In-flight Connectivity

Adani Mundra Airport on Tuesday commenced commercial operations with the inaugural flight landing from Goa. This air link, in a strategic partnership with Star Air, is set to unlock unprecedented economic potential for the Kutch region, transforming it into a fully integrated, multi-modal logistics and business hub, Adani Group said in a statement. The launch of eight new air services by Star Air from Tuesday will create an express corridor, reducing travel time for trade, commerce, logistics and tourism, fuelling the economic engine of India's largest port Mundra. The other cities that Star Air will connect Mundra with include Hindon, Surat, Belagavi, Bengaluru, Kolhapur and Nanded. The new airport terminal was inaugurated by Adani Airports Holding Ltd Director Jeet Adani. Built on the Adani Group's proven development model, the Mundra Airport is engineered for efficiency and growth, the statement said. A 1,900-metre runway can handle a wide range of passenger and cargo aircraft

The government on Monday clarified that in-flight passengers will be able to use internet services through WiFi only when electronic devices are permitted to be used in the aircraft even after it attains altitude of 3,000 metres in Indian airspace. Under Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018, the government has mandated that In-flight and Maritime Connectivity service providers shall provide the operation of mobile communication services in aircraft at a minimum height of 3,000 metres in Indian airspace to avoid interference with terrestrial mobile networks. "Notwithstanding the minimum height in Indian airspace referred to in sub-rule (1), internet services through Wi-Fi in aircraft shall be made available when electronic devices are permitted to be used in the aircraft," as per the new rule notified on Monday. The newly notified rule will be called Flight and Maritime Connectivity (Amendment) Rules, 2024.

India is preparing to launch its most advanced satellite, GSAT-20, later this year. It is expected to significantly enhance communication capabilities

Official sources in the Delhi Police told the reporters that so far they have not tracked down anything suspicious during the investigation into the matter

Since its implementation, the scheme has been able to provide air connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities at affordable airfares and has transformed the way people travel

The company is also expanding its non-aviation portfolio and is using automation and data analytics to drive cost efficiencies, says CEO

While the number of operational airports in the country will rise to 131, other smaller towns too are seeing a surge in connectivity

With movement is slowly becoming normal, the confidence in air travel has also grown as around 42 per cent of recent travellers said they had a good in-flight experience and are ready to travel again

SpiceJet said it has launched a revamped complimentary in-flight entertainment called 'SpiceScreen' that can be accessed by passengers on any of their personal hand-held devices

US airlines are seeking to quickly reduce their workforces through unpaid leave of up to 12 months with medical benefits or early retirement packages in a sign carriers do not expect a quick rebound

For passengers, this alliance may change the entire airport experience

The company had earlier this year obtained a licence from the Department of Telecommunications for providing in-flight and maritime connectivity (IFMC) services

The Department of Telecommunication on Friday notified the rules for in-flight and maritime connectivity within the Indian territory which allows people to make voice calls and access internet service

The decision is expected to pave the way for travellers to use internet and voice services on mobile phone during flights in the Indian airspace

Globally, many airlines are already offering wi-fi for passengers, but they currently have to switch off the facilitywhen they enter the Indian airspace

Most people from France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, UK and the US are happy to have their phones rendered unusable while en route, while Indian, Chinese and Arab passengers generally want to make calls.

Trai had recommended use of foreign satellites and gateways for providing such services

Business Standard spoke to various airlines officials who sounded quite optimistic about the service and wanted a workable solution that can be implemented