Category Archives: Aviation

IndiGo, India’s most preferred airline, is further defining its long-term future, well into the next decade, by placing a firm order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. This will provide IndiGo a further steady stream of deliveries between 2030 and 2035. This 500 aircraft order is not only IndiGo’s largest order, but also the largest-ever single aircraft purchase by any airline with Airbus. The engine selection for this order will be done in due course and so will be the exact mix of A320 and A321 aircraft. Today IndiGo operates over 300 aircraft and has previous orders totaling 480 aircraft which are yet to be delivered between today and the end of this decade. With this additional firm order of 500 aircraft for 2030-2035, IndiGo’s order-book has almost 1.000 aircraft yet to be delivered well into the next decade. This IndiGo order-book comprises a mix of A320NEO, A321NEO and A321XLR aircraft. The evaluation of the offers was shared and discussed with IndiGo’s Board, and consequently endorsed. This new order will bring the strategic relationship between IndiGo and Airbus to an unprecedented depth and breadth. With this new order, since its inception in 2006, IndiGo has ordered a massive total of 1.330 aircraft with Airbus. The fuel-efficient A320NEO Family aircraft will allow IndiGo to maintain its strong focus on lowering operating costs and delivering fuel efficiency with high standards of reliability. The young and fuel- efficient fleet will help IndiGo realize its sustainability ambitions, building on the already realized CO2 reduction of 21% between FY16 and FY23. This year IndiGo expects to welcome 100 million customers on board and as such literally giving wings to the nation. IndiGo is amongst the …

Upcoming regional airline, Jettwings Airways, has received the NOC for starting scheduled passenger flights. Sanjay Aditya Singh, MD & CEO of the upcoming airlines, said that the base will be Guwahati with initial connectivity within the Northeast Region. Discussions for aircraft are ongoing. He said ” Formalities will be completed and operations to start with 5 planes initially.” Jettwing Airline to be the first airline from Northeast in the country.

Vistara aims to increase its fleet by 10 airplanes and recruit over 1,000 employees this fiscal year. The airline has halted its US expansion plans and is poised for a merger with Air India. Vistara currently operates 61 aircraft with a staff of over 5,200.

The ANA Group joins the “Pokémon Air Adventure” program in collaboration with The Pokémon Company to celebrate the inaugural flight of the new “Pikachu Jet NH” arriving for the first time at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi on 13th June 2023. An ANA aircraft has been specially transformed into the all-new Pikachu Jet, complete with a spectacular Pokémon livery on the exterior and Pikachu-themed designs through the interior, including themed cabin crew aprons and other in-flight amenities. In addition, exclusive commemorative gifts will be available for all Pikachu Jet passengers, making every flight a magical Pokémon-filled adventure infused with Japanese hospitality. Tsuneya Katagiri, Country Manager, India, All Nippon Airways (ANA), gave a statement on the exciting partnership between ANA and The Pokémon Company: “We are both proud and honored that first flight of the “Pikachu Jet NH” touched down in Delhi today. Through this partnership, we hope many Indian passengers enjoy the unique experience at the highest quality. We look forward to welcoming passengers with limited edition Pokémon merchandise that will make their first flight a one-of-a-kind journey.” The “Pikachu Jet NH” aircraft features a livery designed for ANA, in which the Sky High Pokémon Rayquaza is depicted across the entire fuselage to create a vivid effect. Charizard, Latias, Latios, Vivillon, and other flying Pokémon from all over the Pokémon world move together with Pikachu toward the shining rays of hope and endless possibilities of an interconnected world. Moreover, passengers flying on the Pikachu Jet NH will receive commemorative gifts such as Pikachu-adorned Kifuda (Japanese wooden tags), Pokémon stickers, and special Pokémon-themed boarding certificates. To tie the entire journey together, ANA will welcome passengers aboard with special boarding music that …

An IATA report revealed, India has the right vision and well-timed strategy for the aviation sector and its still a long way to go, especially with good economic growth and high population, but it should also be ensured that the positive impact is not curtailed by too many taxes.

Ministry of Civil Aviation has tweeted, “Incredible growth in the northeastern States airports from just 9 in 2014 to an impressive 17 now, nearly doubling in just 9 years. Enhanced regional connectivity and accessibility, opening new horizons for the region.”

Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, has said, “115 AAI airports will be carbon neutral by 2024-2025 including upcoming 6 more airports (Jaipur, Lucknow, Trivandrum, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Mangalore). Airlines must take voluntary measures.”

IndiGo is strengthening its international network with the launch of new codeshare connections via Istanbul to USA. This strategic expansion opens up world of possibilities for Indian travelers, allowing seamless access to New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, effective from June 15 2023, through its codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines. These new connections mark an important milestone, with Indigo’s entry into a new continent, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing international connectivity from India. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, expressing excitement, “We are thrilled to expand our codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, for the first time across the Atlantic to the USA. New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington are renowned for their cultural significance, iconic landmarks, and vibrant lifestyles. By offering seamless travel experiences at affordable fares, we aim to create more opportunities for Indian travelers to discover and connect with these exceptional destinations”. He also explained how this connection will not only support burgeoning trade and commerce between countries but also offer increased option to students and tourists alike. He said, “This expansion reinforces our vision to strengthen international reach while offering on-time performance, and hassle-free service across our unparalleled network”. IndiGo passengers will gain access to a multitude of destinations across the United States, including New York, the bustling metropolis that never sleeps; Boston, the historical hub of academic excellence and cultural heritage; Chicago, the vibrant city known for its architecture and deep-dish pizza; and Virginia, where the Dulles International Airport serves as a gateway to the captivating Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Whether it’s strolling through Central Park in New York, exploring the Freedom Trail in Boston, marveling at the Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago, or visiting …

ITA Airways and Turkish Airlines jointly declares the commencement of codeshare partnership that will be effective within July 2023. The signed agreement between the two flag carriers will be offering flexibility in terms of flight choices for customers of both airlines between Italy and Türkiye. Through this codeshare partnership, ITA Airways’ marketing flight numbers will be placed on Turkish Airlines’ flights between Rome and Istanbul; and Turkish Airlines will place its marketing numbers on 9 destinations of ITA Airways within Italy from Rome, including Brindisi, Bari, Catania, Florence, Genoa, Palermo, Lamezia Terme, Turin and Trieste. Mr. Bilal Ekşi, CEO, Turkish Airlines, said “Rome and Istanbul have always been exceptional cities to attract and connect people. I firmly believe this codeshare agreement between Turkish Airlines and ITA Airways will be developing the existing network with even more destinations and foster cooperation and traffic between two countries with high potential”. He also informed how this partnership is a way to generate positive energy for tourism, expand Turkish Airlines’ reach and enhance customer benefits. Fabio Lazzerini, CEO and General Manager, ITA Airways, “With the codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, ITA Airways’ commercial strategy of growth makes a step forward, together with the existing partnerships with the world’s leading carriers”. “This partnership opens up a privileged access route to Istanbul, one of the most fascinating and historically rich cities in the world for all ITA Airways passengers. This agreement represents the Company’s 32nd codeshare: an excellent result we have achieved in less than two years”, he added.

Vinay Dube, CEO, Akasa Air, has said that India has one of the best airfare regimes in the world. “The airfares on an average in India are the most customer friendly in the world in any kind of sizeable aviation economy. However, gouging is not a good thing and shouldn’t happen.”