Civil Aviation

Astana,17th Sept. 2024: Air Astana will be launching new services from Atyrau in western Kazakhstan to Dubai on 26th October 2024, as well as from Astana to Abu Dhabi on 30th October 2024 and from Almaty to Abu Dhabi on 12th December 2024. Each of the services will be operated twice a week using Airbus A321neo and Airbus A321LR aircraft. These new winter season services to the Middle East will add to the existing 20 services a week from Almaty and Astana to Dubai and six services a week from Almaty and Shymkent to Saudi Arabia. “Air Astana is delighted to further boost its presence in the Middle East, with new services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi reflecting the rapid growth in business and leisure traffic between Kazakhstan and the region. In particular, the introduction of a new Atyrau to Dubai service will contribute to wider economic development in western Kazakhstan by enhancing connectivity with important business and tourist centres in the Gulf,” said Yerbolat Baisalykov, Senior Vice-President of Revenue Management and Commercial Planning, Air Astana. “Passengers will also have the opportunity to combine visits to Abu Dhabi and Dubai on one trip, with the possibility of flying from Kazakhstan to one Emirate and returning from the other.” The service from Atyrau to Dubai will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Saturdays, with a flight time of 4 hours; the service from Astana to Abu Dhabi twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a flight time of 5 hours 1o minutes and the service from Almaty to Abu Dhabi twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, with a flight times of 4 hours 55 minutes. The cost for round-trip Economy class tickets including all fees from Atyrau to Dubai starts from US$396 and from Almaty and Astana to Abu Dhabi US$375, whilst the cost for round-trip Business class tickets including all fees from Atyrau to Dubai starts from US$1236 and from Almaty and Astana to Abu Dhabi US$1535. Kazakhstan citizens can enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to the UAE.

Gurugram, 16th September2024: Air India has inaugurated its daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Kuala Lumpur(Malaysia) on Sunday,15th Sept. The inaugural flight, operated by Airbus A320neo aircraft,landed at Kuala Lumpur at 2043 Hrs local time on 15 September 2024. Kuala Lumpur makes Air India’s sixth destination in Southeast Asia, further strengthening its presence in the region and a steadily expanding global route network. Air India’s service to Kuala Lumpur offers a new flight option to an increasing number of travellers between India and Malaysia, and it opens new connections for Malaysian travellers to access Air India’s worldwide network that spans five continents. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “As we inaugurate our Delhi-Kuala Lumpur route, we are not just connecting two cities; we are contributing to the growing exchange between two rich cultures and supporting bilateral trade and tourism. We look forward to welcoming guests aboard from India and Malaysia, as well as from North America and Europe who will now find a convenient way to connect to and from Kuala Lumpur via our hub in Delhi.” Air India’s new flights to Kuala Lumpur enable seamless, same-terminal, one-stop connections for travellers from North America and Europe via Delhi. In addition to Kuala Lumpur, Air India flies non-stop between India and five points in Southeast Asia, namely Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Yangon (Myanmar).

New Delhi, 12th September 2024: The 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation concluded with the adoption of Delhi Declaration. The two-day conference ended with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing unanimous passing of the Delhi Declaration. The 2 day conference saw the participation of delegates from 29 Countries Ministers and Policy Makers, and 8 International Organizations including ICAO which celebrated its 80 years of operations as part of the conference. Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), successfully hosted the conference at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from 11th to 12th September. This high-level gathering has brought together ministers, heads of civil aviation authorities, and key stakeholders to address the current challenges and unlock more opportunities in the region. The conference witnessed engaging discussions and presentations focused on shaping the future of aviation in the Asia Pacific region. A significant milestone of the conference has been the formal adoption of the Delhi Declaration, a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, addressing emerging challenges, and fostering sustainable growth within the civil aviation sector. Prime Minister shared the technological and infrastructural advancements made by India in the sector with the top civil aviation leaders of the Asia-pacific region. Prime Minister emphasized on making the sector more inclusive for women, he said, “In India, 15% of the pilots are women which is more than the global average of 5% and we have issued an advisory to further increase this number.” Prime Minister also spoke about the transformation in the aviation sector in India in the last ten years and said from being aviation exclusive, India has become aviation inclusive. Highlighting the crucial role of the civil aviation sector, he said focus is on connecting people, culture and prosperity through the sector. Prime Minister said that if we could connect all the holy places related to Lord Buddha across Asia and create an ‘International Buddhist Circuit’, it will benefit the civil aviation sector, the travellers, related countries and their economies as well. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in his welcome address stated, “The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability is evident, with initiatives like the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign and the planting of 80 thousand saplings to commemorate ICAO’s 80 years. Under his visionary leadership, India is set to achieve its goal of having 350-400 airports by 2047, positioning the nation as a key player in global aviation. Today, India not only supports but leads collaborative efforts, as exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. By delivering vaccines across Asia and the Pacific, India reinforced its commitment to ‘One World, One Planet, One Future, One Family.’” Mr. Salvatore, President of Council of ICAO in his address expressed, “Our primary focus is to continue to pursue high levels of safety and security. We must remain focused on enhancing these fundamental aspects of aviation, not allowing ourselves to become complacent when we consider the very positive statistics.” Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Sh. Murlidhar Mohol in his participation at the conference remarked, “It is heartening to be part of deliberations on the crucial aspects of aviation ranging from aviation safety to air navigation and from security to green aviation.” Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighted that a collaborative approach with all the stakeholders right from top civil aviation leaders to international organizations and startups can only lay a robust path ahead. Day 2 of the conference has been marked by several key highlights, including a presentation by ICAO on the establishment of the Pacific Small Island Developing States Liaison Office, aimed at supporting smaller nations in addressing aviation challenges. The Draft Asia Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Civil Aviation (Delhi Declaration) was presented and discussed, followed by its formal adoption after ministerial deliberations. Additionally, a ceremony was organized to commemorate the 80th anniversary of ICAO and the Chicago Convention, further highlighting the organization’s role in shaping international aviation standards over the past eight decades. (Published unedited on as shared basis by PIB/Delhi )

Delhi, 12th September 2024: Two women pilots Captain Bhavna Gandhi and Captain Sanaya Chothia received delivery of Akasa Air’s 25th aircraft in Seattle on September 9, 2024. The first leg of the women-led delivery flight commenced from Seattle, USA, to Keflavik, Iceland, and concluded with the final leg from Larnaca, Cyprus, to Hyderabad, India. Bearing the registration number VT-YBB, the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on 12th September 2024. Akasa Air has registered unprecedented growth since its inception in August 2022. In 2021, Akasa Air placed its initial order of 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which was followed by an order of four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in June 2023. In January 2024, the airline placed another landmark order of 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, becoming the first Indian airline to reach an order book of 226 aircraft within 17 months of commencing operations. The airline has now taken delivery of 25 aircraft and is on track to receive deliveries of another 201 aircraft over the next eight years.

Colombo,9th September 2024: SriLankan Airlines and flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, have announced an interline agreement commencing from 09 September 2024, introducing more travel opportunities between Sri Lanka, the UAE and beyond on select routes on the carriers’ networks. This interline agreement will enable passengers travelling with SriLankan Airlines to seamlessly connect via Dubai’s aviation hub to more than 30 destinations that flydubai operates to in Africa, Central Asia, Central and Southeast Europe as well as the Middle East. This includes unique holiday destinations such as Bucharest, Istanbul, Krakow, Mombasa, Naples, Sofia, Tashkent and Zanzibar. In addition, the interline will offer flydubai passengers’ access to 16 destinations on SriLankan’s robust network spanning Southern and East Asia, the Middle East and Australia – including Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore and Tokyo. “We are excited to partner with flydubai to provide our passengers seamless connections and greater convenience. This partnership reinforces our strategy to broaden our network and global reach, presenting customers with more travel choices and flexibility. We look forward to collaborating with flydubai and welcoming their passengers aboard our flights to experience an authentic SriLankan journey,” said Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines. SriLankan Airlines and flydubai are committed to delivering convenient and reliable travel options for their valued customers. Passengers can expect the signature hospitality and onboard services that both airlines are renowned for when travelling with SriLankan and flydubai. Commenting on the interline agreement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said, “we’re excited about our new interline agreement with SriLankan Airlines that will further strengthen trade and tourism relations between the UAE and Sri Lanka. Since the start of operations to Sri Lanka in 2010, we have seen consistent demand for travel between our two countries over the years. Dubai remains an important thriving aviation hub and through these interline agreements, this will open up new horizons for our passengers, giving them more options to explore the world with ease.” The new agreement will offer passengers the convenience of single-ticket itineraries, through-checked baggage and coordinated flight schedules for travellers.

Gurugram, 2nd September 2024: Air India has introduced its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the Delhi-London Heathrow route. This twice-daily service is the first deployment of the ‘new Air India’ on long-haul flights. The Air India A350 cabin product includes three-class configuration offering full-flat beds in Business, a new Premium Economy experience and the latest generation seats in Economy. The aircraft is equipped with the latest-generation inflight entertainment system offering more than 3000hours of entertainment content, which will shortly be complemented by on board Wi-Fi*. Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said,“The deployment of the flagship A350s on the Delhi-London Heathrow route marks a significant milestone for Air India. It demonstrates Air India’s 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 grow and renew our fleet.” Air India’s A350 aircraft feature 28 private suites with full-flat beds in Business, 24 seats in a dedicated Premium Economy cabin offering extra legroom and other enhancements, and 264 spacious seats in Economy. All seats on the A350 come with the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens that offer more than 3000 hours of entertainment content from around the world in 13 international and 8 Indian regional languages with a specific category for 100+ hoursof content for kids. Air India started inducting the A350s earlier this year, which have since operated flights within India and on short-haul international routes.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.

Jeddah,August 30, 2024: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, continues to top the global list for on-time performance (OTP), achieving this milestone for the second time consecutively, according to a report by the independent aviation tracking site, Cirium, for July2024. The report indicates that Saudia has achieved an on-time arrival rate of 88.12% and an on-time departure rate of 88.15%, operating 16,503 flights across its network of over 100 destinations in four continents. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “At Saudia Group, achieving a high OTP has been a shared objective, as it directly impacts guest satisfaction. We’ve successfully maintained it during this year’s peak seasons, a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire Saudia Group and relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry. Sustaining our leadership in this area requires continuous dedication and resilience in overcoming the numerous challenges within the aviation sector globally.” In the coming years, Saudia will take delivery of 103 new aircraft, aligning with the airline’s strategy to double seating capacity, expand to new global destinations, as well as its commitment to bring the world to the Kingdom in line with Vision 2030.

New Delhi, 23rd August 2024: Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has launched the Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in India in New Delhi. During his address at the event at the Indian Aviation Academy, Union Minister said that these guidelines not only integrate seaplane operations into India’s aviation landscape for transportation but also create jobs and foster economic empowerment, making seaplanes a symbol of the country’s growth, innovation, and commitment to inclusive development. Rammohun Naidu also launche the 5.4 version of the UDAN. Under UDAN 5.4, fresh bids would be invited for the routes which were cancelled for some reason or the other, to provide connectivity on unserved routes. The Minister also announced that the demonstration flights of the seaplane by manufacturer DeHavilland would be held shortly. Addressing the occasion, Union Minister underlined about India’s 7517 km long coastline and extensive network of rivers and lakes which present a unique opportunity for the development of seaplane operations in the country. On careful study of the situation and drawing from the experience of the helicopter operations, the Government has taken a flexible and pragmatic approach to ensure the growth of seaplane operations. The guidelines would enable the seaplane operations under RCS to make use of the operations under a Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP). The extension of the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under the RCS to seaplane operations would provide the initial fillip to the Operators. While seeking to promote seaplane operations, due care has been taken to ensure the safety and security of the operations. The Minister further informed that despite initial challenges, particularly in the development of water aerodromes, the Government has taken a flexible and pragmatic approach to ensure the continued growth of seaplane operations. Drawing inspiration from the success of NSOP operations for helicopters and small aircraft under the RCS scheme, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has now formulated comprehensive Seaplane NSOP Guidelines. These guidelines prioritize the safety and security of operations and define the responsibilities of all stakeholders, ensuring a seamless and efficient seaplane operation across the nation. The adoption of the Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) framework for seaplanes is a significant step forward in the Government’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity. Union minister emphasized on need of favourable policy environment for seaplane industry in India and encouragement on research into technologies like electric seaplanes to reduce carbon emissions and align with India’s commitments under the UN Framework on Climate Change. Our goal is to create a regulatory framework that fosters innovation, promotes growth, and generates employment opportunities for pilots, maintenance staff, and ground crews by prioritizing local workforce development. We envision developing Multimodal Transport Hubs for seamless connectivity between seaplanes and other transport modes. Addressing the occasion, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and ministry of cooperation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol said that this initiative is poised to not only improve connectivity but also to boost tourism, foster economic growth, and bring the most remote areas of India closer together. The newly launched guidelines represent a well-considered framework designed to ensure that seaplane operations are conducted safely, securely, and efficiently, marking a new era in India’s aviation landscape. Union Civil Aviation Secretary, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam said in this event the Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken a proactive approach. We have decided to leverage the Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) framework for Seaplane Operations, which has already proven successful for helicopters and small aircraft under the RCS scheme. The Seaplane NSOP Guidelines we are launching today provide a structured and safe framework for seaplane operations to continue and grow, even as we work towards the full development of water aerodrome infrastructure. The event witnessed the participation of Director General, DGCA, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt and senior officials from Ministry of civil aviation, State and Union Territory Governments, NSOP and SoP operators, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), seaplane manufacturers, lessors and media personnel, among others.

Indonesia, 22nd August 2024: BBN Airlines Indonesia, an airline based in Indonesia, specializing in ACMI Leasing, Air Charter Flights, and Air Freight Services, is pleased to announce that it has received regulatory approval to operate in Australian airspace through the issuance of a Foreign Air Transport Air Operators Certificate (FATAOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia. Under the new FATAOC BBN Airlines Indonesia may now begin its commercial operations within Australia, further expanding its capabilities within the Australian and Asian marketplace. “I am excited to receive our FATAOC from the Australian CASA to further expand our capabilities serving the region,” Martynas Grigas, Chairman at BBN Airlines Indonesia, said. “This FATAOC dramatically increases our capabilities in the Asia-Pacific Region.” The increased operational portfolio will further empower BBN Airlines Indonesia to offer interconnectivity within the Asia marketplace. The company plans to continue its operations within the region with increasing capabilities. “The launch of these new operations shows that BBN Airlines Indonesia is committed to working closely with regulatory authorities and following aviation laws and regulations in all operations,” Grigas said. “With the FATAOC now secured, BBN Airlines Indonesia is officially certified to comply with international safety and security standards. The airline remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of its services, prioritizing customer satisfaction above all else.” BBN Airlines Indonesia is a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI provider the world’s largest ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) provider, operating a fleet of 213 passenger and cargo aircraft worldwide. The group also provides various aviation services such as MRO, pilots and crew training, ground handling, and other interconnected solutions.

Colombo,22nd August 2024: SriLankan Airlines, aiming to capture travellers’ attention with its safety protocols, has launched a brand-new onboard safety video featuring a range of Sri Lanka’s most mesmerizing scenic locations. In the air travel industry, disseminating safety information is a regulatory pre-requisite, as well as a precaution to ensure that every passenger is aware of safety provisions and protocols. The new safety video transcends this basic requirement by incorporating the island’s aesthetics and the signature warmth and care of SriLankan’s onboard service, to create a cinematic experience that is both informative and captivating. Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, said, “We are delighted to launch our brand-new onboard safety video, which we premiered to over 200 international travel trade partners at the Global Sales Conference. This video replaces the one we have had for over a decade and offers a fresh perspective on the island home we proudly share with the world.” While drawing the viewer’s attention to vital safety details, the video unveils the tourist attractions of SriLankan Airlines’ hub, Sri Lanka. It transforms the flight cabin into various scenic ambiances, conveying that a journey aboard SriLankan Airlines to Sri Lanka is a visually captivating experience in itself. As the regulatory body, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) worked closely with the airline, where the input and valuable insights of the former were immensely helpful to deliver an accurate and universally comprehensible safety demonstration. The Inflight Entertainment system (IFE) version of the video includes subtitles in Sinhala and Tamil, enhancing the clarity and engagement of the safety guidelines being demonstrated.