Gold bar hidden in Nutella jar from KL seized in Indian airport

Petaling Jaya: A gold bar hidden in a jar brought from Kuala Lumpur has been seized by Customs officials at the Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) Airport in Tamil Nadu, India.

It was reported that the individual who brought the hidden gold bar worth almost 890,000 rupees (RM50,000) was said to have travelled from Kuala Lumpur on Monday (Aug 28).

The 24K gold bar weighing 149g was discovered by India’s Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), The Economic Times reported on Wednesday (Aug 30).

It was reported that Indian customs officials said the gold bar was extracted from gold powder and then concealed in a jar of Nutella.

31/08/2023 Star

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'Airline liable for gold stolen from flier's bag'

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat State Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum has absolved the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and held an airline liable for theft of gold jewellery from a passenger's baggage. The forum has ordered Air Arabia to bear the compensation amount of Rs 50,000 in the 2012 case.

According to the case details, one Virendra Parekh from Vadodara had travelled from Kuwait to Ahmedabad via Sharjah in an Air Arabia flight in 2012. His two handbags were taken from him for checking at Kuwait airport and he was told that he could collect them at Ahmedabad airport.

When he finally got his bags, he found the gold jewellery missing. He sued Air Arabia and the AAI at a district consumer commission in Vadodara, which ordered the airline and AAI to jointly pay Rs 50,000 as compensation with 9% interest. This was in 2018. The AAI challenged the compensation order, saying that the airline staff handles the baggage. The airline also contended that it cannot be held responsible for the incident. But the commission headed by in charge president M J Mehta said that since Air Arabia did not appeal, its contention cannot be accepted, said Mukesh Parikh, who represented the complainant.

31/08/2023 Times of India

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India, New Zealand Move To Expand Air Services Accord

India and New Zealand have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand the air services accord agreed by the countries in 2016.

According to India’s Civil Aviation Ministry, the partnership signed Aug. 29 covers “the scheduling of new routes, codeshare services, traffic rights and capacity entitlement.”

The terms of the agreement call for designated Indian airlines to “operate any number of services with any type of aircraft ... to/from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and three more points in New Zealand to be named by the [Indian government],” the ministry says in a statement.

Similarly, designated airlines from New Zealand “may operate any number of services with any type of aircraft ... to/from six points in India, namely New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata,” according to the ministry.

30/08/2023 Aaron Karp/Aviation Week

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Bangladeshi National Nabbed At Delhi IGI Airport With Fake Indian Passport

A Bangladeshi national was apprehended with a fake Indian passport in his possession by immigration officials at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport last week, as per the FIR registered in the matter. 

The accused had landed in Delhi after being deported from South Korea for overstaying, news agency ANI reported. According to the FIR, on August 25, one Indian male passenger namely Anupam Chowdhury, a resident of Nagpur in Maharashtra, having an Indian passport arrived in Delhi from South Korea. Reportedly, the police were informed after the said passport was found to be fake during the immigration clearance process. 

 During the ensuing investigation, it emerged that the detained individual was Anupam Barua, a native of Chittagong in Bangladesh. He was also found to have a Bangladeshi passport. It was further revealed during questioning that he arrived from Bangladesh into India through Haridaspur Integrated Check Post (ICP) using his Bangladeshi passport and stayed in Kolkata for one day during transit in 2015, ANI said in its report. Then he went to Bodh Gaya in Bihar and stayed in a Buddhist monastery for two days. After that, he went to Nagpur in Maharashtra and with the help of one Joy Kumar, he procured an Aadhaar card and PAN card. 

With the help of these documents he fraudulently obtained an Indian passport. "To obtain these documents he gave Rs 20,000 to his agent (Joy Kumar). He made several round trips to Bangladesh illegally. In 2016, he went to Thailand using an Indian Passport and came back to India in 2017. Again he went to Bangladesh in 2017 using his Bangladeshi passport and came to India in 2017 via Haridaspur Border. He never went back to Bangladesh as per immigration records," reads the FIR in the matter. 

 29/08/2023 Mayukh Debnath/Jagran

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Mumbai: Live bullet in Zimbabwean student's bag; says it's planted

Mumbai: A 20-year-old student from Zimbabwe was arrested at the city airport after a live bullet was allegedly found in her bag during security check at the city's international airport on Sunday.

The woman, Progress Marumbwa (20), who is in the country on a student visa to pursue studies in Punjab, claimed that the bullet had been planted in her bag.

The incident is reminiscent of actor Chrisanne Pereira's case where narcotic drugs had been planted in the Borivli resident's baggage during a trip to the Gulf.

The Zimbabwean student, who has been booked under sections of the Arms Act, told the city police that she "suspects foul play", said an officer from Sahar police station.

Marumbwa, who was to join a bachelor's degree course in 'medical laboratory science', arrived in Mumbai around 5 am and was to take a flight to Delhi and then proceed to Ludhiana. She told the police that her classes were to commence on Monday.

During the airport security check, a junior security officer, Dhiraj Shirole, spotted the bullet while screening her bag and he pointed out the matter to the senior security officer, Nilesh Gaikwad. A physical check of the bag led to the live bullet.

Her lawyer, Prabhakar Tripathi, said she was sent to police custody for a day. The lawyer told the court that the bullet was found in the upper pocket of the bag and said she was unaware how it landed there. "Nothing incriminating was found at Zimbabwe airport when she cleared security check. She is just 20 and has come on a student visa. She hails from a poor family...," the lawyer said. He claimed that she is a victim and had came to India after pooling in funds from friends and relatives which were used to pay part of her college fee and for flight tickets. "She's worried how she would arrange for the bail amount and money required to travel to Ludhiana after release," he said.

29/08/2023 Narayan Namboodiri/Times of India

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2 Nepalis with fake docs to fly held in city

Mumbai: Two Nepali nationals were booked at the city’s international airport for trying to travel abroad with fake documents. On Saturday morning, the two produced passports and boarding passes at the immigration counter for a flight sfor Dubai. The cops asked for an NOCsupposed to be issued by Nepal Embassy in India and were shown a photo of the NOC on phone.

The cops sensed something amiss and alerted immigration officials who checked with Nepal Embassy in Delhi. The embassy confirmed the NOCs were fake. An FIR was registered at Sahar police station. TNN

29/08/2023 Times of India

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New direct flights to South Africa in pipelines

Direct flights between South Africa and other BRICS nations are set to be launched in the near future. This is good news for South Africans wanting to travel to destinations in India, Brazil, Russia, or China.

South Africa has a diverse population made up of communities of different ethnicities and heritages. There is a need for many people in South Africa to travel to other countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg last week resulted in some exciting developments that aim to expand the influence of the bloc.

Invitations were extended to six countries that are eligible to join the bloc in January 2024.

While there are currently no direct flights between SA and any BRICS member states, the topic of enhanced air connectivity was discussed and agreed to at last week’s BRICS Summit.

As such, current BRICS members have committed to expanding aviation interests between member states in order to strengthen ties and boost economic development.

“This conference was a turning point in advancing the aviation industry’s function as a driver of economic growth and regional integration, with a focus on forging cooperation among the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa,” said CEO of Airports Company South Africa, Mpumi Mpofu, Chair of the Aviation Working Group per Tourism Update. 

SAA had operated flights to Mumbai for 19 years, before the route was dropped in April 2015.

Privately owned Indian carrier Jet Airways also operated flights on the route. However, Jet Airways suspended its flights in June 2012.

To date, there are still no direct flights between South Africa and India.

28/08/2023 Lorne Philpot/South African

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UK air traffic curbs: Air India says no significant impact on its flights

Air India on Monday said there is no significant impact on its flights to and from the UK, where a technical issue has impacted air traffic services, and that the airline is actively monitoring the situation.

NATS, which provides air traffic control services in the UK, has put in place certain traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety.

In an update at 1515 hours GMT, NATS said it has identified and remedied the technical issue affecting its flight planning system.

Air India and Vistara, both part of the Tata Group, are the only Indian carriers operating flights to the UK.

While Air India flies to London, Gatwick and Birmingham, Vistara operates services to London.

"There is no significant impact on our flights to and from the UK, as of now. We are actively monitoring the situation," an Air India spokesperson said.

Air India operates 98 weekly flights between India and the UK. On August 28, the airline is scheduled to operate 14 flights between India and the UK.

Vistara operates two flights between the two countries daily.

28/08/2023 PTI/Business Standard

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Brazil’s Embraer could make regional jets in India in bid to win orders

Embraer SA is considering establishing multiple assembly lines in India to build its small narrow-body jets and military transport aircraft as the Brazilian planemaker tries to win orders in one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets. 

The planemaker is in early discussions with potential partners to assemble its E2 regional aircraft and C-390 Millennium troop transporter, Embraer Chief Executive Officer Francisco Gomes Neto said in an interview in New Delhi at the B20 summit. Neto also said the company was having similar talks with potential partners in China.

“We see India as a very good opportunity for collaboration,” Neto said. “India has very competitive labor costs. India has availability of engineering. India has design and technical expertise. We can put together something good for both sides.”

Embraer has been trying to break into the global aviation duopoly with its E2 range of jets that seat between 80 and 130 people, depending on the variant, and compete with Airbus SE’s A220 model. With India looking to improve domestic connections, the planemaker sees an opportunity for smaller aircraft that might be easier for airlines to use on underserved routes. 

Regional carrier Star Air is the sole commercial airline that operates Embraer jets in India. Bloomberg News in March reported India is looking to partner with Embraer and Russia’s Sukhoi to make small planes locally in a bid to link tiny towns and far-flung areas.

26/08/2023  Ragini Saxena/American Journal of Transportation

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Dubai bound Air India express flight delayed by several hours due to glitch

An Air India Express flight to Dubai from Karipur International airport here was delayed by over five hours on Sunday due to a technical snag, an airline source said.

The flight -- IX 345 -- with around 180 passengers was scheduled to take off at around 8.30 AM, the source said.

However, the passengers were still waiting at the airport at 2.40 PM to resume their journey, according to an airport official.

The official said the passengers were being taken care of at the airport itself and were provided refreshments while they waited.

They will resume their journey in the same plane, but only till Thiruvananthapuram from where the passengers will board a different aircraft to fly to Dubai, the airline source said.

27/08/2023 PTI/Business Standard

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Indian Navy aircraft lands in Indonesia on return transit from Malabar exercise

The Indian Navy’s P-8I, Multi Role Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft landed at Jakarta Airport on return transit post participation in Ex Malabar-23 on Saturday.

During the stoppage, the aircraft took part in the complete gamut of military, constabulary, benign and diplomacy roles of the Indian Navy.

On the occasion, India’s Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Sandeep Chakravorty visited the aircraft and interacted with the crew where he discussed growing cooperation between India and Indonesia in the maritime security domain.

While the Ambassador was briefed on the various MDA upgrades and ASW operations being carried out by the powerful P-8I aircraft in the IOR.

26/08/2023 ANI/Rising Kashmir

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Indian-origin man jailed for smuggling banned drugs into the UK

London: An Indian-origin man and his accomplice have been sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment each after pleading guilty to conspiracy to smuggle banned drugs into Britain after an investigation led by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA).

Sundeep Singh Rai, 37, and accomplice Billy Hayre, 43, belonged to an organised crime group (OCG) responsible for 30 kilos of cocaine and 30 kilos of amphetamine being smuggled to the UK on a cargo plane from Mexico.

The duo initially denied charges of conspiracy to supply class A banned drugs, but changed their pleas to guilty just before a trial was due to start at Wolverhampton Crown Court earlier this year and were sentenced for the crimes at the same court on Friday.

“Rai and Hayre were behind a sophisticated attempt to smuggle class-A drugs from Mexico onto the streets of the UK,” said NCA Operations Manager Chris Duplock.

“I have no doubt that had we not stopped them, they would have used this route repeatedly to bring in more drugs. Working with partners at home and abroad, we will do all we can to disrupt the supply of class-A drugs which are inextricably linked to gang violence and real suffering across UK communities,” he said.

26/08/2023 Tribune

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Vistara announces direct flights between Delhi and Maldives

Full-service carrier Vistara said on August 25 it will increase operations in Malé by offering direct daily flights to and from Delhi, starting October 1, 2023.

Vistara, a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will operate an A320neo aircraft in a three-class configuration on the route, enhancing connectivity between India and the Republic of Maldives, according to a press release.

Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara, said, "We are thrilled to introduce direct connectivity between Delhi and Malé – our second route to the exquisite beach destination, in addition to Mumbai-Malé. This new route will enable us to provide our customers with enhanced access to one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations while also imparting further momentum to the existing bilateral cooperation between India and the Republic of Maldives. With our state-of-the-art product and intuitively thoughtful services, we are certain that our customers will appreciate the choice of flying India’s best airline on this new route.”

25/08/2023 Moneycontrol.com

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IndiGo’s international expansion spree: new routes launched in 2023

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo doesn’t shy away from sharing its ambitious growth plans. 

The company made headlines during the recent Paris Air Show by placing the single largest aircraft order ever: 500 Airbus aircraft (125 A320neo and 375 A321neo).  

IndiGo’s mega-order adds to an earlier one for an already impressive 480 aircraft – and all of them for the A320 family. 

Not content with that, IndiGo has been looking for other ways to procure aircraft without delay.   

In August 2023, it announced a deal with leasing company BOC to induct another 10 A320s into its fleet before the end of the year.  

What’s more, it has been reported that IndiGo is looking to spread its wings even further and is currently looking to acquire up to 25 wide-body, long haul aircraft.  

In the meantime, the Indian LCC has leased three Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airways in order to deploy them on its Delhi (DEL) to Istanbul (IST) route. 

The partnership with Turkish Airlines also extends to codesharing on many international routes in Europe and the US, which Indigo’s passengers can access via Turkish Airlines’ Istanbul hub. 

India remains the core market for IndiGo. Nevertheless, the low-cost carrier has been busy expanding its international network in a whole range of directions. 

Nor does the company need to wait until the many aircraft it has on order come rolling out of the assembly lines. Its current fleet already provides Indigo with the capability to reach destinations in several continents from its bases in India.  

25/08/2023 Miquel Ros/Aerotime Hub

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Kenyan drug trafficker speaks after cocaine arrest in India worth millions

The identity of two Kenyan women apprehended by Indian authorities for drug trafficking can now be disclosed.

The women were found to possess a staggering 1.7 kilograms of cocaine valued at Sh510 million.

This operation, executed jointly by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and New Delhi units, came to light on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

The primary suspect, Bora Wanjiku, had flown from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Delhi Airport in India before her arrest upon arrival.

Acting on a tip-off, Indian authorities swiftly apprehended Ms Wanjiku, uncovering the contraband concealed within her trolley bag.

The DRI issued a statement confirming her arrest and detailing the circumstances of the seizure.

The interrogation of  Wanjiku revealed a more intricate web of criminal activity. Another Kenyan woman, Lucy Wanjiru, had arranged her air ticket, and it was through this connection that the authorities apprehended the second person of interest in the case.

Wanjiku, in her statement to Indian police, admitted her role as a drug courier and divulged that she had been tasked with delivering the illicit drugs.

25/08/2023 Nyaboga Kiage/Nairobi News

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Indian Police Lay Trap For 2 Kenyan Women Moving Cocaine

Indian police officers on Wednesday lured and nabbed two Kenyan females moving cocaine worth Ksh25 million.

India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) tracked one of the ladies at Delhi Indira Gandhi International (IGI) where she was in possession of 1.698 kilograms of cocaine.

According to Indian authorities, the lady had flown from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Nairobi with the drugs. It is still not clear how they evaded JKIA security with the drugs. 

Indian detectives noted that the lady denied having any contraband, but after a search, the drugs were found in her luggage. 

The lady was about to board another plane to Mumbai where according to the police she was to sell the drugs.  

The plane ticket turned out to be helpful to DRI as it enabled them to piece the puzzles together and know the would-be buyer who was waiting in Mumbai.

After arresting the first Kenyan woman, the officers laid a trap for the buyer in Mumbai who showed up for the transaction.

It turned out that the buyer was also a Kenyan woman living in Mumbai with a connection to an Asian drug ring. 

"Both the carrier and the recipient have been placed under arrest in accordance with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act," a statement from the police read in part.

24/08/2023 Kioko Nyamasyo/Kenyans.co.ke

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IndiGo to operate international flights from Bengaluru airport's Terminal 2 from Aug 31

international flights at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) from the recently launched Terminal 2 (T2), and all domestic flight will arrive and depart from Terminal 1 from August 31.

The airline has taken all measures to ensure passengers are informed of this change, the airline said in a statement. IndiGo is reaching out to impacted passengers and their respective travel agents via SMS, calls, and emails provided in reservation details, it added.

International flights at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru will move to Terminal 2 (T2) from September 1.

24/08/2023 Moneycontrol

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Mexico City: Armed men shoot Indian-origin finance director seven times after robbing him

An Indian-origin finance director of a pharma company died at the hands of armed assailants who robbed him of approximately $10,000 before fatally shooting him, last week in Mexico City.

The deceased identified as Ketan Shah, (38), was employed as finance director at Laboratorios Torrent SA de CV, a subsidiary of Ahmedabad-based Torrent Pharmaceuticals.

According to a reports, Shah fell victim to armed robbers who targeted him, snatching $10,000 from him before shooting him fatally on Simon Bolivar Street in Mexico City.

The incident took place when Shah was making his way home after withdrawing $10,000 from a foreign exchange center at the airport.

The attackers, riding on two motorcycles, trailed Shah’s vehicle and unleashed a volley of seven shots. Although the local authorities swiftly responded to the scene, Shah’s life could not be saved.

In a tragic turn, Shah’s father, who was also present during the attack, sustained injuries but is presently in stable condition.

Mexican authorities have initiated an inquiry into the incident. Torrent Group officials have assured that they are actively working to facilitate the secure return of Ketan Shah’s family to India.

23/08/2023 Abhishek Awasthi/First Post

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Flying Air India? You can now book your travel to European towns, even those without airports

 You can now book your travel to European towns, even those without airports.

Air India has unveiled its plans to establish an intermodal interline agreement in collaboration with AccesRail, an IATA travel partner, to bolster connectivity options for its passengers traveling to European cities lacking airports.

This strategic agreement is poised to offer Air India customers a convenient means of travel by enabling them to embark on a unified intermodal journey using a single ticket. This ticket will grant them access to bus and train connections spanning approximately 100 cities and towns across Austria, Belgium, Germany, and other destinations.

These intermodal connections will be facilitated through Air India's European gateways, which include key locations like Amsterdam, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Milan, and Vienna.

AccesRail, in partnership with Air India, has curated a comprehensive network of rail and bus operators under this agreement. This network encompasses prominent names such as Avanti West Coast (UK), Great Western Railways (UK), London North Eastern Railways (UK), National Express (UK), Trenitalia (Italy), ÖBB Austrian Railways (Austria), SNCB Belgian Railways, and Thalys (Netherlands/Belgium).

Air India envisions extending the convenience of intermodal tickets to its direct sales channels in the near future, building upon the accessibility already offered by travel agents globally.

23/08/2023 Economic Times

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Ball Pythons, Iguanas Seized from Passenger at Chennai Airport

Exotic animals including ball pythons, squirrels, and iguanas were seized from a passenger at the international airport in Chennai, the Customs department said on Wednesday.

Acting on specific inputs, the authorities intercepted the passenger who arrived here from Bangkok on August 21 and recovered the animals from him.

On examination of his check-in baggage 14 ball pythons (Python Regius) of different colours, 30 blue iguanas (Iguana.sp) and four fiery squirrels (Sciurus flammifer) were found and seized under the Customs Act, 1962, a press release from Additional Commissioner of Customs Shivaprakash Veeresh Baddi said.

23/08/2023 Saurabh Verma/News18.com

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India Remains Top Contributor As Dubai International Airport Crosses 41 Million Passengers In H1 2023

Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019 By Jon Gambrell Dubai, Aug 22 (AP) Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel, announced on Tuesday it served 41.6 million passengers in the first half of this year — exceeding figures for the same period in 2019 as travellers return to the air after the lockdowns of the coronavirus pandemic. The airport, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates in skyscraper-studded Dubai, long has served as a barometer for the aviation industry worldwide.

The new figures at the airport known as DXB reflect figures offered by the International Air Transport Association that traffic worldwide is at 94 per cent of pre-COVID levels. "As we recover with our (half-year) traffic surpassing pre-pandemic levels, we continue to remain committed to ensuring every guest who travels through our airport leaves with a smile,” Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said in a statement announcing the figures.

The 41.6 million passengers is up some 50 per cent from the 27.9 million recorded the same time last year, as airlines now have more planes and routes running again. Passenger traffic this year largely has been driven by the airport's standard travel destinations — India, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and Pakistan. Russia as well has been a major market as Dubai remains one of the few places still open to Russians amid Moscow's war on Ukraine.

Dubai was among the first cities to reopen to tourists in the pandemic. That helped boost the city-state's tourism industry, as attractions like the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and the sail-shaped Burj Al-Arab luxury hotel draw both visitors and transit passengers out of airport lounges.

22/08/2023 Zee News

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ExecuJet MRO’s Dubai expansion has India in focus: Graeme Duckworth

New Delhi: While the pandemic severely disrupted the services of commercial airlines across the world, the business aviation market was able to fill in much of the travel requirement mostly through chartered flights. The sector has since maintained its growth momentum with manufacturers such as France’s Dassault Aviation showcasing new aircraft.

In an interview to ET Infra, Graeme Duckworth, President, ExecuJet MRO Services, a global business aviation focused maintenance, repair & overhaul company and part of Dassault Aviation, outlined that India is the second biggest business aviation market in Asia with a growth trajectory of 5% to 10% year-on-year. The company has expanded its facility in Dubai with a focus on serving the Indian market.

The company started its operations in 1991 and has facilities in Dubai, South Africa, Belgium, Malaysia and Australia.

Below are edited excerpts >>

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Embraer President & CEO says Brazil-India partnership promising, C-390 Millennium game-changer for India

India and Brazil, two nations sharing striking similarities in demography, geography, cultural diversity, and economic growth trajectories, are poised to further harness their strong ties. As Brazil and India celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2023, the potential for these countries to reach greater heights is obvious. Notably, Brazil is set to preside over the G20 in 2024, a milestone that amplifies the significance of their partnership. Amidst this backdrop, defence cooperation between the two nations is deepening, with defence delegations from Brazil heading to India.

Francisco Gomes Neto, President  & CEO of Embraer, sheds light on these developments in an exclusive conversation with Financial Express Online. Following are edited excerpts of the conversation on the eve of the B20 meet. Edited excerpts >>

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Air India and AccessRail sign agreement; airline to provide access to bus & train connections in European cities

Air India on Tuesday announced its plans to sign an intermodal interline agreement with AccesRail, an IATA travel partner to boost connectivity options for Air India guests across European cities without airports, said the company through its statement.

The airline said that the agreement will allow customers using Air India to travel on a single intermodal ticket and have access to bus and train connections to around 100 cities and towns in Austria, Belgium, Germany and other locations via its European gateways of Amsterdam, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Milan, and Vienna.

AccesRail’s network of rail and bus operators that are available under its agreement with Air India include Avanti West Coast (UK), Great Western Railways (UK), London North Eastern Railways (UK), National Express (UK), Trenitalia (Italy), ÖBB Austrian Railways (Austria), SNCB Belgian Railways, and Thalys (Netherlands/Belgium).

The airline hopes to extend the facility of intermodal tickets to its own sales channel soon since this feature is available with travel agents globally.

Customers will have the same baggage allowance on these rail or bus operator services as offered on Air India's flights, said the statement.

22/08/2023 Economic Times

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Woman arrested with 4 passports at BIA

The officers of Police Narcotics Unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake have arrested a woman who was in possession of 4 passports concealed within a stock of sarees she had brought from India.  

The arrested passenger has been identified as a 48-year-old businesswoman from the Kalpitiya area in Puttalam.

She had arrived at the BIA at around 04.41 a.m. early this morning (21) onboard a SriLankan Airlines flight from Chennai.

Police suspect that the woman might have planned to hand over the relevant passports to human traffickers, in order to illegally migrate to European countries.

The arrested woman along with the 04 passports illegally brought into the country, have been handed over to the officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the BIA.

21/08/2023 Ada Derana

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Indian passenger from Sharjah detained with gold at Chattogram airport

Customs detectives have detained an Indian national and seized 739 gm of gold in his possession at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport.

Two gold-plated bracelets, two chains and two rings were recovered from him, said Abdul Matin Talukder, assistant director at the Customs Intelligence & Investigation Directorate.

The detained passenger, Tushar Nagindash, arrived from UAE’s Sharjah on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight on Monday.

A gold-coated vest was also found in his bag and 300 gm of gold was obtained by melting it, Matin said.

The gold haul is estimated to be worth over Tk 5.9 million, he added.

Six gold bars were also found on an Air Arabia flight from Sharjah.

21/08/2023 BDNews24

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Gold seized from Indian citizen at Ctg airport

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has seized 981 grams of gold from an Indian citizen and recovered six gold bars in the airport toilet in two separate incidents at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport.

The incidents took place on two flights of the Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Air Arabia from Sharjah on Monday (21 August), according to the airport and CIID officials.

Chattogram Custom House Deputy Commissioner Ahsan Ullah said 421 grams of gold ornaments and 560 grams of gold in the form of paste were seized from Indian citizen Tushar Nagin Das who arrived from Sharjah on Biman Bangladesh flight BG152.

The Indian citizen has been detained, he added.

CIID Chattogram Revenue Officer Salem Ahmed said, "We recovered six gold bars abandoned in the toilet dustbin at the airport. These gold bars were brought from Sharjah on an Air Arabia flight.

21/08/2023 Business Standard

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Maldivian national arrested in Bengaluru for sexually harassing Indigo cabin crew

A 51-year-old Maldivian national, identified as Akram Ahmed, was arrested at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on Friday, August 18, for allegedly sexually harassing the female cabin crew members belonging to Indigo Airlines. The incident occurred aboard IndiGo flight 6E 1128, which was en route from Male to Bengaluru. Though the incident took place three days ago, it came to light only on Monday.

According to reports, the incident unfolded between 3.45 pm and 6 pm on Friday. Ahmed, who was on his way to Bengaluru for psoriasis treatment, allegedly summoned a 20-year-old flight attendant shortly after the flight took off and misbehaved with her. He reportedly requested beer and cashew nuts, and proceeded to pay 100 USD for a 10 USD beer. He also allegedly made inappropriate remarks against the 20-year-old woman. “I've been looking for a girl like you for 51 years. When will you be free?” he allegedly remarked, according to the Kempegowda International Airport police.

Ahmed later harassed another female flight attendant. According to the Times of India, Ahmed left his seat multiple times during the flight, and continued to harass the women by summoning them often during the entire journey.

The cabin crew reported the incident to the management, following which they filed a complaint with the police. Upon landing at Kempegowda International Airport, Ahmed was handed over to airport security personnel.

The police said that Ahmed was arrested and has been remanded in judicial custody pending further investigation. During the investigation, Ahmed reportedly argued with the rhetoric of “they were asking for it” and said it was the ‘attractiveness’ of the airline's employees as the reason for his actions.

21/08/2023 News Minute

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Cartel busted, Rs 15 cr cocaine seized by DRI

Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a drug cartel involving a Nigerian and a Ugandan national.

The authorities have seized 1.5 kg of cocaine worth Rs 15 crore. The agency has arrested two people identified as Salty Thomas from Nigeria and Uganda national Nakirijja Alice . They are looking for at least two more Nigerian nationals who are running the syndicate.

The DRI officials had intelligence that Thomas, who would arrive at Mumbai international airport from Addis Ababa by Ethiopian Airlines on Friday, would be carrying narcotic substance. Officials said both of them have been placed under the NDPS act.

20/08/2023 Times of India

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Flyer from Dubai held with gold worth Rs 1.3 cr

Mumbai: A 28-year-old man from Kolhapur who smuggled gold worth Rs 1.3 crore was arrested by the Customs on Saturday. The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs arrested Akshay Tanaji Patil, a native of Kolhapur under the provisions of Customs act.

On specific intelligence and digital profiling, the officials of AIU intercepted Patil who arrived from Dubai on Thursday. On examination of his baggage nothing suspicious was found however during his personal search resulted in recovery of gold dust. The gold dust which was in the form of wax was concealed in two pouches having gross weight of 2,454 grams which is valued at Rs 1.3 crores.

Patil admitted that he was aware that he was carrying gold and smuggled this gold for a syndicate.

20/08/2023 Times of India

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SpiceJet commences flight services between Madurai and Colombo

The Indian budget carrier SpiceJet will commence flight services between Madurai in India and Colombo from today (Aug 20).

Earlier in July, SpiceJet confirmed plans to resume six times weekly Madurai - Colombo flight service from August 20, 2023, in its official online booking system.

Accordingly, the budget carrier will operate flights between India’s Madurai and Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake, Colombo six days a week, except on Wednesday.

While announcing the matter, SpiceJet expressed that, “We hope the direct flight will help boost tourism between the two countries.”

Meanwhile, the OAG, a leading global travel data provider based in the United Kingdom, claimed that SriLankan Airlines will also operate the route.

20/08/2023 Adaderana.lk

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Lufthansa Is Planning To Send Its Boeing 787 To Mumbai

German flag carrier Lufthansa seems to be focused on expanding its footprint in the Indian subcontinent with an upgraded aircraft deployment for flight services from Frankfurt to Mumbai. While the route currently utilizes the airline's older Airbus A340s, they will soon be replaced with the much newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from late October until mid-January next year.

At present, Lufthansa currently operates a once-daily non-stop flight from Frankfurt Airport to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with flight LH 756, with the return leg operating as LH 757. The airline deploys the older and less fuel-efficient long-haul Airbus A340-300s for this route, allowing it to ferry an estimated 1,953 passengers to Mumbai weekly.

But beginning from October 29th, the flag carrier will deploy the bigger and more fuel-efficient Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on this route, further allowing the airline to transport approximately 2,058 passengers to Mumbai weekly. Besides a capacity difference, the Boeing widebody does not feature any first class cabins, instead boasting 26 seats in business class, 21 in premium economy, and 247 in economy class.

While passengers still won't get to experience Lufthansa's new and upcoming Allegris business class cabins yet, an aircraft upgrade is still warmly welcomed. Albeit it's pretty temporary, as the Boeing 787-9s will operate the daily rotation of the Frankfurt-Mumbai route until January 14th next year, before Lufthansa re-deploys the jumbo Boeing 747-400s.

20/08/2023 Charlotte Seet/Simple Flying

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Indian Students Held At Delhi Airport After Being Deported From The U.S.

At least 16 students were deported from the Atlanta airport in one day after arriving from Delhi on a Delta codeshare flight. They all had valid F1 visas to study at St. Louis University.

In a statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement they “did not seem to know” the name of the university they were enrolled in. They were put on Delta’s codeshare flight back to Delhi, but held at the airport there because U.S. immigration had failed to give the students their deportation papers.

According to one of the students, she had “valid documents with her including her I-20, and university admission papers” however U.S. immigration officers found he had “visa interview preparation questions stored on” her phone.

Students asked to contact their parents but were denied because they weren’t minors. Then they asked to speak to the Indian embassy, so the embassy could contact their parents, but they were informed that the local embassy had already “closed for the day.” Then eight hours later she was on a plane back.

19/08/2023 Gary Leff/View from the Wing

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Pilot who operated SpiceJet first flight dies on Delhi-Doha flight

New Delhi: A senior pilot — who had operated SpiceJet’s inaugural flight in 2003 and was currently working with Qatar Airways — died while flying as a passenger from Delhi to Doha on Wednesday morning. The Qatar Airways flight, QR 579, diverted to Dubai due to the medical emergency when the pilot, 51, fell ill onboard. However, he could not be saved.

“The pilot had worked with Alliance Air and spent 17 years in SpiceJet. He had operated SpiceJet’s first flight, Delhi-Ahmedabad, on May 23, 2005. Last year he had joined Qatar Airways where he was flying the Boeing 777,” SpiceJet sources said.

A long time colleague said, “He was very fit and his untimely demise has come as a big shock for everyone who knew him.”

16/08/2023 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Hot beverage spills on flight to Frankfurt, child suffers burns

New Delhi: A 10-year-old girl flying from Delhi to Frankfurt by Vistara airline last week suffered burns when she was being served hot chocolate, after which her mother tweeted that the crew "poorly" handled the matter.

Vistara said that the airline and the crew followed all the norms.

Rachna Gupta, the girl's mother, wrote on her handle @GuptaRachna76 that the "Vistara air hostess cause(d) second degree burn to 10 year old on flight to Frankfurt. An unfortunate accident poorly handled. (Air) hostess, captain or crew members didn't apologise. After basic first aid on flight, my daughter and I were left in an ambulance to fend for ourselves (pay for ambulance/navigate the German medical emergency services) in an unfamiliar environment."

A Vistara spokesperson said the incident onboard the UK25 flight from Delhi to Frankfurt on August 11, 2023, was "unfortunate". The airline said, "A child sustained injuries due to spillage of hot beverage on the body. Our cabin crew had served hot chocolate to the child at the request of her parents. However, the hot water spilled on her since the child was playful during the service."

Vistara said the airline had reached out to the mother on the microblogging site and assured her of all possible assistance.

"In line with the standard operating procedures, our crew immediately provided first aid as warranted for the spill, and sought support from a paramedic onboard, who volunteered to assist until the flight landed in Frankfurt. We also ensured medical care immediately upon landing by arranging (for) an ambulance, and the child, along with her mother, was sent to the hospital. Our teams have been in touch with the customer ever since. We have already facilitated their early return to India... and extended extensive on-ground support," the airline spokesperson said.

However, the mother's tweet said: "Our luggage had to be taken out by friend of a friend who made three trips to the airport and spent 4-5 hours... Vistara refuses to help us come back to India. Vistara hasn't called even once to check on the child or me....."

The airline spokesperson added: "We have conveyed to the customer that all medical expenses... will be reimbursed by us."

17/08/2023 Times of India

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SriLankan wants Emirates, Air India to buy them after first profit in 15 years

Colombo: CEO Richard Nuttall, SriLankan Airlines (UL), said its poised for privatization and having achieved an operating profit for the first time in 15 years, could become an attractive acquisition target for Gulf-based airlines such as Emirates (EK) and Indian Carrier Air India (AI).

Nuttall indicated that carriers from the Gulf region could capitalize on the airline’s favorable position among its neighboring Asian countries. He told this to The National.

Among the potential contenders, Nuttall suggested that Emirates, which formerly held a 40 percent stake in SriLankan Airlines, might consider responding to the Sri Lankan government’s intention to privatize the airline.

Emirates held partial ownership of SriLankan Airlines for a decade until the Sri Lankan government acquired all the airline’s shares in 2008. During that year, SriLankan reported a profit of approximately $30 million. However, under government management over the subsequent seven years, the airline incurred losses amounting to $875 million.

When questioned about the potential involvement of Dubai-based Emirates in the bidding process, Nuttall clarified that he could not speculate on the intentions of Emirates or other entities from the Gulf. He mentioned that the government’s approach is to seek expressions of interest within the next few months, and they are aiming for an expedited process.

SriLankan Airlines has faced a triple blow due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the coordinated Easter suicide bombings in 2019 by Isis, and the financial disruptions experienced last year. In spite of these challenges, Nuttall, who possesses experience with eight different airlines, has led the company to achieve an operating profit. This profit could have been notably substantial if not for the inherited debts.

“With a turnover of $1 billion, the business generated a profit of $100 million. However, a major portion of this profit had to be allocated to cover finance charges.” He further emphasized the airline’s operational efficiency, expressing optimism that it will eventually become a profitable venture.

17/08/2023 Daily News

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Rs 38000 Dubai-Kochi fare throws Kerala expats’ Onam plan out of gear

Kozhikode: The steep rise in airline ticket prices on the Kerala-Middle East routes has compelled many expatriates to shun their plans to travel to Kerala for the Onam festival and others to consider connecting flights as a cost-saving measure, resulting in extended travel durations due to over tripled return journey fares.

The airfare from Dubai to Kozhikode on August 15 stood at ₹38,420 against ₹12,000-₹14,000 a year back. The fare from Kozhikode to Dubai now sits at ₹35,012, over three times its rate a year prior.

“Numerous attempts have been made to address this issue, yet a positive response remains elusive. Many of us here are facing the prospect of postponing our Onam vacations due to exorbitant fares and ticket unavailability,” said Rajesh Vijayan, a resident of Kasaragod living in Dubai.

The same predicament affects numerous expatriates looking to reunite with their families in Kerala for the Onam festival, as airfares from the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries have more than doubled.

Expatriates from Dubai also bear the brunt of this situation, facing highly inflated prices for flights to various airports in Kerala, forcing many to abandon plans of spending Onam with their families.

16/08/2023 Vivek Narayanan/New Indian

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8 Uzbek nationals held for smuggling gold worth Rs 2.92 cr at Delhi airport: Customs

Eight Uzbekistan nationals have been arrested by customs officials at the international airport in New Delhi for allegedly smuggling five kilogram of gold worth Rs 2.92 crore.

The accused were intercepted after their arrival from Tashkent on Tuesday. Fifty gold chains weighing 5.3 kg in total were recovered from a hollow metal box pasted on the back panel of a baggage trolley, a statement issued by the customs department on Wednesday said.

The gold chains, valued at Rs 2.92 crore, were seized and the passengers were arrested, it said. Three of the eight arrested passengers are women, a senior customs official told PTI.

16/08/2023 Mid Day

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Passenger at Dubai Airport arrested for smuggling gold paste in rectum

More than 1 kilogramme of gold, 1,111.25 grammes to be precise, was found in the rectum of a passenger that wanted to travel from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Cochin, India, local news reports.

“The passenger was apprehended in the green channel for further inspection, subsequent examination revealed the presence of four capsule-shaped packets containing gold in a paste form,” it was said.

According to customs, the gold concealed inside his rectum was recovered and seized.

17/08/2023 Bart Noëth/Aviation24.be

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Vistara Launches Two New Frequencies On Dhaka-Delhi Route

Dhaka: Full-service Indian airline Vistara will be operating additional two flights from Dhaka to Delhi, effective from September 2, 2023.

With the two new frequencies, Vistara will be operating 16 weekly flights from Dhaka to India and beyond, said the airline in a release.

From September 2, 2023, the new flight of Vistara UK185 will depart Delhi at 13:10 on Thursdays and Saturdays and arrive in Dhaka at 15:45 while the return flight UK 186 will leave Dhaka at 16:45 and reach Delhi at 19:55 on the same days. All times are local.

Currently, the airline is operating daily flights from Dhaka to Delhi and Mumbai both.

At present, Vistara's flight UK181 departs Delhi at 6:20 and reaches Dhaka at 9:10 while the return flight UK 182 leaves Dhaka at 10:10 and reaches Delhi at 12:30.

On the other hand, the airline' flight UK 183, currently, leaves Mumbai at 7:25 and lands in Dhaka at 10:45 while the return flight UK 184 departs Dhaka at 11:45 and reaches Mumbai at 14:05.

16/08/2023 MENAFN

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IndiGo gets DGCA nod to operate flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan

IndiGo aims to introduce three daily flights to Almaty, as it continues to strengthen its international network. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted approval to IndiGo, the largest low-cost carrier in India, to commence operations between Delhi and Almaty, Kazakhstan, starting from 5 September this year, according to reliable sources. In line with its expansion plans, IndiGo aims to introduce three daily flights to Almaty, as it continues to strengthen its international network.

The airline currently serves 26 international destinations, and with the upcoming additions, this figure will grow to 32. Furthermore, the airline has a robust pipeline of other international routes in development. This is in addition to the 78 cities the airline already serves domestically within India. To meet the rising demand for international travel, IndiGo recently announced the addition of 174 new weekly international flights from June to September 2023. The new services will include flights to new destinations, routes, and increased frequencies, catering to passengers traveling to, from, and via India. In the coming months, IndiGo is set to launch direct flights connecting Mumbai to Nairobi, Kenya, and Jakarta, Indonesia, in late July or early August.

Furthermore, Delhi will be linked to Tbilisi, Georgia (3x) and Baku, Azerbaijan (4x) in August, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan (4x) in September. The airline also plans to resume daily services from Delhi to Hong Kong, providing passengers with enhanced travel options. Abhijit DasGupta, Senior Vice-President of Network Planning & Revenue Management at IndiGo, expressed the airline’s strategic approach to international expansion, stating: “As we continue to expand our presence, we will continue to add capacity in every domain – domestic & international, new frequencies on current routes, new connectivity between our existing pool of stations, new stations, and expanded reach through our partners.”

16/08/2023 Eureporter

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Air India goes for a completely new look, but will airline start cutting down on flight delays on UAE routes?

Dubai: In the recent past, Air India has got itself a new owner, a revamped management structure, and placed an attention-grabbing order for aircraft. India’s national airline is not stopping with that – it has gone and changed all of its looks too.

The rebranding of one of the world’s oldest airline sees less of the ‘Maharaja’ mascot and bolder patterns adorning its aircraft. Will all this signal that Air India is willing to catch up with the world’s best airlines on performance and all other aspects of ensuring passengers get to have a smooth flight?

Airline industry sources keep talking of delays continuing to dog operations, especially on services to and from the lucrative UAE and Gulf sectors. Which is why the airline still has ways to go on the operational side.

“Substance remains the true passport to enduring success,” said Ashwani Sharma, Vice-Chairman of the Aeronautical Society of India and a former Air India official.

True, if Air India with its brand new looks has to compete with Gulf carriers – there are more coming, such as Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air - then the style has to meet substance.

Last week, the Tata Group-owned Air India revealed a new brand and livery with an updated logo and colour scheme. The livery features a palette of deep red, aubergine and gold-hued highlights within a chakra-inspired pattern. Tata is also working on a refreshed identity for the wholly-owned subsidiary Air India Express.

Air India has also cleverly incorporated the colours of the other Group carrier Vistara, as the airlines prepare to merge into one entity. Travelers will begin to see the new logo starting December 2023, when Air India’s first Airbus A350 enters the fleet in the new livery.

16/08/2023 Dhanusha Gokulan/Gulf News

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Singapore Airlines steward of Indian origin wins plaudits for trying to save a driver suffering heart attack

Singapore: An Indian-origin flight steward won praise at the Singapore Airlines (SIA) CEO Service Excellence Award for his efforts in reviving a car driver he had hired for his trip to work at the airport.

Venoth Balasubramaniam was among 69 individuals and teams who received the award on Monday night at the national carrier's annual award ceremony to celebrate the achievements of its employees, reported The Straits Times on Tuesday.

Balasubramaniam, 34, was sitting at the back of a private-hire car en route to Changi Airport when he heard a loud groan and saw the driver slump in his seat in November 2022.

The father of two pulled the car's handbrake to stop the vehicle while on his way to report for a flight to London, switched on the hazard lights and dialled 995 immediately. He then stepped out to direct the traffic.

Helped by his first-aid training at SIA and his experience working at Changi General Hospital as a care ambassador at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Balasubramaniam performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and revived the unconscious driver, who was in his late 40s or early 50s.

This act, along with his personal touch in the skies, won him praise at the national carrier's annual award ceremony.

Balasubramaniam said he usually reaches the airport an hour before his flight reporting time, so he still made it to work on time.

“When I returned from London, the driver's wife called me to thank me, but that was when she told me that he had died,” he said, adding that he was still in touch with the driver's family.

Balasubramaniam, who will mark his 10th year at SIA in November, was also lauded on Monday for his ability to remember and greet passengers by name without checking their boarding passes.

15/08/2023 PTI/Tribune

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Air India Kathmandu-Delhi flight faces technical glitches

New Delhi: The Air India Kathmandu-Delhi flight encountered technical glitches before taking off from the Kathmandu airport on Tuesday.

Tribhuvan International Airport spokesman Subas Jha said that there was a problem with the landing gear of the airplane that was about to take off from the runway.

The Air India-216 was all set to depart from Kathmandu airport at 4:10 am. The plane was stuck at the airport due to the wheel locked.

After facing technical glitches, the plane was pulled off the runway by the tractors and parked in the parking lot.

The plane was carrying 179 passengers who were later offloaded from the plane.

Two international and five domestic flights were kept on hold in the sky after the Air India plane was stuck in the taxiway.

The airport was halted for one hour and after the Air India plane was removed from the taxiway to the parking lot, the regular operations at the airport resumed.

15/08/2023 IANS/ZeeBiz

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40-year-old man lost laptop, Apple watch, and other items after landing at Bengaluru Airport

A 40-year-old IT professional from Bengaluru, Anupam Jain, experienced a distressing situation during his return journey from Chicago via London on a British Airways flight. Among the valuable items he lost during the trip were a laptop, an Apple watch, airpods, a child's backpack, and a Kindle, according to a report by TOI. Here is what happened.

Upon his arrival at the Bengaluru airport on July 28, Jain noticed that one of his checked-in suitcases was missing. Although he immediately lodged a complaint with the British Airways ground staff, he hadn't thoroughly inspected his remaining suitcases. It was only when he arrived home that he made a shocking discovery: one of his suitcases had been tampered with and left unlocked.

"Upon reaching the Bengaluru airport, I realized one of my three checked-in suitcases was missing. While I was busy lodging a complaint with the British Airways ground staff, I didn’t check the other suitcases. After reaching home, I was shocked to realize that my blue and black suitcase had been unlocked," Jain said.

Jain suspected that the incident might have occurred during transit at London's Heathrow Airport. He believed that someone had opened his suitcase, placed the electronic gadgets inside a Columbia backpack he had purchased for his daughter, and then taken the backpack, sealing the suitcase afterward.

Seeking assistance, Jain contacted British Airways, but he encountered frustration as they appeared to pass the responsibility around without providing a satisfactory resolution. Despite his efforts, he received no substantial communication from the airline about his missing bag until Saturday evening.

14/08/2023 Ankita Garg/India Today

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Empowering Aerospace Innovation: Honeywell’s dynamic impact on India’s aviation landscape

Honeywell is one of the oldest US defence OEMs to have started the indigenization trend in India. In 1983, Honeywell entered a strategic partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for license production and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) of military turboprop engines (TPE-331). More than 300 engines flying in India today, powering all Dorniers of Indian Armed Forces are maintained at Honeywell’s indigenized MRO at HAL. “Another such partnership with HAL took place for Environment Control Systems in the early 2000’s.  Today all HAL-built aircraft/helicopters, including LCA Tejas are operated with Honeywell Environment Control Systems and the MRO for the equipment is performed at HAL (Bangalore, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh),” Ashish Modi, President, Honeywell India, tells Financial Express Online. Excerpts from an interaction >>

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In Onam norm, airfares to Europe, Gulf hit festive high

Kochi: Burning a big hole in passengers’ pockets, airlines have hiked their fares to various Gulf destinations, with ticket prices going up from Rs 30,000 to as high as Rs 1 lakh in economy class this holiday season. Travellers to Europe have been similarly impacted. Ticket prices to Dubai during the off-season average around Rs 10,000 (one-way) from Kochi, Rs 11,000 from Thiruvananthapuram, and Rs 11,500 from Kozhikode, which has increased to Rs 35,000, Rs 40,000, and Rs 36,000, respectively, this festive season, travel agents said.

“August–September is peak travel season. Airlines such as Etihad, Qatar and Emirates charge exorbitant fares, starting at Rs 70,000 and going up to Rs 1 lakh for economy. On the other hand, ticket rates of Indian airline companies, such as Air India and IndiGo start at Rs 30,000–Rs 35,000,” said Nithin Luke, branch manager and tour operations head of Riya Travels.

Interestingly, inbound fares from the Gulf sector remain unchanged. “The price of a ticket from Dubai to Kochi stays between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000, even during Onam week,” said Nithin.

Industry officials said expatriates returning to Gulf countries from Kerala opt for connecting flights to save money. “During the off-season, ticket prices range between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 per person. But during peak season (July to September), fares range from Rs 32,000 to Rs 35,000. The only way to travel budget-friendly is to book tickets with connecting flights,” said Vineeth Nair, who is travelling to Dubai this week with his wife and son. “I saved around Rs 30,000 on tickets by opting for a one-stop layover flight from Kochi,” he added.

Apart from the festive season, August–September is also the period of student intake in European countries, as well as Australia, and Canada. “A huge number of students travel to European countries during this period, and airlines see this as an opportunity. On average, the base fare to Toronto, Canada, which comes in at around Rs 70,000 during the off-season, has now shot up to Rs 2 lakh,” said Nithin.

15/08/2023  Aishwarya Prabhakaran/New Indian Express

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TIA closes runway as Air India faces technical glitch

The Tribhuvan International Airport on Tuesday closed its runway for about 40 minutes after a Delhi-bound Air India flight faced a technical glitch on the ground.

All flights approaching the Kathmandu airport were kept on hold as the Indian aircraft experienced jammed landing gear while moving from the runway to the parking.

The airstrip was closed for about 40 minutes, from 4:20pm to 5:00pm, the airport authority said.

15/08/2023 Kathmandu Post

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41-year-old man arriving from Qatar on fake passport held in Chennai

Chennai: A 41-year-old man who arrived in Chennai from Qatar using a fake passport was arrested on Sunday. The immigration officials found out about the fake passport when they were checking the documents of the passengers who arrived from Qatar on the Indigo Airlines flight on Sunday night. The inquiry revealed that the offender was Karupaiah from Thanjavur. He had visited Qatar a few years ago on a tourist visa and continued to stay there illegally. As he wanted to return to India he managed to get a fake passport in the name of Joseph, with the help of agents. Officials detained Karupaiah and handed him over to the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Chennai and further investigations are on.

15/08/2023 DT Next

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India-Dubai flight: Passenger attempts to smuggle diamonds worth Rs14.9 million

Mumbai Air Customs have arrested one Indian national travelling to Dubai and seized 1559.6 carat natural and lab-grown diamonds worth Rs14.9 million, officials said.

According to the officials, the accused was arrested on Wednesday and remanded to judicial custody.

"The seized diamonds were ingeniously concealed inside a tea packet," added the officers of customs. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

12/08/2023 ANI/Khaleej Times

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Centre turns down Kerala’s request to intervene to regulate airfares ahead of Onam

The Central government has turned down the plea of the State to intervene and regulate the exorbitant rise in airfares from foreign countries to Kerala during the Onam season. The Centre also didn’t entertain Kerala’s request to allow necessary clearance to operate chartered flights to bring in low-income Kerala diaspora from the West Asian cities.

In reply to a request from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia explained that airlines were free to fix the fares, keeping in mind market dynamics. Further, there was only 9.77% increase in airfares during the time of Onam compared to normal, said the Union Minister. In his letter to the Chief Minister, Mr. Scindia also clarified that due to the dynamic pricing system followed by the airlines, the only available option was for passengers to book tickets in advance.

In the case of chartered flights, the Centre informed the State that chartered flights could be allowed on a case-by-case basis. The Central decision to turn down the State’s request literally left the expats in the lurch. Though the Centre clarified that there was only an increase of 9.77$ in airfares during Onam, the airfares would witness an increase of three to sixfold jump ahead of the Onam days. Normally, the fares would increase manifold in the dynamic pricing system when the demand for the seat picks up. Already, the airfare from Kerala to West Asia is among the highest to that region from India, especially during the festival and vacation seasons.

12/08/2023 The Hindu

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Bangladesh man held with fake passport at airport

Thiruvananthapuram: A Bangladesh citizen was arrested from Trivandrum airport on Friday night while trying to escape to Sri Lanka using a fake passport.

During questioning, police found that he was also in possession of a fake Aadhaar card and using it he obtained an Indian passport with the help of a West Bengal native. The fake passport and the Aadhaar cards were created in the name of Santhosh Roy, and during a detailed investigation police found that it was a fake identity.

The arrested has been identified by police as Apple Barua, 24, of Barthuara near Sathahniya near Chittagong, Bangladesh. Police are now in search of Sanjay Kumar, 40, of Kolkata Central Division for helping him to forge the documents.

The duration of his stay in India and his motives are being examined by police. The investigation into the case has been now handed over to the district crime branch, police said. The accused has been remanded after producing before a court.

13/08/2023 Times of India

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First direct flight from Belarus arrives in India

New Delhi: The first direct flight from Belarus, Belarusian Airline Belavia, finally arrived in India. 

On the social media account, X (formerly known as Twitter), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, on Saturday, shared a video showing a flight arriving in India and the Belarusian Ambassador to India, Andrei Rzheussky, along with the staff untie the ribbon. 

“First direct flight from #Belarus arrived in #India,” it said in a tweet. 

Earlier, on Wednesday, Rzheussky confirmed that the first-ever direct flight between Minsk, the capital of Belarus and Delhi, India would start on August 12.

While speaking to ANI, Ambassador said that a lot of efforts were made to launch a regular flight service between Belarus and India and that the service will commence on August 12.

“It was not the easy way. For the last couple of years, we did our routine job just to fulfil this project into life. And now I am proudly announcing that at the end of this week (on Saturday) the first ever scheduled flight from Minsk to India will take place,” he said.

The Belarus Ambassador also stated that only a couple of flights were operated before this regular flight service. He also highlighted the importance of this flight service in terms of business and tourism.

The flight schedule that begins on August 11 (local time) starts from a weekly flight with the departure from Minsk on Fridays. In return, the flight will depart from Delhi on Saturdays.

12/08/2023 ANI/Print

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Boeing officials visit Kochi firm; may source components for its aircraft

Kochi: In a boost to the ‘Make in Kerala’ initiative, a team from US multinational aviation major Boeing visited Kochi-based  Compaero India to explore sourcing of critical components for its aircraft from the local company. Compaero India, founded in 2017 by  Ranjith Thomas Cyriac and his US partner Robert Small, specialises in the design and testing of components for the aerospace and defence industries. “Boeing officials from its headquarters in the US and its Bengaluru office have come to discuss sourcing  components from us,” said Ranjith, the managing director of Compaero India. 

“They have identified the areas to collaborate, and the  talks are in the initial stages. Boeing has asked us to initiate the paperwork,” he told TNIE. Compaero India, which has a turnover of  Rs 5 crore and employs 20 people at its Kochi unit, has customers in Finland, Norway, Italy, and Israel. If the Boeing deal is  clinched, it will become the first company in Kerala to supply critical components to the US multinational giant.

Ranjith, who began his career as a design engineer at the military  aerospace division of FCI-OEN at Kochi in 2002 after completing his engineering from Regional Engineering College, Jaipur (now NIT,  Jaipur), has a 51% stake in Compaero India, while his US partner Robert owns the remaining 49%. 

12/08/2023 Rajesh Abraham/New Indian Express

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NIA arrests 2 aides of Canada-based ‘listed terrorist’ Arsh Dala upon their arrival from Manila at IGI airport

New Delhi: The anti-terror federal probe agency NIA today said its sleuths have arrested two key operatives, who were working for Canada-based ‘listed terrorist’ Arsh Dala, in an early morning operation today following their arrival at the IGI Airport here from Manila.

In an official statement the NIA said, “Manpreet Singh alias Peeta and Mandeep Singh were both ‘wanted’ close associates of Dala and had non-bailable arrest warrants against them for carrying out terror acts, including threats and intimidation, and terror funding for banned terrorist organisations in India.”

Originally from Punjab, they had been living in Manila and were nabbed by the NIA team waiting at the airport, the moment they landed there, it added.

“The NIA investigations had revealed that the accused had entered into a criminal conspiracy to raise funds for Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), a banned terrorist organisation. They were also engaged in smuggling of arms, ammunition and explosives for the KTF from across-the-border,” the agency alleged.

The duo had been working for individual ‘listed terrorist’ Arshdeep Singh Dala, who had been operating from Canada for the last 3-4 years and had committed many terrorist killings in Punjab over the last few years, it said.

“He has been guiding and commissioning terrorist acts and also promoting terror, violence and large scale extortion in India on behalf of the KTF. Besides smuggling weapons from Pakistan, they were also involved in recruitment of youth to carry out acts of violence and terror in the country at the behest of the KTF,” the NIA alleged.

11/08/2023 Tribune

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Ahmedabad’s global connection: IndiGo commences direct flights to Abu Dhabi and Jeddah

IndiGo, India’s leading carrier, is set to expand travel connections and fortify ties between India and the Middle East with the commencement of two new daily direct flights from Ahmedabad-Abu Dhabi and Ahmedabad-Jeddah. Starting from August 11, 2023, these strategically planned routes mark yet another milestone in IndiGo’s journey in enhancing international connectivity and meeting the escalating demand for seamless travel experiences.

Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “As part of our commitment to enhancing accessibility and bridging India with international markets, we are thrilled to announce the commencement of flights between Ahmedabad and two prominent Middle Eastern cities, Abu Dhabi as well as Jeddah. With the introduction of these flights, IndiGo operates 49 flights a week to Abu Dhabi from 7 cities across India and 35 weekly flights a week to Jeddah from 5 cities in India.  These new routes will not only offer travelers increased choices for vacations and business, but also facilitate trade, particularly from Ahmedabad, known for its robust textile industry. IndiGo is extremely pleased to enhance flight connectivity between India and the UAE as well as the KSA. IndiGo continues to deliver on its promise of affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences across an unparalleled network.”

The commencement of the Ahmedabad-Abu Dhabi route heralds an exciting era of enhanced travel possibilities, offering travelers unparalleled access to the captivating capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi, a dynamic blend of luxury, culture, and modernity, beckons with its iconic landmarks such as the resplendent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Beyond its architectural marvels and world-class shopping, Abu Dhabi presents a realm of entertainment options, including the exhilarating Ferrari World, the enchanting Warner Bros. World, and the prestigious Abu Dhabi F1 Circuit at Yas Island. IndiGo’s direct connection between Ahmedabad and Abu Dhabi aims to seamlessly bridge this world of experiences, catering to the diverse needs of both business and leisure travelers.

11/08/2023 APN News

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IndiGo Starts Delhi-Baku Flight Services, Connects India With Azerbaijan

IndiGo is working on the expansion of its international flight network. With this new flight, the airline will improve connectivity with Central Asia. Specifically, the Indian carrier will operate flights four times a week between Azerbaijan's capital Baku and India's capital Delhi, starting from August 11. It is worth mentioning that Baku is the 30th international destination and 108th overall destination n the airline's network.

Apart from improving connectivity and trade between the cities, the services will provide travellers with a journey full of cultural experience. It is to be noted that this is the first direct flight service between Baku and Delhi.

Adding to it, by expanding its codeshare network with Turkish Airlines, the airline has been able to expand its international network. IndiGo now has the possibility to launch operations on European routes as a result of this partnership.

Before this, IndiGo airlines announced services between Tbilisi and Delhi. Improving the connectivity between India and Georgia. It is to be noted that the Georgian city is the 29th city in the airline's international network.

12/08/2023 ZeeNews

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Ugandan man arrested with ingested cocaine capsules worth Rs 7.85 crore at Mumbai airport

Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested a Ugandan man, who allegedly ingested 65 capsules of cocaine worth Rs 7.85 crore, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, an official said on Friday.

Acting on a tip-off, DRI officials intercepted a Ugandan passenger suspected to be carrying drugs at airport on August 7, an official said.

On interrogation, the passenger admitted to have ingested capsules containing cocaine to smuggle it into the country, he said.

The man was produced before a magistrate and on the court's orders, he was admitted to state-run J J Hospital, he said.

Officials on Thursday recovered 65 capsules containing 785 gm of cocaine, worth Rs 7.85 crore, from the accused's body, the official said.

11/08/2023 Times of India

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Sri Lankan family detained by Immigration officials at Chennai airport for fake passports; handed over to CB

Chennai: A Sri Lankan couple and their son and daughter were detained by immigration officials on landing at the Chennai International Airport on charges of using fake Indian passport and other documents, official sources said.

The family has been accused of living in India on a fake Indian passport and other key documents including Aadhar card. The accused head of the family has been identified as Ramalan Salam (33) from Colombo, Sri Lanka. Ramalan and his wife, son and daughter were detained by the Immigration officials soon after they landed at the Chennai airport on Thursday at 10.45 am, an official said. He said that the family was found to be in possession of fake passports during checking of their travel documents.

 Subsequently, Ramalam and his family members were detained by the Immigration officials and put to sustained interrogation. In the subsequent questioning, Ramalam told the Immigration officials that he came to Tamil Nadu as a refugee from Sri Lanka in the year 2011.

 Ramalam said that he stayed near Vandalur area of Tamil Nadu capital Chennai where he managed to get an Indian Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, PAN Card and other key documents to justify his stay in the country. Ramalam said that on the basis of the Aadhar card and PAN card, he managed to get passports for him and his family for travel abroad. 

Interestingly, the Vandalur Otteri Police Station had verified the credentials before the Indian passports were verified to the Sri Lankan family, Ramalam added. However immigration officials deemed the Sri Lankan family's stay in Tamil Nadu as illegal saying it amounted to cheating with the Indian government.

12/08/2023 ETV Bharat

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Ahmedabad’s Global Connection: IndiGo Commences Direct Flights To Abu Dhabi And Jeddah

IndiGo, India’s leading carrier, is set to expand travel connections and fortify ties between India and the Middle East with the commencement of two new daily direct flights from Ahmedabad-Abu Dhabi and Ahmedabad-Jeddah. Starting from August 11, 2023, these strategically planned routes mark yet another milestone in IndiGo’s journey in enhancing international connectivity and meeting the escalating demand for seamless travel experiences.

Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “As part of our commitment to enhancing accessibility and bridging India with international markets, we are thrilled to announce the commencement of flights between Ahmedabad and two prominent Middle Eastern cities, Abu Dhabi as well as Jeddah. With the introduction of these flights, IndiGo operates 49 flights a week to Abu Dhabi from 7 cities across India and 35 weekly flights a week to Jeddah from 5 cities in India. These new routes will not only offer travelers increased choices for vacations and business, but also facilitate trade, particularly from Ahmedabad, known for its robust textile industry. IndiGo is extremely pleased to enhance flight connectivity between India and the UAE as well as the KSA. IndiGo continues to deliver on its promise of affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences across an unparalleled network.”

11/08/2023 Orissadiary.com

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Panel orders Rs 10K relief to flier for lost luggage

Chandigarh: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chandigarh, has directed Go-Airlines India to pay Rs 10,000 as compensation to a city resident, Rajeev Sharma, who had lost his luggage while embarking on an overseas trip.

The commission has also directed the airline to pay Rs 7,000 to the complainant to cover his legal expenses.

According to the complainant, he had booked a trip to Bangkok from December 25 to 30, 2019.

He had spent Rs 22,276 on the ticket.

He emplaned for his destination on December 25, 2019, from Delhi, after depositing his bag, which contained five shirts, five pairs of pants, seven sets of innerwear, a shaving kit, three track suits and $500 in cash, to the airline staff.

The flight landed in Bangkok the same day, as per the schedule. Sharma was in for a shock as he alighted from the plane, as his bag was nowhere to be found.

He filed a complaint in that regard at the Bangkok airport. The airport authorities assured him that the bag would be recovered, but their efforts were of no avail. Sharma said it spoiled his whole trip.

The airline, however, contended that it was not to blame for the inconvenience faced by the complainant.

10/08/2023 Tribune

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Boston doctor arrested for committing lewd acts in front of 14-year-old girl during flight

A Boston doctor is facing a federal charge for allegedly committing lewd acts in front of a 14-year-old girl while on board a Hawaiian Airlines flight last year.

Dr. Sudipta Mohanty, 33, is charged with one count of lewd, indecent and obscene acts while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the U.S., federal prosecutors said Thursday. According to court documents, he allegedly performed a sex act on himself and exposed himself within the view of the teen, who was seated next to him on board a flight from Honolulu to Boston in May of 2022.

He was arrested Thursday and released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston. It was not immediately known if he had an attorney.

“Everyone, especially children, has the absolute right to not be exposed to lewd conduct when they are traveling,” acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. “If you engage in the type of illicit behavior alleged here, you will be caught and held accountable wherever it happens.”

Christopher DiMenna, acting special agent in charge of the FBI, Boston Division, added that Mohanty's actions were "reprehensible."

According to the court documents, Mohanty is an internal medicine and primary care doctor with a practice in Boston. He was a passenger on a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Boston on May 27, 2022, with a female companion. He was seated next to a 14-year-old minor traveling with her grandparents, who were seated nearby.

About halfway through the flight, prosecutors said the teen observed that Mohanty had covered himself with a blanket up to his neck and his leg was bouncing up and down. A short time later, the teen said the blanket was on the floor, and she could see that Mohanty was performing a sex act on himself. The girl moved to an empty seat in a different row for the rest of the flight.

When she got to Boston, the teen told family members what happened, and police were notified, prosecutors said.

The charge Mohanty is facing carries a sentence of up to 90 days in prison, up to one year of supervised release and up to $5,000 in fines.

10/08/2023 Marc Fortier/NBC Boston

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Batik Air Set To Start Chennai-Medan Flight Connection From August 11

Batik Air, a subsidiary of the Lion Air Group, has revealed plans to initiate non-stop flights linking Chennai and Medan in Indonesia, with the inaugural flight set to depart on August 11. This new air route is poised to provide a direct and efficient connection between the two cities.

Operating via Kualanamu International Airport, the direct route not only offers a convenient link between Chennai and Medan but also facilitates straightforward access to other prominent Indonesian destinations such as Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo.

The airline's announcement underscores the robust bilateral relations between Tamil Nadu and Indonesia, encompassing substantial trade engagements and significant economic interactions. The shared cultural affinities and linguistic parallels further contribute to the strong rapport between these regions.

Batik Air has emphasised that travellers from Tamil Nadu can expect an immersive Indonesian experience right from the moment they step onto their aircraft.

10/08/2023 RepublicWorld

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Nigerian held with fake Visa at Guwahati International Airport

Guwahati: A Nigerian citizen was detained at the Guwahati International Airport for entering the country without valid documents. The woman in question had travelled to Guwahati onboard an Air Asia flight on Wednesday night. The woman was identified as Bhadi Mikale, bearing a Nigerian passport numbered 17AL63261 and a fake Indian Visa numbered VJ7428631. Borjhar Police took her into custody and held her at the Azara Police Station for the night. She was produced in court on Thursday, which granted judicial custody of the woman.

11/08/2023 Sentinel

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IndiGo completes its inaugural Nairobi flight

India’s major low-cost airline IndiGo has recently marked its entry into the African subcontinent with the commencement of daily direct flights between Mumbai and Nairobi, starting from August 5, 2023.

This strategic move not only adds Nairobi as the 27th international and 105th overall destination in the 6E network but also signifies a significant milestone in IndiGo’s international expansion strategy.

Nairobi, the vibrant capital city of Kenya, holds immense promise as a key addition to IndiGo’s growing network. With this new route, IndiGo is set to bridge the gap between India and Kenya, fostering both business and leisure travel between the two nations.

The airline’s foray into the African subcontinent aligns perfectly with its overarching vision of connecting people with broader places.

IndiGo’s new direct flights between Mumbai and Nairobi hold the potential to cultivate strong bilateral ties between India and Kenya. The connectivity facilitated by these flights is not limited to Kenya alone; it also opens doors to further exploration of the African continent.

This move is indicative of IndiGo’s commitment to contributing to economic growth and development, as increased accessibility often paves the way for enhanced trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

11/08/2023 Len Varley/AviationSource News

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UAE-India travel: Fares rise as high as 200%, forcing many expats to postpone returns until September

Dubai: Airfares from India to the UAE are seeing increases of up to 200 per cent compared with off-season rates, and forcing many expat Indians to postpone their returns until they see some cooling off on the prices by early to mid-September.

Summer holiday travel always leads to sharp fare increases into and from the UAE, whether that’s to the UK, Europe, getaway destinations such as the Maldives, and, of course, to Pakistan, the Philippines and India. But what’s being seen on the UAE-India sector is unprecedented, say travel industry sources.

After dipping in the second-half of July, fares from India to the UAE are rising and will continue to do so until September 6.

Travel agents say Air India's decision to cut airline capacity to two-tier cities in India and the void left by budget airline Go First's bankruptcy has fuelled this summer airfare highs.

For example, an Economy class ticket from Mumbai to Dubai costs around Dh890-Dh1,000 (for travel on August 20), up from the Dh500 plus now. Delhi-Dubai flights are priced at Dh1,073 for travel on the exact dates, compared to around Dh520 off-peak.

When it comes to destinations in and from South India, especially Kerala, the fare gains are upending the budgets of low- to mid-income travellers. These have rocketed to Dh1,288 to Dh2,277 compared to the off-peak Dh600-Dh1,000 travellers were enjoying until mid-July. Kochi- Dubai fares are Dh1,427, and Chennai- Dubai Dh1,718.

These fares drop to Dh460 only after September 18.

Because India-bound airfares were so high, many families chose to book one-way tickets this summer, said Rashid Abbas, Managing Director of Arooha Travels. "These travellers hoped that fares would cool down mid-August, but that is unlikely.

10/08/2023 Dhanusha Gokulan/Gulf News

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Redbird flight training & Singapore firm form JV for pilot training

New Delhi: India’s biggest flying school, Redbird Flight Training Academy, and Singapore’s Aviation Safety and Training (AST) have formed a JV to establish a “comprehensive cadet pilot programme in India.” AST is a subsidiary of Singaore-based Haite Group. Redbird currently has six flying schools, five in India and one in Sri Lanka. The Modi government has focussed on creating adequate flying schools in India over the past few years so that students do not need to go abroad — as a majority of them have been doing over the years — for getting commercial pilot licences (CPL). The government wants India to be “aatmanirbhar ” (self reliant) in the field of CPL training and then for type-rating too.

“With Redbird's facilities in India, aspiring pilots can now complete their CPL training before transitioning smoothly to Singapore for specialised type rating instruction under the supervision of Aviation Safety & Training Pte. Ltd. The collaboration offers a one-stop solution for cadet pilot training, combining world-class commercial pilot licence training in India with advanced type rating training in Singapore,” the two entities said in a joint statement.

RedBird Flight Training Academy director (corporate affairs) Parvez Damania said: “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with Aviation Safety & Training. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in shaping the future of aviation training in India… has the potential to completely transform aviation training sector within the country. RedBird's (presence) across all regions will contribute to the production of a larger number of cadet pilots, meeting the nation's upcoming demand.”

Aviation Safety & Training GM Peter Zhao Shi Shan said: “We are committed to providing a one-stop solution for cadet pilot training, offering the best of both worlds - world-class CPL training in India and specialised type rating training in Singapore.”

10/08/2023 Times of India

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India: Ayush Visa launched for foreign travellers to promote medical tourism

The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the creation of a new visa category, Ayush Visa, for foreign nationals, who are keen to visit the country for medical treatment including therapeutic care, wellness and yoga in India.

The introduction of this special visa will meet the purpose of introducing a special visa scheme for foreigners visiting India for treatment across different streams.

Reports add that Ayush Visa aims to fulfil the need for introduction of a special visa scheme for foreigners. Referring to this, Union Minister of Ayush Sarbananda Sonowal added that this new initiative will help boost medical tourism in India, and will strengthen their endeavour of making Indian traditional medicine a global phenomenon.

Earlier, in 2022, PM Modi had announced creation of Ayush Visa, seeking to make it a part of India’s roadmap for the Heal in India initiative of the government.

Later, the Ministry of Ayush and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare collaborated to develop a one-stop Heal in India portal to promote India as one of the top medical tourism destinations in the world.

As per the report of ‘The Global Wellness Economy: Looking beyond COVID’ by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the Global Wellness economy will likely grow at 9.9% annually. This gives an estimate that Ayush-based healthcare and wellness economy will likely grow to $70 billion by 2025, marked by a tremendous growth in Medical Value Travel.

10/08/2023 Times Travel

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IndiGo’s Partnership With Turkish Airlines Is A Sign Of Things To Come

While much is spoken about IndiGo’s complete dominance in the Indian domestic market, the airline has been actively pursuing international ambitions. Indian carriers other than Air India have mostly been restricted to medium-haul overseas destinations due to their aircraft size and range restrictions. And while IndiGo has the same limits with its current fleet, its partnership with Turkish Airlines and future fleet expansion plans tell a different story.

Codeshare agreements between airlines have existed for years, and IndiGo is no exception. The budget carrier, in fact, has codeshare partnerships with several global carriers. But its association with Turkish Airlines is slightly special.

With Turkish, IndiGo has access to a much larger pool of destinations across a wider geographical region. The airline’s partnership with Turkish has gone beyond just codeshare, with Turkish Airlines also providing IndiGo two Boeing 777s on wet lease (more on that later).

IndiGo’s communications department has been busy making several announcements in the last few months about gaining access through codeshare partnership to new European destinations (Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, the UK, Israel, Austria, and France, among others) and, more recently, Morocco. Many of these places could eventually be part of IndiGo’s network in the future once it inducts compatible aircraft into its fleet.

08/08/2023 Gaurav Joshi/Simple Flying

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Batik Air Launches New Flight Route from Chennai

Travelers and businessmen from South India, especially Tamil Nadu, now have broader and closer opportunities to explore several world-renowned cities in Indonesia, such as Medan, Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and other fascinating destinations.

 Batik Air (flight code ID), a member of Lion Air Group, announces the opening of a new route connecting Chennai directly to Medan through Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). It also connects directly to Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo. The inaugural flight is scheduled for August 11, 2023.

With this direct flight, Tamil Nadu, as a major city and the capital of the state, Chennai, creates better connectivity with Medan, Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo, making it easier to interact, do business, and travel.

Flying with Batik Air is a unique experience for Tamil Nadu passengers as they immerse themselves in the Indonesian ambiance right from the moment they step on board. Indonesian hospitality shines through the warm smiles of the cabin crew, serving with utmost care. Not only that but Indonesian culture is also reflected in the graceful kebaya uniforms and batik motifs worn by the flight attendants. The name 'Batik Air' itself is a pride of Indonesia, renowned worldwide for its beautiful batik. Utilizing Airbus 320-200 and Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, Batik Air offers an unforgettable experience in both business and economy class for its passengers.

09/08/2023 Businesswire India

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IndiGo starts flights between Delhi and Tbilisi

Pune: IndiGo has commenced direct tri-weekly flights to Tbilisi from Delhi, starting from August 8, its officials said on Tuesday.

The city, which is the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi marks the 29th international and 107th overall destination in the 6E network.

“IndiGo proudly becomes the first airline to provide direct connectivity between the two cities, reinforcing trade, economic, and cultural ties. This new air bridge represents a significant milestone in strengthening the deep-rooted connections between India and Georgia,” a senior airline official said.

As Tbilisi and Delhi share commonalities in rich history and vibrant culture, customers will benefit from the connection between these two cities.

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, “We are delighted to commence the first direct flight between Delhi and Tbilisi, the captivating capital of Georgia. With this 29th International destination in our expanding network, we aim to bring India and Georgia closer, and open the two countries with a rich cultural and economic heritage for exploration. As India's leading carrier, we are dedicated towards nurturing this growing bond and offering customers an unmatched travel experience, to new horizons across borders. IndiGo is pleased to connect people across cities & countries and deliver affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences across an unparalleled network.”

09/08/2023 Joy Sengupta/Times of India

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Balloon reading 'Pakistan International Airlines' found near border in Jaisalmer

New Delhi: Locals in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district spotted an aeroplane-shaped balloon carrying a 'Pakistan International Airlines' marking on it. The deflated green and white balloon was spotted by some locals in Nagaraja village on Monday evening near a border area, the police said on Tuesday.

"Pakistan International Airlines", "SGA" and some words in Urdu are written on the balloon that is shaped like an aeroplane, police said.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the national flag carrier of Pakistan.

The matter is under investigation, the police said, while adding that no suspicious object was found near the balloon or inside it.

This is not an isolated incident of having found a balloon carrying a 'Pakistan International Airlines' sign in the territory of India. A couple of similar balloons were earlier spotted in different parts of the country.

In fact, the series of spotting the balloon with identical markings i.e. 'Pakistan International Airlines, was first reported in 2021 in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district. Jammu and Kashmir Police recovered an aircraft-shaped balloon with PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) written on it.

In November 2022, J&K Police found a balloon resembling an aeroplane found in Samba district at a petrol station. The incident was on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway.

Again, in March this year, a balloon, this time not inflated, was located in Amritsar's Sri Guru Ramdas Airport in Punjab. In February, an identical aircraft-shaped balloon was also found in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla.

In January 2023, a Pakistani currency note was found tied to a torn balloon in Tikkari village in Shimla district.

09/08/2023 India Today

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Indian national arrested in Nepal for illegally carrying foreign currency

A47-year-old Indian national was arrested on Tuesday from Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport for illegally carrying more than Rs 5 lakh in Indian currency, police said.

Barunesh Chandra was arrested at the TIA for carrying Indian bank notes without any supporting documents.

Police confiscated 1,100 Indian bank notes with Rs 500 denomination, totalling Rs 5,50,000 without supporting documents, from Chandra's handbag.

Chandra was arrested during a security check when he was about to board a Delhi-bound Indigo Airlines flight. The use of Indian currency notes with denominations of Rs 500 and above have been banned by Nepal's central bank.

08/08/2023 Devdiscourse

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Akasa Air Eligible For International Routes, Operates 900 Flights Every Week

Akasa Air has flown 4.3 million passengers with over 900 flights per week, besides becoming eligible to fly internationally with a fleet of 20 aircraft in its first year of commercial operations, which it completed on Monday, the airline said in a statement. Owned by SNV Aviation Pvt Ltd and founded by former Jet Airways CEO, Vinay Dube along with others, Akasa Air commenced operations with its maiden flight taking off from Mumbai for Ahmedabad on August 7, 2022.

In its first year of commercial operations, Akasa Air served 4.3 million passengers with a 4.9% market share, and crossed the milestone of operating over 900 weekly flights with a published network of 35 unique routes across 16 destinations, the airline said in a statement on Monday.

Also, the airline said, it has carried over 25,000 tonnes of cargo across its network during this time.

Akasa has during the period also registered a passenger load factor of over 84 per cent since the start of operations, with a steadily growing record of close to 90% in the current financial year, it said.

08/08/2023 PTI/BQ Prime

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Air India to take remarketed China-bound Boeing 737 Max

Dallas: Air India (AI) is set to acquire Boeing MAX aircraft originally intended for customers in China, according to sources cited by Leeham News. These planes form part of AI’s recent order for jets and are not additional to the original agreement.

 During a recent earnings call, Boeing confirmed that it had successfully found buyers for the surplus MAX jets but did not disclose their identities. Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer, Brian West, stated that the company ended the second quarter with MAX airplanes in inventory, including intended for Chinese customers. 

However, of these have now been remarketed as per the discussed plan. Boeing’s Chief Executive, Dave Calhoun, highlighted that the remarketing process was carried out with permission and in consultation with Chinese customers. Boeing had initially announced plans to remarket the China-bound Boeing MAX in September but backtracked in early .

 Rumors surfaced late in regarding Boeing’s intention to offer a portion of the aircraft to AI. Notably, Chinese airlines have not yet resumed receiving Boeing MAX deliveries, despite the type being mostly back in service within the country. Calhoun expressed satisfaction with the performance of the MAX fleet, emphasizing its reliability. While he expects delivery to resume, he refrained from any prediction and stated that Boeing would continue managing the situation as it has been. 

07/08/2023 Helwing Villamizar/Airwaysmag

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Epic Journey: Friend Duo Navigates Small Plane From USA To India

Mattia Meneghello and a friend accomplished an incredible achievement by flying a single-engine plane from the United States to India in under 11 days and 72 hours! 

On July 13, they set out from Maine, USA, and stopped through Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, Italy, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates before arriving in New Delhi, India. 

A single-engine plane is an aircraft with only one engine. In contrast to multi-engine planes, which have numerous engines for propulsion, a single-engine plane relies on a single engine to create the thrust required for flight. 

Private and recreational flying, flight training, short-distance travel, and certain sorts of aerial work are all frequent uses for single-engine planes. They are typically employed on flights that do not require the redundancy afforded by several engines since they are simpler in design and operation. 

It is feasible to fly a tiny plane into multiple nations, but it requires following special processes, laws, and standards specified by each country's aviation and customs agencies. 

While flying a tiny plane into foreign nations is conceivable, it takes careful planning, adherence to regulations, and excellent communication with authorities to ensure a safe and legal flight. To properly manage the process, it is advised that you speak with aviation specialists or people who have experience with overseas flights. 

Flying a tiny plane into another country, like entering a country via a commercial airline, necessitates completing customs and immigration formalities. You must submit all required papers, including passports, visas, and aeroplane paperwork. 

For your departure and arrival, you must file a flight plan with the appropriate aviation authority. You may also need to get air traffic control clearances for each leg of your flight. 

The registration, airworthiness certifications, insurance documentation, and any required maintenance records for your aircraft must be current and available during the trip. 

08/08/2023 Digvijay/India Times

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IndiGo receives first of 5 A320neos from High Ridge

Indian low-cost airline IndiGo has now received the first of five new Airbus A320neo aircraft from the lessor High Ridge Aviation.

The successful delivery of its first new aircraft, the A320-251N (MSN 11613), to IndiGo took place on August 4 in the picturesque city of Toulouse, France.

The delivery of the A320neo aircraft to IndiGo marks the initiation of a five-aircraft operating lease transaction between High Ridge Aviation and IndiGo.

While the first aircraft has now been received, aviation enthusiasts and industry insiders can eagerly anticipate the arrival of the remaining four A320neo aircraft, all set to grace the skies in 2023.

IndiGo’s decision to bolster its fleet with the A320neo aircraft aligns seamlessly with the carrier’s commitment to capitalizing on India’s burgeoning economic growth.

Greg Conlon, the CEO of High Ridge Aviation, was clearly pleased to discuss this achievement: “This delivery marks a remarkable moment in High Ridge Aviation’s journey.”

“Our gratitude extends to the IndiGo team for their collaboration, and we are truly honored to enrich our portfolio with the inclusion of such an esteemed operator.”

07/08/2023 Len Varley/Aviation Source News

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