Category Archives: Aviation

Aeroprime Group won the ‘Leading Passenger GSA of the year’ award at the India Travel Awards. Upon receiving the award, Nash Dias, Sales Manager, Aeroprime, exclaimed, “The award validates our confidence and pushes us to work harder.” Aeroprime Group is the leading aviation and travel services group based in India.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will become the world’s only airline to serve the iconic Cristal 2015 champagne, following an exclusive agreement with leading French champagne house Louis Roederer. Cristal 2015, which is celebrated for its exceptional quality and refined taste, will be served in SIA’s Airbus A380 Suites and Boeing 777-300ER First Class cabins from 1 December, 2024. Initially available on flights between Singapore and Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo, the offering will rotate to other Suites and First-Class routes on a three-month rotational basis. Crafted by cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cristal 2015 blends 40 per cent Chardonnay and 60 per cent Pinot Noir, sourced from 45 vineyard plots across Louis Roederer’s seven Grands Crus. It exemplifies meticulous attention to detail, from a bespoke, sustainable viticulture approach of Louis Roederer’s exceptional Grand Cru vineyards to the artful blending and extended cellar ageing that gives the wine its depth and elegance. Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines, said: “This partnership between two world-class brands demonstrates Singapore Airlines’ commitment to elevating the travel experience for our discerning customers. Exclusively offering a premium champagne like Cristal 2015 will delight our Suites and First-Class customers, and ensures that they continue to enjoy an unparalleled, luxurious journey with us.” Frédéric Rouzaud, Chief Executive Officer, Champagne Louis Roederer, said: “Cristal 2015 delivers intense and delicious aromas with superb energy and an ethereal vibration. This is a timeless champagne of supreme balance and measure, resonating with the chalkiness of its soils, bursting forth in a bracing, vertical effervescence, with an insistent, precise, and finely honed freshness. We are really delighted that our iconic Cristal champagne has been chosen …

Believing that more competition will make air travel cheaper, KR Naidu, Civil Aviation Minister, GoI, said that the govt wants more airlines in India and doesn’t want a duopoly situation. We are facilitating new airlines to come in even if they are looking to start with one or two aircraft and are ready to provide support and aid to them to start their business, he said.

SpiceJet has announced plans to launch seaplane operations in 2025, connecting some of India’s most remote and picturesque locations. The announcement was made today by SpiceJet’s Chairman and Managing Director, Ajay Singh, on the occasion of a demonstration seaplane flight from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam Dam, attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sh. N. Chandrababu Naidu and Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Sh. K. Rammohan Naidu. SpiceJet has partnered in seaplane trials across multiple locations, providing crucial engineering, technical, and logistical support to De Havilland. With rights to operate seaplane services on 20 routes, including Lakshadweep, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong, the airline is preparing to roll out connectivity across key routes as the infrastructure becomes ready. Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, “Seaplanes have the potential to transform India’s regional connectivity, opening up access to some of the most stunning, yet remote, parts of the country. SpiceJet has always dared to dream big and with the support of visionary leaders like Chief Minister Sh. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Sh. K. Rammohan Naidu, we are taking concrete steps to bring seaplane operations to life in India once again. We are excited to help drive this initiative forward, partnering closely with the government and civil aviation authorities to ensure these services become a reality and a success.” Avani Singh, CEO Spice Shuttle, said, “Our journey in regional connectivity has been a purposeful one, rooted in the belief that everyone, no matter how remote, deserves access to affordable and efficient air travel, and today, we are excited to be at the forefront of seaplane operations in India.”

According to the 2024 Cirium Fleet Forecast, the Indian passenger aircraft fleet is forecast to rise from 720 at the end of 2023 to more than 3,800 over the next 20 years. The data analytics firm for the aviation industry said that aircraft growth will drive Indian airlines’ share of Asia-Pacific’s entire passenger fleet from 8% today to 18% in 2043.

The Goa Tourism Department has said that the state is increasingly attracting global travellers from many countries. As per media release, new charter flights have been introduced from key markets, including Russian cities Moscow and Ekaterinburg, London, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan to support visitors.

India has recorded the second-highest increase in domestic airfares in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) and West Asian regions, climbing by 43% in the first half of 2024 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, second only to Vietnam (63%), according to a study conducted by Airports Council International (ACI). India ranks third in fare increases during the same period in international skies, behind the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia.

By Shailesh Haribhakti, Chairman, Shailesh Haribhakti and Associates Malaysian Airways Flight 370, which mysteriously disappeared on 8 March, 2014, has once again captured public attention. Recent advancements by Elon Musk’s SpaceX have sparked new theories and discussions about the fate of the aircraft. Could groundbreaking technology help us finally understand what happened that fateful day? This article delves into the intriguing possibilities surrounding the disappearance of Flight 370, the role of emerging technologies, and the implications for future aviation safety. The Enigma of Flight 370 The disappearance of Malaysian Airways Flight 370 remains one of aviation’s greatest mysteries. The aircraft vanished from radar while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, leading to extensive search efforts across the Indian Ocean. Despite years of investigation, only a few pieces of debris have been found, leaving many questions unanswered. Recently, reports have emerged suggesting that SpaceX has developed technology capable of correlating with Inmarsat satellite signals that were captured during the flight’s final moments. This development has reignited interest in the case and opened up new avenues for investigation. Could this technology finally provide the answers we have been seeking? Theories Abound: Black Holes and UFOs Among the more sensational theories surrounding Flight 370 is the idea that it may have disappeared into a mini black hole, possibly influenced by extraterrestrial forces. While this notion sounds like something straight out of a science fiction novel, it raises fascinating questions about our understanding of space and time. Alternatively, some experts suggest that the aircraft may have veered dramatically off course due to a series of mechanical failures or human errors. If this were the case, it could have flown until it exhausted its …

“Demand for international travel is strong. We are exploring new markets and continue to add destinations,” said, Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, adding that the airline may launch flights to Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia in the coming months. Further, it will add three more international destinations before next March, increasing its global footprint to 40 destinations.

Nok Air, Thailand’s premium budget airline, celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight DD 938 from Bangkok in Mumbai at 1:05 AM. This marks Nok Air’s second Indian destination, following Hyderabad, which was introduced in February 2023. The inaugural flight to Bangkok departed Mumbai on 28 October, at 2:05 AM. Nok Air will operate a daily schedule of eight nonstop flights between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, utilising the Boeing 737-800, accommodating 189 passengers. Nok Air’s senior officials, including Chief Commercial Officer, Ranon Viputsiri, were on board the inaugural Bangkok to Mumbai flight, where passengers and crew were warmly welcomed with traditional vermillion and flowers. A special celebration at the boarding gate included goodie bags for passengers, a lamp-lighting ceremony, and a cake-cutting event, highlighting the significance of this new route. “As we embark on this exciting journey, we are confident that our services and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction will make this route a preferred choice for both leisure and business travellers. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this historic milestone and experience the comfort and convenience of our flights” stated Ranon Viputsiri. “Two vibrant cities that have long been cultural and economic hubs in their respective regions. This new route not only strengthens our commitment to connecting people but also underscores our belief in the immense potential for growth and collaboration between Thailand and India.” Nok Air is committed to delivering a quality flying experience at affordable prices, reflected in their motto, “We Fly Smiles.” Travelers can choose from two ticket options: Nok Air X-tra and Nok Max. Nok Air X-tra: Includes 20 kg of checked …