TATA OWNED AIRLINE
Aviation firms plan own training schools to ensure supply of talent
While Air India is starting its own pilot training school, the GMR group that owns the country's largest airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company, GMR Aero Technic, has invested ?50 crore to start its own school for engineers. "To train such large numbers of engineers, GMR Aero Technic has entered the skill development segment with the GMR School of Aviation," Ashok Gopinath, president and accountable manager of GMR Aero Technic, said. The group also owns the Delhi, Hyderabad and Goa airports.
'Will take a bullock cart but not your airline': Pune Author slams Air India
Pune-based author Aditya Kondawar criticizes Air India Express for poor service after a delayed and uncomfortable flight. He vowed never to fly with the airline again, citing dirty seats and a foul odor. Air India Express apologized and promised improvements.
Air India to start own flying school, in a first in country
In preparation for an anticipated pilot shortage, Air India plans to establish a school in Amravati, Maharashtra, aimed at training up to 180 pilots annually. Prospective pilots without prior flying experience can enroll in the full-time academy, offering them a clear path to eventually join Air India's cockpit upon completing subsequent stages of training.
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.
Moving beyond Airbus & Boeing: What will it take for India to make its own commercial airliner?
India is already a growing sourcing hub for the global defence and aerospace industry. With government help, this ecosystem can, in time, be developed to support the development of a commercial plane. That is how we made our space programme, experts point out.
Air India utilising group airlines' engineering skills for improved aircraft maintenance works
After the takeover by the Tata Group in 2022, loss-making Air India has been making efforts for improvement and has embarked on a five-year transformation plan.
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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.
Q4 results today: ITC, IndiGo among 181 companies to announce earnings on Thursday
181 companies, including IndiGo and ITC, will announce their quarterly earnings for Jan-Mar 2024. IndiGo is expected to post healthy earnings, while ITC may see muted revenue growth.
Air India partners with MedAire for in- flight medical assistance
Air India has partnered with MedAire to offer emergency healthcare services to passengers and crew, becoming the first airline in India to integrate MedAire's medical assistance across its fleet. This collaboration aims to enhance in-flight medical support, reduce diversions, and ensure passengers' well-being by providing round-the-clock access to emergency physicians and guidance through MedAire's in-flight app, MedLink.
AI Express operations almost back to normal; no flight cancellation on Tue: Officials
The strike by the cabin crew was called last Thursday and the Tata Group-owned carrier also withdrew termination letters issued to 25 cabin crew following a conciliation meeting convened by the chief labour commissioner in the national capital.
Woman unable to see hospitalised husband before his death due to Air India Express flight cancellations
On May 12, the airline announced that it was gradually restoring its flights and stabilizing its network, with full normalcy expected by Tuesday. On the same day, the cabin crew union reported that all members who had called in sick had returned to duty by May 11.
AI-Vistara merger: Fitment of over 7,000 staff to be complete in June
Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson along with Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan on Monday held a one-and-a-half-hour long townhall meeting with the employees of both carriers about the proposed merger.
AI Express slowly restoring flights; cabin crew union says all members have joined duty
Air India Express is gradually resuming flights and restoring its network, aiming for full normalcy by Tuesday morning. The airline, owned by Tata Group, faced cancellations due to a cabin crew strike but reports indicate members are returning to duty. Despite a glitch in scheduling software, operations are stabilizing.
After cancellation of 80 flights, Air India Express sacks nearly 30 crew members for mass sick leave
Air India Express Layoffs: Following the cancellation of approximately 80 flights, Air India Express, under Tata ownership, has terminated the employment of 25 cabin crew members for their failure to report to work. The salaries of crew members have been reduced by nearly 20% due to the merger of Air India Express with AirAsia India.
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.
Tackling turbulence is part of flight plan
The Air India Express crisis, causing over 170 flights to be canceled, has been resolved. A union representing employees announced that sick crew members will return to duty immediately and 25 sacked crew members will be reinstated. The airline will be merged with AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, and staff were unhappy with service terms. The complex merger involves negotiations with unions to align working conditions post-merger.
Vistara flights out of Mumbai airport affected by runway closure
In a post on X, the airline requested passengers to plan their travel taking into the runway closures at the financial capital's airport. "Due to the runway closure at Mumbai airport between 1100 hours to 1700 hours, all departures and arrivals are likely to be impacted. Customers are requested to plan their travel accordingly," the post said.
Air India Express cancels over 80 flights as cabin crew reports sick
Air India Express faced cancellations due to crew shortage and protests against HR practices. Government intervention sought to resolve issues. Post-merger challenges include salary cuts, allowance removal, and management complaints affecting passengers and crew.
Kerala airports see passengers protest against AI Express' last minute cancellations
Passengers, mostly travelling to the Gulf nations, claimed that they were informed about the flight cancellations after they completed their security check and were waiting to board the flight. While Air India Express has offered a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date, passengers are not happy with that.
Air India, Lufthansa deepen ties in 'rare' code-sharing pact
Lufthansa and Air India have deepened partnership with code-share expansions on India-Australia route. Experts note that it's unusual for Lufthansa to code-share with Air India on international routes.
Air India operationalises 5 new contact centres
Air India has launched five new contact centres, including in Cairo and Kuala Lumpur, in partnership with Concentrix and iEnergizer. The airline also introduced a premium desk for frequent flyer members and enhanced back-office insourcing to manage customer inquiries globally. A 24/7 grievance management desk ensures prompt support for customer queries and escalations.
"Worst is behind us," says Vistara CEO as pilot woes slashed capacity; time to be customer friendly now
Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan assured staff that the worst is over following flight disruptions due to pilot issues. Operations stabilized after capacity cuts and resignations. Challenges included pilot rosters, new contracts, and operational issues. Kannan acknowledges learning experience and emphasizes customer focus for airline's recovery. Compensation offered to affected passengers.
Air India plans to send some narrow body pilots on deputation to Vistara
Air India plans to send first officers capable of operating narrow-body A320 family planes to Vistara to assist with its pilot shortage. Around 30 such pilots may be deputed to Vistara, which has faced operational disruptions. Vistara has already deployed Air India pilots for its Boeing 787 planes.
Fabric issues flagged about new AI cabin crew uniforms; airline to start sizing, production soon
Air India's new uniforms, facing fabric issues, designed by Manish Malhotra for A350 crew, will be produced for 8,000+ cabin crew. The design includes jharokha pattern, Vista logo, and black suit for cockpit crew.
Air India appoints Jayaraj Shanmugam as Head of Global Airport Operations
Shanmugam joins from Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), where he was the Chief Operating Officer, to join Air India. The Tata Group-owned airline said in a statement that he was instrumental in operationalizing the new Terminal 2 during his term, demonstrating his proficiency in airport administration and operations.
Vistara to discuss rostering system with pilots; incorporate feedback to possible extent: CEO
Vistara chief Vinod Kannan addresses recent flight disruptions, citing pilot rostering issues due to high utilization. Discussions with pilots will lead to rostering system review. Despite some pilots' concerns about new contracts, over 98% have signed. Kannan highlights the merger with Air India as an opportunity for growth, with pilots already transitioning to wider aircraft.
Vistara Airlines could cut flights amid pilot shortage, sources say
Vistara, jointly owned by Tata group and Singapore Airlines, has axed over 125 flights since April 1, as per a source. The cancellations stemmed from a wave of pilot sick leaves in late March. Some pilots took leave to protest a pay cut prior to the impending merger with Tata's Air India. The pilots cited exhaustion from a hectic schedule as a contributing factor. Two Vistara pilots disclosed this information.
Air India fires pilot caught drunk after operating overseas flight
The incident highlights the airline's zero-tolerance policy towards such violations, as operating a flight under the influence of alcohol is deemed a criminal act. While Air India's comments on the matter are awaited, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed.
Air India-Vistara merger gets Singapore's conditional approval
Singapore's competition watchdog has approved the merger between Tata Group-owned Air India and Vistara, a joint venture between Tata and Singapore Airlines. The approval is subject to certain conditions, including maintaining capacity on specific routes at pre-COVID levels. The merger aims to create a dominant full-service airline in domestic and international markets.
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