Boeing 777X to be displayed at the Singapore Airshow 2022; will highlight sustainability, technology, and partnerships

Radhika Bansal

08 Feb 2022

At the Singapore Airshow this month, the largest in Southeast Asia, Boeing will showcase its industry-leading portfolio of commercial, defence and support services by highlighting advanced systems and capabilities focused on safe and sustainable aerospace.

Boeing's presence at the show will include its newest fuel-efficient widebody jet, the 777X, along with the company's offerings in maritime patrol aircraft, advanced fighters and trainers, and autonomous systems.

"We are looking forward to gathering with our industry colleagues in Singapore, in support of the recovery of aviation in the Southeast Asia region, as it provides us an opportunity to engage with customers, government officials, partners, suppliers, media and other stakeholders from the region. We will highlight our investment in, and commitment to, technology, innovation and sustainability, building the foundation for the long-term growth of the aerospace industry."Alex Feldman, President, Boeing Southeast Asia

During the show, a Boeing 777X flight test airplane will make its Asia debut, demonstrating aerial manoeuvres that showcase its new carbon-fibre composite wing and quiet GE9X engines, which contribute to the airplane family's leading environmental performance.

Based on the most successful twin-aisle airplane ever, the 777, and with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, the 777-9 will be the world's largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, delivering 10% better fuel use, emissions and operating costs than the competition.

https://twitter.com/Boeing/status/1490528325898575873

Boeing's exhibit at the show will also highlight the F-15, P-8 Poseidon, T-7A Advanced Pilot Training System, as well as autonomous technology including the Boeing Airpower Teaming System, which is the company's first uncrewed system to be designed and developed in Australia.

Designed to provide a transformational capability for global defence customers, it is the company's largest investment in a new uncrewed aircraft program outside the United States. This purpose-built aircraft can be missionized to suit country-specific needs.

The United States Department of Defense corral is expected to display the KC-46A Pegasus, P-8A Poseidon, and C-17 Globemaster III.

The United States Department of Defense corral is expected to display the KC-46A Pegasus.

Additionally, Boeing will highlight its growing digital ecosystem of services, including integrated flight operations, a data-driven supply chain, e-commerce, predictive maintenance, digitally-enabled MROs and competency-based training for commercial and defence customers.

Showcased service offerings use digital innovation to reduce fuel use and support sustainability targets for customers utilizing all airplane platforms.

Boeing will also focus on measures to deliver a safer, more efficient and sustainable air transportation system for the future with an emphasis on the Confident Travel Initiative, a Boeing led effort to provide passengers and crew with a safe, healthy and efficient travel experience and deliver that information to governments and the general public.

Boeing 777X will be on display at the Singapore Airshow 2022

The Boeing 777X made its first test flight over two years ago, with the company at the time projecting the first 777X deliveries to take place in 2021. The latest estimates have the aircraft entering service within the next two years, with Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun aiming for Q4 2023.

Boeing's late-2023 entry date for the 777X appears increasingly unrealistic. In June 2021, the FAA revealed that certification for the 777X is unlikely to happen until early-to-mid 2023, putting a late-2023 entry date in serious doubt.

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Bahrain International Airport receives a 5-star rating from Skytrax

Radhika Bansal

08 Feb 2022

Bahrain International Airport (BIA) has received a five-star rating from the airline and airport rating body Skytrax, which was announced on Sunday, February 6.

The rating includes direct services for departures, arrivals, and diverted flights, including airport facilities and customer services, security, immigration, and retail, as well as food and beverage facilities.

“This international-level achievement by BIA owes a lot to His Majesty, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s support for the aviation sector and the full backing of the government, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This sector is a pillar of the Kingdom’s economic growth and a major focus of its development plan for the logistics sector.”Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of transportation and telecommunications and Chairman, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC)

Located on a small island north of the capital Manama, Bahrain International Airport is the main gateway to the city of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The airport hosts passenger and cargo traffic from over 30 carriers. 

“It is a great achievement for Bahrain International Airport to become just the third airport in the Middle East to achieve this highest 5-Star Airport Rating. It is a much-deserved recognition of the high standards provided at BIA. Described as a boutique airport, it provides an excellent range of passenger facilities with a very pleasant ambience, and the terminal design makes this a most customer-friendly airport, whether departing, arriving, or in transit.”Edward Plaisted, CEO, Skytrax

Bahrain International Airport is the main hub for Gulf Air. The airport is managed and operated by the Bahrain Airport Company since 2010.

The airport caters to a growing number of airlines and serves as the regional hub for global cargo companies, including DHL, which has made Bahrain as their base to serve the Middle East since the 1980s.

Operations were transferred to the new Passenger Terminal in January 2021, increasing the airport capacity to 14 million passengers per year and cementing its reputation as an attractive hub for airlines and travellers.

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Rourkela Airport's expansion plan hampered by slow progress

Radhika Bansal

08 Feb 2022

The tardy pace of work on the new apron and taxiway of Rourkela airport has raised apprehensions about whether the facility can be made operational before the Men’s Hockey World Cup in January 2023. 

While the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been accused of deliberately limiting the runway length to operate only smaller aircraft from the airport, a tender of INR 5.69 crore for construction of the new apron and taxiway was awarded to Ranchi-based RK Mishra and Co in June 2021.

Rourkela Airport's expansion plan was hampered by slow progress.

It took the firm seven months to fill the earth. This apart, the cementing of the taxiway started only recently. It is unclear when work would start for the proposed terminal building to accommodate 200 passengers.    

What is more worrying is the present runway length is getting extended to around 6,330 feet (1,930 metres) to cater only to ATR-72 and it would not allow bigger aircraft like Boeing and Airbus to operate from the airport. 

This is even though the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has provided an additional 146 acres using which the runway could be expanded to over 7,500 feet to operate big body aircraft like A320, A320 Neo and A321 Neo.  

The present runway of 5,655 feet (1,724 metres) is adequate to cater to ATR 72-600.

Aviation enthusiasts said the present runway of 5,655 feet (1,724 metres) is adequate to cater to ATR 72-600 and De Havilland 8-400 aircraft but three years back the airport was granted ARC 2B licence for 19-seater as such smaller aircraft was not available. 

Sources said around 1,349 feet of the existing serviceable runway is being discarded over reasons unknown. The AAI  has also downgraded its plan to apply for an ARC 2C licence from ARC 3C. 

Rourkela Development Steering Committee chairman and former president of Rourkela Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) Subrata Patnaik claimed the AAI is deliberately limiting the runway length to 6,330 feet, fearing that after the mega hockey event the airport may be closed to promote the Jharsuguda airport. 

Patnaik apprehended if commercial flights are not started from the airport before the event,  it will be an embarrassment for Odisha. 

Earlier, the AAI had hoped to complete the upgradation of the airport by March 2022, apply for replacing the ARC 2B licence with ARC 2C licence in May and start operation of ATR-72 from October. But, now it looks like a remote possibility. 

After a joint meeting with top Civil Aviation officials on February 15, 2021, at Rourkela, the then Transport and Commerce department Principal Secretary MS Padhi had hoped to complete upgradation works by September and start commercial flights from December 2021. 

The airport is mostly used by dignitaries visiting Rourkela, especially officials of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and other VIPs.

To expedite the works, the AAI had recently posted three officers at Rourkela. The Chief Minister’s Office is scheduled to review the progress of the airport with AAI officials on February 11.

Rourkela Airport, Airport Code - RRK, is a domestic airport located near Chhend Colony, 6 kilometres west of the steel city of Rourkela in the state of Odisha. The airport is mostly used by dignitaries visiting Rourkela, especially officials of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and other VIPs.

The airport's terminal is being upgraded to handle scheduled operations. Under the UDAN scheme, scheduled flights were to start but this has not materialized. A license for commercial usage of the airport was issued in January 2019.

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IndiGo appoints Pieter Elbers as new CEO after Ronojoy Dutta decides to retire by September

Radhika Bansal

18 May 2022

Pieter Elbers has been appointed as Ronojoy Dutta’s successor after Ronojoy Dutta decides to retire by September, the company said in a press release on Wednesday, May 18.

Ronojoy Dutta will be retiring as the Chief Executive Officer of low-cost carrier IndiGo on September 30, 2022. Dutta, 71, was appointed at the helm of IndiGo in January 2019. 

“The Board of Directors of the Company, at its meeting held today, May 18, 2022, has approved the appointment of Mr. Pieter Elbers as the Chief Executive Officer and as a Whole Time Director of the Company, subject to necessary regulatory and Shareholders' approvals," India's largest airline said in a statement.

"What IndiGo’s employees and leadership jointly built, since its start 16 years ago, is ‘impressive’. I am very honoured and do look forward to build upon this, working together with the entire IndiGo team. I am delighted to become a part of the next stage of IndiGo’s incredible journey, further fulfilling the vision of what the airline can do and will be for its customers and for India."Pieter Elbers, Future CEO, Indigo

Elbers, 52, will be joining IndiGo on or before October 01, 2022. Elbers has served as the President & Chief Executive Officer of KLM Royal Dutch Airline since 2014. Elbers is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Air France – KLM Group.

Born in The Netherlands’ Schiedam, Elbers started his career in aviation by joining KLM in 1992 at their Schiphol hub and held various managerial positions in The Netherlands, Japan, Italy and Greece.

Pieter Elbers has served as the President & Chief Executive Officer of KLM Royal Dutch Airline since 2014

He was appointed as the Senior VP of Network and Alliances after he returned to The Netherlands before being promoted as the Chief Operating Officer in 2011. Elbers has a bachelor’s degree in logistics management and a master’s degree in business economics. 

“I leave knowing that IndiGo is in the good custody of Mr. Elbers and that the future for IndiGo employees is secure and bright. I would like to thank all the employees at IndiGo for the kindness and affection they have shown me over the past four years. As I move forward to the next chapter of my life, I will look back with nostalgia, fondness, and a tinge of separation regret."Ronojoy Dutta, Present CEO, IndiGo

“The Board of Directors and I would like to thank Rono for effectively leading our business for almost four years with a steady hand through what has been the most turbulent period in the airline’s history and aviation globally,” Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director of IndiGo said.

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Bali reopens for international tourists but quarantine is still required

Radhika Bansal

07 Feb 2022

Direct international flights to Bali have resumed for the first time in two years as Indonesia opens the resort island to foreign travellers from all countries, but mandatory quarantine remains in place for all visitors.

Officials had said in October 2021 that Bali would welcome foreign arrivals from 19 countries that meet World Health Organization criteria, such as having their COVID-19 cases under control.

But there were no direct international flights to Bali until Thursday, February 3 when Garuda Indonesia operated its first such flight in two years from Tokyo.

Bali reopens to foreign visitors from all countries but quarantine is still required.

Though the island officially opened to visitors from China, New Zealand, Japan and a few other countries in mid-October, there have been no direct non-cargo flights since then.

The six foreign tourists arriving from Tokyo were travelling using business visas since the new rules for tourists were not ready when they applied to come, said Yustikarini.

Singapore Airlines will introduce a regular direct route to and from Denpasar in Bali starting February 16, said Taufan Yudhistira, the public relations manager at Bali's international airport.

Direct international flights to Bali have resumed for the first time in two years.

Fully vaccinated travellers need to quarantine for five days in a hotel or on a liveaboard boat certified by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, and travellers who have received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine must quarantine for seven days.

The country's latest surge in cases, driven by the highly transmissible omicron variant, has mostly been concentrated in Jakarta, but in recent days infections have “increased significantly” in Java and Bali, said Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the government minister who leads the COVID-19 response in Java and Bali.

The quarantine for foreign arrivals is intended to prevent the further spread of the virus, said Pandjaitan.

Bali's airport accommodated more than 200 international flights with at least one million passengers per day in 2019.

Indonesia is maintaining much stricter quarantine requirements than Southeast Asian neighbours Thailand, which resumed quarantine-free entry for vaccinated visitors and the Philippines, which will do the same from February 10.

ALSO READ - Thailand relaxes entry restrictions as Covid fear fades

Before the pandemic, Bali's airport accommodated more than 200 international flights with at least one million passengers per day in 2019. The island was closed to international flights after COVID-19 hit the world's fourth most populous country in 2020.

Tourism is the main source of income in Bali, which is home to more than 4 million people who are mainly Hindu in the mostly Muslim archipelago nation.

The reopening of Bali to travellers from all countries will help boost the island's economy.

Bali's tourist areas were deserted two decades ago after visitors were scared off by deadly terror attacks that targeted foreigners, but the island has worked to overcome that image.

The reopening of Bali to travellers from all countries will help boost the island's economy, which has been badly affected by the pandemic, Pandjaitan said.

It will also serve as a "trial," said Tourism and Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, as the government prepares to host G-20 events in Bali later this year.

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SpiceJet's Ajay Singh asks Finance Minister to bring jet fuel under GST

Radhika Bansal

07 Feb 2022

At a post-budget interaction, on behalf of the civil aviation, travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, Ajay Singh, Vice-President, ASSOCHAM and Chairman, and Managing Director, SpiceJet raised with the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the difficulties being faced by these sectors because of Covid.

He requested the Finance Minister to consider granting infrastructure status to these sectors to facilitate lending by banks and financial institutions. He also requested the Ministry of Finance to support the inclusion of Aviation Turbine Fuel under GST.

Ajay Singh, Vice-President, ASSOCHAM and Chairman, and Managing Director, SpiceJet

According to a statement issued by SpiceJet at the meeting, the Finance Minister has promised to consider granting infrastructure/ industry status to help the sectors of civil aviation, travel, tourism, and hospitality.

Sitharaman, in a post-Budget discussion with industry chamber Assocham, said a final decision of inclusion of ATF in GST will be taken by the Council, which comprises finance ministers from central and state governments.

"It is not with ... (the Centre) alone, it has got to go to the GST Council. The next time we meet in the Council, I will put it on the table for them to discuss it," she said. The next meeting of the Council is expected by either in end-February or in March.

Nirmala Sitharaman said that the centre will bring ATF inclusion in GST for discussion in the next Council meet

Sitharaman was responding to views expressed by SpiceJet Founder Ajay Singh where he sought the support of the Union finance minister in bringing ATF under the GST regime.

Currently, the central government levies excise duty on ATF while state governments charge VAT. These taxes, with excise duty, in particular, have been raised periodically with rising oil prices.

She has also assured that she will take up the issue of inclusion of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) under GST at the next meeting of the GST Council.

The Indian travel trade including associations, tour operators, and other stakeholders have also been seeking industry/infrastructure status so that the ailing sector can get tax relief and other benefits to survive the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic which has widely affected travel and tourism-related businesses.

Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for the 2022-23 Financial year on February 1 and the announcements didn’t include any substantial relief measures for the civil aviation, travel, tourism sector. The highlight for the sectors was the extension of the ECLG scheme till March 2023 to support the hospitality sector.

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