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New Delhi, 6th July 2022: Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry(FICCI) organised a stakeholder workshop for evaluation of Krishi UDAN 2.0. The conference brought together experts from Air Cargo Sector for highlighting the benefits of Krishi UDAN and how domestic air cargo players can work in convergence and creating a seamless transaction across the value chain. The workshop was chaired by Rajiv Bansal, Secretary,MoCA, and was moderated by Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary-MoCA. The Workshop was attended by Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, MoCA, Shri Saurabh Endley, Joint Secretary- MoD North-eastern Region,Ashutosh Dey, Joint Secretary, DONER, Ajay Kumar, CEO, AAICLAS, senior dignitaries from MoCA, AAICLAS, FICCI, MoA&FW, Department of Fisheries, 26 Airport Directors (APDs) across the country and various other stakeholders of Indian Air Cargo Sector. Highlighting the importance of workshop on Krishi UDAN, Shri Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, MoCA said, “Such workshop helps in having a meaningful discussion and act a brainstorming session for new ideas. During the 2 years of Covid-19 Pandemic, there was a great realisation that the cargo can play a major role in sustainable options of Airlines. Our country is a vast country which has diversified agriculture produce, and it is in the interest of the airline and the airport to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products which will lead in creating a sufficient demand for local producers in domestic as well as international market. We (MoCA) are willing to work on some pilot projects with the help of agricultural department and state governments regarding a transport subsidy scheme which will help in faster transportation.” Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary, MoCA, made a presentation on “Krishi UDAN 2.0 Evaluation”, highlighting the achievements, scope, impact on Agriculture industry and future of Krishi UDAN. Performance of the scheme with respect to various airports was also deliberated. It was also informed that 5 new airports namely Belagavi, Jharsuguda, Jabalpur, Darbhanga and Bhopal are to add to the list of existing 53 list of Krishi UDAN airports. With this, 58 airports would be actively participating in Krishi UDAN. Another presentation on domestic and international cargo in India was made by Ajay Kumar, CEO-AAICLAS, which highlighted the growth and impact of AAICLAS on the Agricultural industry and how AAICLAS is helping in Krishi UDAN. A Q&A session was also held after the presentations where various industry players give their suggestions on how to make transportation of agricultural and perishable products better and timely. Krishi UDAN Scheme 1.0 was launched in August 2020, on international and national routes to assist farmers in transporting agricultural products so that it improves their value realization. Improving the scheme further, Krishi UDAN 2.0 which was announced on 27 September 2021 will focus on transporting perishable food products from the hilly areas, north-eastern states, and tribal areas. Source: PIB

New Delhi, 01st July 2022: Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed an Operation & Management agreement for operationalization of five airports owned by the Government of Uttar Pradesh for a period of 30 years.These five airports are Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Muirpur & Shravasti. The agreement was signed by N V Subbarayudu, ED (SIU) on behalf of AAI and Kumar Harsh, Special Secretary, Civil Aviation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh on behalf of the State Government in presence of Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The MoU was exchanged by Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman AAI and SP Goyal Additional Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh. DS Mishra, Chief Secretary of UP, AK Pathak, Member Planning (AAI) were also present. As per the agreement, AAI will operate and manage the airport and provide all necessary services. Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM)services will also be provided by AAI, for which State Government will enter into a separate agreement. Further, Reserved Services will be provided by respective GoI for which GoUP shall enter separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), GoI. AAI will also be responsible for obtaining and maintaining of aerodrome license for these five airports. As per the agreement, Government of UP will complete the initial capital works for making airports ready for commercial operation and hand over all moveable and immovable assets along with relevant approvals, document to AAI for operation & management.Government of Uttar Pradesh will provide dedicated infrastructure for utilities like water, electricity and drainage connection etc. at the airport (to & within). This is the first time AAI is entering into an O&M Agreement with the State Government for Operationalization of State Government owned airports. AAI being the largest airport operator and sole air navigation service provider is committed towards providing air connectivity across the country.

New Delhi; 30th June 2022; Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Defence for Strategic Affairs Ahmed A Aseeri during his visit to India met Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar in New Delhi and discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. The Deputy Minister briefed the Defence Secretary about the 5th meeting of India – Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) that was held on June 29, 2022. The JCDC meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary (Armed Forces)  Dinesh Kumar and Mr Ahmed A Aseeri. During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress made in military-to-military engagements, including joint exercises, expert exchanges and industry cooperation. It was decided to identify new avenues and examine areas of mutual interest for Joint Venture in order to enhance defence industry cooperation. Enhancing the scope and complexities of the existing joint naval exercises and expanding bilateral exercises in other domains were also discussed. It was agreed to hold the next meeting of JCDC in Saudi Arabia on mutually convenient dates in 2023. The JCDC is the apex body between the Defence Ministries of India and Saudi Arabia to comprehensively review & guide all aspects of bilateral defence cooperation. The Deputy Minister also interacted with the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC). A Defence Industry interaction was also organised for the delegation in which a number of Indian defence industries participated. Image: PIB

Mumbai, June 27th, 2022: Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has introduced ‘Integrated Security Check Point’ at Terminal 2 (T2)for domestic and international passengers. For the first time across any of the Indian airports, this unique Integrated security check point would witness all international and domestic passengers departing through T2, undergo common security clearance at Level 04 and move towards the designated e-gates. All the departing passengers then proceed to their respective ‘Security Holding Area’ (SHA). CSMIA has been consistently working towards the adoption of solution-driven processes across the various operations throughout the airport to bring in ease of travel. The Integrated security check point is a testament to CSMIA’s future-ready approach to airport operations and setting a precedent within the Indian aviation space. The unique challenges witnessed at the airport daily require solutions that not just address the task at hand but also seamlessly integrate an enhanced transit experience for the passengers. In this regard, CSMIA identified the opportunity to further streamline the security check-in process for both international and domestic passengers wherein for the first time, both international and domestic passengers come together for security checks at a common security checkpoint. Earlier, security check of both domestic & international passenger was carried out at Level 3 & Level 4 of Terminal 2 respectively. Post integration, both domestic & international passengers will now move through any one set of e-gates installed at 05 different locations at the pre-security check area & will be separated via validation at another set of e-gates installed post-security check. The introduction of the Integrated security check-in point is an opportunity for CSMIA to showcase the operational efficiency that could be brought in across airports through the adoption of transformative initiatives leading to smoother passenger flow and movements. Focusing on bringing in newer technology to further enhance the passenger throughputs, CSMIA has also deployed and installed the Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) at the new Integrated Security Check Point. CSMIA has deployed 13 ATRS – roller & sensor-based machines that are programmed to return luggage trays to the starting point after passengers collect their belongings. The retrieval systems can circulate an average of 350 sanitized trays per hour, which will not only boost the processing time of passenger luggage check but also eliminate any manual intervention of the passenger or the staff. Adding to the overall efficiency of the process of Integrated security, the installation of ATRS will also put an end to passengers’ hassle of waiting & looking around for trays since it will allow continuous circulation of the available trays. Additionally, this technology helps with security clearance of an average of 280 passengers per hour, witnessing a twofold increase from the previous average of 130 pax per hour in the conventional system. ATRS is also being deployed and installed at Terminal 1 for the convenience of passengers departing from the terminal. Due to faster throughput, the passenger will now experience a more relaxed transit through T2 and be able to enjoy more time inside the Security Hold Area (SHA) before they finally board the aircraft.

New Delhi, 23 June 2022: Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines (JAL)have expanded their codeshare operations following Malaysia Airlines’ recent announcement to launch new direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo, Haneda beginning on 14 August 2022. This significant move reaffirmed the strategic Joint Business partnership entered into by both one world Alliance members in July 2020, to better serve the customers and facilitate trade between Malaysia and Japan. Starting 14 August 2022, the codeshare will be expanded to Kuala Lumpur – Haneda route with the introduction of JAL codeshare on the flights operated by Malaysia Airlines. Customers from Malaysia, ASEAN, Australasia, and South Asia flying with Malaysia Airlines to Haneda will be able to book and connect to a greater scope of Japanese domestic destinations, including Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Okinawa and connect further to international destinations within North America. Malaysia Airlines will operate flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Haneda Airport (HND) via MH36 (JL7097) departing KUL at 2:45 pm local time, and MH37 (JL7096) departing HND at 12:25 am local time. The twice-weekly service will be operated by A330-300 aircraft, equipped with 290 seats, comprising 27 seats in Business Class, 16 Economy with extra legroom, and 247 seats in Economy Class. Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines, Captain Izham Ismail, said, “As a national carrier, this expansion signifies a strong relationship and cooperation between the oneworld alliance partners, catalytic to further economy growth, supporting business and trade between the two countries and facilitating the capacity recovery to pre-pandemic levels. This new critical step in our Joint Business partnership with Japan Airlines will allow us to provide seamless connections to our customers, enhanced products and offerings while establishing KUL as a prominent hub in Southeast Asia region for travel into Malaysia and beyond.” We welcome the timely announcement by Japan’s government to open their borders to international tourists starting June on restricted conditions and looking forward to progressive travel restriction relaxation from time to time.” The expanded codeshare will further enhance the customer experience on flights, offering more convenient and flexible itineraries. Customers departing from Haneda to Kuala Lumpur can drop off their baggage five (5) hours before departure at the dedicated ‘Early Check-In’ counter in Haneda Airport after performing kiosk check-in or Web Check-In on JAL or Malaysia Airlines’ website. Additionally, customers departing from Kuala Lumpur to Haneda can continue to enjoy the existing service of early check-in via web or at kiosk and drop off their baggage five (5) hours before departure. These services offered at both airports will allow customers to enjoy last-minute shopping or other activities while they explore the airport prior to departure from both countries. Yuji Akasaka, President of Japan Airlines, said, “We are pleased to strengthen our Joint Business partnership with Malaysia Airlines through this new codeshare operation. As one of the busiest airports in Asia, Haneda is not only conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo but is also a gateway to numerous domestic destinations in Japan and countries around the world. As we head towards a recovery in travel demand, we look forward to working closely with Malaysia Airlines to welcome our passengers with our highest standards in hospitality.” Through shared common best practices and responsibilities, MH and JAL will enhance and complement one another to offer the best travel experience via JAL’s recognised precision in service and offerings, as well as MH’s signature Malaysian Hospitality. MH and JAL are also committed to upholding the best standards in aircraft safety and hygiene protocols to protect their passengers and personnel, in line with the significant shift in consumer expectations on air travel in the new COVID-19 era.

22 June 2022, Budapest, Hungary: The European airline Wizz Air is launching new routes from Dammam, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to Rome, Vienna and Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi route will be operated by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Wizz Air’s joint venture airline with ADQ. Launching in September 2022, the new destinations are the first step towards a growing presence in KSA which will provide point to point travel for tourists and residents in the Kingdom, Europe and the UAE, strengthening global connectivity.The new routes by Wizz Air introduce a new era of travel to the Residents of KSA by unlocking affordable travel opportunities and giving them access to WIZZ’s incredibly low fares. Tickets for all routes are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, with fares starting from 24.99€.* Last month Wizz Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Investment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia supported by the Saudi National Air Connectivity Programme (a Ministry of Tourism initiative) to support the development of the Saudi Tourism Sector. The MoU reflects a shared vision between the parties on the potential Wizz Air could bring to the Kingdom to stimulate tourist demand, thereby making a significant contribution to Saudi Arabia’s planned growth. The new destinations support the growing Saudi Arabian tourism sector, aligning with the Vision 2030 programme, a strategic and ambitious vision to triple passenger traffic in the Kingdom by 2030. The ultra-low-cost routes will boost the burgeoning tourism industry and significantly increase connectivity for residents in Europe and the region, with key strategic government partners collaborating to add to the Saudi aviation ecosystem. Robert Carey, President of Wizz Air, said: “Wizz Air is committed to increasing global connectivity to marvellous destinations with real opportunities for growth and expansion. Saudi Arabia is a very exciting market and our expansion will bring ultra-low cost travel to the Kingdom. Our regular flights to Dammam will provide year-round sun for tourists, and provide a mix of destinations for residents of the Kingdom. We want to thank our partners for their support during the expansion, especially the Air Travel Connectivity Programme, the Ministry of Investment, GACA, the Dammam airport, and the government of Saudi Arabia. The recently signed MoU demonstrates our commitment to supporting travelers to and from Saudi by bringing in a new era of air travel with our ultra-low fares, point-to-point network, and high quality onboard service. Unlocking travel opportunities for everyone is the core of our brand and we will keep delivering on that by granting access to travelers to and from Saudi to our incredibly low fares. The WIZZ team is looking forward to welcoming passengers of all ages onboard our modern, young, and green aircraft soon, and to supporting the 2030 vision.” Khalil Lamrabet, CEO of The Air Connectivity Program, said, “We are delighted to have been able to work with both Wizz Air and Dammam Airport to grow traffic, in particular inbound tourism, from key European markets into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We look forward to the success of these routes and working with both our partners to grow the Wizz Air network into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Fahd bin Sulaiman Al-Harbi, CEO of Dammam Airports Company, said, “We are very happy to welcome Wizz Air flights at King Fahd International Airport. Strengthening the global connectivity of the Kingdom is very important and Dammam Airport Company (DACO) continues to develop new destinations to serve the citizens and residents of the Eastern province. We are ready to welcome tourists and impress them with the beauty of Dammam. ”

Mumbai, June 22, 2022: Vietjet has officially launched four more services linking top destinations of India and Vietnam including Mumbai – Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi routes and New Delhi/Mumbai-Phu Quoc services. The new routes were announced during the visit of Ho Chi Minh City’s leaders in Mumbai as India and Vietnam mark their 50thAnniversary of diplomatic relations. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Phan Thi Thang, Vice Chairwoman of People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, representatives of Consulate General of Vietnam in Mumbai along with Vietjet’s leaders. The Mumbai – Phu Quoc route will operate four weekly flights on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, starting September 9, 2022. The services between New Delhi and Phu Quoc will also commence on September 9, 2022 with three weekly flights on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi – Mumbai routes started operation in early June, 2022. The two countries’ two first direct services connecting New Delhi with Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi resumed operation earlier this year in April with the frequency of three to four flights per week for each route. Passengers can book these routes’ air tickets now with fares starting as low as US$18 for oneway. (*) Nguyen Thanh Son, Vietjet’s Vice President said, “Vietjet’s Vietnam-India’s flight network expansion will boost and strengthen travel connectivity and trade ties between the two countries. We have been the first carrier operating direct services between Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi and its largest city of Ho Chi Minh with India’s capital city New Delhi.” “Vietjet’s flight network covering up to six direct routes between Vietnam and India also mark sa milestone in the two countries’ 50 years of diplomatic relations, since 1972. We will progressively expand the flight connection between the two countries in the coming time while constantly enhancing service quality along with technology adoption to bring our passengers best flying experience,” Mr. Son added. With flight time of just over five hours per leg and diversified flight schedules throughout the week, Vietjet’s direct flights have eased traveling from India to the ‘lands to remember’ of Vietnam including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc. Passengers can now easily connect to Vietnam’s other attractive destinations such as of Ha Long Bay, Da Nang and famous heritage sites in the central region, etc. or quickly transfer across the Southeast and Northeast Asia.Vietnam has lifted the arrival regulations relating to Covid-19 and travelers can enjoy a complete pre-pandemic fashion arrival in Vietnam.

New Delhi, June 07, 2022: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the country’s principal financial institution engaged in the promotion, financing, and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to enlarge the financial outreach and to support MSMEs in Aerospace & Defence (A&D) sector through direct financing. The MoU executed by Shri V. Satya Venkata Rao, Deputy Managing Director, SIDBI and Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, UPEIDA, was, formally exchanged by Shri Prakash Kumar, Chief General Manager, SIDBI. Under the MoU, SIDBI would consider funding financial requirements of MSMEs setting up/ having units in Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) and other industrial areas developed by UPEIDA. The MoU would help MSMEs to set up industrial units in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The key highlights of the arrangement are, a) when any allotment letter(s) for industrial land are issued by UPEIDA, it shall provide details of allottees to SIDBI, b) SIDBI will contact the allottees for their financial needs. On receipt of the duly filled in application, SIDBI will process the same as per guidelines, c) the present arrangement is aimed at development of a strong foundation for MSMEs in the state of Uttar Pradesh, which would attract investment from allottees and accelerate implementation of their projects, and d) UPEIDA and SIDBI shall extend mutual co-operation for various other initiatives being undertaken for the benefit of MSMEs in UPDIC and other industrial areas developed by UPEIDA, which shall include, holding/ participating in outreach events, seminars and webinars for creating awareness among MSMEs about various financial products and initiatives being undertaken by SIDBI, including a dedicated web-portal (defence.sidbi.in), knowledge series for MSMEs in A&D sector, etc. As regards the arrangement with UPEIDA, Shri V. Satya Venkata Rao, Deputy Managing Director, SIDBI said, “SIDBI’s emphasis is on strengthening the MSME eco-system and realizing GoI’s ideology of “Make In India” and making India “Self-reliant”. This arrangement will support MSMEs setting up industrial units in the State of Uttar Pradesh by meeting their credit needs as well as addressing credit-plus requirements, viz, knowledge inputs through dedicated web-portal, literature, events/webinars etc.”

Bengaluru, June 07, 2022: In one of its own innovative concept, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru has introduced the first-of-its-kind AI-driven, assistance robots to enhance passenger experience at BLR Airport. Currently, at the trial stage, 10 robots have been deployed to help guide passengers through the airport and answer basic queries. The robot count will be increased in a calibrated manner and will be further developed over a period in terms of functionality and features, after gauging customer feedback. BLR Airport has partnered with Artiligent Solutions Pvt. Ltd. – specialists in AI and Robotics, to model the robots along with creating a customised passenger services software. The default language of communication will be English, with additional regional and international languagesin the offing. Jayaraj Shanmugam, Chief Operating Officer, BIAL, said that the airportprides itself on being a trendsetter when it comes to blending innovation andproviding a seamless experience to passengers. “Pre-empting passenger requirements and complementing new-age technology with a focused customer-centric team approach has been our winning combination. These smart robots are the latest addition to our offering which shall further boost our concentrated endeavor to provide exceptional customer service.” Rupesh Sawant, Chief Executive Officer, Artiligent said: “Innovative technology is revolutionisingairtravel across the world. Artiligent ideated the AI_PORT concept to develop an enhanced airport experience for travellers. We are proud to associate with BLR Airport, the first airport in India to launch our solution and take a leap in their digital transformation journey.” The robots will provide a variety of services which include providing information on the flight status, passenger convenience services, directional assistance, Retail and F&B information. They shall navigate autonomously through the terminal and escort passengers to their desired locations. If due to any reason, the robot is unable to answer queries, passengers shall be immediately connected tothe ‘Airport Help Desk’ via video call, on the robot screen itself.