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New Delhi: Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong based airline has appointed Rakesh Raicar as the airline’s new Regional General Manager for South Asia, Middle East and Africa (SAMEA).Raicar who has over 30 years of experience working with Cathay Pacific, will take over from his predecessor, Mark Sutch. Based in Mumbai, India, Raicar would be responsible for the growth of the airline’s business and operations in the said regions. Raicar began his career with Cathay Pacific in 1992 and has held several roles through the course of his tenure including Regional Marketing & Sales Manager, South Asia and Country Manager, South Africa and Indian Ocean. His most recent role was General Manager – South West Pacific where he led all aspects of the company’s business for the region. Commenting on the development, Rakesh Raicar said, “My journey with Cathay Pacific has been very enriching. I began with my career with the airline in India and it is a privilege to once again be part of this wonderful team. Cathay Pacific has always seen SAMEA as an important region in the network to grow our passenger and cargo business.” “As an airline with a vision to be one of the world’s greatest service brands, we continue to stay true to our brand ethos and move forward for our customers and partners by offering them a series of enhancements and services across our business verticals.”

New Delhi, 6th April 2022: AirAsia has announced resumption of flights from India to Malaysia and Thailand with few sectors already operational from 1st April onward. In total, six new routes from India to Malaysia include Bengaluru to Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Chennai to Kuala Lumpur (commenced from 1 April 2022), Tiruchirappalli to KL( commenced from 5 April), Kochi – KL commencing 18 April, Kolkata – KL commencing 23 April and Hyderabad – KL commencing from 01 May, 2022. Five new routes launching India to Thailand will include Bengaluru-Bangkok (Don Mueang) commenced on 04th May, Chennai-Bangkok (Don Mueang) on 04th May, Kolkata-Bangkok (Don Mueang)commenced on 02nd May , Kochi-Bangkok (Don Mueang)commenced on 01st May , and Jaipur-Bangkok (Don Mueang) 01st May .Travelers can now fly with ease as quarantine requirements have been lifted. Manoj Dharmani, AirAsia’s Regional Commercial Head for India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh, acknowledged that “AirAsia’s resumption of international flights has been highly anticipated by both the airline and its guests. With Malaysia and Thailand reopening and travel restrictions being lifted, AirAsia will be continually re-introducing international services, starting from April 2022. In this regard, India, Malaysia, and Thailand are countries with significant potential in terms of stimulating tourism and reigniting the economy. We believe that our flight resumption will bring great opportunity and support to the countries’ economic recovery.”

The theme of the summit was “Sustainable Future Growth of Air Cargo-Focus on Gati Shakti Master Plan” 29th March 2022, New Delhi: PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry organized its annual AIR CARGO SUMMIT -2022 with the theme “Sustainable Future Growth of Air Cargo-Focus on Gati Shakti Master Plan”. The summit witnessed participation of the policy makers and industry stalwarts and students. At the summit, Amrit Lal Meena, IAS, Special Secretary, Logistics Division, DPIIT focused on Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) as a tool to ease the process and surmount the challenges of Air Cargo Sector. He further highlighted three issues which need to be addressed in time bound manner. First, to reduce logistic cost second, system and processes to be in place in which ULIP will play an important role as it will facilitate a user with the information and access to all 24 systems as per their convenience and third, the most important is to put user convenience at the top priority. ULIP will ease the process in most of the ways and will be an enabler in increasing visibility and reduction in cost. He emphasised that a framework of resolutions will be prepared to address these issues, if required will take further steps and will solve it in time bound manner. On behalf of MoCA, Piyush Srivastava, Sr. Economic Advisor, MoCA mentioned some of the key ideas under PM Gatishakti master plan. He said that ultimate focus should be on the planning and formulation of policies so that wastage of resources are avoided. PM Gatishkati is a blueprint of Amritkaal with target to develop a multi modal approach in logistics.’ Sabka Prayas’ will empower this program in coming future. He said industry and ministry should join hands to fast forward the implementation f policies. Some of the issues related to cargo lands has also been addressed, he added. In his concluding remarks he suggested that Power Cargo Airports to be developed to become international transshipment hub which is futuristic and inclusive. On policy side, Sudhendu J. Sinha, Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity – Transport and Electric Mobility), Niti Aayog suggested steps for sustainability in the logistic sector. He said that very solid ,logical and precise approach is required to make India’s position globally strong in this sector. Amritkaal is a window available for preparation and to explore every possibility in infrastructure sector. Policies formulated by the government have the vision of alignment to push forward the sectors towards a national goal. He mentioned PM Gatishakti shall be a game changer in infrastructure development as it will provide a digital framework for all the projects under this flagship programme. All details and information are precisely covered under it which will further enhance the performance and transparency of the projects. Vipin Vohra Chair- PHD Civil Aviation Committees with his insightful presentation shared his views on Collaboration and communication, as well as harnessing the most advanced models and technologies, with facilitation and flexibility of rules, will help the sector manage costs and improve efficiencies to keep it sustainable through this difficult time. Though the air cargo industry has demonstrated how resilient and fast-moving it can be when under pressure, the pandemic’s impact has disrupted air cargo flows , while revealing some weaknesses in the global supply and with opportunities for handling and delivering cargo in a different way. To ensure faster revival to previous volumes, the Indian air cargo industry also has to overcome some of the multitude challenges faced globally and also some of the bottlenecks it still faces domestically. This crisis is a critical wake-up call for the India Air cargo industry. Digitization across the sector resulting in a more enterprising industry and end-to-end adaptation of AI & IT tools, to propel this industry into a sustainable & secure future is the need of the hour, he said. Michael Jain, Co-Chair, PHDCCI in his vote of thanks extended his sincere thanks to the Industry stalwarts for gracing the occasion and for always being a constant support in the chambers endeavours. He also expressed sincere thanks to all the Distinguished guests from the Industry for their presence, which has definitely added further value to our summit and also grateful to all the Air Cargo Associations representing the industry for their presence. The enriching perspectives shared by all the eminent dignitaries have truly been enlightening and informative in nature for today’s summit. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHDCCI, talked about that how pandemic while having had a detrimental impact on the air transport industry, has also offered an opportunity for the Industry to rethink their future strategies and operations in a way that shapes a greener & sustainable future. This vital & resilient Air Cargo sector is currently set for a huge transformation and the current need is to adopt sustainable strategies for its future growth. Digital technology adoption, ensuring adequate dedicated freight capacity, implementation of air freight stations, increased stakeholder collaboration, innovation, agility, real-time collaboration, enabling seamless air cargo partner integration and connectivity for efficient and transparent end-to-end operations, along with focus on infrastructure investments are the major prerequisites for the Industry’s resilient and sustainable future growth, he said.

Hyderabad,22 March 2022: The Ministry of Civil Aviation(MOCA) and FICCI are jointly organizing WINGS INDIA 2022 – Asia’s largest event on Civil Aviation (Commercial, General and Business Aviation), providing a congenial forum catering to the rapidly changing dynamics of the sector. It focuses on new business acquisition, investments, policy formation and regional connectivity. It will provide a much-desired fillip to the aviation, and restructured focused forums shall be instrumental in attaining the objective of connecting the Buyers, Sellers, Investors, and other stakeholders at a common vantage forum ‘WINGS INDIA 2022’ from 24th – 27th March 2022, Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, India. Hyderabad being the hub of Aviation, remains the natural host of the event. MOCA is delighted to announce the launch of the next edition of “WINGS INDIA AWARDS 2022” for Excellence in the Civil Aviation Sector. As part of the country’ Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), the theme of the event is “India@75: New Horizon for Aviation Industry”. “WINGS INDIA AWARDS” will be conferred upon the Aviation-related Companies / Institutions / Organizations that have created benchmarks and made notable contributions in the area of Civil Aviation in India. The prestigious Award Ceremony will be organized on Thursday, 25th March 2022, on the side-lines of WINGS INDIA 2022. Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation will be formally inaugurating the event on 25th March, 2022. Several foreign dignitaries, ambassadors, representatives from various sectors of Aviation like Airlines, Airport Operators, Airports Agencies, Civil Aviation Authorities, Consultant, Engineering, Flight/ Simulator Training, Flight Operations / Transportation, Maintenance\Repair & Overhaul Agencies, Pilot / Instructor, Sales, Service or Support etc. will be taking part in the event. In his message for the event, Shri Scindia said “Wings India 2022 epitomizes the Government of India’s commitment to transform India into the world’s top civil aviation hub. I am confident that the forum that Wings India provides, will serve to synchronize policy formation, with concerns of the stakeholders in the civil aviation sector. Hence, it will consequentially bring unprecedented investment and business acquisition opportunities, thereby creating millions of jobs for those looking to enter this industry. Our new Helicopter Policy, Drone Policy, MRO Policy and Flying Training Organization Policy stand as testimony towards our commitment to streamline and promote the entry of Indian industry into opportunities that the Civil Aviation sector has to offer. I look forward to seeing all the stakeholders at Wings India 2022 and celebrating this incredible growth story of the Indian Civil Aviation Sector.” Gen Dr. V.K. Singh (Retd.), Minister of State for Ministry of Civil Aviation has expressed his wishes for the event, “As India continues to emerge towards playing a dominant role globally, its aviation sector cannot be overlooked. This sector acts as a growth multiplier including economic output, jobs and trade enabled through better connectivity and has proved to be one of the largest contributors to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. WINGS INDIA 2022 is Asia’s largest event on Civil Aviation, providing a congenial forum catering to the rapidly changing dynamics of the sector, focusing on new business acquisition, investments, policy formation and regional connectivity. With all measures taken, for India Aviation, “the sky is the limit”. I wish Wings 2022 will be a huge success.” First two days i.e. 24th and 25th March will have different exhibition, discussions, demonstration like Exhibition & Flying Display by SARANG Team (Indian Air Force), roundtable/panel discussion on Helicopter Industry, Business Aviation, Krishi UDAN, Golden Age of Drones, India – US Roundtable with AMCHAM, Drone Demonstration, Inaugural Session: India@75: New Horizon for Aviation Industry, Global CEOs Forum, Wings India Awards 2022 ceremony etc. On 26th and 27th March, 2022, Exhibition & mesmerising Flying Display by SARANG Team (Indian Air Force) will be witnessed and will be open for general public. For other information about event, website https://www.wings-india.co.in can be visited.

At Aviation World we had the brilliant opportunity to catch up with the highly inspirational spiritual Guru- The mentor of Mentors-Guruji Shrii Arnav and what better an opportunity than to have the thoughts of this inspirational leader during the prestigious Wings India. Guruji Shrii Arnav is the mentor of Gemstoneuniverse the world’s largest portal to retail natural Astrological Gemstones Online. He is an Astrologer, Gemologist, Life coach, consultant to the stars, mentor of millionaires and coach to statesmen to business tycoons to sport stars to the who’s who of the world. He is also the author of the magnum opus of Astro Gemology-The Secrets of Jyotish Gems available in 6 languages and released by His Excellency the President of India- Sri Pranab Mukherjee. In this rare opportunity we get the answers to some of the most relevant answers related to the aviation industry as well as Guruji’s Life. AW: Aviation World G: Guruji Shrii Arnav AW: You lead such a high life which must include frequent travel. Which is your preferred airline or business jet that tops your list? Any interesting travel experience if you would like to share with us? G: Well this question brings a fair amount of nostalgia in me. I have travelled in most airlines, private jets and military aircraft etc but my first air travel abroad in 1999 from Delhi to London Via Ashgabat( Turkmenistan) in Turkmenistan Airways remains my most favourite and adventurous flight because of two reasons. First this was an award ticket given to me by Competition Success Review for winning the Mr. Super Brain of India contest 1999 and secondly all money was reward money paid by the organizers or was my own self earned money. I did not have to depend on my parents for that and that made me mighty proud back then. We had a layover at Ashgabat for 4 hours I think and the friends I made back then are still in my life. It was memorable and fun. Besides that time there were not many rules and regulations so it was a lot of fun and excitement. What happened there- That I am not sharing (Smiles) AW: Would you like to share any interesting observations for the aviation sector as our readers will be curious to hear from you? G: Aviation, Travel and Tourism and hospitality business has been badly hit due to the COVID pandemic for the last two years, however I see a tremendous turnaround starting December 2022 or January 2023 and that resurgence will be led by Asia. A new normal has been set, people are now accustomed to the new safety norms and the world, life and business has to go on. The worst is over. I also see change in duty free shopping patterns, cross alliances and new offerings. All that augurs well for the end customer. I am also happy that the Maharaja has returned back home. AW: Your book “The secrets of Jyotish Gems” has been highly acclaimed and is rated as the bestseller. How can one relate with the inputs of the book and enhance their thought process. How Guruji Shrii Arnav feels when he is being called as the ‘Father of Astro Gemology’? G: India is the land that has gifted the world Sacred Astrology and Healing Gemstones. The power of Gemstones is well known by Asian people who wear them for health, wealth, success and a better life. The secrets of Jyotish Gems was not a planned book and it happened by sheer serendipity. A chance meeting with Mr. Narendra Kumar-The founder Chairman of Haranand Publications in Delhi led to me sending some chapters that were stored in my hard drive. He then further asked for all chapters and then 3 months later I got a congratulatory call from him saying that my book was published and was listed at Amazon. I have to give credit to him that he published the book without a single edit and furthermore such was the response that it is available in 6 languages and being translated in 8 additional languages. What I can say about the book that it is a pure fundamental text that just speaks about the Indian System of gem Therapy and if used well by the aspirant can make one into an expert and deliver solid value to people. It is very humbling for me when I am referred to as the Father of Astro Gemology but I do sleep well because I think me and my team has done a good job in the last 2 and half decades. We were awarded the copyright for the term Jyotish Gemstones Therapy ™ by the Government of India and have over a million documented case studies of success with Astrology and Gem Therapy. That we could add a bit of glory and shine to these hallowed sciences given by our great rishis (Sages) is an absolute honour and breaks the general perception of what and how Astrology is practiced generally. AW: Guruji the Humans of Gemstoneuniverse program has become a rage featuring powerful information by you, live spiritual practices and kriyas, and mindfulness sessions with participation of superstars of the likes of Nick Bolletieri the Legendary Tennis coach to Lennox Louis the last undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world and Former President of Mexico Vicente Fox etc. Please tell us more about it. G: I am glad you asked. The Humans of Gemstoneuniverse is a program that is all about human beings, their emotions, their highs and lows and most importantly how an individual pivoted to overcome a particularly difficult or a stressful situation. It gives hope backed by cutting edge information and real human experience shares that makes it so relatable and valuable. I started my professional consultancy way back in 1995 and 26 years henceforth we at Gemstoneuniverse are privileged that we have had millions of experiences shared with us that we now want to share for human good. I personally believe

New Delhi, 4th March 2022: In a recent development, Jet Airways lead by Jalan Kalrock Consortium appoints Sanjiv Kapoor as its Chief Executive Officer. Sanjiv will join office from 4th April 2022 onwards. At present, he is the President of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Prior to joining the Oberoi Group, Sanjiv was the Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer at Vistara from 2016 until 2019. During Sanjiv’s tenure, the airline grew from 9 aircraft and 40 flights a day to 38 aircraft and over 200 flights a day. All of Vistara’s revenue generating and customer facing functions, as well as strategy, network planning, marketing, loyalty, inflight services, ground services, and product development reported up to him. Murari Lal Jalan, Lead Partner of the Jalan-Kalrock Consortium and proposed Non-Executive Chairman of Jet Airways said, “I am happy to have Sanjiv join our team. Sanjiv is a people’s person and has all qualities of a great leader. I am certain he will be able to lead Jet Airways and make it become the most preferred full-service carrier of India. Sanjiv is a seasoned aviation professional who has the right blend and demeanour to stitch a team together.” Speaking on his appointment Sanjiv Kapoor said, “I am looking forward to getting back to aviation, an industry I am passionate about, with Jet Airways, one of the warmest, classiest and most loved brands to have graced Indian aviation. Even though Jet Airways has been out of operation for three years, it still has a large fan base of loyal customers who miss it every day and can’t wait for it to take to the skies again. Working together with a very strong team of experienced aviation professionals that is being put together by the Jalan-Kalrock Consortium, I look forward to leading the charge in rebuilding Jet Airways into the most preferred customer-oriented airline once again, a people-focused airline for the digital age.”

Agreement also includes GE90 engines for Boeing 777 Freighters and GE True Choice services Delhi, 7th February 2022: Qatar Airways has announced a new order for GE9X engines as part of its global launch order of up to 50 Boeing 777-8 Freighters. The commitment includes 34 firm 777-8 orders and an additional 16 purchase right options, also includes GE90 engines for an additional order of two Boeing 777 Freighters. The total value of the order with GE is more than U.S.$6.8 billion list price, including spare engines, a new order for GE90-115B engines, and a TrueChoice services agreement to cover the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the engines. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “With our status as the world’s largest air freight carrier, Qatar Airways has ambitious plans for the future of its cargo operations. As operators of the Boeing 777 family, including the global launch customer of Boeing’s 777-8 Freighter aircraft, we are delighted to have GE as our partners and these contracts for GE engines further cement the strong relationship between Qatar Airways and GE. We are confident that Qatar Airways’ focus to drive towards a sustainable future will be very much supported by the efficiency of the GE9X engines.” “GE Aviation has great history and proven track record of powering freighter-dedicated aircraft,” said GE Aviation CEO John Slattery. “We are proud to continue building our relationship with Qatar Airways and play a significant role in their growth with this order of Boeing 777-8 Freighter and 777 Freighter aircraft.” The GE9X engine helps meet GE Aviation’s commitment to a more sustainable aviation industry by introducing the latest generations of heat-resistant Ceramic Matrix Composites materials, additively-manufactured parts and lean burn combustion that help improve fuel efficiency. It is the world’s most powerful and most fuel-efficient turbofan. The GE9X offers the lowest NOx emissions in its class[ii], and is the quietest GE engine ever produced[iii]. Like all GE commercial engines, both the GE9X and GE90 are compatible with any approved Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Incorporating a suite of propulsion technologies unique to GE, the GE9X offers up to 10 percent lower specific fuel consumption compared to the engine it replaces. It builds on the heritage of the pioneering GE90 engine and offers a combination of power and efficiency unmatched in the freighter market.

New Delhi; 27 JAN 2022: The Air India strategic disinvestment transaction has been completed today with Government receiving a consideration of Rs 2,700 crore from the Strategic Partner (M/s Talace Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of M/s Tata Sons Pvt Ltd), retaining debt of Rs 15,300 crore in Air India and AIXL and transferring shares of Air India (100% shares of Air India and its subsidiary AIXL and 50% shares of AISATS) to the Strategic Partner. It is pertinent to mention that following Government’s approval of the highest price bid of M/s Talace Pvt Ltd for strategic disinvestment of Air India, the Letter of Intent was issued to the winning bidder on 11 October 2021. The Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) was signed on 25 October, 2021. Thereafter, Strategic Partner (M/s Talace Pvt Ltd), Air India and the Government worked towards satisfying a set of conditions precedent defined in the SPA including approvals from anti-trust bodies, regulators, lenders, third parties, etc. These conditions have since been met to mutual satisfaction.

New Delhi, 21st January 2022: Amid the 5G row in the various key airports of United States, the Indian national carrier Air India today said it has resumed six India-US flights on Boeing B777 aircraft after getting Boeing’s go ahead to operate them following technical clearance by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airline also announced that all flights to the US would normalise from today onwards. Earlier this week, many airlines across the world including Air India had to cancel flights to US due to deployment of 5G internet in North America citing safety clause related to interfere with aircraft’s radio altimeters. In the recent release, US aviation regulator FAA, in a fresh directive said that radio altimeters fitted in certain types of aircraft, including B777, will not be affected by 5G services. Subsequently, an Air India spokesperson informed media that Boeing has cleared the national carrier to operate to the US on B777 aircraft.Accordingly, first flight left this morning to JFK (New York). Other flights leaving in the day are to Chicago and SFO (San Francisco). Arrangements to carry stranded passengers are being worked out. Matter regarding B777 flying into the US has been sorted. The Air India flights that have resumed their operations from Thursday are Delhi-New York, New York-Delhi, Delhi-Chicago, Chicago-Delhi, Delhi-San Francisco and San Francisco-Delhi. Along with these six flights, two other flights — Mumbai-Newark and Newark-Mumbai — were cancelled by Air India on Wednesday. The FAA had on January 14 said 5G interference with the aircraft’s altimeter could prevent engine and braking systems from transitioning to landing mode, which could prevent an aircraft from stopping on the runway.