Category Archives: Aviation

Under the chairmanship of Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has formed three advisory groups comprising airlines, airport operators and MRO, cargo carriers, FTOs and ground-handling companies. The groups will meet regularly to deliberate upon issues and resolve challenges that each of these sectors faces.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that based on its latest passenger survey, most air travellers are confident about the safety of air travel and support mask-wearing in the near-term. In fact, 65% air travellers agree that the air on an aircraft is as clean as that in an operating room (OR).

Airlink, the privately owned South African regional airline based in Johannesburg, has named AirlinePros International as its General Sales Agent for India with immediate effect. Airlink is a member of IATA and is IOSA accredited. It has more than 50 commercial jetliners operating throughout Southern Africa. In 2019 pre COVID the airline carried 2 million customers on more than 63,000 flights on 55 routes to 39 destinations in 9 African countries and St Helena Island. Airlink operates the widest network in Southern Africa to countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, Lesotho, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Eswatini (Swaziland), as well as to the remote island of St. Helena. Airlink operates independently under its own unique 4Z flight code. Throughout 2020 Airlink has been busy activating new interline relationships and partners including British Airways, Air France, Emirates and Qatar which will offer strong opportunities for connecting traffic from India. Ramesh Marwah, Regional Managing Partner India, AirlinePros International added “India enjoys close strategic, cultural & economic ties with South Africa and neighbouring countries in Southern Africa which will be connected well to India by Airlink in cooperation with its Interline Partners. We are confident to receive necessary support of our trade partners in India to assist Airlink in not only establishing base in India but securing optimum market share of travel triggered by growing trade, anticipated surge in tourism and movement of large number of Indian origin people residing in South Africa and other nations in Southern Africa”.

The second wave will further delay UDAN progress; stressed financial health of airline operators to impact existing route operations and future bidding, as per ICRA. As on May 31, 2021, only 47% of total routes and 39% of airports (unserved and underserved) have been operationalised[1] under UDAN. The number of new RCS routes which started operations increased at a healthy pace and stood at 102 and 120 routes in FY2019 and FY2020 respectively, but have declined to 77 new routes in FY2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During FY2018 – FY2021, a total of Rs. 3,350 crores have been incurred by the Central Government towards the UDAN scheme and the budgeted outlay for FY2022 is Rs. 1,130 crores.

Applauding the progress of the work of Jewar Airport, Yogi Adityanath, CM, Uttar Pradesh, has said that the airport would not only prove to be a milestone in the development of Uttar Pradesh, but would also give a new dimension to  make air connectivity universal and world class in the country. “Jewar Airport is a great medium for us to pursue the future prospects, which will help in making Uttar Pradesh a one trillion economy,” he added. He further informed that the work on Kushinagar International Airport had been almost completed may start  international flights anytime.

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, Air Asia has said that intercontinental travel is going to take a hit for a while. “It will come back. However, I think long haul hub carriers will not recover as quickly as low-cost carriers, not because we’re better, but just the market is going to change. I think people would rather jump on a plane to Phuket, or even domestically, than schlep all the way to Australia,” he said while speaking at CAPA Live event.

First direct flight has been launched between Rajkot and Goa, which will be operated by SpiceJet. The daily flight will leave from Goa Airport at 2pm and will arrive at Rajkot Airport at 7:25pm. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Cabinet Minister, Civil Aviation, in a tweet called it a historic day for Saurashtra.

While taking stock of ongoing airport development projects during his Review Meeting with officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, cabinet minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that stress must be laid on the use of AirSewa for grievance redressal. He also added that new airport terminals must embody local art and culture so they become the face of the region they represent.

With Qatar now open for tourism to fully vaccinated travellers, Discover Qatar, the destination management division of Qatar Airways, has partnered with Qatar Airways Holidays and launched specially curated packages to welcome international travellers visiting friends and family in Qatar for a much-awaited reunion. As part of the conditions of entry, the State of Qatar has mandated that all tourist arrivals must have a confirmed hotel reservation. To help meet this requirement, Discover Qatar in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays is offering exclusive deals with significant savings on a range of hotels that will enhance the customer’s family and friends’ experience, helping them make new memories as they reunite in Qatar. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are very proud to be playing our part in the reopening of our country to visitors in the safest way possible and supporting the next step in the development of Qatar’s tourism industry. Surrounded by crystal waters and a unique biodiverse ecosystem, Qatar has so much to offer when it comes to rediscovering nature, stellar architecture and offering a world that is inspired by modernism and traditions alike. “The city and desert tours will allow our passengers to enjoy every step of their journey with us, and we hope many get to experience Qatar’s renowned hospitality, culture and heritage, and the vibrant city of Doha through Discover Qatar’s exclusive packages.” The ‘Family and Friends’ packages start at QAR 1,721 per person and are available for a five, seven, or ten-night stay at leading, luxury hotels in Qatar such as the Hilton Doha, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, the Ritz-Carton Doha, Mondrian Doha, the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa …

Investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala may be exploring a plan to back a new, low-cost airline venture. He has had preliminary talks with a team of senior aviation professionals for an investment of up to US$35 million (₹260.7 cr) in the new airline. It is tentatively named ‘Akasa’ (sky) and is awaiting a no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.