Category Archives: Aviation

Ayodhya notified as international airport; SpiceJet to start flights on Feb 1

Ayodhya Airport in Uttar Pradesh has been notified as an international airport. Starting February 1, SpiceJet will operate flights from New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, and Darbhanga.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that it has notified the Ayodhya Airport as an international airport. It said, “It is hereby notified that Ayodhya Airport in Uttar Pradesh is declared as an International Airport and named as “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham”, with immediate effect.”

In a statement, the carrier stated that the strategic expansion will help to increase regional air connectivity.

In the statement, SpiceJet said, “SpiceJet is set to further strengthen its network by connecting Ayodhya with eight key cities across the country, commencing from February 1, 2024. In addition to the previously announced non-stop flights from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, SpiceJet will extend its services to include routes from Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Patna, and Darbhanga starting February 1.”

“This strategic expansion is aligned with SpiceJet’s commitment to offering seamless travel options to passengers while contributing to the growth of regional connectivity,” it added.

Earlier, the airline launched non-stop flights to Ayodhya from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.

The carrier will also operate a special flight from Delhi to Ayodhya on January 21, catering to guests attending the Ram temple’s dedication event.

 

Airbus Takes Flight with ‘Skill India’: Investing in the Future of Indian Aviation

The European aviation giant has teamed up with Air India, now under the Tata Group, to establish a world-class pilot training center in Gurugram, Haryana.

Over the next decade, this 3,300 sq.mt. center will train 5,000 new pilots, equipping them with the skills to navigate the skies in both, A320 and A350 Airbus models.

The first pilots will take flight at the Tata Airbus Training Centre in early 2025, starting with four A320 Full Flight Simulators. All courses will be approved by both the DGCA and EASA.

The aviation giant has teamed up with GMR Aero Technic to launch specialized Aircraft Maintenance Engineering training courses at GMR’s facility in Hyderabad. This collaboration promises to equip technicians with the skills and knowledge needed to maintain Airbus aircraft to the highest international standards.

Airbus is taking decisive action to fuel this expansion. As Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, aptly puts it: “India will need 41,000 pilots and 47,000 technicians in the next 20 years. The pilot training centre with Air India and the maintenance training partnership with GMR are a testament to Airbus’ commitment to developing human capital.”

By partnering with academic institutions like GSV, IIT Kanpur, and IISc, the company fosters innovation and talent growth in the Indian aerospace sector.

No flights at Delhi Airport: 10:20 am – 12:45 pm from January 19 to 26

Dress rehearsals are underway in Delhi, and airspace restrictions affect several categories of flights at Delhi Airport from January 19th to 26th.

The Delhi Police have announced temporary traffic restrictions on Kartavya Path and surrounding intersections (Rafi Marg, Janpath, Mansingh Road, C-Hexagon) from 10:15 am to 12:30 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The stretch between India Gate and Vijay Chowk will be completely closed to traffic from Wednesday, January 17th to Sunday, January 21st.

India’s 75th Republic Day unfolds on January 26th at the Kartavya Path. The President’s arrival, unfurling of the national flag amidst the stirring rendition of the anthem, and a 21-gun salute shall be witnessed. Adding to the occasion, French President Emmanuel Macron graces the celebration as the Chief Guest.

On January 26th, Kartavya Path pulsates with the vibrant spectacle of the Republic Day celebrations. This event unveils two distinct facets of the nation: its formidable military prowess and its rich tapestry of diverse cultures.
Gleaming missiles, testament to technological advancements, rise into the sky. From the peaks of Jammu and Kashmir to the beaches of Kerala, the diverse tapestry of India unfurls.

Source: PTI

Air India unveils its revamped amenities

Air India’s post-privatisation journey takes off with a 470-aircraft order, cabin innovations, rebranded identity, and new uniforms, redefining Indian aviation as we know it.

Air India’s cabin refresh takes off in mid-2024, coinciding with the arrival of their brand-new Airbus A350-900s.

Ferragamo amenity kits:
Air India and Ferragamo join forces to create amenity kits, available to first and business class passengers.

Air India’s new Ferragamo amenity kits are adorned with Indian prints, offering travel comfort and an Air India souvenir. First class indulges in a signature fragrance. Tumi continues to provide sleepwear and amenities for other classes.

New bedding:
Air India introduces bedding, featuring sustainable duvets, plush memory foam toppers, and unique wool-blended blankets adorned with traditional Indian motifs, all in harmony with the airline’s new global identity.

New tableware:
Air India’s new tableware prioritizes both form and function. Lightweight, durable materials ensure smooth service, while subtle Mandala patterns and India-inspired designs add a touch of cultural flair. First class passengers savor their meals on exquisite copper-gold thalis.

New Panasonic entertainment:
Air India unveils its eX3 inflight entertainment system, offering a whopping 1,000 hours of movies, 600 hours of TV shows, and 600 hours of audio across genres. Initially gracing A350-900s, 777-200LRs, and new/reconfigured jets, it’s soon taking flight across the whole fleet.
Air India’s library features over 250 Indian movies, 200 Hollywood titles, 900 TV episodes, and engaging audio, ensuring every taste is catered to.

Air India takes inflight entertainment to new heights with two additions. Avgeeks are captivated by Arc, an interactive 3D map offering a customizable exploration of the world. Travelers in all cabins can also relax and enjoy, with noise-canceling headphones in premium seating and reusable earphones in Economy.

Air India aims to set up South Asia’s largest aviation academy in Gurugram

Air India announced its 600,000 sq ft academy in Gurugram, a landmark moment at Wings India 2024.

Its training programme, including a pilot school and AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering) institute, aims to equip 50,000+ professionals and fuel India’s aviation.

Air India partners with industry giants to build two state-of-the-art pilot training centers equipped with over 20 Full Flight Simulators, ensuring training for Airbus and Boeing fleets.

“This training academy isn’t just bricks and mortar,” proclaimed Campbell Wilson, Air India CEO. “It’s a brick in the foundation of a self-reliant Indian aviation industry, poised to fuel our nation’s skyrocketing growth.”

From world-class equipment to the latest technology, the immersive training environment prioritizes safety and paves the way for career ascent in Asia’s aviation hub.

The academy offers training for all aviation roles, from pilots mastering SEP to cabin crew refining service and security personnel ensuring seamless airport operations. Leadership pathways and a safety-first culture powered by industry giants.

SCINDIA INAUGURATES INDIA’S AND AIR INDIA’S FIRST AIRBUS A350

In a landmark moment for Indian aviation, Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia officially inaugurated India’s and Air India’s first Airbus A350 aircraft on the first day of Wings India 2024.

This not only marks the arrival of a state-of-the-art aircraft to Air India’s fleet, but also signifies India’s growing stature as a major player in the global aviation industry.

“The A350 is a game-changer for Air India,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India. “It will not only elevate our passenger experience but also open up new routes and opportunities for expansion. Together with the full interior refit of our legacy widebody aircraft commencing mid-2024, this upgradation of fleet and product is a key pillar of returning Air India to the upper echelons of world aviation.”

The arrival of the A350 coincides with a period of rapid growth and transformation for Air India. Under the leadership of the Tata Group, the airline is undergoing a comprehensive transformation, aimed at renewing its fleet, expanding its global route network, enhancing its service offerings, and regaining its position as a global aviation leader.

Equipped with powerful and fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the Airbus A350 delivers optimal performance, environmental benefits, and superior passenger comfort. Its impressive range of up to 9,700nm (18,000 km) enables non-stop flights from India to destinations in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The A350 offers wider cabins, larger windows, mood lighting, and advanced entertainment systems, and comes with world-class cabin products, setting a new benchmark for passenger experience on Indian airlines. Air India’s A350-900 comes with 316 seats in a three-class cabin configuration.

Luxe Business: Business class aboard Air India’s A350-900 features 28 private suites in a
1-2-1 configuration, each boasting direct aisle access and sliding privacy doors. At the touch of a button, the suite chairs convert into full-sized beds, becoming guests’ own private cocoons in the sky. Each suite has a personal wardrobe and ample stowage space for electronic devices, amenities, and shoes, as well as a conveniently located mirror, catering to every traveller’s needs. 21-inch HD touchscreen and video handset provide an immersive entertainment experience, while universal A/C and USB-A power outlets ensure mobile and electronic devices stay charged.

Upscale Premium Economy: The exclusive Premium Economy cabin on Air India’s A350-900 has 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, offering ample legroom with 38 inches of seat pitch, 18.5 inches of seat width, and 8-inch recline. Each seat has a 4-way adjustable headrest and leg rest with a foot paddle for customised comfort, and a 13.3-inch HD touchscreen, and universal AC and USB-A power outlets.

Comfortable Economy: Economy has 264 seats in a 3-4-3 configuration, each with 31 inches of seat pitch, 17.5 inches of seat width, and 6 inches of recline, 4-way adjustable headrest, and a 12-inch HD touchscreen for a comfortable, yet stylish flying experience that delivers value for money.

Entering commercial service
Air India’s A350 enters commercial service on 22 January 2024, initially operating domestically for crew familiarisation on flights to/from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The aircraft will be subsequently deployed on international routes.

The first A350 of the many arriving
Air India’s first A350, registered VT-JRA, is the first of Air India’s 20 Airbus A350-900 on order, with five more scheduled for deliveries through March 2024. Air India’s firm orders for 250 new aircraft with Airbus include 20 A350-1000 as well.