Category Archives: Aviation

The delivery ceremony of ITA Airways’ first Airbus A330-900 held on April 26, 2023, at the Toulouse Airbus Delivery Center in the presence of Philippe Mhun, Executive Vice President Programmes and Services Airbus, Christophe Molus, Senior Vice President Airbus at Rolls Royce, Alex Khatibi, Vice President Marketing and Commercial Affairs Air Lease Corporation, Riccardo Privitera, Director Flight Operations ITA Airways, and Francesco Presicce, Chief Technology Officer ITA Airways. Airbus was delivered to Italy’s flagship carrier the first fully configured A330neo for ITA Airways’. The delivery flight from Toulouse to Fiumicino will be powered by 16 per cent blend of sustainable aviation fuel. ITA Airways’ first A330neo further strengthens the airline’s strategy of building a fleet entirely featuring Airbus aircraft, with 68 currently in operation. The A330neo expands ITA Airways’ long-haul fleet and will enter operation in June to serve the airline’s new intercontinental destinations. Francesco Presicce, Chief Technology Officer of ITA Airways’ was glad to be present at the ceremony, “Today the strategic partnership with Airbus takes one step forward”. He added, “With Airbus, the unique aircraft supplier for our fleet, we have created a special synergy from the beginning, involving different areas of collaboration and business development, always with the aim of realizing a more modern, comfortable and fuel-efficient air mobility, equipped with cutting-edge technologies”. ITA Airways’ new Airbus is dedicated to Gelindo Bordin, the marathon runner and Olympic champion, and follows the airline’s strategy of dedicating its Blue Savoia liveried aircraft to Italian sports champions. Award-winning Airspace cabin provides the highest levels of comfort and increased cabin space, a new lighting system, sophisticated in-flight entertainment systems and full Wi-Fi connectivity inside the cabin. It features a three-class configuration: …

IndiGo, has announced 6 new flights including exclusive connections between Hyderabad-Nashik, Indore-Nashik, and additional frequency on Ahmedabad-Nashik route from June 01, 2023. Earlier this year, IndiGo, India’s preferred airline had started direct flights from Nashik, the 77th domestic and 103rd overall destination in the 6E network. These new flights and frequencies are being added in view of the high travel demand this summer season and will further enhance accessibility while promoting tourism in the city. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to announce new connections from Nashik to cater to the increased travel demand from, both, business, and leisure travelers. Nashik is famous for its rich cultural history, being one of the major Hindu pilgrimage sites hosting the Kumbh Mela every 12 years. It is also known as Napa Valley of India, contributing to around 90% of wine production in the country”. He also mentioned that the addition of these new flights and frequencies will provide customers with increased flight options to explore India’s wine capital. We are committed to providing on-time, affordable, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences as we continue to expand our regional connectivity. Nashik is well-known for its connection to the Ramayana. Situated on the banks of Godavari River, Nashik is best known for being one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites, that of Kumbh Mela which is held every 12 years and attracts many pilgrims. Panchavati, Saptashrungi, Trimbakeshwar, Sita Gufa, and Pandavleni Caves are also some of the popular sightseeing tourist destinations in the city. The city is called the “Wine Capital of India” as more than half of India’s vineyards and wineries are located here. Around 90% of all Indian wine …

According to a report by SITA, 7.6 bags per 1,000 passengers were mishandled in 2022, up from 4.35 per 1,000 passengers the previous year. In total, 26 million bags were mishandled last year, compared to 9.9 million in 2021, as the number of travelers neared pre-Covid levels

CEO of Akasa Airlines, Vinay Dube said that within next 60 days, the airline will welcome its 20th aircraft. This will enable the airline to start international operations and connect India to rest of the world. This ex-Vietjet aircraft is going to be India’s first B737 MAX 8 200.,” he adds.   

Commenting on the monthly domestic passenger traffic data for April 2023, ICRA states that numbers for April 2023 is estimated at 129 lakh, similar to that in March 2023, though 22% higher in comparison to 105 lakh in April 2022 and 17% higher than pre-Covid levels of 110 lakh in April 2019. It added that despite a healthy recovery in passenger traffic, the domestic aviation industry continues to face challenges on account of elevated ATF prices and depreciation of the INR vis-à-vis the US$ compared to the pre-Covid era, both of which have a major bearing on the airlines’ cost structure. While the ATF prices have witnessed a sequential decline over the past four months, they still remain at elevated levels as compared to the pre-Covid era. The airlines’ efforts to ensure fare hikes proportionate to their input cost increases will be key to expanding their profitability margins.

The latest ICRA report has mentioned that for FY2022-23, domestic air passenger traffic was around 1360 lakh, a YoY growth of roughly 60%, and marginally lower by 4% compared to 1416 lakh in FY2019-20. It was up than ICRA’s estimate of 1300-1350 lakh.

The availability of direct flights is a game-changer for the travel agents in Odisha. Debjit Dutta, Director & CEO, of Impression Tourism Services, said, “With improved connectivity, the state is more accessible to visitors. It will also open new markets and business opportunities.

Riaz Munshi, President, OTOAI said, “The merger of Air India and Vistara, is a positive development. Air India has struggled to compete in the aviation market for years, and the merger will make it one of the biggest airlines globally and a national carrier for India.

Café Akasa, Akasa Air’s onboard meal service, has added a special festive meal to celebrate Mother’s Day. This exclusive meal is available until 31 May across the network. All Café Akasa meals are a unique blend of traditional and contemporary flavors specially curated by culinary experts. This curation includes a flavourful Methi Thepla with Sweet Mango Pickle, served with unique and indulgent gourmet French-inspired Dhokla filled with Green Chutney, accompanied by a seasonal Mango Shrikhand and a choice of beverage. The delectable meal has been created to reminisce the memories of moments spent around the family table and offers the airline’s customers the same comforting flavors of a mom-cooked meal, in the skies. Since the launch of operations in August 2021, Akasa Air has introduced specially curated meal options that are inspired by regional specialties associated with celebrations during popular festivals and special occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas, Makar Sankranti, Valentine’s Day, Holi, and Eid al-Fitr. The airline also offers a pre-selection of cakes on its regular menu for flyers who want to celebrate the birthdays of their loved ones in the skies. About Cafe Akasa Akasa Air’s buy-on-board meal service is Café Akasa. With a wide choice of multi-cuisine, tasty, quality, and healthy meals, including industry-first options, the offering provides customers with a unique and indulgent gourmet experience in the skies. An array of unique festival menus and quality fusion meal offerings, inspired by Indian cuisines and celebrations as well as industry-first options like pasta, Vietnamese rice rolls, and beverages like hot chocolate are available on board, all year round. As an environmentally progressive airline, Akasa Air’s packaging of perishable meals is ethically sourced from sustainably grown …

Sharing his views on the immediate repercussions of Go First bankruptcy, Ajay Prakash, President, TAFI, says, “Aviation is a business fraught with uncertainties. With capacity being pulled out after the Go First airline development, airfares will increase further, especially since we are in the peak holiday season.”