Civil Aviation

Delhi, 2nd May 2024: Jazeera Airways, in the first quarter (1Q) of 2024 recorded a break even in operations, and reported a net loss of KD 2.7 million. This was mainly due to the impact of foreign currency losses of KD 2.5 million. The total group revenue for this quarter was KD 46.4 million versus KD 48.3 million from Q1 2023. Jazeera Airways handled 1.2 million passengers in 1Q 2024, an increase of 4.2% or approximately 47k passengers more vs 1Q ‘23. Load factor was at 79.3% while Jazeera Airways’ network market share increased to 37.3% vs 36.1% in 1Q 23. The retail lease revenue for Terminal 5, owned and managed by the airline increased to KD 378k. Duty free business grew by 5.4% over 1Q ‘23 to KD 1.2 million. Marwan Boodai, Chairman, Jazeera Airways said: “Jazeera Airways, time and again, has demonstrated strong resilience through several unique situations. Last year, headwinds driven by overcapacity, combined with a tough regulatory, geopolitical, and regional landscape put pressure on our year end results. In 1Q 2024, our operations remained steady, yet we recorded a loss impacted by foreign currency fluctuations. However, by staying focused on controlling our operational costs and, nimble and agile to market conditions, we are well positioned to grow in summer and to navigate 2024.” Financial and Operational Highlights 1Q 2024 Highlights: ● Operating revenue: KD 46.4 million, down 4.1% from 1Q’23, up 18.3% from 4Q ‘23 ● Operating profit: KD 1.3million, down 64.6% from 1Q’23, up by 120% from 4Q ‘23 ● Net loss: KD2.7 million, down 216.5% from 1Q’23, down by 62.2% from 4Q ‘23 ● Passengers: 1.2 million, up 4.2% from 1Q’23, up by 0.7% (1.14m) from 4Q ‘23 ● Load factor: 79.3%, down 2.7% from 1Q ‘23, up by 3.5% from 4Q ‘23 ● Yield: KD 37.43, down 8.9% from 1Q ‘23, up by 17.7% from 4Q ‘23 First Quarter 2024 Review In the first quarter of 2024, Jazeera Airways welcomed a new Chief Executive Officer, Barathan Pasupathi (Bara), a veteran in aviation and finance with vast experience in heading a budget carrier. The airline also announced the launch of direct flights to Batumi, Georgia scheduled to start from 14 June 2024. Other destinations are also scheduled to resume operations for the summer season. These include Antalya, Beirut, Bodrum, Larnaca, Prague, Sarajevo, Salalah, Sharm El Sheikh, Tirana, Tivat, and Trabzon. 2024 Outlook With the launch of upcoming summer destinations, Jazeera covers close to 63 destinations across the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Africa, and Europe. Growth, both financial and operational, remains on top of the agenda for Jazeera Airways. This is supplemented by continuous enhancements to products, services, and Jazeera Terminal 5.

Colombo: 29 April 2024 SriLankan Airlines and Air Seychelles have signs a codeshare partnership, ushering in seamless travel to multiple new destinations throughout Asia, Africa and Australia for their passengers flying between Colombo and Mahé. Connecting people and places across continents, the collaboration empowers SriLankan Airlines to amplify its position and reach in Africa and passengers of the airline to travel conveniently between Colombo and Mahé twice a week. For Air Seychelles, over 20 destinations are included in the partnership, which includes much requested destinations such as Sydney and Melbourne in Australia as well as other popular stops in India, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. This new codeshare agreement will allow SriLankan Airlines and Air Seychelles to place their codes on each other’s flights and enable passengers to continue their journey conveniently using a single booking and with their luggage checked in all the way to the final destination. It also means passengers can book their travels with both airlines, through online travel agencies, as well as with local travel agents.   Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines stated, “We are pleased to boost our codeshare network and presence in the African region through this new partnership. We look forward to working with Air Seychelles to provide our customers more African destination options in the coming years.” Charles Johnson, Air Seychelles’ Chief Commercial Officer shares “Now that we have been flying to Colombo for over 9 months, the twice-weekly flights have proven successful. The next step to solidifying our relationship is with this code-share, allowing even more passengers the convenience of a single ticket to more points served by our partner in Asia and Australia.” Flights under the codeshare agreement are available to book now and will begin operating in May 2024.

Delhi,25th April, 2024: IndiGo is further defining its long-term future by strengthening its fleet with the introduction of wide-body aircraft to its fleet. The LCC has agreed to place an order for 30 Firm A350-900 aircraft, which will enable IndiGo to spread its wings further and expand its network. The aircraft will be powered by Rolls Royce’s Trent XWB engine. The mission capability of this aircraft coupled with the efficiency of the Trent XWB engine will offer IndiGo unprecedented optionality as it embarks on the next stage of its wonderful journey of addressing the rapidly evolving needs of the Indiancustomer and our nation. Currently, IndiGo operates over 350 aircraft. Last year, in June 2023, IndiGo placed the largest ever single aircraft order by any airline for 500 aircraft with Airbus. With that, the outstanding orderbook of A320 Family aircraft stands at almost 1,000 aircraft which are yet to be delivered well into the next decade. This IndiGo order-book comprises a mix of A320NEO, A321NEO and A321XLR aircraft. This new order will bring the strategic relationship between IndiGo and Airbus to an unprecedented level in terms of depth, breadth, and size. For the relationship between IndiGo and Rolls Royce, this marks the beginning of a new, long and fruitful relationship. The exact configuration of the aircraft will be decided at a later stage, and the deliveries are expected to start from 2027. In addition to the 30 Firm A350-900 order, IndiGo has Purchase Rights for an additional 70 Airbus A350 Family aircraft, at its discretion, for possible future needs under certain conditions. In calendar year 2023, IndiGo welcomed 100 million customers onboard its flights and as such, the airline is, quite literally, giving wings to our nation. IndiGo is amongst the fastest growing airlines in the world, and this order will allow it to strengthen its growth trajectory. Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, said, “Today’s historic moment marks a new chapter for IndiGo and will further shape the future of the airline and for Indian aviation at the same time. For IndiGo, after successfully pioneering the Indian skies with an unprecedented journey, its fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft will allow IndiGo to embark on its next phase of becoming one of the leading global aviation players.”

Abu Dhabi, 24th April 2024: Etihad Airways has announced that it will start flying its A380 to Paris, CDG from 1 November, 2024. The French capital becomes the third major city to enjoy the Etihad A380 experience after London and New York. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “As a city celebrated for its style and ambiance, Paris is the perfect destination for our iconic A380 aircraft. This enhancement reflects our commitment to delivering award-winning comfort and service across all cabin classes. The introduction of the A380 on the Abu Dhabi – Paris route enriches both leisure and corporate travel. It underscores Etihad’s commitment to facilitating business connections and travel to Abu Dhabi and beyond. Our state-of-the-art cabins and bespoke amenities ensure that business travellers can work, relax, and arrive refreshed. Features like The Lobby lounge and Business Studios create an ideal environment for productivity and comfort. By enhancing the travel experience with greater connectivity and luxury, we make business trips more accessible and enjoyable, connecting travelers to Abu Dhabi’s dynamic economy and rich cultural landscape with the premium service Etihad is known for.” The A380 brings a special touch to air travel. Economy passengers enjoy a warm welcome with comfortable seating arrangements, including 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 Smart seats featuring Etihad’s innovative fixed-wing headrests and large pillows. On the upper deck, Business Studios™ feature 70 private spots, complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio is equipped with premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa and WiFi connectivity, ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience. First Apartments are luxurious with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and a big ottoman-bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room. The Residence At the pinnacle of comfort is The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet. A dedicated team of Etihad cabin crew ensures unparalleled service. Guests in The Residence can indulge in a culinary journey with an à la carte menu, served on designer tableware in the private living room, or even opt for breakfast in bed. From gourmet cuisine to champagne and caviar, The Residence Signature High Tea offers a range of lavish options.

Delhi, 18th April 2024: Air India has announced that it will deploy its brand-new A350 aircraft on the busy Delhi-Dubai route this summer, marking the aircraft’s debut on short-haul international flights. Starting 1 May 2024, Air India guests flying between Delhi and Dubai can experience the A350 in its bold new livery. Operating as AI995/996, the aircraft is scheduled to depart Delhi daily at 20:45hrs, arriving at 22:45hrs in Dubai. The return flight departs Dubai next day at 00:15hrs and arrives in Delhi at 04:55hrs. All timings local.With this, Air India becomes the only carrier to operate the A350 between India and Dubai. Air India’s A350vaircraft 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 A350come with 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, which have since operated flights within India for crew familiarisation and regulatory compliance purposes.Air India currently operates a total of 72 flights a week to Dubai from five Indian cities, of which 32 flights are from Delhi.

Gurugram, 12th April 2024: Air India has deployed five new contact centres, offering round-the-clock assistance to its customers worldwide. It has partnered with Concentrix, a California-headquartered customer engagement firm, to manage premium services from centres in Mumbai, Cairo, and Kuala Lumpur. The airline has also signed up iEnergizer, to operate contact centres in Noida and Bengaluru, focusing on domestic inquiries. Air India has recently introduced a premium desk exclusively tailored for its premium Frequent Flyer members, as well as business and first-class guests. The dedicated service offers personalised assistance, further enhancing the overall travel experience for these esteemed segments of passengers. Investing in developing best-in-class technology infrastructure, including a new tech stack, the airline aims to streamline customer support operations and enhance efficiency. “Our customers are at the core of our operations. The enhancement and expansion of the contact centres is a testimony to Air India’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to our customers and is a step towards building Air India into a world-class global airline,”Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India, said during the launch of the Mumbai centre. Air India has implemented a comprehensive back-office insourcing strategy to manage emails, social media, and chat support internally to effectively assist our valued customers. A 24/7 grievance management desk promptly addresses all customer queries, escalations and provides round-the-clock support. A robust quality and training governance framework has also been established to ensure that the employees adhere to best-in-class standards and enhance their skills. Recently Air India launched its redesigned website and airline industry’s first Generative AI chatbot- AI.g. The chatbot provides seamless accessibility on the website as well as on WhatsApp opening a new guest support channel, helping travellers to ask questions across 1300+ travel-related topics.

12th March 2024, New Delhi: Union Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia today inaugurated Fly91, a regional airline and flagged off its maidan flight between Manohar International Airport (MOPA), Goa and Agatti Islands, Lakshadweep. Jyotiraditya M Scindia said that earlier in our country, airlines’ closure and bankruptcy used to be the news. In the past 10 years, the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi brought a new dawn to this industry which resulted in the birth of six new regional airlines. Shri Scindia also highlighted the multidimensional growth of civil aviation in the country. He reiterated the government’s commitment to connect tier 2 and tier 3 cities through the UDAN scheme and said that the aviation industry is expecting to raise its domestic traffic to 30 crores by 2030 which was just 6 crores in 2014. The airlines informed that Schedule flights will commence effective from 18 March 2024, between Manohar International Airport, Goa and Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jalgaon, Agatti, Pune, Nanded and from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune to Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Nanded and Goa, in a phased manner. These new connections will fulfil the demand for enhanced connectivity across the nation and increase accessibility of different regions. This will not only enhance tourism but also promote trade and commerce and give strength to the government’s commitment to offering an affordable, on-time, safe, and hassle-free travel experience to the passengers. Fly91 Chairman Harsha Raghavan, Asangba Chuba Ao, Jt. Secretary MoCA and other officials from AAI and the Ministry of Civil Aviation were also present at the launch.

Delhi,13th February 2024: Jazeera Airways reported KD 6.13 million in net profit for the full year 2023. Operating revenues were at KD 198.08 million with an 8.8% increase compared to 2022 while operating profits were at KD 11.76 million. Passenger numbers increased by 30.6% from 3.6 million to 4.68 million. Load factor grew from 77% to 78.2%while yield declined from KD 47.96 to KD 39.63. However, market share for the airline increased to 36.24% in Kuwait. At Jazeera Terminal 5, which is owned and managed by Jazeera Airways, the retail lease revenue grew by 51% to KD 1.54 million for 2023. Duty Free revenues increased by 1% to KD 1.3 million. Q4 2023 Results Jazeera recorded a net loss of KD 7.14 million. The company’s operating revenue for the fourth quarter was at KD 39.18 million. Passenger numbers were 17.3% higher at 1.15 million with load factor at 75.8% and average utilization up by 2.2% to 12.7 hours compared to the same quarter last year. The company distributed 28 fils per share in cash dividends for the first half of 2023. For the second half of 2023, the Board of Directors of Jazeera Airways have made a recommendation not to distribute any further dividends.                                                                                  Financial Highlights Marwan Boodai, Chairman, Jazeera Airways, said: “In 2022, we earned record profits that were driven by a huge demand for travel, lesser capacity and a one-time gain from selling and leasing back of engines. For 2023, we emerged profitable despite lower yields, influenced by overcapacity amid a challenging regulatory, geopolitical, and regional landscape. Higher load factors and greater market share put Jazeera Airways in a strong position while we continued to maintain a fanatical focus on unit cost. This is a strong demonstration of our robust and resilient business model as well as the quality of service we provide. We continue to remain unwavering in our commitment to grow and enhance our operations, provide quality service to our customers, and to further strengthen our foundation for success in the coming year 2024.” 2023 Operational Review In 2023, Jazeera Airways added 10 new routes to serve a total of 64 destinations across the Middle East, Central & South Asia, Europe, and Africa. The new destinations included Moscow, Samarkand, Larnaca, Sphinx (Cairo), Shiraz, Tivat, Belgrade, Tirana, Islamabad, and Tehran. The airline also took delivery of three additional aircraft, further expanding its fleet to 23. By opening its own wheels, brakes and battery shop, Jazeera in-sourced related services to save both time and cost. The airline also invested in over 2,000 of the world’s lightest airplane seats. Once in service, these seats are anticipated to offer a substantial weight saving of 1.2 metric tons resulting in reduced jet fuel consumption and increased passenger capacity with an additional row of seats. Remaining committed to its net zero by 2050 objectives, Jazeera published its first ESG sustainability report and became the first low-cost carrier in the Middle East to switch from plastic to eco-friendly food service ware in-flight. At the Jazeera Terminal 5, several new enhancements were made to make the passenger experience smoother. These included new gates and check-in counters, changing rooms, a duty-free shop, and restaurants. Jazeera Airways also ranked in Best Workplaces in Asia list based on an employee survey conducted by Great Place to Work. The airline also featured on the first Fortune 500 Arabia list published in the last year. Positive Outlook Jazeera Airways continues to remain unwavering in its approach to future growth. In the next five years, the airline is expected to serve over 100 destinations and increase its fleet size to 35 aircraft. Load factor is also anticipated to cross 80% in the next three years. A new hangar is in the process of construction to handle higher level maintenance checks. This is targeted for completion by 2025. Several other expansions are also in the pipeline to cater to the growing number of passengers in the coming future.

India is spearheading gender parity in global aviation, notes Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One In 2016, history was made when three women pilots were inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the first time. The then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar commissioned Mohana Singh, Bhawana Kanth, and Avani Chaturvedi at the Graduation Parade held at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal. In 2018, Avani Chaturvedi smashed gender barriers by becoming the first-ever female combat pilot and the first Indian woman to fly the MiG 21 Bison solo. When she flew an aircraft that holds the highest landing and take-off speed in the world at 340 kmph, she signalled a tremendous shift in the gender dynamics within Indian aviation. At the 75th Republic Day parade held in New Delhi last week, 15 IAF women pilots participated in the fly-past, while the tableau from Madhya Pradesh proudly celebrated Avani Chaturvedi and her achievements, while also acknowledging all the women who followed her. There is, however, a noticeable increase in women’s participation, not only in military aviation but also in Indian civil aviation, where women are firmly establishing their presence by successfully pursuing careers as pilots, aircraft engineers, firefighters, ground crew, airport security, and more. This is also an opportune moment to reflect upon and salute some of the pioneering women who have shattered stereotypes in the aviation industry, long considered a male bastion. These trailblazing women pursued their dreams of becoming commercial pilots and soared to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Durba Banerjee etched her name in history in 1966 by becoming the country’s first female commercial pilot. Interestingly, when she initially sought a commercial pilot’s position, she was offered the job of a flight attendant instead. However, her unwavering resilience and determination played an instrumental role in shaping her triumphant career, which served as an inspiration for subsequent pioneers like Saudamini Deshmukh. Deshmukh became the first woman to command a Boeing 737 and later, in 1994, achieved the milestone of becoming the first Indian woman to lead an A320. Among numerous role models inspiring the next generation of female aviators in India, are Capt. Vandita Verma, the Line Training Captain in Flight Operations at Indigo Airlines, Capt. Mayuri Deshmukh of Pawan Hans Ltd, who became India’s first female Offshore Captain, and Capt. Ashima Mendiratta, who secured her place as the youngest female Pilot in Command, specifically on multi-engine helicopters. The momentum of accomplishments continues with Anny Divya, who became the youngest woman in the world to command a Boeing 777, and Captain Aarohi Pandit, who trained with Pier Seven Aviation and entered record books by piloting a flight without GPS and autopilot at 7,000 feet above sea level. In 2021, when Air India’s inaugural non-stop flight from San Francisco touched down at Bengaluru Airport, it was significant also because of an all-women cockpit crew, featuring Captain Zoya Aggarwal, Captain Papagari Thanmai, Captain Akansha Sonaware, and Captain Shivani Manhas. Further, the airline organised an all-women Hajj flight to Jeddah in 2023 from Calicut Airport in Kerala, which carried 145 women pilgrims. Leading the crew were Capt. Kanika Mehra and First Officer Garima Passi. It is important to also note that the Indian Government has been actively implementing proactive measures to enhance the participation of women aviators. According to official data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India issued the highest number of Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs) in 2023, marking an increase of almost 40% compared to the licenses issued in 2022. Notably, the number of women receiving CPLs nearly tripled, rising from 116 to 293 during the same period. According to DGCA, 15% of pilots in India are women, nearly three times the global average of 5%. However, to further enhance women’s participation in the Indian aviation sector, there is a need for additional specialised programmes aimed at encouraging pilot training. Active promotion and encouragement of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers are equally important. In January 2024, Boeing, unveiling its India Engineering and Technology Centre in Bangalore, introduced Boeing Sukanya, a program designed to empower Indian women. This initiative is expected to help girls and women, particularly from rural areas, acquire essential skills in STEM fields and receive training for aviation-related jobs. Boeing Sukanya also envisions establishing STEM labs at 150 locations across India and will provide scholarships to women undergoing pilot training. Similar collaborations with global aviation majors and pilot training institutes will enhance the quality of training and attract more women to the aviation industry. Organising sessions that facilitate interactions between aspiring individuals and successful women pilots will further contribute to igniting a passion for these professions and catalyse greater female participation in aviation. Our focus should now be on ensuring that trailblazing women aviators become the norm rather than the exceptions. When women rise above gender stereotypes to conquer the sky, they pave the way for many more to defy gravity and chase their dreams.

Dublin,2nd Feb 2024: The jets are being delivered from Airbus in January and February 2024 and will be powered by CFM LEAP-1A26 engines. Institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Global Alternative’s Global Transportation Group (“GTG”) (www.jpmorgan.com/am), have entered into agreements for four A320neo aircraft to be leased to InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo) on a sale and leaseback basis. These aircraft will join a growing portfolio of commercial aircraft on lease to top-tier airlines advised by JP Morgan Global Alternative’s GTG. The GTG is also active in the global maritime, energy logistics, intermodal, electric vehicle, and rail car sectors. The aircraft will be managed by Avionix, a Dublin-based aircraft servicer and lessor portfolio company. The Airbus A320neo aircraft will form a key part of IndiGo’s young and efficient fleet and be a key contributor to its growing domestic and international traffic network. Andy Dacy, Global Head of Transportation for J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives, said: “We are delighted to welcome IndiGo, one of the leading low-cost carrier airlines in the world, to our growing portfolio of modern aircraft. We look forward to developing this relationship with our valued partner in the continued growth of our aviation strategy”. Riyaz Peermohamed, Chief Aircraft Acquisition and Financing Officer of IndiGo, said, “The Indian economy is on a trajectory of growth right now and the country is one of the fastest growing civil aviation markets in the world. As the industry leader, we are looking to consolidate our position by expanding our network both in domestic and international sectors. The team at IndiGo is pleased to have completed this transaction with J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives.”