SpiceJet offers option to lock airfares for 48 hours with SpiceLock

Jinen Gada

16 Sep 2022

SpiceJet on Thursday announced the reintroduction of 'SpiceLock', a unique service that allows passengers to lock their desired fare for 48 hours without the name, thus allowing passengers to plan their journey without worrying about fares getting expensive, availability of seats or finalising co-passengers.

The fare locking service enables customers to reserve bookings so that the selected flight doesn't sell out and the fare doesn't go up while they finalise their travel plans.

The service can be availed with or without a name, making it extra safe and convenient. Passengers flying on both domestic and international flights operated by SpiceJet can now enjoy this service with assured seat and price protection.

SpiceJet re-introduces the option to lock fares for 48 hours with SpiceLock.

Passengers flying on both domestic and international flights operated by SpiceJet can now enjoy this service with assured seat and price protection.

The service is applicable for flights where the travel date is at least seven days from the booking date on the domestic sectors and 15 days for international flights. Customers can opt for SpiceLock by paying the nominal fee starting at Rs 99.

While the government has removed the cap on airfares, many airlines have come out with different offers to attract passengers.

With inputs from Business Standard)

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US package for Pakistan F-16s concerns India

Radhika Bansal

16 Sep 2022

India is concerned about a U.S. decision to provide a sustenance package for Pakistan's fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft, the Indian defence minister told his U.S. counterpart on Wednesday.

The U.S.-built aircraft are a critical part of the military arsenal of Pakistan, whose arch-rival India worries that the fleet could be used against it by its neighbour.

Last week, the U.S. State Department approved the potential sale of sustainment and related equipment to Pakistan in a deal valued at up to USD 450 million, with the principal contractor being Lockheed Martin Corp.

India concerned about the US decision to provide a sustenance package for Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets

It also included modifications and support of aircraft and engine hardware and software as well as repair and return of the jets and engine spares, classified and unclassified software and software support among others.

The deal, however, would not enhance “any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions” for the aircraft which is Pakistan Air Force’s main fighter. Besides the F-16 package, Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF) has recently been boosted by Chinese J-10C aircraft.

Now, military and foreign policy experts are afraid that the F-16 fleet support from the US, which was suspended in 2018 by former President Donald Trump, will aid India’s bitter enemy in challenging the Indian Air Force.

https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1570028844555571200

"I conveyed India’s concern at the recent U.S. decision to provide a sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet," Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on Twitter following what he called a "warm and productive" telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin.

Singh's ministry said the two also reviewed U.S.-Indian defence cooperation and reiterated their commitment to further strengthen military-to-military ties.

Pakistan, which like India is nuclear-armed, has relied heavily on Chinese-made jets, but the F-16s remain the most effective and advanced in its fleet.

India and Pakistan have gone to war on three occasions. In 2019 they engaged in an aerial battle over the disputed region of Kashmir, during which India said it had shot down a Pakistani F-16 after one of its jets was brought down. Pakistan denied that one of its F-16s was downed.

Besides the F-16 package, Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF) has recently been boosted by Chinese J-10C aircraft.

In 2019, Pakistan used the same aircraft to target India after the Balakot strike and used American-supplied AIM-120 C-5 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile), to shoot down then Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman’s MiG 21 Bison.

Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jet is a twin-engine, 4.5th generation fighter aircraft that can operate from ground bases and aircraft carriers. On the other hand, the US-based Lockheed Martin developed F-16, a fourth-generation, single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft. The two aircraft are almost similar regarding the dimension of length.

Apart from Pakistan, the US has sold F-16s in many countries like Bahrain, Belgium, Egypt, Taiwan, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Thailand, Turkey, etc. However, South Asia remains a highly volatile region.

(With Inputs from Reuters)

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Air India unveils Vihaan - a comprehensive 5 year transformation plan

Radhika Bansal

16 Sep 2022

Tata Group's Air India has unveiled a comprehensive transformation plan focusing on five-key pillars -- customer service, operations, tech, reliability, and hospitality -- to increase its domestic market share to 30% in the next five years.

The airline also plans to increase its international markets share and put it on a path to sustained growth, profitability, and market leadership. Air India is also adopting proactive maintenance and refining flight schedules to enhance on-time performance.

Air India has named the revival plan as "Vihaan.AI", which in Sanskrit signifies the dawn of a new era, with identified objectives for Air India over the next five years. The plan has been unveiled a month before the 90th anniversary of Air India (previously Tata Airlines) founder J R D Tata piloting the first flight of the airline that would become Air India.

Air India unveiled Vihaan.AI - a comprehensive transformation plan for the next 5 years

Air India says the aim is by 2027 to emerge as a “world-class global airline with an Indian heart - the absolute best in class in customer service, in technology, in the product, in reliability and inspitality.”

Over the next five years, Air India will strive to increase its market share to at least 30% in the domestic market while significantly growing the international routes from the present market share.

Along with two other Tata airlines—AirAsia India and Vistara—the group’s cumulative domestic market share is already over 20%. Air Asia India and Vistara have a share of 4.6% and 10.4%, respectively.

Over the coming days and weeks, the management team will engage employees across regions, departments, and locations through a series of physical and hybrid sessions.

Along with two other Tata airlines—AirAsia India and Vistara—the group’s cumulative domestic market share is already over 20%.

As part of Vihaan.AI's transformational plan, it has prepared a detailed roadmap with clear milestones focusing on dramatically growing both its network and fleet, developing a completely revamped customer proposition, improving reliability and on-time performance, and taking a leadership position in technology, sustainability, and innovation, while aggressively investing behind the best industry talent.

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).

"This is the beginning of a historic transformation for Air India, and the dawn of a new era. We are laying the foundation for a brave new Air India, with a renewed sense of purpose and incredible momentum. Vihaan.AI is our transformation plan to make Air India the world class airline it once was, and that it deserves to be again. We are absolutely focussed on being recognized as a world-class airline serving global customers, with a proudly Indian heart.The transformation has already started - a slew of initiatives in areas like refurbishing cabins, serviceable seats, in-flight entertainment systems are already underway. We are also adopting proactive maintenance and refining flight schedules to enhance on-time performance. Our fleet expansion will involve a combination of both narrow-bodied and wide-bodied aircrafts to cater to varied network needs. The excitement and shared commitment to drive Vihaan.ai is palpable across the organisation and stakeholders will recognise the changes as the new face of Air India emerges."Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India

ALSO READ - Air India to revamp its fleet by leasing 30 aircraft in the upcoming months

Recently, Air India announced an aggressive expansion plan with the induction of six Boeing 777-200 aircraft and 25 Airbus A320 Neos by the first quarter of next year. These aircraft will result in Air India offering premium economy haul flights for the first time. These aircraft, which will enter service in late 2022, will increase its fleet by over 25%.

ALSO READ - Airbus, Boeing compete to get Air India’s deal

The Tata group is also negotiating a deal for around 200 narrowbody and widebody jets from Airbus and Boeing.

ALSO READ - Air India prepares to add more than 200 aircraft; the most significant order in a long time

The Tata group is also negotiating a deal for around 200 narrowbody and widebody jets from Airbus and Boeing.

ALSO READ - Air India gets CCI’s approval to acquire the entire stake in AirAsia India

The Tata group has already received approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to merge AirAsia India with Air India. 

In July, Air India had a market share of 8.4% in the domestic market.

ALSO READ - The merger of Air India-Vistara to have clarity soon

Tata group and joint venture partner Singapore Airlines are discussing the road map for Vistara, but no decision has been taken yet on a merger with Air India. A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said: “We do not comment on any confidential discussions that we may or may not be having with our partners.”

ALSO READ - Tata Sons to raise USD 4 billion to infuse fresh capital into Air India

The Tata Group is also planning to raise USD 4 billion to infuse fresh capital into Air India and refinance costly debt. In July, Air India had a market share of 8.4% in the domestic market.

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Air Canada and Saab confirmed as new shareholders as Heart Aerospace unveils new airplane design

Prashant-prabhakar

16 Sep 2022

Heart Aerospace, a Swedish manufacturer of electric aircraft, has shown substantial design modifications to its first electric aircraft and announced the addition of new minority owners Air Canada, one of North America's leading airlines, and Saab, a Swedish aerospace and military business.

Heart Aerospace

The ES-30, a new design for the company, is a regional electric aircraft with a seating capacity of 30 passengers. It replaces the ES-19, which had 19 seats. It is powered by battery-powered electric motors, which enable the aircraft to fly quietly and without producing any emissions.

Heart Aerospace has received investments from Saab and Air Canada totalling USD 5 million. Air Canada has also placed a purchase order for 30 ES-30 aircraft in addition to its investment.

We are thrilled to have two such strong partners as Saab and Air Canada join our mission to electrify regional air travel. Growing up in Sweden, Saab is synonymous with aerospace, and our partnership will not only support our programme, but help us to become a part of the proud Swedish aerospace heritage. Air Canada is a strategically important partner with one of the world’s largest networks operated by regional turboprops, and as a progressive, future leaning company said Anders Forslund, founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace

The ES-30 includes a spacious flat-floor cabin with three comfortable seats per row, a galley, and a bathroom. The enormous external baggage and freight compartment will be supplemented with cabin storage and overhead bins, giving airlines more network flexibility.

This underlines our commitment to innovative technology and solutions for sustainable aviation. Heart is a pioneer within commercial electric aviation and we look forward to contributing to the future of aviation with our experience of developing solutions at the forefront of technologysays Micael Johansson, Saab’s President and CEO

Micael Johansson | Saab

A reserve hybrid configuration of two turbo generators running on sustainable aviation fuel will also be included in the aircraft. It can also be employed during cruises on longer flights to supplement the electrical power provided by the batteries. The reserve-hybrid system is designed to secure reserve energy requirements without reducing battery range.

Altogether, with usual airline reserves, this offers the aircraft a fully electric range of 200 kilometres, an extended range of 400 kilometres with 30 passengers, and the flexibility to fly up to 800 kilometres with 25 passengers.

The ES-30 is an electric airplane that the industry can actually use. We have designed a cost efficient airplane that allows airlines to deliver good service on a wide range of routes. With the ES-30 we can start cutting emissions from air travel well before the end of this decade and the response from the market has been fantasticsaid Anders Forslund

Anders Forslund | Aerospace Testing International

Reconfirmed orders for the improved ES-30 model of Heart Aerospace's ES-19 electric aircraft come from United Airlines and Mesa Air Group, who had placed orders for 200 electric aircraft with an option for an extra 100 aircraft.

From the beginning Heart and United have been on the same page – with an acute focus on safety, reliability, and sustainability. Heart’s exciting new design which includes expanded passenger capacity from 19 to 30 seats, and a state-of-the-art reserve-hybrid engine is the type of revolutionary thinking that will bring true innovation to aviationsaid Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines

Scott Kirby | World War Zero

It's anticipated that the ES-30 will go into service in 2028.

SOURCE: Heart Aerospace

COVER: Heart Aerospace

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Go First still working on restoring its hacked Twitter account

Radhika Bansal

16 Sep 2022

Budget carrier Go First has yet to restore its Twitter account that was hacked on September 14 early morning, an airline official said on Thursday, September 15.

The official told PTI that work is in progress to restore the account and that there are no issues with its IT systems. This is the second time this year that the handle has been compromised.

The teams concerned are investigating the matter to restore and gain control at the earliest and are also working closely with Twitter to address the issue, the airline said in a statement.

After the account was compromised, the display name was changed to 'vitalik.eth' along with the picture of Vitalik Buterin.

On Wednesday, September 14 after the account was compromised, the display name was changed to 'vitalik.eth' along with the picture of Vitalik Buterin. Buterin is one of the co-founders of the cryptocurrency Ethereum. Later, the display name and picture were removed but the account is still not restored.

Posting cryptocurrency giveaways has become a common modus operandi of scammers. Earlier this year, the official Twitter account of the University Grants Commission (UGC) India was also hacked, apparently by scammers claiming to be affiliated with the Azuki NFT project.

The aviation industry is facing a rising wave of cyber attacks and breaches. Two Indian airlines this year – Air India and Akasa Air – had their online security compromised, potentially putting the data of millions of passengers at risk.

In Air India's case, up to 4.5 million passengers had their data compromised, with sensitive information like passport details and credit card numbers leaked. The breach affected the "personal data of some passengers" travelling with the airline from August 2011 to February 2021.

ALSO READ - Akasa Air targeted by hackers; suffers data breach; reports CERT-In

The newly launched Akasa Air also faced a cyber attack last month. The carrier informed the passengers affected by the breach, reassuring them that no critical information, such as payment details or travel records, was accessed.

ALSO READ - Go First to postpone IPO again till November

Cover Image - Akshay Mantri

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Qantas launches first direct connection between Southern India and Australia

Jinen Gada

15 Sep 2022

Australia’s national airline Qantas has launched a new route from Bengaluru to Sydney, providing the first direct connection between Southern India and Australia by any airline. This direct flight to Sydney will take over 11 hours.

The route has seen a lot of interest since being announced earlier this year, with both the outbound and inbound inaugural flights selling out in both cabins, according to the company.

Qantas will fly an A330 aircraft from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport to Sydney four times per week on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The flight took of from Kempegowda International Airport at 6.35pm on 14 Sept 2022, marking the first flight to connect South India to Australia directly.

This is the first direct flight between southern India and Australia by any airline.

The direct flight will cut nearly three hours of travel time between the two cities.

"The addition of Bengaluru to our route map deepens our ties with India and follows the launch of direct services from Australia to Delhi last year which has also proven popular. Qantas is now the only airline offering direct flights between Australia’s two largest cities and the north and south of India.”Andrew David, Qantas Domestic and International CEO.

To celebrate the route, Qantas has added Indian-inspired items to its inflight menu on the service, including lamb Chettinad in business class, and paneer makhani, cumin seed pilaf, green peas and beans masala in the economy.

“This is a historic occasion considering that it is the first ever non-stop service connecting South and Central India to Australia. The flights will reduce travel time over existing options and will make access to Australia and points beyond, including New Zealand and the Pacific Islands easy, particularly for leisure travellers, corporates, sports enthusiasts and students who go there for higher studies.Satyaki Raghunath, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) Chief Strategy and Development Officer.

ALSO READ - Qantas announces direct flights between Sydney-Bengaluru, finalises codeshare with IndiGo

Qantas recently launched the first phase of its codeshare partnership with IndiGo which allows the Australian carriers' customers to connect to 11 destinations on IndiGo. These include Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata and Chennai.

https://twitter.com/BLRAirport/status/1570141974312947713

Qantas Domestic and International CEO Andrew David describes the new Bengaluru connection as a significant boost for both tourism and economic relations between Australia and India, with the 13-million-strong city (formerly known as Bangalore) often described as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’.

Cover Image - Mach1AvCrew (Twitter)

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