Category Archives: Aviation

India is presently the world’s fastest-growing aviation market with demand surpassing the supply of aircraft and a strong order book of more than 1,500 aircraft from airlines in India. India’s skies are dominated by low-cost carrier IndiGo which holds around 60% market share and the Tata group airlines, with around 30% market share. As more than 80% of India’s commercial fleet is leased, there is tremendous potential for aircraft leasing activity within India. Even if some of these aircraft are leased from India, it will bring down the costs as the leases will be immune to exchange rate volatility. Leasing done through foreign jurisdictions like Ireland is vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations. GIFT City – Can it snatch leasing business from Dublin? The Government of India has recognized the potential of the aircraft leasing and financing business. Accordingly, in October 2020, ‘aircraft lease’ was designated as a ‘financial product’ that can be offered by entities set up in International Financial Services Centres (“IFSCs”) in India. IFSCs are essentially special economic zones dedicated to financial services. IFSCs provide tax benefits and flexibility in foreign currency transactions. In the last few years, there has been a surge in activity from the Gift City, India’s first IFSC, with more than 28 aircraft lessors already registered, which have leased more than 120 aviation assets, including aircraft, helicopters and engines. The success of GIFT city to a large extent hinges on tax incentives. Recognising this, the Indian Government provides a range of tax benefits to units established in the GIFT City, similar to some of the well-established aircraft leasing hubs like Ireland, Singapore, and Dubai. These tax benefits include a tax holiday for any 10 …

During the inauguration of Saharanpur, Rewa, and Ambikapur airports, PM Modi highlighted that RCS-UDAN’s success has escalated demand for new aircraft. The heightened demand for aircraft is substantiated by Indian carriers’ orders, which exceed 1,000 aircraft slated for delivery over the next 10-15 years, representing a significant augmentation of India’s existing fleet, which currently comprises approximately 800 planes.

Celebrating its 25-year milestone in the industry and its partnership with the travel industry in India, Hahnair, a German scheduled, and executive charter airline organised its anniversary event at the Meridien Hotel in New Delhi. Over 80 travel agency partners attended the event along with Kimberley Long, Hahnair’s Vice President of Agency Distribution, Bharat Kapoor, Regional Vice President, Archana Nautiyal, Service Desk Manager, and Pawan Kumar Soni, Office Manager. Being one of the company’s top five global markets, the celebration highlighted the significant contributions of Hahnair’s Indian partners in its journey and underscored the company’s commitment to supporting the growth of the travel industry in India. Since 1999, the company has offered indirect distribution services to other airlines and thus, provides ticketing solutions to 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets. With 25 years of experience, the company has established itself as the market leader. Today, Hahnair’s partner network encompasses more than 350 partner airlines. The evening also served as an opportunity to share Hahnair’s strategic plans for the future and reflect on the successes achieved through strong partnerships and a shared vision. With this, the company looks forward to expanding its footprint in India and continuing its collaboration with Indian travel agencies.

ITA Airways continues to offer its new direct flight between Rome Fiumicino and Bangkok through the 2025 summer season. This route will be operational from 16 November, 2024. The new Rome-Bangkok flight is available for purchase through all ITA Airways’ channels also for the summer season, beginning 30 March, 2025. During the winter season 2024/2025, the flight will operate with five weekly frequencies from Rome Fiumicino every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and from Bangkok every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. In the 2025 summer season, flights from Rome Fiumicino will operate with three weekly frequencies on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, while departures from Bangkok will be on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Uttar Pradesh’s upcoming airport Noida International Airport (DXN) will commence commercial flights to domestic and international destinations on 17 April 2025. Airlines have submitted applications for international destinations, with route approvals contingent on bilateral licensing agreements.

India’s aviation is undergoing a period of unmatched growth. To meet the soaring demand for Indian air travel, the sector will need to make significant investments in infrastructure and equipment. According to a report by S&P Global Ratings, Indian airlines will need to spend $150 billion to finance outstanding orders for 1,700 aircraft. Additionally, $24 billion will be required to build new airports and expand existing ones. This substantial investment is essential to accommodate the projected doubling of domestic passenger traffic to 300 million by 2030. The Indian government authorities aim to double the number of airports by 2030, creating world-class aviation hubs that can compete with established centres like Singapore, Dubai, and Doha. S&P Global Ratings believes that the timing is favourable for the aviation sector to raise capital. Rising passenger traffic, relatively cheaper domestic financing rates, and supportive government policies on foreign ownership are expected to boost funding prospects. While borrowings for airlines and airports will increase, the reliance on aircraft lessors and domestic banks could help mitigate the financial burden.  

Air passengers might have a reason to smile this Diwali season as average airfares on many domestic routes have dropped 20-25% compared to the year-ago period, according to an analysis by ixigo. The prices are for one-way average fare on a 30 days APD (advanced purchase date) basis.

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has recently announced the inauguration of its new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge at Terminal 1 of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance the travel experience for Saudia’s premium guests, including travelers from India, as part of the airline’s commitment to luxury and exceptional service. A New Standard in Travel Comfort Officially inaugurated by H.E. Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar, Director General, Saudia Group, the lounge is a luxurious sanctuary offering exclusive amenities tailored for elite travelers. With 10 dedicated check-in counters and comfortable seating areas, the lounge ensures a seamless and relaxed start to every journey. Guests are welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee and dates, embodying the warm hospitality that Saudia is known for. Tailored Services for Indian Travelers As Saudia continues to strengthen its ties with the Indian market, this new lounge represents a significant enhancement to the overall travel experience. Travelers can expect personalized services that cater to their specific needs, ensuring comfort and convenience from the moment they arrive at the airport. The lounge also features a dedicated café counter offering a variety of hot and cold beverages, perfect for travelers looking to unwind before their flight. Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 The opening of the First and Business Class Check-In Lounge is part of Saudia’s broader strategy to establish Jeddah as a true aviation hub, optimizing connectivity and transit traffic. This initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to attract 330 million visits to the Kingdom, welcoming travelers from around the world. Commitment to Premium Travel Experience Riyadh M. Alhudhaif, General Manager, Jeddah Hub, stated, “Unveiling Saudia’s new First …

ITA Airways has been honoured with the prestigious title of “Best Business Class” in the ‘Air Transport’ category at the 2024 European Mission Awards (EMA). The awards ceremony was held at Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan, where Pierfrancesco Carino, VP, International Sales, ITA Airways, received the recognition on behalf of the Company. This year in its third edition, the European Mission Awards is a hallmark event in international business travel and celebrates excellence across various sectors of the industry. Categories and their respective criteria are established by a panel of industry experts, including representatives from leading European travel companies. This annual event brings together top companies in the sector, recognising their outstanding achievements in seven distinct categories and shining a spotlight on the seven best brands for 2024. “We are truly honoured to receive this coveted recognition from the Business Travel community,” said Emiliana Limosani, Chief Commercial Officer, ITA Airways and CEO, Volare. “Winning the ‘Best Business Class’ award underscores our commitment to expanding ITA Airways’ international presence and delivering an ever-improving travel experience for our business travellers. This award reaffirms our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our passengers, trade and corporate partners, and motivates us to continue investing in this strategic segment.” ITA Airways’ Business Class embodies the best of Italian excellence, combining comfort, elegance, and simplicity to offer a unique Italian experience throughout the journey. The airline’s high-quality services are complemented by Italian hospitality and a refined culinary experience inspired by the finest Italian cuisine, crafted by renowned Michelin-starred chefs. This dedication to excellence is at the core of ITA Airways’ mission to elevate the passenger experience and create a welcoming, immersive atmosphere for all travellers. …

Asia Pacific Airlines transported a total of 32.3 mn international passengers in August, representing a 21.7% increase compared to the same month last year. This sustained growth pushed traffic volumes to 96.1% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.