Singapore Airlines Group has stated that the proposed merger between Air India and Vistara will strengthen its multi-hub strategy and allow it to participate in the Indian aviation market. The group has reported a 24% rise in net profit for FY 2023-24, driven by robust air travel demand.
Tata group-owned Air India Express canceled over 80 flights after cabin crew members reported sick and protested against the airline’s human resource practices. The CEO is open to discussion with the crew and the airline plans to curtail flights to mitigate disruption. The civil aviation ministry has sought a report, and the regional labor commissioner is pushing for resolution. Former J&K CM Ghulam Nabi Azad complained about flights being canceled without intimation. Cabin crew members express dissatisfaction with reduced salaries due to the merger with AirAsia India. The airline union claims mismanagement and unequal treatment of staff.
Air India has been fined Rs 80 lakh by DGCA for violating crew duty time rules. The violations include inadequate rest for flight crew, age limit of pilots, and other non-compliance with regulations. This is not the first time Air India has faced penalties for lapses in safety measures. DGCA conducted a spot audit and issued a show-cause notice to the airline.
-
Uncategorized
Police in Kolkata have asked the transporters to move a stranded Airbus A-319 aircraft shell from the Prime Minister’s alternative route to Barasat. The consignment, including the trailer, cannot exceed 18m in height to prevent it from crashing into road sign boards and traffic signals. The aircraft was auctioned off by Air India and is being purchased by a Punjab-based buyer who plans to convert it into an aircraft-themed restaurant. Onlookers have been visiting the site to take selfies with the parked aircraft as a backdrop.
Air India pilots’ unions have accused the airline management of intimidating and coercing pilots to extend flight duty timings beyond prescribed limits. The Indian Commercial Pilots Association and Indian Pilots’ Guild have written to the Air India CEO about this issue, stating that it compromises safety and violates regulations. The unions have also warned of informing regulatory authorities if the coercive practices continue.
Air India and Airbus are reportedly in discussions to set up a pilot training site in South Asia. This facility, touted to be the largest in the region, will utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to enhance pilot training. The move is aimed at meeting the increasing demand for skilled pilots in the aviation industry.
Air India has taken delivery of the country’s first Airbus 350, signaling the start of operations in January 2024. This milestone brings modern technology and enhanced passenger experience to the national carrier.
Listen to the Morning Brief podcast episode featuring a conversation with Campbell Wilson, the CEO and MD of Air India, as he shares insights into the company’s operations and the aviation industry at large.
An Air India aircraft bound for Delhi returned to Kathmandu airport after pilots heard a noise during take-off. The aircraft had an unserviceable door before take-off but was cleared for take-off following safety protocols. Although a tail strike was suspected, it was later confirmed that there was no tail strike.
-
Uncategorized
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids at 14 locations in Punjab and Haryana linked to the outlawed organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and its self-proclaimed General Counsel, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. These raids were conducted based on specific information about their connection to SFJ and Pannun’s viral video threatening Air India. Pannun has been actively promoting terrorism and spreading misinformation about Punjab. He has been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
