No.16/29, 1st Main Road, New Colony, Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600044

BRANCH OFFICE ADDRESS IN BANGALORE:

No.410, 2nd Floor, 5th A Cross, 2nd Block, HRBR Layout, (Near Kalyan Nagar Bus Stop - Near Girias Showroom) Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore-560043, Karnataka, India.

Air India launches new mobile app for passangers

KOLKATA: Air India has just launched a completely new app for its more than 18-million passengers. Built by global technology provider SITA, the app makes it even easier for passengers to book, check-in and manage every aspect of their journey from their mobile device.
The airline's new app meets the growing demand for mobile services in India and supports its drive to increase direct consumer booking – both domestically and internationally, an Air India media statement stated.
Incidentally, more than one billion Indians use a mobile phone today. Of these, more than 300 million regularly use them to access the Internet, a trend that is expected to grow by 56% per year.
Built on SITA's iTravel platform, the Air India app offers the ability to book and pay for a flight by quickly and securely scanning both your passport and credit card. Passengers can fully manage their booking from their mobile device, including selecting their seat, making changes to their itinerary, buying additional services, choosing their meal and checking in. The app has also been integrated with Air India’s Flying Returns loyalty program where passengers can securely access details of points earned or other updates to their accounts.
Elaborating on the launch, Air India chairman & MD Ashwani Lohani said: "Mobile apps are becoming an important tool for making travel bookings by passengers who are tech-savvy and like to access information on the go... The new app, developed by SITA, provides an elevated mobile experience where passengers can easily manage every step of their journey on their phone or tablet no matter where they are.
The new mobile service will be available on Android, iOS and Windows.

Jet Airways Announces Diwali Sale, Tickets From Rs.s. 921

Jet Airways has announced a promotional scheme called "Deal Wali Diwali", offering tickets from an all-inclusive Rs.s 921.

Jet Airways' Diwali offer is applicable on economy class travel on select domestic routes. 

The offer will be open till October 30, 2016.  Jet Airways said that the offer is valid for travel 15 days post the date of booking, on specific domestic destinations on its network. 

A check on Jet Airways website showed that the Rs. 921 offer is applicable on Chennai-Coimbatore route. 

Jet Airways has not disclosed the number of seats on offer under the promotional scheme. It has said that the offer is available on first-come-first serve basis.

Jayaraj Shanmugam, chief commercial officer of Jet Airways, in a statement said, "Our special Diwali bonanza fares will enable guests to enjoy significant savings and benefit by scheduling their travel plans well in advance."

Many domestic airlines have come up with discounted offers this year, spurring a strong growth in domestic air travel. 

Registering robust growth, domestic airlines carried over 23 per cent more passengers at 82.3 lakh in September compared to the corresponding period a year ago.

The sustained domestic air passenger traffic growth of more than 20 per cent over the past year also comes against the backdrop of airlines coming out with attractive fares to garner increased market share amid stiff competition.

Other carriers including AirAsia India and IndiGo are also currently offering promotional schemes.

IndiGo adjudged best low-cost airline in central Asia, Qatar Airways tops world ranking

Skytrax, the specialist research advisors to the air transport industry, recently declared the ranking for airlines and airports from across the world. Among the leading airlines in the world featured India's IndiGo Airlines, which was adjudged the best low-cost airline in central Asia.

The World's best airlines ranking, which was topped by the Qatar airways featured IndiGo at the 44th position. In addition to IndiGo, two other Indian airlines made the cut to the top 100 airlines list. While Jet Airways was ranked as the 76th best globally, SpiceJet featured at the 94th position in the list.

According to a press release from Skytrax, "Indian low cost airline IndiGo was once again named as the Best Low Cost Airline in Central Asia/India at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards in Paris."

The release further said that it is "the sixth time the New Delhi-based airline has been voted as the top low cost airline in this expansive region".

In addition to the ranking of the airlines, Skytrax also conducted a rating of the airports across the world wherein three from India featured in the top 100 list.

The Indira Gandhi International Airport in the national capital, which was ranked 58, was followed closely by the Bengaluru Airport at the 64th position. The third entry from India was the Hyderabad Airport, ranked 70 in the list. Singapore Changi airport topped the ranking.

Air India Reports Rs.105 Crore operating profit,first time in 10 years

For the first time in a decade, Air India has reported an operating profit of Rs 105 crore in the last fiscal aided by lower fuel costs and rise in passenger numbers. The state-owned airline, which is working on ways to improve its financials, had an operating loss of Rs 2,636 crore in 2014-15.

During its meeting on Friday, the Air India board approved the financial numbers for 2015-16 and the carrier has reported an operating profit of Rs 105 crore, sources said. This is the first time since 2007 -- when the erstwhile Indian Airlines was merged with Air India -- that the national carrier has eked out an operating profit. Having an operating profit in a decade is an encouraging sign for the airline, which is seeking to turn around its fortunes amid stiff competition, sources said.

A decline of nearly 31 (rpt) 31 % in fuel costs in the last financial year compared to the year-ago period was a key factor in the airline becoming operationally profitable. According to the sources, the benefits of lower fuel costs were passed on to passengers, which is also reflected in terms of lower yield during the last fiscal. Yield -- an indicator of ticket prices -- declined by 7.7 %.

In 2015-16, Air India carried 18 million passengers, registering a growth of 6.6 %. In the comparable period, the same stood at 16.88 million, they added. However, in 2015-16, the carrier saw its revenue slide to Rs 20,526 crore from Rs 20,613 crore in 2014-15. Indicating improved operating performance, EBITDAR (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and rentals) rose to Rs 3,587 crore last financial year, from Rs 1,436 crore in 2014-15.

Last fiscal, the airline's capacity deployment and aircraft utilisation went up by 4.8 % and 7.5 %, respectively. On account of currency fluctuations, the carrier incurred a forex loss Rs 350 crore in 2015-16.

Air India is staying afloat on a Rs 30,000-crore bailout extended by the government.

Air India sets world record for longest Non-Stop flight


Air India set the record for the longest non-stop flight when it flew from Delhi to San Francisco (SFO) over the Pacific Ocean instead of the Atlantic

The flight covered the distance of 15,300 kilometres in 14.5 hours— two hours less than usual. The flight flew eastward as opposed to westward which increased the speed due to the tailwinds instead of strong headwinds.

While taking the (western) Atlantic route to SFO, we usually face headwinds of 24kmph. This means that if our aircraft is doing 800kmph, its actual ground speed is 776kmph. Taking the (eastern) Pacific route will mean getting tailwinds of 138kmph, which make the aircraft have an actual ground speed of 938kmph," an AI official told the daily.

Four pilots, captains Rajneesh Sharma, Gautam Verma, MA Khan and SM Palekar, and 10 cabin crew members were on board to operate the flight.

AI's Delhi-SFO (13,900 km) non-stop is now world's second-longest flight after Emirates' Dubai-Auckland (14,120 km). It will hold this record for two years till Singapore Airlines launches the Singapore-New York flight that will cover 16,500 km in 19 hours.

Using this route, the Delhi-SFO burns 9,600 litres of fuel for each hour of flying, on an average.

No.16/29, 1st Main Road, New Colony, Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600044

BRANCH OFFICE ADDRESS IN BANGALORE:

No.410, 2nd Floor, 5th A Cross, 2nd Block, HRBR Layout, (Near Kalyan Nagar Bus Stop - Near Girias Showroom) Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore-560043, Karnataka, India.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines celebrate delivery of airline's first 787 Dreamliner.

Boeing and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are celebrating the delivery of the airline's first 787-9 Dreamliner. Over the coming years the 787 will play a key role in the Dutch flag carrier's fleet renewal and expansion. KLM acquired this airplane through leasing company AerCap.

"We are very proud to welcome our first Boeing 787 Dreamliner today," said Pieter Elbers, KLM President & CEO. "This aircraft symbolizes a new phase in the future of KLM. Investment in our customers is one of our priorities. This efficient aircraft is part of that investment. It's testimony to the great work of 33,000 KLM employees, who are committed to giving their best for our customers every day."

In addition to today's delivery, the Air France-KLM Group has 19 787-9s and six 787-10s on order and will lease 12 787s through AerCap. KLM will operate its first 787-9 on its Amsterdam – Abu Dhabi – Bahrain service.

The 787-9 complements and extends the 787 family. With the fuselage stretched by 6 meters (20 feet) over the 787-8, the 787-9 can fly up to 20 percent more passengers and 23 percent more cargo farther yet with the same exceptional environmental performance – 20 percent less fuel use and 20 percent fewer emissions than the airplanes they replace.

"The KLM brand is synonymous with innovation, reliability, and outstanding customer service, which will be perfectly complemented by the addition of the 787 to the airline's fleet," said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are honored that the 787 is now proudly flying in the famous KLM blue livery and are confident the airplane will play a key role in this historic carrier's continued success."

The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passenger-pleasing features such as the industry's largest windows, large overhead bins with room for everyone's bag, modern LED lighting, air that is cleaner, more humid and at a higher pressure for greater comfort and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

KLM was founded in 1919, and is the oldest airline still operating under its original name. Based at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, KLM is part of the Air France-KLM Group and serves 135 destinations worldwide. Over the past half century KLM has taken delivery of more than 200 Boeing airplanes.

Emirates launches two new A380 services

Emirates has launched two new daily A380 services – to Guangzhou in China and Moscow, Russia.

Flight EK362, departed Dubai at 10:20, landed at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on schedule.

Arriving a few hours later into Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport was flight EK131.

Both Emirates A380-800s were operated in a three-class configuration and carried media delegates who were specially invited to experience the aircraft on the launch flights.

Many of the features of Emirates’ flagship aircraft are unique offerings in the respective countries for travellers.

Moscow and Guangzhou join more than 40 Emirates A380 destination cities, providing travellers on the routes with the airline’s best-in-class on-board product and renowned service.

IndiGo Announces Rs 834 All-Inclusive Offer

IndiGo is offering tickets starting Rs 834 as part of a promotional offer on select flights on domestic routes. IndiGo's offer is open till October 17 and is applicable for travel from October 30, 2016 to  April 13, 2017. 

Airfares are typically dynamic which change according to demand. A check on IndiGo's website showed that Delhi-Jaipur tickets starting from Rs 867 under this promotional offer. 

IndiGo said that the fares under this offer are non-refundable. And in case of cancellation, only statutory taxes will be refunded. 

A check on IndiGo's website showed that Delhi-Mumbai tickets were priced at around Rs 2,030 for travel in mid-November as compared to Rs 5,600 for travel next week. 

IndiGo has not disclosed the number of seats offered under this promotional offer. 

IndiGo also said that it is introducing 47 new flights on its existing route network this month to cater to the festival rush.

Many carriers have come up with promotional offers to lure customers during the festive season.  Jet Airways, for example, is offering up to 25 per cent discount on base fare and fuel surcharge on select domestic flights. 

Promotional offers by airlines have spurred a strong demand for air travel in India, which is among the fastest growing aviation market in the world.

Vistara airlines completes induction of Airbus A320 planes

The city-headquartered airline had in 2014 announced leasing of 20 Airbus A320 planes – 13 A320 ceo (current engine option) and seven A320 neo (new engine option) – from Singaporean leasing firm, BOC Aviation.

Tata-SIA joint venture airline Vistara has completed the induction of Airbus A320 ceo planes in its fleet, with the arrival of the 13th and the last such aircraft from Toulouse in France this week. The airline will now induct fuel-efficient A320 neo (new engine option), which are scheduled to be delivered from the first quarter of the next fiscal. Vistara plans to use the 13th A320 plane in launching its operations from Kolkata to Bangalore, Guwahati and Port Blair.

SpiceJet announces festival sale ; Tickets starting at Rs.888/-

Domestic budget carrier SpiceJet today announced special festival sale, offering fliers one-way all inclusive airfares as low as Rs 888 for domestic and Rs 3,699 for overseas flights for a limited period. 

The flights under the offer can be booked from today till October 7 while the journey can be undertaken between November 8 and April 13 next year, SpiceJet said in a release. 

The seats available under the special festival sale are limited and on first-come-first-served basis, it added. 

The domestic  routes available for discounted fares include Bengaluru-Kochi, Delhi-Dehradun, Chennai, among others, while within the international sector, the sale offer comes for routes such as Chennai-Colombo routes, SpiceJet said. 

Chennai: Battery Cars to shuttle between metro , airport

Air travellers who reach the airport by metro rail will be spared a long walk as battery cars will be available to ferry them to the terminals.
A metro rail official said, "Four shuttle cars will be used to ferry passengers every 15 minutes from the airport metro rail station. The cars are being introduced as the station is not directly linked to the airport terminals." The service began on Saturday.
People who reach the airport metro station by trains now reach the ground floor of the building using an escalator or stairs and have to walk a long way to reach the terminals. As the departure terminal is on the first floor, people have to use a lift to go up. The metro rail station is located inside the airport campus between the two new steel and glass terminals.
Metro rail and Airports Authority of India (AAI) decided to introduce the car service because it is difficult for passengers to access the departure terminals which are on the first floor. The cars will drop passengers near a lift. However, passengers who come out of the arrival terminal do not face much of a hassle apart from the distance they have to cover walking to reach the metro rail station.

Aviation authority says no to clicking pictures near aircraft

Some travellers love to take pictures in front of the aircraft before boarding a flight, but authorities believe it is risky and not worth the joy.

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed strict regulations to stop both passengers and crew members from clicking pictures.

"Taking pictures during flight is a source of distraction, which may lead to error and reduction in safety," the aviation authority said in a circular.

It has also asked airlines to ensure that passengers are not allowed to indulge in photography while embarking/disembarking from the aircraft.

The statement cited extreme cases where crew members had allowed passengers inside the cockpit to take pictures.

"In a few instances, both pilots were away from the aircraft controls when the photographs were taken. In a recent case, one of the pilot was engaged in photography during flight training, which eventually resulted into an accident," the circular said.

It also said the crew is not allowed to take pictures during any phase of the flight.

Vistara to operate 530 flights per week by year end

Domestic full service carrier Vistara on Tuesday said it plans to operate 530 flights per week by year end with the induction of its 13th aircraft, which is expected to be delivered to the airline next month.

The city-based airline, Vistara, in which Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines own 51 per cent and 49 per cent stake, respectively, currently operates 430 weekly flights to 17 destinations with a fleet of 12 Airbus A320 planes.

Puducherry Airport to be operational from January 2017

 A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was today signed between Puducherry government, Civil Aviation Ministry and Airports Authority of India in New Delhi to operationalise the Puducherry airport in January 2017.

A statement from the office of the Chief Minister said, "The process to operationalise the flights is likely to be completed and flight operations would be started by January 2017."

According to the statement, Puducherry government has proposed to have air connectivity to and from nearby cities, mostly lying within 500 km radius, and "the cost of fare is going to be only Rs. 2,500 which is certainly affordable."

The government felt that this would give a big boost not only to the flow of tourists into Puducherry but would also give a fillip to industrial investment in the Union Territory.

The statement claimed that it would pave the way for making flying affordable for the travellers.

Puducherry already has a modern and full-fledged airport although it is underutilised now, it said
.
By conceding certain concessions as required under the MoU, the Puducherry government has ensured that regular flights will not only operate from Puducherry to other destinations, the flight service would also be affordable to common people, the statement said.

It described the inking of the MOU as a "historic phase of development in aviation sector for Puducherry." The release said the tripartite MoU was inked under "regional connectivity service".

Chief Secretary to Puducherry government Manoj Parida signed the MOU on behalf of Puducherry government while Joint Secretary to the Aviation Ministry Usha Padhee and member of the AAI A K Dutta were the other signatories.

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, Tourism Minister Malladi Krishna Rao, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha and Secretary to the Aviation Ministry R N Choubey were among those present during the signing of the MOU, the release said. 

  Spicejet to order 100-plus planes for Rs 80kcr

   SpiceJet, the airline that came back from the dead, is set to order more than 100 new planes in the next couple of months. These are in addition to the 42 Boeing B737 MAX8 planes that it had ordered earlier.
SpiceJet chairman and managing director Ajay Singh said the airline was in the final round of talks with aircraft majors Boeing and Airbus for nar row-body planes and other manufacturers for smaller regional aircraft. "The airline is ready for expansion and requires more aircraft. We will place the order for more than 100 planes in October or November," he said.
The prospect of the order worth over $12 billion (Rs 80,000 crore) comes less than two years after the airline's fortune crashed on December 17, 2014.With mounting losses and not enough operational capital at hand, the management announced suspension of all flights from 4pm that day . Many thought the airli ne was going the Kingfisher way . It was perilously close to it because no airline in the world has returned after stopping operations," Ajay Singh said.Singh who had originally owned the airline before selling it to the Sun group, bought the airline back and revived it by focusing on the business, cutting costs and overheads and rejigging the network.
21/09/16 Subhro Niyogi/Times of India

Indian start-up zoom air adds first aircraft

Zoom Air has added its first aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-200, to its fleet. According to the start-up, the jet will enter into service this month. The airline plans to maintain operations with five CRJ-200LRs out of Delhi Int'l.

Under its previous incarnation as Zexus Air (Delhi Int'l), the full-service start-up was able to secure its No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation but reportedly failed in its attempt to secure an Air Operators Permit (AOP) from the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
21/09/16 chn-aviation

Keonjhar girl becomes first lady pilot from state.

Kendrapada: Her passion to travel the world drove the 25-year old Odia girl, Shelbi Mishra, to become the first lady pilot from the state. With 400 hours of flying experience, Mishra started her career with the Air Asia recently after completing two years of rigorous training in the US.
The girl from Rukunapursasana village in Keonjhar district defied societal pressure to join the male bastion in aviation and fulfilled her dream to become a pilot.
Mishra had done her initial flying training from Texas and completed her B.Sc (Aviation) and MBA (Aviation) from India. She is the youngest women pilot to get a commercial pilot license at the age of 21 in 2011.
“My work in the aviation industry taught me a lot about the place of women in the society,” Mishra told TOI from Mumbai.
“My parents encouraged me to pursue my mission to became a pilot. My job comes added benefits like moving around the globe,” added Shelbi.

Delhi airport first carbon neutral airport in Asia-pacific


The GMR consortium-AAI run Delhi Airport has become the first carbon neutral airport in Asia-Pacific following a series of measures taken by it to reduce carbon footprint, including setting up of a 7.84 MW solar power plant.
The announcement was made by the international body of aerodrome operators across the world, ACI during the Airport Carbon Accreditation certificate presentation ceremony in Montreal, Canada yesterday.
The Airport Carbon Accreditation has upgraded Delhi Airport to highest level of certification -- a level 3+ neutrality -- available to airports across the world, according to a release.
Carbon neutrality occurs when the net carbon emissions over an entire year are zero or when the airport absorbs or offsets the same amount of emission that was generated.
This achievement is accredited by ACI under Airport Carbon Accreditation that monitors the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions.
"Achievement of the accreditation for carbon neutrality is indeed recognition of a great team work. With this achievement, we have set up new benchmark for other airports in this region to follow.
28/09/16 PTI/The Times Of India