utilisation, with over 13 hours of flying on its Airbus A320 aircraft.
10/08/12 Manisha Singhal/Economic Times
Virgin begins new service from Delhi to New York
Mumbai: Virgin Atlantic will be starting a new service from Delhi to New York’s John F Kennedy airport via London Heathrow.
The new service will commence from October 28 and will complement the airline’s existing same day connection from Delhi to Newark via London Heathrow.
The new service is being launched to build upon the airline’s strong performance to Newark from Delhi and to capitalise on the growing passenger numbers to New York and the US.
08/08/12 Nivedita Ganguly/Business Line
The new service will commence from October 28 and will complement the airline’s existing same day connection from Delhi to Newark via London Heathrow.
The new service is being launched to build upon the airline’s strong performance to Newark from Delhi and to capitalise on the growing passenger numbers to New York and the US.
08/08/12 Nivedita Ganguly/Business Line
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Boeing Dreamliner deal turning out to be 'lucrative' for Air India
New Delhi: Air India's deal with Boeing for 27 Dreamliner (B-787) aircraft is turning out to be lucrative for India's national carrier as the airline is now eligible for an additional annual compensation of at least $80,000 per plane if the machines don't match up to the high performance standards claimed by the manufacturer.
One of the key performance standards touted by Boeing was the new aircraft's fuel efficiency, which for the first few aircraft will be way lower than promised because the planes are heavier by about 7.5 tonnes due to re-engineering.
"The Dreamliners are overweight by 7.5 tonnes, from its initial design. They were supposed to be 17% more fuel efficient vis-a-vis the A-330 aircraft. But the extra weight is likely to reduce that to 12%," a senior official from the civil aviation ministry told ET on conditions of anonymity.
09/08/12 Anindya Upadhyay/Economic Times
One of the key performance standards touted by Boeing was the new aircraft's fuel efficiency, which for the first few aircraft will be way lower than promised because the planes are heavier by about 7.5 tonnes due to re-engineering.
"The Dreamliners are overweight by 7.5 tonnes, from its initial design. They were supposed to be 17% more fuel efficient vis-a-vis the A-330 aircraft. But the extra weight is likely to reduce that to 12%," a senior official from the civil aviation ministry told ET on conditions of anonymity.
09/08/12 Anindya Upadhyay/Economic Times
Boeing 787 Engine Inquiry in U.S. Finds Fractured Shaft
Damage to a spinning shaft inside a General Electric Co. jet engine was uncovered by U.S. investigators probing a malfunction that spewed hot shards of metal during a test run of a Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it’s looking for the cause of the fracture in an engine component called the fan mid-shaft. Tokyo-based IHI Corp., the supplier, is assisting in the inquiry along with specialists from GE and Boeing, Rick Kennedy, a GE spokesman, said yesterday in an e-mail.
First-flight preparations were under way on a 787 due for delivery to Air India when the incident occurred July 28 near Boeing’s Charleston, South Carolina, factory. The debris ignited a brush fire and shut Charleston International Airport for an hour, and the NTSB began an investigation three days later.
09/08/12 Tim Catts, Susanna Ray and Alan Levin/Bloomberg/SFGate
The National Transportation Safety Board said it’s looking for the cause of the fracture in an engine component called the fan mid-shaft. Tokyo-based IHI Corp., the supplier, is assisting in the inquiry along with specialists from GE and Boeing, Rick Kennedy, a GE spokesman, said yesterday in an e-mail.
First-flight preparations were under way on a 787 due for delivery to Air India when the incident occurred July 28 near Boeing’s Charleston, South Carolina, factory. The debris ignited a brush fire and shut Charleston International Airport for an hour, and the NTSB began an investigation three days later.
09/08/12 Tim Catts, Susanna Ray and Alan Levin/Bloomberg/SFGate
Polish air carrier Eurolot selects IBS Soft solution
Thiruvananthapuram: Eurolot, a Polish airline headquartered in Warsaw, has implemented ‘iFly Res’ solution from IBS Software to manage passenger reservations of its fleet.
The iFly Res solution combines distinct benefits of a new generation airline system with extensive support of traditional functionalities, a spokesman for Technopark-based IBS Soft said here.
It is a comprehensive customer sales and services solution providing internet booking and Web check-in facilities.
It also facilitates opportunities for shopping, pricing, and inventory control to serve customers at every point in their journey. The solution is expected to reduce cost of operation, increase efficiency and enhance convenience and ease of travel for Eurolot passengers, the spokesman said.
09/08/12 Business Line
The iFly Res solution combines distinct benefits of a new generation airline system with extensive support of traditional functionalities, a spokesman for Technopark-based IBS Soft said here.
It is a comprehensive customer sales and services solution providing internet booking and Web check-in facilities.
It also facilitates opportunities for shopping, pricing, and inventory control to serve customers at every point in their journey. The solution is expected to reduce cost of operation, increase efficiency and enhance convenience and ease of travel for Eurolot passengers, the spokesman said.
09/08/12 Business Line
AI's Star dream ends
Air India’s dream to be a part of the 27-member Star Alliance is over, paving the way for the entry of Jet Airways in the exclusive club. Member-airlines of the world’s largest airline alliance were not able to come to a unanimous decision to allow Air India, whose application had been put on hold earlier.
Entry into the alliance would have given Air India a major boost, as it could have offered seamless travel to customers, the usage of frequent flier points redeemable with any member airline, and connectivity over 193 countries.
Air India has now decided to open talks with rival alliances Sky Team and One World, which are smaller than Star Alliance. Speaking to Business Standard on a wide range of developments in the aviation sector, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said, “To be part of the alliance, every member has to agree and that has not happened, especially after the pilots’ strike, when we lost a lot of credibility. They have practically said no and have sent us a letter last week. We have asked Air India to look for other options and alliances.”
09/08/12 Surajeet Das Gupta & Disha Kanwar/Business Standard
Entry into the alliance would have given Air India a major boost, as it could have offered seamless travel to customers, the usage of frequent flier points redeemable with any member airline, and connectivity over 193 countries.
Air India has now decided to open talks with rival alliances Sky Team and One World, which are smaller than Star Alliance. Speaking to Business Standard on a wide range of developments in the aviation sector, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said, “To be part of the alliance, every member has to agree and that has not happened, especially after the pilots’ strike, when we lost a lot of credibility. They have practically said no and have sent us a letter last week. We have asked Air India to look for other options and alliances.”
09/08/12 Surajeet Das Gupta & Disha Kanwar/Business Standard
Wanna fly to Kochi this Eid? Fork out a cool Dh6,600
For Keralities in the UAE, celebrating Eid or Onam back home this year may be too expensive as weekend fares on Dubai-Kochi route has soared to as high as Dh6,600 per ticket.
And if you are lucky and you manage to find it online, the cheapest fare would be not less than Dh3,000 during August-September period.
Travel agents say Emirates flights to Kochi are fully booked for August, tickets are available on Jet Airways, but only on connecting flights. The Dubai-Mumbai-Kochi and Kochi-Mumbai-Dubai flight is currently the least expensive at Dh3,000 (checked on August 8 at 08.16 UAE time), but return fares could rise as high as Dh6,600 if you are travelling on a Friday on Dubai-Delhi-Kochi route.
09/08/12 Parag Deulgaonkar/Emirates 24|7
And if you are lucky and you manage to find it online, the cheapest fare would be not less than Dh3,000 during August-September period.
Travel agents say Emirates flights to Kochi are fully booked for August, tickets are available on Jet Airways, but only on connecting flights. The Dubai-Mumbai-Kochi and Kochi-Mumbai-Dubai flight is currently the least expensive at Dh3,000 (checked on August 8 at 08.16 UAE time), but return fares could rise as high as Dh6,600 if you are travelling on a Friday on Dubai-Delhi-Kochi route.
09/08/12 Parag Deulgaonkar/Emirates 24|7
Sushmita Sen robbed at Athens airport
The beauty queen-turned-actress Sushmita Sen who was recently on a vacation to the exotic locale of Santorini has been stuck with tragedy. The actress who was returning to Mumbai was robbed at the Athens airport.
Apparently, the robbery took place at 13:05 hrs Greek time at the airport where Sush was booked on a flight to Dubai, from where she was to board a connecting flight to Mumbai. Since she arrived about four hours early, Sushmita was waiting outside an eatery, with her hand on her trolley. At some point, she turned to speak to a man sitting behind her when she was robbed.
09/08/12 Bollywood News
Apparently, the robbery took place at 13:05 hrs Greek time at the airport where Sush was booked on a flight to Dubai, from where she was to board a connecting flight to Mumbai. Since she arrived about four hours early, Sushmita was waiting outside an eatery, with her hand on her trolley. At some point, she turned to speak to a man sitting behind her when she was robbed.
09/08/12 Bollywood News
Snag delays Emirates' Chennai-Dubai flight by over 8 hours
Chennai: The departure of a Dubai-bound Emirates Airways flight scheduled to take off from Chennai at 9.45 am on Thursday with 369 passengers was rescheduled following a technical snag, airport officials said.
The passengers had boarded the flight in the morning but were made to wait in the aircraft for three hours before being disembarked citing the technical snag, they said.
They were provided lunch at the airport and later shifted to a hotel at around 3 pm, the officials said, adding that the flight was expected to take off late this evening.
09/08/12 PTI/IBN Live
The passengers had boarded the flight in the morning but were made to wait in the aircraft for three hours before being disembarked citing the technical snag, they said.
They were provided lunch at the airport and later shifted to a hotel at around 3 pm, the officials said, adding that the flight was expected to take off late this evening.
09/08/12 PTI/IBN Live
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
'Suspended' pilot flies Air India flight to Dubai
Mumbai: Captain SPS Suri was suspended by DGCA pending inquiry for allegedly trying to bury an episode of turbulence on a flight. But he travelled as operational crewmember for another flight on August 1, in violation of aviation and immigration guidelines. An inquiry against him for alleged contravention of rules has apparently failed to stop this Air India pilot from flouting a few more.
MiD DAY had reported on July 24 (Maharaja of cover-ups) that there was massive turbulence aboard AI 348 Delhi-Shanghai on July 5, leading to damage to the plane and injuries to passengers, and that the pilot, Captain SPS Suri, allegedly did not brief the company or aviation regulator about the episode and instead ordered crewmembers to stay mum. On July 30, MiD DAY had also published the traumatic experiences of several commuters (‘I was tossed up against the plane’s roof’). Captain Suri had been de-rostered by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) pending inquiry, which is still in progress.
However, documents available with MiD DAY reveal that the pilot in question travelled as operational crewmember for flight AI 995 Delhi-Dubai on August 1, which is a violation of aviation and immigration guidelines, said top civil aviation ministry functionaries.
07/08/12 MiD DAY/IBN Live
MiD DAY had reported on July 24 (Maharaja of cover-ups) that there was massive turbulence aboard AI 348 Delhi-Shanghai on July 5, leading to damage to the plane and injuries to passengers, and that the pilot, Captain SPS Suri, allegedly did not brief the company or aviation regulator about the episode and instead ordered crewmembers to stay mum. On July 30, MiD DAY had also published the traumatic experiences of several commuters (‘I was tossed up against the plane’s roof’). Captain Suri had been de-rostered by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) pending inquiry, which is still in progress.
However, documents available with MiD DAY reveal that the pilot in question travelled as operational crewmember for flight AI 995 Delhi-Dubai on August 1, which is a violation of aviation and immigration guidelines, said top civil aviation ministry functionaries.
07/08/12 MiD DAY/IBN Live
Why Gulf carriers won’t invest in India airlines
India represents a major market for Gulf carriers, and with a developing middle class, a significant potential market for hundreds of millions of travellers by air. With India closing in on new regulations to permit foreign investment of up to 49 per cent in airlines in India, the market would seem ripe for Gulf carriers to quickly snatch up market share by investing in India’s domestic airlines and creating a market for feed traffic and connecting flights. While that is certainly the intent of India’s legislation, unfortunately, that scenario is quite unlikely.
Several factors that permeate the Indian airline industry will result in airlines from the Gulf concluding that the potential returns from investing in airlines in India will simply not materialise, and foreign direct investment makes no sense in this case.
07/08/12 Ernest S. Arvai/Gulf News
Several factors that permeate the Indian airline industry will result in airlines from the Gulf concluding that the potential returns from investing in airlines in India will simply not materialise, and foreign direct investment makes no sense in this case.
07/08/12 Ernest S. Arvai/Gulf News
Lufthansa flies world's newest aircraft to India
Opening a new chapter in Indian aviation, Lufthansa's Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental touched down for the first time in the country at 0035 on Tuesday.
A grand water canon salute welcomed the arrival of this new aircraft at Terminal 3 of Delhi's India Gandhi International Airport. Lufthansa is the global launch customer for the latest avatar of the legendary family of Jumbo Jets. Delhi is the second destination worldwide to receive the B747-8.
07/08/12 Rediff.com
A grand water canon salute welcomed the arrival of this new aircraft at Terminal 3 of Delhi's India Gandhi International Airport. Lufthansa is the global launch customer for the latest avatar of the legendary family of Jumbo Jets. Delhi is the second destination worldwide to receive the B747-8.
07/08/12 Rediff.com
Indian venture may trigger 1000 UK aviation jobs
Cambridge UK property company Wrenbridge is partnering Norwich International Airport to develop a new aviation business park that could create 1,000 new jobs.
The catalyst for the 850,000 sq ft aviation-related business hub is a 160,000 sq ft pre-let to Air Livery.
The aircraft painting facility will accommodate planned expansion at the airport and provide 120 jobs.
Air Livery was recently acquired by Airworks India – India's leading MRO organisation – and Julian Duffen, one of the founders and managing director said: “Our prime objective is to grow our business throughout Europe, India and the Far East.”
The new aviation business park will be developed on 100 acres to the north east of the main runway and sits inside the operational boundary of the airport, offering occupiers bespoke buildings with direct access to the airport’s infrastructure. The land is currently jointly owned by Norwich City and Norfolk County Councils.
As part of a long term commitment to the airport and to encourage the creation of new jobs, both councils have agreed to release land to enable this development proposal to come to fruition.
07/08/12 Business Weekly
The catalyst for the 850,000 sq ft aviation-related business hub is a 160,000 sq ft pre-let to Air Livery.
The aircraft painting facility will accommodate planned expansion at the airport and provide 120 jobs.
Air Livery was recently acquired by Airworks India – India's leading MRO organisation – and Julian Duffen, one of the founders and managing director said: “Our prime objective is to grow our business throughout Europe, India and the Far East.”
The new aviation business park will be developed on 100 acres to the north east of the main runway and sits inside the operational boundary of the airport, offering occupiers bespoke buildings with direct access to the airport’s infrastructure. The land is currently jointly owned by Norwich City and Norfolk County Councils.
As part of a long term commitment to the airport and to encourage the creation of new jobs, both councils have agreed to release land to enable this development proposal to come to fruition.
07/08/12 Business Weekly
Indian arrested in Bangladesh for smuggling 108 turtles
Dhaka: Two persons, including an Indian, were arrested today by the Bangladeshi police from the airport here for allegedly smuggling over 100 rare turtles to Thailand.
Police seized 108 species of turtles at Shahjalal International Airport earlier today while they were being smuggled to Thailand by a Bangkok Airways flight.
Members of Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBn) arrested the two people, including an Indian national, on charge of smuggling the reptiles.
The arrested were, Kibria, 35, hailing from Murshidabad in India, and Khairul Alam, 40, of Basail in Tangail.
S M A Rashid of CARINAM, an NGO that works on turtles, said the seized reptiles known as 'Shila Turtle' are black in colour and on the verge of extinction due to rapid shrink of their habitat and illegal exploitation.
07/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
Police seized 108 species of turtles at Shahjalal International Airport earlier today while they were being smuggled to Thailand by a Bangkok Airways flight.
Members of Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBn) arrested the two people, including an Indian national, on charge of smuggling the reptiles.
The arrested were, Kibria, 35, hailing from Murshidabad in India, and Khairul Alam, 40, of Basail in Tangail.
S M A Rashid of CARINAM, an NGO that works on turtles, said the seized reptiles known as 'Shila Turtle' are black in colour and on the verge of extinction due to rapid shrink of their habitat and illegal exploitation.
07/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
Monday, August 06, 2012
Air India likely to resume key international routes by month-end
New Delhi: State-owned Air India will resume most of its international operations by the end of the month. The airline was forced to scale down its international operations massively following the recent two-month strike by a section of pilots.
"We will be ready to restart our full international operations by the end of August. We will restore New York, Chicago and Paris flights by then... Also resume flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai," an airline official said.
Air India will also add more services to the busy Southeast Asian regions by mid-August.
Around 400 pilots, members of the now de-recognised Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), had gone on a 58-day strike from May 7 to protest the decision to allow the erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots to train on the Boeing Dreamliners.
05/08/12 Press Trust of India/ IBN Live
"We will be ready to restart our full international operations by the end of August. We will restore New York, Chicago and Paris flights by then... Also resume flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai," an airline official said.
Air India will also add more services to the busy Southeast Asian regions by mid-August.
Around 400 pilots, members of the now de-recognised Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), had gone on a 58-day strike from May 7 to protest the decision to allow the erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots to train on the Boeing Dreamliners.
05/08/12 Press Trust of India/ IBN Live
Sunday, August 05, 2012
AAI refuses to allow Kingfisher Airlines lessors to take back aircraft
Mumbai: Airport Authority of India has refused to allow the lessors to take back about half a dozen aircraft rented out to Kingfisher Airline, sources said. The lessors want the aircraft back as Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) has defaulted on rentals. "AAI has said no...to Kingfisher lessors to allow them to take back six aircraft parked at Chennai airport," sources said. One of the lessors has sent a legal notice to AAI for not passing the releasing order. AAI's contention is that it can not let the aircraft go, as it too has to recover dues of about Rs 300 crore on account of landing and parking fees from the near-bankrupt KFA.
05/08/12 PTI/Economic Times
05/08/12 PTI/Economic Times
GMR's Maldives airport project flies into rough weather
Male/New Delhi: Indian corporate giant GMR's $500 million Male airport project has run into rough weather, as Maldives government has temporary halted work on a new terminal building and the company has moved an arbitration court in Singapore over development charges.
GMR had won the airport contract when government headed by former President Mohamed Nasheed was in place, but the project, the largest single investment in the history of Maldives, began facing problems soon after a regime change in the country earlier this year.
The new government, headed by President Mohamed Waheed, has asked GMR to temporarily halt the development of a new terminal at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA).
Construction for the new terminal was part of the airport modernisation package. It started in December last year and is scheduled to open in 2014.
05/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
GMR had won the airport contract when government headed by former President Mohamed Nasheed was in place, but the project, the largest single investment in the history of Maldives, began facing problems soon after a regime change in the country earlier this year.
The new government, headed by President Mohamed Waheed, has asked GMR to temporarily halt the development of a new terminal at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA).
Construction for the new terminal was part of the airport modernisation package. It started in December last year and is scheduled to open in 2014.
05/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
AI may resume key international routes by month-end
Mumbai: State-owned Air India will resume most of its international operations by the end of the month. The airline was forced to scale down its international operations massively following the recent two-month strike by a section of pilots.
"We will be ready to restart our full international operations by the end of August. We will restore New York, Chicago and Paris flights by then...Also resume flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai," an airline official said.
Air India will also add more services to the busy Southeast Asian regions by mid-August.
Around 400 pilots, members of the now de-recognised Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), had gone on a 58-day strike from May 7 to protest the decision to allow the erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots to train on the Boeing Dreamliners.
05/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
"We will be ready to restart our full international operations by the end of August. We will restore New York, Chicago and Paris flights by then...Also resume flights to Hong Kong and Shanghai," an airline official said.
Air India will also add more services to the busy Southeast Asian regions by mid-August.
Around 400 pilots, members of the now de-recognised Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), had gone on a 58-day strike from May 7 to protest the decision to allow the erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots to train on the Boeing Dreamliners.
05/08/12 PTI/Business Standard
More Mideast flights to ease Onam-Ramzan rush
Kochi: Cochin International Airport is among four others to which the Air India Express (AIE) would operate additional international flights during the upcoming festival season.
The airline decided to introduce over 50 flights in the Middle East sector to meet the rush of passengers during Onam and Ramzan. Most services -- to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha and Dammam -- would be from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Mangalore besides Kochi. An AIE spokesperson said some flights would operate from Chennai and Mumbai.
05/08/12 T Ramavarman/Times of India
The airline decided to introduce over 50 flights in the Middle East sector to meet the rush of passengers during Onam and Ramzan. Most services -- to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha and Dammam -- would be from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Mangalore besides Kochi. An AIE spokesperson said some flights would operate from Chennai and Mumbai.
05/08/12 T Ramavarman/Times of India
British Airways to pay R 2 lakh for off-loading Indian passenger
New Delhi: British Airways has been ordered by a consumer forum here to pay Rs two lakh as compensation to
a woman passenger for not telling her in advance that she needed a transit visa for London en route to New Delhi and deplaning her at Vancouver airport. The New Delhi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum asked the UK flag-carrier to pay damages to complainant Kumkum Sharma, pointing out that the woman was forced to extend her stay in Canada till she could get a transit visa due to the failure of the airlines and its agent in informing her about the requirement.
05/08/12 PTI/Daily Bhaskar
a woman passenger for not telling her in advance that she needed a transit visa for London en route to New Delhi and deplaning her at Vancouver airport. The New Delhi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum asked the UK flag-carrier to pay damages to complainant Kumkum Sharma, pointing out that the woman was forced to extend her stay in Canada till she could get a transit visa due to the failure of the airlines and its agent in informing her about the requirement.
05/08/12 PTI/Daily Bhaskar
Jet Airways introduces early check-in facility at Muscat airport
Jet Airways has started offering early check-in facility at Muscat International Airport between noon to 2pm. Guests travelling to Thiruvanathapuram and Mumbai can avail this facility, stated a press release.
Jet Airways has also introduced the Aerobridge service at Kochi for all its passengers travelling to and from Kochi. Riyaz Kuttery, country manager for Oman, said, “Our early check-in facility in Muscat will be useful for those
travelling on our night flights to Mumbai and Thiruvanathapuram.
"It gives them the advantage of checking during the day time and report directly at the boarding gates 90 minutes prior to departure of their flights.
04/08/12 Muscat Daily
Jet Airways has also introduced the Aerobridge service at Kochi for all its passengers travelling to and from Kochi. Riyaz Kuttery, country manager for Oman, said, “Our early check-in facility in Muscat will be useful for those
travelling on our night flights to Mumbai and Thiruvanathapuram.
"It gives them the advantage of checking during the day time and report directly at the boarding gates 90 minutes prior to departure of their flights.
04/08/12 Muscat Daily
Saturday, August 04, 2012
FIIs' interest in airlines revives
New Delhi: The aviation sector is upbeat, with Jet Airways and SpiceJet recording profits in the quarter ended June and foreign institutional investors (FIIs) increasing their stakes in all the three listed carriers — Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and SpiceJet.
Stakes of domestic institutional investors, including mutual funds and insurance companies, were almost unchanged.
Mumbai-based Jet Airways, India’s largest carrier in terms of the number of passengers, saw the stake of FIIs rise from 6.7 per cent in the quarter ended March to 7.12 per cent in the quarter ended June. Kingfisher Airlines also recorded a rise in the stake of FIIs, which rose from 0.34 per cent to 0.98 per cent in the same period. The stake of FIIs in Sun Group-owned SpiceJet rose from 2.61 per cent to 3.51 per cent.
04/08/12 Disha Kanwar/Business Standard
Stakes of domestic institutional investors, including mutual funds and insurance companies, were almost unchanged.
Mumbai-based Jet Airways, India’s largest carrier in terms of the number of passengers, saw the stake of FIIs rise from 6.7 per cent in the quarter ended March to 7.12 per cent in the quarter ended June. Kingfisher Airlines also recorded a rise in the stake of FIIs, which rose from 0.34 per cent to 0.98 per cent in the same period. The stake of FIIs in Sun Group-owned SpiceJet rose from 2.61 per cent to 3.51 per cent.
04/08/12 Disha Kanwar/Business Standard
AI, AIE to operate 56 more flights
Thiruvananthapuram: Air India (AI) and its low cost carrier Air India Express (AIE) will operate 56 more flights from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Mangalore airports to the Middle East from Saturday.
This is to bring down the airfares that had gone up and to restore the services that were curtailed during the 58-day strike by pilots of the national carrier owing allegiance to the Indian Pilot’s Guild.
The move was aimed at clearing the rush of the Non-resident Keralites working in the Middle East and planning to come home during Ramzan and Onam, an AI spokesman told The Hindu.
04/08/12 S Anil Radhakrishnan/The Hindu
This is to bring down the airfares that had gone up and to restore the services that were curtailed during the 58-day strike by pilots of the national carrier owing allegiance to the Indian Pilot’s Guild.
The move was aimed at clearing the rush of the Non-resident Keralites working in the Middle East and planning to come home during Ramzan and Onam, an AI spokesman told The Hindu.
04/08/12 S Anil Radhakrishnan/The Hindu
German tourist jumps off T3 ramp, police say suicide bid
New Delhi A 30-year-old German tourist allegedly attempted to commit suicide by jumping from the departure ramp of Terminal 3 in Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on Friday morning.
According to police, Peter Helmet Seidel came to India on July 24 on a tourist visa and had booked his return ticket for August 10, police said. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Trauma Centre.
04/08/12 Express India
According to police, Peter Helmet Seidel came to India on July 24 on a tourist visa and had booked his return ticket for August 10, police said. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and later shifted to AIIMS Trauma Centre.
04/08/12 Express India
Friday, August 03, 2012
Air India refuses delivery of B787 till engine malfunction inquiry is over
New Delhi: Air India has “advised” Boeing that it would not take delivery of the Boeing 787 till the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Authority investigation into an incident on a new aircraft is complete.
Sources declined to comment on whether the “advise” to Boeing was conveyed through a letter, email or on the phone.
Foreign news agencies reported that Boeing, General Electric and US officials were investigating a malfunction that spewed metal debris from a GE engine on a Boeing 787 aircraft and caused an airport grass fire in South Carolina.
02/08/12 Business Line
Sources declined to comment on whether the “advise” to Boeing was conveyed through a letter, email or on the phone.
Foreign news agencies reported that Boeing, General Electric and US officials were investigating a malfunction that spewed metal debris from a GE engine on a Boeing 787 aircraft and caused an airport grass fire in South Carolina.
02/08/12 Business Line
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
SpiceJet to lease out 2 Boeings to Saudi Arabia's Nas Air
Mumbai: To tide over the lean monsoon months, when airlines usually find it difficult to fill planes, budget airline SpiceJet has come up with an innovative plan: it is leasing out two of its Boeing aircraft to a Saudi Arabia-headquartered budget airline Nas Air.
SpiceJet has 35 Boeing 737-800/900 in its fleet and is leasing excess capacity on the 737-800 aircraft type.
"It's a business decision (to lease aircraft) and has been taken with the approval of the board. Airlines across the world lease out aircraft in this manner. It's not that we will be pulling this capacity out from the market, but we will be redeploying our fleet based on the loads," said SpiceJet CEO Neil Mills.
01/08/12 Manisha Singhal/Economic Times
SpiceJet has 35 Boeing 737-800/900 in its fleet and is leasing excess capacity on the 737-800 aircraft type.
"It's a business decision (to lease aircraft) and has been taken with the approval of the board. Airlines across the world lease out aircraft in this manner. It's not that we will be pulling this capacity out from the market, but we will be redeploying our fleet based on the loads," said SpiceJet CEO Neil Mills.
01/08/12 Manisha Singhal/Economic Times
http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/52985 US hosts meeting of countries opposed to EU airlines carbon tax The opposition to the unilateral EU carbon tax
US hosts meeting of countries opposed to EU airlines carbon tax. The opposition to the unilateral EU carbon tax continued as countries opposed to the measure met in Washington DC for a two day summit.
Delegates came from some of the world’s biggest and fast growing economies including China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Russia. All these countries are opposed to an EU unilateral levy on airlines.
The Obama administration has adopted a softer stance than some of the developing economies and has suggested a global carbon tax regime developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The ICAO proposals call for a 2% fuel efficiency improvement programme until 2020. After that, it wants fuel efficiency levels to improve by 2% annually until 2050.
01/08/12 The Information Daily
Delegates came from some of the world’s biggest and fast growing economies including China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Russia. All these countries are opposed to an EU unilateral levy on airlines.
The Obama administration has adopted a softer stance than some of the developing economies and has suggested a global carbon tax regime developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The ICAO proposals call for a 2% fuel efficiency improvement programme until 2020. After that, it wants fuel efficiency levels to improve by 2% annually until 2050.
01/08/12 The Information Daily
AI to start 14 new services to the Gulf
Kozhikode: Air connectivity from Malabar to the Gulf, which went haywire following the recent pilot's strike by a section of Air India pilots, may get a respite with the national carrier all set to start 14 additional flights to the Gulf to cater to the huge rush during Eid ul Fitr and Onam season.
The Air India Express will operate new services between August 16 and September 14. Govindan Kutty, station manager, Air India, Kozhikode, said that Air India Express would operate seven additional flights to Dubai, two flights to Abu Dhabi, three flights in the Doha-Bahrain sector and one flight to Kuwait during the period.
01/08/12 Times of India
The Air India Express will operate new services between August 16 and September 14. Govindan Kutty, station manager, Air India, Kozhikode, said that Air India Express would operate seven additional flights to Dubai, two flights to Abu Dhabi, three flights in the Doha-Bahrain sector and one flight to Kuwait during the period.
01/08/12 Times of India
US-made India's 1st C-17 aircraft gets shape
Long Beach (California): The first of India's ten ordered Boeing heavy-lift military transport aircraft has got its shape at an exclusive "major join" ceremony here attended by the top Indian diplomat of the region and IAF officials.
The global aerospace giant Boeing integrated the forward, center and aft (rear) fuselages and the wing assembly of India's first C-17 Globemaster during the airlifter's "major join" ceremony here yesterday.
Officials from the Indian embassy in San Francisco and Indian Air Force drove ceremonial rivets into the aircraft, a key milestone in the programme.
India's Consul General in San Fransico N Parthasarathi called the ceremony as "practically riveting the Indo-US relations".
01/08/12 Zee News
The global aerospace giant Boeing integrated the forward, center and aft (rear) fuselages and the wing assembly of India's first C-17 Globemaster during the airlifter's "major join" ceremony here yesterday.
Officials from the Indian embassy in San Francisco and Indian Air Force drove ceremonial rivets into the aircraft, a key milestone in the programme.
India's Consul General in San Fransico N Parthasarathi called the ceremony as "practically riveting the Indo-US relations".
01/08/12 Zee News
Singapore flight in limbo
Visakhapatnam: In a major relief to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Silk Air, agreed to extend their cut -off date for a written commitment on extension of watch hours at Vizag airport for one more month. The earlier cut-off date was on Tuesday.
After hectic parleys by local trade personnel and air travellers association here, Silk Air team conducted a field study a few months back and expre-ssed its interest in operating a direct flight from Vizag to Singapore, which connects many Asian countries. It sought a commitment from the AAI on the extension of airport watch hours which is controlled by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC).
Silk Air wanted to operate flight after 10 pm and Vizag airport is open only till 8 pm. The flight operator also announced its schedule to launch the service on October 1 but wanted the watch hour extension commitment by July 31 as it needs at least 2 months to publicise the service.
01/08/12 Deccan Chronicle
After hectic parleys by local trade personnel and air travellers association here, Silk Air team conducted a field study a few months back and expre-ssed its interest in operating a direct flight from Vizag to Singapore, which connects many Asian countries. It sought a commitment from the AAI on the extension of airport watch hours which is controlled by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC).
Silk Air wanted to operate flight after 10 pm and Vizag airport is open only till 8 pm. The flight operator also announced its schedule to launch the service on October 1 but wanted the watch hour extension commitment by July 31 as it needs at least 2 months to publicise the service.
01/08/12 Deccan Chronicle
Air India to resume flights to Middle East next week
Keralites who put off their visit to their home owing to non-availability of seats and exorbitant airfare in the Gulf-Kerala sector may be able to reconsider their decision with Air India gearing up to resume its flights to the Middle East.
The airline, which was battered by a two-month long strike by the pilots, will restart its international operations by resuming its flights from Cochin and Calicut in Kerala to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on August 9. Air India is operating two flights from Cochin and three from Calicut to Riyadh a week now.
Air India sources said that the flights to other destinations in the Middle East will be resumed subsequently. The management is currently working on fares and marketing plans for these routes under a ‘restoration plan’. They hope to normalise international operations by the end of August.
31/07/12 TK Devasia/Khaleej Times
The airline, which was battered by a two-month long strike by the pilots, will restart its international operations by resuming its flights from Cochin and Calicut in Kerala to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on August 9. Air India is operating two flights from Cochin and three from Calicut to Riyadh a week now.
Air India sources said that the flights to other destinations in the Middle East will be resumed subsequently. The management is currently working on fares and marketing plans for these routes under a ‘restoration plan’. They hope to normalise international operations by the end of August.
31/07/12 TK Devasia/Khaleej Times