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Revised FDI policy to open divestment window for domestic airlines
13-Feb-2009
According to industry observers, the revised foreign direct investment (FDI) policy is expected to enhance the aviation sector that is under going some turbulent times.
National carrier Air India as well as other carriers like Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines etc. who are looking at divesting nearly 25% stake to foreign carriers will get a fillip in handling their daily operations with better finance structure in place.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has already approached the government in allowing FDI in Indian carriers.
Top airlines seeks aviation emissions in climate pact
16-Feb-2009
Due to constant criticism that the aviation sector is not doing much to fight global warming, four leading airlines have now sought aviation emissions to be included in a broader climate pact. Air France/KLM, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic and airport operator BAA initiated the call for climate pact in Hong Kong. They also outlined a series of principles a new global deal for aviation, which must be adhered to.
This is regarded as the first step taken by the world's airlines that account for over 2 % of global pollution.
30-day APEX fares on domestic routes by Jet Airways and JetLite
12-Feb-2009
Jet Airways and JetLite are offering 30-day APEX fares to its passengers on several key domestic routes. The fares are valid for sale with immediate effect, until 30-Apr-09, on both carriers.
Jet Airways introduces new services
12-Feb-2009
Jet Airways has upgraded the airline’s existing services to Tamil Nadu’s capital by introducing a new daily service on the Coimbatore/Kochi-Chennai sectors.
The airline currently operates twice daily services on the Coimbatore-Chennai sector and a daily service on the Kochi-Chennai sector. The new services will be daily, same-day return flights on the Coimbatore/Kochi-Chennai sectors, aboard Jet Airways’ new, all-economy ATR 72-500 aircraft.
Passenger traffic to reach 290.19 million by 2014: Frost & Sullivan
10-Feb-2009
As per a new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, the number of air travel passengers is expected to increase from 102.73 million in 2008 to 290.19 million by 2014, at a compound annual growth rate of 15%.
Research Analyst from Frost & Sullivan says that the potential in the Indian airport modernization market is huge and to take advantage of this, airports are also developed on the Built, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model.
SpiceJet executes IBS’ iCargoLite
09-Feb-2009
SpiceJet has initiated the use of IBS Software’s new-generation cargo management system, iCargoLite. iCargoLite is a part of IBS’ iCargo solution suite.
With the help of iCargoLite, SpiceJet has automated its cargo business processes to support its expansion plans for its domestic cargo operations. This will now guarantee an integrated management of cargo reservations and various ground operations.
Air India Express inducts B737-800 aircraft
09-Feb-2009
Air India Express introduced another B737-800 aircraft on 06-Feb-09. This increases the fleet size to 21 aircraft now, including seven leased aircraft. The induction of this new aircraft will further expand its operations of Air India Express.
The airline plans to launch a once a week flight to Dubai from Srinagar with this new aircraft.
Paramount to expand in 2009
05-Feb-2009
According to data provided by Ministry of Civil Aviation, Chennai-based Paramount Airways has some ambitious expansion plans for 2009.
With a strong network in Southern India, the airline has last year recorded a 1.1% increase in passenger numbers to 630,000. Paramount currently operates 1,600 services per month, which will rise to 2,200 in the next six months.
JetLite attains IOSA recognition
03-Feb-2009
JetLite has been added to the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) register and will now join a pool of IOSA registered airlines like Jet Airways, which was registered by the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Program in May-06.
PIA to introduce services to Stansted, London
03-Feb-2009
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is extending its services to Stansted, London with a twice-weekly service from Lahore and Islamabad with two-class A310 starting from 29-Mar-09. PIA also started direct service commencing from 02-Feb-09 to Katmandu from Islamabad.
Gulf Air expands fare sale to some new destinations
02-Feb-2009
With the huge success of the recently announced 'Six-for-Six' sale, Gulf Air has now decided to extend its online, web only offer to three more destinations, including Doha, Muscat and Mumbai.. Gulf air plans to make these promotions a regular feature from now on. The airlines plan to introduce new offers every week.
Emirates increases flights to Dhaka
02-Feb-2009
Emirates Airline has increased its frequency to Bangladesh with the introduction of three additional flights per week to Dhaka from the start of Feb 2009. With these additional services, now Emirates’ weekly operation comes to 17 flights and adds over 800 seats per week on the Dubai-Dhaka route.
SriLankan Airlines announces Colombo-Karachi services
02-Feb-2009
SriLankan Airlines announced the launch of two direct flights between Colombo and Karachi. The flights will be available twice a week.
International services of Turkish Airlines rises
30-Jan-2009
Turkish Airlines is planning to increase the number of flights departing from Istanbul to other international destinations. The carrier is planning to increase flight frequencies to New Delhi, Mumbai, Brussels, Venice, Helsinki, Basel, Dublin, Kuwait and Addis Ababa amongst others.
New payment method of ‘cash & carry’ for the Airlines
29-Jan-2009
The oil companies are insisting on a new payment method of ‘cash & carry’ for the airline and Kingfisher Airlines will now have to pay upfront to buy aviation turbine fuel from oil companies to operate its regular scheduled flights. This new payment method has been adopted as the airline has failed to clear its dues on fuel prices.
According to sources in the oil industry, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and the National Aviation Company of India owe nearly US$ 771.2 million (Rs 4,000 crore) in dues to the OMCs for supply of aviation turbine fuel.
FAA to examine the present status of the safety measures in India
A high level delegation of The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be in India from March 2 to 9, 2009, to meet the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) officials, airports and airlines to examine the present status of the safety measures taken by them. Though, India currently enjoys ‘A’ category status, but FAA has decided to re-look at the present state-of-affairs regarding aviation safety regulations being followed in India
DGCA seeks clarifications from airlines in India on fare hike
Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a letter to all scheduled domestic airlines asking for information regarding the airfare increase and transparency in airfare advertising.
DGCA says that all the scheduled domestic airlines had increased their airfares simultaneously in the second week of February 2009.
As per DGCA, it was not aware of the reasons for this simultaneous hike, specifically at a time when the ATF prices are at the level that they were in 2005. The airlines had also been asked by DGCA to furnish detailed information regarding the airfare hikes.
AAI seeks approval for US$ 964 million infra bond
16-Feb-2009
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has asked for government's approval to issue infrastructure bond worth US$ 964.2 million (Rs 5,000 crore). AAI needs to spend US$ 2.3 billion (Rs 12,000 crore) in the 11th Five Year Plan for upgrading airports across the country and revamping the air traffic services. But, the sharp fall in the number of passenger and aircraft has led to a shortfall of US$ 964.2 million (Rs 5,000 crore). So, the authority wants to make up this shortfall through the bond.
GHIAL, CFM signs MoU to develop CFM56 training center in India
12-Feb-2009
CFM International has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL). As per the terms of the agreement, GHIAL and CFM will work together towards the development of a new CFM56 Maintenance Training Center at the Rajiv Gandhi Airport in Hyderabad.
The new center's planned location is in a special economic zone at the airport dedicated to maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
Delhi Airport to charge Development Fee from passengers
10-Feb-2009
Delhi Government has approved the levy of Development Fee (DF) by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) at US$ 25 (INR.1300/-) per departing international passenger and at US$ 3.8 (INR.200/-) per departing domestic passenger with effect from 01-Mar-09. The DF is levied for a period of 3 years purely on an ad hoc basis and is inclusive of all applicable taxes.
GHIAL to organize global airlines meet in March 09
9-Feb-2009
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) is hosting the 7th Routes Asia 2009 – a premier event for airlines and airports to work together to sustain and develop air services – during March 29-31, 2009.
Routes Asia is platform where airports and airlines meet and do business, focusing on the Asia Pacific market building on the achievement of last year’s event, where a record number of new opportunities were discussed.
Indira Gandhi Airport gets Contact Zone
09-Feb-2009
Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has received a 'Contact Zone' to provide services to passengers with special needs passing through Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). Some of the services include Wheelchair assistance for physically challenged passengers, and assistance for unaccompanied minors etc.
Cold chain management at Mumbai and Delhi airports to improve
30-Jan-2009
OPPI has taken up the cause to improve Cold Chain Management with major stakeholders, particularly, Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (MIAL) and Delhi International Airports Ltd. (DIAL). Over 80 to 90% of the export and import of pharmaceuticals trading takes place in these two airports.
To discuss the matter, OPPI delegation met with the Senior Officials of GVK in Mumbai and GMR in Delhi, who are the custodians of the respective airports.
Airports to levy additional charges as traffic slows
26-Jan-2009
Due to slowdown in air traffic, Airports all over the country are planning to levy extra charges, especially on the domestic side. The figures available on the Airports Authority of India (AAI) website show a decline of 8-15 % in the air traffic between April and October 2008 for airports like Ahmedabad, Patna, Trichy and Goa along with major cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad.
An AAI executive said that the revised estimates for air traffic in 2008-09 would be at least 12 % down from earlier estimates.
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