Page 9 - Aviation

Airlines keep avoiding West Asian airspace after US strikes on Iran

Missile and drone barrages in an expanding number of conflict zones globally represent a high risk to airline traffic

SpiceJet to pay ₹25K compensation to passenger for issuing wrong ticket

A consumer commission here has held that a senior citizen suffered "monetarily and mentally" after SpiceJet issued incorrect tickets while rerouting his journey in 2020, and directed the airline to pay a compensation of Rs 25,000 to the passenger. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Mumbai (Suburban), in the order passed on June 17, held the budget carrier guilty of "deficient service and negligent behaviour" for the error which caused "mental harassment" to the passenger. In view of the urgent need of the passenger (age not specified in the order), the airline had made an alternate booking- where the wrong ticket was issued- after his initial flight was cancelled due to bad weather. The commission acknowledged that the flight cancellation was beyond the control of the airline, and the Air Traffic Control (ATC) had taken the decision in view of the passengers' safety. It noted the airline had taken all the necessary efforts to provide an alternate ticket to the ...

DGCA summons Air India officials amid Ahmedabad-London plane crash probe

On June 12, Air India flight AI-171 crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, following a Mayday distress call from the pilot

Air India long-haul flights may face delays due to Boeing 787 safety checks

Air India warns of possible delays on long-haul flights as DGCA orders safety checks on Boeing 787s. Government mandates inspections after Ahmedabad crash; refunds or reschedules offered to passengers

Donald Trump says he offered assistance to India after Boeing crash

US President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, describing it as "one of the worst in aviation history. "The plane crash was terrible. I've already told them (India), anything we can do, it's a big country, a strong country, and they'll handle it, I'm sure," he told reporters at White House in response to queries on the crash. Trump emphasised readiness of the United States to help India in any capacity. He said that he has let India know that anything we can do. We'll be over there immediately. But it was a horrific crash. It looks like most are gone".

Ahmedabad plane crash: Army deployed to assist civil admin in rescue ops

The Indian Army has been deployed to support civil authorities in rescue and relief operations after the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed hundreds

What caused Air India plane crash? Clues point to power failure, not blast

Air India flight AI171 crashed near Ahmedabad after take-off. Early signs point to power failure, not explosion. Investigations are underway as Boeing 787 safety concerns come under lens

Tata Group announces ₹1 cr ex-gratia for kin of Air India crash victims

The Tata Group has pledged to pay ₹1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in the Ahmedabad plane crash. Noel Tata extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families

Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner under lens after Air India crash in Ahmedabad

After the Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner safety is under renewed scrutiny due to past issues, whistleblower claims, and ongoing FAA investigations into structural flaws

China clears world's largest amphibious aircraft AG600 for production

The amphibious aircraft can carry 12 tonnes of water and fly 4,500 km, and is part of China's trio of large home-built planes aimed at reducing dependence on foreign aviation tech

Star items and Zero-G flight on offer at Artcurial's Paris charity auction

Scheduled for June 18 at Le Bourget, the Paris auction will raise funds for Aviation Without Borders' hospital-plane project with rare collectibles, flight experiences, and celeb donations

DGCA to audit Char Dham helicopter companies, may suspend operations

After multiple incidents during the Char Dham Yatra, the DGCA orders special audits and considers halting helicopter operations pending safety assessments

European plane maker ATR bullish on India; in talks with airlines

Bullish on the business opportunities in India, European aircraft maker ATR is in discussions with scheduled and non-scheduled operators to explore sale of its aircraft. Considering the growth potential of the Indian market, a senior ATR official said it expects the country to have 300 more turboprops in the next 10 years. A joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, ATR manufactures turboprops with up to 78 seats as well as freighters. Currently, there are 70 ATR aircraft in the country that are operated by IndiGo, Alliance Air, and FLY91. ATR is still "very bullish" on the Indian market and is in active discussions with some of the operators, the company's Managing Director and Head of Region Asia PacificJean-Pierre Clercin told PTI in a recent interview in the national capital. Without divulging specific details, he said the company is in talks with scheduled and non-scheduled operators, including those already flying ATR aircraft. India is one of the world's fastest-growing c

Airlines facing skewed value chain, profit margin never crossed 5%: IATA

Airlines are grappling with a skewed value chain globally and historically, the profit margin has never crossed 5 per cent, according to IATA Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen. Also, she expressed hope that any efforts to address making the airline value chain less skewed will surely be an example for other countries. India is one of the world's fastest growing civil aviation market. At an interaction in the national capital this week, Thomsen said the skewed value chain for the global airlines industry is also a result of legacy policies. Thomsen is the Chief Economist & Senior Vice President Sustainability at the International Airport Transport Association (IATA), a grouping of over 350 airlines. "Nobody sat down from the beginning and said, I'm going to create a super skewed value chain and make sure that the airlines never make any money. "I don't think anybody had that intent. But unfortunately, that's sort of where we've ended up. And our industry globally has never made

India must clarify tax rules for aviation liftoff, says IATA DG Walsh

IATA Director General Willie Walsh calls on India to provide clarity on tax laws affecting foreign carriers and highlights concerns over airport charges to unlock aviation sector potential

Will set up unit if orders total at least 200: Embraer exec Raul Villaron

The company estimates India will require at least 500 aircraft in this segment over the next 20 years, driven by growing connectivity needs beyond metro routes and into Tier-II and Tier-III cities

NTPC Green partners with Honeywell to explore SAF production in India

NTPC Green expects to broaden its green fuels portfolio with SAF blending with jet fuels as it will contribute to many of the company's projects

IATA summit: PM Modi bats for India as global aviation, manufacturing hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights India's aviation growth at the IATA AGM, noting the country is now the third largest domestic market with 162 airports and strong global industry presence

AAI clears scheme to boost int'l flight connectivity at Port Blair airport

To promote international flight connectivity, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has approved a mega incentive scheme at 13 airports which includes Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an official said here. This scheme will be applicable for first three years of the operations to bridge the viability gap for the initial phase, which is a very crucial phase for the sustainability of operations. Speaking to PTI, Port Blair Airport Director Devender Yadav said, "As per this scheme for the first year 100 per cent UDF (User Development Fees) which is Rs 709 per departing passenger will be waived off to the airline. For the second year, the incentive will be 85 per cent of UDF and for the third year incentive will be 65 per cent of UDF." Considering the flight load of 180 passengers, the incentive scheme has the potential of savings of Rs 128 lakh per flight for airlines, which is a significant amount to bridge the viability gap, he ...

Dunes Air enters private aviation market, to offer premium charter services

Ahmedabad-based private aviation firm Dunes Air has announced its entry into the air charter business with the launch of its premium chartered services. Under this vertical, the company will offer aircraft charter services to business leaders, high-net-worth individuals, and discerning travellers, its co-founder Ritesh Hada said. The airline is positioning itself as a premium air carrier delivering efficient, private and flexible flying experiences, Hada said. The non-scheduled operator currently operates two aircraft the Cessna Citation CJ2+, a jet suited for fast intercity routes, and the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, known for its short takeoff capabilities and suitability for regional and remote destinations. Dunes Air said it is also set to induct a Challenger jet into its fleet, enhancing its long-range and luxury offerings, and supporting the growing demand for premium aviation services. The firm has already connected major metros and tier-2 cities, serving corporate leaders