Salaam goaSalaam goaAviation, Travel and Tourism news from India. Articles
TPG Capital eyes stake in IndiGo
2007-08-21 12:34:00 Leading global private equity fund TPG Capital (formerly Texas Pacific) is in talks with budget carrier IndiGo to pick up a 10-15 per cent stake in the airline. Top executives of the airlines have started negotiations and the deal is expected to happen in the next few months, according to investment banking sources. "IndiGo is considering dilution of promoters? equity and are is in talks with TPG for a possible sale of shares," a source said. When contacted, Rahul Bhatia, managing director of InterGlobe Interprises, which owns the airline, said that the company was not looking at any dilution of promoters? equity. "We do not have any plans to dilute equity. We have enough funds to take care of the future requirements of the airline," he said. InterGlobe Enterprises and the former president and chief executive officer of US Airways, Rakesh Gangwal, had jointly promoted IndiGo. However, sources close to TPG said that that the private equity firm is exploring investment opportunities i... More About: Eyes , Indigo
Ethiopian Airlines to launch new flights to India
2007-08-21 12:30:00 New flights are expected to be launched by Ethiopian Airlines which will tap into the growing markets in China and India , says Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Girma Wake. Mr Girma announced that the airline was considering increasing the number of weekly flights to China from 11 to 14, along with plans to make Addis Ababa its gateway to Africa. Last week, the airline estimated a 106% increase in pretax profits for 2007 ? 2008 to 448 million birr (USD 49.3 million). Despite the rising competition in the region from other foreign carriers such as Emirates, British Airways and KLM, Girma has remained supportive of Ethiopia?s ?open skies? policy. "Despite their entry, our (revenue) growth has been in the region of 20-25 percent. Small African carriers should learn that there are very few African countries whose home traffic is big enough," he said. Mr Girma also believed that Ethiopian Airlines would look to the Far East to increase its growth in the future rather than the U.S or E... More About: Flights , Launch
Jet Airways trying to shape up JetLite
2007-08-21 12:26:00 Jet Airways is facing a tough time to turn around Air Sahara, after acquiring it for $340 million around three months back. While a part of the difficulties lies in the poor condition of Air Sahara?s fleet, a different work culture of Sahara employees is only adding to the problems, according to Garry Kingshott, CEO of JetLite (new name of Air Sahara). For Kingshott, the primary focus is on issues like revamping the condition of poorly kept fleet and jets grounded for years and make employees fit into Jet Airways? vision of a professionally-managed airline. And, Kingshott?s problems only increased with aviation ministry?s finding last month that JetLite had the maximum number of delayed flights. To deal with all these and put the airline back on track, the Australian CEO has charted out a turnaround roadmap and started working towards this goal. To start with, JetLite has retained only 2,300 of Air Sahara?s 4,100 employees who it felt could fit into Jet?s vision of ontime passenger-... More About: Shape , Jet Airways
New civil aviation requirements for disabled passengers
2007-08-21 12:18:00 The Office of the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued new civil aviation requirements for disabled passengers that are scheduled to come into effect from Wednesday. According to the new requirements, "no airline shall refuse to carry physically challenged or incapacitated persons or persons with disabilities," as long as they "do not pose a threat" to the safety of other passengers or the evacuation procedure for the aircraft. Airlines will also not be permitted to limit the "number or types" of disabled passengers on a particular flight, except "where required for operational reasons." The procedure for limiting disabled passengers will also be documented. Airlines will now also have to run "sensitisation and developing awareness" training programmes for staff. There have been increasing calls from rights groups for clearer guidelines on the transportation requirements of disabled passengers following the prevention of Rajeev Rajan a cerebral palsy patient and a... More About: Disabled , Passengers , Bled
Mihin Lanka unveils flights to Buddhagaya
2007-08-21 12:15:00 Mihin Lanka will expand its route map to Buddhagaya, India. The low cost carrier will launch a new non-stop service between Colombo and Gaya international airport from September 2. The route will be served by an Airbus A320 in economy and premium economy. The new service to Buddhagaya comes as a result of Mihin Lanka?s philosophy, "Where new doors of opportunity to the people to explore and experience the wonders of the world." Buddhagaya emerged as Mihin Lanka?s sixth destination for giving travellers access to low fares and unique onboard services. New route will be ideal for pilgrims and holidaymakers around the world. "We are excited to expand to Buddhagaya, one of the holiest places of Buddhism and bringing our growing network to the Indian State of Bihar," said head of commercial for Mihin Lanka Sugath Rajapakse. Gaya becomes third Indian city to be served from Colombo following launch of flights to India two months ago. Mihin Lanka will offer one round trip flight on Sunday t... More About: Flights , Veil
Kingfisher Airlines to paint Air Deccan red
2007-08-21 12:09:00 In the next few months Air Deccan will become synonymous with its parent Kingfisher Airlines . Its entire aircraft fleet, livery, cabin crew and the ground handling infrastructure would be in colour red (against the current light blue) to bear a close resemblance with the existing format of Kingfisher Airlines. According to a source in the airline industry, the Air Deccan name would be retained, but its bare hand logo will be replaced by the logo of Kingfisher (bird). Additionally, the flying horse logo of the UB Group would don all Air Deccan aircraft. The brand Air Deccan would also be re-written in red against white background. "These changes are part of our marketing research exercise which has shown that brand Air Deccan had tremendous recall in the economy class air traveller. However, except the name, all the existing infrastructure of Air Deccan would be changed to be in line with the Kingfisher Airlines format, which is perceived as a premium carrier," sources said. A Kingfi... More About: Paint , Fisher
YouTube.com showcases India's tourism potential
2007-08-21 11:56:00 The Tourism Ministry has tied up with the Google's video-sharing platform, YouTube.com to showcase the country's tourism potential. The Ministry, known worldwide for its "Incredible India" campaign, have made promotional videos available to the YouTube, the eighth most trafficked website. From the Himalayas to the sun kissed beaches of Goa, or the boat ride in the backwaters of Kerala are now just a click away. Launching the videos on the YouTube, Tourism Secretary Shilabhadra Banerjee said the venture would help boost India's image aboard. "This is to maximise the reach of the Incredible India campaign worldwide. It is important to not only project what India was and what India is today, but what attractions it holds for the people of the world. I think it is an excellent example of using technology for projecting India's image abroad," Banerjee said. At present 18 film and other videos have been uploaded on the site. Shailesh Rao, Managing Director, Google India said the arran... More About: Youtube , Tent
Air Deccan to phase out old ATR aircraft
2007-08-14 07:21:00 As part of the plan to phase out older ATR aircraft and replace them with new generation ATR 72-500 fleet to achieve overall efficiency, Air Deccan has returned two older 48 seat ATR 42-320 aircraft. As a start up airline in August 2003, Air Deccan had to rely on a small fleet of old ATR aircraft, ATR 42-320 and ATR 42-500 as these had lower lease rentals, were affordable, and well suited for non-metro routes. The airline?s rapid growth in terms of operations, network, and passengers has led to induction of new aircraft. The new aircraft consist of the brand new 180 seat Airbus A320 aircraft and the latest generation turboprop, ATR 72-500 aircraft.Air Deccan now has a fleet of 43 aircraft comprising 20 brand new Airbus and 12 brand new ATR 72 aircraft. The new aircraft have been credited with increased cost optimization and time efficiency. It was found that the older ATRs (42?500 and 42 -320) used by the airline were plagued with incessant technical snags and maintenance issues. Ch... More About: Aircraft , Phase , Hase
Etihad Airways to increase flights to India
2007-08-14 07:14:00 Etihad Airway s is to increase its flying programme by 21 per cent at the end of October when the airline will also bid to attract more travellers with the introduction of new flight timings to improve connecting services. The Abu Dhabi-based airline will boost its weekly flights from 564 to 716 for the global aviation industry's winter season which starts on 28 October with most of the increases set to take-off in the GCC, Europe and the India n subcontinent. The extra flights will improve 17 routes across Etihad's global network including Bahrain, which doubles from 14 to 28 flights a week and Muscat jumps from seven to 21 flights a week. Etihad's strong network across the Middle East will be strengthened further with increases on routes to Doha, from seven to 14 flights a week, Amman from six to daily and Damascus from five to daily. Etihad flights to Frankfurt will increase from seven to 10 a week, Geneva moves from three to four flights a week, Dublin goes from four to six fli... More About: Flights , Ease , Airways
Wipro set to enter JV with Boeing for MRO
2007-08-14 07:01:00 Wipro Technologies is shoring up opportunities in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) business with the US-based Aviation major Boeing . Wipro Technologies will be providing software tools and technological support to carry out an array of aircraft checks and maintenance programs in Boeings MRO facility, which is slated to come up in Nagpur, Maharashtra. "We will make an entry into MRO space. That's the space for which we are going to consolidate all our strengths in Wipro now," said Partha Sarthi Guha Patra, Vice President Strategic Initiatives and Offset Programs. Boeing has already signed an MOU with the national carrier Air India to develop an airframe MRO. The JV of Air India and Boeing is also on a lookout for another partner with hardcore with MRO experience.Boeing has announced to invest 100 million dollar into the Nagpur MRO facility in India. "25 per cent of 100 million dollar will go in setting up IT services applications. That's the piece we are looking at," says ... More About: Enter , Wipro
Air India aims for 200 strong fleet
2007-08-14 06:56:00 Air India is aiming for a fleet strength of 200 aircraft in order to match its peers such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, British Airways and Emirates. The merged Air India-Indian entity is presently in the process of acquiring 111 Boeing and Airbus aircraft which will take its fleet strength to 140 after phasing out some of its old aircraft by 2011. Even as this project is underway, the airline is now mulling an acquisition of 60 more aircraft from Boeing and Airbus which will make its fleet 200-aircraft strong. This is to support its ambitious plan to create a European hub, start more non-stop flights to the US and Canada besides new destinations like Australia, Switzerland, Sao Paulo and more destinations in the SAARC region. Air India's Board is expected to take a decision on acquiring more aircraft by September which would then be put up before the government for approval, Air India Chairman V Thulasidas said. The airline recently started a non-stop daily flight from Mumbai ... More About: Strong , Fleet , Leet
Jet Airways Cargo targets Irish market
2007-08-14 06:54:00 Jet Airway s Cargo has introduced an overnight express road feeder to all major airports in Ireland. Following the introduction of a route from London to Mumbai, the Indian carrier is now able to offer customers the option to transfer cargo to various destinations in Ireland. Consequently, Jet Airways has employed International Airline Market ing (IAM) to act as sales agent in the region. "Jet Airways is still a relatively unknown quantity here, but we aim to change that. This is a quality carrier with a very young fleet and a determination to make its mark," said Ian McCool, managing director of IAM. More About: Irish
Air India and Jet Airways turn heat on Delta
2007-08-14 06:52:00 Intense competition by India n carriers Air-India and Jet Airway s in the Mumbai-New York sector has forced established US carrier Delta Air Lines woo business-class passengers by offering complimentary helicopter rides. Air-India started its daily non-stop service to New York (JFK) on August 1, and private carrier Jet Airways began its daily Mumbai-New York (Newark) service with a stopover at Brussels from August 5. They are aggressively wooing passengers by offering introductory fares as well as brand new airplanes saddled with added comforts and the latest in-flight amenities. Expecting a drop in passenger numbers, Delta has launched its complimentary helicopter service for BusinessElite customers. This is the same class as Air India's Business Class and Jet's Premier Class. This service is available between heliports in downtown Manhattan or at 34th Street and John F Kennedy International Airport on a non-stop ticket between New York and Mumbai. Passengers flying from Mumbai wil... More About: Heat , Turn
Air Arabia adds new security layer to online bookings
2007-08-14 06:48:00 In an effort to deter identity theft, Air Arab ia said it is adding new security measures to its online booking system. The airline will begin requiring customers to include the PIN code while booking tickets on its website as an extra security measure, the company said. The use of stolen credit cards to purchase plane tickets is a small but thorny problem for airlines, which absorb the fraudulent bookings as a loss. Currently, many airlines allow customers to purchase tickets using their credit card or ATM cards on behalf of another person. This capability has been exploited by identity thieves, who purchase tickets using someone else's stolen card. In the Indian subcontinent, Air Arabia requires ticket holders to present the credit card at the airport. In Sri Lanka, this effectively cut the number of illegally purchased tickets down to zero, according to airline officials. While the airline said the number of fraudulent tickets bought by identity thieves each year is in the hundre... More About: Security , Online , Layer
India plans air services pact with Latin American, African nations
2007-08-14 06:45:00 Air travel to Chile, Mexico and Libya is likely to become easier with the government planning to have bilateral air service agreements with these countries. Talks are in line with the government?s aim to have direct link with all countries. "We have received proposals from these countries and are currently negotiating the terms with them. India already has air service agreements with 105 countries including the US, the UK and countries in Europe and the Middle East. We hope to have more such agreements," a senior official of the ministry of civil aviation said. "We would soon meet civil aviation authorities in the nations concerned to further discuss the agreement," he added. When contacted, a Mexican government official said, "We are pursuing a bilateral air service agreement with the Indian government. The talks are at a preliminary stage now." India maintains an open sky policy with other countries for all cargo services without any restriction. A bilateral air service agreement ... More About: Services , Nations , Latin , American
Air India reduces fare on Mumbai-New York flight
2007-08-14 06:41:00 Competition is taking its toll on Air India but passengers have reason to rejoice. Air India has been forced to drop its fares substantially for all classes of its non-stop Mumbai -New York flight, within first week of launching the service (first by an Indian carrier). In a price-sensitive market, lower fares offered by airlines like Delta, and Jet (while Delta offers a non-stop service, Jet offers the service with a stopover in Europe) have proved to be a bigger pull than the ?unprecedented' comfort promised by AI on its mint fresh long-range jets. AI has reduced economy class fares by Rs 4,000 to Rs 50,700. But the business and first class tickets have taken the biggest hits in the range of Rs 66,000 to Rs 90,000. A business class ticket now costs Rs 1.59 lakh, instead of Rs 2.25 lakh. And flying first class will now cost Rs 3.6 lakh, instead of Rs 4.5 lakh. The first flight of the 238-seater Boeing 777 LR on August 1 took off from Mumbai with just 80 passengers. Over the week, t... More About: Flight
Thiruvananthapuram Airport gets fire fighting and rescue vehicles
2007-08-14 06:39:00 The Airport s Authority of India (AAI) has procured two Airfield Fire Fighting and Rescue Vehicles from Austria as part of modernising its fire station functioning on the premises of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The two modern vehicles that were shipped from Rosenbauer in Austria, was brought to the AAI?s fire station on a trailer by road from Mumbai. Costing over Rs.1.5 crore each, the vehicles are equipped to tackle all types of aircraft crashes efficiently. The vehicles will be formally inducted on Monday. The personnel who arrived from the manufacturing unit in Austria are providing training to the AAI fire and rescue service personnel in batches here to handle the newly procured vehicles. The vehicles are among the 15 being imported from Austria by the AAI to handle any exigencies in the airport. The vehicles are fully equipped to take care of the safety of the aircraft and passengers, Airport Director K. Natarajan said. The premier airport of the State will be...
Dwell-time at Indian airports may be reduced
2007-08-14 06:37:00 A group of senior government officials will meet on August 16 to discuss how to prevent airports from becoming waiting halls for passengers and cargo. The Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG), comprising officials from the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Home, Commerce and Finance, Customs and Immigration departments, Planning Commission and Airports Authority of India, has already recommended reduction in check-in time for international flights from three to two hours. On the passenger side, the IMG has suggested increase in the number of counters for check-in, immigration, security and baggage conveyor belts, besides the use of Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE), official sources said. The second meeting on August 16 is likely to take stock of security aspects of the entire gamut of issues and seek the industry views, the sources said. As per standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the dwell-time for passengers is 90 minutes for departure and 45 minutes for ... More About: Indian , Time , Ports , Well
Air India and Indian yet to integrate systems
2007-08-14 06:33:00 Air India and Indian continue to operate as two entities despite their recent merger, with separate reservation systems and codes. The merged entity, National Aviation Company (NACL), is handling operations under the banner of NACL-AI and NACL-I for the two businesses respectively. The merged entity also continues to operate two codes even though globally, airlines use only one code. "It will take at least six months for the integration and till then, the entity will operate like two airlines," a senior civil aviation ministry official said. However, industry estimates indicate that the process could take longer. It could be anywhere between 18 and 24 months, they said. Integration of IT systems is considered a significant aspect of airline mergers. Not linking the two booking engines means that marketing efforts are not fully integrated. For customers, it means no assurance of seamless connectivity. "Both of us (Air India and Indian) use different ticketing systems. While we use IB... More About: Systems , Rate , Stem
Ritu Beri to design uniforms for Air India
2007-08-14 06:30:00 Eminent India n fashion designer Ritu Beri has been roped in by national carrier Air India to design the new uniform for its cabin crew and ground staff. The national carrier, which has been formed by merging Air India and Indian, has gone in for a complete makeover to reflect its aspiration to be a "powerful" global entity. The colour palette of the uniform is red, orange, black and white, with red standing for strength and orange for cultural roots. The design of the new uniforms draw inspiration from the Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa, yet maintains a modern outlook. The colour palette of the uniform is red, orange, black and white, with red standing for strength and orange for cultural roots. "The endeavour is to combine our rich Indian colours and motifs from the Sun Temple with the powerful and more modern combination of black and white in the borders," a statement from Air India said. The uniform for the female employees, both ground staff and cabin crew, would include sarees,... More About: Design , Uniforms
Regional airlines to get fuel and landing subsidies
2007-08-11 08:51:00 The government on Thursday notified separate norms and incentives for regional airlines aimed at providing better air connectivity in remote areas and small towns. According to the notification, new airline companies will undertake operations between airports of any of the four regions ? north, south, west and east/north-east. "Airline companies can initially start operations with one aircraft but within one year they must have a fleet of three. In two years from start of operation, they need to have five aircraft," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said. Norms to give better connectivity to small towns, remote areasA separate category of operator permit ? Scheduled Operator Permit for Regional Airlines ? will be given to such airlines. These airline companies should have a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 30 crore for operating bigger jets, while airlines operating turboprops should have a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 12 crore."On grounds of operational and commercial exigencies,... More About: Fuel , Dies , Subs
Jet Airways starts Delhi-Toronto flight
2007-08-11 08:49:00 Expanding its wings further to overseas destinations, private carrier Jet Airway s said it planned to start daily flights from Delhi to New York's JFK Airport as well as to South Africa by this winter."By the end of October or early November daily flights from Delhi to JFK Airport will start," Jet Airways Executive Director Saroj Datta said. "We also intend to start flights to east coast of US from Chennai or Bangalore," he said, adding the carrier would also start flights to Johannesburg by this winter. The airline today announced the launch of its new flight linking Delhi with Toronto via Brussels, five times a week. The carrier will operate flights to Toronto with an Airbus 330-200 aircraft and has offered an inaugural return fare for economy class at Rs 35,000, while for the premiere class the return fare starts at Rs 1,57,500 (excluding taxes). Jet, which went for image makeover with a new logo, has also given its crew a new look with uniforms designed by Italian designer Rober... More About: Flight
Errant airlines risk losing slots
2007-08-11 08:47:00 The aviation ministry has issued stern warning to airlines whose flights get unduly delayed. Both JetLite and Air Deccan ? found to be slack ? operate from the nearly choked Terminal-1B. On the other hand, "good performers" operate from the spacious Terminal-1A where queues for everything ? baggage X-ray, check-in, security and boarding ? are much shorter, an official pointed out. The aviation ministry is going to call airlines for a meeting on this issue once it gets a report from Mumbai where a similar study is under way. "We will tell the operators in no uncertain terms that if they don't improve their ontime performance, they may be moved out of their prime peak-hour slots. Their performance will be watched for another month or two before this step is taken," said a senior official. Ever since the controversy over congestion surcharge, aviation minister Praful Patel is learnt to have asked agencies like DGCA to study the issue of overcrowded skies in Delhi and Mumbai. While air... More About: Airlines , Risk , Slots
Air India all set to join Star Alliance
2007-08-11 08:44:00 Air India is all set to join the Star Alliance , a club of 17 international airlines, by the end of this year. The move which will help increase its connectivity worldwide through code-sharing. The members of Star Alliance include Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, US Airways, Air Canada and Air New Zealand among others. The members of the alliance together fly to 855 destinations in 155 countries. "The heads of member airlines of the alliance would meet in December this year and would unanimously induct Air India," a civil aviation ministry official said. The civil aviation minister Praful Patel met the Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht on Tuesday to discuss the issues involved in joining the alliance. Air India chairman and managing director V Thulasidas would also meet Mr Albrecht on Wednesday to further discuss the modalities of joining the league. With the merger of Air India and Indian, the new airline would have a total fleet of 125 aircraft. By joining Star Alliance, Air India woul... More About: Join
Honeywell to provide avionics suite for Air India B777, B737NG
2007-08-11 08:39:00 Honeywell announced that it has been selected by Air India to provide a full suite of avionics products for its fleets of B777 and B737NG aircraft. Air India will receive 18 B737NG aircraft between 2006 and 2009, and 23 B777 aircraft between 2007 and 2010. The avionics suite to be provided for these aircraft will include the RDR-4B weather radar (for the B737 aircraft); the next-generation RDR-4000 weather radar (for the B777 only); QuantumTM Line Comm Nav Surveillance (CNS); high-frequency radio; Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS); Solid State Flight Data Recorder (SSFDR); Solid State Cockpit Voice Recorder (SSCVR); Flight Data Acquisition and Management System (FDAMS); Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) (for the B737 only); MCS 7000 Satcom (for the B777 only); and Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT). "Air India?s investment in Honeywell?s avionics suite will provide enhanced reliability and better performance, and will optimize their operations ... More About: Honeywell , Suite , Ionic , Avion
Landslide on Konkan Railway route at Canacona, Goa
2007-08-11 08:36:00 A major landslide occurred today evening, near Nagarcem tunnel and paralysed the traffic on the Konkan Railway route. However, there was loss of life. According to the regional officer attached to the Canacona railway station, it is one of the major landslides in Goa during recent years. One cannot use bulldozers or any kind of the heavy machinery to clear the landslide as the area is surrounded by hills and they have to rely only on manpower. According to the regional officer, the main cause of the landslide is the heavy downpour during the last eight days and there is possibility of more landslides on the same hillock, he added. Heavy rains and lack of lights added to the hilly terrain and wild growth of bushes has made it difficult to carry out the work in full swing. However, they have arranged a huge generator and temporarily started to remove the debris from the track. The Canacona mamlatdar, Mr Gaurish Kuttikar and Canacona police inspector, Mr Tushar Vernekar visited the sit... More About: Route , Naco
Goa could have a third airport: Civil Aviation Minister
2007-08-11 08:33:00 Goa will not only improve the existing Dabolim airport and build the proposed Mopa airport in Pernem, the state could even have a third airport in South Goa if the need arises with time. This is the opinion of the Union Civil Aviation Minister , Mr Praful Patel and senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party. Mr Patel had a lunch meeting today with the state cabinet and other important leaders in Goa. The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, the Speaker, Mr Pratapsingh Rane, most cabinet ministers, the NCP executive committee and former MLAs like Ms Nirmala Sawant, Ms Sangeeta Parab, Mr Ramakant Khalap, Mr Jeetendra Deshprabhu, Mr Surendra Sirsat and others were present. The NCP state president, Dr Wilfred de Souza said that it was "not a political meeting but just a friendly meeting". He said Mr Patel was of the view that since Rs 500-crore have already been allotted to the Dabolim airport, it?s improvement will greatly enhance its functioning. Dr de Souza said a new terminal buil... More About: Airport , Third
Qatar Airways expands Indian route
2007-08-11 08:28:00 Qatar Airway s announced further expansion to India this year with the launch of scheduled flights to Nagpur and Ahmedabad to take the airline's network of cities served across the country to eight. Starting September 23, the Doha-based carrier will launch twice-weekly flights to the central Indian city of Nagpur, located in the State of Maharashtra. Qatar Airways will be the only full-service scheduled international airline flying to Nagpur. Almost three months later, beginning December 12, Qatar Airways will start daily operations between Doha and Ahmedabad in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The city is Gujarat's largest and the state's cultural and commercial capital. Both routes will be operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration of 12 seats in Business Class and 132 in Economy. Qatar Airways currently operates 42 flights a week to six cities across India - seven services a week to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Trivandrum and Hyderabad. The additi... More About: Qatar , Route
IndiGo celebrates one year of operations
2007-08-11 08:24:00 IndiGo, India?s fastest growing low-fare airline, has completed one year of operations on August 04, 2007. In its first year, IndiGo added one brand new aircraft each month to its fleet. Today, the airline boasts a fleet size of 11 brand new aircraft, operating 78 daily flights reaching to 15 destinations across the nation. The airline has flown 1.9 million passengers and has handled 15,000 departures till date. To mark the occasion of its first anniversary, IndiGo is offering fares for Rs. 124 Rs. 500 on most sectors starting 04 August 2007. This IndiGo anniversary offer can be availed by booking a flight between 04-10 August 2007. The special anniversary fares will be applicable for travel between 11 August and 30 September 2007. Commenting on the occasion, Bruce Ashby, President and CEO of IndiGo said, "During our first year we have had some amazing accomplishments." "For example, despite the congestion, fog and other bad weather conditions at some of our key airports that affec... More About: Brat , Operation , Year , Rate , Indigo
ANA targets higher fliers with new business-class-only service to Mumbai
More articles from this author:2007-08-10 15:02:00 Japan's All Nippon Airways announced Thursday a new service between Tokyo and the Indian financial capital of Mumbai catering exclusively to well-heeled business travellers. A Boeing-737 with 36 business class seats will fly six times a week to and from Tokyo Narita airport and Mumbai from September 1 -- with no room for economy class passengers in the rear. The airline is believed to be the first in Asia to offer business class-only flights, which have already taken to the skies elsewhere. "Mumbai is India's western gateway and centre of culture and finance. Many Japanese firms have entered Mumbai," said ANA vice president Shinichiro Ito. "With this new flight we would like to contribute to the further development of relations between Japan and India," he said. The new service reflects expanding business ties between Japan and India, which is enjoying near double-digit economic growth. It also follows the success of business class-only services criss-crossing the Atlantic between... More About: Business , Service , Class , Business Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
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