Resumption of International flights postponed indefinitely by DGCA

Radhika Bansal

01 Dec 2021

Amid emerging risks from the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, the government on December 1 said it will postpone the resumption of scheduled commercial international flight services.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the government would take a call on a new date to resume scheduled international flights in "due course".

The situation is being "watched closely because of the emergence of new COVID variant", the aviation sector regulatory body said.

The DGCA, however, clarified that flights operating under the air bubble agreements "will continue".

https://twitter.com/DGCAIndia/status/1465969745287528458

The decision comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked officials to review the plans to ease international travel restrictions in light of the "emerging new evidence".

Modi was on Saturday briefed about the new 'Omicron' variant of the coronavirus, and the global trends on coronavirus cases and officials highlighted that countries across the world have experienced multiple Covid-19 surges since the onset of the pandemic, a Prime Minister's Office (PMO) statement had said.

"Scheduled international flights were going to restart from December 15 as per our earlier notification, now the government has decided to revert to the earlier regime of flights operating under air bubble agreements," an official from the DGCA told Moneycontrol. 

The frequency of flights under air-bubble agreements will be a product of demand from those destinations, the official said. He added that most domestic and international airlines have not received a large number of bookings for flights beyond December 15, and hence the government's decision is not expected to disrupt the travel plans of many individuals.

The DGCA will coordinate with both domestic and international airlines for bookings beyond December 15, and customers will be provided with the option to refund or reschedule tickets, another official at DGCA said.

The decision to postpone the resumption of scheduled international air services comes five days after the Ministry of Civil Aviation had announced that such flights would resume from December 15, after a gap of about 20 months.

(Image Courtesy – Scroll)

The World Health Organization (WHO), on November 26, had classified Omicron as a "variant of concern". Since then, several countries have either partially shut their borders or delayed their plans to resume regular international flights.

The Indian government subsequently announced that passengers arriving from "at-risk" countries would be required to undergo seven-day quarantine. Their samples would be collected for RT-PCR tests at the airports, and they would also be tested on the eighth day after their arrival.

The list of "at-risk" countries includes European nations, the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.

Apart from the Centre, the Maharashtra government has also released a stringent set of guidelines, mandating seven-day institutional quarantine for travellers arriving in the state from the above-mentioned countries.

(Image Courtesy - India Ahead)

As per the guidelines issued by the State Disaster Management Authority on November 30, such passengers would also have to undergo RT-PCR tests on the second, fourth and seventh day of their arrival.

If a passenger is found to be positive, he or she will be shifted to a hospital. In case the result is negative, the passenger will have to be home-quarantined for seven days.

Passengers from other than "at-risk" countries will have to undergo a compulsory RT-PCR test at the airport. Even if found negative, they will be home-quarantined for 14 days. If found positive, the patient will be shifted to a hospital, the guidelines said.

International airports across the country have made preparations to implement the stricter COVID-19 guidelines, to be effective from midnight, for international passengers amid rising concerns of infections caused by the new COVID-19 variant Omicron.

While India has not reported Omicron cases so far, the Union government has advised states and Union Territories to ramp up testing for early identification of any cases, undertake effective surveillance of international passengers and strictly monitor hotspots.

The new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, first detected in South Africa this week, was designated as a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization on November 26.

Research is still underway to determine if omicron causes the same level of illness as older versions of the virus if it can evade protection from vaccines and previous infections and if it will be able to outcompete the existing strains as the pathogen continues to circulate throughout the world.

Uncertainty about the new variant has triggered global alarm, with border closures casting a shadow over a nascent economic recovery from the two-year-old pandemic.

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Multiple Aperture Infrared (MAIR) set to take-over current missile warning systems

Prashant-prabhakar

01 Dec 2021

MAIR, an acronym for Multiple Aperture Infrared, is a next-gen Missile Warning System, developed by Leonardo, a company based in Italy, with a global presence.       

First flight of Missile Warning Sensor System being carried out by Leonardo | Aviation International News

The system design and architecture are reportedly based on the company's previous experience of PIRATE and SkyWard airborne infra-red search and track (IRST) and the Silent Acquisition & Surveillance System (SASS) naval IRST.

Design specifications

Touted to be more dependable than the current generation of systems in place, MAIR  is an open system based on optical heads (weighing 2kg each) fitted with infrared sensors- something which the company claims, offers enhanced benefits when compared to the current ultraviolet sensors-based systems.

How does it compare with the current systems in place?

MilitaryLeak

Technically, it is based on the principle of early recognition and thereby early threat neutralisation.Additionally, MAIR can follow a threat throughout the entire trajectory, thus ensuring effective counter-measures.

Furthermore, it is also beset with countermeasure features such as flares and compatible with active countermeasures such as DIRCM (Directed Infra-Red Countermeasure), by Leonardo or another manufacturer. The optical heads operate and track threats autonomously, primarily ground to air missiles.

An aircraft is typically protected with installation of five optical heads, four of which are located on the sides of the platform and one on the underbelly, offering 360-degree coverage at the zenith and 270 degrees in elevation. A sixth one can be added on top to ensure complete protection

The system comes inbuilt with "Hostile Fire Indication capacity"- meaning the crew can now track the origin of light fire-arm shots as well.

Owing to its significant low false rates of alarm makes it that much more reliable than the previous generation of systems. It is also touted to perform well in extremely "noisy" scenarios, filtering out the clutter.

The 15kg highly compact central processing unit, assists MAIR in projecting a video ‘sphere’ using ‘picture in the picture’ techniques, which is streamed directly to the pilot’s helmet, cockpit display or even the head-up display.

Multiple Aperture IR System | Leonardo Company

This technology isn't just limited to detecting surface to air but air to air missiles as well. As a matter of fact, this innovative concept could well represent a major shift from the traditional use of ultraviolet/infra-red systems to being a true first gen-next technology, used in the most complex missions, regardless of the threat profile.

MAIR is ready to roll for mass production with industrial orders all ready along the pipeline.

SOURCE: Leonardocompany

COVER: Wikimedia

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Travel bookings at MakeMyTrip down by 10-15%; airline stocks see fall too

Radhika Bansal

01 Dec 2021

Concerns over the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus have forced countries to impose travel curbs on flights from the Southern African region.

Several nations including those in the European Union, UK and Israel have already closed their air spaces for flights from Southern African nations.

India meanwhile, has strengthened its guidelines for travellers from 'at-risk nations'. The list includes the UK, entire Europe and 11 other countries.

For those testing positive, the sample will be sent for genome sequencing and the traveller will be admitted at a separate isolation facility -- those who test negative will have to undergo home quarantine for seven days, with a retest on the eighth day.

In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Deep Kalra, Founder & Group Executive Chairman of MakeMyTrip, said the news of the new Omicron variant has created jitters for travellers.

"Things were going quite well in India whether it was domestic travel or international travel till the last three days. Clearly, the news of the new variant Omicron has put things on pause. There have already been some jitters; people who had their plans all set are now relooking at them. On Sunday and Monday, we have seen a 10-15% dip in normal bookings.The new travel measures that have been announced are definitely going to be a dampener. Some of the local airports are also putting in their measures as well. Mumbai Airport has taken a pretty strict view on incoming flights, etc. All of these will definitely impact travel plans."Deep Kalra, Founder & Group Executive Chairman, MakeMyTrip

He said the company has seen a 10-15% dip in bookings on Sunday, November 28 and Monday, November 29.

Earlier on November 26, Airline and hotel stocks were under pressure on worries over a new coronavirus variant that has been detected in South Africa.

The stocks fell 3-6% in the morning trade on fears that the new strain could be vaccine-resistant. The new variant also spooked the market, which was flashing red in the morning trade. At 10:12 AM, the Sensex and Nifty were trading 1.6% low at 57,870.31 and 17,255.85.

The airline and hotel stocks were among the worst hit when the outbreak began as travel came to a standstill with countries imposing curbs to prevent the spread.

The stocks recovered after restrictions were eased on the back of speedy vaccination but the new variant could put pressure on the travel industry.

Interglobe Aviation, which operates IndiGo, was quoting at INR 1,961.10, down INR 110.10, or 5.32%, and SpiceJet was quoting at INR 79.05, down INR 1.90, or 2.35%, on the BSE on November 26.

Jet Airways was quoting at INR 89, down INR 0.05, or 0.06% and Indian Hotels Company was quoting at INR 198.70, down INR 6.65, or 3.24% on the BSE on November 26.

Global markets traded largely negative due to emerging fear around a new heavily mutated COVID-19 variant that has been detected in South Africa, raising concerns all over the world.

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Covid-19 testing for flyers from Omicron-hit countries

Radhika Bansal

29 Nov 2021

Insacog, a top scientific advisory group of the government, has recommended Covid-19 testing for all travellers coming from South Africa, Hong Kong, Israel and other affected countries amid concerns over a new 'variant of concern' called Omicron.

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (Insacog), a consortium of government institutions involved in the genome sequencing of the novel coronavirus, has also decided to conduct genome sequencing for all international travellers who have come into the country and tested positive for the virus in the last two-three weeks, some of its members told ET on Saturday, November 27.

(Image Courtesy - Hindustan Times)

Advisory Body to Meet Again. "We have asked for rigorous testing even for all travellers including asymptomatic passengers," one of them said. "The health ministry is likely to come out with the guidelines soon."

The World Health Organization had on Friday, November 26 classified the new variant, B.1.1.529, detected in South Africa as a "variant of concern" that may spread more quickly than other forms and named it Omicron.

Insacog has not yet detected the presence of the new variant in India, but it has decided to conduct immediate genome sequencing on all Covid-positive passengers who have travelled in the affected countries in the last two to three weeks to decode the genes, people in the know told ET.

(Image Courtesy - The Guardian)

"States have been asked to gear up and initiate immediate sequencing in case they see any spurt in cases of Covid-19," a second Insacog member said.

The consortium is working to understand how transmissible or virulent this variant is, and its impact on diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

'More Details Expected' Insacog will meet next week again as it is expecting to get more details from South Africa on how the strain is affecting vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

"We are expecting more details on the variant from South Africa in days to come. A meeting is scheduled with the members next week to decide on the next course," said one of its members cited above.

Samiran Panda, head of epidemiology and infectious diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research, said vaccination, social distancing and Covid-appropriate behaviour are crucial to keeping the pandemic under control.

(With Inputs from The Economic Times)

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DDMA to conduct RT-PCR test for all passengers from 'high-risk' nations

Radhika Bansal

30 Nov 2021

RT-PCR testing for all people arriving from ’high-risk’ countries, genome sequencing of the positive cases and mandatory isolation according to the Centre’s guidelines are among the decisions taken by the DDMA on Monday, November 29 amid concerns over the coronavirus variant 'Omicron' detected in some nations.

At the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) meeting, the chief secretary of Delhi was told to ensure continued contact and coordination between the Civil Aviation Ministry and other departments and ministries concerned to ensure concurrent evaluation and speedy decisions, officials said.

(Image Courtesy - Hindustan Times)

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, in a press briefing, said the new 'Omicron' variant was discussed by experts in the meeting and it was stressed that there should be no relaxation in preparation to deal with Covid infections and in monitoring the situation.

According to officials, the DDMA meeting, chaired by Lt Governor Anil Baijal, discussed in detail the current Covid situation and decided to renew as well as strictly adhere to the test, track, treat and isolation strategy along with strict enforcement of Covid-appropriate behaviour and enhanced vaccination.

"It was decided to conduct 100 per cent RT-PCR testing of passengers from high-risk countries, followed by genome sequencing of the positive cases and mandatory isolation/quarantine as per the guidelines laid down by the Government of India,” an official said.

Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister, New Delhi

The Health Department was directed to ensure adequate availability of beds, medicines and oxygen to tackle any emergent situation.

It was also advised to ramp up the vaccination drive for the remaining citizens by all possible means, they said.

Sisodia said there was an "uncertainty" over the spread and impact of the new coronavirus variant in the world but the Union government has stressed that there would be no negligence in preparations and the situation will be monitored.

He said the Delhi government is ready to deal with the situation in case Covid cases rise.

"The Delhi government has been making preparations going by the experience of the second wave of Covid in April-June. We have kept availability of hospital beds on alert mode and those reserved for dengue will be taken back for Covid.”

Amid the mounting concerns over the potentially more contagious coronavirus variant "Omicron" spreading to many countries, the Centre on Sunday introduced stricter guidelines for people travelling from or transiting through 'at-risk' countries and issued a slew of directions to the states for ramping up testing-surveillance measures and health facilities.

No cases of the variant, which was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) from South Africa on November 24, have been recorded in India so far.

The Centre has asked all states and Union Territories to focus on intensive containment, active surveillance, enhanced testing, monitoring of hotspots, increased coverage of vaccination and augmentation of health infrastructure.

The countries designated as 'at-risk' (updated as of November 26, 2021) include European countries, the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.

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Government to offer medical care for retired Air India employees

Radhika Bansal

30 Nov 2021

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the government is committed to providing medical facilities to the eligible retired employees of Air India.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Gen VK Singh (retd), in a written reply to Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, said the number of retired employees at Air India stands at 49,700. Of this, the number of retired employees who have opted for the post-retirement medical scheme is around 29,400.

Retd Gen V.K. Singh, Minister of State for Civil Aviation

Elaborating on medical benefits provided to retired Air India employees, Gen Singh said Air India provides its retired employees and their spouses OPD facilities, medicines at company clinics or retainer doctors, referral to the specialists or super specialists or hospitals on the panel of the company on need basis, and cashless hospitalisation coverage.

"In case of emergency, there is also a provision wherein the retired employee can avail treatment through the non-panel hospital for which reimbursement as per company rules is also considered," the minister's reply said.

The minister said on retirement, in case the retiring employee desires to avail of post-retirement medical benefits, it can be done by making a lump sum contribution ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 50,000, depending on employees' respective category or grade.

As per the government, the scheme is optional and data is being maintained only for the employees who have opted for the post-retirement medical benefits scheme.

After almost 67 years, the Tata Group had won the bid to take back the reins of state-owned Air India in October. The government sold a 100% stake in Air India, which had a total debt of INR 61,562 crore as of August 31.

Talace Pvt Ltd of Tata Sons emerged as the winning bidder for Air India at INR 18,000 crore. Around INR 46,262 crore debt of the state-owned airline will be transferred to Air India Assets Holding Limited (AIAHL), while 15% of the total debt of INR 61,562 crore will be retained by Tatas. After its sale, the government will get around INR 2,700 crore cash from Tatas, while Tatas will take over INR 15,300 crore debt.

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