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    Recent News

    Air India launches enhanced fare families

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    GURUGRAM, 21 October 2024: Air India has launched simplified and enhanced fare families across cabins. The airline has rebranded its fare families and restructured them to align with the evolving customer preferences across markets. Air India’s fare familiesoffer differentiated bundles of products and services at each price point, which enables travellers to choose the offering that best meets their unique requirements. Rebranded fare families Effective 17 October 2024, Air India now offers a total of eight fare families across four cabin classes: Economy: Value, Classic, Flex Premium Economy: Classic, Flex Business: Classic, Flex First: First The fare families offer increasing baggage allowance and flexibility in terms of cancellation and date changes for a nominal upsell value. Air India will continue to enhance its ancillary product offerings across these bundles over time to provide more choice and convenience to travellers. Air India’s fare families are now available on all domestic and international flights. Consistent full-service flying experience Regardless of the fare family one chooses or the cabin they fly in, travellers can continue to expect a consistent full-service flying experience from their origin to destination. Air India offers all its guests complimentary hot meals, free check-in baggage allowance in addition to carry-on bag allowance, and reward points to members of Air India’s Flying Returns loyalty programme. Restructured fare families for Europe and UK markets Air India has also restructured its fare families on Europe and UK routes to better align the same with market trends and offerings. Air India now offer travellers a more affordable ‘Value’ fare option that provides one piece of checked baggage weighing 23kg with limited travel flexibility. Travellers who seek more baggage allowance and higher travel flexibility can opt for the ‘Classic’ and ‘Flex’ fares that continue to offer two pieces of checked baggage weighing 23kg each in Economy.‘Value’ fares are available only for Economy class bookings. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “We have rebranded and simplified the fare families to provide a unique product and service value proposition at each price point. We have also redesigned and relaunched market-specific fare families which cater to unique customer preferences across geographies. This is a move away from the traditional one-size-fits-all offerings approach, which is becoming increasingly redundant, and it addresses the evolving preferences of today’s travellers.” Booking Air India fare families Bookings for Air India’s fare families are currently active are available on all major GDS and channels of distribution including web, mobile app, OTAs, and travel agents.

    Training

    BAA training opens its third center in India

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    Bangalore, 22nd October 2024: BAA Training has opened its third consultancy center in India,further expanding its footprint in India.The new consultancy center has opened its doors in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to aid aspiring pilots in their career possibilities. This expansion southward serves as another location for Indians who, without leaving their home country or home state, can learn all the information firsthand from the experienced BAA Training India experts at the consultancy center. Last year, in September, BAA Training opened its first consultancy center in New Delhi and started operations in its second one in Mumbai mid-July this year. “As India claimed the title of the 3rd largest domestic airline market in the world this year, the need for pilot training to sustain the growth is more present than before,” said Marijus Ravoitis, CEO of BAA Training. “However, quality solutions are scarce here, which could be an issue for further industry growth. We have been observing the landscape in India and made the key decision to expand our pilot training consultancy center network accordingly. India is a very promising market. We look forward to becoming a prominent household name in India when it comes to offering European-level pilot training.” One key commercial pilot training program – the Indian Cadet Program – has been specifically tailored for the region. It prepares pilots according to highly regarded European pilot training criteria while keeping in mind the standard procedures of airlines operating in India. This provides Indian pilots with a dual (EASA + DGCA) commercial pilot license, offering a wider range of opportunities for employment. Currently, there are two batches of Indian students in the Indian Cadet Program. Starting this year, in June and August, the cadets are undergoing training at the BAA Training’s European facilities. Aspiring pilots can learn more about the specially tailored training at the BAA Training consultancy centers.

    Airports

    PM inaugurates and lays the foundation stone for multiple airport development projects worth over Rs. 6,100 Crore

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    New Delhi,21st October,2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Development of New Terminal Building and allied works at Varanasi Airport, New Civil Enclave of Agra, Darbhanga, and Bagdogra and inaugurated New Airports at Rewa, Sarsawaand Ambikapur on 20th October, 2024 in Varanasi,Uttar Pradesh. Development of New Terminal Building and allied works at Varanasi, and New Civil Enclave at Agra, Darbhanga and Bagdogra Airports is being undertaken at the total cost of Rs.5910 Crore. Anandiben Patel, Governor, Uttar Pradesh,Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation were also present during the ceremony in Varanasi.The other dignitaries included Governors, Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers of respective states and Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation participated in the event virtually. The three new airports of Sarsawa in in Uttar Pradesh,Rewa in Madhya Pradesh &Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh have been developed at a total cost of Rs. 225.88 Crore, having combined capacity to serve around 10 lakh passengers annually. These airports are fully equipped with all passenger facilities including check-in counters, baggage conveyors and sufficient concessionaire area while boasting various sustainability features. While addressing the gathering, Prime Minister underlined that the government has initiated a huge campaign for infrastructural development in the country in the last 10 years with two main objectives of improving services for the people and creating employment opportunities for the youth through investments.The designs of all seven airports are influenced and derived from the common elements of heritage structures of that state and city, thus reflecting the local culture and highlighting the heritage of the region. On this occasion,highlighting about these projects,Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu,Union Minister of Civil Aviation said that Varanasi airport currently serves 30 lakh passengers annually which will cross the figure of 3 Crore by 2047, for which a new terminal will be built at a cost of Rs. 2870 crore. He also emphasized about the ‘UDAN Yojana’ Regional Connectivity Scheme, under which Sarsawa, Rewa and Ambikapur airports have been developed. As a result of these projects, the air connectivity of the nation will be strengthened, the economy will grow and new employment opportunities will be created. The inauguration and foundation stone laying of these Seven Airport projects worth more than Rs. 6,100 Crore, places India’s civil aviation industry at the forefront of the nation’s economic growth and solidifies its role as a major player in the global aviation landscape. With these new airports and terminal buildings, air connectivity in the country will witness an increase which in turn will spur tourism, business, education and generate employment which is vital to the regions’ economic prosperity. It will also strengthen the economy of the states over the long haul, boosting productivity through its positive impact on businesses. Source: PIB

    Civil Aviation

    Cathay Pacific unveils Aria Suite, a new way to experience air travel

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    Showcasing a whole new cabin experience in Business, Premium Economy, and Economy onboard the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft Delhi, 21st October 2024: Cathay Pacific is once again raising the bar for customer experience with the official unveiling of its all-new Business class, Aria Suite, together with its new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy onboard its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The airline’s retrofitted 777-300ER debuted on its Hong Kong-Beijing route today (21 October) before progressively being deployed on other regional and long-haul routes. The new cabin experience was introduced at a special ceremony for distinguished guests, valued customers and Cathay members, members of the media and Cathay employees at Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited’s (HAECO) hangar facility at Hong Kong International Airport on 16 October. Cathay Group Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “At Cathay, we believe in moving people forward in life. This purpose goes beyond simply flying customers to their destinations; we are deeply woven into Hong Kong’s identity as a global aviation hub. To solidify our role in both the industry and the community, we’ve committed a significant investment of over HK$100 billion over the next seven years into our fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital and sustainability leadership, reflecting our confidence in Hong Kong’s long-term growth and its position as a key player in global aviation. “As part of this evolution, we are excited to introduce new seat products over the next three years, each designed to elevate the inflight experience for our customers. First, we are launching our all-new Business and Premium Economy cabins, and a refreshed Economy cabin on our retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER. These will be followed by a new world-leading First class experience onboard our 777-9s, and a brand-new flat-bed Business class product on our Airbus A330s.Through our investments in cutting-edge aircraft, innovative technology and groundbreaking facilities, we are dedicated to moving beyond expectations – in the air, on the ground and in every experience we create.” In the highly anticipated Aria Suite, Cathay Pacific has placed customer experience at the heart of the design and conception of its new Business class. Artistry and craftsmanship have gone into every detail to create a holistic and immersive experience where comfort, privacy and a sense of personal space are completely reimagined for customers. The result is an inflight journey that is intuitive and effortless.

    Events

    Discover the Future of Vertical Flight at Dubai Helishow 2024

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    Excitement is building as Dubai Helishow 2024 opens its doors this week Tuesday, October 22-24, 2024, at Skydive Dubai. This year’s show promises to be a pivotal event for companies looking to fill their order books while showcasing the latest advancements in the VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing), UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and helicopter industries. Attendees can expect three action packed days of exhibitions, live demonstrations, and insightful discussions, making Dubai Helishow 2024 the place to be for industry professionals eager to explore innovative solutions and forge valuable partnerships. A highlight of the event will be the NSRC; National Search and Rescue Center’s Sea rescue display, taking place on the first day. This live demonstration will showcase the skill, bravery, and cutting edge technology behind search and rescue operations, offering attendees a real time look at life saving missions in action. Maysoon Abulhoul, Chief Operating Officer of Domus Group, the organisers of Dubai Helishow 2024, shared her excitement for this year’s edition, “Dubai Helishow 2024 will be our most exciting event yet. We’re not only showcasing the future of vertical flight but also creating opportunities for industry professionals to connect and collaborate. This event offers the perfect platform to build relationships, exchange ideas, and stay at the forefront of what’s happening in the UAV and helicopter sectors.” Dubai Heliconference 2024 – A Glimpse into the Future of Vertical Aviation Running alongside the exhibition, and in the same location, the Dubai Heliconference 2024 will feature over 45 expert speakers from around the globe. They’ll dive into some of the most pressing topics in the industry, including the future of eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing), challenges confronting helicopter operators amidst the rise of heavy lift drone transport, and drones in military operations focusing on unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones. Additionally, the conference will cover AI integration in helicopters and military drone technologies. Sharief Fahmy, Executive Director of Kaman Middle East, highlighted why Dubai Helishow is a must-attend event, “Dubai Helishow is where we can meet face-to-face with the real decision makers who shape the future of the VTOL, UAV, and helicopter sectors. It’s the perfect setting for us to showcase our latest technologies and stay connected with the key stakeholders.” A Hub for Networking and New Opportunities Beyond the exhibition and conference, Dubai Helishow 2024 will offer unmatched opportunities to create valuable connections. Industry leaders from the defence, civil, and commercial aviation sectors will be in attendance, and the event is expected to attract over 8,000 visitors. It’s an ideal setting for exhibitors and attendees to explore new partnerships, exchange insights, and unlock new business opportunities.

    Recent News

    Air India to continue Vistara under new code ‘AI 2’

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    Gurugram, October 18, 2024: Post the merger of Air India and Vistara, the experience offered by Vistara will continue for customers. Vistara aircraft will be operated by Air India and will be identified by a special four-digit Air India code beginning with the digit “2”. For instance, UK 955 will become AI 2955, helping customer identify them while booking on www.airindia.com after November 12. The routes and schedule operated by Vistara aircraft will continue to be the same, alongside the Vistara in-flight experience that includes the product and service such as menu and cutlery on the Vistara aircraft. It will also be serviced by the same crew. The airline, through a multi-media campaign, also pointed out that the unified Air India opens up limitless possibilities for passengers including unparalleled connection to over 90 domestic and international destinations and over 800 more destinations through codeshare and interline partners. The existing members of Club Vistara will be seamlessly transferred to Air India’s Flying Returns program. With this merger, Flying Returns will also evolve into an all-new avatar ‘Maharaja Club’. In parallel, Air India’s narrowbody fleet continues to be upgraded with new aircraft being delivered, legacy aircraft being refitted with entirely new interiors and Vistara’s catering now also extended to Air India. Air India’s widebody fleet has also been augmented with the entry of six A350 aircraft that have started to fly between Delhi and London and will soon operate between Delhi and New York. Air India has started its retrofit program with the first A320neo narrow body aircraft going for retrofit in early September. 27 narrow body legacy aircraft will be totally refurbished and retrofitted and this retrofit is likely to be completed by the middle of 2025. The retrofitted A320neo aircraft will feature 8 luxurious seats in Business, 24 extra legroom seats in Premium Economy and 132 comfortable seats in Economy, offering wider choice to its guests. Subtle cabin lighting, spacious legroom and wider pitch, and modern features, like portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports with type A and C options to charge mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets, among others, will contribute significantly to offer guests an inflight experience catering to the needs of today’s discerning flyers. Carpets, curtains, upholstery, cabin panels will be refreshed with new tones and design motifs reinforcing the brand livery.

    Recent News

    Air India to operate non-stop flights between Bengaluru and London Heathrow

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    GURUGRAM, 19 October2024: Air India has announced starting of daily, non-stop services between Bengaluru and London Heathrow from 27 October 2024, thus connecting London Heathrow to all three hubs of Air India in India. The new flights will replace Air India’s currently served Bengaluru-London Gatwick route and increase the frequency between Bengaluru and London from 5x weekly to 7x weekly. The non-stop service, to be operated using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft with 18 flat beds in Business class and 238 spacious seats in Economy, will add capacity to London Heathrow by 3,584 seats a week, inbound and outbound.Air India currently operates 31x weekly to London Heathrow from Delhi and Mumbai. Air India will continue to operate 12x weekly flights to London Gatwick from four Indian cities, namely Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, and Kochi.

    Civil Aviation

    DUDigital Global opens Thai Visa Application Centre in Mumbai

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    Mumbai, 18 October 2024: DUDigital Global,provider of specialized services in visa processing, immigration, and global company formation,announced the opening of its new visa application centre (VAC) in Mumbai. The centre’s opening comes at a pivotal time, as projections indicate that the number of Indian nationals departing from India will soar to 90 million by 2040. To meet this rising demand, the VAC will process visa applications, with a particular focus on Thailand. Strategically located in Lower Parel, the new facility is well equipped with the latest technologies and is set to revolutionize visa processing in the region, to handle over 2000+ visa applications daily. Spanning an impressive 2000 square feet, the new VAC will not only enhance service delivery but also contribute substantially to the local economy. The centre was inaugurated by Miss Nattasuda Mettaprasert, Deputy Consul-General, Royal Thai Consulate-General, Mumbai, and Mr. Isada Saovaros, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai along with Mr. Chutinan Klinmalai – Consul, Royal Thai Consulate- General, Mumbai; Mr. Auttapon Thawesuntorn, Deputy Director and Yaoza K Shimray, Marketing Officer, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai and Mr Manoj Dharmani, CEO, DUDigital Global. Expressing his enthusiasm, Mr. Manoj Dharmani, CEO, DUDigital Global said, “Our new visa application center will play a vital role in meeting the increasing demand for visa and consular services in the region. We are committed to providing efficient and hassle-free services to our applicants. As we scale operations in Mumbai, we welcome feedback and suggestions to help us continuously improve. We believe this Visa Application Centre will enhance the customer experience by streamlining the visa application process, ultimately benefiting both travelers and the Indian diaspora. In today’s interconnected world, travel is essential, and Thailand remains a preferred destination for Indian citizens.” Mr Dharmani further added “We’re excited to introduce ‘Visa Wherever You Want,’ a service that brings the visa application process directly to your doorstep. Applicants can easily apply from home, and get visas delivered at their doorstep.” In addition to standard visa services, the centre will also assist applicants applying for Destination Thailand Visa with a five-year multiple entry validity. A dedicated Premium Lounge provides personalized support and comfortable surroundings for those seeking an elevated service level. As DUDigital Global expands its footprint in metro cities, this new centre is set to make the visa application process more accessible, efficient, and convenient for a growing number of travelers. Information security remains a top priority, with state-of-the-art encryption and data protection systems ensuring the confidentiality of all applicant information.

    Civil Aviation

    Inauguration of ‘Aviation Park’ Showcasing India’s Aviation Heritage

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    Under the leadership of Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation unveiled the Aviation Park within the premises of the Ministry. Situated amidst a serene waterbody, the park showcases a stunning display of aircraft models, depicting the evolution of planes and the growth of India’s Civil Aviation sector. The displays symbolize the ministry’s journey towards progress and innovation in the aviation field. A backdrop of free-standing architectural columns, representing various regions of India, celebrates the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the country. A dedicated path in the park highlights significant milestones in India’s civil aviation history, from early flight/aircrafts developments to modern advancements, creating an educational experience for the visitors. The park has been thoughtfully developed with sustainability in mind. Bamboo has been utilized for shaded seating areas, promoting eco-friendly construction practices. The park promises to be a landmark destination, blending India’s aviation achievements with its architectural and cultural legacy, inspiring future generations of aviation enthusiasts. Shri Ram Mohan Naidu praised the collaborative efforts of all involved, emphasizing that the Aviation Park stands as a testament to India’s rising influence in global aviation. Courtesy: PIB

    Airports

    Saudia Unveils First and Business Class Check-In Lounge at Jeddah

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    Delhi, 14th October, 2024: 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 of 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 of the Jeddah Hub, stated, “Unveiling Saudia’s new First and Business Class Check-In Lounge marks a landmark milestone in luxury travel, redefining the airport experience for our guests. This exclusive sanctuary at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport offers more than just a premium check-in experience; it’s an immersion into Saudi hospitality and culture. With personalized services, unparalleled comfort, and stunning artistic displays, we are elevating travel to new heights and cementing Saudia’s position as a global aviation leader.” The launch of the lounge complements Saudia’s extensive investment in enhancing guest experiences, which includes an extensive seat retrofit program, the installation of advanced In-Flight Entertainment screens, the launch of the beta version of the Travel Companion powered by AI and high-speed in-flight connectivity that will be implemented across its fleet. These initiatives are designed to provide travelers with a world-class journey from start to finish. Experience the Luxury with Saudia Saudia invites Indian travelers to experience this new level of luxury and comfort. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, our premium services are designed to make every moment of your journey unforgettable.

    FOREWORD

    Dear Reader’s,

     

    The current edition of Aviation World has covered many areas of Aerospace & Defence based on the latest development in the sector. The front cover highlights three different images, first for the Union Civil Aviation Minister ….. who is leading from the front to steer Indian Civil Aviation sector to witness one of the most interesting phases. He is also facing most tumultuous timing due to the ongoing financial stress in the Aviation sector due to ATF rising cost and long airspace restrictions resulting in mounting losses for Indian carriers. Despite of all the ground level challenges,the minister is addressing new things on regular basis which keeps the sector motivated. We have featured many such developmental works in this edition done under his guidance which will be interesting to read.

    Our lead story on “ The West War” is another important feature which covers the ground level reality of the challenges faced by the Aviation sector. Its though time ahead and we believe it will pass soon .

    There are features on Regional connectivity and MoCA revised rules on the UDAN 2.0 and how its going to transform the flying experience within India.

    In this edition, we have covered topics on MRO,Various Policy changes,Sea Plane Operations by SkyHop Aviation, TATA-Airbus joint project on C295 military aircraft under Make In India which is expected to roll out soon and many other interesting contents which will be good to read.

    We are covering Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20-24July 2026 in London and our next edition will be based on the same event.For features, you may contact our team on priority basis.

     

    Happy Reading!

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    NEWSLETTER

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    We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

    Disclaimer

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