Jamnagar Airport Suspends Flight Operations in Anticipation of Cyclone Biparjoy; NOTAM Issued
Radhika Bansal
16 Jun 2023

In anticipation of cyclone Biparjoy's landfall, commercial flight operations at Jamnagar Airport in Gujarat will be temporarily halted until Friday, June 16 as a precautionary measure. The airport management has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for a duration of three days, from Wednesday to Friday.
Additionally, the airport has made necessary arrangements by storing an adequate supply of diesel and petrol for emergency operations. There are no aircraft in the parking area at the airport. As per the NOTAM, Air India and Star Air have cancelled their scheduled flights. NOTAM which means 'Notice to Airmen' -- is issued at the airport for flights coming from outside.
Cyclone Biparjoy currently formed in the Arabian Sea along Gujarat coast is likely to make its landfall later today. Earlier today, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclone was moving north-northeastwards towards Saurashtra and Kutch coast and was around 180 km away from Jakhau port. It will cross Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by tonight. Coastal districts like Porbandar and Dwarka would have high wind speeds, Very Heavy to Extremely Heavy rainfall, and high tides would be seen on the Gujarat coasts.
Coastal districts like Porbandar and Dwarka would have high wind speeds, Very Heavy to Extremely Heavy rainfall, and high tides would be seen on the Gujarat coasts. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed in Gujarat on Wednesday. The teams are working to evacuate people and animals out of low-lying coastal areas safely. The Indian Army is also prepared to provide relief and resources to the affected areas if the need arises.
Cyclone Biparjoy
Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy is a long-lived, powerful tropical cyclone that formed over the east-central Arabian Sea and made landfall near the India-Pakistan border. The third depression and the second cyclonic storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Biparjoy originated from a depression that was first noted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 6 June, before intensifying into a cyclonic storm. The cyclone steadily weakened due to deep flaring convection. Biparjoy accelerated northeastward, strengthening to a Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone and an extremely severe cyclonic storm.
As per the IMD bulletin, the cyclone is presently located 135 km west-southwest of Jakhau Port in Gujarat, 190 km west-northwest of Devbhumi Dwarka, 170 km west-southwest of Naliya, 280 km west-northwest of Porbandar, and 230 km south of Karachi, Pakistan. During landfall, the wind speed is expected to range between 115 kmph to 125 kmph, reaching up to 140 kmph. The Gujarat administration reported that over 94,000 individuals residing in eight coastal districts have been relocated to temporary shelters.
Flights Disruptions at Mumbai Airport
Cyclone Biparjoy disrupted flight operations in Mumbai. Several flights were affected on June 10 due to bad weather conditions around the city. Heavy rain and gusty winds hit the city as the cyclone Biparjoy intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm and advanced towards Gujarat. Several flights were either cancelled, delayed or diverted due to the bad weather conditions. Hundreds of anxious passengers expressed their displeasure about the situation on social media. Some passengers took to Twitter to complain about the inconvenience.
In a statement, Air India said that some of its flights running from Mumbai will be delayed due to bad weather and the temporary closure of the runway. "Inclement weather conditions and the temporary closure of Runway 09/27 at the Mumbai airport, in addition to other consequential factors beyond our control have resulted in delays and cancellation of some of our flights. We regret the inconvenience caused to our guests, as we make all effort to minimise the disruptions” Air India tweeted.
India's biggest airline IndiGo also announced some changes in its scheduled flights. "The agony of flight delays is equally troublesome for us. It is only under extremely uncontrollable situations we're compelled to make such changes in the schedule. We look forward to your kind understanding," Indigo tweeted responding to a passenger.
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Singapore Airlines Has No Plans to Raise its Stake in Air India Beyond 25.1%
Radhika Bansal
16 Jun 2023

Singapore Airlines has no plans to raise its stake in Air India beyond 25.1%, said a spokesperson at the airline. The stake purchase is still under review with the watchdog Competition Commission of India, she added. The spokesperson was reacting to a media report that said SIA may raise its stake in the airline to 40%. The spokesperson said the report “is incorrect.” “There is no change in SIA’s position from the November 2022 announcement. The regulatory approval process for the merger of Air India and Vistara is underway, and we have nothing further to add.”
The media report, citing three people familiar with the development, stated Singapore Airlines and the Tata Group have had initial talks regarding the potential increase in stake, in response to a request from a Singapore-based airline.
Air India - Vistara Merger
Within a few days of announcing a mega 840 aircraft deal with Airbus and Boeing, the Tata group initiated the merger process between Air India and Vistara. The merger will take final shape by March 2024 and Singapore International Airlines would be investing INR 2,058.5 crore in Air India as part of the transaction. Singapore Airlines will retain a 25.1% stake in Air India post the merger is completed.
Currently, Tata Group holds a 51% stake in Vistara, whereas the remaining 49% stake is with Singapore Airlines. The merger is part of a larger plan by Tata Group to transform its aviation business. Under this, only two airlines will operate - one premium full-service carrier and one low-cost carrier. While Air India and Vistara will merge into one, AirAsia India and Air India Express will merge into one airline.
The CCI’s nod is one of many things required for the eventual merger of Air India and Vistara. According to the current timeline, the integration will be finalized sometime early next year. The Tatas will eventually control a full-segment airline (joint product of Air India and Vistara) and a low-cost carrier (joint product of AirAsia India and Air India Express). The proposed transaction involves a merger as well as an acquisition of shares and is notifiable under Section 5 of the Competition Act, 2002, the notice said.
Tata Sons and SIA plan to merge Air India and Vistara, with SIA investing an additional SUSD 360 million into Air India. Last November the merger was announced in a bid to strengthen Singapore Airlines’ presence in domestic and international skies. The deal will make Air India the country's largest international carrier and second-largest domestic carrier.
‘Horizontal Overlaps’ In The Merger
However, the notice pointed out ‘horizontal overlaps’ in areas such as the “market for domestic passenger air transport services in India; the market for international passenger air transport services in India; the market for the provision of air cargo transport services in India; and market for the provision of charter flight services in India”.
Besides, the notice cited ‘vertical relationships’ such as the upstream market for ground handling services at the Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram airports. “The downstream market for passenger air transport services at Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram airports; and the upstream market for in-flight catering services in India; the downstream market for passenger air transport services in India.”
Recently, Air India placed a historic order of 470 Aircraft with Boeing and Airbus. The Tata Group airline placed an order of 190 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, 20 B787 & 10 B777X. It has also placed an order for 40 Airbus A350s & 210 A320neo.
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Vistara & Lufthansa Expands Their Codeshare Partnership to Enhance Flight Connectivity to Europe
Radhika Bansal
16 Jun 2023

Vistara, India's leading full-service carrier, has expanded its codeshare partnership with Lufthansa, one of Europe's premier airlines, enabling enhanced connectivity to Vistara customers while travelling across Europe. The bilateral codeshare agreement between Vistara and Lufthansa enables both airlines to sell flights on each other's networks, offering convenient travel options to customers.
Now, the 12 key destinations that get included in Vistara’s network are Amsterdam (AMS), Stockholm (ARN), Berlin (BER), Budapest (BUD), Copenhagen (CPH), Rome (FCO), Hamburg (HAM), Helsinki (HEL), Lisbon (LIS), Munich (MUC), Oslo (OSL), Prague (PRG), according to a company press release.
Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara, said, "We are delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Lufthansa, one of the world’s leading airlines. This is a testament to our continued commitment to offer enhanced connectivity, world-class service and a wide range of options to our customers. This enables our customers to conveniently book their itineraries and seamlessly travel across various parts of Europe on the joint network of Vistara and Lufthansa.”
Vistara, which is also a joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa had entered into a unilateral codeshare agreement, in 2019, enabling the latter to add its designator code (LH) to Vistara flights for 18 destinations in India. Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provides seamless travel to destinations where it has no presence.
Jeffrey James, Head of Communications APAC & Chief Spokesperson, Lufthansa Group, said, "We take pride in our relationships and India our partnership with Vistara embodies our strong commitment to the country. As the third largest aviation market globally, India remains a key focus for our Group and we are delighted to further strengthen our relationship with Vistara, offering Indian travellers more choice, more options and more connectivity between Europe and the subcontinent.”
Vistara has consistently focused on expanding its international reach and delivering exceptional service to its customers. The expansion of the codeshare partnership with Lufthansa is a strategic move that aligns with Vistara's growth strategy and its goal of connecting India to key global destinations. With this bilateral codeshare agreement, Vistara continues to establish itself as a leading player, in the Indian aviation industry, known for its commitment to service excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Lufthansa operates a diverse fleet of A320 family jets, the A330, A340, A350, and 787 for its operations. Meanwhile, Vistara operates a fleet of 787s, A320 family jets, and a few 737s. Apart from Lufthansa, Vistara has codeshare partnerships with British Airways, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines and United Airlines.
No US expansion
Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has a fleet of 61 planes and no aircraft are on the ground, he added. The fleet has three owned and one leased wide-body aircraft. Kannan said the airline has decided not to fly to the US as planned earlier. "The main reason is that to fly to the US, I need a lot of aircraft. One single daily operation from India to the US will need at least three aircraft. I have to wait for three aircraft to come and I don't know if it will be spaced out. By the time it will start, the integration (will be) happening," he noted.
In 2021, Vistara formally applied for DOT permission, which was granted promptly. But its plans were affected due to the non-availability of long-haul aircraft to operate these flights. Interestingly, it wasn’t COVID that played a role in this, but the production and delivery delays by Boeing for its Dreamliners forced the airline to postpone its plans.
Against the backdrop of the ongoing process of merger with Air India, post which the Vistara brand will cease to exist, Kannan said the people who built the Vistara brand are going to be there and it is always good to leave on a high. To a query on what the Vistara brand is, he said it is "something that was built with a lot of attention, care, attention, pain, sweat, money and a lot of money was put in. Thankfully, we are in a situation where people realise that we are a good brand to travel with. Air India needs people from Vistara. They are growing... whether people have the job, is not the issue. The issue is what job they will have," he said.
Future of Vistara
In November 2022, Tata Group announced the merger of Vistara with Air India, and under the deal, Singapore Airlines will have a 25.1% stake in Air India. Subject to regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to be complete by March 2024. Singapore Airlines will invest INR 2,059 crore in Air India.
The Vistara chief said airfares are always a matter of supply and demand. "Airfares are sky high because of a few reasons. One is Go First as on routes they were operating, capacity has come down; secondly, the seasonality demand, in May, all the destinations Go First used to fly are super peak... as much as we want, capacity has not come back to the same extent as what Go First has taken away. Biggest solution (to have) is capacity addition," he said.
“The integration process has finally begun. Multiple things need to happen. For example, we need to apply for several approvals, like from the competition authorities, ministries and so on,” Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan told ATW on the sidelines of the IATA AGM in Istanbul. “We expect approvals, assuming everything goes right, in a matter of three to five months,” he said. If the process goes as planned, the integration could be complete in nine to 12 months.
Until then, Vistara continues to operate independently. The carrier recently took delivery of a fourth Boeing 787-9 and launched five weekly Mumbai-London Heathrow services on June 1, which will increase to daily when the carrier receives a fifth 787-9.
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Airbus, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers, has long been known for its commitment to innovation and excellence in the aviation industry. Recently, they took a bold step by deciding to deliver an A321neo jetliner manufactured in China to a European customer. This move is a strategic response to the challenges faced by Airbus in delivering new aircraft to their customers and an opportunity to optimize their global manufacturing network.
Aircraft Delivery Challenges
Airbus has found it increasingly challenging to deliver new aircraft to customers due to issues such as supply chain interruptions, logistical complexity, and production delays. These roadblocks frequently result in dissatisfied consumers and impede the timely expansion of airlines' fleets. To address these issues, Airbus has been exploring innovative solutions to improve its delivery efficiency.
The A321neo: A Game-Changing Aircraft
The A321neo, a variant of the successful A320neo family, represents a significant advancement in aircraft design and performance. This next-generation aircraft incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including fuel-efficient engines and aerodynamic improvements, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. With its extended range and enhanced passenger comfort, the A321neo has become a preferred choice for airlines seeking to optimize their operations and provide an exceptional travel experience.
The Airbus Tianjin Plant: A Manufacturing Powerhouse
A Thriving Partnership
The Airbus Tianjin plant, established in 2008, has played a pivotal role in the company's production capabilities. This joint venture with Chinese partners has enabled Airbus to tap into the vast potential of the Chinese aviation market and leverage the expertise of local talent. The facility has become a symbol of collaboration and innovation, fostering mutual growth for both Airbus and China.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
Equipped with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities, the Airbus Tianjin plant boasts an impressive manufacturing setup. The plant adheres to Airbus' stringent quality standards while ensuring efficient production processes. It serves as a prime example of how global manufacturers can establish successful operations in strategic locations worldwide.
Production Upgrade
Airbus stated in November of last year that the Tianjin A320 series aircraft final assembly line would be adapted and upgraded to handle the A321 type. It is worth mentioning that, after the completion of the Tianjin factory's refurbishment last year, the current final assembly facility in Toulouse is also approaching completion. Airbus' worldwide industrial system will have the capability for A321 aircraft assembly, fulfilling the company's production capacity targets and satisfying the growing market demand for the A321 type.
Addressing Aircraft Delivery Challenges
Meeting Customer Demands
Airbus has been actively working to streamline its aircraft delivery processes to meet the increasing demand from customers. By utilizing the manufacturing capabilities in the Tianjin plant, the company has expanded its capacity to deliver aircraft promptly, ensuring customer satisfaction and fostering long-term relationships.
Optimizing the Supply Chain
To enhance its delivery capabilities, Airbus has focused on optimizing its global supply chain. By leveraging its manufacturing facilities in different regions, the company aims to reduce logistical challenges and improve lead times. The delivery of the A321neo jetliner from China to Europe exemplifies this approach, showcasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the optimized supply chain.
Delivery to Wizz Air
Wizz Air, a well-established European airline, is known for its extensive network and low-cost business model, making it a popular choice among travelers. The delivery of the A321neo showcases Airbus' commitment to serving its European customers efficiently and meeting their evolving demands for advanced aircraft technology. It stated that it is a customer for the A321neo manufactured at Airbus' Tianjin final assembly facility but declined to elaborate. According to FlightRadar24.com, the Airbus A321neo, manufactured for European low-cost airline Wizz Air, successfully completed its maiden test flight on June 9th.
Strengthening the Global Manufacturing Network
The delivery of an A321neo jetliner from Airbus' Tianjin plant to Wizz Air underscores the importance of a robust and well-connected global manufacturing network. By strategically distributing production facilities across multiple locations, Airbus can minimize transportation time, optimize supply chain logistics, and enhance customer satisfaction. This approach also helps Airbus address geopolitical factors and market dynamics that may impact its operations in a specific region.
Conclusion
Airbus' milestone delivery of an A321neo jetliner manufactured in China to Wizz Air signifies a significant achievement for the company. By addressing challenges in aircraft delivery and leveraging its global manufacturing network, Airbus has demonstrated its commitment to meeting customer needs while ensuring operational efficiency. This achievement exemplifies Airbus' innovation skills and forward-thinking attitude as a leading aircraft maker in the aviation sector.
With Inputs from Bloomberg
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Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is one of the leading airlines in the United Arab Emirates. With a reputation for exceptional service and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Etihad Airways continues to expand its global network. In its latest move, the airline aims to enhance its presence in Russia by launching a new route to the beautiful city of St. Petersburg.
Etihad Airways: A Brief Overview
Etihad Airways, founded in 2003, has established itself as a premium airline, offering both domestic and international flights to various destinations worldwide. With its state-of-the-art fleet, attentive cabin crew, and innovative services, Etihad Airways has gained recognition as a preferred choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Etihad is the fifth-largest capacity provider, with a 5.2% market share, after flydubai on 38.3%, Emirates on 31%, Air Arabia on 14.3%, and Aeroflot on 6.8%.
Expansion Plans for the Russia Network
As part of its growth strategy, Etihad Airways has identified Russia as a key market for expansion. With its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and increasing tourism potential, Russia presents a compelling opportunity for the airline to broaden its reach and offer its services to a wider audience.
The new Etihad Airways route to St. Petersburg will begin service on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays on October 29. The flight time from Abu Dhabi International to St. Petersburg is anticipated to be 6 hours and 15 minutes, allowing travellers to get to their destination conveniently and efficiently.
Convenience and Connectivity
Etihad Airways aims to provide passengers with seamless travel experiences, and the new route to St. Petersburg is no exception. By expanding its Russia network, the airline offers increased connectivity options for travelers, enabling them to easily access both business and leisure destinations within the region. Whether it's for business meetings, cultural exploration, or connecting flights, Etihad Airways strives to ensure a hassle-free journey for its customers.
Russian Sanctions
The UAE, along with China and India, abstained from a UN Security Council resolution in February 2022 to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has taken a neutral stance in the conflict. As a result, the UAE has grown in appeal as a tourist destination for sanctioned Russians.
Travel Experience with Etihad Airways
When flying with Etihad Airways, passengers can expect a world-class travel experience. From the moment they step on board, they are greeted by friendly and attentive cabin crew who are dedicated to providing exceptional service. The airline's comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment options, and delectable cuisine make the journey enjoyable and memorable. With its commitment to passenger well-being, Etihad Airways has implemented robust health and safety measures to ensure a safe and secure travel environment.
Conclusion
Etihad Airways' expansion of its Russia network with a new route to St. Petersburg reflects the airline's strategic vision and commitment to providing enhanced travel options for its customers. By connecting Abu Dhabi to this captivating city, Etihad Airways opens up exciting possibilities for both business and leisure travelers. With its exceptional service, seamless connectivity, and dedication to passenger comfort, the airline continues to solidify its position as a leading global carrier.
With Inputs from Aviation Week
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The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently made a decisive move by approving an amendment to increase the retirement age for commercial pilots. This proposed change has garnered both support and opposition within the aviation industry.
The History of the Pilot Retirement Age
The mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots in the United States has been set at 65 for several decades. This age restriction was initially implemented to ensure that pilots maintain the physical and mental fitness necessary for safe flying operations. However, with advancements in healthcare and an overall increase in life expectancy, there have been calls to reevaluate this age restriction.
The Retirement Age Increase Proposal
The decision by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to raise the statutory retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67 is part of a larger legislative measure aimed at extending the FAA's aviation safety and infrastructure programmes. The amendment seeks to reflect the changing demographics and capabilities of pilots in the modern era.
Arguments in Favor of Raising the Retirement Age
Advocates for increasing the pilot retirement age argue that it aligns with changing employment dynamics and individuals' greater life expectancy. They contend that many pilots are still physically and mentally fit to fly beyond the age of 65, and raising the retirement age would allow experienced pilots to continue contributing their skills and knowledge to the industry.
Furthermore, proponents believe that raising the retirement age can help alleviate the pilot shortage issue that the industry has been grappling with in recent years. By retaining experienced pilots for longer periods, airlines can bridge the gap caused by the shortage and maintain a steady supply of qualified pilots.
Concerns Raised by Critics
Opponents of raising the retirement age raise concerns about potential safety implications. They argue that age-related cognitive and physical dexterity declines may compromise flight safety. Additionally, opponents worry that extending the retirement age could impede opportunities for younger pilots to advance in their careers, as limited vacancies may arise due to fewer retirements.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) is opposed to raising the retirement age, claiming that it will disrupt airline scheduling and pilot training and necessitate the reopening of pilot contracts. Even if the proposal gets approval, the union pointed out that international standards would still prohibit pilots beyond the age of 65 from flying in most nations other than the United States. The proposal was dubbed a "politically motivated choice that betrays a fundamental understanding of airline industry operations, the pilot profession, and safety" by ALPA.
Implications for the Aviation Industry
If the proposal to raise the retirement age for pilots becomes law, it will have far-reaching consequences for the aviation sector. Airlines will be able to retain experienced pilots for extended periods of time, benefiting from their expertise while lowering the expenses involved with training new pilots. This change may also provide pilots with greater financial security as they will be able to continue working and contribute to their retirement funds.
Potential Benefits of the New Retirement Age
One potential benefit of raising the retirement age is the preservation of institutional knowledge within the industry. Experienced pilots possess a wealth of practical insights and lessons learned throughout their careers. By allowing them to continue flying, airlines can tap into this knowledge base, enhancing overall operational efficiency and safety.
Challenges and Considerations
While raising the pilot retirement age offers potential advantages, it is essential to address certain challenges and considerations. Airlines must implement rigorous health assessments and age-specific performance evaluations to ensure that pilots meet the required standards for safe operations. Additionally, ongoing training and development programs can help pilots stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in aviation technology and best practices.
Conclusion
The decision by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to raise the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots represents a watershed moment in the aviation sector. This decision reflects shifting demographics, medical breakthroughs, and the need to solve the pilot shortage. As the proposed five-year law moves forward, it will be critical to have in-depth discussions about the long-term ramifications for pilots, airlines, and passenger safety.
With Inputs from Reuters
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