Airports

  Mumbai, 6th August 2024: As part of Aviation Security Culture Week, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) hosted a Mini Marathon. With an endeavor to raise awareness on Aviation Security,the 5-kilometer run on the airport elevated road, starting at Terminal 2, saw participation of approximately 400 individuals, including employees of Mumbai International Airport, CISF officials, Airline partners, Ground Handling agencies, and general public. The event fostered a community spirit and reinforced Mumbai Airport’s commitment to make air travel safe and seamless for all.

New Delhi,June 21, 2024: The 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was celebrated with zeal and fervour at Airports Authority of India, Regional Headquarter- Northern Region, NATS Complex, New Delhi. The International Yoga Day is being celebrated on 21stJune since 2015.This year, the theme is “Yoga for Self and Society,” emphasising yoga’s role in fostering individual well-being and societal harmony. The celebration at Regional Headquarter- Northern Region started with felicitation of yoga instructors from Bhartiya Yog Sansthan Shri Satish Dogra and Shri R. P. Tripathi, with shawl, by Shri Devendra Kumar Gautam, Regional Executive Director, Northern Region, in the presence of all HODs and officials of AAI. Shri Gautam, in his address emphasised on the importance of Yogainour daily lives and its impact on physical, mental and spiritual health. Bhartiya Yog Sansthan’s yoga instructors demonstrated various asanas, rhythmic chanting, and Laughter Yoga.They also emphasized on having a disciplined practice routine. Participants had an interactive session and expressed their gratitude for the session. The event was concluded by Shanti paath.

Singapore,4th June , 2024: Together with its member airlines, Star Alliance has completed decade of excellence at Terminal 2 – its home at Heathrow. The Queen’s Terminal has served as the base for 23 Star Alliance member airlines, facilitating smooth transfers and operations for over 15 million passengers every year, representing nearly 20% of the available seat capacity from the airport. In celebration of the occasion, Theo Panagiotoulias, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer said: “Heathrow stands as a vital hub for our member airlines. With our collective offerings at the shared terminal, we’re proud to facilitate seamless experiences for thousands of passengers daily. On behalf of our member airlines, I extend gratitude to Heathrow for its decade-long support, enabling superior traveller experiences every day and for years to come.” Under the “Move Under One Roof” strategic initiative, Star Alliance consolidated its member airlines at a single location in 2014, establishing a true alliance hub. This initiative enables passengers to easily connect between Star Alliance member airlines, significantly streamlining airport operations and enhancing the experience. Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer, Heathrow said: “Heathrow is delighted to celebrate a decade of delivering excellent service to passengers travelling through Terminal 2, previously voted ‘Best Terminal in the World’ at the World Sky Awards by Skytrax. In collaboration with our partner airlines, including Star Alliance and its member airlines, we have seen almost 73 million passengers travel through Terminal 2’s doors and enjoy the world-class retail and food and beverage options available. Reaching this landmark is an opportunity for us to enjoy looking back on a decade of achievements, while also looking ahead to the next ten years as we continue to create an extraordinary airport that is fit for the future.” Customers are welcomed by the prominent Star Alliance branding positioned above the airline check-in counters at Departures in T2. Together with member airlines, Star Alliance provides facilities for a seamless airport experience, including: • Gold Track Security: A benefit that offers faster security access via dedicated lanes for Star Alliance Gold status customers, regardless of the cabin they travel in. • Baggage Tracking: A service that allows passengers to know where their bags are as they move in the journey. Each day at London Heathrow, over 85,000 bags on Star Alliance member airline flights are scanned for the customers’ peace of mind. • Star Connection Centre: A service designed to expedite passengers with tight connections by providing fast-track access through the airport. The Heathrow Star Connection Centre takes pride in expediting over 1000 passengers and 750 bags monthly, saving costs for member airlines and enhancing travellers’ experience. • Complimentary Heathrow Express Upgrade: Star Alliance Gold status customers enjoy exclusive and free upgrades to the Business First cabin on Heathrow Express between the airport and Paddington station. Starting June 2024, this offer extends to one companion travelling with the Gold status customer. From Terminal 2, 23 Star Alliance airlines – Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines and United – currently offer 124 flights a day to 44 destinations in 23 countries.

  In a bold move aimed at revolutionizing the logistics landscape in India, Alstef Group, a renowned global leader in airport baggage handling, air cargo handling, and distribution automation, has recently expanded its operations into the country. With a new high-tech office and production facility in Pune, the group is poised to meet the growing demand for advanced baggage and cargo handling solutions in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. To delve deeper into this strategic expansion and its implications, Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World had the privilege of speaking with Mr.Tennyson Anthony, Managing Director of Alstef Group(India). With a wealth of experience, he sheds light on the company’s vision, its commitment to innovation, and the significance of its entry into the Indian market.   Q: With govt. impetus on developing various categories of airports, what is the overall volume of business that your sector is projected to cater in future? A: Alstef Group, a leading player in the airport baggage handling systems market, has recognized the tremendous potential of India, the world’s fastest-growing market. In response, Alstef Group has established a full-fledged setup in Pune, India, to align with the swift pace of airport development undertaken by Indian operators. Amidst the dynamic shifts in the global aviation market, characterized by the proliferation of new airports and the expansion of existing ones in both Tier I and Tier II cities, the global Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) market has reached a staggering valuation of 8 billion USD. With our recent establishment in India, our aim is to capture approximately 20% to 30% of the global BHS market, significantly bolstering our market share in the years ahead. Additionally, we are committed to enhancing our market presence in after-sales services, complementing our focus on new projects. Q: Automated Baggage handling is the new buzzword at smart airports. How effectively the process is used and benefits associated out of it? A: Automated baggage handling indeed represents the future of efficient airport operations. By implementing advanced technologies such as self-service bag drops, bag tracking – now including inbound bag tracking, fast and efficient sortation, and AI based predictive maintenance, airports can streamline the baggage handling process, significantly reducing delays, errors, and mishandling incidents. The benefits associated with automated baggage handling are manifold. Firstly, it improves operational efficiency by enabling faster baggage processing and reducing manual intervention. Secondly, it enhances security by providing real-time tracking and monitoring of luggage throughout the entire journey. Lastly, it enhances passenger satisfaction by minimizing wait times and ensuring reliable baggage delivery. Overall, the adoption of automated baggage handling systems is a win-win for airports, airlines, and passengers alike. Q: Alstef Group’s decision to increase its presence in India signifies a strategic move. What motivated this expansion in the Indian market? A: Tennyson Anthony (TA): “Indeed, our foray into India is driven by a confluence of factors. India’s aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, with airports witnessing increasing passenger and cargo volumes. This growth presents a tremendous opportunity for us to deploy our cutting-edge solutions and contribute to the country’s evolving infrastructure. Moreover, India’s commitment to modernizing its airports and enhancing operational efficiency aligns perfectly with our expertise in delivering innovative baggage and cargo handling systems.” Q: How does Alstef India plan to tailor its solutions to meet the unique requirements of the Indian market while maintaining global standards of quality and performance? A:Localization is key to our strategy in India. We understand that each market has its own dynamics and challenges. Therefore, we are committed to collaborating with local stakeholders, leveraging indigenous talent, and customizing our solutions to suit the specific needs of Indian airports and logistics operators. At the same time, we adhere to stringent quality control measures at our Pune manufacturing facility to ensure that our products meet the highest standards of excellence, just like anywhere else in the world. Q: Sustainability is a growing concern globally. How does Alstef Group integrate eco-conscious practices into its operations, especially with the expansion into India? A:Sustainability is ingrained in our corporate ethos. We recognize the importance of minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting responsible practices. In India, we are implementing sustainable product design, optimizing energy consumption of our products, and adopting eco-friendly production processes. By doing so, we aim to not only reduce our impact on the environment but also inspire others in the industry to embrace sustainability as a core principle. Q: Beyond business, what role does Alstef Group envision playing in India’s economic and social development? A:Our commitment to India goes beyond business objectives. We view ourselves as partners in the country’s progress. Through job creation, skill development initiatives, and technology transfer, we seek to empower local communities and contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing hub. By fostering inclusive growth and leveraging our expertise, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the socio-economic fabric of the country. Q: What message would you like to convey to Alstef Group’s customers and stakeholders in India and around the world? A: To our customers and stakeholders, I would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to excellence. We are dedicated to delivering value-driven solutions that prioritize operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. As we embark on this exciting journey in India, we invite our partners to join us in shaping the future of logistics and aviation, setting new standards of excellence, and driving unprecedented value for all stakeholders. In conclusion, Alstef Group’s expansion into India represents more than just a business venture—it’s a testament to the company’s vision, values, and commitment to driving positive change. With Tennyson Anthony at the helm, Alstef India is poised to redefine industry benchmarks, drive innovation, and contribute to India’s growth story in the years to come.

Dubai, 2nd May 2024: Air India yesterday commenced flights on the busy Delhi-Dubai route using its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft in the airline’s bold new livery.With this, Air India’s flagship aircraft marked its international debut and Air India becomes the only carrier to operate the A350 between India and Dubai.At Dubai airport, Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India, Dubai, Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO, Dubai Airport and Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority lit the ceremonial lamp the inaugurate the aircraft’s first departure from Dubai. Air India’s A350-900 aircraft features a three-class cabin configuration with 316 seats: 28 private Business suites with full-flat beds, 24 Premium Economy seats with extra legroom and other amenities, and 264 spacious Economy seats. All seats on the aircraft feature the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens that offer more than 2,200 hours of entertainment content from around the world. Air India started inducting the A350s earlier this year as part of the 470 new aircraft order that Air India placed a year ago. Air India currently operates a total of 72 flights a week to Dubai from five Indian cities, of which 32 flights are from Delhi.

Bengaluru,8th April,2024: Air India and Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) have entered into an agreement intended to develop Bengaluru as a premier aviation hub for southern India, with an aim to boost air travel connectivity to and from India over the next few years.The agreement marks a significant milestone in the Indian aviation industry as Air India (along with other Tata Group airlines – AIX and Vistara) and BIAL will collaborate to enhance international connectivity, operational efficiency, and passenger experience over the next five years. This includes strengthening the group’s presence at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR airport) through an enhanced network and establishing a dedicated domestic lounge for premium and frequent travellers of Tata Group airlines Air India and Vistara. As part of this initiative, Air India has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Karnataka to establish comprehensive Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at BLR airport. This underscores Air India’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Bengaluru and over time, expand its global footprint to meet the growing demand for direct long-haul routes originating from Southern India. This partnership will stimulate the MRO ecosystem and is projected to generate over 1,200 new job opportunities for highly skilled individuals in the state. Campbell Wilson, Managing Director and CEO of Air India, said, “Airline-airport synergy is key to elevated customer experience and efficient operations, while Bengaluru is highly attractive as an origin and destination market as well as a connecting hub.We are therefore delighted to be strengthening our relationship with BIAL with a view to developing a greater presence at the airport, expanding air connectivity as well as building a major MRO center. This partnership agreement is a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Air India.” Hari Marar, Managing Director and CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited, said, “As the busiest airport in South India, BLR Airport is dedicated to strengthening its position as the primary international gateway in Southern and Central India. This collaboration aligns perfectly with the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s vision of developing Indian airports as hubs, reflecting our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. Given that over half of the international outbound travellers from Bengaluru and our catchment head to Europe, North America, Australia, and the Far East, our alliance with Air India represents a substantial leap towards this goal. We aim to capture a significant share of long-haul routes from BLR Airport over the next five years.”

New Delhi, 10th March 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated 15 airports across India including the expanded Terminal 1 of the IGI Airport at Delhi. With new additions, the new terminal will now have the capacity to handle 40 million passengers per annum (MPPA) — over twice its capacity of 17 MPPA. The expanded Terminal 1 is expected to be operational come May 2024, as currently, the processes related to Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer are under way, through which various stakeholders will be familiarised with operations at the new terminal, said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). The expansion work, undertaken by the GMR Airports Infrastructure-led DIAL, was begun in 2019 after the airport witnessed a massive surge in air traffic movement and passenger numbers, exceeding expectations. Currently, the airport is spread across three terminals. Terminal 2 has a capacity of 15 MMPA, while Terminal 3 has a capacity of 45 MMPA. The expanded T1 will feature eight entry gates equipped with DigiYatra’s facial recognition system. Other amenities include 20 automated tray retrieval systems, 100 check-in counters including 36 self-baggage drop kiosks, and 10 baggage reclaim carousels which will be able to handle 6,000 units of baggage per hour, up from the earlier capacity of 2,340 units. The terminal will also have 24 entry points with realigned pick-up and drop-off lanes to ease vehicular traffic. Once inside the terminal, passengers will be able to experience and utilise shopping and dining facilities, a prayer room, a yoga area, a quiet zone, lounges, charging stations, a self-medication room, baby care rooms, smart washrooms and more, said DIAL, adding that the terminal will be well connected with the Delhi Metro.

New Delhi,14th February, 2024: Etching a new chapter in the aviation landscape of Uttarakhand, the New Terminal Building (Phase-II) of Dehradun Airport was inaugurated today by Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand and Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation & Steel. Airports Authority of India (AAI), in its continuous endeavour to upgrade airport infrastructure in the country, has constructed the New Terminal Building in two phases at Dehradun Airport in Uttarakhand at an estimated cost of Rs. 486 Crore. After the operationalization of the first phase of the terminal in 28,729 Sqm area, the old Terminal Building was demolished. The New terminal building in second phase in an area of 14,047 Sqm. has been developed, making the overall area of the terminal of the airport to 42,776 Sqm. The airport now will be able to serve 3240 passengers during peak hours with annual serving capacity of 47 lakh passengers. Speaking on the occasion, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that, “the Terminal’s inauguration is in line with our Prime Minister’s vision of expanding aviation services to remote areas of the country which will set new dimensions in regional prosperity. This new terminal building is a combination of culture, nature and modern architecture which will strengthen industries, generate more employment and boost tourism in the area”. The Airport has a runway of length 2140mtr and an Apron with 20 parking bays in total. The New Terminal building is equipped with various passenger amenities like 48 check-in counters, 04 conveyor belts, 12 baggage X-ray machines and a parking facility for 500 cars. The terminal is also designed to be inclusive and accessible for Divyangjans. It includes facilities such as ramps, lifts, and specially designed restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience for all passengers. Pushkar Singh Dhami during his address said that “Government of India is working towards providing affordable air services to people. Our endeavour is to provide every transportation service to the tourists in Uttarakhand. Continuous efforts are being made to elevate Jolly Grant Airport to International standards” The Dehradun Airport Terminal is a testament to the harmonious blend of culture, nature, and modern architecture.The terminal’s columns, inspired by the “Brahmakamal”, the state flower of Uttarakhand, gives it a distinctive look. These columns, akin to blooming flowers, open up to skylights, allowing the terminal to bask in natural light. This not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the terminal’s sustainability measures by reducing the need for artificial lighting. The white colour of the columns, symbolizing tranquillity, further enhances the serene environment. The construction of the new terminal building at Dehradun Airport is a significant milestone that is set to bring a multitude of benefits to the Garhwal region and the state of Uttarakhand. The new terminal will significantly enhance air connectivity in the region, making it more accessible to both domestic and international travellers. This increased accessibility is expected to stimulate economic growth in the region.

New Delhi, 11th Jan 2024: The Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia inaugurated the IndiGo direct flight between Ayodhya and Ahmedabad from New Delhi at MoCA HQ.The flight will commence from 11 January 2024 between Ahmedabad – Ayodhya – Ahmedabad (thrice a week). The minister said, “The direct flight from Ayodhya to Ahmedabad will give further boost to air connectivity between both cities. On one hand, Ahmedabad is a symbol of India’s economic strength and on the other hand, Ayodhya represents India’s spiritual & civilizational prowess. Air connectivity between the two cities will contribute to the economic growth, help travel & tourism grow as well”. He also thanked Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath for his cooperation in allotting the required land for building the Ayodhya airport in record time of 20 months. The Minister also reiterated that the airport is fulfilling the Prime Minister’s idea that the airports are not merely ‘airports’ but also the gateways to a region’s ethos, culture, and history. The outer structure of the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport structure is inspired by Ram Temple, and the terminal building through beautiful paintings and artefacts depicts the life journey of Lord Ram. Talking about the growth of the civil aviation sector in Uttar Pradesh in the past 9 years, the Union Minister shared that Uttar Pradesh had only 6 airports in 2014, and now the state has 10 airports including the newly inaugurated airport in Ayodhya. By the next month, UP will have 5 more airports, one airport each in Azamgarh, Aligarh, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot. Apart from this an international airport will also be ready in Jewar by the end of 2024. In totality, UP will have 19 airports in the future. The minister also added that currently the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport is built in an area of 6500 square meters with the capacity of handling 600 air passengers at peak hours which will be expanded to 50,000 square meters and the capacity will also be expanded to 3000 passengers in the next phase. Similarly, the runway which is 2200 meter long will be expanded to 3700 meters so that larger aircraft for international flights could also run from Ayodhya itself. The minister also commended UP Govt’s work in civil aviation as the air connectivity has increased sharply in the last 9 years. The state was only connected to 18 cities connected in 2014 and is now connected to 41 cities. Similarly, the state had only 700 flight movements weekly in 2014, which has now increased to 1654 flight movements per week. In his address, CM Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude to Jyotiraditya M Scindia for getting the development of Maharshi Valmiki Ayodhya International Airport completed within stipulated time. He also said that this new air connectivity from Ayodhya will open of further avenues of tourism, trade and investment. Secretary Civil Aviation, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Joint Secretory Asungba Chuba Aao, Special Director, IndiGo, RK Singh were also present during the event.