DGCA Relaxes Norms for International Flight Operations for Indian Carriers
Radhika Bansal
13 Jun 2023
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on June 12 eased norms for Indian airlines to operate flights to a new international destination, at a time when local carriers IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Akasa Air are looking to expand their international footprint.
In a statement, DGCA mentioned that they conduct an assessment of the preparedness of Indian airline operators before permitting their operations to a new foreign destination. The checklist for assessing a new destination has been pruned from 33 points to just 10 in a bid to make it easier for them to spread their network to hitherto unserved places.
“This systemic reform comes at a time when the Indian carriers are poised to expand their international footprint," the DGCA said in a notification.
“To further ease the process for grant of such permission the existing regulatory requirements have been comprehensively reviewed in consultation with all stakeholders and the current 33-point checklist has been rationalised and reduced to a 10-point checklist related to their preparedness for the intended operations, removing other generic and redundant provisions in the existing checklist," it said.
"The objective of this rationalisation is to simplify and facilitate the process for Indian carriers to start a new international destination and would significantly reduce the documentation/compliances required to be submitted by the operators. This systemic reform comes at a time when the Indian carriers are poised to expand their international footprint," the statement added.
Airlines Plan to Go International
Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and Akasa Air are all looking to expand their international operations. IndiGo is looking to start direct flights to six new destinations in Africa and Central Asia in August, while Air India is looking to increase flights to Europe, West Asia, and the US. Similarly, Akasa Air is also looking to start international operations in December 2023.
IndiGo will launch codeshare flights to four cities in the United States via Istanbul from June 15 onwards. The flights, which will be operated in partnership with Turkish Airlines, will connect the cities of New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington. The codeshare agreement, which allows two or more aviation companies to use and market the same flight under their respective brands, was inked between IndiGo and Turkish Airlines in 2019. Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless travel to destinations where it has no presence.
IndiGo had launched codeshare connections to 33 European destinations, including Scotland, Bulgaria, Spain, the Netherlands, Greece, Belgium, Hungary, Denmark, Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Portugal. IndiGo had, last week, announced that it would also operate direct flights to five new international destinations in Africa and Central Asia, including the major cities of Tbilisi, Almaty, Nairobi, Tashkent and Baku, from July onwards.
In a departure from its single-aisle strategy, IndiGo earlier this year began international operations in Istanbul with a Boeing 777, its first wide-body aircraft, taken from codeshare partner Turkish Airlines, which provides the pilots.
While noting that it is taking a "massive step in its international expansion strategy," IndiGo said it will be adding an "impressive 174 new weekly international flights between June and September 2023, including new destinations, routes, and frequencies". The expansion also comes at a time when there is a rising demand for international travel from, to and via India, as well as the government's efforts to develop an international aviation hub in the country. The bullish outlook by IndiGo comes as the world's third-largest aviation market is seeing a strong rebound in travel post-COVID, with domestic and international passenger numbers surging despite high fares.
The expansion of overseas connectivity has been undertaken by IndiGo, India's largest carrier by fleet size and domestic market share, at a time when its rival Air India is also bolstering its fleet. The Tata Group-owned airline had, in February, placed one of the biggest aviation orders for 250 Airbus aircraft and 220 Boeing planes.
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How High Do Commercial Jets Fly, and Why Can't They Fly Higher?
Abhishek Nayar
13 Jun 2023
It is natural to wonder how high commercial planes can fly when we stare at the sky and watch them soar through the clouds. Commercial planes are contemporary mechanical marvels enabling us to travel vast distances quickly and comfortably. These aircraft are capable of reaching astounding altitudes, but they are also limited in a multitude of ways. A variety of factors, including engine performance, weight constraints, and aerodynamics, influence a commercial jet's altitude.
It is a regular occurrence for travelers. You buckle your seat belt, (hopefully) listen to the pre-flight safety demonstration, and get ready for departure. After a few moments, the pilot states, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have just reached our cruising altitude of 35,000 feet. I am going to shut off the seatbelt sign, and you are free to walk around the cabin. But please keep your seatbelt fastened while in your seat, in the event of some unexpected turbulence.”
It is time to relax and wait for the refreshment cart to show up. But how many of us have thought about exactly how high planes fly? Most commercial airplanes typically cruise at altitudes ranging from 33,000 to 42,000 feet, or around six to almost eight miles above sea level, which is regarded as the “sweet spot.” Too high, and oxygen becomes insufficient to fuel the engines; too low, and air resistance increases. This ideal height is related to the typical weight of a commercial aircraft; thus, bigger jets fly lower, and lighter planes fly higher.
Aircraft often travel between 35,000 to 36,000 feet in the air. To put it in context, Mount Everest's summit measures 29,029 feet. But that is why we have pressurized cabins: so, you do not feel like you are trying to breathe on the summit of Mount Everest. According to the UCAR Centre for Science Education, the area is known as the lower stratosphere and is located just above the troposphere, the lowest section of the atmosphere. Flying offers several advantages in this area, making it one of the most popular modes of transportation for travelers.
Altitude and Jet Engine Performance
To comprehend the relationship between jet engine performance and altitude, we must delve into the thrust concept. The thrust force moves an aircraft forward. Simply put, the "push" compensates for drag and permits the plane to fly through the air.
Factors Influencing Commercial Jet Altitude
Engine Power and Performance
Commercial jet engines are intended to produce enough power to propel the aircraft forward. The air density drops as altitude climbs, resulting in decreased engine performance. Jet engines burn oxygen from the atmosphere, and the thin air at high altitudes reduces their efficiency. Therefore, the engine power diminishes as the aircraft climbs higher.
Payload Capacity and Weight
Commercial airplanes' weight and payload capacity are also important factors in determining altitude. The structure and wings of the aircraft are built to support a certain maximum weight. The decreasing air density generates less lift as the plane climbs higher, demanding higher speeds to maintain altitude. Carrying more weight would necessitate even more power and speed, pushing the aircraft beyond its capabilities.
Aerodynamics and Drag
Aerodynamics is critical to aircraft performance, especially at altitude limits. Drag is the resistance generated by the interaction between the aircraft and the surrounding air when it travels through the air. The air density is lower at higher altitudes, resulting in a decrease in lift along with greater drag. These variables make maintaining stability and reaching greater altitudes more difficult.
Efficiency of Fuel
The primary motivation for flying at higher altitudes is to conserve fuel. Since the thin air creates less drag on the aircraft, it can use less fuel to maintain speed. Less wind resistance means more power and less work. This is also why it is referred to as "cruising" altitude: the plane is "sailing" through the air, following the path of least resistance.
Weather
Flying thousands of feet above the earth also allows airplanes to avoid much of the foul weather that people on the ground are subjected to. Do you know how it feels to see nothing but a bluebird sky, only to land in miserable rain at your destination airport? That is entirely due to the altitude. Most planes are traveling above the troposphere, where most meteorological events occur.
In Case of an Emergency
If anything, disastrous happens to an airplane at 35,000 feet, such as engine power loss, the pilot has far more time to cope with the issue than if the aircraft were only at 10,000 feet. This may seem foolish, but keep in mind that planes can land safely even if both engines fail, so giving yourself extra time to get your ducks in a row before attempting such a maneuver could save lives.
What Happens If a Plane Flies Too High?
When the plane reaches a certain altitude, there is insufficient oxygen to power the engines. "Most aircraft are limited by engine power," remarked pilot Peter Wheeler on Quora. "Because the air is less dense at altitude, the engine can take in less and less air each second as it climbs, until it can no longer generate enough power to climb."
Commercial Jet Altitude Restrictions
Pressurization and Passenger Comfort
Passenger comfort and pressurization are two of the key reasons commercial airplanes cannot fly at excessive altitudes. As an aircraft ascends, the air pressure outside rapidly decreases, resulting in a large pressure differential between the cabin and the outside world. To protect the safety and comfort of passengers, aircraft are pressurized to maintain a comfortable and safe environment within the cabin. However, the amount of pressure differential that may be achieved has limits, and exceeding these limits would endanger passenger comfort and safety.
Air Traffic Control and Regulations
Commercial aviation operates within a highly regulated framework. Air Traffic Control (ATC) monitors and regulates aircraft movement to maintain safety while preventing collisions. ATC assigns different altitudes to commercial jets in order to maintain separation between aircraft and promote effective operations. These altitudes are determined in advance based on variables such as airspace congestion, navigation routes, and aircraft performance. As a result, commercial aircraft must adhere to these allotted altitudes, restricting their ability to fly high.
Keeping Away from Traffic and Hazards
Planes do not always fly at the same altitude for the same reason that many of us wish we could do on the ground: avoiding traffic. Flying higher allows planes to avoid birds, drones, small aircraft, and helicopters that fly at lower altitudes. According to Your Mileage May Vary, the direction your plane is flying might also influence the height it will reach. Planes heading east (including northeast and southeast) will fly at odd heights (i.e., 35,000 feet), whereas planes flying west will fly at even altitudes. To avoid a collision, routes in the same direction are frequently arranged such that planes are 1,000 feet above or below each other. Because light aircraft do not have pressurized cabins, they must stay below 10,000 feet. Any higher, and the pilot must wear an oxygen mask to remain conscious.
Limitations of Aircraft Structure
Aside from engine and pressurization factors, aircraft structural limits are also important in determining maximum altitude. Commercial airplane materials and designs are carefully designed to resist the stress and strain experienced during flight.
Airbus and Boeing Narrowbodies
When it comes to the original Airbus A320 series, these twinjets have a service ceiling ranging from 39,100 to 41,000 feet. This is somewhere between 11,917 and 12,497 meters. Meanwhile, the A320neo family has a somewhat lower maximum service ceiling than its predecessor. Indeed, the A319neo, A320neo, and A321neo families have a service ceiling of up to 39,800 feet (12,131 m).
Boeing's 757 is an industry veteran at the company's headquarters in the United States. The 757-200, 757-200F, and 757-300 service ceilings are 42,000 feet (12,801 meters).
Corporate Jets
The Embraer E-Jet and E2 series have gained fame in recent years as regional aircraft with narrower, four-abreast economy-class cabins. The service ceiling for all of the planes in these ranges is 41,000 feet (12,496 meters).
Widebodies from Airbus and Boeing
It has already been more than three decades since the inaugural flight of the Airbus A330, which took place in October 1992. The aircraft has a service ceiling of 41,100 feet (12,527 meters), which is marginally below that of the A340. This quadjet was built alongside the A330, and its maximum ceiling is somewhat greater, at 41,450 feet (12,634 meters).
Lufthansa originally boasted that its 747-400 had the highest service ceiling in its fleet, with a maximum service ceiling of 44,947 feet (13,610 meters). The contemporary 747-8, with a service ceiling of 43,100 feet (13,137 meters), is also flown by the German flag carrier. As it happens, this value is comparable to the majority of Boeing's widebody twinjets.
Conclusion
Because of advancements in aviation technology, commercial planes can reach astounding altitudes. However, they have intrinsic restrictions that prohibit them from soaring any higher. Engine performance, weight limitations, aerodynamics, passenger comfort, safety considerations, and regulatory requirements all contribute to commercial jet altitude limitations. While future improvements may push these restrictions further, achieving a balance between pushing the limits and preserving passenger safety and comfort is critical.
With Inputs from Travel and Leisure, UCAR Centre for Science Education, The Smithsonian, Your Mileage May Vary, Traveller, The Sun
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Northern Irish Start Up Fly Atlantic Launch Date Pushed Back to 2025
Abhishek Nayar
13 Jun 2023
Fly Atlantic, a new transatlantic low-cost airline based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, recently announced that its official launch will be delayed until 2025. This unanticipated delay has been attributed to an array of factors, including licensing and clearance procedures as well as aircraft availability.
The Fly Atlantic Promise
Fly Atlantic intends to revolutionize transatlantic travel by providing low-cost flights between Europe and North America. Fly Atlantic, with its headquarters strategically positioned in Belfast, is poised to capitalize on the increasing demand for low-cost, long-haul flights. The so-called "game changer" airline was slated to commence operations next year, servicing European and North American routes. Despite the minor setback, local officials have stated that Fly Atlantic is committed to launching a new airline as soon as possible. Andrew Pyne, the airline's CEO, stated that the new timeline for commencing flying operations is spring 2025. Fly Atlantic had generated significant buzz and enthusiasm among travellers in the run-up to its projected launch. The potential of a low-cost transatlantic airline piqued the interest of budget-conscious travellers looking for low-cost methods to traverse the Atlantic. "The key issue is aircraft availability," Pyne stated. With the global rebound in passenger volumes following the epidemic, it's become more difficult to identify adequate aircraft at the right price, hence the delay."
Pyne further mentioned that launching a new transatlantic airline entails complicated procedures because the team is dependent on a number of external elements. Aside from obtaining economical aircraft, the newly established airline must deal with time-consuming airport infrastructure and licensing requirements. Furthermore, the airline intends to provide US immigration and customs preclearance in Belfast, despite the fact that the service is currently available at Dublin and Shannon airports. "We know that the airline will deliver enormous benefits to Northern Ireland, not only in terms of inbound tourism, but also in terms of job creation and improved opportunities for inward investment," the executive remarked. "On this basis, we are very focused as a team on delivering the 2025 launch target." The Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, a local body in Northern Ireland, granted Fly Atlantic about $44,000 in financing. A portion of the money was allocated to cover investment agreement fees and the costs of launching a new airline. According to BelfastLive, nearly $19,000 is intended to support a future bid to the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund.
Reasons for Delays
Licensing and Clearance Processes
Fly Atlantic cites the extensive licensing and approval requirements necessary for launching a new airline as one of the primary reasons for the postponement of its launch. Obtaining the proper permissions, adhering to safety standards, and satisfying the stringent requirements established by aviation authorities can be a time-consuming and intricate process.
Availability of Aircraft
Another element adding to the delay is aircraft availability. The fleet of Fly Atlantic is critical to its operations, and acquiring the correct aircraft that satisfies safety criteria while also aligning with the airline's cost-efficiency goals necessitates careful analysis and negotiation. The delay in acquiring sufficient aircraft has pushed back the launch date even more.
Fly Atlantic may have met unanticipated barriers during the planning and preparation stages, in addition to the aforementioned concerns. These might include logistical challenges, technological concerns, or unforeseen market variables that have necessitated a reassessment of the airline's launch timeline.
Prospects for the Future
Despite the delay, Fly Atlantic remains enthusiastic about its future potential. The additional time obtained as a result of the postponement can be utilized to fine-tune processes, establish collaborations, and improve customer service. By concentrating on these areas, Fly Atlantic hopes to develop a distinct value proposition that will set it apart from its competition once it takes flight.
Conclusion
Fly Atlantic deferred its official launch until 2025 due to licensing and regulatory requirements, as well as aircraft availability. While the delay will be frustrating for eager travellers, it will provide a chance for Fly Atlantic to fine-tune its operations and build a firm presence in the competitive transatlantic low-cost airline industry. Fly Atlantic intends to emerge as a serious participant in the sector by solving the problems and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the delay.
With Inputs from BelfastLive
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Air New Zealand Expects to Profit NZ$580 Million in FY23
Abhishek Nayar
13 Jun 2023
Air New Zealand has emerged as a shining example of aviation resilience and adaptation. Despite the enormous hurdles provided by the COVID-19 epidemic, the airline has exceeded all predictions and achieved a significant profit increase in fiscal year 2023. This astounding feat has piqued the interest of investors and industry analysts all across the world.
Air New Zealand's History
Air New Zealand is a major airline based in Auckland, New Zealand. It began as TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited) in 1940 and has since evolved to become a major participant in the aviation sector. Air New Zealand's distinctive silver fern emblem symbolizes the country's rich heritage and its dedication to providing exceptional air travel experiences.
Factors Contributing to Air New Zealand's Profit Increase
Effective Cost Management
Effective cost management tactics are one of the primary reasons for Air New Zealand's excellent profit growth. The organization has conducted a thorough evaluation of its operational expenditures, finding areas where cost-cutting measures might be applied while maintaining safety and service quality. Air New Zealand has effectively cut operational costs and increased profit margins by optimizing its supply chain, reducing operations, and renegotiating contracts with suppliers.
Enhanced Revenue Streams
Air New Zealand has worked on diversifying and developing revenue streams in addition to cost management. Personalized travel experiences, VIP lounge access, and better in-flight amenities are among the unique ancillary services offered by the airline. These services not only improve the entire client experience, but they also increase income for the organization. Furthermore, Air New Zealand has taken advantage of the increased demand for cargo services, utilizing its large network and fleet capacity to effectively move commodities and parcels.
Expansion into new markets
Air New Zealand's proactive strategy for market expansion has been critical to the company's financial success. Recognizing the potential of growing markets and underutilized routes, the airline has extended its operations strategically, adding new destinations to its network. Air New Zealand has earned a competitive advantage over its competitors by connecting travellers to previously neglected locations.
Streamlined Operations
Air New Zealand has made many attempts to simplify its operations in order to enhance efficiency and minimize overhead expenses. The organization has embraced digital transformation, utilising cutting-edge technology to automate operations, improve communication, and optimize resource allocation. Air New Zealand can make data-driven choices, adapt quickly to changing market conditions, and maintain flawless operations across the whole value chain by leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence.
Post-Epidemic
As restrictions were lifted and borders were restored, Air New Zealand soon recovered and began to see some light at the end of the tunnel. It stated in September that the strength of forward bookings and a decrease in fuel prices gave it confidence that earnings before taxation and other major items for the first half of the 2023 fiscal year will be in the region of NZ$200 to NZ$275 million ($122-168 million). It did, however, warn against extending the first-half FY23 profit projection to the full-year result.
By February, the airline had reactivated six Boeing 777-300ERs, added three new Airbus A321neos to its domestic fleet, and wet-leased one A330 from Spanish charter carrier Wamos Air. Air New Zealand reported first-half earnings of $299 million ($182 million) and forecasts full-year earnings of NZ$450 to NZ$530 million ($275-323 million) for FY23.
COVID-19's Impact on Air New Zealand
Initial Difficulties and Setbacks
During the COVID-19 epidemic, Air New Zealand, like most airlines globally, experienced extraordinary obstacles. Travel restrictions, border closures, and a substantial drop in passenger demand hurt the company's operations and financial performance severely. Flights were cancelled, and the airline's fleet was grounded, resulting in significant losses. Instead of submitting to hardship, Air New Zealand showed incredible resilience and quickly adapted to the changing conditions.
Swift Recovery and Adaptation
Air New Zealand's ability to manage through the pandemic's challenging periods is admirable. To weather the storm, the corporation took significant steps to decrease expenses, renegotiate contracts, and gain government assistance. Furthermore, the airline deliberately turned its attention to the home market, capitalizing on pent-up domestic travel demand. This decision enabled Air New Zealand to quickly resume operations, regain consumer trust, and ultimately recover its financial health.
Strategies for Future Growth and Sustainability
Strengthening Domestic Operations
Air New Zealand remains dedicated to enhancing its local operations as the global aviation sector recovers. By extending its route network, boosting aircraft frequencies, and improving connectivity inside New Zealand, the airline hopes to acquire a larger share of the domestic travel market. Air New Zealand hopes to cement its position as the preferred local airline by delivering easy and dependable travel alternatives.
Embracing Sustainable Practices
Air New Zealand has launched an initiative towards a greener future, recognizing the rising importance of sustainability. The corporation is aggressively investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, researching alternative fuel sources, and integrating environmentally friendly practices across its activities. Air New Zealand hopes to attract environmentally conscious travellers and contribute to a more sustainable aviation industry by reducing its carbon footprint and implementing sustainable initiatives.
Innovating Customer Experience
Air New Zealand recognizes the importance of providing an extraordinary customer experience in fostering long-term loyalty. To improve the overall travel experience for its passengers, the airline continues to invest in new technology and personalized services. Air New Zealand strives to surpass customer expectations and deliver unforgettable flights, from easy mobile check-in to in-flight entertainment and gourmet meal selections.
Conclusion
Air New Zealand's exceptional profit growth in fiscal year 2023 demonstrates the airline's resilience, effective decision-making, and capacity to adapt to changing conditions. The airline has exceeded all objectives through excellent cost management, enhanced revenue sources, expansion into new markets, and streamlined operations. Air New Zealand remains dedicated to enhancing its domestic operations, embracing sustainability, and developing customer experiences as it looks to the future, guaranteeing continuing success in the highly competitive aviation industry.
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