Airlines / Aviation
DGCA slaps Rs 10 lakh fine on Air India Express
The DGCA has fined Air India Express Rs 10 lakh for not paying compensation to passengers of cancelled flights. During an inspection, the airline was found to have violated norms concerning compensation. A subsequent show cause notice revealed non-compliance, leading to the penalty.
UN aviation watchdog auditing India’s security readiness
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has commenced a nine-day audit of India's aviation security, focusing on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) at Delhi and Kolkata airports. This audit, involving a dozen experts from 10 countries, will assess India’s compliance with global security standards, including regulatory frameworks and operational procedures. The ICAO's last audit in 2018 raised concerns about BCAS's autonomy, a point India has since addressed with recent legislative changes.
Air India adds 7 regional languages to improve customer support service
Air India added seven new languages, including Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Malayalam, to its IVR system. The system now automatically recognizes the customer's language from their mobile network, reducing response time. Air India also set up five new contact centers providing round-the-clock support, with special Indian language services available daily from 8 am to 11 pm.
Cathay Cargo seeks more liberal aviation policy, eyes wider India footprint
Cathay Cargo aimed to expand its presence in India by urging for policy updates to permit co-terminalisation rights, which would enable serving multiple cities with the same aircraft. Operating in India since 1953, Cathay Pacific sought to enhance cargo transport efficiency in collaboration with IndiGo and other Indian carriers.
IndiGo offers flyer Rs 2,450 for missing bag worth Rs 45,000. Passenger wonders 'if the plane was leaking bags'
An IndiGo passenger expressed dissatisfaction with the airline's minimal compensation of ₹2,450 for a lost bag containing valuables worth ₹45,000. The issue was highlighted on social media. The passenger's bag didn't arrive at Guwahati Airport after being checked in at Kolkata. This offer fell short compared to the actual loss incurred.
Cathay Cargo keen to grow biz in India, wants 'coterminalisation' of freighter planes
Cathay Cargo sought permission to expand operations in India by co-terminating flights under the open sky policy. The company focused on India's robust economic growth, enhancements in infrastructure, and rising exports in sectors like pharmaceuticals, auto components, and electronics to justify this expansion strategy, reflecting a strong belief in the market's potential.
Akasa aims to be profitable in 3 years, tech to play a key role: CEO Vinay Dube
Vinay Dube launched Akasa Air amid the COVID-19 crisis, capitalizing on reduced aircraft rentals and increased availability of pilots. Although it incurred losses over Rs 2,400 crore, the airline expects profitability within three years and plans a public listing by 2028. Investment in technology and favorable investor interest drive its ambitious expansion strategy.
IndiGo eyes gender-neutral 'Mx' option for internal candidates
IndiGo considered adding 'Mx' as a gender-neutral honorific for internal candidates to promote inclusivity. The airline implemented programs to support the LGBTQ+ community, including referral programs and medical benefits like gender reassignment surgery. The airline hired many LGBTQ+ individuals and planned to double its number of employees with disabilities next financial year.
Vistara-Air India Merger: Final FDI approval expected soon, merger likely after Diwali
Vistara's merger into Air India is all set to secure Singapore Airlines' FDI approval for a 25.1% stake. With Tata Group retaining 74.9%, the merger is set to occur around November 1 to sidestep potential travel disruptions during the festive season.
DGCA fines Air India Rs 90 lakh for operating flight with unqualified crew
The DGCA fined Air India ₹90 lakh after the airline operated a flight from Mumbai to Riyadh on July 9 with an unqualified crew. The airline's Director of Operations and Director of Training were also penalized ₹6 lakh and ₹3 lakh, respectively, for regulatory violations and safety issues revealed through an investigation.
Must Watch
Indigo bags 'Award of Honour' at Indo-US Tourism and Hospitality Summit
Indigo has received the 'Award of Honour' at the Indo-US Tourism and Hospitality Summit for its significant role in the Indian aviation sector. IndiGo's Head of Global Sales, Vinay Malhotra, accepted the award from Attorney General R Venkataramani in New Delhi. The Summit, organized by the Indian American Chamber of Commerce, recognizes efforts in promoting travel and tourism.
Aviation Ministry may call industry meeting over rising airfares: Report
The aviation ministry may soon call an industry meeting due to concerns about rising airfares, reported ET Now, citing sources on Friday. The government is also not in favour of capping fares at the moment, the report said.
Air India operated flights with 'non-qualified' pilots, faces near ₹1 crore fine by DGCA
DGCA Air India Fine: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) imposed a financial penalty of Rs 98 lakh on Tata-owned Air India for operating flights with non-qualified crew members. The incident revealed multiple regulatory violations. Earlier in March, the airline was fined Rs 80 lakh for violating pilot rest period rules.
Go First bankers hire Burford Capital for litigation against Pratt & Whitney
Lenders to the bankrupt airline Go First have enlisted Burford Capital, a US-based litigation finance firm, to support their arbitration case against engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. The creditors committee has approved a first tranche payment of $20 million from Burford. Go First is claiming $1.5 billion in compensation at the Singapore Court of Arbitration, attributing its bankruptcy to Pratt & Whitney’s engine failures. Although litigation finance is common in parts of the world, it remains relatively unknown in India. Go First owes around ₹4,000 crore to major banks, while also holding a valuable land parcel as collateral.
Air India announced additional flights to Kolkata to cater to festive rush
Air India has announced additional flights to Kolkata from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai during the Durga Puja season to meet rising travel demand. These flights are introduced to offer travelers more convenience and seamless connections via major hubs to various international destinations including the United States, Canada, UK, and Australia.
Govt to provide viability gap funding for seaplane operations: Civil Aviation Minister Naidu
Naidu told reporters that some states, including Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, have expressed interest to participate in seaplane operations. Demo flights of seaplanes will be done in October starting with Vijayawada, he said. The seaplane operations are being promoted under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).
