Turkish Airlines has announced a "Stopover in Istanbul" program in India, providing passengers with the opportunity to explore the city during layovers.
Passengers flying with Turkish Airlines can now enjoy free accommodation from select partner hotels, allowing them to make the most of their time in the city.
Turkish Airlines Director of Sales, Mahmut Yayla, said “We are dedicated to enhancing the travel experiences of our Indian passengers. Our 'Stopover in Istanbul' program underscores our commitment to providing exceptional services. Through complimentary stays in our partner hotels, we invite Indian travelers to discover the vibrant charm of Istanbul during their layovers, enriching their journey with cultural immersion and memorable moments.”
The surge in travel interest among Indians after the pandemic has resulted in a significant uptick in visits to European destinations, attributed to evolving travel preferences, improved connectivity, and enticing bundled travel packages, the airline said.
Passengers with a layover period of at least 20 hours are eligible to participate in the Stopover in Istanbul program. Vouchers for the free stay are issued upon completion of the application process. Travelers can now make a reservation by providing the necessary details, including name, reservation code (PNR), ticket number, preferred accommodation dates, room type, telephone number, and email address.
As an additional complimentary service, Turkish Airlines offers Touristanbul, a free layover service for all international transfer passengers with a layover time of 6-24 hours. Travelers can choose from a selection of tours tailored to their flight schedule, exploring the iconic historical sites of Istanbul, and savouring authentic Turkish cuisine. Turkish Airlines' Stopover Accommodation service is available at 108 destinations across 42 countries including India. Business Class passengers enjoy a two-night stay in a 5-star hotel, while Economy Class passengers are offered one night in a 4-star hotel.
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Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has been adjudged as the ‘Best Airport over 40 million passengers’ in Asia Pacific region by Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) awards.
CSMIA has been recognised ‘Best Airport’ for seven years in a row, the airport said in a statement.
The airport recently completed its major re-carpeting project of Runway 14/32, enhancing safety standards. Additionally, the introduction of 'Taxiway Z' reduces ground delays, significantly lowering carbon emissions and introduced a dedicated domestic-to-domestic passenger transfer facility within Terminal-2 (T2). This initiative reduces transit time for travelers with connecting domestic flights.
It has also commissioned a specialized Disabled Aircraft Recovery Kit (DARK), equipped with High-Pressure lifting bags, making it the first airport in Asia to possess this facility. DARK ensures efficient recovery processes for even the largest commercial aircraft.
The installation of 2D Barcode readers and an advanced Parking Guidance System at Terminal 2 streamline entry procedures and parking experiences.
The DigiYatra initiative introduced at Terminal 2, uses artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology which automates and accelerates the entire check-in experience, enabling paperless & seamless travel.
Mumbai International Airport also inaugurated the enhanced Pre-Embarkation Security Check (PESC) area. This strategic initiative was designed to enhance processing capacity, reduce wait times, and provide a seamless yet secure travel experience for passengers. With the infrastructure augmentation, Mumbai International Airport now has a total of 5,735 square meters of dedicated space for security screening, and 328 square meters of newly created domestic transfer security check area. The newly designed PESC now provides for a contiguous processing area of approximately 2,075 square meters, making it one of the largest in the country.
Spokesperson of CSMIA said, "It is with great pride that we receive the 2023 ASQ Award once again for ‘Best Airport over 40 million passengers’ category in Asia-Pacific, one of the most prestigious accolades in our industry. This remarkable achievement applauds the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the exceptional team at CSMIA. Like a well-oiled machine, they continuously strive to exceed expectations, ensuring that every passenger's journey is not just seamless, but truly memorable."
Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General, ACI World said, “The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards celebrate more than outstanding customer experience; it recognizes the innovation and dedication of your entire airport team. Congratulations to Mumbai International Airport for your hard work that is redefining the airport experience.”
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Minister for Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia virtually flagged off a symbolic Fly91 flight from Goa’s Manohar International Airport on Tuesday to Agatti ahead of the airline's commercial operations from March 18th.
Chief minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant was also present to flag off the first flight of the new Goa-based startup.
The first commercial flight is scheduled to take off from Goa’s Manohar International Airport, Mopa to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. It will also operate a flight between Bengaluru and Sindudurg on the same day.
“Today marks a major milestone for Fly91 in our effort to make air travel more accessible as part of our vision for Bharat Unbound. We reiterate our commitment to our customers that Fly91 is aligned with the goal towards offering last mile connectivity and making air travel in India accessible, safe and reliable. We aim to be part of India’s ongoing economic transformation by creating robust regional connectivity which is crucial to economic growth,” said Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fly91 Manoj Chacko.
In the inaugural phase, the regional airline will offer weekly flights between Goa’s Manohar International Airport and Bengaluru and Hyderabad as well as connectivity between Sindhudurg to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. All flights are open for sale with immediate effect.
Subsequently, Fly91 will introduce flights to Agatti, Pune, Jalgaon and Nanded.
“Fly91 is extremely delighted to be able to offer our flights for sale. We are excited to offer last mile connectivity with a focus on unserved and underserved routes to fliers in the country. Our customers can be assured of a reliable and dependable service and we look forward to welcoming passengers on our flights,” said Chacko.
Fly91 received its first ATR 72-600, one of the two aircraft leased from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise in the first week of February 29.
The airline has been allocated its first set of routes under the government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN. The routes include Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Nanded in Maharashtra and Agatti in Lakshadweep, along with other business and leisure destinations, namely Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad and Pune.
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In a dramatic legal saga surrounding the fate of three Boeing 777-300ERs belonging to Jet Airways, India's Supreme Court has delivered a decisive verdict, dismissing an appeal by the Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC) and paving the way for the sale of the aircraft to Malta's Ace Aviation. The ruling marks a significant milestone in the ongoing restructuring efforts of Jet Airways, which collapsed in 2019, and underscores the complexities inherent in resolving high-profile corporate insolvencies.
The Legal Battle Unfolds & Background
The Supreme Court's decision, handed down on March 7, 2024, came as the culmination of a protracted legal battle between JKC and Ace Aviation. At the heart of the dispute lay the conflicting interests of the two parties: JKC, which acquired the rights to purchase Jet Airways but faced challenges in concluding the deal, and Ace Aviation, which sought to acquire the parked B777s as part of its strategic expansion plans.
Murari Lal and Florian Fritsch, the masterminds behind JKC, had initially expressed willingness to dispose of the B777s as they envisioned relaunching Jet Airways with a fleet of new aircraft. However, as the acquisition process encountered obstacles, including disputes with creditors, JKC shifted its stance and sought to block Ace Aviation's efforts to enforce the 2022 letters of intent for the aircraft.
Legal Maneuvers and Tribunal Rulings
Despite JKC's attempts to halt the sale through legal channels, both the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) ruled in favor of Ace Aviation, emphasizing the need to adhere to the resolutions outlined in the 2021 restructuring plan negotiated between JKC and the creditors. The Supreme Court's verdict reaffirmed the decisions of the lower tribunals, signaling a definitive end to the legal wrangling.
Stakes and Arguments
Central to Ace Aviation's argument was the imperative to prevent further deterioration and depreciation of the grounded B777s, which had been out of service since 2018. The Ace entities contended that substantial investments and restoration efforts were necessary to render the aircraft airworthy, a process that could take up to ten months per plane. Moreover, Ace emphasized the mutual benefits of the sale, as proceeds would be allocated in accordance with the agreed-upon resolution plan.
Implications and Future Outlook
With the legal hurdles now cleared, Ace Aviation is poised to proceed with its acquisition of the B777s, bolstering its fleet and positioning itself for growth in the competitive aviation market. Meanwhile, the resolution of this contentious issue offers a glimmer of hope for the revival of Jet Airways, albeit against a backdrop of ongoing challenges and uncertainties in the aviation industry.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court's dismissal of JKC's appeal represents a decisive victory for Ace Aviation and a significant milestone in the resolution of Jet Airways' insolvency proceedings. As the dust settles on this legal battle, all eyes turn toward the future, where the fate of the B777s and the broader aviation landscape remains intertwined with the forces of restructuring, competition, and resilience.
With Inputs from ch-aviation
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In a strategic maneuver, the Sri Lankan government has announced its decision to absorb the substantial debt burden of USD 510 million plaguing the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines. This move, unveiled by Sri Lanka's Aviation Minister, Nimal Siripala de Silva, comes hand in hand with a commitment to inject USD 60-70 million as working capital into the embattled airline over the next six months. The announcement arrives amidst persistent delays in the privatization process, raising both concerns and hopes for the future of the island nation's aviation sector.
Government Intervention: A Double-Edged Sword
With the Sri Lankan Cabinet's approval to assume the towering debt of SriLankan Airlines, the government asserts its firm grip on the fate of the national carrier. While this decision aims to alleviate financial strain and pave the way for potential investors, it also signifies a significant gamble for the state exchequer. Minister de Silva remains optimistic, suggesting that the government's intervention may yet attract high-quality investors to revitalize the airline.
Privatization Prolonged: The Ever-Extending Deadline Saga
The saga of SriLankan Airlines' privatization has been characterized by a series of deadline extensions, indicative of the complexities and challenges underlying the process. Initially slated for December 5, 2023, the expressions of interest (EOI) deadline have been postponed four times, now standing at April 22, 2024. The Enterprise Restructuring Unit (ERU), overseeing the privatization, cites the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) request as the impetus for the latest extension, further prolonging the intricate dance of negotiations and evaluations.
Navigating the Delay: Rescheduled Milestones
As the deadline extends, so do the milestones of the privatization roadmap. The opening of the data room, a pivotal stage in the process, faces a delay until May. Subsequent stages, including the issuance of requests for proposals (RFP) and draft definitive agreements, have been pushed to later in the same month. One-on-one meetings and site visits, integral for potential investors to gauge the airline's operations, now find themselves rescheduled to June and July, respectively.
Looking Ahead: A Mapped Timeline
Amidst the delays, a mapped timeline emerges, offering a glimpse into the anticipated trajectory of SriLankan Airlines' privatization. With the bid submission deadline tentatively set for August, the evaluation and selection of the successful bidder are poised to follow suit. Following the issuance of a letter of intent, the ERU envisions cabinet approval and the signing of definitive agreements by late September, signaling a potential turning point in the airline's fortunes.
Conclusion: Navigating Turbulent Skies
As Sri Lanka's government assumes the mantle of SriLankan Airlines' debt, the nation stands at a crossroads, balancing the imperatives of financial stability and privatization aspirations. While delays beset the privatization process, the extended timeline offers both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders. With the aviation sector poised for transformation, the journey ahead remains fraught with uncertainties, yet ripe with potential for a soaring revival.
With Inputs from ch-aviation
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The Delhi High Court has recently taken a significant step in the ongoing saga of Go First, formerly known as Go Airlines (India) Limited, by issuing a show cause notice to Shailendra Ajmera, the Ernst & Young partner and resolution professional overseeing its insolvency administration. This move comes amidst allegations of neglect of aircraft maintenance requirements and disregard for court rulings, raising questions about the future of the airline and the responsibilities of its administrators.
Background: A Troubled Journey
Go First's troubles began in May 2023 when it suspended operations due to a cash-flow crisis, prompting lessors to seek repossession of their leased aircraft. However, court interventions prevented the immediate repossession, leaving the aircraft grounded in India. With the airline in insolvency proceedings, the responsibility for maintaining the aircraft fell on Shailendra Ajmera, the appointed resolution professional.
Allegations and Court Interventions
The recent show cause notice stems from an application by a DAE Capital special purpose vehicle (SPV), which claimed that Ajmera willfully neglected essential aircraft maintenance and disregarded previous court orders. The matter revolves around Ajmera's failure to provide maintenance records and concerns raised by lessors about the upkeep of their assets.
In response to lessor concerns, the Delhi High Court initially granted access to the aircraft for inspection and maintenance purposes in July 2023. However, this access was later modified to inspection only, indicating a contentious legal battle over the rights and responsibilities of the lessors and the resolution professional.
Prospects and Challenges
Efforts to resolve the maintenance issues have seen limited success. Discussions about outsourcing maintenance to a third-party entity began in November, with the formation of SP Mumbai Aviation LLP. However, as of now, no contract has been signed, and regulatory approvals are pending, leaving the maintenance responsibilities in limbo.
The Road Ahead
With the matter set to return to court on March 15, the fate of Go First hangs in the balance. Ajmera faces the daunting task of convincing the court that contempt proceedings are unwarranted, while lessors seek reassurance about the future maintenance of their aircraft. The resolution of this legal dispute will not only determine the immediate fate of Go First but also set precedents for the resolution of insolvency cases in the aviation sector.
As the Delhi High Court deliberates on the show cause notice issued to Shailendra Ajmera, the future of Go First remains uncertain. The allegations of neglect and disregard for court orders underscore the complexities of managing insolvency proceedings in the aviation industry. Whether Go First can overcome these challenges and soar again, or if its troubles will lead to further legal battles, remains to be seen.
With Inputs from ch-aviation
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