Tag: Airline

DGCA continues to keep SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance till October 29

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday said that SpiceJet would continue to remain under enhanced surveillance till October 29. The restrictions the regulator had imposed on the airline on July 27, would continue to be in force till the end of the summer schedule (October 29).

However, the DGCA in its Wednesday’s order noted that the review of the airline has indicated that there has been an appreciable reduction in the number of safety incidents.

The DGCA had on July 27 cut the airline’s operations by half of its departures that had been approved under the summer schedule and said that the airline would remain under the regulator’s enhanced surveillance. Prior to that, the regulator had issued a show-cause notice to the airline saying that it had failed to “establish safe, efficient and reliable air services”. SpiceJet had reported multiple technical malfunctioning incidents between April 1 and July 5.

The airline has to demonstrate sufficient technical support to the aviation regulator for it to be allowed to fly more than 50 percent departures.

Following DGCA’s July order, SpiceJet had said it would not have any impact on its operations. “We are in receipt of the DGCA order and will act as per the directions of the regulator. Due to the current lean travel season, SpiceJet, like other airlines, had already rescheduled its flight operations. Hence, there will be absolutely no impact on our flight operations,” it said.

Meanwhile, the airline has asked 80 of its pilots to go on leave for three months without pay.

The budget airline said the move is a temporary one to rationalise costs. “This measure, which is in line with SpiceJet’s policy of not retrenching any employee that the airline steadfastly followed even during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, will help rationalise the pilot strength vis-a-vis the aircraft fleet,” the airline said in a statement.

The pilots who have been told to be on leave without pay are from the airline’s Boeing and Bombardier fleet.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Airline staffer mishears ‘ballast’ as ‘blast’, leads to security scare at Bhopal airport

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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An airline staffer’s act of mistaking the word “ballast” for “blast” created a security scare at the Raja Bhoj International Airport in Bhopal and led to sounding of an alert at the establishment, officials said on Friday.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning, the airport officials said. In a statement, the airport authorities said, “At 0925 hrs, Indigo ticketing counter received a call enquiring about ballast in flight 6E-7931 bound for Agra, which was misunderstood by the Indigo staff as blast. The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BATC) was called and after analysing the facts it declared the call as non-specific.”

Acting director of the airport Amrit Minj said as the emergency was declared at the airport, all the security systems were activated. “Unfortunately, a fast-moving vehicle was crossing through the tyre killers, when the emergency switch of the tyre killers got activated and blocked the vehicle. Airport management regrets the inconvenience and damage caused due to this unfortunate incident,” he said.

Also Read: UDAN 5.0. will aim for air connectivity to 54 new travel destinations

Ballast, meaning extra weight, is a term used by airlines to add load to the aircraft in case it was not having sufficient passenger load in the flight to maintain balance in air.

An airport personnel on Friday said that as the staffer had joined recently, she was unable to differentiate between the terms ballast and blast, which led to the confusion. The call was received from Gurgaon, he said. “Though ballast is a widely used term in aviation and railways, it is difficult for a fresher or common man to understand the difference between the two,” he said.

No action has been taken in this matter so far.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Another week of glitches and flight risks for domestic airlines

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered budget airline SpiceJet to cut down its operation by half this week. The order from the regulatory body came just weeks after repeated and numerous instances of glitches and flight risks, including a priority landing in Mumbai after a windshield cracked mid-air, were reported in just over two weeks from the airline. But SpiceJet is not the only one suffering from malfunctions in the Indian airspace.

Passengers aboard IndiGo flight 6E-757 heading to Kolkata on July 28 also experienced a snag when the flight skidded off the runway and got snagged in mud. While all 98 passengers were deboarded, the incident at Assam’s Jorhat resulted in the flight being cancelled after six hours of attempted intervention.

SpiceJet also faced more issues during the week. A SpiceJet Q400 aeroplane aborted its take-off attempt because of a caution alert on July 28 in Mumbai. The flight was headed to Kandla Airport from Mumbai but had to abort its landing at “almost full speed” due to the caution alert going off, reported Reuters.

Earlier in the week, an Air India Flight AI 934 had to be diverted to Mumbai from its Dubai-Kochi route after the pilots reported a loss in cabin pressure en route. The DCGA had then grounded the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and taken its crew off-roster.

Two GOFirst flights had engine issues on July 19. GOFirst’s Mumbai-Leh flight G8-386, an Airbus A320, was diverted to Delhi due to its Engine Interface Unit developing a fault. On the same day, the airline’s Srinagar-Delhi flight had to make its way back to Srinagar Airport due to a fault in its engine as well.

Also Read: Passenger safety non-negotiable, says chief of aviation regulator

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Not wearing face mask during flight? You can be de-boarded

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In a fresh directive to reinforce COVID appropriate behavior, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has allowed airlines to de-board a passenger if the passenger does not wear a face mask after repeated warnings.

“The airline shall ensure that in case any passenger does not adhere to the above instructions even after repeated warnings, he/she should be de-boarded, if need be, before departure,” DGCA has directed the airlines.

Further, in case, if any passenger on board an aircraft refuses to wear mask or violates the COVID protocol after repeated warnings then such passenger can also be treated as an “unruly passenger.”

Also read: Jet Airways set for second innings, awaits DGCA nod after last of proving flights

The DGCA has asked airlines to ensure that passengers are wearing face masks properly and continue to wear face masks throughout the journey except under exceptional circumstances and for permitted reasons only. The airlines have been asked to make regular announcements for awareness among passengers on COVID appropriate protocol.

Further, the regulator has also issued a fresh directive to the airports. DGCA has asked airports to ensure that CISF or other police personnel deployed at the entrance of the airport shall ensure that no one is allowed to enter the airport without wearing a mask.

All airport operators are also directed to increase airport announcements and surveillance to ensure COVID appropriate behavior.

“In case any passenger does not wear a mask or refuses to wear a mask and follow COVID-19 protocol, he/she should be fined as per the respective state law where the airport is located, and he/she may even be handed over to security agencies for dealing with the matter as per the applicable law on the subject,” the directive further said.

Airports shall also provide hand sanitizers or dispensers at prominent places in the airport, the DGCA directive said.

The regulator has asked the stakeholders to implement the directives with immediate effect.

The fresh directive from DGCA comes after a June 3 order by the Delhi High Court directing the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to take strict action against passengers violating mask norms at the airports.

Also read: DGCA sends show-cause to Indigo after airline bars specially-abled teen from boarding flight

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

AirAsia India slashes excess baggage charges for flyers taking connecting international flights

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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AirAsia India on Thursday announced that it is offering 50 percent discount on excess baggage fees for passengers taking connecting international flights till June 30. Flyers connecting to international flights from AirAsia India’s domestic flights can now pre-book their excess baggage at the significantly discounted price of Rs 100 per kg, compared to the standard excess baggage charges of Rs 450 per kg when booked online and Rs 500 per kg when booked at the airport, the airline’s statement said.

This discounted excess baggage fees can be booked up to two hours prior to domestic flight’s departure, it mentioned. AirAsia India is majority-owned by Tata Sons Private Ltd with a shareholding of 83.67 percent and the remaining stake is with AirAsia Investment Ltd (AAIL), which is part of Malaysia’s AirAsia Group. Last month, Tatas-owned Air India had sent a proposal to Competition Commission of India (CCI) to acquire AirAsia India.

Also read: GoFIRST mulls converting its entire fleet to fuel efficient A321 Neos

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Here are some expert suggestions on how to make air travel easier for neurodiverse people

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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An IndiGo airline staff, on May 7, denied boarding to a specially-abled child at the Ranchi airport. While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a show-cause notice to Indigo, the airline, in its defense, said the boy was denied boarding as he was “visibly in panic.”

However, this is hardly the only instance of insensitivity toward neurodiverse people. But now is the time to understand them and their requirements.

Also read: DGCA sends show-cause to Indigo after airline bars specially-abled teen from boarding flight

Here are some recommendations for a comfortable journey for neurodiverse people from Mugdha Kalra, an autism activist and co-founder of Not That Different:

– Allow people to mention that they are travelling with a person with special needs. Blocking the seats of the family together to avoid any anxiety.

– Airlines and airports can have a Disability Assistance Officer for priority check-in and boarding. At times, the single counter has a long queue of senior citizens, families needing medical assistance, and pregnant women.

– At the time of check-in, a tagged wrist band or lanyards can be issued with the person’s name on it so the staff can identify them and assist the family at priority.

– Priority check-in to reduce the wait time that can cause anxiety.

– Allowing families to clear security together as children and people with special needs get anxious if they are separated from their families.

– Need for family restrooms at airports. When older children are travelling with their mother or father alone and the restrooms are gender-based it poses difficulties in staying together. While parents at bigger airports use the restrooms made for people in wheelchairs, the facility is not available at all airports.

– Priority boarding and exit to reduce time in public spaces.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Jet Airways’ final proving flight today, flying permit may be revalidated this week

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Jet Airways is set to conduct its final phase of proving flights on Tuesday, after which it is expected to get its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) revalidated this week, according to a senior DGCA official.

Proving flights are like any other commercial flights but with officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), executives and flight crew of the carrier concerned on board.

The full-service carrier, which stopped flying more than three years ago, is being revived under the ownership of the Jalan Kalrock consortium and completed its first phase of proving flights on Sunday.

“The process for Jet Airways flying permit revalidation is almost done. On Tuesday, they are conducting the remaining proven flights. Their AOC revalidation will be done by this week,” the official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) told PTI on Monday.

Also read: Jet Airways to have best possible app, website among Indian carriers: CEO Sanjiv Kapoor

A total of five flights (landing) have to be conducted by the aircraft to successfully complete the process.

An airline spokesperson said it would be conducting the remaining proven flights but refused to comment on the revalidation of the AOP.

“We are conducting the remainder of our proven flights on May 17. We (however) cannot comment on the date of revalidation of the AOC (Air Operator Certificate) as that is determined by the DGCA process),” the spokesperson said in a statement to PTI.

Jet Airways suspended operations on April 17, 2019, after its erstwhile promoters failed to provide liquidity and the insolvency resolution process started for the airline in June 2019.

In October 2020, the airline’s Committee of Creditors (CoC) approved the resolution plan submitted by the consortium of the UK’s Kalrock Capital and the UAE-based entrepreneur Murari Lal Jalan.

Also read: Jet Airways to fly with two classes, CEO Sanjiv Kapoor says there is space for differentiated model to succeed

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Delhi-Doha Qatar Airways flight diverted to Pakistan

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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A Qatar Airways flight from Delhi has been diverted to Karachi in Pakistan due to technical reasons, ANI reported.

The flight (QR579) was on its way to Doha. Over 100 passengers are on board. More details are awaited.

ANI tweeted, “Qatar Airways QR579 diverted to Pakistan (Karachi) airport due to technical reasons. The flight was scheduled from Delhi to Doha. Over 100 passengers on board. Details awaited.”

Qatar Airways issued a statement confirming the flight diversion to Pakistan.

Having declared an emergency due to the indication of smoke detection in the cargo hold, the QR579 flight from Delhi to Doha on March 21 has been diverted to Karachi, the airlines said.

The aircraft landed safely at Karachi where it was met by emergency services and passengers disembarked orderly via stairs, Qatar Airways stated.

“The incident is currently under investigation and a relief flight is being arranged to transport passengers onwards to Doha,” the airlines added.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Vistara CEO says airline fell short of customers’ expectations; addressing some gaps on war footing

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Admitting that Vistara fell short of customers’ expectations in the last few months, its chief executive officer Vinod Kannan has said the airline is addressing some of the gaps on a war footing while many changes and enhancements are in the offing.

Kannan, in a letter to customers, acknowledged that the recent disruptions in services would have led to the alterations in their travel plans and the frustration over a long wait to reach out to the airline’s call centre.

We have always wanted to make flying an experience that is not transactional, but a joyous and memorable ‘new feeling.’ However, I admit that we fell short on this commitment in the last few months and did not live up to your expectations, Kannan said.

Also Read: Ilker Ayci appointed CEO and MD of Air India; 51-year-old aviation veteran may take charge on April 1

I am aware that our website and the mobile app couldn’t offer targeted solutions to some of the problems you faced. And I also understand that your on-ground experience may not have been up to your expectations on some instances, he further said.

Assuring the customers that their grievances have not gone unnoticed, he said, the safety of customers and the airline staff takes precedence over any other consideration.

However, the varying restrictions that we have had to navigate and the constant safety concerns due to these unusual times, brought us some unique challenges in these past months, forcing us to curtail many aspects of our services, temporarily.

Also Read: IndiGo to upgrade navigation technology in its A320 aircraft

The new year brought along a sharp decline in demand right after a brief but very optimistic period while Vistara resumed recruitment and ramp-up of resources on various fronts buoyed by optimism in late 2021, the requirements around training and occupancy meant that it was not able to scale up as desired.

This, coupled with a scale back in capacity necessitated by a precipitous decline in demand, implied that the volume of enquiries and requests increased manifold, he said.

Stating that many changes and enhancements were in the works, he said, I have taken stock of things as they stood, and I want to assure you that we are addressing some of the gaps on a war footing. Additionally, the airline has also fast-tracked initiatives across its entire IT infrastructure to make the digital experience more convenient, he added.

Also Read: Vistara to restore pre-COVID level customer experience for flyers; Starbucks on the menu

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow