India's civil aviation authority last month stopped certifying U.S. pilots over the age of 60, disrupting the plans of pilots who'd been recruited to fly the dozens of jets ordered by Indian carriers. Read On >>
Showing posts with label Foreign Sep 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Foreign Sep 2007. Show all posts
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Mallya may go for 51% in Deccan to fly abroad
Bangalore: Buoyed by the response to Air Deccan open offer, UB chairman Vijay Mallya hinted that he may be interested in hiking stake in the low-cost carrier to 51%, making it a direct subsidiary of his group.
Mallya’s UB Holdings has made the mandatory open offer for 20% stake in Air Deccan’s parent Deccan Aviation after it picked up 26% through preferential allotment in May this year. UB made the offer for 27 million outstanding shares, and has received in excess of 20 million shares till Friday morning. The open offer process, managed by Edelweiss, is closing on October 1.
“Some of the institutions wait till the last session to tender shares. I am confident of us receiving at least 20% shares,” Mr Mallya told ET. Replying to a query on Kingfisher Airlines flying overseas, he added: “If I have 51% stake in Deccan, it becomes a subsidiary, giving me the right to fly overseas. Deccan will complete the mandatory five years of domestic operations next year.”
29/09/07 Boby Kurian & Urvashi Jha/Economic Times
Mallya’s UB Holdings has made the mandatory open offer for 20% stake in Air Deccan’s parent Deccan Aviation after it picked up 26% through preferential allotment in May this year. UB made the offer for 27 million outstanding shares, and has received in excess of 20 million shares till Friday morning. The open offer process, managed by Edelweiss, is closing on October 1.
“Some of the institutions wait till the last session to tender shares. I am confident of us receiving at least 20% shares,” Mr Mallya told ET. Replying to a query on Kingfisher Airlines flying overseas, he added: “If I have 51% stake in Deccan, it becomes a subsidiary, giving me the right to fly overseas. Deccan will complete the mandatory five years of domestic operations next year.”
29/09/07 Boby Kurian & Urvashi Jha/Economic Times
Indian court fines Japan airlines for serving beef to Hindu
A consumer court in New Delhi has imposed a fine on Japan Airlines for serving beef to a devout Hindu during a flight, a newspaper reported Friday.
The State Consumer Redressal Forum on Thursday slapped a fine of 50,000 rupees (1,258 dollars) on Japan Airlines for serving beef to a Delhi resident, GL Aggarwal, who had taken a flight to San Francisco on September 13, the Hindustan Times reported.
"The hurting of sentiments cannot be measured in terms of money. However taking into consideration the deficiency of service on part of Japan Airlines, we have to compensate in terms of money," the forum's president KK Chopra was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
Aggarwal had complained to the court that though he had specified that he wanted an vegetarian meal on the flight he was given beef as there were no more vegetarian meals.
28/09/07 DigitalJournal.com, Canada
The State Consumer Redressal Forum on Thursday slapped a fine of 50,000 rupees (1,258 dollars) on Japan Airlines for serving beef to a Delhi resident, GL Aggarwal, who had taken a flight to San Francisco on September 13, the Hindustan Times reported.
"The hurting of sentiments cannot be measured in terms of money. However taking into consideration the deficiency of service on part of Japan Airlines, we have to compensate in terms of money," the forum's president KK Chopra was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
Aggarwal had complained to the court that though he had specified that he wanted an vegetarian meal on the flight he was given beef as there were no more vegetarian meals.
28/09/07 DigitalJournal.com, Canada
Gammon to develop airport in Africa
Mumbai: Airport development is big business not only in India but also in other parts of the world.
With delays in bidding process for airport projects in India, domestic companies are chasing opportunities abroad.
After GMR bagged the Istanbul airport project, it is Gammon Infrastructure that is all set to grab mega airport project in Africa.
Gammon will be holding 26 per cent equity in African airport project in a consortium with other international players including an airport operator. The project size is estimated at Rs 3,000 crore.
Internationally, there are many international airport development projects coming up for bidding including the ones in Europe besides Africa.
Not only Gammon, other Indian companies like GMR and GVK are also lining up to bid for them. 28/09/07 Rumi Dutta Hardasmalani/NDTV.com
With delays in bidding process for airport projects in India, domestic companies are chasing opportunities abroad.
After GMR bagged the Istanbul airport project, it is Gammon Infrastructure that is all set to grab mega airport project in Africa.
Gammon will be holding 26 per cent equity in African airport project in a consortium with other international players including an airport operator. The project size is estimated at Rs 3,000 crore.
Internationally, there are many international airport development projects coming up for bidding including the ones in Europe besides Africa.
Not only Gammon, other Indian companies like GMR and GVK are also lining up to bid for them. 28/09/07 Rumi Dutta Hardasmalani/NDTV.com
Two held for bid to smuggle currencies
Chennai: Two air passengers, who allegedly attempted to smuggle foreign currencies valued at over Rs 20 lakh by concealing them in their rectums, have been arrested by the Air Intelligence Unit of Customs at the airport here.
Abdul Razack Abdul Bakki (39) and Ameer Ali Sarpudeen (37) of S P Pattinam in Ramanathapuram district, bound for Singapore in an Indian flight, were arrested late last night for violation of the Provisions of the Customs Act, Commissioner of Customs (Airport) C Rajan said in a release here today.
In yet another customs violation, a Chinese national bound for Hong Kong by a Malaysian Airlines flight was found to be carrying undeclared money to the tune of $ 15,600 equivalent to Rs 6.28 lakh. The currency was seized for violation of the provisions of the Customs Act.
27/09/07 Chennai Online
Abdul Razack Abdul Bakki (39) and Ameer Ali Sarpudeen (37) of S P Pattinam in Ramanathapuram district, bound for Singapore in an Indian flight, were arrested late last night for violation of the Provisions of the Customs Act, Commissioner of Customs (Airport) C Rajan said in a release here today.
In yet another customs violation, a Chinese national bound for Hong Kong by a Malaysian Airlines flight was found to be carrying undeclared money to the tune of $ 15,600 equivalent to Rs 6.28 lakh. The currency was seized for violation of the provisions of the Customs Act.
27/09/07 Chennai Online
'Protected' witnesses feel abandoned
Back in 2001, "Mr. B." was lying on a mat on the floor of his Surrey house and listening to Sikh hymns called shabads. When he reached to flip the cassette over, a bullet ripped through the wall, whizzed past his pillow and barely missed his head.
The near-death experience came six years after he had gone to the RCMP with evidence he had in the Air India bombing case and months after charges were laid.
"The shabads saved me that night. I believe that," said Mr. B., whose real name is subject to a publication ban. "I phoned 911. Police came within five minutes. They took me away that night."
And that's how a three-year odyssey in the federal Witness Protection Program began for Mr. B., then 59 years old with two successful Surrey businesses.
About 1,000 Canadians are in witness protection. The program and witness security generally will be one of the issues examined at the Air India inquiry in Ottawa this fall.
Critics of the federal program say it needs revising, is under-funded and is not independent enough, leaving those within it completely reliant on the same police force that needs them to testify in high-profile terrorism or organized crime trials.
For Mr. B., a baptized Sikh suddenly separated from his wife, children and community, the move into the witness protection program was devastating. He was lonely and without anyone to share his faith and his life. He lost both his companies and was financially cleaned out.
"My health is not as good as it was before all this," he said.
He decided to return to B.C. and reunite with his family, despite the potential risk to his personal security.
28/09/07 Kim Bolan/Vancouver Sun/Times Colonist, Canada
The near-death experience came six years after he had gone to the RCMP with evidence he had in the Air India bombing case and months after charges were laid.
"The shabads saved me that night. I believe that," said Mr. B., whose real name is subject to a publication ban. "I phoned 911. Police came within five minutes. They took me away that night."
And that's how a three-year odyssey in the federal Witness Protection Program began for Mr. B., then 59 years old with two successful Surrey businesses.
About 1,000 Canadians are in witness protection. The program and witness security generally will be one of the issues examined at the Air India inquiry in Ottawa this fall.
Critics of the federal program say it needs revising, is under-funded and is not independent enough, leaving those within it completely reliant on the same police force that needs them to testify in high-profile terrorism or organized crime trials.
For Mr. B., a baptized Sikh suddenly separated from his wife, children and community, the move into the witness protection program was devastating. He was lonely and without anyone to share his faith and his life. He lost both his companies and was financially cleaned out.
"My health is not as good as it was before all this," he said.
He decided to return to B.C. and reunite with his family, despite the potential risk to his personal security.
28/09/07 Kim Bolan/Vancouver Sun/Times Colonist, Canada
Friday, September 28, 2007
Ex-BPL chief may lead AI repair shop funding
Mumbai: The ministry of civil aviation is considering a plan to combine two aircraft maintenance facilities planned separately by Air India Ltd and Indian Airlines Ltd, the state-run carriers that are being merged into a single entity. Investments in the project may be led by Bangalore-based entrepreneur Rajeev Chandrasekhar and a yet-to-be-identified operations partner.
The maintenance, repair and overhaul or MRO project is expected to cost Rs700 crore.
Air India had earlier plan-ned an MRO unit in Nagpur with US aircraft maker Boeing & Co. at an investment of $100 million (under Rs400 crore), while Indian Airlines had agreed to set up such a facility either in Hyderabad or New Delhi with Jupiter Aviation & Logistics Ltd, a company controlled by Chandrasekhar.
A significant minority stake in the MRO venture will be with National Aviation Company of India Ltd, or Nacil, the company into which the carriers are being merged. Boeing and Airbus SAS will remain minority investors until an operations partner is identified.
28/09/07 P.R. Sanjai/Livemint
The maintenance, repair and overhaul or MRO project is expected to cost Rs700 crore.
Air India had earlier plan-ned an MRO unit in Nagpur with US aircraft maker Boeing & Co. at an investment of $100 million (under Rs400 crore), while Indian Airlines had agreed to set up such a facility either in Hyderabad or New Delhi with Jupiter Aviation & Logistics Ltd, a company controlled by Chandrasekhar.
A significant minority stake in the MRO venture will be with National Aviation Company of India Ltd, or Nacil, the company into which the carriers are being merged. Boeing and Airbus SAS will remain minority investors until an operations partner is identified.
28/09/07 P.R. Sanjai/Livemint
Kingfisher, Epic & Airbus team up to develop network of feeder routes throughout India
With news of Kingfisher Airlines president Vijay Mallya buying 50% of VLJ-maker Epic aircraft for $200 million, the airline has announced it will be partnering the business jet builder with another jet builder: Airbus.
Formal details about the partnership haven't been announced but the companies did share a few insights into the future.
Kingfisher and Epic are hoping this partnership may make the relationship between EASA and Epic more facilitative.
The two strange bedfellows will work with the Indian airline to develop a network of feeder routes throughout India.
"There are many small airports throughout India, and this would provide more direct access to those places for customers," Kingfisher's executive vice president, Hitesh Patel said.
"I can't say whether there will be any design or technology transfer between Epic or Airbus," said Arnaud Martin, Airbus's vice president of corporate jet & VIP programs.
Patel said the partnership came about because of their substantial relationship with Airbus, as Kingfisher has an order for nearly 300 of their aircraft.
Schrameck did say they would be building a factory in India. He said it could be built anywhere.
27/09/07 Aviation Week, US
Formal details about the partnership haven't been announced but the companies did share a few insights into the future.
Kingfisher and Epic are hoping this partnership may make the relationship between EASA and Epic more facilitative.
The two strange bedfellows will work with the Indian airline to develop a network of feeder routes throughout India.
"There are many small airports throughout India, and this would provide more direct access to those places for customers," Kingfisher's executive vice president, Hitesh Patel said.
"I can't say whether there will be any design or technology transfer between Epic or Airbus," said Arnaud Martin, Airbus's vice president of corporate jet & VIP programs.
Patel said the partnership came about because of their substantial relationship with Airbus, as Kingfisher has an order for nearly 300 of their aircraft.
Schrameck did say they would be building a factory in India. He said it could be built anywhere.
27/09/07 Aviation Week, US
Profits up, but IATA worried about oil
Strong demand for air travel is expected to offset rising fuel prices this year, but the International Air Transport Association has warned the situation may not continue for long.
IATA has increased its 2007 profit estimate for the world's airlines to $US5.6 billion ($6.74 billion), despite forecasts that the average price of oil for the year would rise from $US63 a barrel to $US67 a barrel.
The international airline umbrella group sees clouds gathering on the horizon.
"While we are more optimistic for 2007, the continuing high price of oil combined with turmoil in credit markets is a cause for concern in 2008," IATA director-general Giovanni Bisignani said. "The industry net profit for 2008 is forecast at $US7.8 billion, down from the $US9.6 billion predicted in June.
"The impact of the credit crunch puts some question marks over the industry's performance next year and the continuing high price of fuel will become more difficult to (offset) with efficiency gains."
The regional outlook is mixed, with capacity increases and sluggish cargo growth blamed for poorer yields in the Asia-Pacific and a fall in absolute profits from $US1.2 billion in 2005 to $US700 million in 2007.
28/09/07 Steve Creedy/The Australian, Australia
IATA has increased its 2007 profit estimate for the world's airlines to $US5.6 billion ($6.74 billion), despite forecasts that the average price of oil for the year would rise from $US63 a barrel to $US67 a barrel.
The international airline umbrella group sees clouds gathering on the horizon.
"While we are more optimistic for 2007, the continuing high price of oil combined with turmoil in credit markets is a cause for concern in 2008," IATA director-general Giovanni Bisignani said. "The industry net profit for 2008 is forecast at $US7.8 billion, down from the $US9.6 billion predicted in June.
"The impact of the credit crunch puts some question marks over the industry's performance next year and the continuing high price of fuel will become more difficult to (offset) with efficiency gains."
The regional outlook is mixed, with capacity increases and sluggish cargo growth blamed for poorer yields in the Asia-Pacific and a fall in absolute profits from $US1.2 billion in 2005 to $US700 million in 2007.
28/09/07 Steve Creedy/The Australian, Australia
Indian PM's neighbour humilated by US security agencies
Dayton, Ohio : Charanjit Singh Gumtala, an Indian social reformist, the patron of Amritsar Vikas Manch has appealed the Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh to take up the matter of patting down of turbans at American airports personally with the American President George W. Bush.
Gumtala incidentally belonged to Amritsar, the native palce of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, both being neighbourers in holy city.
In a missive to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Gumtala has stated that the Transportation Security Administration changed its policy on head coverings on Aug. 4, without Sikh input or public notice, to give screeners the discretion to subject anyone wearing headgear to additional security screening, even pat-down search or removal of the item. Following these instructions the Sikhs are asked to remove turbans and even comb hair in public. It is humiliation to Sikhs to remove turban and then comb hair in open .Being a Turbaned Sikh, he know the importance of turban for the Sikhs and the gravity of humiliation on removal of turban in public.
27/09/07 PunjabNewsline.com
Gumtala incidentally belonged to Amritsar, the native palce of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, both being neighbourers in holy city.
In a missive to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Gumtala has stated that the Transportation Security Administration changed its policy on head coverings on Aug. 4, without Sikh input or public notice, to give screeners the discretion to subject anyone wearing headgear to additional security screening, even pat-down search or removal of the item. Following these instructions the Sikhs are asked to remove turbans and even comb hair in public. It is humiliation to Sikhs to remove turban and then comb hair in open .Being a Turbaned Sikh, he know the importance of turban for the Sikhs and the gravity of humiliation on removal of turban in public.
27/09/07 PunjabNewsline.com
Permit foreign airlines or face agitation: KMCC
Kozhikode: Peeved at the delay in allowing foreign airlines to operate from the Karipur international airport here, a Gulf-based pro-League organisation on Thursday threatened to go on an agitation if the Centre failed to meet the demand by October 15.
"We will observe fast in front of the houses of Union Ministers and MPS representing the state to realise our genuine demand," office-bearers of the Jeddah Chapter of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre told a press meet here.
Even after the airport was granted the international status over an year back, the Centre was not allowing foreign airlines to operate from the terminal, they said, adding national carrier Air India, operating a majority of the aircraft, was also frequently putting the passengers to hardship.
Despite taking out protest march to the airport, picketing the Air India office and sending representations to the Civil Aviation Ministry, nothing had materialised and the passengers continued to face difficulties to reach their destinations in the Gulf, they said.
27/09/07 PTI/Economic Times
"We will observe fast in front of the houses of Union Ministers and MPS representing the state to realise our genuine demand," office-bearers of the Jeddah Chapter of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre told a press meet here.
Even after the airport was granted the international status over an year back, the Centre was not allowing foreign airlines to operate from the terminal, they said, adding national carrier Air India, operating a majority of the aircraft, was also frequently putting the passengers to hardship.
Despite taking out protest march to the airport, picketing the Air India office and sending representations to the Civil Aviation Ministry, nothing had materialised and the passengers continued to face difficulties to reach their destinations in the Gulf, they said.
27/09/07 PTI/Economic Times
Airlines give wings to Gujarati fliers
Ahmedabad: Shortly after Air Arabia, Kuwait Airways and Jet Airways kicked off direct flights from Ahmedabad to Sharjah, Kuwait and London, others like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Air Etihad are raring to fly in.
While Emirates has already announced a six-flights-a-week service to Dubai from October 28, Qatar Airways will be kicking off daily direct flights to Doha from December 13.
With a Rs 290-crore makeover set to give Ahmedabad a new world-class terminal by early 2009, European carriers like Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways may be keen on taxiing in, said sources. The new terminal will have a capacity to accommodate nearly 500 passengers at any given point of time and big aircraft like A-380 too, airport sources said.
International passenger traffic from Ahmedabad has already zoomed to 3.37 lakh in 2006 from 3.18 lakh in 2005 riding on only four carriers — Air India, Indian Airlines, Singapore Airlines (2003) and Kuwait Airways (started in October 2006).
28/09/07 Swati Bharadwaj-Chand/Times of India
While Emirates has already announced a six-flights-a-week service to Dubai from October 28, Qatar Airways will be kicking off daily direct flights to Doha from December 13.
With a Rs 290-crore makeover set to give Ahmedabad a new world-class terminal by early 2009, European carriers like Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways may be keen on taxiing in, said sources. The new terminal will have a capacity to accommodate nearly 500 passengers at any given point of time and big aircraft like A-380 too, airport sources said.
International passenger traffic from Ahmedabad has already zoomed to 3.37 lakh in 2006 from 3.18 lakh in 2005 riding on only four carriers — Air India, Indian Airlines, Singapore Airlines (2003) and Kuwait Airways (started in October 2006).
28/09/07 Swati Bharadwaj-Chand/Times of India
Airlines hire expat pilots to fly smaller aircraft
New Delhi: Indian pilots’ penchant for flying bigger aircraft and their disinclination to sit in cockpits of smaller aircraft, such as ATRs (40-70 seats), may force some airlines to rejig the delivery schedules for smaller aircraft into their fleet. Read On >>
Hijacker says he's changed, shouldn't be deported
A Sikh man facing deportation from Canada for hijacking an Indian airliner 24 years ago says he's a changed man and should be allowed to remain in Canada to practice law.
In 1984, Parminder Singh Saini was the ringleader of a militant Sikh student organization that hijacked an Indian Airlines plane with 264 people on board. They threatened to blow up the plane if their demands for an independent homeland for Sikhs in India weren't met.
After negotiations, the plane landed safely in Lahore, Pakistan. No one was seriously hurt and the hijackers surrendered.
Saini was convicted and sentenced to death, although that was later commuted to life in prison. He spent 10 years in jail in Pakistan.
In 1994, Saini, using a false name, came to Canada and applied for refugee status. He says he holds no passport because India stripped him of his following the hijacking.
When Canadian authorities discovered Saini was in the country, they ordered him deported.
While in Canadian custody, Saini received a pardon from Pakistan, wiping out the hijacking conviction in that country.
However, a Canadian judge later ruled on Saini's case, writing: "The conviction in this case was for an offence so abhorrent to Canadians, and arguably so terrifying to the rest of the civilized world, that our court is not required to respect a foreign pardon of such an offence."
A Canadian deportation order for Saini is still active.
In an exclusive interview with CBC news, Saini said his days of militancy are behind him.
Saini, who recently earned a law degree from the University of Windsor, has a job articling with a suburban Toronto law firm. He said he's now focused on the law rather than politics.
27/09/07 CBC News/CBC Toronto, Canada
In 1984, Parminder Singh Saini was the ringleader of a militant Sikh student organization that hijacked an Indian Airlines plane with 264 people on board. They threatened to blow up the plane if their demands for an independent homeland for Sikhs in India weren't met.
After negotiations, the plane landed safely in Lahore, Pakistan. No one was seriously hurt and the hijackers surrendered.
Saini was convicted and sentenced to death, although that was later commuted to life in prison. He spent 10 years in jail in Pakistan.
In 1994, Saini, using a false name, came to Canada and applied for refugee status. He says he holds no passport because India stripped him of his following the hijacking.
When Canadian authorities discovered Saini was in the country, they ordered him deported.
While in Canadian custody, Saini received a pardon from Pakistan, wiping out the hijacking conviction in that country.
However, a Canadian judge later ruled on Saini's case, writing: "The conviction in this case was for an offence so abhorrent to Canadians, and arguably so terrifying to the rest of the civilized world, that our court is not required to respect a foreign pardon of such an offence."
A Canadian deportation order for Saini is still active.
In an exclusive interview with CBC news, Saini said his days of militancy are behind him.
Saini, who recently earned a law degree from the University of Windsor, has a job articling with a suburban Toronto law firm. He said he's now focused on the law rather than politics.
27/09/07 CBC News/CBC Toronto, Canada
Air India inquiry to examine terror financing
Ottawa: Canada may need a central agency to co-ordinate investigations of terrorism financing, the Air India inquiry was told Thursday.
Richard Quance, a lawyer representing a group of overseas Air India victims, suggested that more could be done to deal with tens of millions identified as leaving Canada each year to finance terrorism.
He cited a Vancouver Sun story last week that revealed Canada has not prosecuted a single terrorist financing case nor has the Canada Revenue Agency issued a single security certificate against a charity despite getting the power to do so six years ago.
Quance said his clients want to make sure someone in government is accountable for dealing with the problem so that Canada is not dealing with another tragedy like the 1985 Air India bombing. Air India Flight 182 exploded in June 23, 1985, killing all 329 aboard.
Quance addressed Commissioner John Major as the inquiry moved into its next phase — exploring the issue of terrorist financing and whether legislative changes are needed to combat the problem.
Major told Quance he expects the families to make recommendations in the area after hearing about 10 days of evidence from experts in Canada and around the world.
“It is not enough to simply criticize,” Major said.
Inquiry lawyer Roger Bilodeau said this part of the inquiry is the first ever look at the issue of terrorism financing in Canada and how various agencies are attempting to tackle it.
Specialists within the RCMP, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada are all expected to testify.
27/09/07 Kim Bolan/CanWest News Service/Canada.com
Richard Quance, a lawyer representing a group of overseas Air India victims, suggested that more could be done to deal with tens of millions identified as leaving Canada each year to finance terrorism.
He cited a Vancouver Sun story last week that revealed Canada has not prosecuted a single terrorist financing case nor has the Canada Revenue Agency issued a single security certificate against a charity despite getting the power to do so six years ago.
Quance said his clients want to make sure someone in government is accountable for dealing with the problem so that Canada is not dealing with another tragedy like the 1985 Air India bombing. Air India Flight 182 exploded in June 23, 1985, killing all 329 aboard.
Quance addressed Commissioner John Major as the inquiry moved into its next phase — exploring the issue of terrorist financing and whether legislative changes are needed to combat the problem.
Major told Quance he expects the families to make recommendations in the area after hearing about 10 days of evidence from experts in Canada and around the world.
“It is not enough to simply criticize,” Major said.
Inquiry lawyer Roger Bilodeau said this part of the inquiry is the first ever look at the issue of terrorism financing in Canada and how various agencies are attempting to tackle it.
Specialists within the RCMP, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada are all expected to testify.
27/09/07 Kim Bolan/CanWest News Service/Canada.com
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Mallya buys 50% in Epic Aircraft
Mumbai: Vijay Mallya, chairman, United Breweries Holdings, has bought a 50 per cent strategic stake in Epic Aircraft for $120 million (about Rs 480 crore), according to a statement by the UB Group.
Mallya, whose UB Group owns the full-service carrier Kingfisher Airlines and also has a 26 per cent in Deccan Aviation (which owns budget carrier Air Deccan), has made the investment in Epic in his personal capacity.
Epic Aircraft, a unit of Aircraft Investor Resources LLC, manufactures private business jets with single and twin engines, capable of carrying six to seven people.
While Mallya's initial focus would be on the US market, which is the largest with 11,000 of 14,000 business jets in the world, he will also use this acquisition to tap the business jets market in India.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to certify Epic's planes. According to sources, Mallya plans to take the help of Airbus to speed up the certification process.
Epic Aircraft hopes that its single-engine turboprop, dubbed Epic Dynasty, will be certified by Canada next year, and it hopes to get certification from the US FAA thereafter.
Epic entered the very light jet (VLJ) segment recently and now offers high-end business jets.
27/09/07 Business Standard
Mallya, whose UB Group owns the full-service carrier Kingfisher Airlines and also has a 26 per cent in Deccan Aviation (which owns budget carrier Air Deccan), has made the investment in Epic in his personal capacity.
Epic Aircraft, a unit of Aircraft Investor Resources LLC, manufactures private business jets with single and twin engines, capable of carrying six to seven people.
While Mallya's initial focus would be on the US market, which is the largest with 11,000 of 14,000 business jets in the world, he will also use this acquisition to tap the business jets market in India.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has yet to certify Epic's planes. According to sources, Mallya plans to take the help of Airbus to speed up the certification process.
Epic Aircraft hopes that its single-engine turboprop, dubbed Epic Dynasty, will be certified by Canada next year, and it hopes to get certification from the US FAA thereafter.
Epic entered the very light jet (VLJ) segment recently and now offers high-end business jets.
27/09/07 Business Standard
Epic, Kingfisher, Airbus Confirm -- And Confuse
Wednesday morning in Atlanta at the 60th National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention, executives from Epic Aircraft, India-based Kingfisher Airlines and Airbus sat down to confirm rumors and reports of a new strategic partnership, releasing few details but giving rise to additional speculation. Rick Schrameck, Epic Aircraft’s president and CEO, Hitesh Patel, Kingfisher’s executive vice president and Arnaud Martin, vice president of the Airbus corporate and executive jet operation held a press conference in which they confirmed Kingfisher’s $200 million, 50/50 "strategic partnership" with Epic but left open the specific roles each other would play. Lurking in the background was Airbus, which presently has no formal agreement with Epic but has a longstanding manufacturer/customer relationship with Kingfisher, a large scheduled aircraft operation in headquartered in Mumbai, India. On its face, the new arrangement between manufacturer Epic and Kingfisher likely will prove a boon to both companies. But is there something else beneath the surface. Officials of all three companies delivered little more than a figurative shrug Wednesday morning.
On one hand, the cash infusion undoubtedly will help Epic perfect, certify and produce its line of experimental and certified aircraft, including the Epic LT single-engine turboprop and the presently-in-flight-test Epic Victory very light jet. Too, Kingfisher expects its investment in Epic will yield large dividends in the rapidly growing market for business and corporate aircraft throughout Asia, especially including China and India. The vast manufacturing resources -- including inexpensive labor and other benefits -- Asia can offer to both partners is undoubtedly an attraction, adding to the synergies discussed Wednesday morning. But the equation’s wildcard is Airbus’s involvement. Its representative at Wednesday’s press conference would say only Airbus is in the very preliminary phases of discussions with Kingfisher, the idea behind which is to learn what technologies Epic can provide the company. Is Airbus, already a subsidiary of EADS Socata -- itself no slouch in the general aviation market -- in a hurry to get its hands on a VLJ? Is Airbus looking at Epic and its new relationship with Kingfisher as a turn-key way to break into the VLJ and high-end experimental aircraft market? Stranger things have happened in the worldwide business aviation market.
26/09/07 Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside, Business Aviation Editor/AVweb
On one hand, the cash infusion undoubtedly will help Epic perfect, certify and produce its line of experimental and certified aircraft, including the Epic LT single-engine turboprop and the presently-in-flight-test Epic Victory very light jet. Too, Kingfisher expects its investment in Epic will yield large dividends in the rapidly growing market for business and corporate aircraft throughout Asia, especially including China and India. The vast manufacturing resources -- including inexpensive labor and other benefits -- Asia can offer to both partners is undoubtedly an attraction, adding to the synergies discussed Wednesday morning. But the equation’s wildcard is Airbus’s involvement. Its representative at Wednesday’s press conference would say only Airbus is in the very preliminary phases of discussions with Kingfisher, the idea behind which is to learn what technologies Epic can provide the company. Is Airbus, already a subsidiary of EADS Socata -- itself no slouch in the general aviation market -- in a hurry to get its hands on a VLJ? Is Airbus looking at Epic and its new relationship with Kingfisher as a turn-key way to break into the VLJ and high-end experimental aircraft market? Stranger things have happened in the worldwide business aviation market.
26/09/07 Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside, Business Aviation Editor/AVweb
Booming Brics set sights on aerospace industry
Boeing’s announcement last week, that it was raising its forecast of Chinese demand for new aircraft by 21% to a staggering 3,400 over the next 20 years, was just the latest confirmation that the global aerospace industry is reorienting itself towards high-growth emerging markets. But the Chinese, Indian and Russian governments are not satisfied with only being a market (albeit an important one) for passenger aircraft built by Airbus and Boeing. Instead, the three countries are seeking to leverage access to their booming air travel markets to attract the technology transfers needed to create their own, indigenous, aircraft manufacturing industries.
As incomes rise and middle classes expand, emerging markets, and the Bric countries in particular, are driving growth in demand for air travel. Between 2004 and 2005, the Bric countries’ share of annual aircraft orders jumped from just 5% to 35%, according to Airbus. One in every five aircraft deliveries in the next 20 years will go to emerging markets, with the Asia-Pacific accounting for the bulk of new commercial aircraft in service. Asia’s current 19% share of the world’s fleet of 18,000 planes is expected to rise to 28% of the 36,400 aircraft expected to be in operation by 2026, according to Boeing.
India’s market has exploded since aviation deregulation in 2003 and is growing at 9.8% annually. Airbus projects Indian demand for new aircraft will top 900 over the next two decades.
In their aerospace ambitions, China, India and Russia are following the path blazed by Brazil, whose regional jet manufacturer, Embraer, is a well-established brand.
India plans to develop a 70-seat regional jet by 2015. A 14-seat jet is expected to enter commercial production as soon as 2009.
For its part, India may be more successful as an outsourcing hub for aircraft manufacturing than as a manufacturer of indigenous products.
Another potential obstacle is the continued weakness in the regional jet market that Russia, China and India are all using as their entry point.
For now, however, the biggest test is the ability of the Bric countries to woo foreign aircraft manufacturers and encourage them to share technology.
26/09/07 Deepak Gopinath/The Business Magazine, UK
As incomes rise and middle classes expand, emerging markets, and the Bric countries in particular, are driving growth in demand for air travel. Between 2004 and 2005, the Bric countries’ share of annual aircraft orders jumped from just 5% to 35%, according to Airbus. One in every five aircraft deliveries in the next 20 years will go to emerging markets, with the Asia-Pacific accounting for the bulk of new commercial aircraft in service. Asia’s current 19% share of the world’s fleet of 18,000 planes is expected to rise to 28% of the 36,400 aircraft expected to be in operation by 2026, according to Boeing.
India’s market has exploded since aviation deregulation in 2003 and is growing at 9.8% annually. Airbus projects Indian demand for new aircraft will top 900 over the next two decades.
In their aerospace ambitions, China, India and Russia are following the path blazed by Brazil, whose regional jet manufacturer, Embraer, is a well-established brand.
India plans to develop a 70-seat regional jet by 2015. A 14-seat jet is expected to enter commercial production as soon as 2009.
For its part, India may be more successful as an outsourcing hub for aircraft manufacturing than as a manufacturer of indigenous products.
Another potential obstacle is the continued weakness in the regional jet market that Russia, China and India are all using as their entry point.
For now, however, the biggest test is the ability of the Bric countries to woo foreign aircraft manufacturers and encourage them to share technology.
26/09/07 Deepak Gopinath/The Business Magazine, UK
Passenger dies onboard aircraft
Mumbai: A 63-year-old passenger, Rajendra Desai, died onboard a Mumbai-bound Jet Airways flight on Monday. According to sources, Desai who was travelling with his wife Nutan from London on flight 9W-117 was suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, which is a terminal lung disease.
“He was travelling to India for treatment but passed away during the flight, at 6:40 am,” according to the source.
When the Boeing 777 landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport around 11 am, Desai was pronounced dead on arrival and taken to the R N Cooper Hospital in Juhu for a post-mortem.
While a doctor at the state-run mortuary at the R N Cooper Hospital said “The opinion is held reserved as we are awaiting the clinical analysis and histopathology reports,” he added that Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) was also being looked into as a possible cause of death.
27/09/07 Mumbai Newsline
“He was travelling to India for treatment but passed away during the flight, at 6:40 am,” according to the source.
When the Boeing 777 landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport around 11 am, Desai was pronounced dead on arrival and taken to the R N Cooper Hospital in Juhu for a post-mortem.
While a doctor at the state-run mortuary at the R N Cooper Hospital said “The opinion is held reserved as we are awaiting the clinical analysis and histopathology reports,” he added that Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) was also being looked into as a possible cause of death.
27/09/07 Mumbai Newsline
Genesis to acquire eight narrow-body aircraft
Shannon, Ireland: Genesis Lease Limited announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a portfolio of eight (8) modern, narrow-body commercial aircraft from GE Commercial Aviation Services. The transaction is expected to be substantially completed by the end of September 2007.
The portfolio consists of three Boeing B737-700, two Airbus A319 and three Airbus A320 aircraft. These aircraft are currently leased to six commercial airlines, including Air Berlin (2), Germanwings (2), LTU (1), MyTravel (1), Aloha Airlines (1) and United Airlines (1). The eight aircraft operate in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Upon the completion of this transaction, and including the delivery of the previously announced remaining two new Airbus A320 aircraft to Air Deccan and IndiGo in mid-September, Genesis will have increased its portfolio by 12 aircraft, representing year-to-date acquisitions of more than $380 million, resulting in an increase in contracted monthly base rentals of more than 30% compared to the start of the year. Based on a completion date of September 30, 2007, the enlarged Genesis portfolio will consist of 53 aircraft on lease to 34 airlines in 18 countries with a weighted average age of 5.8 years and a weighted average remaining lease term of 5.7 years.
26/09/07 Prime Newswire/CNNMoney.com
The portfolio consists of three Boeing B737-700, two Airbus A319 and three Airbus A320 aircraft. These aircraft are currently leased to six commercial airlines, including Air Berlin (2), Germanwings (2), LTU (1), MyTravel (1), Aloha Airlines (1) and United Airlines (1). The eight aircraft operate in Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Upon the completion of this transaction, and including the delivery of the previously announced remaining two new Airbus A320 aircraft to Air Deccan and IndiGo in mid-September, Genesis will have increased its portfolio by 12 aircraft, representing year-to-date acquisitions of more than $380 million, resulting in an increase in contracted monthly base rentals of more than 30% compared to the start of the year. Based on a completion date of September 30, 2007, the enlarged Genesis portfolio will consist of 53 aircraft on lease to 34 airlines in 18 countries with a weighted average age of 5.8 years and a weighted average remaining lease term of 5.7 years.
26/09/07 Prime Newswire/CNNMoney.com
Rohit Bal designs kurta, sherwani for British Airways
New Delhi: Kurta suit and Sherwani designed by noted fashion designer Rohit Bal will soon replace saree as the uniform of the Indian cabin crew of British Airways.
"I am delighted to design a uniform for customer service staff that gives them a sense of pride and reflects the unique British Airways image," Bal said.
He has also designed a saree to be worn especially at special promotional events along with the Kurta suit.
The current uniform, saree, worn by the airline staff was designed by the leading British designer Julien Macdonald.
26/09/07 PTI/Economic Times
"I am delighted to design a uniform for customer service staff that gives them a sense of pride and reflects the unique British Airways image," Bal said.
He has also designed a saree to be worn especially at special promotional events along with the Kurta suit.
The current uniform, saree, worn by the airline staff was designed by the leading British designer Julien Macdonald.
26/09/07 PTI/Economic Times
Sri Lankan travelling on fake documents arrested
Bangalore: Yet another Sri Lankan national who was trying to illegally fly out of India was apprehended at the Bangalore airport in the early hours of Wednesday.
The Immigration officials at the Bangalore airport arrested Thushyanthan (23), who was possessing fake passport and visa, when he was about to board a Lufthansa Airline flight to the U.K., sources in the police told The Hindu.
Thushyanthan alias Kumaran, who had come to Chennai three months ago, had obtained a fake Indian passport through an agent there.
As advised by the agent, Thushyanthan purchased a domestic ticket from Indian airline counter and entered the terminal building.
The agent, who had come there, handed over a Lufthansa airline ticket and fake visa to Thushyanathan and tore the domestic Indian Airline ticket, the sources said.
When Thushyanthan was trying to sneak in without getting the immigration clearance, the officials apprehended him.
On verification of the documents, they found that he was possessing fake passport and visa with fake immigration seal, the sources said.
27/09/07 The Hindu
The Immigration officials at the Bangalore airport arrested Thushyanthan (23), who was possessing fake passport and visa, when he was about to board a Lufthansa Airline flight to the U.K., sources in the police told The Hindu.
Thushyanthan alias Kumaran, who had come to Chennai three months ago, had obtained a fake Indian passport through an agent there.
As advised by the agent, Thushyanthan purchased a domestic ticket from Indian airline counter and entered the terminal building.
The agent, who had come there, handed over a Lufthansa airline ticket and fake visa to Thushyanathan and tore the domestic Indian Airline ticket, the sources said.
When Thushyanthan was trying to sneak in without getting the immigration clearance, the officials apprehended him.
On verification of the documents, they found that he was possessing fake passport and visa with fake immigration seal, the sources said.
27/09/07 The Hindu
Instructor shortage bites
Tomorrow's pilots are finding fewer instructors to train them as airlines whisk up new employees with fewer and fewer flight hours, warned NBAA exhibitors at the show this morning. Read On >>
HAL-CAE pact to set up academy
Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and CAE, a Canadian firm, today signed an agreement here to set up a joint venture company that will open a helicopter simulator training centre in the city. Read On >>
Manoj Chacko is now American Express business travel head
Chennai: American Express on Wednesday said it has appointed Manoj Chacko, a former Kingfisher executive, as its Head and Vice-President, Business Travel (India and sub-continent).
Chacko would be leading the global business travel team encompassing operations, acquisition, account development, finance, technology and supplier relations. He would also be accountable for the delivery of consistent high-level travel services as well as the retention and increased acquisition of corporate accounts, a statement from the company said today.
Chacko was involved with Kingfisher Airlines since start- up and was part of the key strategy team of the company. As head of global sales, distribution and network planning, he was instrumental in setting up the airline's sales call centre operations, infrastructure, distribution, technology and processes, the statement added.
A Post Graduate in Management Studies from Goa University, he also is a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering, the statement said.
26/09/07 PTI/Economic Times
Chacko would be leading the global business travel team encompassing operations, acquisition, account development, finance, technology and supplier relations. He would also be accountable for the delivery of consistent high-level travel services as well as the retention and increased acquisition of corporate accounts, a statement from the company said today.
Chacko was involved with Kingfisher Airlines since start- up and was part of the key strategy team of the company. As head of global sales, distribution and network planning, he was instrumental in setting up the airline's sales call centre operations, infrastructure, distribution, technology and processes, the statement added.
A Post Graduate in Management Studies from Goa University, he also is a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering, the statement said.
26/09/07 PTI/Economic Times
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Air India to partner Boeing in Nagpur maintenance unit
Air India will be an equity partner in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility being set up by international aircraft manufacturer Boeing in Nagpur. The search for a third partner in the venture is on.
“We’ve sent a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Boeing, but the exact nature of holdings will be worked out later,” said V Thulasidas, chairman and managing director of National Aviation Company of India Ltd. at the launch of Air India Express’s maiden Nagpur-Dubai flight on Monday. Boeing had announced setting up of the Rs500-crore MRO facility last year, as part of the Rs45,000-crore 111-aircraft deal with Air India.
Nagpur is now connected to two gulf cities — Doha and Dubai — through Qatar Airways and Air India Express, India’s low-cost international carrier. Described as “Nagpur’s double delight”, the flights were inaugurated on Monday. Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel flagged off the Nagpur-Doha flight.
26/09/07 Jaideep Hardikar/Daily News & Analysis
“We’ve sent a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Boeing, but the exact nature of holdings will be worked out later,” said V Thulasidas, chairman and managing director of National Aviation Company of India Ltd. at the launch of Air India Express’s maiden Nagpur-Dubai flight on Monday. Boeing had announced setting up of the Rs500-crore MRO facility last year, as part of the Rs45,000-crore 111-aircraft deal with Air India.
Nagpur is now connected to two gulf cities — Doha and Dubai — through Qatar Airways and Air India Express, India’s low-cost international carrier. Described as “Nagpur’s double delight”, the flights were inaugurated on Monday. Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel flagged off the Nagpur-Doha flight.
26/09/07 Jaideep Hardikar/Daily News & Analysis
Four Cessna citations ordered for India market
Atlanta: The unprecedented strength of the business aircraft market is helping Cessna Aircraft Co. attract record orders, the general aviation aircraft manufacturer’s Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton announced yesterday at the 2007 National Business Aviation Association Meeting and Convention.
“Last year, we delivered 307 business jets,” said. “This year, we expect to deliver 380. Next year, we plan to deliver 470.” As of Aug. 31, he said, the company had a record backlog of more than $11 billion in orders for about 2,700 units, half of them business jets.
“This extraordinary rate of growth is being driven by strong economies and corporate profits and a rapidly-emerging global marketplace,” Pelton said, predicting that about half the company’s sales this year will come from abroad.
Several orders have been announced at the NBAA convention, which runs through tomorrow at Fulton County Airport and the Georgia World Center. They include an order from San Carlos, Calif.-based XOJET for 30 Citation Xs, valued at more than $600 million; another from India for four Citations: two CJ2+ and one XLS for authorized Cessna agent Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd. (TAAL), plus one XLS+ for TAAL parent Indian Seamless Metal Tubes Ltd.; and an order from ITOCHU Corp. subsidiary Japan Aerospace Corp. for three CJ2+, one CJ4, one Encore+, one XLS+, three Caravans and three SkyHawks.
25/09/07 Providence Business News, US
“Last year, we delivered 307 business jets,” said. “This year, we expect to deliver 380. Next year, we plan to deliver 470.” As of Aug. 31, he said, the company had a record backlog of more than $11 billion in orders for about 2,700 units, half of them business jets.
“This extraordinary rate of growth is being driven by strong economies and corporate profits and a rapidly-emerging global marketplace,” Pelton said, predicting that about half the company’s sales this year will come from abroad.
Several orders have been announced at the NBAA convention, which runs through tomorrow at Fulton County Airport and the Georgia World Center. They include an order from San Carlos, Calif.-based XOJET for 30 Citation Xs, valued at more than $600 million; another from India for four Citations: two CJ2+ and one XLS for authorized Cessna agent Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Ltd. (TAAL), plus one XLS+ for TAAL parent Indian Seamless Metal Tubes Ltd.; and an order from ITOCHU Corp. subsidiary Japan Aerospace Corp. for three CJ2+, one CJ4, one Encore+, one XLS+, three Caravans and three SkyHawks.
25/09/07 Providence Business News, US
Qatar Airways launches flights to Nagpur
Qatar Airways yesterday celebrated the launch of scheduled flights to the central Indian city of Nagpur marking the airline's seventh destination in India.
The Civil Aviation Minister of India, the Honourable Praful Patel, was among the guests at Dr. Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur to welcome the first flight and the airline's Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker who flew on the inaugural from Doha.
Flight QR288 touched down at the city's airport to a welcome ceremony, which included Indian dancing and the symbolic traditional lighting of the lamp, seen as an auspicious occasion to herald launches.
Qatar Airways is the only full-service scheduled international airline from the Middle East flying to Nagpur. The launch of twice-weekly flights between Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, and Nagpur takes the airline's burgeoning network across India to 44 services a week.
The Nagpur route is being operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy.
25/09/07 ArabianBusiness.com (press release), United Arab Emirates
The Civil Aviation Minister of India, the Honourable Praful Patel, was among the guests at Dr. Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur to welcome the first flight and the airline's Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker who flew on the inaugural from Doha.
Flight QR288 touched down at the city's airport to a welcome ceremony, which included Indian dancing and the symbolic traditional lighting of the lamp, seen as an auspicious occasion to herald launches.
Qatar Airways is the only full-service scheduled international airline from the Middle East flying to Nagpur. The launch of twice-weekly flights between Doha, capital of the State of Qatar, and Nagpur takes the airline's burgeoning network across India to 44 services a week.
The Nagpur route is being operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy.
25/09/07 ArabianBusiness.com (press release), United Arab Emirates
Lankan airlines now eyes Mangalore
Mangalore: Sri Lankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka , with connectivity to 51 destinations in 30 countries, may include Mangalore in its destination map in the near future.
Manoj Gunawardena, Head, Worldwide Passenger Sales, Sri Lankan Airlines, told Deccan Herald that the company was looking at the possibility of launching tier-2 city operations. Mangalore and Port Blair had been listed in this regard.
The airline would operate 100 flights every week to India by October end, with the launch of Colombo-Coimbatore operations by October-end. Coimbatore would be the airline's 11th destination in India .
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Airlines Manager (TN and Karnataka) Mohan de S Meegolle said that the airline offered a host of services. He also said that he had held talks with the Mangalore airport director on the proposal to introduce flights between Mangalore and Colombo .
25/09/07 SahilOnline, United Arab Emirates
Manoj Gunawardena, Head, Worldwide Passenger Sales, Sri Lankan Airlines, told Deccan Herald that the company was looking at the possibility of launching tier-2 city operations. Mangalore and Port Blair had been listed in this regard.
The airline would operate 100 flights every week to India by October end, with the launch of Colombo-Coimbatore operations by October-end. Coimbatore would be the airline's 11th destination in India .
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan Airlines Manager (TN and Karnataka) Mohan de S Meegolle said that the airline offered a host of services. He also said that he had held talks with the Mangalore airport director on the proposal to introduce flights between Mangalore and Colombo .
25/09/07 SahilOnline, United Arab Emirates
Safety fears over flight simulator training
Fatal plane crashes this year in Indonesia and Thailand have put the issue of pilot competency in the spotlight, and in Australia there are warnings that our own commercial air safety could be compromised by a proposed new licensing system for copilots. Read On >>
Kanishka bombing: KPS Gill to depose
Chandigarh: Former Punjab DGP KPS Gill is ready to depose before a Canadian commission of inquiry set up last year to hear afresh the Kanishka bombing case in which 325 persons were killed aboard an Air India Boeing flight in 1985.
Gill’s willingness to tell his side of the story has come after two members of the Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO) deposed on Monday before the Commission in Canada and claimed that Talwinder Singh Parmar — who was head of separatist outfit Babbar Khalsa International and one of the prime suspects in the bombing — had confessed to his and others’ involvement in the attack during interrogations by Punjab Police in 1992.
If PHRO’s claims turn out to be true it could cause embarrassment to the Canadian authorities that had charged Parmar with weapons, explosives and conspiracy offences five months after the tragedy but later dropped the charges.
26/09/07 Rohit Mullick/Times of India
Gill’s willingness to tell his side of the story has come after two members of the Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO) deposed on Monday before the Commission in Canada and claimed that Talwinder Singh Parmar — who was head of separatist outfit Babbar Khalsa International and one of the prime suspects in the bombing — had confessed to his and others’ involvement in the attack during interrogations by Punjab Police in 1992.
If PHRO’s claims turn out to be true it could cause embarrassment to the Canadian authorities that had charged Parmar with weapons, explosives and conspiracy offences five months after the tragedy but later dropped the charges.
26/09/07 Rohit Mullick/Times of India
RCMP ruled out key suspect in Air India bombing
Ottawa: The RCMP ruled out a man suspected of plotting terrorist acts in other countries as a suspect in the Air India bombing after interviewing him in 1992, a public inquiry has heard.
There has been speculation for years that Lal Singh, who had ties to the International Sikh Youth Federation, may have been one of the couriers who delivered two bomb-laden suitcases that killed more than 300 people.
But Insp. Jim Cunningham testified Tuesday that the Mounties never uncovered any hard evidence linking him to the 1985 downing of Air India Flight 182, or a second blast the same day at Narita airport in Japan.
The RCMP finally managed to speak to Singh seven years after the attacks, when he was arrested in India on terrorism charges unrelated to the bombings.
The Mounties suspected he may have been roughed up by Indian police during their initial interrogation. But Cunningham said he and an RCMP colleague took care to ensure their own interview was conducted in a way that would meet all the legal tests in Canada.
Nevertheless, they didn't have a totally free hand since Indian police insisted on being present for the questioning. That meant, for example, that the Mounties couldn't ask Singh directly whether he'd been tortured.
"That was a question that I felt would have been inappropriate,'' Cunningham told the inquiry headed by former Supreme Court justice John Major.
"He would remain in custody after I left. If he was in fact poorly treated beforehand, there was a possibility that he would have been afterwards.''
In the interview, a transcript of which was tabled Tuesday, Singh denied any role in the bombing and his interrogators apparently took him at his word.
They had come up with no independent proof to the contrary over the previous seven years. And a Vancouver airline agent who checked in the suspect baggage on the day of the blast couldn't identify Singh in a lineup.
25/09/07 The Canadian Press/CTV.ca, Canada
There has been speculation for years that Lal Singh, who had ties to the International Sikh Youth Federation, may have been one of the couriers who delivered two bomb-laden suitcases that killed more than 300 people.
But Insp. Jim Cunningham testified Tuesday that the Mounties never uncovered any hard evidence linking him to the 1985 downing of Air India Flight 182, or a second blast the same day at Narita airport in Japan.
The RCMP finally managed to speak to Singh seven years after the attacks, when he was arrested in India on terrorism charges unrelated to the bombings.
The Mounties suspected he may have been roughed up by Indian police during their initial interrogation. But Cunningham said he and an RCMP colleague took care to ensure their own interview was conducted in a way that would meet all the legal tests in Canada.
Nevertheless, they didn't have a totally free hand since Indian police insisted on being present for the questioning. That meant, for example, that the Mounties couldn't ask Singh directly whether he'd been tortured.
"That was a question that I felt would have been inappropriate,'' Cunningham told the inquiry headed by former Supreme Court justice John Major.
"He would remain in custody after I left. If he was in fact poorly treated beforehand, there was a possibility that he would have been afterwards.''
In the interview, a transcript of which was tabled Tuesday, Singh denied any role in the bombing and his interrogators apparently took him at his word.
They had come up with no independent proof to the contrary over the previous seven years. And a Vancouver airline agent who checked in the suspect baggage on the day of the blast couldn't identify Singh in a lineup.
25/09/07 The Canadian Press/CTV.ca, Canada
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Small plane makers woo start-up airlines with attractive packages
New Delhi/Mumbai: A month after the Union government unveiled a new policy for regional airlines, makers of small planes that can carry up to 100 passengers are wooing aviation start-up firms that could end up as big buyers of such aircraft.
Three airlines in South India—Air Dravida, EmricAir and Star Aviation—have applied for a regional airline licence from the ministry of civil aviation, with another half a dozen expected to follow suit. These airlines, together with the existing scheduled carriers, are expected to buy at least 300 aircraft in the next few years, the ministry estimates.
Small jets and turboprops, priced at between $20 million and $40 million (Rs80 crore and Rs160 crore) before discounts, capable of seating 40- 100 passengers, are considered ideal for regional carriers given the short hops they fly and the fuel efficiency offered.
Such planes are mostly made by Brazil’s Brasileira de Aeronáutica SA, better known as Embraer, Canada’s Bombardier Inc. and Frenchturboprop maker ATR, a subsidiary of Airbus SAS. Just 13 regional jets from Embraer and Bombardier are part of the country’s fleet of more than 250 aircraft currently.
Regional airlines are being wooed with attractive packages, said the chief executive of a full-service airline. “The range of discount depends upon deep pockets and expansion plans,” said the CEO, who did not want to be named.
25/09/07 Tarun Shukla and P.R. Sanjai/Livemint
Three airlines in South India—Air Dravida, EmricAir and Star Aviation—have applied for a regional airline licence from the ministry of civil aviation, with another half a dozen expected to follow suit. These airlines, together with the existing scheduled carriers, are expected to buy at least 300 aircraft in the next few years, the ministry estimates.
Small jets and turboprops, priced at between $20 million and $40 million (Rs80 crore and Rs160 crore) before discounts, capable of seating 40- 100 passengers, are considered ideal for regional carriers given the short hops they fly and the fuel efficiency offered.
Such planes are mostly made by Brazil’s Brasileira de Aeronáutica SA, better known as Embraer, Canada’s Bombardier Inc. and Frenchturboprop maker ATR, a subsidiary of Airbus SAS. Just 13 regional jets from Embraer and Bombardier are part of the country’s fleet of more than 250 aircraft currently.
Regional airlines are being wooed with attractive packages, said the chief executive of a full-service airline. “The range of discount depends upon deep pockets and expansion plans,” said the CEO, who did not want to be named.
25/09/07 Tarun Shukla and P.R. Sanjai/Livemint
New Congolese airline to provide connections to India also
The Brussels Airlines Group together with Hewa Bora Airways of Congo has created a new Congolese airline. The new airline will operate according to international standards from Kinshasa and offer both domestic and international flights.
The Brussels Airlines Group’s participation in the new company is via its affiliate, Pan African Airlines Leasing Company Ltd. Pan African Airlines is a company based in Mauritius and is specialized in the development of African aviation projects and aviation partnerships.
Pan African owns 49 pct of the shares of the new airline and the Hewa Bora Airways Group holds the remaining 51 pct.
The new airline will start its operations as soon as possible after all necessary preparations work has been done and licenses have been granted. The name of the airline will be announced at a later stage.
Thank to a codeshare agreement, the new airline will also sell tickets on the Kinshasa – Brussels service operated by Brussels Airlines.
The domestic and regional flights of the new airline will provide smooth connections from its destinations to the long haul services operated by Brussels Airlines and via Brussels to Europe, the US, India and the Middle East.
24/09/07 Easier, UK
The Brussels Airlines Group’s participation in the new company is via its affiliate, Pan African Airlines Leasing Company Ltd. Pan African Airlines is a company based in Mauritius and is specialized in the development of African aviation projects and aviation partnerships.
Pan African owns 49 pct of the shares of the new airline and the Hewa Bora Airways Group holds the remaining 51 pct.
The new airline will start its operations as soon as possible after all necessary preparations work has been done and licenses have been granted. The name of the airline will be announced at a later stage.
Thank to a codeshare agreement, the new airline will also sell tickets on the Kinshasa – Brussels service operated by Brussels Airlines.
The domestic and regional flights of the new airline will provide smooth connections from its destinations to the long haul services operated by Brussels Airlines and via Brussels to Europe, the US, India and the Middle East.
24/09/07 Easier, UK
Dean Wilson mulls licence production of Boomerang aircraft in India
Australian manufacturer Dean Wilson Aviation has completed its first production Boomerang training aircraft, with certification from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority expected imminently.
The Boomerang is a two-seat all-metal trainer with night vision flight rules and instrument flight rules capability. It has been designed as an affordable and robust replacement for ageing Cessna 152s and Piper PA38s.
The Queensland-based manufacturer says the Lycoming 0-235-powered trainer is the safest training aircraft in the world, having met new CASA crash test requirements. Once certificated, the aircraft will be only the fourth FAR 23-certificated aircraft to reach production in Australian aviation history, says the manufacturer.
Dean Wilson Aviation has 13 orders for the Boomerang, including 10 from two flight training schools in India. The first 10 aircraft for India will be produced in Australia, but the manufacturer is looking at licence production in India for subsequent orders from the country.
23/09/07 Kate Sarsfield/Flight International
The Boomerang is a two-seat all-metal trainer with night vision flight rules and instrument flight rules capability. It has been designed as an affordable and robust replacement for ageing Cessna 152s and Piper PA38s.
The Queensland-based manufacturer says the Lycoming 0-235-powered trainer is the safest training aircraft in the world, having met new CASA crash test requirements. Once certificated, the aircraft will be only the fourth FAR 23-certificated aircraft to reach production in Australian aviation history, says the manufacturer.
Dean Wilson Aviation has 13 orders for the Boomerang, including 10 from two flight training schools in India. The first 10 aircraft for India will be produced in Australia, but the manufacturer is looking at licence production in India for subsequent orders from the country.
23/09/07 Kate Sarsfield/Flight International
Russian-Indian aviation pact in October
Moscow: An agreement to jointly develop a Russian-Indian multi-role transport aircraft (MTA) will be signed in October, Russia's aircraft building company Ilyushin has announced.
The firm has also invited Ukraine to take part in the project, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti said.
An inter-governmental cooperation agreement between Russia and India is to be signed by the end of October, said Viktor Livanov, general director of Ilyushin.
The MTA is expected to be configured around the Russian Il-214 project. The new prototype is to replace the veteran An-12 Cub, An-26 Curl and An-32 Cline transport planes in Russia and India.
24/09/07 IANS/Economic Times
The firm has also invited Ukraine to take part in the project, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti said.
An inter-governmental cooperation agreement between Russia and India is to be signed by the end of October, said Viktor Livanov, general director of Ilyushin.
The MTA is expected to be configured around the Russian Il-214 project. The new prototype is to replace the veteran An-12 Cub, An-26 Curl and An-32 Cline transport planes in Russia and India.
24/09/07 IANS/Economic Times
Migrant workers in limbo at Kuala Lumpur airport waiting for employers to collect them
Kuala Lumpur: Thousands of migrant workers are being forced to camp for days in a stuffy car park at the airport in Malaysia's biggest city, sleeping on the floor surrounded by garbage and urine, while they wait for their new employers to collect them.
Every day, more than 1,000 migrant workers arrive at the Kuala Lumpur international airport, with the number swelling to 3,000 at the weekend, said Saravana Kumar, deputy head of immigration at the airport during an interview last week.
Most of them arrive from Bangladesh, and a few from Nepal, Pakistan, India and other countries, eager to join a burgeoning labor force of menial workers, such as carpenters, cleaners, security guards, waiters and shop clerks who help keep Malaysia's economic success humming.
But complaints that migrants were loitering among tourists at the pristine airport, sprawling about with their piles of scruffy luggage, prompted authorities to set up a makeshift immigration processing center in the airport's multistory car park, Saravana said.
The processing center was meant to facilitate a speedy processing — within eight hours of their arrival — and enable immigration officials to keep track of everyone in one place. But some workers are forced to spend several nights in the car park because their employers or agents are either late to collect them, or do not show up at all, Saravana said.
23/09/07 The Associated Press/International Herald Tribune, France
Every day, more than 1,000 migrant workers arrive at the Kuala Lumpur international airport, with the number swelling to 3,000 at the weekend, said Saravana Kumar, deputy head of immigration at the airport during an interview last week.
Most of them arrive from Bangladesh, and a few from Nepal, Pakistan, India and other countries, eager to join a burgeoning labor force of menial workers, such as carpenters, cleaners, security guards, waiters and shop clerks who help keep Malaysia's economic success humming.
But complaints that migrants were loitering among tourists at the pristine airport, sprawling about with their piles of scruffy luggage, prompted authorities to set up a makeshift immigration processing center in the airport's multistory car park, Saravana said.
The processing center was meant to facilitate a speedy processing — within eight hours of their arrival — and enable immigration officials to keep track of everyone in one place. But some workers are forced to spend several nights in the car park because their employers or agents are either late to collect them, or do not show up at all, Saravana said.
23/09/07 The Associated Press/International Herald Tribune, France
Painter sent back as visa is cancelled
Manama: A Painter, who left Bahrain four months ago for medical treatment was told his visa had been cancelled upon his return to Bahrain yesterday.
P K Ragukumar, from India, was forced to return to Kerala after Bahrain International Airport officials informed him that he could not enter the country.
He was stranded at the airport until he received a ticket to Mumbai from his sponsor, his brother P K Ashok told the GDN.
The GDN reported in July that several expats had been barred from entering Bahrain after they returned from vacation because their sponsors had cancelled their visas without informing them.
Embassy officials had criticised the practice, describing it as "an inhumane gesture from the employer and it must be stopped".
The General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence has advised victims of such practices to complain to airport authorities.
25/09/07 Alistair Baptista/Gulf Daily News, Bahrain
P K Ragukumar, from India, was forced to return to Kerala after Bahrain International Airport officials informed him that he could not enter the country.
He was stranded at the airport until he received a ticket to Mumbai from his sponsor, his brother P K Ashok told the GDN.
The GDN reported in July that several expats had been barred from entering Bahrain after they returned from vacation because their sponsors had cancelled their visas without informing them.
Embassy officials had criticised the practice, describing it as "an inhumane gesture from the employer and it must be stopped".
The General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence has advised victims of such practices to complain to airport authorities.
25/09/07 Alistair Baptista/Gulf Daily News, Bahrain
US help for Kolkata airport?
Kolkata: Modernisation of the Kolkata airport turned out to be one of the areas in which state commerce and industries minister Nirupam Sen expressed interest for collaboration with US companies during his meeting with a US delegation from California today.
This is what Suja Lowenthal, councilperson of Long Beach, California, said at a media conference organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). “Some airport operations management companies may also be part of the trade mission slated to visit the state in January 2008,” she said.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Sen said the meeting with the California delegation had gone off well and possible avenues of US investments in the state were discussed. Regarding the airport modernisation issue, however, Sen declined to comment, saying: “The Government of India is dealing with the issue.”
“The meeting with the commerce and industry minister was very productive,” said Lowenthal, “the minister was supportive of the agenda.”
24/09/07 Expressindia.com
This is what Suja Lowenthal, councilperson of Long Beach, California, said at a media conference organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). “Some airport operations management companies may also be part of the trade mission slated to visit the state in January 2008,” she said.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Sen said the meeting with the California delegation had gone off well and possible avenues of US investments in the state were discussed. Regarding the airport modernisation issue, however, Sen declined to comment, saying: “The Government of India is dealing with the issue.”
“The meeting with the commerce and industry minister was very productive,” said Lowenthal, “the minister was supportive of the agenda.”
24/09/07 Expressindia.com
Now, airlines to go slow on expat pilots
New Delhi: Indian airline companies are getting ambitious; they not only want to bridge the supply gap in the domestic market but also want to train manpower in huge numbers so that the surplus is recruited by foreign airlines. Read On >>
City of Tulsa (US) offers pilot training for aerospace ind
Addressing IACC’s 4th Indo-US Economic Summit today in New Delhi, Ms Kathryn Taylor, Mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma, US said that the US and India can have strong partnership in the field of aerospace, aviation training and maintenance. Read On >>
Older US pilots not ready to have wings clipped
Washington: Jack Norman has interviewed for a job with Air India and has sent applications to corporate jet companies. Neither option pays nearly as well as his senior position at Continental. Fortunately, his children are out of college. Read On >>
Cheap flights 'to open up Far East market'
The impending availability of cheap flights to the Far East will open up the market for investors and tourists, it has been claimed.
According to Hetal Shah, director of Investors Provident, cheap flights from the UK to the Far East will impact on the local property market in much the same way as they did in Europe.
Mr Shah notes that budget airlines will be offering cheap flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in September or October of this year.
One of the airlines to offer this service will be AirAsia X, and Mr Shah believes the carrier is especially reminiscent of easyJet, one of the forerunners in the European low-cost flights sector.
"I think AirAsia X is like a similar concept to what easyJet is," he said.
"And what easyJet has done to the European sector, is what AirAsia X is trying to do for the Far Eastern sector.
"At the end of the day, they are very, very cheap flights. And that's definitely going to open up the market," he concluded.
24/09/07 Holiday Lettings, UK
According to Hetal Shah, director of Investors Provident, cheap flights from the UK to the Far East will impact on the local property market in much the same way as they did in Europe.
Mr Shah notes that budget airlines will be offering cheap flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in September or October of this year.
One of the airlines to offer this service will be AirAsia X, and Mr Shah believes the carrier is especially reminiscent of easyJet, one of the forerunners in the European low-cost flights sector.
"I think AirAsia X is like a similar concept to what easyJet is," he said.
"And what easyJet has done to the European sector, is what AirAsia X is trying to do for the Far Eastern sector.
"At the end of the day, they are very, very cheap flights. And that's definitely going to open up the market," he concluded.
24/09/07 Holiday Lettings, UK
Police knew about Air India confession, inquiry hears
Ottawa: The RCMP's Air India Task Force thoroughly investigated the purported confession of bomber Talwinder Singh Parmar and concluded it contained false information about the terrorist plot, the judicial inquiry heard Monday.
Insp. Lorne Schwartz said details of the alleged confession billed as "seismic evidence" at the Air India inquiry were in the hands of RCMP investigators in 1997, who followed up with interviews across Canada, in India and eventually in Pakistan.
Schwartz confirmed that the police were well aware a decade ago of material that was a surprise to inquiry lawyers when they were approached by the Punjab Human Rights Organization about Parmar's in-custody death several months ago.
A document supposed to have been translated from Parmar's interrogation by Punjab Police in 1992 was entered as an exhibit Monday, provided by two PHRO volunteers who testified.
It quotes Parmar saying he played a role in the June 1985 bombing, but only after he was approached by a leader of the International Sikh Youth Federation a month before.
Parmar, who founded the Babbar Khalsa terrorist group, blamed the bombing on ISYF leader Lakhbir Singh Brar and Inderjit Singh Reyat, who told police Parmar had been the mastermind.
"He asked some help from me, doing these intense activities. After conferring with him for some time, I agreed to help," Parmar is quoted as saying of Brar.
"He wanted to show the anger of the Sikhs to the whole world by doing some powerful explosions and to establish our recognition."
Parmar said that Brar brought Reyat to him four days later and "I was ready and the same three went in the car to the forest."
The statement appears to be referring to the June 4, 1985 test blast, conducted by Parmar and Reyat near Duncan -- on the south end of Vancouver Island -- with a mystery man police have dubbed Mr. X.
Parmar said Mr. X is Brar, who now lives in exile in Pakistan after being ordered deported from Canada. He is the nephew of slain militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
But the confession document inaccurately said Parmar returned "home" with Reyat and Mr. X, when in fact Parmar travelled back to Vancouver alone that day.
And it quotes Parmar providing inaccurate information about the purchase of airline tickets used in the deadly plot, Schwartz testified.
As well, the description police had of Mr. X did not match that of Brar, he said, as the ISYF leader was at least a decade older than the man the mysterious Mr. X.
24/09/07 Kim Bolan/CanWest News Service/National Post, Canada
Insp. Lorne Schwartz said details of the alleged confession billed as "seismic evidence" at the Air India inquiry were in the hands of RCMP investigators in 1997, who followed up with interviews across Canada, in India and eventually in Pakistan.
Schwartz confirmed that the police were well aware a decade ago of material that was a surprise to inquiry lawyers when they were approached by the Punjab Human Rights Organization about Parmar's in-custody death several months ago.
A document supposed to have been translated from Parmar's interrogation by Punjab Police in 1992 was entered as an exhibit Monday, provided by two PHRO volunteers who testified.
It quotes Parmar saying he played a role in the June 1985 bombing, but only after he was approached by a leader of the International Sikh Youth Federation a month before.
Parmar, who founded the Babbar Khalsa terrorist group, blamed the bombing on ISYF leader Lakhbir Singh Brar and Inderjit Singh Reyat, who told police Parmar had been the mastermind.
"He asked some help from me, doing these intense activities. After conferring with him for some time, I agreed to help," Parmar is quoted as saying of Brar.
"He wanted to show the anger of the Sikhs to the whole world by doing some powerful explosions and to establish our recognition."
Parmar said that Brar brought Reyat to him four days later and "I was ready and the same three went in the car to the forest."
The statement appears to be referring to the June 4, 1985 test blast, conducted by Parmar and Reyat near Duncan -- on the south end of Vancouver Island -- with a mystery man police have dubbed Mr. X.
Parmar said Mr. X is Brar, who now lives in exile in Pakistan after being ordered deported from Canada. He is the nephew of slain militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
But the confession document inaccurately said Parmar returned "home" with Reyat and Mr. X, when in fact Parmar travelled back to Vancouver alone that day.
And it quotes Parmar providing inaccurate information about the purchase of airline tickets used in the deadly plot, Schwartz testified.
As well, the description police had of Mr. X did not match that of Brar, he said, as the ISYF leader was at least a decade older than the man the mysterious Mr. X.
24/09/07 Kim Bolan/CanWest News Service/National Post, Canada
Two more international flights from Nagpur
Nagpur: Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel flagged off two international flights - to Doha and Dubai - from Dr. Ambedkar International Airport here Monday, further boosting the ongoing multi-modal international hub airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project.
While Qatar Airways will operate its Nagpur-Doha flight twice a week using a 144-seater Airbus 320 aircraft, Air India Express will operate its Mumbai-Nagpur-Dubai flight thrice a week with a 188-seater Boeing 737-800 aircraft, Patel told reporters after flagging off the flights.
Patel said the National Aviation Company of India's (the company formed after the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines) cargo hub would also start functioning from Nagpur from Dec.
The city airport, which so far had only two international flights - to Sharjah and Bangkok - is poised to host many more global airliners operating their services from here in the near future, thanks to the tremendous interest MIHAN and the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) are generating the world over.
24/09/07 Monsters and Critics.com, UK
While Qatar Airways will operate its Nagpur-Doha flight twice a week using a 144-seater Airbus 320 aircraft, Air India Express will operate its Mumbai-Nagpur-Dubai flight thrice a week with a 188-seater Boeing 737-800 aircraft, Patel told reporters after flagging off the flights.
Patel said the National Aviation Company of India's (the company formed after the merger of Air India and Indian Airlines) cargo hub would also start functioning from Nagpur from Dec.
The city airport, which so far had only two international flights - to Sharjah and Bangkok - is poised to host many more global airliners operating their services from here in the near future, thanks to the tremendous interest MIHAN and the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) are generating the world over.
24/09/07 Monsters and Critics.com, UK
Monday, September 24, 2007
Wadia-SIA’s Indian MRO deal faces setback over differences
Mumbai: A much-touted joint venture between the Wadia Group and Singapore Airlines’ engineering arm SIA Engineering Co., for opening an aircraft maintenance and an aerospace training centre in India, has hit a major roadblock owing to differences of opinion.
“The joint venture project has not taken off yet due to differences in opinion. The Wadia Group has not agreed to the terms and conditions put forth by the company,” said an SIA Engineering executive who does not want to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. “Key executives of SIA Engineering would be meeting the Wadia Group on Monday. The joint venture may be called off if there are no amendments made to the existing conditions.”
Another person familiar with the development, who does not want to be named, said the cost of the project has gone up substantially from the initial estimates. The project structure will also result in increased cost for servicing the fleet of GoAir, run by the Wadia Group. He added that some of the clauses are not favourable to GoAir.
Jeh Wadia, managing director of Go Airlines (India) Pvt. Ltd, which runs GoAir, insisted “the joint venture with SIA Engineering is well on track,” adding that “the information about dropping the project is purely market speculation.”
24/09/07 P.R. Sanjai/Livemint
“The joint venture project has not taken off yet due to differences in opinion. The Wadia Group has not agreed to the terms and conditions put forth by the company,” said an SIA Engineering executive who does not want to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue. “Key executives of SIA Engineering would be meeting the Wadia Group on Monday. The joint venture may be called off if there are no amendments made to the existing conditions.”
Another person familiar with the development, who does not want to be named, said the cost of the project has gone up substantially from the initial estimates. The project structure will also result in increased cost for servicing the fleet of GoAir, run by the Wadia Group. He added that some of the clauses are not favourable to GoAir.
Jeh Wadia, managing director of Go Airlines (India) Pvt. Ltd, which runs GoAir, insisted “the joint venture with SIA Engineering is well on track,” adding that “the information about dropping the project is purely market speculation.”
24/09/07 P.R. Sanjai/Livemint
Wipro may offer services to Boeing`s MRO facility in Nagpur
Wipro Technologies is in the advanced stages of negotiations with aviation company Boeing to provide technological support for its upcoming facility in Maharashtra, reports Business Standard.
If Wipro receives this contract, the company will gain around 20-25% of the total USD100 million investments planned for IT services by Boeing, the New York Stock Exchange-listed company.
This will be the second contract to be received by an Indian IT company by Boeing. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) had received the first contract.
Wipro intends to offer software, technology and installation support and services for Boeing`s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Nagpur.
Wipro will look at a joint venture deal or an alliance with Boeing for the project. Boeing plans to start another MRO facility in Delhi.
Wipro is also considering providing software tools to enable checks on various passenger aircraft of Boeing.
24/09/07 Myiris.com
If Wipro receives this contract, the company will gain around 20-25% of the total USD100 million investments planned for IT services by Boeing, the New York Stock Exchange-listed company.
This will be the second contract to be received by an Indian IT company by Boeing. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) had received the first contract.
Wipro intends to offer software, technology and installation support and services for Boeing`s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Nagpur.
Wipro will look at a joint venture deal or an alliance with Boeing for the project. Boeing plans to start another MRO facility in Delhi.
Wipro is also considering providing software tools to enable checks on various passenger aircraft of Boeing.
24/09/07 Myiris.com
Doha, Dubai flights take off today from Nagpur
Nagpur: There will be double bonanza for international air-travellers of Orange City from September 24 onwards as international airliners Qatar Airways and low-cost airliner Air India Express will be commencing their respective Nagpur-Doha and Nagpur-Dubai operations from Dr Ambedkar International Airport here.
On Monday the inaugural flight of Qatar Airways will arrive at Nagpur at 10 am and take off for Doha at 11.15 am, while the Air India Express flight will arrive from Mumbai at 11.30 am and take off for Dubai at 1.30 pm.
The low-cost airliner Air India Express will be operated on Mumbai-Nagpur-Dubai sector with 188 seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. It will take off from Nagpur at 1.30 pm and reach Dubai at 3.40 pm. In its return journey, the flight will take off from Dubai at 4.30 pm and reach Nagpur at 7.25 pm. The aircraft will have single-class economy, but it will provide all its passengers all the essential on-board services needed for a comfortable flight.
Qatar Airways will operate flights on Monday and Thursday with 144-seat Airbus-320 aircraft on the Nagpur-Doha route. The flight will arrive at Nagpur at 4.30 am and will take off for Doha at 5.35 am. An official of Qatar Airways said the inaugural flight will be carrying 144 passengers (100% load) to Doha, similar is the situation with Air India Express flight, sources said. Doha and Dubai will be destinations to be linked with the city after Sharjah (Air Arabia) and Bangkok (Indian).
24/09/07 Times of India
On Monday the inaugural flight of Qatar Airways will arrive at Nagpur at 10 am and take off for Doha at 11.15 am, while the Air India Express flight will arrive from Mumbai at 11.30 am and take off for Dubai at 1.30 pm.
The low-cost airliner Air India Express will be operated on Mumbai-Nagpur-Dubai sector with 188 seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. It will take off from Nagpur at 1.30 pm and reach Dubai at 3.40 pm. In its return journey, the flight will take off from Dubai at 4.30 pm and reach Nagpur at 7.25 pm. The aircraft will have single-class economy, but it will provide all its passengers all the essential on-board services needed for a comfortable flight.
Qatar Airways will operate flights on Monday and Thursday with 144-seat Airbus-320 aircraft on the Nagpur-Doha route. The flight will arrive at Nagpur at 4.30 am and will take off for Doha at 5.35 am. An official of Qatar Airways said the inaugural flight will be carrying 144 passengers (100% load) to Doha, similar is the situation with Air India Express flight, sources said. Doha and Dubai will be destinations to be linked with the city after Sharjah (Air Arabia) and Bangkok (Indian).
24/09/07 Times of India
Rough day at Kolkata airport
Kolkata: It was an ordeal that the 240 Bangkok-bound passengers won’t forget in a hurry. They were confined to the international terminal of NSCBI Airport for over 12 hours because of a delay by a Thai Airways flight. One hundred and fifty seven doctors had to endure the travail, too.
The wait, which began at 11 pm on Saturday, ended at 2 pm on Sunday when Thai Airways flight TG 314 finally took off.
The passengers reported at the check-in counter between 11 pm and 12 pm on Saturday for the flight scheduled to take off 2 am on Sunday. By 1 am, the passengers had undergone security check, immigration, customs clearance and were seated in the security hold lounge.
But the boarding announcements never came. It was only an hour after the scheduled departure that an airline official informed the passengers that the flight was delayed. “The aircraft has been diverted to Dhaka due to bad weather. It will land here in an hour,” he assured them.
The officer appeared twice during the next two hours making similar noises. Thereafter, he disappeared, leaving the 240 passengers in the lurch.
The flight landed only around 2 pm, exactly 12 hours after it was scheduled to depart.
An airline source said the flight couldn’t land due to strong crosswinds. The passengers could not be provided accommodation as their passports were stamped and were “deemed to have exited Indian soil”.
24/09/07 Times of India
The wait, which began at 11 pm on Saturday, ended at 2 pm on Sunday when Thai Airways flight TG 314 finally took off.
The passengers reported at the check-in counter between 11 pm and 12 pm on Saturday for the flight scheduled to take off 2 am on Sunday. By 1 am, the passengers had undergone security check, immigration, customs clearance and were seated in the security hold lounge.
But the boarding announcements never came. It was only an hour after the scheduled departure that an airline official informed the passengers that the flight was delayed. “The aircraft has been diverted to Dhaka due to bad weather. It will land here in an hour,” he assured them.
The officer appeared twice during the next two hours making similar noises. Thereafter, he disappeared, leaving the 240 passengers in the lurch.
The flight landed only around 2 pm, exactly 12 hours after it was scheduled to depart.
An airline source said the flight couldn’t land due to strong crosswinds. The passengers could not be provided accommodation as their passports were stamped and were “deemed to have exited Indian soil”.
24/09/07 Times of India
Qatar, AI Express to launch flights from Monday
Nagpur: Qatar Airways and Air India Express are all set to launch their flight from Nagpur to Doha and Dubai respectively, airlines sources said.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel will flag off both the international flights at Dr Ambedkar International Airport.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker is arriving with the inaugural flight from Doha and will be present at the ceremony, airline sources added.
Similarly Air India Express will introduce a Nagpur-Dubai flight tomorrow.
23/09/07 Financial Express
Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel will flag off both the international flights at Dr Ambedkar International Airport.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker is arriving with the inaugural flight from Doha and will be present at the ceremony, airline sources added.
Similarly Air India Express will introduce a Nagpur-Dubai flight tomorrow.
23/09/07 Financial Express
Air India inquiry to hear story of purported Parmar confession
Ottawa: More than two decades after Air India Flight 182 was blown from the sky, a public inquiry is set to hear about a purported confession by the prime suspect in the 1985 bombing.
Talwinder Singh Parmar, head of the militant Sikh separatist group Babbar Khalsa, was arrested shortly after the attack, but the RCMP didn't have enough evidence to make any charges stick. He was freed and eventually slipped out of Canada.
There have been claims for years, however, that Parmar made a statement about the bombing - possibly under torture or possibly in an effort to shift some of the blame to others - before he was slain by Indian police in 1992.
The inquiry headed by former Supreme Court justice John Major is expected to start hearing evidence on the matter Monday, when two officials of the Punjab Human Rights Organization are scheduled to testify.
Their story was supposed to come out in June, when Sarabjit Singh, secretary general to the organization, and Rajvinder Singh Bains, the group's legal counsel, first journeyed to Ottawa. They were accompanied then by Harmail Singh Chandi, a former Punjab policeman said to be knowledgeable about Parmar's capture and interrogation.
The three men pulled out of the hearings and went home in June because Major couldn't give them an ironclad guarantee of anonymity. But the story leaked upon their return to India when the magazine Tehelka reported that Chandi had kept transcripts and tape recordings of the supposed confession.
Parmar was said to have confirmed he was involved in the downing of Flight 182 with the loss of 329 lives, as well as another bombing the same day that killed two baggage handlers at Narita airport in Japan.
But he was also said to have told his interrogators that the real mastermind of the plot was Lakhbir Singh Brar, a former head of the International Sikh Youth Federation who was deported from Canada as a security risk and is now believed to be living in Pakistan.
Critics in both Canada and India have questioned the claims about Brar and suggested they have more to do with internal Sikh politics than with reality. The RCMP is known to have investigated Brar in connection with the Air India bomb plot but never charged him while he was in Canada.
It's also known the Mounties have been aware for several years of the purported confession by Parmar. Members of his family say the RCMP informed them in 2002 that the force believed - contrary to official denials from Indian authorities - that he had been captured alive, interrogated and only then killed.
23/09/07 The Canadian Press
Talwinder Singh Parmar, head of the militant Sikh separatist group Babbar Khalsa, was arrested shortly after the attack, but the RCMP didn't have enough evidence to make any charges stick. He was freed and eventually slipped out of Canada.
There have been claims for years, however, that Parmar made a statement about the bombing - possibly under torture or possibly in an effort to shift some of the blame to others - before he was slain by Indian police in 1992.
The inquiry headed by former Supreme Court justice John Major is expected to start hearing evidence on the matter Monday, when two officials of the Punjab Human Rights Organization are scheduled to testify.
Their story was supposed to come out in June, when Sarabjit Singh, secretary general to the organization, and Rajvinder Singh Bains, the group's legal counsel, first journeyed to Ottawa. They were accompanied then by Harmail Singh Chandi, a former Punjab policeman said to be knowledgeable about Parmar's capture and interrogation.
The three men pulled out of the hearings and went home in June because Major couldn't give them an ironclad guarantee of anonymity. But the story leaked upon their return to India when the magazine Tehelka reported that Chandi had kept transcripts and tape recordings of the supposed confession.
Parmar was said to have confirmed he was involved in the downing of Flight 182 with the loss of 329 lives, as well as another bombing the same day that killed two baggage handlers at Narita airport in Japan.
But he was also said to have told his interrogators that the real mastermind of the plot was Lakhbir Singh Brar, a former head of the International Sikh Youth Federation who was deported from Canada as a security risk and is now believed to be living in Pakistan.
Critics in both Canada and India have questioned the claims about Brar and suggested they have more to do with internal Sikh politics than with reality. The RCMP is known to have investigated Brar in connection with the Air India bomb plot but never charged him while he was in Canada.
It's also known the Mounties have been aware for several years of the purported confession by Parmar. Members of his family say the RCMP informed them in 2002 that the force believed - contrary to official denials from Indian authorities - that he had been captured alive, interrogated and only then killed.
23/09/07 The Canadian Press
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Finnair on cloud nine over India business prospect
New Delhi: Finnair, the official carrier of Finland, took 19 years to start 25 weekly flights out of China but less than nine months to operate 12 flights a week from India. The logic is simple. With all the big IT players of India in Finland and growing Finnish business presence in India, corporate travel is on a high.
Alongside, for the first time, this eastern Scandinavian nation is keen to project its brand ambassador – Santa Claus – in India. Besides, domestic tour operators too are now drawing up special tour packages for ‘winter tourism’ to Finland.
“In 2006, Finland had more than 45,000 over nights (tourists who stay for one or more nights) from India, up 40% from the previous year,” says Taina Tornstrom, director – Indian sub-continent, Finnair. “It takes 6.5 hours to fly to Helsinki from Delhi, and the Helsinki airport has also been voted as the best European airport, which works in our favour,” says Ms Tornstrom.
According to her, in roughly two years, the fleet would be doubled and the airline would make forays into Bangalore and Chennai.
23/09/07 Moinak Mitra & Vishakha Talreja/Economic Times
Alongside, for the first time, this eastern Scandinavian nation is keen to project its brand ambassador – Santa Claus – in India. Besides, domestic tour operators too are now drawing up special tour packages for ‘winter tourism’ to Finland.
“In 2006, Finland had more than 45,000 over nights (tourists who stay for one or more nights) from India, up 40% from the previous year,” says Taina Tornstrom, director – Indian sub-continent, Finnair. “It takes 6.5 hours to fly to Helsinki from Delhi, and the Helsinki airport has also been voted as the best European airport, which works in our favour,” says Ms Tornstrom.
According to her, in roughly two years, the fleet would be doubled and the airline would make forays into Bangalore and Chennai.
23/09/07 Moinak Mitra & Vishakha Talreja/Economic Times
Hawker 4000 Super-Midsize Jet tours India
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) has brought its newest aircraft, the composite-fuselage, super-midsize Hawker 4000 to India for customer demonstrations as part of a six-month world demonstration tour. The aircraft will spend time in Mumbai Sept. 19-20, 2007 and New Delhi Sept. 21-22, 2007 flying key customers as well as being available for viewing on static display. The airplane has already been on a demonstration tour in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Three of the new Hawker 4000s will be delivered to customers in India in 2008.
HBC enjoys a long history of selling aircraft into India. Of the approximately 122 business, turbine-powered aircraft in India today, 73 are Hawker or Beechcraft products.
The Hawker 4000 carries six passengers over 3,000 nautical miles at a Mach 0.82 cruise speed and four passengers can be carried over 3,300 nautical miles at a cruise speed of Mach 0.75. These ranges give passengers flying from Mumbai the capability of reaching Cairo, Moscow, Shanghai, or Jakarta non-stop.
21/09/07 Moneycontrol.com
HBC enjoys a long history of selling aircraft into India. Of the approximately 122 business, turbine-powered aircraft in India today, 73 are Hawker or Beechcraft products.
The Hawker 4000 carries six passengers over 3,000 nautical miles at a Mach 0.82 cruise speed and four passengers can be carried over 3,300 nautical miles at a cruise speed of Mach 0.75. These ranges give passengers flying from Mumbai the capability of reaching Cairo, Moscow, Shanghai, or Jakarta non-stop.
21/09/07 Moneycontrol.com
Saturday, September 22, 2007
World airport passenger traffic grow by 4.9%
World airport passenger traffic posted a fourth consecutive year of growth in 2006, reaching a total of 4.4 billion passengers, 4.9% higher than in 2005. "The growth rate is slightly slowing down compared to 2005-04 and 2004-03 when global airport passenger traffic recorded increases of 6.2% and 10.5% respectively," says Laurent Delarue, senior manager at Arthur D. Little, which conducted a comprehensive analysis of world airport traffic and is presenting it in cooperation with ATW.
Annual passenger growth differed from region to region, with Eastern Europe, Russia and the CIS posting the highest gain of 11.2%. Asian airports came in second with a lofty growth rate of 9.7%. Growth in the Middle East was still at top level with plus 9.1%, while Western European airports' traffic rose 6.1% as the group benefited from several major events including the Winter Olympic Games in Italy and the FIFA World Cup in Germany. European and Asian airports accounted for 75% of the global growth. Oceania, defined as Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, posted a below-average growth of 4.1%. The only geographical area really lagging behind was North America with only a 0.7-point increase compared to 2005.As a matter of fact, most of the fastest-growing Intercontinental Hubs and biggest contributors to traffic growth are located in Asia.
Airport traffic in ACI's ASP area grew 8.9%. India and China accounted for 55% of the traffic volume increase in this region and about a quarter of the world's growth in passenger numbers; New Zealand experienced a traffic loss. "Without China and India, traffic growth in the region would be even lower than in Europe," remarks ADL Manager Mathieu Blondel, who notes that data for both countries do not include small and medium-sized airports. "Actual growth is probably even higher than reported growth."
"Both in India and in China the growth in domestic traffic has been the main driver of passenger air traffic since 2004, contributing to over 85% of the added capacity," Blondel confirms.
In contrast to China, India's national carriers Air India and Indian Airlines had a minimal impact on passenger growth at the country's main airports. The privately held LCCs, such as Air Sahara (now called Jet Lite following its acquisition by Jet Airways), Air Deccan, SpiceJet and Kingfisher, represented 90% of the increase in seat capacity on offer between 2004 and 2007. Not surprisingly, six of the 10 fastest-developing regional airports in the Asia/Pacific region last year were in India. Hyderabad, which will be replaced by a new airport next year, boosted passenger throughput 50% in 2006 and is the region's fastest-growing Regional Platform.
Asian countries benefited from more traffic rights, India was boosted by deregulation of the domestic market and China authorized private airlines to take off. The effect of LCCs on Asian airports is weaker than in Europe and less discriminating, as LCCs tend to serve most of the airports. The Asian Regional Platforms that host based LCCs grew 9.8% whereas the ones without grew 9.2%. Continental Hubs in Asia/Oceania grew by 6.5%, reflecting 7% growth for the Asia group and 4.4% for Oceania hubs.
22/09/07 Air Transport World/ATWOnline, US
Annual passenger growth differed from region to region, with Eastern Europe, Russia and the CIS posting the highest gain of 11.2%. Asian airports came in second with a lofty growth rate of 9.7%. Growth in the Middle East was still at top level with plus 9.1%, while Western European airports' traffic rose 6.1% as the group benefited from several major events including the Winter Olympic Games in Italy and the FIFA World Cup in Germany. European and Asian airports accounted for 75% of the global growth. Oceania, defined as Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, posted a below-average growth of 4.1%. The only geographical area really lagging behind was North America with only a 0.7-point increase compared to 2005.As a matter of fact, most of the fastest-growing Intercontinental Hubs and biggest contributors to traffic growth are located in Asia.
Airport traffic in ACI's ASP area grew 8.9%. India and China accounted for 55% of the traffic volume increase in this region and about a quarter of the world's growth in passenger numbers; New Zealand experienced a traffic loss. "Without China and India, traffic growth in the region would be even lower than in Europe," remarks ADL Manager Mathieu Blondel, who notes that data for both countries do not include small and medium-sized airports. "Actual growth is probably even higher than reported growth."
"Both in India and in China the growth in domestic traffic has been the main driver of passenger air traffic since 2004, contributing to over 85% of the added capacity," Blondel confirms.
In contrast to China, India's national carriers Air India and Indian Airlines had a minimal impact on passenger growth at the country's main airports. The privately held LCCs, such as Air Sahara (now called Jet Lite following its acquisition by Jet Airways), Air Deccan, SpiceJet and Kingfisher, represented 90% of the increase in seat capacity on offer between 2004 and 2007. Not surprisingly, six of the 10 fastest-developing regional airports in the Asia/Pacific region last year were in India. Hyderabad, which will be replaced by a new airport next year, boosted passenger throughput 50% in 2006 and is the region's fastest-growing Regional Platform.
Asian countries benefited from more traffic rights, India was boosted by deregulation of the domestic market and China authorized private airlines to take off. The effect of LCCs on Asian airports is weaker than in Europe and less discriminating, as LCCs tend to serve most of the airports. The Asian Regional Platforms that host based LCCs grew 9.8% whereas the ones without grew 9.2%. Continental Hubs in Asia/Oceania grew by 6.5%, reflecting 7% growth for the Asia group and 4.4% for Oceania hubs.
22/09/07 Air Transport World/ATWOnline, US
Jet Airways puts on hold Bangalore-NY flight
Brussels: Jet Airways has put on hold its plans of connecting Bangalore and New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport) through Brussels due to the non-availability of slots in Bangalore.
“The airline has decided to launch a flight from Chennai to JFK through Brussels from October 26 this year. The decision has been taken primarily because the availability of slots at Bangalore was an issue. We, however, hope to sort the problem out by next year and launch a flight from Bangalore to New York soon,” Mr Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways told the media in Brussels after the launch of the international hub of the airline.
The hub was inaugurated by the Finance Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, at the Brussels airport, making Jet Airways the first private Indian airline to have full scale operations outside the country. The hub is a partnership between Jet Airways, Brussels Airlines and Brussels Airports.
The airline hopes to utilise the Brussels hub and its tie-up with Brussels Airline to offer passengers from Scandinavian countries, Spain, Switzerland and Germany and several cities in the United Kingdom like Birmingham and Manchester easy passage to and from India.
22/09/07 Phalguna Jandhyala/Business Line
“The airline has decided to launch a flight from Chennai to JFK through Brussels from October 26 this year. The decision has been taken primarily because the availability of slots at Bangalore was an issue. We, however, hope to sort the problem out by next year and launch a flight from Bangalore to New York soon,” Mr Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways told the media in Brussels after the launch of the international hub of the airline.
The hub was inaugurated by the Finance Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, at the Brussels airport, making Jet Airways the first private Indian airline to have full scale operations outside the country. The hub is a partnership between Jet Airways, Brussels Airlines and Brussels Airports.
The airline hopes to utilise the Brussels hub and its tie-up with Brussels Airline to offer passengers from Scandinavian countries, Spain, Switzerland and Germany and several cities in the United Kingdom like Birmingham and Manchester easy passage to and from India.
22/09/07 Phalguna Jandhyala/Business Line
Jet mulls pilot training academy at Brussels
Brussels: Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal is in talks with Belgian companies for setting up a hotel; running a pilot training academy and starting an MRO facility in India. Read On >>
U.S. House of Representatives votes to raise pilot retirement to 65
Airline pilots in USA fighting to keep flying into their 60s won a key victory Thursday when the U.S. House of Representatives voted to raise the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots to age 65 from 60. Read On >>
Bureaucracy slowed info sharing in Air India probe, inquiry hears
A national police investigation into the Air India bombing was hindered by the creation of Canada's new spy agency a year earlier, a public inquiry heard Friday.
Chris Scowen, a former top counter-terrorism official at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, testified at the Air India Inquiry in Ottawa that the agency had not yet ironed out how and what information it could share with the RCMP at the time of the bombing in 1985, he said.
"No one really knew how the (CSIS) Act would impact our operations and it was a learning curve for everyone."
Because of that, "the RCMP's ability to respond in a law enforcement way appears to have been diminished as to prior to the creation of CSIS — that was just one of the costs, I suppose you'd say, of creating CSIS?" asked Norm Boxall, a lawyer representing the victims' families.
Scowen admitted that the agency was struggling with the new processes it was required by law to follow.
"If this entire thing had happened under the mandate of the RCMP security service, the direction would have come from the RCMP commissioner. That would have certainly cut down the bureaucracy. But that was not what the will of government was."
Commission chair Justice John Major interjected during Scowen's testimony, saying it appeared the splitting of the RCMP and CSIS came "at a bad time."
"You have this act of terrorism that destroys 331 people's lives, and CSIS and the RCMP appear to be at odds over what can be provided to whom on what basis," said Major.
Scowen briefly replied: "Yes, sir."
The inquiry is examining, among other things, how wiretap recordings of phone calls made by prime Air India suspect Talwinder Singh Parmar three months before the 1985 bombing were later erased by CSIS.
All 329 people on board Air India Flight 182 died when the plane exploded on June 23, 1985, while en route from Canada to India. Two baggage handlers at Tokyo's Narita Airport died in another connected bombing.
Created by Parliament in 1984, CSIS is responsible for security intelligence — formerly under the watch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Lawyers at the inquiry have focused this week on how information regarding national security and criminal investigations was shared between the organizations around the time of the bombing.
21/09/07 CBC.ca, Canada
Chris Scowen, a former top counter-terrorism official at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, testified at the Air India Inquiry in Ottawa that the agency had not yet ironed out how and what information it could share with the RCMP at the time of the bombing in 1985, he said.
"No one really knew how the (CSIS) Act would impact our operations and it was a learning curve for everyone."
Because of that, "the RCMP's ability to respond in a law enforcement way appears to have been diminished as to prior to the creation of CSIS — that was just one of the costs, I suppose you'd say, of creating CSIS?" asked Norm Boxall, a lawyer representing the victims' families.
Scowen admitted that the agency was struggling with the new processes it was required by law to follow.
"If this entire thing had happened under the mandate of the RCMP security service, the direction would have come from the RCMP commissioner. That would have certainly cut down the bureaucracy. But that was not what the will of government was."
Commission chair Justice John Major interjected during Scowen's testimony, saying it appeared the splitting of the RCMP and CSIS came "at a bad time."
"You have this act of terrorism that destroys 331 people's lives, and CSIS and the RCMP appear to be at odds over what can be provided to whom on what basis," said Major.
Scowen briefly replied: "Yes, sir."
The inquiry is examining, among other things, how wiretap recordings of phone calls made by prime Air India suspect Talwinder Singh Parmar three months before the 1985 bombing were later erased by CSIS.
All 329 people on board Air India Flight 182 died when the plane exploded on June 23, 1985, while en route from Canada to India. Two baggage handlers at Tokyo's Narita Airport died in another connected bombing.
Created by Parliament in 1984, CSIS is responsible for security intelligence — formerly under the watch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Lawyers at the inquiry have focused this week on how information regarding national security and criminal investigations was shared between the organizations around the time of the bombing.
21/09/07 CBC.ca, Canada
Friday, September 21, 2007
Air India Starts Talks With Boeing, Airbus; Eyes A380-Sources
New Delhi: State-owned Air India has begun talks with Boeing Co. and Airbus to buy new planes including the A380 superjumbo, people familiar with the development said Friday.
"The airline is in touch with both Boeing and Airbus on the types of aircraft available and what will be required in the industry in future," said a senior airline executive, who didn't want to be named.
"There is a committee in the airline which is discussing the ratio of planes to buy, how many small capacity and short haul and how many ultra-long range. It includes the A380 and the 747-800 model," the airline executive said.
"Air India has had preliminary discussions with Airbus and they have expressed interest in the A380," another person, who also didn't want to be identified, said.
Consultancy firm Ernst & Young India forecast in a recent report that the fleet size of Indian carriers will more than triple to 700 from 235 by 2012.
21/09/07 Nitin Luthra/Dow Jones/CNNMoney.com
"The airline is in touch with both Boeing and Airbus on the types of aircraft available and what will be required in the industry in future," said a senior airline executive, who didn't want to be named.
"There is a committee in the airline which is discussing the ratio of planes to buy, how many small capacity and short haul and how many ultra-long range. It includes the A380 and the 747-800 model," the airline executive said.
"Air India has had preliminary discussions with Airbus and they have expressed interest in the A380," another person, who also didn't want to be identified, said.
Consultancy firm Ernst & Young India forecast in a recent report that the fleet size of Indian carriers will more than triple to 700 from 235 by 2012.
21/09/07 Nitin Luthra/Dow Jones/CNNMoney.com
The house that Jack built
If a fan blade of an aircraft engine breaks off in the course of a flight and shoots out of the engine casing, it might penetrate the aircraft’s fuel tank, which is something you wouldn’t want. So one of the most important tasks in the design of aircraft engines is to ensure that broken fan blades stay embedded within the engine casing and don’t fly out.
In the case of the powerful GE90-115 B engines that go into the Boeing 777, this vital piece of design was entrusted to the engineers at GE’s John F Welch Technology Centre (JFWTC) in Bangalore.
Jet engines are but one product the scientists at JFWTC are working on.
Originally conceived as a laboratory for basic research in plastics — an area close to the then chairman John F Welch’s heart — JFWTC’s mandate was expanded to cover research work required for all of GE’s businesses. This is, after all, the only research centre to which the chairman chose to lend his name — the one in Shanghai, set up two years later, is simply called the China Technology Centre and the one in Munich, set up the year after that, is called GE Global Research - Europe.
These research institutions are cost centres, spending $4 billion — around 2.5% of GE’s $163 billion annual revenues — every year. The Bangalore centre is providing GE a bigger bang for its R&D buck than centres elsewhere.
JFWTC currently has 3,000 engineers and scientists and plans are now on to expand the campus to make room for another 2,000.
21/09/07 Dibeyendu Ganguly/Economic times
In the case of the powerful GE90-115 B engines that go into the Boeing 777, this vital piece of design was entrusted to the engineers at GE’s John F Welch Technology Centre (JFWTC) in Bangalore.
Jet engines are but one product the scientists at JFWTC are working on.
Originally conceived as a laboratory for basic research in plastics — an area close to the then chairman John F Welch’s heart — JFWTC’s mandate was expanded to cover research work required for all of GE’s businesses. This is, after all, the only research centre to which the chairman chose to lend his name — the one in Shanghai, set up two years later, is simply called the China Technology Centre and the one in Munich, set up the year after that, is called GE Global Research - Europe.
These research institutions are cost centres, spending $4 billion — around 2.5% of GE’s $163 billion annual revenues — every year. The Bangalore centre is providing GE a bigger bang for its R&D buck than centres elsewhere.
JFWTC currently has 3,000 engineers and scientists and plans are now on to expand the campus to make room for another 2,000.
21/09/07 Dibeyendu Ganguly/Economic times
Jetlite plans to hit global skies
Naresh Goyal is taking Jet Airways around the world. It is already flying to Europe, US and Canada and from next year it will start flights to Gulf countries. But its his other airline Jetlite, which may soon get into action.
While Jet Airways is shoring its international operations, its getting its low cost subsidiary to hit the international skies. And Jetlite may soon apply for permission to fly to gulf countries.
Under present government rules, Jetlite can fly abroad and will be looking to connect not only gulf countries but even destinations in South East Asia are fair game.
Being a budget airline means Jetlite will try to restrict itself to destinations that can be covered under five hours of flight time. But even though Jet Airways owns Jetlite, the budget airline will need to apply separately for permission to go abroad.
Naresh Goyal is confident that Jetlite will break even by 2008 and start adding to Jet's balance sheet and to ensure that he is planning to overhaul Jetlite's fleet.
20/09/07 Arijit Banerjee/NDTV.com
While Jet Airways is shoring its international operations, its getting its low cost subsidiary to hit the international skies. And Jetlite may soon apply for permission to fly to gulf countries.
Under present government rules, Jetlite can fly abroad and will be looking to connect not only gulf countries but even destinations in South East Asia are fair game.
Being a budget airline means Jetlite will try to restrict itself to destinations that can be covered under five hours of flight time. But even though Jet Airways owns Jetlite, the budget airline will need to apply separately for permission to go abroad.
Naresh Goyal is confident that Jetlite will break even by 2008 and start adding to Jet's balance sheet and to ensure that he is planning to overhaul Jetlite's fleet.
20/09/07 Arijit Banerjee/NDTV.com
RJ compares turban to diaper, angers Sikhs
Los Angeles: Sikhs in Los Angeles are planning a protest against a radio station after one of its radio jockeys (RJs) referred to turbaned Sikhs as wearing a "diaper" on their head. RJ Al Rantel was discussing US airport security in his talk show "KABC 790AM" Sep 10 where he allegedly said that if his own 80-year-old mother had to take off her shoes during a security screening, "... then why shouldn't a Sikh be required to take off the hat that looks like a diaper they wear on their heads?"
The comment has angered the Sikh community, which said they would start protests if the RJ did not apologise.
"If he does not correct himself on the air, we're going to put pressure on him," Navraj Singh told India-West, an ethnic Indian newspaper.
According to a new Homeland Security Department policy, which came into force Aug 4, Sikhs have to remove their turbans at US airports for security checks. The new security guideline has already upset the large Sikh population in the US.
21/09/07 IANS/indiainteracts.com
The comment has angered the Sikh community, which said they would start protests if the RJ did not apologise.
"If he does not correct himself on the air, we're going to put pressure on him," Navraj Singh told India-West, an ethnic Indian newspaper.
According to a new Homeland Security Department policy, which came into force Aug 4, Sikhs have to remove their turbans at US airports for security checks. The new security guideline has already upset the large Sikh population in the US.
21/09/07 IANS/indiainteracts.com
Northrop Grumman Names Sharma MD, Business Development for Delhi
New Delhi: Northrop Grumman Corporation has announced the appointment of retired Commodore Gyanendra Sharma to the position of managing director of NorthropGrumman International's New Delhi, India office. Sharma will report to John Brooks, vice-president of international business development and president of Northrop Grumman International.
In this new role, Sharma will develop and maintain closer ties with the Indian Government, including Indian Navy and Air Force military staffs. He will also establish and maintain Northrop Grumman¿s industry partnerships and strengthen the company¿s ability to pursue new business opportunities in India.
Sharma, who retired as Commodore of the Indian Navy in 2002, spent over 34 years with the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Ministry of Defence. He has held several prestigious appointments in the Indian Naval Headquarters, including Director of Naval Air Staff, Director of Aircraft Acquisition, and Deputy Director General Defence Planning Staff. He was also appointed Director of Aviation for the Indian Coast Guard, where he was instrumental in consolidating the air operations of that service.
20/09/07 Epicos.com (press release), Switzerland
In this new role, Sharma will develop and maintain closer ties with the Indian Government, including Indian Navy and Air Force military staffs. He will also establish and maintain Northrop Grumman¿s industry partnerships and strengthen the company¿s ability to pursue new business opportunities in India.
Sharma, who retired as Commodore of the Indian Navy in 2002, spent over 34 years with the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Ministry of Defence. He has held several prestigious appointments in the Indian Naval Headquarters, including Director of Naval Air Staff, Director of Aircraft Acquisition, and Deputy Director General Defence Planning Staff. He was also appointed Director of Aviation for the Indian Coast Guard, where he was instrumental in consolidating the air operations of that service.
20/09/07 Epicos.com (press release), Switzerland
Feds nixed early call for Air India inquiry: lawyer
Ottawa: The watchdog monitoring Canada’s spy service wanted to hold an inquiry in 1989 into the agency’s conduct in the Air India bombing, but was shut down by the federal government.
Ron Atkey, a prominent lawyer who chaired the Security Intelligence Review Committee, revealed at the Air India inquiry Thursday he wanted major concerns about related to CSIS such as tape erasures to be investigated.
But Atkey said the government was not in favour of the inquiry because of the on-going Air India criminal case as well as an unfolding lawsuit by victims’ families.
“The committee wanted to look at the overall performance of CSIS at the time,” Atkey explained.
As early as January 1988, SIRC was drafting rules to hold an inquiry into how the Air India bombing took place despite the fact that CSIS had been following some of the key suspects beforehand.
But by January 1989, top officials within the solicitor general’s drafted several letters urging SIRC not to proceed until after one of the accused, Inderjit Singh Reyat, stood trial in a related bombing.
“It’s a sobering experience when the deputy attorney general comes to you and says, ‘Speaking on behalf of the government of Canada, including the commissioner of the RCMP, we don’t think you should undertake this inquiry at this time for this and this reason,’ “ said Atkey, a former MP and federal immigration minister.
Atkey said another reason stated by government officials was the civil suit filed by victims’ families that had not been completed in 1989.
If too much information was disclosed publicly through an inquiry, “it might cost the government more money,” Atkey said.
That public revelation outraged Norm Boxall, a lawyer for the Air India victims’ families.
Afterwards, he said it is shocking if the government delayed having an inquiry to limit the cash settlements paid to suffering families.
20/09/07 Kim Bolan/CanWest News Service/Canada.com
Ron Atkey, a prominent lawyer who chaired the Security Intelligence Review Committee, revealed at the Air India inquiry Thursday he wanted major concerns about related to CSIS such as tape erasures to be investigated.
But Atkey said the government was not in favour of the inquiry because of the on-going Air India criminal case as well as an unfolding lawsuit by victims’ families.
“The committee wanted to look at the overall performance of CSIS at the time,” Atkey explained.
As early as January 1988, SIRC was drafting rules to hold an inquiry into how the Air India bombing took place despite the fact that CSIS had been following some of the key suspects beforehand.
But by January 1989, top officials within the solicitor general’s drafted several letters urging SIRC not to proceed until after one of the accused, Inderjit Singh Reyat, stood trial in a related bombing.
“It’s a sobering experience when the deputy attorney general comes to you and says, ‘Speaking on behalf of the government of Canada, including the commissioner of the RCMP, we don’t think you should undertake this inquiry at this time for this and this reason,’ “ said Atkey, a former MP and federal immigration minister.
Atkey said another reason stated by government officials was the civil suit filed by victims’ families that had not been completed in 1989.
If too much information was disclosed publicly through an inquiry, “it might cost the government more money,” Atkey said.
That public revelation outraged Norm Boxall, a lawyer for the Air India victims’ families.
Afterwards, he said it is shocking if the government delayed having an inquiry to limit the cash settlements paid to suffering families.
20/09/07 Kim Bolan/CanWest News Service/Canada.com
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Paramount plans to fly abroad, talks on for aircraft
New Delhi: Paramount Airways Pvt. Ltd is in talks with aircraft makers Boeing Co. and Airbus Industrie to buy six wide-bodied planes with an aim of launching international operations by fiscal 2011.
The airline, which has so far restricted itself to southern India with an all-Embraer fleet of five leased aircraft, also plans to establish a new aircraft maintenance facility in Madurai in collaboration with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica SA at an estimated $40-60 million (Rs161-242 crore) investment.
“We are evaluating both wide-bodied aircraft—(Boeing’s) 787 and 350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body of Airbus),” said Paramount’s chairman M. Thiagarajan on the airline’s growth plans. He did not specify when the deal could be sealed.
Dinesh Keskar, vice-president for sales at Boeing, confirmed initial talks with Paramount.
Paramount’s five 70-seater aircraft are capable of flying four hours non-stop and may also connect nearby destinations in South-East Asia such as Singapore if the government relaxes rules for flying international routes.
20/09/07 Tarun Shukla/Livemint
The airline, which has so far restricted itself to southern India with an all-Embraer fleet of five leased aircraft, also plans to establish a new aircraft maintenance facility in Madurai in collaboration with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica SA at an estimated $40-60 million (Rs161-242 crore) investment.
“We are evaluating both wide-bodied aircraft—(Boeing’s) 787 and 350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body of Airbus),” said Paramount’s chairman M. Thiagarajan on the airline’s growth plans. He did not specify when the deal could be sealed.
Dinesh Keskar, vice-president for sales at Boeing, confirmed initial talks with Paramount.
Paramount’s five 70-seater aircraft are capable of flying four hours non-stop and may also connect nearby destinations in South-East Asia such as Singapore if the government relaxes rules for flying international routes.
20/09/07 Tarun Shukla/Livemint
Sonia scare: IAF scrambles to upgrade its 3 VIP planes
New Delhi: The special IAF plane flying Congress president Sonia Gandhi from Srinagar to Delhi last week may not have been in any major danger of a mid-air collision but the “procedural lapse” has exposed something that was being glossed over for the past few years.
The three Boeing-737 VVIP aircraft of the IAF are the only planes not equipped to operate according to RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minima) standards — an internationally accepted norm that all passenger aircraft in the country meet to operate on congested air routes.
Compliance to these norms allows aircraft flying at over 29,000 feet to safely reduce the vertical distance between each other from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet. But this requires replacing some old equipment like altimeters with new RVSM-compliant models.
the IAF has now hurriedly moved to fit its Boeing-737s with RVSM-compliant equipment.
It’s learnt that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conveyed to the IAF the urgency to make the three Boeings RVSM-compliant for the sake of uniformity.As all aircraft flying in the country are RVSM-compliant, it is easy for an ATC to miss the “special status” of the VVIP flights and put vertical separation as the standard 1,000 feet.
20/09/07 Indian Express
The three Boeing-737 VVIP aircraft of the IAF are the only planes not equipped to operate according to RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minima) standards — an internationally accepted norm that all passenger aircraft in the country meet to operate on congested air routes.
Compliance to these norms allows aircraft flying at over 29,000 feet to safely reduce the vertical distance between each other from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet. But this requires replacing some old equipment like altimeters with new RVSM-compliant models.
the IAF has now hurriedly moved to fit its Boeing-737s with RVSM-compliant equipment.
It’s learnt that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conveyed to the IAF the urgency to make the three Boeings RVSM-compliant for the sake of uniformity.As all aircraft flying in the country are RVSM-compliant, it is easy for an ATC to miss the “special status” of the VVIP flights and put vertical separation as the standard 1,000 feet.
20/09/07 Indian Express
Holidays to Goa on offer from East Midlands Airport
First Choice Holidays is to begin flying from East Midlands Airport to Goa, on the west coast of India, next year.
A weekly service to Goa's Dabolim Airport will begin on February 7, 2008, with First Choice Holidays offering 14-night breaks.
Goa, which is famed for its sunny beaches, is a popular spot with backpackers and package tourists alike.
Other destinations on offer from East Midlands include Banjul (the Gambia), Cancun (Mexico), Agadir (Morocco), as well as various new low-fare routes such as Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm from Sterling Airways (beginning on October 28).
East Midlands Airport is located near Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.
19/09/07 Cheapflights.co.uk, UK
A weekly service to Goa's Dabolim Airport will begin on February 7, 2008, with First Choice Holidays offering 14-night breaks.
Goa, which is famed for its sunny beaches, is a popular spot with backpackers and package tourists alike.
Other destinations on offer from East Midlands include Banjul (the Gambia), Cancun (Mexico), Agadir (Morocco), as well as various new low-fare routes such as Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm from Sterling Airways (beginning on October 28).
East Midlands Airport is located near Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.
19/09/07 Cheapflights.co.uk, UK
Leaders in Aviation Attracts Regional Delegation
Singapore: The much awaited inaugural Leaders in Aviation 2007 is set to take off in October. Held strategically in Indonesia, where the much publicized sector has been taking a beating, the conference is specially dedicated to the recognition of joint efforts between the civil aviation and airline industry to ensure the smooth, uninterrupted development of civil aviation in the Asia Pacific.
The first ever international aviation conference to be held in Jakarta has already attracted some 80 over senior executives from the region's best airlines.
Organised by Singapore-based All Events Group, this conference will provide the platform for the sharing of global best practices, experiences, insights and solutions to boost the aviation industry with a tight focus on some of the most pressing concerns and issues in the industry today.
It will boast speakers from the Civil Aviation Authority of Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia, Mandala Airlines, SpiceJet and Jet Airways just to name a few.
A special segment of the conference will also examine the growth of Indonesia as an aviation centre and reaffirm their commitment and plans to improve their infrastructure and facilities in the years to come.
19/09/07 Xinhua/PR Newswire (press release), US
The first ever international aviation conference to be held in Jakarta has already attracted some 80 over senior executives from the region's best airlines.
Organised by Singapore-based All Events Group, this conference will provide the platform for the sharing of global best practices, experiences, insights and solutions to boost the aviation industry with a tight focus on some of the most pressing concerns and issues in the industry today.
It will boast speakers from the Civil Aviation Authority of Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia, Mandala Airlines, SpiceJet and Jet Airways just to name a few.
A special segment of the conference will also examine the growth of Indonesia as an aviation centre and reaffirm their commitment and plans to improve their infrastructure and facilities in the years to come.
19/09/07 Xinhua/PR Newswire (press release), US
CSIS wishes Air India tape survived: inquiry
Ottawa: A former top official with Canada's spy agency says he regrets that critical wiretaps of Air India suspects were erased in 1985, igniting more than two decades of controversy.
But James Warren, who retired as deputy director of Canadian Security Intelligence Service, told the Air India inquiry Wednesday that the tapes were innocently erased according to policy without verbatim transcripts ever being made.
"I wish dearly that they had not been destroyed. I think we all wish that they had survived for whatever value they might have had," Mr. Warren told Commissioner John Major.
"It was oversight. Why it happened I don't know. Nobody gave the order."
He said the fledgling agency was keenly aware that it had been formed to separate intelligence gathering from active police work after a royal commission earlier made the recommendation.
"We were not in the business of collecting evidence. That was the role of the police," Mr. Warren said. "We drummed it into our people: 'You may have joined a police force, but as of July 16, 1984, you collect intelligence.'"
But he also said that some of the bugged telephone calls of Air India mastermind Talwinder Singh Parmar may appear sinister in hindsight but were written off as innocent conversations at the time.
"There was not a smoking gun sitting there in the pile waiting to be listened to," he said.
All but 54 of the 210 tapes made of Parmar's calls both before and after the June 23, 1985, bombing were destroyed by junior personnel following a "default" policy, Mr. Warren said.
While Parmar and others were very aware they were being watched and wiretapped, some of the calls should have raised suspicions, Mr. Major was told.
Just before the bombing, Parmar asked suspect Hardial Singh Johal if he had "written the article" and he asked his younger brother "if the work had been done."
There was a more ominous call in April, 1985, when Parmar appeared to discuss with a German contact a plot to kill Rajiv Gandhi, which the RCMP later described as "a paradigm of significant subversive activity."
But Mr. Warren said nothing heard on the any of the tapes directly related to the Air India bombing.
"There was no one in the service who thought this would lead to a plane being blown out of the sky," Mr. Warren said. "Sometimes in intelligence there actually is an innocent explanation for things."
He conceded under cross-examination that the call about killing Gandhi should have raised some suspicions and triggered a response more than two months before Air India Flight 182 was destroyed and 331 died.
"It looks to me as the kind of thing I would have kept," he testified. "I don't know what was going through the minds of the people there at the time."
19/09/07 Kim Bolan/CanWest News Service/National Post, Canada
But James Warren, who retired as deputy director of Canadian Security Intelligence Service, told the Air India inquiry Wednesday that the tapes were innocently erased according to policy without verbatim transcripts ever being made.
"I wish dearly that they had not been destroyed. I think we all wish that they had survived for whatever value they might have had," Mr. Warren told Commissioner John Major.
"It was oversight. Why it happened I don't know. Nobody gave the order."
He said the fledgling agency was keenly aware that it had been formed to separate intelligence gathering from active police work after a royal commission earlier made the recommendation.
"We were not in the business of collecting evidence. That was the role of the police," Mr. Warren said. "We drummed it into our people: 'You may have joined a police force, but as of July 16, 1984, you collect intelligence.'"
But he also said that some of the bugged telephone calls of Air India mastermind Talwinder Singh Parmar may appear sinister in hindsight but were written off as innocent conversations at the time.
"There was not a smoking gun sitting there in the pile waiting to be listened to," he said.
All but 54 of the 210 tapes made of Parmar's calls both before and after the June 23, 1985, bombing were destroyed by junior personnel following a "default" policy, Mr. Warren said.
While Parmar and others were very aware they were being watched and wiretapped, some of the calls should have raised suspicions, Mr. Major was told.
Just before the bombing, Parmar asked suspect Hardial Singh Johal if he had "written the article" and he asked his younger brother "if the work had been done."
There was a more ominous call in April, 1985, when Parmar appeared to discuss with a German contact a plot to kill Rajiv Gandhi, which the RCMP later described as "a paradigm of significant subversive activity."
But Mr. Warren said nothing heard on the any of the tapes directly related to the Air India bombing.
"There was no one in the service who thought this would lead to a plane being blown out of the sky," Mr. Warren said. "Sometimes in intelligence there actually is an innocent explanation for things."
He conceded under cross-examination that the call about killing Gandhi should have raised some suspicions and triggered a response more than two months before Air India Flight 182 was destroyed and 331 died.
"It looks to me as the kind of thing I would have kept," he testified. "I don't know what was going through the minds of the people there at the time."
19/09/07 Kim Bolan/CanWest News Service/National Post, Canada
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Heathrow catering worker sacked over nose stud
Amrit Lalji of Weston Road in Stanmore, who works for catering company, Eurest UK, at Heathrow Airport was dismissed on Thursday, September 3, for failing to remove the nose pin she wears as a mark of her Hindu faith.
Mrs Lalji, 40, had been working for more than a year before she was asked to remove the piercing by a manager, for health and safety reasons.
But she was suspended and subsequently sacked after refusing to obey management instructions.
Mrs Lalji said: "They sacked me from work because of my nose stud - I have to prove to them that it is in my religion to wear it."
Mrs Lalji is receiving support for her case from the Fwaminarayan Hindu Temple in Woodlands Road, Stanmore.
Her union, GMB, is also calling for her immediate reinstatement.
GMB organiser, Tahir Bhatti, said: "Eurest UK have always known Amrit Lalji would not remove the nose pin. Her employer knew she considered the pin to be a requirement of her religion and she had every reason to believe that that had been accepted."
Mrs Lalji's case recalls Nadia Eweida's fight to wear her Christian crucifix after she was suspended, but later reinstated by British Airways last year.
A statement from Eurest UK said Mrs Lalji had been advised "on a number of occasions" that "jewellery may not be worn on duty and facial piercings are not permitted".
The statement said: "Jewellery can harbour bacteria, create a hazard when working with machinery and find it's way into the food people eat," it said.
18/09/07 Alex Barham/Harrow Times
Mrs Lalji, 40, had been working for more than a year before she was asked to remove the piercing by a manager, for health and safety reasons.
But she was suspended and subsequently sacked after refusing to obey management instructions.
Mrs Lalji said: "They sacked me from work because of my nose stud - I have to prove to them that it is in my religion to wear it."
Mrs Lalji is receiving support for her case from the Fwaminarayan Hindu Temple in Woodlands Road, Stanmore.
Her union, GMB, is also calling for her immediate reinstatement.
GMB organiser, Tahir Bhatti, said: "Eurest UK have always known Amrit Lalji would not remove the nose pin. Her employer knew she considered the pin to be a requirement of her religion and she had every reason to believe that that had been accepted."
Mrs Lalji's case recalls Nadia Eweida's fight to wear her Christian crucifix after she was suspended, but later reinstated by British Airways last year.
A statement from Eurest UK said Mrs Lalji had been advised "on a number of occasions" that "jewellery may not be worn on duty and facial piercings are not permitted".
The statement said: "Jewellery can harbour bacteria, create a hazard when working with machinery and find it's way into the food people eat," it said.
18/09/07 Alex Barham/Harrow Times
Mayor backs catering worker
The Mayor of London has condemned the sacking of a Heathrow catering worker for wearing a Hindu nose stud. Amrit Lalji, 40, of Stanmore, north-west London, said she wore the tiny piercing as a mark of her Hindu faith. She was asked to remove it by a manager but when she refused she was suspended and later sacked. Mr Livingstone said, "I unreservedly condemn the sacking of Mrs Amrit Lalji for wearing a Hindu nose stud.
"It is an attack on her right to freely express her religion and an attack on her right as a woman to dress as she wishes.
"Hundreds of millions of people follow the Hindu religion and it is difficult to imagine a worse way to welcome visitors from the Indian sub-continent to London than sacking a woman for wearing a Hindu nose stud."
The nose stud has been worn by Hindu women for thousands of years as a sign of chastity.
18/09/07 Asian Image, UK
"It is an attack on her right to freely express her religion and an attack on her right as a woman to dress as she wishes.
"Hundreds of millions of people follow the Hindu religion and it is difficult to imagine a worse way to welcome visitors from the Indian sub-continent to London than sacking a woman for wearing a Hindu nose stud."
The nose stud has been worn by Hindu women for thousands of years as a sign of chastity.
18/09/07 Asian Image, UK
Jet Airways joins hands with Brussels Air
Brussels Airlines has been declared as Jet Airways` new frequent flyer programme partner, reports Business Line.
The programme came into effect from Sep. 18, 2007.
Under this programme, members of Jet Privilege and Privilege Programme of the Belgian airline will be able to cash in the air miles on each others network.
Jet Airways India was established in 1992 as a private company starting out with a fleet of four leased aircraft. Today, it has a modern fleet of 50 aircrafts and an employee base of over 7,000 workers.
19/09/07 Myiris.com
The programme came into effect from Sep. 18, 2007.
Under this programme, members of Jet Privilege and Privilege Programme of the Belgian airline will be able to cash in the air miles on each others network.
Jet Airways India was established in 1992 as a private company starting out with a fleet of four leased aircraft. Today, it has a modern fleet of 50 aircrafts and an employee base of over 7,000 workers.
19/09/07 Myiris.com
Appointment Tracker
Singapore Airlines announced the appointment of a new manager, Vinod Kannan, for its eastern India operations. Based in Kolkata, Kannan will be responsible for the operations of Singapore Airlines in the city. He would also be overseeing Singapore Airlines' sales and marketing efforts in Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa and the north eastern states.
Louis Leonard Arul has been appointed as the state manager for Karnataka in India by the Singapore Airlines. He will be based in Bangalore and will be responsible for overseeing the operations of Singapore Airlines in the state of Karnataka.
Cathay Pacific Airways has announced the appointment of Katie Rowen as its port manager for Delhi and Northern India . She takes over from Richard McCallum.Rowen will be responsible for the revenue and sales functions, cost control and budgeting and smooth running of all operations. In addition to this, she will also oversee personnel related functions and be responsible for promoting a positive image of the company amongst media and other stakeholders.
Boeing has appointed Daniel Gillian as director of enterprise sourcing for India. He will be based out of Boeing's India headquarters in New Delhi.Gillian will help develop its network of Indian partners and will pursue mutually beneficial growth and productivity opportunities.
19/09/07 Express TravelWorld
Louis Leonard Arul has been appointed as the state manager for Karnataka in India by the Singapore Airlines. He will be based in Bangalore and will be responsible for overseeing the operations of Singapore Airlines in the state of Karnataka.
Cathay Pacific Airways has announced the appointment of Katie Rowen as its port manager for Delhi and Northern India . She takes over from Richard McCallum.Rowen will be responsible for the revenue and sales functions, cost control and budgeting and smooth running of all operations. In addition to this, she will also oversee personnel related functions and be responsible for promoting a positive image of the company amongst media and other stakeholders.
Boeing has appointed Daniel Gillian as director of enterprise sourcing for India. He will be based out of Boeing's India headquarters in New Delhi.Gillian will help develop its network of Indian partners and will pursue mutually beneficial growth and productivity opportunities.
19/09/07 Express TravelWorld
Inquiry told erasure of tapes ‘incomprehensible and indefensible’
Vancouver: A former Crown prosecutor says Canada’s spy agency was neither “co-operative” nor “forthright” when he was working with the RCMP on the Air India bombing case.
James Jardine told the Air India inquiry Tuesday that he was frustrated for months by the reluctance of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to provide intelligence it had gathered on the key suspects in the terrorist plot.
Jardine also told Commissioner John Major that he learned definitively that CSIS had erased critical tapes made of suspect Talwinder Singh Parmar’s telephone calls when the agency’s director appeared on CBC in December 1987.
He wrote a brief note at the time expressing his disbelief.
“In the brashness of the moment, I wrote: ‘inconceivable, incomprehensible, indefensible incompetence,” Jardine testified.
Inquiry counsel Mark Freiman took Jardine, who is a Surrey provincial court judge, through years of documents showing repeated requests by the RCMP and Jardine’s prosecution team to get details of surveillance and wiretap evidence that would have been helpful in their efforts to build a criminal case against Parmar, Inderjit Singh Reyat and other suspects in both the Air India bombing and same day blast at Tokyo’s Narita Airport.
Jardine was assisting the Air India Task Force beginning in July 1985 and felt that there must be wiretaps because he knew that CSIS had surveillance on Parmar.
He told RCMP investigators, with whom he said he had a great relationship, that “if there are watchers, there will likely be wires.’”
“I certainly made it clear what I required” to mount a successful prosecution, Jardine said.
So the RCMP set out on a frustrating quest to get CSIS to hand over tapes and get access to surveillance material.
They only learned later that CSIS had decided there was nothing of evidentiary value on the tapes and routinely erased them without investigators or Jardine ever getting a chance to review them.
18/09/07 Kim Bolan, CanWest News Service/Canada.com
James Jardine told the Air India inquiry Tuesday that he was frustrated for months by the reluctance of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to provide intelligence it had gathered on the key suspects in the terrorist plot.
Jardine also told Commissioner John Major that he learned definitively that CSIS had erased critical tapes made of suspect Talwinder Singh Parmar’s telephone calls when the agency’s director appeared on CBC in December 1987.
He wrote a brief note at the time expressing his disbelief.
“In the brashness of the moment, I wrote: ‘inconceivable, incomprehensible, indefensible incompetence,” Jardine testified.
Inquiry counsel Mark Freiman took Jardine, who is a Surrey provincial court judge, through years of documents showing repeated requests by the RCMP and Jardine’s prosecution team to get details of surveillance and wiretap evidence that would have been helpful in their efforts to build a criminal case against Parmar, Inderjit Singh Reyat and other suspects in both the Air India bombing and same day blast at Tokyo’s Narita Airport.
Jardine was assisting the Air India Task Force beginning in July 1985 and felt that there must be wiretaps because he knew that CSIS had surveillance on Parmar.
He told RCMP investigators, with whom he said he had a great relationship, that “if there are watchers, there will likely be wires.’”
“I certainly made it clear what I required” to mount a successful prosecution, Jardine said.
So the RCMP set out on a frustrating quest to get CSIS to hand over tapes and get access to surveillance material.
They only learned later that CSIS had decided there was nothing of evidentiary value on the tapes and routinely erased them without investigators or Jardine ever getting a chance to review them.
18/09/07 Kim Bolan, CanWest News Service/Canada.com
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Business, first class fliers to pay service tax on fuel surcharge
Business and first class travel on international flights out of India will cost Rs800 to Rs1,200 more from Tuesday for a round trip.
This follows a circular issued by the finance ministriy to airlines operating international flights out of India to levy 12.36% service tax on the fuel surcharge they impose on every business class and first class ticket.
The circular does not say anything about levying service tax on fuel surcharge on economy class tickets.
The fuel surcharge, which passes on the burden of any increase in the price of aviation turbine fuel, or ATF, on to the passenger, was previously not under the ambit of service tax. However, basic fares already come under the ambit of service tax.
With companies usually passing on service tax to the user, a Mumbai-London-Mumbai trip on business class on British Airways or Jet Airways will cost Rs800 more as the fuel surcharge is around Rs6,000. And a business-class passenger on the Mumbai-New York-Mumbai sector will have to shell out an additional Rs1,200 as the fuel cess on such tickets is around Rs10,000.
International airlines have already started sending instructions to travel agents on the increased fares.
A senior Air India executive, who did not want to be named, confirmed thedevelopment.
18/09/07 P.R. Sanjai/Livemint
This follows a circular issued by the finance ministriy to airlines operating international flights out of India to levy 12.36% service tax on the fuel surcharge they impose on every business class and first class ticket.
The circular does not say anything about levying service tax on fuel surcharge on economy class tickets.
The fuel surcharge, which passes on the burden of any increase in the price of aviation turbine fuel, or ATF, on to the passenger, was previously not under the ambit of service tax. However, basic fares already come under the ambit of service tax.
With companies usually passing on service tax to the user, a Mumbai-London-Mumbai trip on business class on British Airways or Jet Airways will cost Rs800 more as the fuel surcharge is around Rs6,000. And a business-class passenger on the Mumbai-New York-Mumbai sector will have to shell out an additional Rs1,200 as the fuel cess on such tickets is around Rs10,000.
International airlines have already started sending instructions to travel agents on the increased fares.
A senior Air India executive, who did not want to be named, confirmed thedevelopment.
18/09/07 P.R. Sanjai/Livemint
Thai crash: No Indian victim reported
A rapid change in the speed of wind and the pilot's decision to land the plane despite bad weather seems to have led to the horrific event which took away almost 89 lives and left a lot many injured.
The officials of Embassy of India informed thaindian.com that there has not been any information regarding any Indian passengers traveling in the flight although it may take sometime before complete information can be obtained. The embassy officials are working with the airlines to find out more information and are prepared for any appropriate action, should such a situation arise.
The survivors of the crash have asked why the plane had been given permission to land despite a monsoon storm with so fierce winds. People have angrily asked why the airport remained open in such terrible weather condition and why was it not closed for any landing whatsoever.
18/09/07 Thaindian.com, Thailand
The officials of Embassy of India informed thaindian.com that there has not been any information regarding any Indian passengers traveling in the flight although it may take sometime before complete information can be obtained. The embassy officials are working with the airlines to find out more information and are prepared for any appropriate action, should such a situation arise.
The survivors of the crash have asked why the plane had been given permission to land despite a monsoon storm with so fierce winds. People have angrily asked why the airport remained open in such terrible weather condition and why was it not closed for any landing whatsoever.
18/09/07 Thaindian.com, Thailand
Air pact high on Gloria’s India agenda
Dipolog City: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is set to sign a bilateral air agreement with India that will grant more entitlements to three local carriers during her visit to New Delhi next month.
Mrs. Arroyo said the bilateral air accord that will benefit Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines, is one of her main agenda during her state visit to India on Oct. 4 in a bid to boost the country’s growing tourism industry.
Indians, along with South Koreans and Russians, have been among growth drivers of the Philippine tourism sector, accounting for at least 1.8 million of all tourists arriving in the country from January to July this year.
The air accord with New Delhi is among the agreements, which the President wanted to be prioritized by the Civil Aeronautics Board, along with air accords being negotiated with Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Cambodia, New Zealand and Russia.
The Philippine air panel—composed of representatives of the Departments of Transportation and Communication, Trade and Industry, Tourism, and Foreign Affairs as well as the CAB and local airlines—has sealed an air pact with South Korea resulting in increased bilateral seat entitlements from 7,000 to 19,000.
17/09/07 Joyce Pangco Pañares/Manila Standard Today, Philippines
Mrs. Arroyo said the bilateral air accord that will benefit Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines, is one of her main agenda during her state visit to India on Oct. 4 in a bid to boost the country’s growing tourism industry.
Indians, along with South Koreans and Russians, have been among growth drivers of the Philippine tourism sector, accounting for at least 1.8 million of all tourists arriving in the country from January to July this year.
The air accord with New Delhi is among the agreements, which the President wanted to be prioritized by the Civil Aeronautics Board, along with air accords being negotiated with Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Cambodia, New Zealand and Russia.
The Philippine air panel—composed of representatives of the Departments of Transportation and Communication, Trade and Industry, Tourism, and Foreign Affairs as well as the CAB and local airlines—has sealed an air pact with South Korea resulting in increased bilateral seat entitlements from 7,000 to 19,000.
17/09/07 Joyce Pangco Pañares/Manila Standard Today, Philippines