Jyotiraditya Scindia advocates for paternity leave in airlines; wants 50% women pilots

Radhika Bansal

17 Mar 2022

Airlines must consider giving male employees paternity leave so that they, too, can share the responsibility of bringing up children, Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Wednesday, March 16. He also batted for increasing the share of women pilots in the country from 15% to 50%.

India passed the Maternity (Amendment) Bill in 2017 that increased the right to paid maternity leave for working women to 26 weeks from 12 weeks. While Indian airlines currently give paid maternity leave as per the 2017 law, most of them have no similar policy for men.

Jyotiraditya Scindia advocates for paternity leave in airlines; wants 50% women pilots

"I believe that our airlines are doing a tremendous job in terms of creating a healthy workplace environment for our women, whether it is creches, maternity leave and other structures," Scindia said in his speech during an event of the non-profit organisation "Women in Aviation".

"I think we need to move beyond that," he said.

"We need to create an environment that is not only gender-neutral but which looks at an equal responsibility on men as well as women in terms of family environment.A case in point is why do we look at the concept of only maternity leave. We must also look at the concept of paternity leave where men must also partake in the responsibility of bringing up children at home.I really believe that equity is more important than equality. It is a very nuanced approach but I think the time has come to recognise it. It is not a fight for equality. It is a fight for equity."Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Civil Aviation

Therefore, that mental shift has to happen, he said, adding that we all must recognise the differences and re-imagine the fundamentals of ethics at the workplace.

Currently, 15% of total pilots in India are women. Globally, the share of women pilots is even lower at around 5%. Scindia said: "Is 15% good enough? My answer is flat no."

Jyotiraditya Scindia Says We Need More Female Pilots

"The reason is that the odds that you have overcome, the stereotypes you have surpassed, the pressure of performance you have endured have been extremely daunting. You have pierced every glass ceiling," he noted.

But today, we need to shift the paradigm, he added. He said there must come a day in India that this 15% reaches 50% of the country's pilot strength.

Read next

Singapore Airlines resume services from Mumbai with Airbus A380 jumbo

Radhika Bansal

17 Mar 2022

International carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Wednesday, March 16 announced that its Airbus 380 Superjumbo aircraft has resumed services from Mumbai. The superjumbo aircraft landed in Mumbai at 21:20 hours on Monday, March 14, 2022, after a two-year break in services, the airline said.

SIA said that the A380 replaced the Airbus A350-900 on the SQ 424/423 Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) services between Mumbai and Singapore.

Singapore Airlines resume services from Mumbai with Airbus A380 jumbo

The international carrier said that all passengers travelling to Singapore on the A380 inaugural flight SQ 423 were welcomed back on board with chocolates and personalised cards. The boarding was commenced with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony, it said.

ALSO READ - Singapore Airlines to allow quarantine-free travel for all India-Singapore flights under VTL

SIA’s A380 features 471 seats in four classes: six suites and 78 business class seats on the upper deck, as well as 44 premium economy class and 343 economy class seats on the main deck.

“This is indeed a historic moment for SIA as we have been able to bring our iconic Airbus A380 back to Mumbai after a long absence of 723 days. Our A380 superjumbo has a loyal fan base in India. We are excited to be able to cater to the strong demand here and reaffirm our commitment to our customers in this key market.SIA is hoping to progressively increase its frequencies from all its points across India in the weeks and months ahead and are also keen to resume A380 services from Delhi soon.We are confident that the A380, with its larger seat capacity, will be the preferred choice for our customers seeking comfortable and safe quarantine-free travel to Singapore from both Mumbai and Delhi. We look forward to welcoming our customers back onboard the world’s largest passenger aircraft, where they can once again enjoy our world-class product and services."Sy Yen Chen, General Manager India, Singapore Airlines (SIA)

The six semi-private suite cabins offer privacy and luxury, complete with privacy doors, an independent swivel chair and a stand-alone bed with hotel-style evening turndown service. Four of the suites can also be combined to form double suites for couples travelling together.

Suite passengers are offered a choice of Dom Perignon or Krug Champagnes, sleeper suits and premium amenities from Lalique, as well as meals, served on fine linen and Wedgewood china, the airline said in a statement.

Singapore Airlines' A380 Business class

The business class seats can be combined to create fully lie-flat double beds, all forward-facing and with direct aisle access. All cabins also enjoy award-winning cuisine, extensive inflight entertainment, and cabin crew service.

SIA was the first global carrier to fly the A380 superjumbo in October 2007. In 2017, following an extensive four-year development program, the airline launched a multi-million-dollar cabin product upgrade for its A380. The new cabin made its debut in India on September 1, 2019.

Read next

Airbus A350 to be displayed at the Wings India 2022 airshow

Radhika Bansal

17 Mar 2022

Airbus on Wednesday, March 16 said it will put A350 aircraft on static display at the Wings India airshow to be held in Hyderabad from March 24-27.

In a statement, Airbus said will also display a scale model of its single-aisle A220 aircraft at Wings India 2022 to be held at the Begumpet airport in Hyderabad.

Airbus A350 to be displayed at the Wings India 2022 airshow

While A350 is a wide-bodied aircraft, A220 is a narrow-bodied aircraft. Wide-bodied aircraft can travel longer distances. Only two Indian carriers — Air India and Vistara — have wide-bodied planes in their fleets.

At Hyderabad, Airbus will be present at Stand 12 in Hall A. The company will also display a scale model of its single-aisle A220 aircraft, purpose-built for the 100-160 seat market that can prove to be a game-changer for regional connectivity in India. Alongside it will be a cutaway model of the A350-900.

Airbus believes that the A350 aircraft will shape the future of long-range travel.

"The A350 offers the greatest range capability combined with the lowest fuel burn, and is the strategic enabler for Indian airlines to regain market share in the lucrative long-haul segment and to profitably grow their operations.We are delighted to be showcasing the A350 aircraft at Wings India 2022."Rmi Maillard, President and MD of Airbus India and South Asia

Airbus Helicopters will showcase scale models of the ACH130 from its corporate portfolio and the multi-role H160. Visitors to the stand can also learn about an array of material, airframe and training services offered by Airbus and gain knowledge about its open digital platform for aviation – Skywise.

During public days (March 26-27), Airbus will host a “Meet-and-Greet” recruitment event at its stand. The company will be looking for specific skill sets, including in Big Data, IoT, avionics software and airframe engineering.

Airbus believes that the A350 aircraft will shape the future of long-range travel.

Candidates possessing specific skill sets, including in Big Data, IoT, avionics software and airframe engineering and are looking for an opportunity to make aviation their career choice, will get to meet the company executives at the stall as they might consider filling up the positions in digital and engineering streams.

ALSO READ - Hyderabad to host Wings India – Asia’s largest Civil Aviation show

Wings India-2022, Asia’s largest Civil Aviation Show, will be held at the Begumpet Airport from March 24 to 27 with the first two days being business days and the rest for the general public.

The fifth edition of Wings India, a biennial exhibition on civil aviation, is organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Read next

Jet fuel prices increased by 18% reaching an all-time high

Radhika Bansal

16 Mar 2022

Jet fuel prices on Wednesday, March 16 were hiked by over 18% - the steepest ever increase - to all-time high levels after international oil prices surged to a multi-year high. The increase is the sixth straight this year - led to prices soaring past the INR 1-lakh-per-kilolitre mark for the first time.

Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) - the fuel that helps aeroplanes fly - was hiked by 17,135.63 per kl, or 18.3%, to INR 110,666.29 per kl in the national capital, according to a price notification by state-owned fuel retailers.

Jet fuel prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month based on the average international price of benchmark fuel in the preceding fortnight.

Jet fuel prices were hiked by over 18% - the steepest ever increase - to all-time high levels after international oil prices surged to a multi-year high.

International oil prices had climbed to a 14-year high of near USD 140 per barrel last week on fears of supply disruption following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Rates have since mellowed to around USD 100 per barrel.

In Mumbai, ATF price soared to INR 109,119.83 a kl and it costs INR 114,979.70 in Kolkata. Jet fuel is priced at INR 114,133.73 per kl in Chennai. Jet fuel, which makes up for almost 40% of the running cost of an airline, has this year surged to new highs.

The previous peak of INR 71,028.26 per kl was recorded in August 2008, when international crude oil prices touched USD 147 per barrel. Brent crude oil on Wednesday, March 15 was trading just above USD 100 per barrel.

ATF prices have increased every fortnight since the start of 2022

ATF prices have increased every fortnight since the start of 2022. In six hikes beginning January 1, ATF prices have been increased by INR 36,643.88 kl or almost 50%.

Brent crude oil, the best-known international benchmark, was at USD 82.74 per barrel on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touched USD 68.87 a barrel on December 1.

Globally, oil prices, which had traded lower early in the session, turned higher today, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine continuing to stoke volatile trade. Brent crude rose 1.26% to USD 101.17 per barrel, and U.S. crude added 0.93% to USD 97.34 per barrel.

Read next

Air India to concentrate on expansion of its US routes while SIA is open to a Vistara-Air India merger

Radhika Bansal

16 Mar 2022

As international flights resume from March 27, the Tata Group is all set to revamp Air India with the early focus being select international routes, CNBC-TV18 reported.

Tata Group plans to focus on expanding international routes. Its primary focus is expected to be expanding flights to the US market as regular international flights are set to resume from March 27.

Air India is looking at adding more flights and new destinations in the United States - a key area of interest at present as the Ukraine-Russia war affects several airlines.

Air India to concentrate on expansion of its US routes

Expanding new routes will help present a new experience, sources told CNBC, as the Tata Group looks to turn around the airline after taking over the loss-making company from the government after 69 years.

Airspaces over Ukraine and Russia have been affected due to the raging war between the countries, leading to airlines taking longer routes to reach destinations. This has increased fuel and operational costs. This has piqued the Tatas’ interest who are keen on starting more routes as United Airlines and others take a backseat.

ALSO READ - N Chandrasekaran to continue with his review of Air India

Air India, however, is yet to finalise a CEO.

Air India, however, is yet to finalise a CEO. Tata Sons chief N Chandrasekaran and a five-member core committee will be leading the operations till Air India gets a new CEO, CNBC reported quoting sources. Chandrasekaran was appointed Air India Chairman on Monday, March 14.

ALSO READ - Vistara and Air India to coexist, merger talks on hold

Another key development is that Singapore Airlines (SIA) is open to considering the merger of synergies between Vistara and Air India. However, SIA told CNBC, "Singapore Airlines does not comment on any confidential discussions it may or may not be having."

SIA has a 49% stake in Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines.

The Tata Group acquired Air India back from the government with a winning bid of INR 18,000 crore. The Tatas would pay INR 2,700 crore cash and take over INR 15,300 crore of the airline’s debt. The takeover of the airline was completed on January 27.

(With Inputs from CNBC TV18)

Read next

Indigo resumes flights between India and Thailand after 2-year hiatus

Radhika Bansal

16 Mar 2022

IndiGo started flights between India and Thailand from Tuesday, March 15 onwards after two years, a statement said.

Thailand is opening its borders nearly two years after it restricted entry for tourists in March 2020, the airline's statement noted. The country reopened its border to vaccinated travellers from every country on February 1 this year, it mentioned.

ALSO READ - Thailand relaxes entry restrictions as Covid fear fades

Indigo resumes flights between India and Thailand after 2-year hiatus

The airline said it will operate the Thailand flights under the air bubble agreement till March 26 and thereafter as part of its scheduled commercial international operations.

"The flights will connect Bangkok with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru and Phuket with Delhi and Mumbai," it stated.

“We are pleased to resume operations between India and Thailand with flights to Bangkok and Phuket as per the guidelines issued by the ministry of civil aviation. Thailand is one of the favourite tourist destinations for Indians and the resumption of services will surely bring cheer and affordable flying options for those planning summer travel to international destinations. These flights will not only bring down airfares on these routes but also promote trade tourism and mobility, giving a fillip to economic recovery in both the countries."William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo

Earlier this month, the Centre had announced that scheduled commercial international flights will resume in India from March 27.

ALSO READ - India to restart scheduled international flights after 2 years from March 27

The Kolkata-Bangkok flight started operating on Tuesday, March 15 the airline stated. "Fully vaccinated foreign travellers from India can enter Thailand without quarantine," the airline mentioned.

According to the new rules, travellers will need a negative PCR lab result before arrival and two more PCR tests after landing one upon entry and another on their fifth day in Thailand, it noted.

Thai Airways has also resumed flights between the two countries under the air bubble arrangement.

Thai Airways, in the meantime, has also resumed flights between the two countries under the air bubble arrangement. The national carrier of Thailand initiated flights between Bangkok and Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, from March 1, 2022.

Vistara is also launching flights between Delhi and Bangkok effective March 27, 2022, onwards. They will operate a flight using their A320 aircraft. Here is the schedule for Vistara’s planned operations in Bangkok.

Comment