Category Archives: Aviation

India’s aviation infrastructure has expanded exponentially with the number of airports doubling in last 10 years. Underscoring the government’s dedication in integrating women in this sector, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Civil Aviation, said, “There are immense opportunities for women to become a part of this growth story in aviation.”

Women in Aviation India (WAI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation held its 3rd edition of the iconic Awards- Giving Wings to Dreams 2024 at Roseate in New Delhi, felicitating 37 women achievers who have contributed significantly to the aviation sector. The awards recognise excellence in diverse fields of aviation and help build a value chain where achievers inspire the next generation. Highlighting India’s aviation infrastructure which has expanded exponentially, with the number of airports more than doubling from 74 to 157 over the past decade, passenger numbers surging from 11 crore to 22 crore annually, and the aircraft fleet growing from 400 to 800, with projections to reach 1,400 within five years, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Civil Aviation, said, “There is an immense opportunity for women in the aviation sector and to become part of this growth story.” He underscored the government’s dedication to integrating women into the expanding drone industry, linking this initiative to the broader transformation underway in India’s aviation sector.

SriLankan Airlines, the official Airline Partner of the Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF), premiered the latest range of products under its award-winning upcycle brand, ‘Mathaka,’ at the event held from 6 to 11 November 2024 at Cinnamon Life. Launched in 2021, SriLankan Airlines’ ‘Mathaka’ brand transforms its retired materials into a range of on-trend lifestyle products and collectables, underscoring its commitment to being one of South Asia’s most sustainable airlines. Like many organizations worldwide, SriLankan Airlines has faced the challenge of ethically disposing of materials retired from its operations. For the airline, this meant dealing with unusable aircraft seat covers, blankets, curtains, uniforms, wooden air cargo pallets, and other items. The airline found its solution in Mathaka, aptly named for transforming remnants of yesterday’s onboard product into brand new consumer items. Mathaka allows SriLankan Airlines to take its planet-friendly philosophy to another level by fashioning people’s memories of air travel into tangible products. The latest range, which includes travel bags, tote bags, peg dolls, table runners and mats, and many more exciting items, also ushers in a new era for Mathaka, with SriLankan Airlines forming collaborations with three Sri Lankan women sustainable entrepreneurs to create Mathaka products. This consists of House of Lonali, founded by Lonali Rodrigo; SO4 by Ruth Weerasinghe; and Pom’s Island by Shamin Abideen. In addition to its sustainable advantages, the Mathaka project also supports the livelihoods of economically disadvantaged women, who are involved in producing certain Mathaka items. Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer, SriLankan Airlines, stated, “Since our earliest days, SriLankan Airlines has championed environmental causes, backing our commitment with action. We are proud to collaborate with these outstanding individuals, with whom we share a deep …

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.