Civil Aviation

Delhi, 18th Nov 2024: Tata Sons (Tata) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) celebrated the successful merger of Air India and Vistara at a ceremony held in New Delhi. The event was attended by Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, and Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, as well as senior management and employees from Tata, SIA, Air India, and Vistara. Post taking over of Air India, Tata Sons are under process of consolidating the four airlines within the Air India Group into one full-service and one low-cost airline is part of the ongoing, five-year Vihaan.AI transformation programme. This creates an Air India Group with a significant presence across all key segments of the Indian market – domestic, international, full-service, and low-cost operations. This will help to enhance the Group’s operational capabilities, expand its customer base, and gradually elevate service standards, product excellence, and the customer experience. Post-merger, the Air India Group operates a combined fleet of 300 aircraft covering 55 domestic and 48 international destinations, with 312 routes and 8,300 flights per week. The airline will offer extended worldwide connectivity to over 800 destinations through more than 75 codeshare and interline partners. The collective staff strength stands at over 30,000. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman, of Tata Sons, said,“It has been a little over two and a half years since the homecoming of Air India to the Tata Group. This week’s merger between Air India and Vistara is an important milestone in our commitment to transform Air India into a world-class global airline. Singapore Airlines continues to be our strategic partner in our aviation journey and we welcome them to Air India.” Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, of Singapore Airlines, said: “This merger marks a pivotal moment for Indian aviation. Working with our valued, long-standing partner Tata Sons, the SIA Group will support the ongoing transformation of the enlarged Air India Group, offering our stewardship and expertise where possible. We are focused on helping to restore Air India to its leading position in the Indian aviation market and creating an airline Group that everyone in India can be proud of. “For the SIA Group, the completion of the merger reinforces our long-standing direct participation in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Singapore Airlines is committed to deepening our commercial collaboration with Air India, and finding ways to provide greater value and enhanced options to our customers on flights between India and Singapore, and beyond.”

New Delhi, 08 November 2024: Finnair is renewing the cabins of its Embraer fleet to increase passenger comfort also on shorter routes. The first refurbished Embraer cabin is now completed, and the target is to renew the entire fleet of 12 Embraer aircraft by spring 2026. Seven aircraft will be renewed during the winter season 2024–2025, and the remaining Embraer aircraft will be renewed during the winter season 2025–2026. The Embraer fleet is used on routes to many of Finnair’s destinations in Finland and the rest of Europe, especially shorter routes in Northern and Central Europe. The colour scheme and atmosphere of the new cabins have been designed to match that of Finnair’s recently refurbished wide-body fleet and Finnair’s new Schengen lounge at Helsinki Airport. “We wanted to create a harmonious, fresh and inviting travel environment for our customers, with dark blue and grey colours and a hint of wooden laminate – elements familiar from our long-haul aircraft,” says Eerika Enne, Head of Inflight Customer Experience. “The renewed cabin will feature two new seats. The seats on rows 1– 9 offer a bit of additional comfort thanks to its design and cushioning. The seats in the first rows recline slightly, while from row 10, the seat does not recline. The service concept will remain unchanged in connection with the cabin renewal,” says Enne. The number of seats remains unchanged, with 100 seats in Finnair’s E190 aircraft as before. In connection with the cabin renewal, lighting was also renewed to LED lighting. One of the targets of the Embraer cabin renewal has been to reduce the weight of the aircraft, as reduced weight means lower fuel consumption and, thus, lower carbon dioxide emissions. Weight has thus been a consideration for all elements in the cabin. “Both the Business Class seat and the Economy Class seat are lighter than the previous Embraer cabin seats, and also the cabin carpet is made of a lighter material than before. With these changes, we aim to reduce the weight of the aircraft by approximately 150 kg per aircraft,” Enne notes.

New Delhi,7th Nov 2024: By Aviation World Desk In one of the biggest jolt to the Indian Aviation sector, the Supreme Court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to order the liquidation of Jet Airways in view of the “peculiar and alarming” circumstance that the resolution plan has not been implemented for five years. NCLAT had earlier, upheld the transfer of ownership of the airline to the Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC) as part of the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). The Supreme Court, while issuing an order observed that JKC failed to comply with the resolution as it failed to infuse Rs 150 crore, the first trench of Rs 350 crore to clear the outstanding of workers and airport among other essential costs. The latest judgement marks the end of the airline’s struggle to revive itself.The Court also directed the NCLT Mumbai Bench to appoint a liquidator forthwith and forfeit Rs 200 crores as paid by the Successful Resolution Applicant(SRA). The Court set aside the NCLAT Order which allowed Jet Airways’ ownership transfer to the SRA without complete payment in accordance with the resolution plan. The bench of CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra had reserved the judgment on October 16. The NCLAT order was challenged by SBI-led lenders of the cash-strapped Airlines. “This litigation is an eyeopener, has taught us many lessons about the IBC and the functioning of NCLAT,” Justice Pardiwala orally said before the pronouncement.The Court held that the NCLAT order allowing the adjustment of the first tranche of payment of Rs 350 crores against the Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) was in “flagrant disregard” of the order of the Supreme Court passed on January 18 and was “perverse.” “We have no doubt that the NCLAT acted contrary to settled legal principles and it incorrectly interpreted our order,” the Court observed in the judgment.

Chennai, 6th November 2024: Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) has launched new direct flight route between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai, India. RB’s Airbus A320neo landed at Chennai International Airport on the 5th of November 2024 at approximately 22:50 IST and was greeted by a water cannon salute.This new connection signifies a significant expansion in RB’s global network. It marks a historic step in strengthening the cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties between Brunei Darussalam and India. The airline celebrated the launch in Chennai through a series of events in collaboration with the Brunei High Commission in India, the Brunei Economic and Development Board (BEDB), and Brunei Tourism (BT) at the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, aimed at strengthening partnerships, promoting Brunei as a unique destination, and showcasing investment opportunities for Indian businesses. Press Conference: RB’s CEO, Chief Commercial Officer, STIC Travel Group (RB’s agent in India)and Brunei Tourism representatives held a press conference, where they introduced Brunei and the new route and spoke on the broader significance of this connection for both nations. BEDB Investment Seminar: In collaboration with BEDB, an investment seminar was organised for Indian business leaders. BEDB representatives presented Brunei’s attractive investment landscape, which includes a stable political environment, modern infrastructure, and strategic access to the ASEAN market. This session fostered connections between Indian businesses and Bruneian representatives, promoting partnerships in crucial trade, technology, and tourism sectors. Brunei Night: The highlight of the celebrations, Brunei Night, showcased Brunei’s rich culture and hospitality with traditional Bruneian performances and a special address from H.E. Dato PadukaHj Alaihuddin MohdTaha, the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to India. The occasion commemorated the 40th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Brunei and India, reflecting on decades of mutual friendship and partnership that have fostered growth and understanding across both nations. The Chief Guest for the event was The Honorable Dr T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister of Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, Tamil Nadu whereas the Guest of Honour was His Excellency Shri S Vijayakumar, Head of the Ministry of External Affairs Branch in Chennai. Also in attendance was Shri B. Krishnamoorthy, IOFS, Project Director, Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation, as the Special Guest. Captain Sabirin bin HjAbdul Hamid, CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines, remarked during the celebrations: “Launching this new route is more than just a flight connection; it is a bridge between two nations. We are excited to open new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Brunei and India. This route connects Bruneians and our international guests to the vibrant city of Chennai and the many experiences it has to offer, and it enhances travel options for those from India wishing to explore the peaceful beauty of Brunei Darussalam.” Royal Brunei Airlines’ new route offers three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing seamless travel for leisure and business passengers. Passengers will travel aboard the modern Airbus A320neo, known for its quiet and fuel-efficient performance. With the strategic codeshare agreement with Air India, passengers flying to and from Chennai can easily connect to other major destinations in RB’s network, including Melbourne, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Singapore, Seoul, Manila, and Taipei. Since formal diplomatic ties were established in 1984, India and Brunei have enjoyed a lasting partnership enriched by a shared heritage and a commitment to development. This new route launch aligns with India’s Prime Minister Modi’s vision for an ASEAN-India Tourism Year in 2025 and supports increased travel, business exchanges, and cultural interactions. Captain Haji Sabirin noted, “This new route exemplifies our support for Brunei’s Wawasan 2035 vision to create a dynamic and globally connected economy. We are delighted to be part of this journey, promoting Brunei as a hidden gem for Indian travellers who wish to experience tranquillity, natural beauty, and a unique cultural heritage. Royal Brunei Airlines remains committed to its mission of connecting Brunei with the world, delivering exceptional travel experiences and fostering international partnerships. The Chennai route is a promising step toward stronger regional ties and underscores RB’s commitment to expanding its presence in the Indian market.RB’s Airbus A320neo aircraft will serve the route and ensure passengers enjoy the latest comfort, technology, and efficiency with RB’s world-renowned cabin crew offering the signature Bruneian hospitality that RB is known for globally.

ABU DHABI,03 Nov 2024: Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines are set to work towards a collaboration for the benefit of their customers after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a potential agreement. The MoU reflects a dedication to exploring an enhanced working relationship, where the airlines plan to implement a broad collaboration including a codeshare, reciprocal loyalty programmes, cargo transport, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and ground handling. The two airlines have an existing interline agreement, allowing passengers to seamlessly transfer between flights on either carrier without the need to collect baggage or check in again. Jurriaan Stelder, Etihad’s Vice-President Alliances, said: “This MoU is an important milestone to establishing a long-term mutually beneficial collaboration, opening the door for both airlines to explore the benefits of a deeper relationship. Our collective ambition is to further strengthen both airlines’ ability to provide and enhance service to our customers.” Nguyen Chien Thang, Vietnam Airlines’ Executive Vice President, said “We are delighted to sign this MoU with Etihad Airways, marking an important milestone in expanding our relationship. Through comprehensive collaboration, including codeshare, loyalty programmes, cargo, and technical support, we believe we will deliver exceptional benefits to the customers of both airlines and further strengthen connectivity between Vietnam and the UAE.”

SINGAPORE,OCTOBER 22, 2024: Star Alliance, the world’s leading global airline alliance, firmed up its key management appointments aimed at further enhancing its strategic focus on a seamless experience for member airline customers as they benefit from the Star Alliance network.Ambar Franco joins Star Alliance as Vice President, Customer Experience. Franco will lead the development and implementation of initiatives designed to enhance the overall customer journey across the alliance: their booking experience, the experience of customers at airports and when they connect between Star Alliance member airlines, and then to ensure their continuing loyalty post travel. She brings significant expertise from the travel industry, most recently having held senior customer experience related roles at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Luc Lachoix is Star Alliance’s Vice President, Digital & Technology. Lachoix is responsible for IT architecture, operations, and security, as well as supporting the IT needs of Star Alliance’s Customer Experience and Loyalty business areas. He has served in various roles in the airline industry, including leadership positions at key travel technology companies including Amadeus and Sabre. Renato Ramos is Vice President, Strategy. Ramos drives Star Alliance’s strategic initiatives, business planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Engaged at Star Alliance for the last seven years, he previously served as Director, Loyalty at Star Alliance. Renato is a seasoned aviation expert who has held previous roles at Avianca and LATAM Airlines. Gayatheri Silvakumer serves as Vice President, People and Culture and leads the implementation of Star Alliance’s human capital and cultural development vision, focusing on talent retention and organisational development. She has held several senior HR roles across various industries, working with organisations such as McCann Worldgroup, Bombardier and Rolls-Royce. “I am delighted to work with such a diverse leadership team. They bring their extensive experience from within and outside the aviation industry to fast-track our mission of delivering a seamless customer experience at key touch points in their travels,” said Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO of Star Alliance. Ambar, Luc, Renato, and Gayatheri, are each passionate about our vision and executing on it, always with our member airlines’ end-customer in mind.”

Botucatu, Brazil, October 22, 2024: Embraer is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the certification of the Ipanema EMB-202A ethanol-powered agricultural aircraft, the first and only series-produced aircraft in the world to fly with a biofuel. Today, the model has undergone a technological evolution and is marketed under the designation EMB-203. Since its certification on October 19, 2004, the Ipanema has avoided more than 28 million tons of CO2 emissions, an average of 1.4 million tons per year. Produced domestically, the aircraft has improved its performance thanks to the use of a renewable energy source. “More than 570 ethanol-powered Ipanemas have already been sold and more than 210 aircraft from previous versions have had their engines converted from aviation gasoline to biofuel in the last 20 years, which underlines the very high confidence of our operators. Synonymous with efficiency and low operating costs, the Ipanema is the perfect solution for those looking to increase productivity per hectare and contribute to the sustainability of the agricultural sector,” says Sany Onofre, Embraer’s Agricultural Aviation leader. With its high technology and tradition, the Ipanema increases productivity per hectare by up to 30% and reduces operating costs by up to 57% compared to other equipment by making the operation more flexible, as well as avoiding losses due to crop crushing, which are common when using other spraying solutions. The ethanol-powered Ipanema is constantly evolving to meet the most stringent safety and efficiency requirements. Proof of this is the new wing structure that increases efficiency, economy, and productivity, as well as a taller cab with a new ergonomic concept, USB connectivity, a new air conditioning system, a seat belt with airbag and levers that provide smoother steering movements. Widely used for spraying solid or liquid products, the aircraft has also carried out a series of tests to approve Brazil’s first methodology for the aerial application of biological pesticides. The pioneering project to promote sustainability in national agribusiness is coordinated by Koppert, a global leader in the development and production of bio-inputs for agriculture.

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.

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.

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