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Mumbai, March 10th, 2023: AirAsia India in collaboration with DGCA integrated the Pilot’s Flight Duty Logbook directly from its Crew Management system to the eGCA platform. The eGCA platform provides end-to-end solutions and connectivity with regional offices to improve transparency and accountability across all functions of DGCA. This initiative, as part of DGCA’s digitization program, will eliminate the need for pilots to hand-fill their flight and simulator duties carried out during their career in physical logbooks, thereby improving efficiency and transparency. Pilots were traditionally required to update their Pilot LogBook in physical logbooks, as required by the MOCA’s Aircraft Rule, 1937 (67A). However, with the integration of AirAsia India’s Crew Management system with eGCA’s LogBook API (Application Program Interface), this process will now be digitised, making it simpler, more user-friendly, and more sustainable. Talking about this initiative, Capt. Manish Uppal, Head of Operations, AirAsia India, said, “We are proud to collaborate with DGCA in integrating our Crew Management System with eGCA’s LogBook API. This initiative is a significant step towards improving the efficiency and transparency of the aviation industry and also contributing to sustainability. By eliminating the need for pilots to manually update their Pilot LogBooks, we are simplifying the process and making it more user-friendly. This initiative in conjunction with DGCA is a testament to our commitment to innovation and digitization, and we are excited to continue working towards making services simpler and more user-friendly for pilots.” eGCA provides 298 services, including pilot licensing, with the goal of adding value to DGCA safety regulation, eliminating operational inefficiencies, improving personal interaction, regulatory reporting, increasing productivity, and increasing transparency. With this partnership, AirAsia India and DGCA are striving to make services simpler and more user-friendly for pilots, while also enhancing the overall efficiency and transparency of the aviation industry. In addition to providing accurate real-time pilot flying hours, this integration will also facilitate the timely submission of applications for pilot licensing, renewal, and endorsement by eliminating multiple data validation steps. As manual intervention in the process is significantly reduced, this will result in faster processing of applications, as the verification of flying data in submitted applications will be considerably streamlined. This initiative will greatly benefit both pilots and DGCA, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the licensing process.

New Delhi,31st January 2023: Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia along with General Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh (Rtd.) inaugurated a flight connecting Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and Jamshedpur, started by IndiaOne Air. IndiaOne Air will operate this route from 31st January 2023. These operations shall be increased to daily operations effective from 01st February 2023 under the RCS-UDAN scheme. Jyotiraditya Scindia said that it is an auspicious moment that three important cities of three different states are being connected through this network of flights. Earlier airlines were closing one by one, but now the UDAN scheme has given birth to three new regional airlines. Before 2014 there were only 74 operational airports in the country. Now after the initiation of commercial operations at Jamshedpur, it has increased to 147 and it will touch 148 after the inauguration of commercial operations at Shivamogga airport, Karnataka in February 2023. Scindia added that the central government is taking multiple steps for the development of civil aviation infrastructure in Jharkhand. He said that earlier there used to be only one airport in Jharkhand. The Prime Minister inaugurated the second airport in Deoghar a few months ago. The Airports Authority of India is investing Rs 30 crore in Dumka and Rs 75 Crore in Bokaro airport and flights from these airports will be operationalised soon. Minister of State congratulated IndiaOne Air and said that this connectivity will play a big role in improving communication and boosting economic activities in the region.

Akasa Air signs two contracts with AFI KLM E&M through its wholly owned subsidiary EPCOR, for both component and APU services in order to support their ongoing operation development. Mumbai, 25th January 2023: Akasa Air has enlisted the support of AFI KLM E&M for component services as well as dedicated APU solutions from its subsidiary EPCOR. The Group MRO will supply the airline with an adaptive package of flight-hour solutions including repair services, access to a spare parts pool, provision of a Main Base Kit (MBK) and dedicated logistical support. The agreement covers an extensive range of components, including the Line Replaceable Units (LRU) for the engines as well as the APUs fitted on Akasa Air’s fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8s. On the APU side, the services delivered by EPCOR, AFI KLM E&M’s center of excellence for APU maintenance, will cover the repair and maintenance of GTCP131-9B APUs (fitted on the 737 MAX), the provision of replacement units, Health Monitoring/Fleet Management assistance using the PROGNOS® for APU platform, and engineering-as-a-service. The AFI KLM E&M Group worked closely alongside Akasa Air in the lead-up to the operational launch phase, listening to the needs and challenges faced by the airline and adapting their commercial service packages to fit these requirements. AFI KLM E&M has capitalized upon its expertise in the 737 product and its Airline-MRO profile, pro-actively suggesting ways to reduce costs and develop a competitive, adapted offering aimed at optimizing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and achieving a high level of operational reliability.EPCOR has amassed extensive experience and expertise on the Honeywell GTCP131-9B APU, with over 470 shop visits for 59 customers around the world under its belt. Ton Dortmans, EVP KLM Engineering & Maintenance, stated, “We’re fully committed to supporting their ambitions and development by providing the best available solutions in component support, drawing upon our extensive expertise with the 737/737 MAX product.” Commenting on the occasion, Neelu Khatri, Co-Founder and SVP – Head of Operations at Akasa Air said, “We are delighted to enable AFI KLM E&M’s group to further expand its leading position into the Indian market through this partnership.

Bengaluru,12th January, 2023: Damodar Bhattad S has taken charge as the Director (Finance) of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) with effect from January 11, 2023. He was working as General Manager (Finance) at BEL’s Corporate Office prior to his elevation. Damodar Bhattad is a Chartered Accountant, who had secured All India Rank in ICAI final examination. A B.Com Graduate from the University of Madras, he joined BEL as Accounts Officer at its Chennai Unit in 1988 and in a career spanning over 34 years, served the company in various roles and capacities. As Head of Finance at BEL Corporate Office, he played a significant role in the formulation of various company policies and procedures. He also played a pivotal role in BEL recording its highest ever turnover of Rs. 15,044 Cr in FY22 and achieving an order book of more than Rs. 50,000 Cr. As Head of Funds, he efficiently managed Working Capital and ensured BEL remained debt free. He and his team played a key role in efficient collection of Trade Receivables, in the last two years (FY 2021 and 2022). He also initiated investment of surplus funds in Mutual Funds, which increased the company’s returns from Treasury Management. Damodar Bhattad has ensured that adequate internal financial controls are put in place in BEL and the company’s Risk Control Matrix is current and updated. He has been a member of various Management Committees — Management Audit Committee, Corporate Risk Management Committee, CSR Screening Committee and Invitee of Audit Committee and Capital Investment Committee to name a few, and has been able to provide valuable insights to BEL Management from the Finance perspective. Damodar Bhattad was Lead Member (Finance) for devising a business-cum-growth plan for BEL with respect to a strategic advisory services contract signed by the Defence major with a leading consultancy firm. He has been an integral part of the BEL Management team at various analysts/investor conferences. He has played a major role in BEL making the leap from conventional financial reporting to the more holistic approach of bringing out its first Integrated Annual Report in 2021-22. He believes and supports initiatives which increase BEL’s value for shareholders, in terms of higher Dividend payout and capitalisation of reserves. As a member and Finance representative of BEL’s Pension Trust and Gratuity Trust, Damodar Bhattad has ensured that the trust portfolio is suitably diversified in order to minimise risk and maximise returns. Earlier, during his tenure as Head of Finance (Operations), he played a crucial role in finalising contracts and selling price of major equipment and systems with customers. As a member of BEL’s Price Negotiation Committee, he was instrumental in obtaining significant price reductions from suppliers. He believes that BEL being a socially responsible corporate citizen must maximise its value for all its stakeholders.

Bangkok, 11th Jan 2023: Nok Air, Thailand’s low cost airline will commence operations from Bangkok to Hyderabad from 19th February, 2023 onwards. The Airline will operate 4 Weekly non-stop flights from its hub Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok to Hyderabad. The new route will be operated Boeing 737-800 with 189 Economy Class seats.The new route conveniently connects Bangkok to over 20 destinations in Thailand including Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai as well as International destinations including Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Yangon (Myanmar).

Bangalore 26th Dec 2022: Star Air, the regional airline based out of Bangalore has signed a lease for two more Embraer E175 passenger jets with Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), the largest Regional Aircraft Lessor in the world. These two aircraft are in addition to the two Embraer E175 jet orders signed at the Farnborough International Airshow, UK in August 2022. The first of these four aircraft orders is due to arrive in January 2023. The E175 is powered by GE CF34-8E engines which is feet for the regional jet segment having surpassed 200 million hrs in operations, has no middle seats in a dual-class cabin configuration. Currently flying over 18 destinations across India,the airline is geared to expand its regional presence. Commenting on the fleet expansion, Shrenik Ghodawat, Director – Star Air said, “As we witness the increase of passengers, Star Air is delighted to announce the expansion of our fleet. The addition of these aircraft will not only address the need for more capacity but also help us with Connecting Real India.The E175 aircraft will not only help us achieve greater productivity and higher utilization but will also strengthen our customer experience.”

In a recent statement, Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA expressed his concerns over introduction of COVID-19 testing and other measures for travellers from China by several countries. He said even though the virus is already circulating widely within their borders, it is extremely disappointing to see this knee-jerk reinstatement of measures that have proven ineffective over the last three years. Research undertaken around the arrival of the Omicron variant concluded that putting barriers in the way of travel made no difference to the peak spread of infections. At most, restrictions delayed that peak by a few days. If a new variant emerges in any part of the world, the same situation would be expected. That’s why governments should listen to the advice of experts, including the WHO, that advise against travel restrictions. We have the tools to manage COVID-19 without resorting to ineffective measures that cut off international connectivity, damage economies and destroy jobs. Governments must base their decisions on ‘science facts’ rather than ‘science politics’.”  

15 December 2022, New Delhi: Cathay Pacific is providing customers in India with more choices as its flights from Mumbai and Delhi are set to increase to five and seven times per week, respectively, from January onwards. The airline has also introduced the Airbus A350-900 on its Bengaluru-Hong Kong route. This marks the first time that the airline is deploying the A350-900, one of the most modern aircraft in its fleet, from India. Cathay Pacific’s A350-900 aircraft is configured in a three-class layout with 280 seats, comprising 38 Business Class, 28 Premium Economy and 214 Economy seats. Each state-of-the-art cabin class on the A350-900 provides a whole new experience for passengers, with its extra-wide cabins including new seats, an innovative inflight entertainment interface and inflight connectivity. Each of the configurations boasts added comfort, convenience and entertainment features that promise to offer an enhanced experience to travellers. Moreover, the Business Class and Premium Economy Class seats are designed by Studio F.A. Porsche, known for its expertise in seat ergonomics, functionality and comfort. Anand Yedery, Regional Head of Marketing and Sales, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, said: “We are thrilled to announce the increase in frequency of flights from Mumbai and Delhi to cater to the rising demand, as well as the introduction of the A350-900 on the Bengaluru-Hong Kong route. The A350-900 is one of the most modern aircraft in our fleet and its enhanced fuel-efficiency will play a critical role in helping us achieve our sustainability goals. With Bangalore seeing a large number of corporate and leisure flyers travelling to Hong Kong and beyond, the enhanced Premium Economy and Business Class cabins on the A350-900 will also allow us to offer them an unsurpassed experience when flying the route.” The A350-900 is a lighter aircraft with a lower fuel burn, and employs the latest generation of Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines that produce 25% lower carbon emissions. Not only is this beneficial for the airline to attain major improvements in efficiency for long-haul routes, but it also benefits the environment, with less GHG emissions coupled with a diminished noise footprint.

Delhi,10 December 2022: Akasa Air, India’s youngest airline,inaugurated its maiden flight from Visakhapatnam, its tenth city, marking the airline’s foray into the state of Andhra Pradesh. Akasa Air will offer double daily flights on the Visakhapatnam-Bengaluru route; the second frequency with the added benefit of an early morning option will start from December 12, 2022. This launch to Visakhapatnam, a city playing a key role in India’s aviation growth story, further reiterates Akasa Air’s interest towards enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening important transportation links in our country. The airline’s operations from Visakhapatnam will cater to the increased demand for travel from the city while offering its signature warm and reliable service to passengers on the most affordable fares. Earlier in December, Akasa Air announced the addition of Lucknow as the eleventh destination on its network, with flights connecting the city with Bengaluru and Mumbai, scheduled to commence from December 25, 2022. Since its launch in August this year, Akasa Air has been progressively scaling up its operations and by December end expects to cross over 500 weekly flights on a total of sixteen routes across 11 cities – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Visakhapatnam and Lucknow. With a fleet expansion plan of adding one new aircraft every 15 days, Akasa Air’s fleet size will be 18 aircraft by the end of March 2023 and over the next four years, the airline will add 54 additional aircraft, taking its total fleet size to 72 aircraft.

Goa, 11th Dec 2022: Advancing into the development of airports in India, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mopa International Airport, Goa on 11th December 2022. The foundation stone of the airport was laid by the PM in November 2016. Developed at a cost of around Rs 2,870 crores, the airport has been built on the theme of sustainable infrastructure and comprises a solar power plant, green buildings, LED lights on the runway, rainwater harvesting, state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant with recycling facilities, among other such facilities. Initially, phase I of the Airport will cater to around 4.4 million passengers per annum (MPPA), which can be expanded to a saturation capacity of 33 MPPA. The PM said that this advanced airport terminal is an attempt to return the favour and expressed happiness that the Airport is named after the late Manohar Parrikar. Remarking on the approach towards infrastructural development by the governments in the past, the Prime Minister said that the vote bank had been the first priority instead of the needs and requirements of the citizens. The Prime Minister underlined that thousands of crores were spent on projects that were not even required. As a result, the places that were in dire need of infrastructural development remained neglected. “Goa International Airport is a clear example of this”, he added. Recalling Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government that had initially planned this airport, the Prime Minister lamented the lack of effort after his government was out of power and the project remained abandoned for many years. In 2014, the Prime Minister said that once the Double Engine Government came to the scene, work on the airport gained new momentum and he laid the foundation stone 6 years ago despite legal hurdles and the pandemic, this airport is ready to function today. The airport has the facility to handle about 40 lakh passengers per year which can be scaled up to 3.5 crores in future. Apart from tourism benefits, the presence of two airports has created new opportunities for Goa as a cargo hub. The Prime Minister pointed out that Manohar International Airport is proof of the changed working style and approach to governance. He said before 2014, air travel was an elite affair for well-to-do people. This neglect of the common citizen’s desire for air travel led to low investment in airports and other infrastructure related to air travel and India lagged behind in air travel despite huge potential. The Prime Minister said that in the first 70 years of independence, the number of airports in the country was just 70 and air travel was restricted to big cities. The Government worked on 2 levels, the Prime Minister continued, First, the Airport network was expanded throughout the country. Second, common citizens got the opportunity for air travel via the UDAN scheme. In the last 8 years, 72 airports have been constructed compared to 70 in the 70 years before that. This means that the number of airports has doubled in the country. Furthermore, the number of air passengers rose to more than 14 crores in 2020 (just before the pandemic) compared to just 6 crore passengers in the year 2000. More than 1 crore passengers flew under the UDAN scheme. “Because of these measures, India has become the world’s third-largest aviation market”, he said. Referring to the achievements of the Udaan Yojna, the Prime Minister said that it has the potential to become a case study for the academic world. The Prime Minister also remarked on the changing trend of the middle class checking for air tickets instead of railways even for shorter distances. He remarked that as the network of air connectivity expands in the country, travel by air is fast becoming the go-to means of transportation. The Prime Minister said, “It is true that tourism helps in boosting the soft power of a nation, while as a nation becomes stronger, the world wants to know more about that nation and is attracted towards it.” The Prime Minister further added that if one glances at India’s prosperous history, it was the centre of attraction for the entire world where scholars, travellers, businessmen, industrialists and students would come to India to know more about the land. The Prime Minister also lamented the dark time of slavery faced by India which transformed the image and perspective toward the country even though the culture and traditions remained the same. “India of the 21st Century is New India which is making a mark on the global platform, and as a result, the perspective of the world is changing rapidly”, the Prime Minister remarked. He underlined that the world of today wants to know India and understand its ways. He further added that a lot of foreigners are narrating India’s story on digital platforms. The Prime Minister listed the steps taken to ensure ease of travel and improve the country’s tourism profile in the last 8 years. He talked about easing the visa process, improved visa-on-arrival facilities, modern infrastructure and last-mile connectivity, and accompanying digital, mobile and railway connectivity. These measures have borne results. In 2015 the number of domestic tourists in India was 14 crore. Last year this number increased to about 70 crores, he said. The Prime Minister reiterated that tourism has the biggest potential for employment and self-employment and elaborated upon the steps to improve the tourism infrastructure in Goa. “More than 10 thousand crores have been invested in highway projects in the state since 2014. The traffic problem in Goa is also being addressed. Electrification of the Konkan Railway is also benefiting the state”, he said. The Prime Minister said, apart from increasing connectivity, the government’s focus is also on promoting heritage tourism by improving the upkeep of the monuments, connectivity and related facilities. Shri Modi mentioned the development of the Agoda Jail Complex museum as an example of this effort. He added that modern technology is being used to make the monuments more attractive and the journey to the places