Civil Aviation

GURUGRAM / LONDON, 27June 2024: Air India is set to transform the onboard experience for its guests on twice-daily flights between Delhi and London Heathrow with the deployment of its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft.Starting from 1 September 2024, this route will mark the long-haul international debut of Air India’s flagship product. The A350-900 will replace the currently deployed Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on 14 of 17 weekly flights. As a result, an additional 336 seats will be available on the Delhi-London Heathrow route each week. With the deployment of the A350-900 to London Heathrow in September, Air India will have upgraded 90% of all its flights to London Heathrow. From April 2024, Air Indiastarted deployingits recently inducted Boeing 777-300ERs with elevated cabin interiors on all flights across its Mumbai-London Heathrow route to provide upgraded cabin interiors and inflight entertainment systems, while bringing First class back on the London Heathrow-Mumbai route. Thismakes Air India the only carrier to offer the choice of First class travel between the two cities as well as between the UK and India. Introducing Premium Economy and an all-new Air India experience across cabins Air India will introduce its Premium Economy class experience for the first time on the Delhi-London Heathrow route with A350-900. It will offer guests the choice of 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration in a dedicated, upscale cabin. Air India’s A350 flights will also featurenew soft products and award-winning guest enhancements unveiled earlier this year. These enhancements include new chinaware, new tableware and glassware, new bedding, and updated amenity kits for Business and Premium Economy guests, exclusively designed by Ferragamo and TUMI, respectively. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “The deployment of our flagship A350s and the B777s with upgraded cabin interiors to London Heathrow marks a significant milestone for Air India. It demonstrates our commitment to elevating the travel experience of our guests to truly world-class standards and to going beyond just meeting customer expectations as we continue to renew our fleet.” “With our industry-leading cabin products on the A350 including a new Premium Economy experienceand a host of new on board enhancements rolling out, we are confident that these daily flights between India and London Heathrow will soon be the preferred choice for travellers,” Wilson added.

Doha, Qatar, 24th June 2024: Qatar Airways has been awarded the ‘Airline of the Year’ title by Skytrax, returning to the top for an unprecedented eighth time. This distinction highlights the airline’s unwavering commitment to excellence. The 5-star carrier was also recognised with three additional awards: ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’. Recently, Qatar Airways’ home and hub, Hamad International Airport, was named ‘World’s Best Airport’ in 2024 by Skytrax for the third time. The airport also received the award for ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for the tenth time, and the airport’s retail, Qatar Duty Free, received ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the second consecutive year. This remarkable achievement is the first time that an airline, an airport, and the airport’s retail have been crowned as ‘World’s Best’ in all three Skytrax categories. This year is the eighth time since 2011 that Qatar Airways has been awarded Airline of the year. The Skytrax World Airline Awards, widely regarded as ‘the Oscars of the aviation industry’, represent the pinnacle of excellence in aviation. Commenting on this achievement, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “This is a proud moment for Qatar Airways. I am honoured to share this award with my dedicated team. This award is a testimony to our relentless commitment to providing unparalleled service and innovation. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the highest level of excellence.” Skytrax Chief Executive Officer, Edward Plaisted, remarked: “Qatar Airways’ impressive achievement of winning the Airline of the Year title for the eighth time, alongside three additional top accolades, is a true testament to the airline’s high standards and dedication. Qatar Airways was and will continue to be customers’ favourite airline.” The comprehensive list of awards won by Qatar Airways at the Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards include: – Airline of the Year – World’s Best Business Class – World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge – Best Airline in the Middle East

GURUGRAM, June 19, 2024: Air India today unveiled a three-class configuration on its newly inducted narrowbody aircraft. Air India’s A320neo aircraft will now offer a new Business, an all-new Premium Economy and a new Economy cabin experience on domestic and short-haul international routes. Air India has refitted two new A320neo aircraft – VT-RTW and VT-RTZ – in a three-class configuration featuring 8 luxurious seats in Business, 24 extra legroom seats in Premium Economy and 132 comfortable seats in Economy, offering wider choice to its guests. With this, Air India introduces Premium Economy cabins for the first time on narrowbody aircraft. Subtle cabin mood lighting, spacious legroom and wider pitch, and modern features, like portable electronic device (PED) holders and USB ports to charge mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets, among others will contribute significantly to offer guests, in all three cabins, an inflight experience that is tailored to the needs of today’s discerning flyers. Air India has plans to introduce the three-class configuration to its entire full service narrowbody fleet over the next year. Existing aircraft are now being progressively inducted for refit, while new aircraft joining the fleet will be delivered with the new Air India experience. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said, “The introduction of a three-class cabin to Air India’s narrowbody fleet and commencement of interior refits are important steps in the journey of enhancing the flying experience. The upgrade of the narrowbody fleet, which operates on domestic and short-haul international network, complements the upgraded widebody experience now available on our A350 fleet and new B777s, and on all other widebodies as they are refitted over the next two years. This comprehensive upgradation of Air India’s physical product is an important component of transforming into a world-class airline.” Customised by leading seat manufacturer Collins Aerospace, the seats in all three cabins combine unique ergonomic contouring and a patented comfort system to offer enhanced passenger comfort. All seats are equipped with literature pockets, charging ports, tray table and coat hooks, prioritising guest comfort. A distinct feature on Air India’s A320neo aircraft is an innovative mood lighting with planned illumination settings during take-off, landing, meal service, and even to celebrate India’s national days. With Air India’s brand identity at its core, the lighting is designed to enhance the overall in-flight experience, creating a subtle and soothing environment for guests to relax. The new Business cabins offer feature-rich 40-inch ergonomic seats with deep 7-inch recline, an adjustable armrest, footrest and backrest, a tray table deployed at the push of a button that includes a PED holder and is extendable and multiple charging ports. Industry-best seat upholstery on Business will provide maximum comfort and convenience to customers. The all-new Premium Economy provides larger seats with superior upholstery, four-way headrest, wider 32-inch seat pitch with a 4-inch recline, and other amenities such as a PED holder and USB charging port. With more meal options, including delectable food and drink selection, served in upgraded crockery and cutlery, Premium Economy promises a superior travel experience.   Economy seats too are ergonomically designed with comfortable upholstery, 28-29-inch seat pitch, 4-inch recline and legroom and come with features such as a PED holder, tray table, USB charging port and a coat hook.

Abu Dhabi, 19th June 2024: Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has started flights to Jaipur, India with four non-stop services a week. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said, “With the resurgence of outbound travel from India, we are thrilled to start four weekly flights to Jaipur, a significant cultural and commercial centre. By establishing this crucial air link with Rajasthan, we aim to meet the increasing demand from travellers in and around the region, providing them with convenient access to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and seamless connectivity to our extensive global network, while delivering a remarkable flying experience.” From exploring the historic forts and palaces to indulging in the vibrant culture and culinary delights, Jaipur offers visitors a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Travellers from Northwest India will benefit from the non-stop service with seamless access to Etihad’s expanding network and frequent connections through Abu Dhabi’s global links. The new route enables more visitors to explore the emirate’s rich history and vibrant culture. Moreover, passengers will experience the exceptional facilities at Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A, Etihad’s new home, which sets new standards for travel comfort and service excellence. Travellers flying from Jaipur to the United States can take advantage of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Abu Dhabi, streamlining the immigration process and ensuring a hassle-free journey. The start of the Jaipur service further underlines Etihad’s deepening commitment to the Indian market where the airline has increased its capacity by a third over the past 12 months. The flights will be operated with aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, offering Etihad’s award-winning service to guests, in both Business and Economy cabins, convenient flight timings to the UAE’s capital city and seamless connections to destinations across the airline’s growing global network.

New Delhi, 10th June 2024: Pune MP and newly sworn-in Minister of State (Mos) in Union Cabinet Murlidhar Mohol has been allocated two crucial portfolios of Civil Aviation and Cooperation in the new Modi Cabinet. Mohol is the third person from Pune to join the Union cabinet, after Suresh Kalmadi of Congress and Prakash Javadekar of BJP. He is also the second Lok Sabha MP from Pune to become a union minister in nearly 30 years, following Kalmadi, since Javadekar was a Rajya Sabha member. On being assigned the new portfolio like Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Cooperation and Ministry of Civil Aviation, Mohol said “I have said earlier too that I will do every work that is allotted to me with complete seriousness. I am happier about the fact that I will be working under the leadership of Amit Shah as cabinet minister for Cooperation.”

New Delhi, 10th June 2024: Three-time Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP and one of the youngest minister in Modi 3.0 Cabinet, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, was made Union Minister for Civil Aviation. As the Prime Minister Narendra Modi allocated portfolios to his Union council of ministers,Ram Mohan Naidu became 34th Minister of Civil Aviation as part of the new Council of Ministers. Ram Mohan was first elected from the Srikakulam Lok Sabha constituency in 2014 and retained the seat in 2019 as well as in 2024. He is the son of former Union Minister late Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu, the Lok Sabha MP completed his schooling at Delhi Public School, RK Puram, pursued undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University, and later completed his MBA from Long Island University in New York, USA, in 2011. Naidu is from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister-designate N Chandrababu Naidu’s party, which played a key role in ensuring the BJP returns to power after the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He is also his party’s National General Secretary, contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election from the Srikakulam constituency, a seat he has now won three times in a row.

Mumbai, 8th June 2024: Heligo Charters offered its first Airbus H145D3 helicopter to ONGC for their production requirements.This is the first 05 bladed Airbus H145 helicopter flying in offshore (Oil & Gas) in India. Helicopter will be flying for minimum 1200 hours per year, for a period of 10-year. HCPL is already flying 03 AW 139 helicopter and 03 Bell 412 helicopter for ONGC.HCPL was awarded with 03 H145D3 helicopter for the production task and 01 AW 139 helicopter for the crew change, balance 3 helicopters will be deployed soon. HCPL is operating H145 helicopters since 2019 in onshore configuration for the Government charters, we have already flown more than 2000 hours on H145 till date.We are proud to mention that we have flown more than 86,000 hours of flying till date with NIL accident record, since the inception i.e. Feb’ 2009. HCPL is a helicopter company based in India and at present, it has four AS 365 N3, four Bell 412, four AW 139 and Six H 145 helicopters. Heligo is one of the first helicopter companies in the country to introduce FOQA which enhances the safety standards amongst the operating crew.

New Delhi,10th June 2024: Oman based LCC, SalamAir has announced the launch of flights between Delhi and Muscat from 2nd July 2024 onwards. SalamAir will operate two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays to the Indian capital. The introduction of flights to Delhi marks a significant milestone for SalamAir as the airline continues to expand its network to meet the growing demand for affordable and convenient travel options to the Sultanate. This new route is expected to enhance connections between Oman and India, providing more travel options for the expat community, leisure travelers, and business professionals, as well as supporting cultural exchange and fostering economic collaboration. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new direct flights from Delhi to Muscat,”said Mazin Al Salmani, Director of Sales at SalamAir. “This new route underscores our commitment to expanding our network and offering our passengers more convenient and affordable travel options. We look forward to welcoming travelers aboard and providing them with our exceptional service and hospitality.” Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director of Aeroprime Group GSA, SalamAir, said,”We are proud to support SalamAir in launching their upcoming new route to New Delhi. This expansion strengthens the bond between Oman and India and enhances travel options for travelers. We are committed to ensuring that passengers enjoy seamless and affordable travel experiences with SalamAir.”

Gurugram, 3rd June 2024: Air India has collaborated with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Delhi International Airport (DIAL) to facilitate check-in for international travellers at two metro stations in Delhi- New Delhi and Shivaji Stadium. The Delhi Airport Check-in & Baggage Drop facility allows passengers to checkin their baggage at the metro station, giving the outstation travellers the option to explore the city baggage-free.Meanwhile their baggage gets securely loaded onto the aircraft through an advanced automated infrastructure created by DMRC & DIAL. Currently available for domestic journeys, this service will now be extended to international travellers and will remain operational at the two metro stations from 0700 hrs to 2100 hrs. The check-incan be done between 12 hours and 2 hours prior to flight departure for domestic itineraries and between 4 hours to 2 hours for international schedules. “Our partnership with DMRC & DIAL stands testament to our commitment to offering passengers an enhanced and seamless travel experience. This initiative not only provides a cost-effective option for travellers coming from distant locations but also helps control congestion at the airport, leading to a better experience for all our customers. Further to the technology interventions partnered and implemented by Air India & DIAL,such as DigiYatra, Self-Baggage Drop machines at airport terminals, this initiative will significantly enhance the convenience and satisfaction of our customers, said Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India.

Riyadh,21st May, 2024: Saudi Group announced the largest aircraft deal in Saudi aviation history with Airbus during the first day of the Future Aviation Forum 2024 held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This landmark agreement encompasses 105 confirmed aircraft and marks a significant moment not only for the Saudi aviation industry but also for the wider MENA region. The ceremony, in the presence of His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, was attended by dignitaries, country ambassadors, and key figures from the global aviation sector, as well as a multitude of media representatives and industry experts specializing in travel, aviation, and transportation. The deal, signed by H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al Omar, the Director General of Saudia Group, and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft Business, includes A320neo and A321neo models. These aircraft will be distributed between Saudia and flyadeal, the group’s low-cost carrier. Saudia will acquire 54 A321neo aircraft, while flyadeal will receive 12 A320neo and 39 A321neo aircraft. The new aircraft directly support Saudia Group’s objectives to connect the world with the Kingdom, aligning with several key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. These include the transportation and logistics objective to increase guests’ capacity to 330 million and expand destinations to 250 by 2030, and the tourism objective to attract 150 million visits by 2030. This is in addition to the Hajj and Umrah objective to contribute to the increase of Umrah pilgrim capacity to 30 million by 2030. These modern aircraft boast a spacious cabin with a stylish interior design. They’re equipped with the latest amenities and technology, ensuring a truly differentiated travel experience that prioritizes Saudia guests’ comfort and privacy whilst delivering an exceptional service. Furthermore, the A320 family aircraft are fuel efficient as it emits 20% less fuel burn and carbon emissions compare to previous generation aircraft. To ensure the new aircraft are always in top condition, Saudia Technic, the group’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) arm, will provide comprehensive maintenance services. This will prove even more crucial with the upcoming completion of the MRO Village at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, significantly increasing the company’s service capacity. H.E. Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, said: “The aviation sector is grateful for the tremendous support provided by the country’s leadership. This agreement is one of the enablers of achieving the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. It will contribute to enhancing the operational performance of Saudia, increasing flights and seat capacity, and launching new destinations. Furthermore, it aims to connect the world to the Kingdom in line with the significant transformation witnessed by the aviation sector under Saudi Vision 2030, while also reaffirming our commitment to providing the best services that enhance the travel experience.” H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “Saudia has ambitious operational objectives to meet growing demand. We are increasing flights and seat capacity across our existing 100+ destinations on four continents, with plans for further expansion. The progress of Saudi Vision 2030 is attracting more visits, tourists, entrepreneurs, and pilgrims each year. This motivated our decision to secure this significant deal, which will create jobs, increase local content, and contribute to the national economy.” Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business said: “The new additions of the A320neo family aircraft will play a vital role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’ ambitious Vision 2030 plan. It will enable Saudia Group’s strategy to advance the Kingdom’s aviation capabilities while enabling both airlines to benefit from the A320neo Family’s exceptional efficiency, superior economics, highest level of passenger comfort as well as lower fuel-burn and emissions.” The ceremony marked a new chapter for Saudia, unveiling their largest investment ever in guest experience. This includes a first-of-its-kind AI-powered “Travel Companion”, to support guests through trip planning to after sales support. Business class cabins will be transformed into luxurious, privacy-focused suites that convert into flat beds, progressively rolling out across both existing and new fleets. Guests can also stay connected with high speed in-flight connectivity and enjoy unparalleled entertainment with the highest-definition screens soon to be on board.