RCS

Panaji, 27th May 2025: FLY91, Indian regional airline has announced that it will soon start direct flights between Goa and Solapur. At present, FLY91 connects eight destinations across the country, including four in Maharashtra, namely Pune, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg and Solapur. The bookings for the Goa–Solapur route is available now. Solapur is a key textile and industrial centre in south-western Maharashtra which serves as the gateway to five revered pilgrimage sites in the western Indian state. With FLY91’s direct flights from Goa, travellers and pilgrims can also  conveniently access the religious and cultural heritage destinations. “The launch of the Goa–Solapur route will highlight FLY91’s focus on improving connectivity to traditionally underserved destinations,” said Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO of FLY91. “Solapur is not only a key centre of industry but also a critical node in Maharashtra’s pilgrimage circuit. Our flights will make it easier for pilgrims, as well as business and leisure travellers alike, to move between these regions comfortably,” he further stated. He added,” We are thankful to the Based out of Manohar International Airport in Goa, FLY91 currently connects key regional centres such as Hyderabad and Pune with tier II and tier III destinations including Jalgaon, Sindhudurg and Goa.

Payerne, Switzerland,29 January 2025: JEKTA, the Switzerland-based manufacturer of the zero-emissions Passenger Hydro Aircraft – Zero Emissions 100 (PHA-ZE 100) amphibious aircraft, is strengthening its operational ecosystem through two new partnerships. JEKTA has selected the Aerovy software platform which, collects and analyzes data to enable accurate aircraft health monitoring and predictive maintenance. The data generated will support aircraft operators and owners with enhanced operational, maintenance and other technical decision-making to streamline operating budgets. Aerovy is a US-based software company focused on integrating hardware and software for the aerospace, infrastructure and energy transition sectors. Joint deployment of the software will enhance the ability of operators and their financiers to retain asset value through improving maintenance management and adding value by providing stakeholders in the operating ecosystem, such as insurance companies, with valuable operational feedback. Nick Gunady, CEO of Aerovy, says, “With amphibian aircraft that operate on water, paved and unpaved runways, the ability to monitor aircraft performance and facilitate predictive maintenance will enable operators to reduce downtime and optimize operations. Our Spectra platform will enable JEKTA to better support operators regularly flying in remote or environmentally challenging environments, reducing maintenance-related downtime and supporting consistent revenue generation.” Further strengthening its customer offering, JEKTA and the UK-based specialized insurance company Advanced Technology Assurance (ATA) have agreed to evolve insurance products designed to protect and support the growth of the amphibious aviation sector. Customers taking delivery of the PHA-ZE 100 aircraft will have access to ATA through a preferred provider relationship, which will see ATA offer competitive insurance and risk underwriting products, including hull insurance and other forms of cover relating to JEKTA’s PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft. ATA will also provide regular updates on future market trends, the use of advanced technologies in aerospace, and the impact of insurance on and requirements for amphibious aircraft. “The tailored insurance policies being defined for JEKTA customers will give operators confidence in the product and support access to what is traditionally a challenging element for aircraft operators and owners of amphibian aviation,” says Alistair Blundy, CEO and Lead Underwriter, ATA. “With this relationship in place, customers will have more certainty around direct operating costs and know that their asset is sufficiently protected.” Both agreements are now in effect and highlight the significant progress JEKTA is making in evolving a turnkey operational ecosystem. “We are building a portfolio of operational support that will attract customers seeking an amphibian aircraft that is delivered with a connected ecosystem of partners. We already have various key partners, including a global leasing entity to support asset acquisition, a hydrogen partner for propulsion, and now partners that can support maintenance management and insurance provision. These are essential elements that will underpin PHA-ZE 100 operations,” adds Alafinov. “We are excited to keep expanding this portfolio in parallel with the aircraft development, which is gaining momentum.”  

Panaji, 28th October 2024: With an eye on the rise in travel activities around the festive season of Diwali, FLY91, Indian regional airline, has announced direct daily flights connecting Pune-Goa and Pune-Jalgaon from October 27 onwards, significantly enhancing regional connectivity on the two routes. The introduction of daily flights on the two routes will not only enhance connectivity to Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, a centre for IT and ITES services and an education hub, but will also offer convenient direct outbound air-travel options for Pune-based residents. The Pune-Goa route will facilitate ease of travel for students, leisure seekers and promote MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism in Goa, a leading holiday destination. The Pune-Jalgaon route will increase business and student travel, along with leisure traffic drawn to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, UNESCO-endorsed world heritage sites in Jalgaon. Diwali, one of the most popular festivals in Maharashtra, witnesses a bump in travel activity on account of people utilising the holiday to travel back to their ancestral homes for celebrations with family or to plan vacations. Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of five-day Diwali festivities, has been scheduled for the end of the month. “The commencement of daily flights along the Pune-Goa-Pune and Pune-Jalgaon-Pune routes signifies FLY91’s commitment to improve regional connectivity between tier 2 & tier 3 cities across the nation. Better connectivity will usher trade & economic development and prosperity to these underserved regions,” said Manoj Chacko, CEO and Managing Director FLY91. In addition to the above routes, FLY91 will continue to ply its aircraft on the Pune – Sindhudurg route, twice a week. Based out of Manohar International Airport, Goa, FLY91 currently connects regional centres such as Pune, Jalgaon and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, as well as Agatti in Lakshadweep and cities like Hyderabad.

Delhi, 22nd Oct 2024: Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu along with MoCA Secretary and senior officials today attended a special event celebrating 8 successful years of #UDAN – Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik. The scheme has achieved significant milestones in advancing remote and regional connectivity. The Minister, in his address, emphasized that UDAN has revolutionized the air travel connecting the remote parts of India to global destinations. Under the scheme, 601 routes and 86 airports are operationalised, and 14400000 passengers till now have been benefitted from the scheme. The first RCS-UDAN flight was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi. The scheme focuses on improving unserved air routes in underserved regions of the country and fulfilling the aspirations of the common citizens. So far, the RCS-UDAN has facilitated travel of more than 144 lakh passengers, demonstrating its success in enhancing air travel accessibility. The RCS-UDAN is contributing to the growth of the civil aviation industry as many new and successful airlines have come up in the last seven years. The scheme has helped airline operators to start up and develop a sustainable business model. Additionally, it’s providing opportunities to small regional airlines Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air and Fly91 to scale up their businesses and their successful run is evidence of the fact that the scheme is creating an amiable ecosystem conducive to airline business. The scheme’s incremental expansion has generated an escalating demand for new aircraft, concurrently broadening the spectrum of aircraft deployed. This augmentation encompasses a comprehensive range of aircraft and encompasses helicopters, seaplanes, 3-seat propeller planes, and jet planes. Presently, a diversified fleet, including Airbus 320/321, Boeing 737, ATR 42 and 72, DHC Q400, Twin Otter, Embraer 145 and 175, Tecnam P2006T, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, Dornier 228, Airbus H130, and Bell 407 is actively serving on the RCS routes. The heightened demand for aircraft is substantiated by Indian carriers’ orders, which exceed 1,000 aircraft slated for delivery over the next 10-15 years, representing a significant augmentation of India’s existing fleet, which currently comprises approximately 800 planes operated by various airlines. RCS-UDAN is not solely dedicated to offering last-mile connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities; it also stands as a prominent contributor to the burgeoning tourism sector. UDAN 3.0 introduced tourism routes connecting several destinations in the Northeast region, while UDAN 5.1 is dedicated to expanding helicopter services in hilly regions to stimulate tourism, hospitality, and local economic growth. This initiative has successfully connected destinations such as Khajuraho, Deoghar, Amritsar, and Kishangarh (Ajmer), which have substantial relevance in religious tourism. The entire Northeast region’s tourism industry is experiencing a considerable upsurge due to the introduction of Pasighat, Ziro, Hollongi, and Tezu airports, fostering greater accessibility.The Scheme also achieved another milestone by bringingAgatti Island on the Indian aviation map, further boosting tourism in Lakshadweep. From Mundra (Gujarat) to Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh andKullu in Himachal Pradesh to Salem in Tamil Nadu, RCS-UDAN hasconnected 34 States/UTs across the length and breadth of the country. A total of 86 aerodromes have been operationalized under UDAN. Ten airports have been operationalized in the Northeast regionin addition to two heliports. Many airports that were operationalized under UDAN such as Darbhanga, Prayagraj, Hubli, Belgaum, Kannur, etc. have or may soon become sustainable with many non-RCS commercial flights operating from these airports.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohun Naidu launched the 5.4 version of the UDAN as he mentions,“Extensive network of rivers and lakes present a unique opportunity for the development of Seaplane operations in the country” Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has launched the Guidelines for Seaplane Operations in India. During the launch event the minister 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. 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. The 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. Union Civil Aviation Secretary, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam said,” 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 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. India requires favourable policy environment for seaplane industry 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. Seaplane Operations 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. Source: PIB

London,July 23, 2024: Mallard Enterprises announced the signing of an LOI for five ME-1A Amphibious Aircraft with UrTripO Aviation at the Farnborough Airshow 2024. UrTripO Aviation is a startup airline in India and serve the growing amphibious aircraft sector of the nation. “In furtherance of our goal of providing the best-in-class travel experience within India and around the globe we see this new generation ME-1A amphibious aircraft of 21st century design an ideal solution to provide safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally sustainable travel solutions for our customers”, said Balaji VP, CEO of UrTripO Aviation. “ME-1A meets all the requirements of our operations in India along the coastal areas, islands, and regional airports providing last mile connectivity and allowing us to create new routes by leveraging the UDAN program”, said TR Bhuvaneswari,Founder of UrTripO Aviation. The ME-1A is a regional amphibious airplane, which can land and take-off from land or water, with a standard seating capacity of up to 19 passengers offering low emissions, low noise pollution, faster speed, and low operating costs. It will have a range of over 350 nautical miles (648 kilometres) with 19 passengers and luggage and an extended range of 980 nautical miles (1815 kilometres) with a 10 passenger VIP configuration, all including typical airline fuel reserves. “We are excited to be part of the UrTripO’s commitment to provide a best-in-class experience to their customers” said Dan Peabody, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Mallard Enterprises. “The ME-1A, with its multiple configuration options including VIP/Luxury interiors, competitive economics, amphibious capability, speed, and green credentials, fits well with UrTripO’s vision”, added Mohan Chunduri, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Mallard Enterprises.

Munich, Germany, July 19, 2024: Saudia Group and Lilium N.V., electric aircraft manufacturer and Regional Air Mobility (RAM), today signed a binding sales agreement for 50 Lilium Jets, with options for the purchase of 50 more. The signature ceremony was held at Lilium’s HQ in Munich. The contract was signed by Fahd Al-Jarbou, CEO of Saudia Private, representing Saudia Group, and Lilium’s CEO Klaus Roewe, in the presence of several distinguished guests including H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Lilium Chairman Tom Enders.This sales agreement, which follows the Memorandum of Understanding between Saudia Group and Lilium signed in October 2022, marks the largest of its kind in the MENA region and represents an important industry milestone as the largest reported firm order of eVTOL aircraft by an airline that plans to operate the aircraft. It signals a substantial commitment to electric aviation from a world-leading operator, as well as a clear preference towards the superior performance, economics, and passenger experience expected to be provided by the Lilium Jet.The agreement includes a schedule of deposit and pre-delivery payments, timeline of future deliveries, guarantees on aircraft performance, and provisions on spare parts, maintenance, and repairs. In addition, the parties intend to sign a comprehensive “Lilium POWER ON” agreement for aircraft fleet maintenance and support services. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, commented at the signing event: “Saudia Group is proud to pioneer the MENA region as the first company to acquire all-electric eVTOL jets, which reflects our commitment to continuously reducing our carbon footprint and becoming an industry leader in regional electric aviation. We recognize the critical role that Lilium is positioned to play in enabling us to deliver a sustainable premium aviation experience and transport our guests even closer to their destination. This agreement amplifies our commitment to the Saudi Vision 2030 and is the result of a collaborative effort over the past years between Lilium and Saudia Group to explore how we can best bring eVTOL to the skies of Saudi Arabia. We are looking forward to the journey ahead.” He added: “The eVTOL jets are revolutionizing guest transportation. Their unique vertical take-off and landing capabilities open up entirely new routes. Imagine traveling up to 175 kilometers at speeds of 250 kilometers per hour, saving valuable time compared to traditional options. This technology also tackles traffic congestion head-on. Business travelers and exhibition attendees will benefit tremendously from the ease and speed of electric aircraft, allowing them to seamlessly attend and participate in events. These innovative vehicles will also be a game-changer for tourism, sports, and entertainment, offering a premium travel experience for these exciting destinations.” Through this agreement, Saudia Group continues its ambitious objective to bring the world to the Kingdom by deploying its fleet of advanced eVTOL jets. This initiative enhances connectivity by providing seamless first and last leg connections into Saudia Group’s regional hubs and new point-to-point city connections, such as Jeddah to Makkah, expected to reduce regional travel times by up to 90%. These jets will support Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, offer faster access to key sports and entertainment events in Riyadh, and unlock new possibilities for exploring hard-to-reach tourist destinations across the Kingdom. Additionally, business travelers attending conferences and events will benefit from improved access and swift transportation. The eVTOL jets are anticipated to increase flight frequencies and decrease traffic congestion, providing a fast and convenient alternative for reaching various destinations within the Kingdom. Saudia Group expects to receive the first jets in 2026, for which operations will be managed and run by Saudia Private, a subsidiary of Saudia Group. The Lilium Jet will feature large, premium cabins with capacity for up to six passengers plus luggage. It will deliver the Saudia premium experience that is deeply valued by the airline’s guests. Prior to commercialization, Saudia Group will provide strategic support in Lilium’s certification process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulatory agency. Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium, said: “We are proud of our partnership with a market leading airline such as Saudia. And we are thrilled to be pioneering progress in the eVTOL industry as the eVTOL manufacturer with the largest reported firm purchase order from an international airline that plans to operate the aircraft. The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a very large and exciting market for electric, high-speed regional air mobility. Our partnership will combine Saudia Group’s significant market knowledge with our unique eVTOL technology to transform premium class air travel in the GCC region.” This purchase agreement with Saudia Group marks the latest addition to Lilium’s extensive order pipeline that now consists of 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and roughly 600 aircraft under MOU. Lilium is in advanced discussions with additional global carriers that are looking to reduce carbon emissions and electrify regional air travel.

Delhi,1st February 2024: Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia virtually inaugurated a UDAN flight connecting Dehradun and Pithoragarh from New Delhi. Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami also joined the event from Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The flight connecting the two cities is to be operated by “Fly Big” under the RCS UDAN Scheme. Pithoragarh Airport has been developed under the UDAN-RCS scheme, with a cost of Rs 6.68 Crore into a 2B VFR Airport. The RCS flight between Dehradun and Pithoragarh was awarded under UDAN 4.2. Fly Big will be operating a 19-seater Twinotter DHC6-400 aircraft for ferrying the passengers. The flight will operate initially 3 days a week as per the following schedule: Distance of about 11 hours will be covered in just 1 hour In his inaugural address, Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the flight service between Dehradun-Pithoragarh will be operated 3 days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Friday). He said, “As a result of its commencement, the road distance of about 11 hours will be covered in just 1 hour. This flight service will expand the tourism potential of Pithoragarh and neighbouring areas and connect the eastern regions of Uttarakhand to the capital city of Dehradun. On other infrastructure development carried out under the UDAN scheme, Scindia said, “We have also identified 5 other heliports under UDAN 5.1 Round, which include Bageshwar, Champawat, Lansdowne, Munsiyari and Triyogi Narayan Heliports. Soon development work will be started on these 5 other heliports as well.” 76 routes have been awarded in the state of Uttarakhand under UDAN Uttarakhand has been at the forefront in the implementation of the UDAN scheme. Elaborating on the same,  Scindia said, “So far, 76 routes have been awarded for the state of Uttarakhand under UDAN, out of which 40 routes including Dehradun-Pithoragarh have been operationalized. It is our endeavor that the remaining other routes will also be made operational soon. Apart from this, we had recently inaugurated the Interim Terminal Building of Dehradun, the work of the full-fledged building will be completed soon.” Talking about the development work at Dehradun airport, Scindia said, “Developed for Rs 457 crore, the total area of the New Terminal building is 42,776 square meters and this terminal building can handle 1800 passengers in peak hours and 36.5 lakh passengers annually.” Elaborating on the impact of infrastructure development, he said that in 2014, only 86 flights were being operated from here per week, today 210 flights are being operated from here, i.e. an increase of 144%.” Air services are being operated from 4 airports and heliports in Uttarakhand Elaborating on the comprehensive air connectivity Scindia said, “In 2014, air services were being operated only from Dehradun Airport, whereas today air services are being operated from 4 airports and heliports of Uttarakhand and in the coming time, it is expected that this number will increase to 15.” The occasion was graced by the presence of Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, MoCA, Govt. of India, Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary, MoCA, and other officials from MoCA.

Delhi, 31st January 2024: Domestic carrier Zooom is set to revive its operations in India with flight services from Delhi to Ayodhya on January 31, 2024. The airline’s first flight will deploy its fleet of Bombardier CRJ200ER aircraft for services on the New Delhi – Ayodhya route, which has already emerged as one of India’s most sought-after spiritual tourism hotspots. “We are delighted to announce the relaunch of Zooom, with services connecting Ayodhya and Delhi. Zooom is dedicated to enhancing regional connectivity in India. The new flight services aim to connect people, cultures, and regions to this spiritual hub,” says Zooom’s Chief Executive Officer Atul Gambhir. “We are witnessing a significant increase in domestic air travel passengers in India. The proliferation of low-cost airline flights, streamlined booking systems, improved customer experience, and flexible airline schedules are key factors contributing to this growth. Zooom will align with these growth elements, enhancing the travel experience and making it more appealing for individuals with a focus on quality improvement,” adds Mr. Gambhir. He says that the airline will also persist in its support role, promoting the Government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) by launching additional services focused on the UDAN routes as part of its service revival. “We are also considering the exploration of new routes and expanding our network to include more tier-2 cities. This will provide passengers with additional travel options, contributing further to the growth of the domestic aviation sector,” says Mr. Gambhir, who has extensive expertise in the aviation industry. With a proven track record in key roles at major firms such as Air One Aviation Pvt Ltd and Air One Charters Pvt Ltd, he has played a pivotal part in developing air connectivity in India, particularly in the Northern and Western regions. Now, with Zooom, he optimistically envisions bringing innovation and enhanced efficiency to the forefront of the dynamic Indian aviation sector.