BUSINESS
MC Explains | Will a TSA-like concept be beneficial for security at India’s airports?
With India’s aviation sector growing, the time may be right to place airport security in the hands of a single federal agency.
BUSINESS
Can GoFirst still be a going concern? Yes, no, maybe: Legal experts grope in the dark
As beleaguered Go First shuts operations and initiates litigation, experts offer differing opinions regarding the legal implications. According to some, how Go First’s future shapes up is largely going to depend on what the Delaware court decides.
BUSINESS
Why analysts are not surprised at Go First’s bankruptcy filing
The constant churn at the top was the first signal. Also, since the airline was being run with very few people manning various sections, when almost half the top team left, it hurt GoFirst heavily. Finally, like any business house, the Wadias will also be interested only in profitable ventures. GoFirst was never one.
BUSINESS
GoFirst moves US court, blames Pratt and Whitney GTF engine for losses
In its petition in the Delaware Court, GoFirst said that between 2016 and February 2023, the airline carried out 289 Engine Changes and 221 Engine Swaps.
BUSINESS
MC Explains| The case for turning India into an aircraft leasing hub
The latest Budget intends to give a boost to Indian leasing companies through the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), which was established in April 2020 under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019.
INTERVIEW
Dubai seeks 50,000 additional plane seats’ capacity to and from India, says not dependent on any one market
India’s potentially huge growth story means the country shouldn’t constrain it by imposing restrictions on the number of plane seats an airline can offer on bilateral flights, says the president of Emirates airline.
BUSINESS
A year after taking over Air India, Tatas have more misses than hits to show
But the transition has just begun and all assessments must bear in mind that the Tatas took over an airline beset with problems. To expect a consistent product and service level on over 100 ageing aircraft almost overnight is asking for a lot.
BUSINESS
India and Air India will both be important in Star Alliance universe: Jeffrey Goh
Goh demits office on December 31 after taking over as Star Alliance’s CEO in 2017.
BUSINESS
Unlimited flights between India and Canada to improve direct connectivity, boost competition
The announcement will not only benefit Indians wanting to visit Canada, but also open up a huge opportunity to airlines from the two countries
BUSINESS
China-made narrow-body aircraft may threaten markets of Boeing, Airbus
A Boeing report said that China will need nearly 6,500 new single-aisle airplanes over the next 20 years, while the widebody fleet, including passenger and cargo models, will mean 1,850 new planes
TRENDS
India@75 | How Indian engineers are contributing to faster, safer, cleaner air travel
The Indian talent pool and Indian companies are contributing to enhancing technology and the digitisation of the aviation space in a big way.
TRENDS
India@75: We're the first country to use taxi bots that help save airline fuel
The use of taxi bots started at Bengaluru airport only in June, but they have been active at the Delhi airport for some time now.
WORLD
SriLankan shares plan with government to privatise airline, claims not taken state funds for last 12 to 14 months
SriLankan has to reduce its $850 million of debt before privatisation because investors may otherwise want the government takes on part of the debt, like in the case of Air India. It may not be easy to sell the whole of the airline, which owns the rights to the airport and landing rights on a government-to-government basis.
BUSINESS
Finnair looking to fly to more destinations in India, says General Manager Sakari Romu
Says it is looking at the growing Indian economy to spread its wings in the country
BUSINESS
Turkey ownership limited, we are a global firm: Celebi India CEO
Celebi Aviation, the largest ground-handling company in the country, is keenly awaiting the divestment of Air India’s ground-handling unit. In the light of the strained relations between Turkey and India, CEO Murali Ramachandran tells Moneycontrol: “We are a global company. You can't wrap it in a country's colour or flag.”
BUSINESS
Airlines set to benefit by leasing aircraft from companies based in IFSC
IFSC-based lessors are now at par with lessors in most competitive foreign jurisdictions in terms of withholding tax on lease rentals paid by Indian operators.
BUSINESS
Aviation watchdog uses sharper teeth to punish wrongdoing by airports, airlines
Speculation had arisen that imposition of fines by the regulator is the government’s way of exercising greater control over aviation after the transfer of Air India to the Tata Group. Experts say there’s no link.
BUSINESS
We will deliver the Noida airport on time, and within the sanctioned budget of Rs 5,730 crore: CEO Christoph Schnellmann
Despite input costs going up, Noida Airport, on the outskirts of Delhi, does not expect to see cost overruns, CEO Christoph Schnellmann told Moneycontrol
BUSINESS
Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan: No clarity on how Vistara and Air India will move forward; ball in Tatas' court
Vinod Kannan is not one to dodge a question. In this wide-ranging interview, the Vistara CEO gamely responds to every query thrown at him, from the impact of the Tata takeover of Air India and competition to ATF costs, managing a multi-aircraft fleet and a host of other challenges. Read on
BUSINESS
SIA at 75% of pre-COVID capacity in India; eyes 100% by end-2022
Delhi is back to pre-COVID seat capacity levels, and Mumbai will return to 100 percent levels in the coming weeks/months. The airline was operating the Airbus A380 aircraft from Mumbai and Delhi in the pre-COVID times as well, so there has been no new addition to seat capacities in either city.
BUSINESS
We have the ability to have more than one member in India, says Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh
The CEO of Star Alliance, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary on May 14, says the network has shifted away from membership growth to focus on better customer experience.
BUSINESS
Akasa Air launch delayed by a few weeks to July
The airline is yet to import an aircraft, after which it will get the air operator’s permit, which will clear the way for Akasa to apply for airport slots
BUSINESS
Three years on, how are Jet Airways’ pilots and employees faring?
Today, some employees have settled down in jobs with other airlines, some have moved to related fields and others have moved beyond the aviation sector. Last year, Jet still had about 4,000 employees on its rolls
BUSINESS
Exclusive | We hope to be an alternative to inter-city taxis, says FlyBig’s Sanjay Mandavia
The promoter of India’s newest airline says FlyBig will be cheaper than a taxi, as passengers will pay for a one-way journey unlike the up-and-down fare charged by taxis
