Air India to Place 'AI' Code on Subsidiary Flights, Gets New Crew Management System

Air India's designator code 'AI' is now being placed on all Air India Express flights, the airline's chief executive officer and managing director, Campbell Wilson, said in a note to employees on Friday.

Expanding Code-Sharing with Air India Express:

"Air India now places the 'AI' code on Air India Express (IX) operated flights, allowing AIX to benefit from AI’s global sales and distribution, AI to leverage nine new destinations and hundreds of extra frequencies operated by AIX, and customers to enjoy the convenience of through-check in and baggage tagging. This follows the earlier rollout of AI code on I5 (formerly AirAsia India) flights and is a precursor to the placement of the AI code on Vistara flights too," he stated in the message.

An airline's designator code is used for quick identification in flight reservations, ticketing, and baggage handling, making travel processes smoother and more efficient.

Towards a Unified Brand Experience:

Air India Express is a low-cost subsidiary of Air India. Air India, which is wholly owned by the Tata Group, is in the process of being merged with Vistara, which is a 51:49 joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.

Air India will also have a new CAE Crew Management System in the next two weeks that will "strengthen our systems' adherence to rostering rules, improving the tracking of training & qualifications, and enabling faster recovery from schedule disruptions," he added.

The new system also comes against the backdrop of concerns flagged by pilots' unions about rostering issues.

"With it comes the new CAE Crew Access app, allowing the crew to seamlessly access real-time information, enjoy new capabilities (for instance, the ability to swap flights) and avail of a host of self-service tools, auto alerts, and features such as secure in-flight chats," Wilson said.

IndiGo will start direct flights between Chennai-Durgapur, starting on May 16, and is resuming operations between Chennai and Bangkok from May 15.

These direct routes will boost domestic and international connectivity from the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Connectivity to Bangkok and Durgapur from Chennai will provide business and leisure travellers with increased flight options and facilitate economic growth in the region.

With the addition of Chennai, IndiGo now operates 28 weekly flights from Durgapur to metro cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. This new connection will offer more options to travellers from Durgapur to connect to other domestic and international destinations via Chennai.

Vinay Malhotra's Perspective:

Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce the launch of direct flights between Chennai and Durgapur, as well as the resumption of direct flights between Chennai and Bangkok. The enhanced accessibility and connectivity provided by these flights will not only strengthen regional and international connectivity but also create new trade & tourism opportunities. With these flights IndiGo operates 69 direct flights to Thailand from 7 cities in India. As India’s leading carrier, we continue to deliver on our promise of affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across an unparalleled network.”

Exploring Chennai:

With the presence of major automobile manufacturing units and allied industries around the city, Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is also called the ‘Detroit of India’. Located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, it is an important centre of Tamil history, arts, literature, culture, kingdoms, and dynasties since the 1st century CE.

Located in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal, Durgapur is an industrial city, and it hosts a very mineral-rich belt. Planned by two American architects, it is home to the Durgapur Steel Plant, which opened in 1957. Situated on the banks of river Damodar, the city is also a hub of education and innovation with several renowned colleges and universities.

Bangkok, a well-known tourist hotspot and the capital of Thailand, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, and lively nightlife.

The Digi Yatra Foundation has said that all the data collected from nearly 3 million users at the airport is in safe hands.

The statement comes after opposition leaders raised concerns over data privacy.

Certified Integrity: Upholding Aviation Ministry Standards

Digi Yatra has the mandatory CERT-In audit certificate, which is required for the Digi Yatra Central Ecosystem (DYCE) backbone, mobile apps, and airport verifiers as per aviation ministry policies, it said in a statement adding the latest audit was conducted in January 2024, which clearly reconfirmed that DY does not store Personally Identifiable Information (PIl).

“Digi Yatra is built on the concept of Self Sovereign Identity, and DYCE never stores any of the ID Credentials data, which has PII anywhere in any central repository. The Digi Yatra blockchain only has Hash/Key values to check the Integrity of the data,” it said.

Transparency and Accountability: Data Handling Practices

DYF or any service provider cannot access user data since all the PIl is only stored on the user's mobile device in the Digi Yatra app, accessible only to the user. The old data would remain on the user's mobile device, and once the app is uninstalled or deleted, the credentials data and the travel history also get deleted by default, it noted.

When the user shares the ID credentials and the Boarding pass to the Origin Airport (verifier) and travels through the airport, the data received by the airport is purged/ deleted from airport systems within 24 hours of flight departure.

Digi Yatra technology infrastructure is being scaled up with the intention to expand coverage from 15 Airports to 28 Airports by the end of April 2024 and the CEO of Digi Yatra Foundation also confirmed that Data Evolve has been completely removed from Digi Yatra ecosystem. No one has any access to any personal data of DY users including Digi Yatra Foundation, it added.

The Digi Yatra Foundation is a non-profit organization established under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.  

Digi Yatra is a contactless travel experience that uses facial recognition to provide a seamless travel experience for domestic passengers. The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched Digi Yatra in December 2022 in Bangalore, Varanasi, and Delhi, and expanded it to other airports in 2023. As of April 2024, Digi Yatra is available at 13 airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Pune, and Ahmedabad.

Airport services firm Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS) will offer AeroWash services to Air India Express that include advanced and unmatched robotic cleaning technology, the firm said in a statement.

AeroWash is said to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, safeguard structural damage, prevent corrosion, and extend the lifespan of the aircraft, thus improving the financial standing of the organization, it added.  

AISATS introduced AeroWash services for Air India and Vistara last year. Being the first and only ground handler in India to introduce this aircraft exterior cleaning solution, AeroWash has already completed over 800 aircraft washes at Delhi airport, enabling airlines to reduce their reduction fuel consumption and decrease their carbon emissions substantially.

Sanjay Gupta, CEO of AISATS, said, “We are thrilled to announce the extension of our AeroWash services to Air India Express, showcasing our unwavering dedication to sustainability and innovation in aviation. Our advanced, eco-friendly solutions are designed to benefit the environment while boosting the financial bottom line of the airline. AISATS is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions to our valued clients, with AeroWash representing a significant stride in this direction. This transformative technology will enhance efficiency and pave the way towards a greener future.”

AeroWash harnesses state-of-the-art robotic technology, delivering precise and efficient exterior cleaning while upholding the highest safety standards for both the aircraft and the equipment operators. AISATS has also introduced solar-powered passenger ramp bridges and electric buses at various airports, underscoring the “company's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.”

AISATS is a 50:50 joint venture between Air India Limited (TATA Group entity), and SATS Limited. Since the start of its operations in 2008, AISATS has provided solutions to its customer airlines in international airports at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mangalore and Trivandrum. Currently employing over 12,000 staff, AISATS offers end-to-end ground handling services such as passenger and baggage handling, ramp handling, aircraft interior cleaning, load control and flight operations, and cargo handling services for general, perishable, transhipment, express courier and special cargo.

In a peculiar turn of events, global flight activity has surged past pre-pandemic levels, marking a milestone in aviation's recovery. However, amidst this resurgence, jet fuel demand growth lags behind, posing a perplexing challenge to energy market analysts. What lies behind this aviation paradox, and what implications does it hold for the future of fossil fuel demand?

The Jet Fuel Conundrum

Despite a remarkable rebound in global air travel, jet fuel demand has struggled to keep pace with the soaring flight activity. While recent data indicates a resurgence in flights, the growth in jet fuel consumption hasn't mirrored this upward trajectory. This incongruity raises critical questions about the trajectory of fossil fuel demand and the resilience of the aviation industry post-pandemic.

Efficiency Gains vs. Fuel Demand

One of the primary drivers of this decoupling between flight activity and jet fuel demand is the remarkable efficiency gains witnessed in modern aircraft fleets. Newer generations of aircraft are not only more fuel-efficient but also capable of carrying more passengers, thus reducing the per-passenger fuel consumption. These efficiency improvements have significantly dampened the growth in jet fuel demand, despite the uptick in air travel.

Post-Pandemic Bonanza for Oil

Aviation fuel, derived from crude oil, has played a pivotal role in driving the post-pandemic recovery of the oil industry. Accounting for nearly half of the increase in total oil demand, jet fuel consumption has been a key factor in the resurgence of oil markets. However, the divergence between flight activity and fuel demand complicates projections for when fossil fuel demand might peak, leaving energy market participants grappling for answers.

Forecasting the Future

Despite the challenges posed by efficiency gains, forecasts vary regarding the trajectory of jet fuel demand in the coming years. The International Energy Agency (IEA) anticipates modest growth, while analysts at Rystad project a more optimistic outlook, foreseeing global jet demand crossing 8 million barrels per day by 2026. Nevertheless, reconciling the current discrepancies between air travel and fuel consumption remains a pressing concern.

Conclusion

As the aviation industry embarks on a path of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the divergence between flight activity and jet fuel demand presents a formidable challenge. While efficiency gains have tempered the growth in fuel consumption, uncertainties linger regarding the future trajectory of aviation fuel demand. Understanding this paradox is crucial for energy market stakeholders as they navigate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

With Inputs from Reuters

The U.S. airline industry has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in corporate travel over the past quarter, marking a significant shift from the subdued demand experienced during the pandemic. With big-spending corporate travelers reemerging, airlines such as Delta, United, and Alaska Air are reporting robust profits, defying traditional seasonal trends. Let's delve into the factors driving this resurgence and its implications for the industry.

Corporate Travel Rebounds

After a prolonged period of subdued business travel, U.S. airlines are now witnessing a surge in corporate bookings, particularly from technology and professional services sectors. Companies like Amazon.com and Microsoft are leading the charge, driving revenue from corporate travel to pre-pandemic levels. Alaska Air, in particular, has benefited from increased spending by technology giants based on the West Coast, highlighting the pivotal role of tech companies in reviving corporate travel demand.

Industry Response and Adaptation

The sluggish recovery in business travel prompted airlines to adapt their strategies, with a focus on capturing leisure travelers. Carriers reworked their networks and adjusted pricing strategies to attract vacationers, particularly in key leisure markets like Florida and Las Vegas. Additionally, airlines renegotiated contracts with corporate clients and recalibrated their route offerings to align with evolving travel patterns.

Optimistic Outlook and Financial Implications

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, airline executives remain optimistic about the future of corporate travel. Delta reported that a significant majority of its corporate customers are planning to either maintain or increase travel volumes in the coming quarters, signaling confidence in the recovery trajectory. United Airlines echoed this sentiment, with its chief financial officer expressing optimism about the "brighter" future ahead.

The resurgence in corporate travel is not only boosting passenger revenue but also driving profitability for airlines. Alaska Air raised its earnings forecast for 2024, citing anticipated profits from business travelers offsetting higher fuel costs. Similarly, United Airlines expects record corporate revenue in the second half of the year, underscoring the financial benefits of the rebound in business travel.

Conclusion

The revival of corporate travel in the U.S. airline industry marks a significant milestone in the post-pandemic recovery journey. With technology and professional services sectors leading the way, airlines are experiencing a surge in corporate bookings, defying traditional seasonal trends. As the industry continues to adapt and innovate, the resurgence of business travel offers a glimmer of hope for sustained growth and profitability in the months ahead.

With Inputs from Reuters