Civil Aviation

The UAE’s national airline leading the world in sustainable aviation, ahead of COP 28 next year Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has been named ‘Environmental Airline of the Year 2022’ in the annual Airline Ratings awards. The ranking recognises Etihad’s industry-leading strategy to improve aviation sustainability for both the airline itself and the entire industry. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change chose the UAE as host for COP 28 which will take place in 2023. Etihad’s achievement is fully aligned with Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s own commitment to work with the international community to accelerate global efforts to address climate change and environmental protection and create a more sustainable economic future. The airline recently published the Etihad Airways Sustainability Report which Airline Ratings deemed as a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating the potential advancements to be made in sustainable aviation by a wide range of initiatives. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Our ambition to become a leader in aviation sustainability has taken us on a journey to reduce the impact of aviation on the environment, not just for Etihad, but for the entire industry. “We continue to explore and test all possible ways to decarbonise – from research into sustainable aviation fuels and contrail avoidance to offsets and reforestation through the Etihad Mangroves. The Sustainability Report we published earlier this year is a culmination of our efforts demonstrating the work we have done and what we have learned so far and I would encourage everyone to read it.” Etihad’s sustainability initiatives began with a focus on creating operational efficiencies. The airline quickly went on to unite industry leaders and build the most comprehensive, cross organisational aviation sustainability initiative ever undertaken. This umbrella programme, now in its third year, includes partnerships with Boeing, GE, Airbus and Rolls Royce, as well as a wide range of collaborations with pioneering new-technology organisations, academic researchers, smaller businesses and start-ups. Etihad’s flagship sustainability programmes include the Greenliner programme using the airline’s fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners as flying test-beds, as well as the Sustainable50 A350-1000 launched earlier this year. Mr Douglas continues: “We are grateful to our partners from the major manufacturers to academics and small start-ups who have partnered with us on this mission, in particular through the Greenliner and Sustainable50 programmes. And we’re appreciative of our guests and corporate clients who have signed up to our green loyalty programme Conscious Choices or played their part by bringing a little less luggage or choosing to offset their flights. “This accolade is testament to our efforts over the past few years to be the greenest airline in the sky and we’re proud to be awarded the Environmental Airline of the Year 2022. We are tremendously proud of this achievement but will not rest on our laurels as we have ambitious, industry-changing and climate critical action to continue to build on.” Airlineratings.com Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey Thomas said “Etihad Airways has shown its clear leadership in the push for sustainable flight with its Greenliner Boeing 787 programme and this year with its Sustainability50, A350 aircraft. “At every touchpoint, Etihad Airways staff and management are committed to reducing the airline’s CO2 footprint and it shows. The mantra at Etihad Airways is a million things count in reducing emissions and thus the focus is all-consuming.” Mr Thomas added that “the airline’s Sustainability Report 2020-2021 demonstrates the potential advancements to be made in sustainable aviation by a wide range of initiatives, coordinated to achieve a 20% reduction in emissions intensity in its passenger fleet by 2025, cut 2019 net emissions by 50% by 2035, and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.” Over the past three years, the airline has conducted a vast number of research eco-flights demonstrating potential carbon emission savings of up to 72% on a single flight. Etihad has also tested and implemented world-first operational efficiencies and technology solutions including Jeppesen Flite Deck Advisor, SATAVIA contrail avoidance, GE Engine Foam Wash, eTech logs and lightweight Unit Load Devices In addition to the airline’s comprehensive testing and innovation programme, Etihad became the first airline to secure commercial finance based on verified compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN SDGs). The Etihad Mangroves Forest project was launched with plans to establish carbon-absorbing forests in countries where the airline operates. In an initiative to involve its guests and corporate clients, Etihad offers the Conscious Choices programme with rewards for customers who take environmentally positive action such as offsetting their flights. Corporate clients can benefit from accredited solutions to reduce their Scope 3 emissions. ( Report based on Etihad Media Release)

New Delhi, 10th June 2022: The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India in collaboration with Government of Bihar and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry organised a Conference for promotion Civil Aviation Sector in the state of Bihar. The conference brought together experts from Indian Aviation Sector for strengthening the state’s opportunities in Airports infrastructure, Heli services, agro-business, and tourist destinations, increase regional connectivity, attract investment, and identify business. The conference was moderated by Smt. Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation. Presentations on the promotion of Civil Aviation in the state of Bihar was done by Dr S Sidharth, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister of Bihar and Shri Sandeep Pondrik, Principal Secretary, Government of Bihar. Shri Prashant Ranjan, Director, Ministry of Tourism, Shri Manoj Mehta, Director, FICCI, Palka Sahni, Resident Commissioner, Government of Bihar and Shri Ajay Yadav, Private Secretary to Minister of Civil Aviation were also present in the meeting. A presentation on Industry perspective was done by Capt. Dhruv Rebbapragada, Regional Director, Safety, and member management board of Airbus India & South Asia. Civil Aviation is a key infrastructure sector that facilitates the growth of the business, and seamless flow of investment, trade, and tourism, with significant multiplier effects across the economy. Over a third of world trade by value is delivered by air and about half of international tourism is facilitated by air links. Bihar is one of the progressive states in India and it has immense growth potential. In recent years states civil aviation sector has seen exponential growth in terms of air passengers, Airport Infrastructure etc and holds the key to link the state to the other states of the country while it also taking ahead state’s Tourism, trade, and commerce with the rest of the world. The state has benefited immensely through regular commercial operation of air services from Darbhanga airport since 2020. Darbhanga airport has direct flight connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bangalore while Patna is now connected to Amritsar, Varanasi and Prayagraj under UDAN-2.0 scheme.

New Delhi, May 30, 2022: Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company on May 28, 2022, held the 2022 Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting to review its resilient business performance against the pandemic, the last five-year term of the Board of Directors, and to vote on the 2021 audited financial statements and the development plan for 2022.The global aviation industry has faced the most unprecedented and challenging time in its long history. Vietjet, though, has emerged from the pandemic with its pioneering spirit, patience, and robust inner strength. Vietjet was reported to gain a consolidated revenue of VND12,875 billion (approx. US$555 million) in 2021 with the after-tax profit of VND80 billion (approx. US$3.4 million). As of December 31, 2021, Vietjet’s assets totaled nearly VND51,654 billion (approx. US$2.22 billion). Its debt-to-equity ratio stayed at 0.9 while the liquidity ratio was at 1.6 – all were considered good indicators in the aviation industry. In 2021, Vietjet has bounced back and expanded its flight network, offering everyone more opportunities to fly and joined hands with localities contributing to the country’s economic recovery. The airline last year operated 40,000 flights, transporting more than 5.4 million passengers across over 50 domestic and international routes. It has also airlifted more than 63,000 tons of cargo, reporting a revenue growth of 200% YOY. The airline has operated several flights to airlift doctors, police officers and soldiers to pandemic-stricken localities; delivered millions of Covid-19 vaccine doses and joined hands of strategic partners in Sovico Group to grant medical utilities including ambulances, breathing machines, testing kits, and hospital beds to many localities. By the end of 2021, Vietjet has a fleet of 76 aircraft flying to 44 domestic and 95 international destinations. To prepare for the post-pandemic recovery, Vietjet has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Airbus on the deliveries of aircraft orders and cooperation to develop the airline’s wide-body fleet in addition to further support post-pandemic. Vietjet has invested in a wide-body fleet of Airbus A330-300 following the low-cost model, beginning a new era of longer-range flight routes. Both sides recently have also reached an agreement to continue their order contract with long-term cooperation programs aiming to make Vietnam a regional and global aviation center. Shareholders at the meeting have passed a resolution on business plan for 2022, in which Vietjet eyes to expand its fleet to 82 aircraft, operating 100,000 flights and transporting 18 million passengers. The shareholders have also voted to pass a resolution to pay a 20% stock dividend from accumulated undistributed profits from the years before the pandemic. The airline this year plans to earn more than VND22,300 billion (approx. US$959 million) in air transport revenue and make a profit. Vietjet, since its first flight in 2011, has pioneered in using e-tickets to replace paper ones and the implementation of e-commerce. In 2022, the airline is set to keep broadening its application of advanced technology, automation and innovation; bolstering the digital business sector in air transport, cargo and logistics; and growing and expanding air services including ground handling, training, financing, project investment and other services. Vietjet has rolled out the SFC02 including solutions to optimize the fuel consumption in aircraft operation, reducing environmental pollution. In the coming time, the airline will continue the program to monitor and manage the fuel consumption and CO2 emission of civil aircraft, aiming towards emission reduction and climate change prevention. Recognizing 2021 was a challenging year for the aviation industry, Vietnam Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan, representing Vietnam government, however hailed that Vietjet had resiliently overcome it and demonstrated its efforts and business success. Le said that Vietjet has actively resumed its domestic and international routes after the pandemic was put under control, even opening new routes to Japan, South Korea and India. He hoped that Vietjet’s newly added wide-body Airbus A330 fleet preparing to fly to Australia and Europe would bring more success to the airline. Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam Deputy Director Dinh Viet Son acknowledged Vietjet’s contributions to the country’s aviation safety and service quality. He highly regarded Vietjet as a model for flexibility and adaptability to hold firm throughout the pandemic while seeking new opportunities to develop air transport. “Following the scheme of ‘Flying in the digital era’, Vietjet has found the right way that is in line with the government’s (digital) orientation especially in the aviation sector, which demands highest safety and cutting-edge technology, and is also the current trend of the world,” said Dinh Viet Son. Vietjet’s executive board have recognized the orientation of Transport Ministry leaders and contributing ideas from the shareholders. The meeting also approved the profit distribution plan in 2021 and the dividend payment plan in 2022; bond issuance plan; plan to increase charter capital; and elected members of the Board of Directors for 2022 – 2027 term with independent members who are experienced experts in the fields of insurance and aviation.

*The consultation, also involving other government departments and private players, was to identify the pain points, narrow down key focus points of the proposed policy, and finalise proposed incentives. *The consultation was very productive with all stakeholders coming up with excellent inputs and suggestions for the proposed policy. Gandhinagar: The Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited (GUJSAIL), the nodal agency for the development of aviation and related infrastructure in Gujarat, held a stakeholder consultation as a part of the preparation of the Gujarat Aviation Policy. Stakeholder consultation is an important part of any policy preparation to identify and address the pain points faced by stakeholders, narrow down the key focus points of the proposed policy, discuss financial implications, and finalise proposed incentives. GUJSAIL has identified seven themes as a part of the proposed aviation policy, which include enhancing airport and allied infrastructure, air cargo, supporting maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and industrial ecosystem, developing aero sports, improving regional connectivity, boosting R&D, training, &startups, and aircraft financing and leasing. “The Gujarat government is committed to the growth of the aviation sector and coming out with the best policy that can play the role of a catalyst in the further growth of aviation. We discussed if any specific focus areas or incentives or reforms are needed to be included in the policy to attract more participation from private players, generate employment, and bring more investment to the state. The consultation was very productive with all stakeholders coming up with excellent inputs and suggestions. There is a lot more clarity about what the stakeholders expect from the proposed policy, and will have more such consultations if the need arises,” said Captain Ajay Chauhan, CEO, GUJSAIL, and Director, Civil Aviation Department. GUJSAIL, which won the award for the “Best State with a Dedicated Outlook for the (Aviation) Sector” at the recent WINGS India 2022, Asia’s largest event on civil aviation, has launched or announced several initiatives in recent times. To bring smaller cities on the air map, the state has introduced a regional air connectivity scheme, under which four routes are already operational and another route is planned to be operationalised in the coming weeks. GUJSAIL has launched a pilot project of Helicopter Joyride at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to boost both aviation and tourism sectors and has also launched the first state-specific air ambulance service for medical emergencies. “The growth of aviation is directly linked with tourism, which also has a multiplier effect on the economy. GUJSAIL is committed to the growth of aviation infrastructure in the state. Three state-owned airstrips are being developed at Mehsana, Amreli, and Mandvi. Similarly, new airstrips are being developed at Ankleshwar, Morbi, Rajpipla, and Dwarka, besides water aerodromes at Sabarmati Riverfront and Statue of Unity,” said Captain Chauhan. The stakeholder consultation was attended by senior officials from the Department of Science & Technology, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, and Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board, along with various private players connected with the aviation industry, and moderated by Deloitte.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) flagship Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (UdeDeshkaAamNagrik) has been awarded Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2020 under the category “Innovation (General) – Central”. The award was given away by the Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia to UDAN team lead by Smt Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary, MoCA in presence of Secretary, MoCA, Shri Rajiv Bansal and Chairman, Airport Authority of India, Shri Sanjeev Kumar. Government of India has initiated this award to acknowledge, recognize and reward extraordinary and innovative work done by Districts and Organizations of State/Government. This scheme emphasises on Good Governance, Qualitative achievements, and last mile connectivity rather than only on achievement of quantitative targets. The award consists of a trophy, scroll and an incentive of Rs 10 lakhs. Launched in 2016, UDAN scheme aims to fulfil the aspirations of the common man by following the vision of UdeDeshkaAamNagrik, with an enhanced aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and III cities. In a short span of 5 years, today 419 UDAN routes connect 67 underserved/unserved airports, including heliports and water aerodromes, and over 92 lakh people have benefited from it. More than 1 lakh 79 thousand flights have flown under this scheme. UDAN scheme has immensely benefitted several sectors pan-India including Hilly States, North-Eastern region, and Islands.

SalamAir to fly from Salalah to Calicut, Muscat to Jaipur, Lucknow, Trivandrum Muscat, 31st March 2022: Sultanate’s fastest-growing value-for-money airline, SalamAir, has announced non-stop flights to four Indian cities – from Salalah to Calicut and from Muscat to Jaipur, Lucknow, and Trivandrum. The flights from Salalah to Calicut will operate on Friday and Sunday starting from 3rd April. Flights from Muscat to Jaipur will operate daily except Sunday, Lucknow double daily, and Trivandrum daily except Monday. While the Salalah to Calicut route is new, previously, SalamAir operated special flights to these Indian destinations as part of the COVID-19 pandemic related air bubble pact between India and Oman, now with the launch of the scheduled flights from Muscat to Jaipur, Lucknow, and Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), SalamAir has expanded its network in the Indian Subcontinent.Capt. Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said, “In line with our network expansion plan, it is with great pleasure that we announce our direct flights to India. Our aim is always to provide our customers with greater connectivity and convenience, and the addition of these routes will cater to the expat population, business travellers, and tourists. Our strategic cooperation with Oman Air enables us to serve the Indian market and augment demand and traffic volume, thus fulfilling the Oman Vision 2040”. SalamAir recently announced its strategic cooperation with Oman Air, which expanded the codeshare agreement to facilitate dynamic and smooth passengers’ movement to the Sultanate to promote tourism growth. He added, As part of our network expansion goals, we plan to introduce non-stop flights from Suhar to Calicut; the groundwork for these flights is currently being done to have four flights a week on this route, which we hope to announce soon. He continued, While Oman is home to a large Indian community, India is one of the top trading partners of Oman. During the pandemic, we operated multiple charter flights; and we hope to continue our service to the community and hope our flights will continue to facilitate and strengthen these strong ties and bilateral relationships in the future.