Drone maker Garuda Aerospace says over 500 women, mostly in rural areas, have been empowered through its comprehensive training programs in drone technology.
Over 20 states across India have been positively impacted by the distribution of over 446 drones to women's Self Help Groups (SHGs), enabling them to become key players in agricultural innovation and sustainability, it said adding, Garuda Aerospace has gifted a drone to one deserving drone "didi" in this initiative. After completing the training, these women can earn upto 50 thousand rupees to 70 thousand rupees per month with their drone skills.
“I stand with the remarkable women who have joined me in navigating the aerospace landscape. Together, we've confronted the challenges of a traditionally male-dominated industry, striving to break barriers and pave the way for future generations. As the first woman drone pilot, I'm committed to advocating for diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every woman in our industry has the opportunity to thrive. Our journey towards equality is ongoing, and initiatives like comprehensive training programs and equitable practices are essential steps forward. As we aim for a 50% female workforce by 2025, we celebrate the resilience and achievements of all women in aerospace. Happy Women's Day!" said Rithika Agnishwar, Co-Founder, Garuda Aerospace.
"Garuda Aerospace believes in the power of women to drive change and innovation in the aviation industry," said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace. “Through our pioneering initiatives in drone technology, we are not merely empowering women; we are also reshaping the landscape of drone technology and agriculture. By providing comprehensive training, resources, and opportunities, we are breaking barriers and creating a future where gender equality and inclusion are the cornerstones of success”
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IndiGo will begin new direct flights between Chandigarh-Dharamshala from April 02, the airline said in a statement.
With three weekly flights operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, passengers can now easily plan a quick escape to Dharamshala from the scorching summer heat, it added. IndiGo had also announced flights between Delhi and Dharamshala last year.
Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to announce the launch of direct flights between Chandigarh and Dharamshala, which will significantly reduce the travel time between the two cities with added convenience. These new flights would also offer customers from Dharamshala easy accessibility to key national and international destinations via Chandigarh. As India’s leading carrier, we remain committed to providing our customers with seamless connectivity through the 6E network and delivering on our promise of providing affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences.”
Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, is a beautiful city known for its modern architecture and urban planning. The city boasts of several tourist attractions such as the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and the Capitol Complex. With its clean and green environment, Chandigarh is a popular destination for both business and leisure travellers alike.
Dharamshala, located in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is a serene hill station known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, making it a popular destination for spiritual seekers. With its pleasant weather, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage, Dharamshala offers a unique travel experience that is sure to leave visitors spellbound.
The flights take off around 1 pm from Chandigarh and 2 pm from Dharamshala.
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Air India group celebrated Women's Day this month with a slew of activities including all-women flights and free seat selection for women passengers.
A total of 15 all-women crew flights were operated in the domestic and international sectors by the airline including 16 hour non-stop flight between Mumbai and San Francisco.
Over 15% of the cockpit crew of Air India are women and women employees constitute as much as 51% of Air India’s workforce.
At Air India Express, over 13% of pilots are women, and close to 50% of the workforce comprises women employees.
As a special gesture to customers, Air India Express is offering free seat selection and priority boarding services to all women passengers on March 8th through its mobile app and website.
Air India Loyalty Programme Flying Returns is also offering its women members a fast-track limited-time opportunity to skip the queue and upgrade to Silver Edge Club, which will offer them exclusive benefits like 15% more reward points, complimentary upgrades, and priority check-in services for which they just have to enroll and take one flight this month.
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Amidst high demand, airfares are likely to go up for the summer season and the 9-day sale starting 14th March, offers deals on hotels, flights, buses, and packages, the company said in a statement.
With #NationOnVacation, Cleartrip and Flipkart Travel are providing an opportunity for their customers to take advantage of the best offers on their platforms and book their dream holidays. In line with its customer-centric values, Cleartrip, under the umbrella of ‘ClearChoice’, is offering greater flexibility for its users. With ClearChoice PLUS and ClearChoice MAX, travelers can cancel or modify their bookings and get a full refund as opposed to the standard airline changes ranging from INR 2500 onwards. Myntra and Flipkart Loyalty customers can look forward to special offers and discounts on the Cleartrip and Flipkart Travel platforms.
Ayyappan Rajagopal, CEO, Cleartrip, said “#NationOnVacation was built with the idea of instilling a sense of planning travel way in advance in the minds of travellers. We were thrilled with the response to NationOnVacation last year and are excited to bring it back with offerings that will make summer a memorable holiday for all. Fares are expected to jump by 20-25% for bookings that will be made later in April and May when compared to planning in advance and booking now. With curated and customer-centric deals, we wish to celebrate India’s love for summer travel by making it more affordable than ever before. With ClearChoice fares, travelers can eliminate anxieties related to last-minute planning and ensure great value for money. Book now to lock in the best deals, get ahead of potential spikes in fares and enjoy a superior travel experience.”
Some of the offers include domestic flights starting from INR 999, international flights starting from INR 4999, 4- & 5-star hotels starting from INR 2499
Up to INR 500 off on bus bookings, ClearChoice MAX on domestic flights at a flat 599, 30-80% off on hotel bookings etc.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the expanded integrated Terminal 1 of Delhi Airport on Sunday.
With a capacity to serve 40 million passengers per annum (MPPA) - doubling its previous capability - Delhi Airport now stands among the top global airports, boasting a 100 MPPA capacity. The integration of Arrival and Departure terminals is not just architectural; it's a transformative journey, resonating with India's ambition and connecting
GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd-led DIAL undertook the expansion work in 2019 to make Delhi Airport future-ready. The expansion work was carried out as per the Master Plan 2016 as Delhi Airport witnessed a massive surge the Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) and passenger numbers, exceeding projections, the airport said,
I Prabhakara Rao, Group Deputy Managing Director, GMR Group, said, “The Delhi Airport Phase 3A Expansion project, a monumental undertaking driven by GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd led DIAL, is more than bricks and mortar; it's a testament to our nation's ambition and a catalyst for its continued growth. We stand together to celebrate the completion of a project and witness the dawn of a new era for Indian aviation. Terminal 1 enhances capacity and redefines the passenger experience while embracing sustainability. The expanded integrated terminal, a marvel of innovation and aesthetics, will serve 40 million passengers annually, double its previous capacity. Through this project, we have reimagined a seamless journey facilitated by facial recognition, self-service kiosks, and automated baggage systems. Spacious concourses bathed in natural light, offering a haven of comfort with prayer rooms, yoga areas, and quiet zones are its integral part. This project is about India's aspirations and positions the National Capital as a Gateway to New India, connecting us closer to the world and boosting our economic prospects. It creates jobs, fosters innovation, and paves the way for a brighter future for our nation. As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember that this is just the beginning. The journey ahead is filled with exciting possibilities. We will continue to innovate, collaborate, and push boundaries to ensure that Indian aviation soars to new heights.”
Some of the key highlights of the terminal include the consolidation of arrival and departure terminals into a cohesive structure significantly increasing the overall area, from 55,740 sqm to an impressive 206,950 sqm. This expansion is more than three times the previous area.
Passenger facilities are at the forefront, utilizing advanced technologies such as Facial Recognition System (DIGIYATRA) at all entry gates, 20 Automated Tray Retrieval System (ATRS), Individual Carrier System (ICS), 108 Common Usage Self Service (CUSS), 100 check-in counters including 36 Self Baggage Drop (SBD) kiosks among others.
To enhance the experience of Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), DIAL has created special zones for PRMs on the Kerbside which include a Lounge facility, phones, Sunflower Service, etc. DIAL has also established special zones and elevated seating arrangements for PRMs inside the terminal.
The integrated terminal has several passenger-friendly facilities using advanced technologies such as Facial Recognition System (DIGIYATRA) at all entry gates, 20 Automated Tray Retrieval System (ATRS), Individual Carrier System (ICS), 108 Common Usage Self Service (CUSS), 100 check-in counters including 36 Self Baggage Drop (SBD) kiosks among others.
The terminal also has 10 baggage reclaim carousels, each 70 metres long, against eight of 52 metres each, with ample space between two baggage belts, reducing the waiting time of passengers. The capacity of the Baggage handling system at T1 has doubled from 3240 baggage per hour to around 6000 per hour. The number of check-in islands has also been increased to five against four earlier. These would help in the easy flow of passengers and enhance passenger experience.
Apart from these, the integrated terminal will have 24 entry points for ease of entry for passengers. Inside the terminal, passengers can experience the Shop and Dine facility, Prayer Room, Yoga area, Quiet zone, Lounges, Group seating, Laptop charging stations, mobile charging stations, self-medication room, Baby Care rooms, smart washrooms, etc. The terminal is also well connected with Delhi Metro at Arrivals and as well as Departures.
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Lufthansa, the renowned German airline, finds itself navigating through turbulent skies as it grapples with a series of challenges, from labor disputes to capacity constraints. Despite a post-pandemic travel boom in Europe, the airline's profitability is under strain, leading to a cautious outlook for 2024.
Labor Woes Cloud Financial Forecast
Labor disputes have emerged as a significant hurdle for Lufthansa, impacting its operational performance and bottom line. The airline's recent warning of widening operating losses in the first quarter of 2024 reflects the severity of the issue. Costly pay deals to end strikes, including a potential 15% wage increase for cabin crew, threaten the company's ambitious operating margin target of 8%.
Financial Outlook and Market Response
While Lufthansa aims to maintain operating results on par with 2023, uncertainties loom large. The departure of Chief Financial Officer Remco Steenbergen has further shaken investor confidence, contributing to a fluctuating share price. Despite strong revenues in 2023, the company faces pressure to deliver consistent earnings growth amidst rising costs and labor unrest.
Capacity Challenges and Competitive Landscape
Lufthansa's slower capacity growth compared to its rivals highlights operational challenges, exacerbated by plane groundings linked to engine issues. Analysts emphasize the importance of a cautious approach to capacity restoration, particularly in light of the industry's broader challenges. As geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions persist, the aviation sector faces mounting pressure.
Market Comparison and Investor Sentiment
In comparison to European competitors Air France-KLM and IAG, Lufthansa's shares trade at a higher multiple of forecast earnings. While the company has outperformed its rivals since 2022, concerns over profitability and operational efficiency persist. High jet fuel prices, geopolitical uncertainties, and ongoing wage negotiations add complexity to the industry landscape.
Conclusion
Lufthansa's journey through 2024 is fraught with obstacles, from labor disputes to capacity constraints and market volatility. While the airline strives to navigate these challenges, uncertainties remain regarding its ability to meet financial targets and sustain investor confidence. As the aviation industry grapples with a complex operating environment, Lufthansa's resilience and adaptability will be crucial in weathering the storm ahead.
With Inputs from Reuters
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