SpiceJet announces a revised salary structure for its pilots from November

SpiceJet announced a revised salary structure for its captains ahead of Diwali - increasing their monthly remuneration by around 55% to INR 7 lakh for a total of 80 hours of flying.

"Captains' salaries revised to INR 7 lakh-a-month for 80 hours of flying. SpiceJet has been revising pilot salaries every month; salary for October 2022 was hiked by 22%," a SpiceJet spokesperson said on Wednesday, October 19.

ALSO READ - SpiceJet to increase salaries of senior pilots by 20%

It was also pointed out that pilots flying for 70 hours in a month will also see an increase from INR 4.5 lakh to INR 6.13 lakh as per the internal communication shared with the employees.

SpiceJet announces a revised salary structure for its pilots from November

The revised pay will be applicable from November 1, 2022. Following the latest hike, the salary of Captains at SpiceJet will be higher than their pre-Covid salary. Salaries of Trainers and Senior First Officers have also been increased "commensurately". The trainers comprise Designated Examiner (DE), Type Rating Instructor (TRI) and Line Training Captain (LTC).

ALSO READ – Struggling to-Survive SpiceJet allegedly not depositing PF in employee accounts

Earlier, SpiceJet employees claimed that there was a delay in the disbursement of salaries of employees including flight crew for July and many were yet to receive Form 16 for the financial year 2021-22 as well.

ALSO READ - SpiceJet deposits TDS for all employees for FY 2021-22

SpiceJet said it had been consistently increasing the base salary of pilots. As compared to August, the September salary saw an increase of up to 10% for Trainers and 8% for Captains and First Officers. From October, the salary was hiked by another 22% for Captains and First Officers.

SpiceJet has sent 80 of its pilots on leave without pay for three months.

ALSO READ – SpiceJet to send 80 Captains on LWP amid financial instability

However, SpiceJet has sent 80 of its pilots on leave without pay for three months. The airline company said in an earlier statement said that "the move was taken as a temporary measure to harmonise costs. This measure is in line with the airline's policy of not firing any employee. Even during the covid epidemic."

The airline then clarified that the pilots will remain eligible for all other employee benefits such as insurance benefits and employee leave travel during the furlough period. It is a temporary measure to rationalise cost, it said, adding that the leave without pay would not affect the airline’s operations.

ALSO READ – Worst nightmare of SpiceJet – From financial losses widening to the CFO resigning to non-payment of salaries

SpiceJet operates a fleet of Boeing 737s, Q-400s and freighters and is the country's largest regional player operating multiple daily flights under UDAN or the Regional Connectivity Scheme. The airline also operates a dedicated air cargo service under the brand name SpiceXpress offering safe, on-time, efficient and seamless cargo connectivity across India and on international routes.

Aerospace, defence and homeland security solutions provider Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has delivered the 200th crown and tail cone for the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Manufactured in Hyderabad, the parts will be integrated at Boeing’s facility in Philadelphia, TASL said in a release on Tuesday.

“Since the first assembly line for the crown and tail cone in 2017, TASL has built and delivered multiple configurations to multiple countries and for multiple missions, globally. TASL’s world-class quality and delivery mechanism have helped in forging a strong relationship with Boeing on both military and commercial platforms.”Sukaran Singh, MD and CEO, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)

Stating that TASL is a proud partner to Boeing for the CH-47 programme, he said the partnership reflects “our continued commitment to developing an aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem in India”.

TASL said it has delivered the crown and tail cone for CH-47 Chinook for the U.S. Army and other international customers. CH-47 Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter operated by the U.S. Army and 18 other defence forces around the world.

Boeing receives the 200th CH-47 crown & tail cone from Tata Advanced Systems

In June 2017, the company also delivered the first crown and tail cone parts for one of the 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters for delivery to the Indian Air Force, the company said.

“Boeing’s vision for India continues to be to bring the best of Boeing to India and take the best of India to the world. This is a significant milestone and a testimony of our commitment to strengthen the manufacturing capabilities of the Indian aerospace and defence industry along with our strategic partners.”Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India

ALSO READ - Boeing India collaborates with MIDHANI to develop aerospace raw materials

Boeing buys equipment worth INR 8,000 crore from India annually

Boeing, which builds fuselages for Apache attack helicopters, procures equipment worth INR 8,000 crore from India, said officials participating in DefExpo 2022, Tuesday, October 18. Speaking at the event at Mahatma Mandir, Faizi Mohsini, Vice-President of Services, Boeing Defence India, said.

“On an annual basis, we do procurement for more than INR 8,000 crore in India and we have have a vendor base of 300-plus suppliers, of which 26% are MSMEs. The fuselages built for Apaches at Hyderabad are not just built for India, but for our entire global requirements, including those for United States, Poland, Germany, Saudi Arabia. The fuselages for six of Apaches for the Indian Army are being built in Hyderabad and the first of the six will get completed in the next couple of months.In the last couple of decades, we were closely supporting the defence with our Chinooks, Apaches and C-17 (Globemaster) and P-8s for the Indian Navy."Faizi Mohsini, Vice-President Services, Boeing Defence India

Boeing India’s partner Tata Advanced Systems Ltd said it has delivered the 200th crown and tail-cone manufactured in Hyderabad for CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

“Today, every Apache that is built has a fuselage built here by the Boeing-Tata joint venture in Hyderabad.”Torbjorn B Sjogren, VP & GM, International Government & Defence, Boeing

ALSO READ – Boeing chose Tata Aerospace as its “Supplier of the Year”

Boeing India on Tuesday, October 18 announced it would assess and collaborate with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) to develop raw materials for standard aerospace parts and components in India.

A press release from Boeing said indigenous availability of special aerospace materials and alloys has been identified as crucial for creating a self-reliant aerospace and defence industry in India. The availability of essential aerospace materials is the first step in securing the supply chain and aligning with the NDA government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

"Public sector units are an important part of Boeing's supply chain footprint in India. The potential collaboration with MIDHANI will strengthen Boeing's supply base and increase material sourcing options from India. This would be a key step in building Boeing India supply chain - from raw material sourcing to supplying a finished product and it will further the firm's commitment for bolstering India's growing aerospace and defence ecosystem."Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India

Boeing has always supported the development of indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities in India, and has through the years invested in partnerships with the Indian aerospace ecosystem in skilling, research and technology, and manufacturing, the release said.

Boeing is working closely with its suppliers in India to support supply chain health, identify new ways to drive innovation and deliver greater value to its customers.

https://twitter.com/Boeing_In/status/1582336023413264384

ALSO READ – Indian Army to get 6 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters

ALSO READ - Boeing calls F/A-18 Super Hornet “the best deck-based aircraft” for the Indian Navy

Boeing’s advanced aircraft and services play an important role in the mission readiness of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Boeing has strengthened its supply chain with more than 300 local companies in India and a joint venture to manufacture fuselages for Apache helicopters. Annual sourcing from India stands at USD 1 billion.

ALSO READ – Boeing highlights F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III capabilities to Indian Navy

ALSO READ - IAF to induct ‘Made in India’ light combat helicopter (LCH) in October

Boeing currently employs close to 4,000 people in India, and more than 7,000 people work with its supply chain partners. Boeing serves communities and citizenship programs to inspire change and make an impact on more than 500,000 lives in India, the release stated. 

ALSO READ - Boeing to outsource corporate jobs to India’s TCS; cuts 150 finance jobs in the US

"We are excited about the prospect of partnering with Boeing on raw materials for the aerospace industry. This sits well with our plans to collaborate with multinational institutions and companies to strengthen our capabilities for producing critically advanced technology products here in India."Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chairman and Managing Director, Midhani

As per the release, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) was established in the year 1973 under the Ministry of Defence as a Government of India Enterprise. The production unit of MIDHANI, located at Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, was commissioned in the year 1982.

It has been set up to achieve self-reliance in the production and supply of various super alloys, special steels, and materials to Defence, and other Strategic Sectors for Nuclear, aeronautical and Space applications.

The guiding factors for setting up MIDHANI were the demand for Defence oriented technologies, which come under the national priorities. Midhani is engaged in the business of manufacturing superalloys, titanium, special-purpose steel and other special metals.

Boeing India would assess and collaborate with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) to develop raw materials for standard aerospace parts and components in India.

The government is expected to invest close to INR 10 trillion (USD 130 billion) in military modernisation in the next 5-6 years. The Defence Acquisition Policy (DAP) 2020 emphasises >50% indigenous content for a majority of the procurement categories, Midhani said in its FY22 annual report.

The requirement of indigenous content in platforms and systems is likely to translate into demand for indigenous raw materials providing thrust to the Indian metals & alloys manufacturers. The demand in associated sectors including aerospace manufacturing, space, electric vehicles, and railways will be tapped to obtain economies of scale, the company said.

Midhani has been consistent in getting orders with defence, space, aeronautics, power and thermal power, electronics, telecommunications, engineering and other sectors. Its order inflow was at around INR 160 crore in Q1FY23 and the order booking position for FY23 (as of date) is around INR 470 crore.

Midhani has been consistent in getting orders with defence, space, aeronautics, power and thermal power, electronics, telecommunications, engineering and other sectors.

The open order position of Midhani as of date is around INR 1,535 crore. Besides, the company is also in a pact with the Indian Air Force for developing and indigenising various metal powders such as titanium alloys, aluminium alloys and special steel for additive manufacturing process for the production of aviation items.

The company could shortly receive an order of bulletproof jackets. Its order book stands at around INR 1,360 crore as of June 31, 2022, of which defence (including sale to PSUs) is 48%, space is 37% and the rest is others, HDFC Securities said in a report.

Shares of Mishra Dhatu Nigam (Midhani) rallied 7% to hit a new high of INR 258.65 on the BSE in Wednesday’s, October 19 intra-day trade after reports said that the company will work with Boeing India to develop raw materials for aerospace parts.

The stock of the state-run aerospace & defence company surpassed its previous high of INR 251.50, which it had touched on October 10, 2022. In the past three months, it has zoomed 55% as compared to an 8% rise in the S&P BSE Sensex.

Passengers of the newly-launched Akasa Air had to face hardship on Tuesday as their flight from Ahmedabad to Bengaluru was cancelled on technical grounds at the last moment.

This caused chaos at the airline's check-in counters with passengers demanding alternative flights to their destination.

Akasa Air QP 1332 was scheduled to depart at 9.55 pm, but the airline informed the passengers that it was rescheduled at 10.55 pm, the passenger told PTI. At 10.30 pm, they said that they have cancelled the flight due to some "technical" reasons, he said.

An airline spokesperson confirmed that the fight was cancelled on the technical ground.

"The airline said that we can fly on Wednesday at the same time. But it did not offer passengers food or hotel accommodation. It told us to take a refund or wait till tomorrow at the airport."The passenger alleged.

"The flight has been cancelled due to technical reasons. The aircraft is grounded and being inspected. The passengers have been given the option either to avail the full refund or make arrangements in a hotel on their own and the airline will disburse that amount."Said a spokesperson.

Akasa Air launched its services on August 7.

Akasa Air said it has also offered reimbursement on city travel to hotels. The flight has now been scheduled for 7.35 pm on Wednesday.

With inputs from business standard.

An Airbus A320 of IndiGo Airlines completed a test landing at the Donyi Polo Airport on Tuesday morning, makind it a significant milestone in Arunachal Pradesh’s aviation history.

Two water cannons sprayed water as a welcome gesture when the Airbus A320 flight of IndiGo Airlines test landed at the airport with crew members and a few officials on board.

https://twitter.com/PemaKhanduBJP/status/1582312122708819969?s=20&t=uNeRfTlJd3RbTghmLk6-yg

Sharing the news of the test landing, Chief Minister Pema Khandu posted in the social media, “It is a milestone moment for us as we’re making every possible effort to ensure ease of travel in our state. Gratitude to all for contributing their bit to improve our people’s ease of life!”

https://twitter.com/PemaKhanduBJP/status/1582268120588505088?s=20&t=uNeRfTlJd3RbTghmLk6-yg

The minister said the state’s tourism sector would highly benefit from the airport once it is operational as it would be easy for international and domestic tourists to reach Arunachal Pradesh.

Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) the much-awaited airport is said to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 645 crore, under the Central Government’s Capital Connectivity Scheme.

The airport once completed, would be able to accommodate narrow-body jets like the Airbus A321 in the first phase and the Boeing 747, one of the largest passenger aircraft later.

The new airport has a runway of 2,300 mtrs and is suitable for the landing and takeoff of Boeing 747s. With an area of 4,100 sq mtrs, it will be equipped with all modern facilities for passengers.

The Donyi Polo airport is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month, the officials said.

Air India aims to triple its fleet size in five years and increase its domestic and international market share to 30 percent in the next five years, the company's chief executive officer Campwell Wilson said on October 18.

Air India, along with Vistara, Air India Express and AirAsia India which are owned by the Tata Group, collectively has around 218 planes.

Also read - Air India preparing to compete with the leading airlines of the world

Tata Sons is working on an airline consolidation strategy.

Air India, which was taken over by Tata Group in January, has put in place its five-year revival plan called ‘Vihaan.AI'.

Wilson who took over as CEO of Air India in July said that his team is looking to turn Air India into a "world-class carrier" in three phases under Vihaan.AI.

The first phase, Campbell said, will be called the Taxi phase where Air India is looking to identify and address all the issues which have tarnished the brand image.

The second phase called the Takeoff phase will be when the airline increases investment in its operations, fleet, manpower and equipment including aircraft. Campbell said the second phase will take around three years.

The third and final phase will be called the Climb phase when Air India will look to improve its operations and customer experience.

Also read - The merger of Air India-Vistara to have clarity soon

Air India has lost almost three per cent of its market share in the past seven months.

To increase Air India's domestic market share to over 30 percent in the next 5 years, Tata group has unvieled a blueprint.

The company has prepared a detailed roadmap titled, ‘Vihaan.AI’ focusing on five key pillars including exceptional customer experience, robust operations, industry-best talent, industry leadership, and commercial efficiency and profitability.

As a part of its plan, it has proposed improvements and changes in customer service, on-time performance, technology, product, reliability, and hospitality segments which will take place over the next five years.

Also read - India on the verge of a mega aviation boom

“Over the next 5 years, Air India will strive to increase its market share to at least 30 per cent in the domestic market while significantly growing the international routes from the present market share. The plan is aimed at putting Air India on a path to sustained growth, profitability and market leadership.While the immediate focus of the airline remains on fixing the basics and readying itself for growth (taxiing phase), the more medium-to-long term focus will be on building for excellence and establishing scale to become a global industry leader (take off & climb phases)."The airline said in a statement.

The airline is working on getting grounded planes back in the air.

Air India also has an aggressive plan for its fleet expansion.The airline has signed up for lease 21 Airbus A320neos, four Airbus A321neos, and five Boeing B777-200LRs.

The airline has also been in discussion with aircraft makers to renew the Air India fleet. According to a Bloomberg report, Airbus is growing more confident it can secure a landmark purchase of about 50 A350 wide-body jets from Air India Ltd. this week, while Boeing Co. is working on a deal for as many as 150 B737 Max.

Also read - Boeing offers 737 MAX aircraft to Air India

There are 70 aircraft in Air India’s narrow-body fleet, of which 54 are in service. The rest, numbering 16, will progressively return to service by early 2023. The airline has 43 wide-body planes, of which 33 are in operation. The rest will return to service by early 2023, according to a company statement.