Recent News

GURUGRAM, 14 January 2025: Air India today announced it will temporarily operate daily flights between Delhi and Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the world’s largest spiritual gathering. To meet the high travel demand, Air India will operate the route from 25 January to 28 February 2025. With these flights, Air India brings the only full-service flying option between the two cities for customers, offering them the choice of premium cabins in addition to Economy Class. With convenient daytime departures in both directions, the flights enable seamless connections via Delhi to customers travelling to/from various parts of India as well as North America, Europe, Australia, and several countries in Southeast Asia.

Delhi,January 10th, 2025: Honeywell and NXP Semiconductors has announced at CES 2025 an expanded partnership that will accelerate aviation product development and chart the path for autonomous flight. This builds on the companies’ existing relationship, which is focused on helping optimize how building management systems sense and securely control energy consumption, announced at CES 2024. The groundbreaking aviation collaboration will combine Honeywell’s deep aerospace expertise, the proven capabilities of Honeywell Anthem avionics and NXP’s high-performance computing architecture, enabling AI-driven aerospace technology that helps improve operational efficiency for planning and managing flights. The work will also support faster transitions to new chipsets and technologies. The companies will team to advance large-area displays for next-generation cockpits with thinner, high-resolution screens designed to improve visual clarity and system efficiency. Additionally, they will explore how to simplify and streamline migrations to newer avionic technologies, as well as extend critical aviation technologies’ lifecycles, helping to deliver long-term value for aircraft manufacturers and operators. “Our industrial domain expertise combined with NXP’s best-in-class technology is a powerful accelerator for industrial leaders on the path to autonomy,” said Vimal Kapur, chairman and CEO of Honeywell. “Working together, we are developing differentiated solutions and services that shape the future of automation, driving significant customer outcomes and fueling Honeywell’s growth.” NXP’s domain-based architecture paves the path to autonomy, featuring high-compute capabilities, integrated cybersecurity and functional safety, including technology developed for the automotive industry. It will now be adapted for aviation applications on Honeywell Anthem, the industry’s first cloud-connected cockpit system. This is a continuation of co-creation between the two companies, which includes NXP applications processers embedded in Honeywell’s Building Management, Fire Safety and Security products. Looking ahead, the companies are expanding this work to include AI and machine learning in building controllers. For the aerospace industry, Honeywell will leverage a variety of NXP processors, including the i.MX 8 applications processors currently leveraged in Honeywell’s Advanced Control for Buildings platform and S32N super-integration processors, providing a range of high-performance, intelligent solutions that can be adapted for the needs of various aircraft. With NXP’s processors, Honeywell Anthem will deliver faster data processing for real-time AI-driven insights, enhancing safety and optimizing performance both in the air and on the ground. “Bringing avionics closer to autonomous flight requires a unique combination of high-performance processing and AI, advanced connectivity and security, and functional safety,” said Kurt Sievers, President and CEO, NXP Semiconductors. “NXP’s broad portfolio and systems solutions approach makes us a natural partner for Honeywell on the journey towards creating innovative, intelligent and autonomous avionics that can sense, think and act.” One of the early adopters that will benefit from this collaboration is Vertical Aerospace, a leader in eVTOL aircraft that is currently testing its piloted VX4 prototype aircraft featuring Honeywell Anthem. “By fulfilling the promise of advanced air mobility, electric aircraft like the VX4 represent a bold vision for the future,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Honeywell Anthem has already proven to be a highly capable platform, and we’re excited to explore how its capabilities can be further enhanced by NXP’s advanced computing to lessen pilot workloads while increasing situational awareness. Together, we see opportunities to make travel quicker, cleaner and safer, supporting our shared vision to transform how the world moves.”

Mumbai, 09 January, 2025: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has announced that it is receiving Level 5 accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) under Customer Experience Accreditation Programme. CSMIA is the first airport in India and third airport in the world to achieve this accreditation , distinguishing CSMIA as a leader in passenger satisfaction and operational excellence. By securing this esteemed honour, CSMIA proudly joins the ranks of the world’s top-performing airports. Speaking on the occasion, Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) said, “CSMIA is thrilled to stand among the world’s leading airports to receive this esteemed recognition. This prestigious accreditation is the outcome of our dedication to understanding and enhancing the passenger experience. This achievement not only highlights our progress, it also reinforces CSMIA’s role as a global leader in airport operations and passenger service, strengthening our resolve to shape the future of airport experiences.” Design thinking methodologies employed at CSMIA enabled the development of innovative solutions that address needs of stakeholders, including airlines, retail and lounge partners, and regulatory bodies. Continuous collection and analysis of customer feedback and CSAT scores helped identify pain points and areas for improvement. Employees, vendor partners and stakeholders like CISF, Immigration, Customs and Airlines play a crucial role in customer service. All teams at CSMIA have undergone rigorous training focused on enabling smooth passenger journeys. CSMIA’s dedication extends beyond operational advancements with a data-driven, digital-first, passenger-centric approach. A significantly expanded digital gateway programme has enhanced the travel experience for both DigiYatra and non-DigiYatra passengers. E-gates at the entry to T2 have been increased from 24 to an impressive 68 – the highest number of e-gates at the kerbside at any airport in India. The rollout of the aviio app – a first of its kind digital initiative among airports in India – is focused on enabling stakeholders at the airport to collaborate and serve passengers better. This path-breaking initiative aims to serve the aviation community and set new standards for Airport operations, management and passenger experience. Every improvement at CSMIA aims to minimise wait times, augment comfort, and facilitate smooth journeys for passengers. Through continuous innovation in infrastructure, technology, and services, CSMIA has set new benchmarks for excellence. A highlight of its efforts is the reintroduction of the popular Pawfect programme, featuring nine comfort dogs stationed at Terminal 2 Departures. These furry ambassadors of joy bring comfort and smiles to passengers, adding a delightful and memorable touch to their travel experience.

Delhi, 8th Jan2025: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will hold a bilateral meeting with the Defence Minister of Maldives Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi on January 08, 2025. During the talks, the two Ministers will review the various facets of bilateral defence cooperation including training, regular exercises, defence projects, workshops and seminars to enhance the capability of the Maldives National Defence Forces as well as supply of defence equipment & stores. India and the Maldives share spiritual, historical, linguistic and ethnic ties. The Maldives occupies a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which aims to bring stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Also, both nations are key players in maintaining safety and security of IOR, thus contributing to India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The Defence Minister of Maldives will be on a three-day visit to India from January 08 to 10, 2025. During his stay, he will also be visiting Goa and Mumbai.

Delhi, 7th January 2025: With the start of the new year, the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) is proud to announce a significant advancement in its tourism accessibility: the launch of an electronic visa system specifically designed for Indian travellers from January 1, 2025. This innovative digital solution marks a new era in Israel-India tourism relations, making the visa application process more efficient and user-friendly than ever before.This new e-Visa system represents a significant step forward in Israel’s ongoing efforts to enhance the tourist experience and streamline entry procedures for international visitors.While this pilot scheme currently relates only to Indian nationals residing in India, the intention is to extend the system to all incoming foreign tourists to Israel from every destination. The new e-Visa platform offers Indian tourists a streamlined, fully digital application process, quick and convenient visa submissions from anywhere, at any time, simplified documentation requirements, enhanced accessibility for individual travellers, and seamless integration with Israel’s Entry Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The e-Visa service is specifically designed for individual tourists. Group visa applications will continue through the existing channels. The applications can be submitted through the official government portal www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page This strategic initiative demonstrates Israel’s commitment to strengthening tourism ties with India and reflects the growing importance of the Indian market to Israel’s tourism sector. The new system has been carefully designed to meet the specific needs of Indian travellers while maintaining the highest standards of security and efficiency. Tourists can easily access comprehensive information about the application process, requirements, and fees through the official portal: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/learn-about-evisa-b2/

New Delhi, 3rd Jan 2025: On Friday, Senior IAS officer Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has been assigned the responsibility as the new Director-General (DG) of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Mr. Kidwai is a 1996-batch IAS officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre and has hold the post of additional secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment on Friday.The former DG Vikram Dev Dutt was elevated from the additional secretary rank to the rank of secretary and later transferred to the Ministry of Coal where he took charge on October 21. In the interim, a joint-DG level official at the DGCA, D.C. Sharma, was assigned the additional charge of the DG.

New Delhi, 2nd Jan 2025: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting with all the Secretaries of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on the eve of the New Year to review the progress on various schemes, projects, reforms and the way ahead. In order to give impetus to the ongoing and future reforms, it was unanimously decided to observe 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the MoD. This would aim at transforming the Armed Forces into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations. The following broad areas were identified for focussed intervention in 2025: Reforms should aim to further bolster Jointness & Integration initiatives and facilitate establishment of the Integrated Theatre Commands. Reforms should focus on new domains such as Cyber and Space, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Hypersonics and Robotics. Associated Tactics, Techniques and Procedures required to win future wars should also be developed. Develop a shared understanding of operational requirements and joint operational capabilities through inter-service cooperation & training. Acquisition procedures need to be made simpler and time-sensitive to facilitate swifter and robust capability development. Facilitate technology transfer and knowledge sharing between the defence sector and civil industries, promoting public-private partnerships by improving ease of doing business. Focus on collaboration across various stakeholders in the defence ecosystem. Breaking silos. Effective civil-military coordination should aim to eliminate inefficiencies and optimise resources. Position India as a credible exporter of defence products, fostering R&D and partnerships between Indian industries and foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers for knowledge sharing & resource integration. Ensure the welfare of veterans while leveraging their expertise. Efforts will be made towards optimisation of welfare measures for veterans. Instil a sense of pride in Indian culture and ideas, fostering confidence in achieving global standards through indigenous capabilities, while imbibing best practices from modern militaries that suit the nation’s conditions. Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that the ‘Year of Reforms’ will be a momentous step in the modernisation journey of the Armed Forces. “It will lay the foundation for unprecedented advancements in the country’s defence preparedness, thus preparing to ensure the security and sovereignty of the nation amidst the challenges of the 21st century,” he said.

New Delhi, 2nd Jan 2025: To ensure preparedness for the fog season, Ministry of Civil Aviation conducted a series of consultations over the past two months with airlines, airport operators, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The Ministry highlighted the importance of seamless collaboration among key stakeholders, including security agencies, to enable smooth to fog related challenges. In line with the Minister for Civil Aviation’s emphasis on promoting “Ease of Flying”, these initiatives are intended to streamline the travel experience, reduce delays, and offer a smoother, more efficient journey for passengers, including during peak travel times affected by weather disruptions such as fog. Specific initiatives include the following: 1. Ensuring transparent communication with the flying public is important. Airlines are instructed to proactively communicate with passengers about potential delays/cancellations due to visibility issues. For this, Airlines and booking agents to ensure that correct passenger contact information is recorded during ticket booking. 2. Airlines have also been reminded of earlier instructions to cancel upcoming flights if the delay is exceeding 3 hours. 3. DGCA has sensitized Online Ticketing Agents (OTAs) for better and clear communication with passengers who are booked with them for smoother experience and convenience. 4. Ministry advised airlines to sensitize their Operations Control Centers (OCCs) and war-room representatives for closer coordination during adverse weather conditions, especially fog. This initiative is aimed at improving real-time decision-making by ensuring that airline staff understand the on-ground realities of airport operations, allowing for more effective and timely responses to flight delays or cancellations. 5. AAl has implemented new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for efficient Wide Area Traffic Management. These SOPs are designed to effectively regulate air traffic at fog-affected airports and at the originating or destination airports. A closer and real time coordination among ATC, AOCC, CATFM and Airline OCCs has been advised to all stakeholders. 6. IMD committed to ensure all Met equipment function without disruption. In coordination with AAI, IMD is working proactively to expedite the implementation of the Advanced Weather Observation System (AWOS) at Delhi Airport and other fog-affected airports, ensuring accurate and timely weather information for pilots and air traffic controllers to enhance operational safety and efficiency. 7. BCAS circular for facilitating the smooth re-entry of passengers in case of flight cancellations was operationalized and drills were organized by CISF with Stakeholders. Intention is that passengers should not be held up inside delayed aircraft for more than 90 minutes. This would significantly reduce passenger inconvenience and ensure a smoother re-boarding process once flights resume. 8. DGCA, in close coordination with airlines, has ensured the deployment of adequate number of CAT II/CAT III-compliant crew and aircraft to carry out Low Visibility Operations efficiently during the fog period at affected airports. Three runways at the Delhi airport have activated CAT III ILS systems, Including the important Runway 10/28. 9. Delhi Airport has installed LED screens at prominent locations to provide real- time updates on visibility conditions. Delhi Airport has also scaled up the number of “Follow-Me” vehicles, which will guide and assist the pilots on the apron/taxiway during low visibility conditions ensuring better coordination on ground 10. All Airlines committed to ensure full staffing at check-in counters during peak hours to reduce passenger inconvenience. Stakeholders were reminded to ensure compliance to DGCA guidelines during delays or cancellations, while ensuring passengers are promptly informed on top priority. 11. Through these regular consultations and the implementation of these key initiatives, the Ministry is ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned better and well-coordinated to tackle the challenges of the fog season. Our primary focus remains on safeguarding passenger convenience, safety, and a seamless flying experience.

Delhi, Dec 27th, 2024: In one of the very strict action, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suspended Akasa Air’s Head of Operations and Head of Training for six months each for lapses. in training. In an order on December 27, the DGCA wrote, “Director Training of M/s SNV Aviation private Limited (Akasa Air) dated 30th October 2024 has been examined and was found unsatisfactory.” It said that the Director of Operations, Captain Floyd Gracious, and Director of Training, Neeraj Bhatia, were being suspended for six months. The DGCA has also asked the airline to nominate suitable candidates for the two positions. This action follows a regulatory audit in October where DGCA had found that pilots were being trained navigation approaches on a simulator which was not certified for the procedure. The DGCA said this was in violation of its rule and issued a show cause notice to the airline, but found the airline’s response to be unsatisfactory. In the recent past, Akasa Air has faced DGCA heat multiple times. In October, the DGCA imposed a fine of Rs.30 lakh on the airline for conducting practical training for technical instructors and pilots without the required approvals, exceeding permissible training hours, and appointing examiners not qualified for low visibility flight operations. There was also a show cause notice issued to the airline for alleged non-compliance of operations manual which had surpassed the revision cycle within the six-month timeline.