FOREIGN AIRLINES
Bon Voyage! Airlines give wings to your holiday plans
Indian carriers like MakeMyTrip, IndiGo, and Cleartrip have added direct flights to various destinations, leading to a significant increase in outbound tourist numbers from India.
Air India passenger finds metal blade in meal, airline says this
A passenger on an Air India flight found a metal blade in his meal, attributed to a vegetable processing machine. Chief Customer Experience Officer Rajesh Dogra confirmed the incident and stated that measures are being taken to prevent recurrence. Recently, Air India has faced scrutiny for poor services, including uncooked food, dirty seats, and delays.
Domestic air passenger traffic grows 5.1 pc to about 138.9 mn in May: ICRA
In May, domestic air passenger traffic grew 5.1% YoY to 138.9 million, 14% higher than pre-Covid levels, as per Icra. The Indian aviation industry outlook is stable with a continued recovery in passenger traffic and stable cost environment, expecting the trend to continue in FY2025.
Government's protectionist move divides aviation industry
India's aviation industry is divided over the policy to freeze flying rights to Middle East nations, with Air India CEO Campbell Wilson advocating for limiting market access for foreign carriers.
IATA boss warns foreign airlines may quit India if taxation issues are not sorted
The chief of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Wille Walsh, warned that airlines may withdraw from the Indian market if concerns over taxation are not addressed. Several global airline groups including Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and others have received tax evasion notices from the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI). The notices were related to non-payment of tax on services provided by the airlines to their Indian entities.
IndiGo to add 10 new destinations in FY25
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, plans to start 10 new destinations in FY25, including Mauritius and another destination in Thailand. The airline focuses on fast international expansion and is entering the long haul market with business class in their aircraft.
Emirates boss says India’s protectionist stance will be detrimental to economy
Emirates president Tim Clark opposes India's protectionist stance to favor its carriers. The UAE requests more seats, Air India supports the move post-Tata takeover, and IndiGo ventures into long-haul travel with Airbus aircraft.
Malaysia Airlines bets big on Indian non-metro cities
Malaysia Airlines is facing challenges in expanding its operations in India due to a shortage of flying rights. The airline has exhausted its rights to Indian metros and is now planning to increase frequency from Amritsar to seven flights per week from August. The airline has also started flights from Trivandrum and Ahmedabad.
GoAir 'temporarily' loses rights and slots to operate international flights to IndiGo and other companies
GoAir has temporarily lost its slots and foreign bilateral rights to other airlines like Air India and IndiGo amidst diminishing chances of revival. In order for airlines from one country to operate international flights to another country, a bilateral air services agreement must be negotiated and signed between the two sides. This agreement dictates the number of flights or seats per week that can be permitted to fly from one country to the other.
GST relief for foreign airlines in the offing
India may exempt GST on services between foreign airline operators' head offices and local entities. The fitment committee is reviewing for a final tax exemption decision, considering maintenance services, rental costs, and hotel accommodation.
Business class coming soon: IndiGo to launch 'tailor-made' product for busiest routes
IndiGo, operated by Interglobe Aviation, announced plans to launch a new customized business product for India's busiest routes by the end of the year. CEO Pieter Elbers highlighted the company's commitment to innovation, aiming to provide more travel options as India's economy grows. The airline saw a 13% increase in domestic passengers, while competitors experienced a 6% decline.
Travel credit cards: 5 smart things to know
A travel credit card is specifically designed to provide benefits that are related to travel expenses.
High airfares remain a challenge, says Thomas Cook India's Madhavan Menon
Thomas Cook India's Executive Chairman Madhavan Menon highlighted high airfares and limited airline capacity as significant challenges affecting both leisure and business travelers in India. Despite an increase in scheduled flights, the demand-supply constraints are expected to ease only in the long term with the introduction of new aircraft. Menon outlined the company's plans to expand its physical network through owned and franchise outlets and enhance its digital presence.
AI-Vistara merger will strengthen presence in India: Singapore Airlines
The Singapore Airlines Group announced that the proposed merger between Air India and Vistara will strengthen its multi-hub strategy and enable continued participation in India's growing aviation market. Upon completion, SIA will hold a 25.1% stake in an expanded Air India Group. The SIA group reported a 24% rise in net profit for FY 2023-24 due to strong air travel demand. Vistara and Air India have begun integrating their frequent flyer programs, with Club Vistara merging into Air India's Flying Returns.
Air India Express crew back at work, 25 sacked staff taken back
Tata-owned Air India Express cabin crew returned to work after 25 colleagues reinstated, resolving disruptions. The management of the low-cost airlines also said it will will look into the issues raised by the union.
Air India Express crew calls off strike; airline agrees to take back the 25 terminated cabin crew members
The strike by Air India Express cabin crew came to an end following management's agreement to reinstate the 25 terminated crew members and address union-raised concerns. This resolution occurred after a conciliation meeting led by the Chief Labour Commissioner of Delhi. The crew pledged to return to work promptly. The airline had terminated crew for mass sick calls, causing significant flight disruptions.
Indian airlines to have 50% market share in international passenger traffic by FY28: CRISIL
CRISIL predicts Indian airlines to handle half of the nation's international air passenger traffic by 2027-28, up from 43% in the previous fiscal. This surge is driven by fleet expansion, new routes, and better domestic connectivity. Rising disposable incomes and government initiatives are fueling international travel growth.
India amends policy restricting foreign cargo airlines after exporters cry foul
While India had an open sky policy in air cargo that allowed unhindered movement by foreign airlines, the government amended it in 2020 to give Indian carriers a boost. With minimum earnings from passenger flights due to the pandemic at the time, they depended on cargo to make money.
Air India-Vistara merger in progress; awaiting regulatory approvals: Singapore Airlines
The merger of Vistara with Air India under a deal, wherein Singapore Airlines will acquire a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India, was announced in November 2022. While announcing its December quarter results, Singapore Airlines said the merger will bolster its presence in India, strengthen its multi-hub strategy, and allow it to continue participating directly in this large and fast-growing aviation market.
Load More
