Vistara to now offer multimodel itineraries on Deutsche Bahn train network

Full service carrier Vistara has entered into a partnership with WorldTicket that will enable providing connections to customers on Germany's Deutsche Bahn train network.

The interline partnership with WorldTicket (W2), part of the 777 Travel Tech group, and the only authorised distributor for Europe's largest railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, will enable the carrier to offer multimodal itineraries to its customers. According to a release, customers can seamlessly book air and rail travel throughout Germany and other European cities on a single itinerary.

“We are delighted to partner with WorldTicket and offer Deutsche Bahn’s extensive network of destinations within Germany and the rest of Europe to our customers. This partnership is aimed at making the travel experience of our customers simpler and seamless as they go beyond Frankfurt to other parts of Germany and Europe on a single itinerary.”

Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara

Vistara customers can now easily connect from any one of the 16,000 train stations in Germany to Frankfurt Airport and fly Vistarato Delhi, and vice versa. In addition to train stations across Germany, Vistara customers can also travel to and from Amsterdam (the Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium), and Zurich or Basel (Switzerland) on Deutsche Bahn's extensive network.

The flight segment of the customer's journey is being operated and marketed under Vistara's 'UK' while the train segment is driven by Deutsche Bahn and marketed by 'W2'. From the customer's perspective, they will book a single itinerary that includes both flight and rail reservations and only need to check in separately for each segment.

Vistara to now offer multimodel itineraries on the Deutsche Bahn train network

Once passengers arrive at Frankfurt (FRA), they can clear immigration, collect their bags and proceed to the railway station at Frankfurt Airport to board their train. Vistara -- a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines -- has a fleet of 52 aircraft.

Vistara received additional widebody capacity in November last year after receiving a leased Boeing 787. Having three Dreamliners in its fleet allowed it to ramp up its European frequencies, benefiting both Frankfurt and Paris routes.

ALSO READ - Vistara adds new flights to Frankfurt and Paris on its new B787 Dreamliner

The airline currently offers a daily service from Delhi (DEL) to London (LHR) and five weekly flights to Paris (CDG) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. To Frankfurt (FRA), it offers six weekly flights from Delhi on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Boeing and its industry team have been chosen by NASA to oversee the creation and testing of a full-scale Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) demonstrator aircraft.

Future designs will be influenced by the technology shown off and put to the test as part of the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator (SFD) initiative, which may result in ground-breaking aerodynamic and fuel efficiency improvements.

Depending on the mission, a single-aisle airplane with a TTBW layout could, when coupled with anticipated improvements in propulsion systems, materials, and systems architecture, cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30%. The SFD program intends to promote both the objectives outlined in the White House's U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan and the civil aviation industry's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Representative | NASA

The SFD program has the potential to make a major contribution toward a sustainable future. It represents an opportunity to design, build and fly a full-scale experimental plane, while solving novel technical problems - said Greg Hyslop, Boeing chief engineer and executive vice president of Engineering, Test & Technology

Advanced propulsion systems, which are now constrained by a lack of underwing space in today's low-wing airplane layouts, could potentially be accommodated by ultrathin wings braced by struts with bigger spans and higher aspect ratios. Boeing will combine brand-new components with existing car parts to create the prototype vehicle.

Representative | Semantic Scholar

The SFD Space Act Agreement has allocated $425 million to NASA. To shape the demonstrator program and provide the necessary resources, the SFD program will also make use of up to $725 million in funding from Boeing and its industry partners. Separately, Boeing has spent a total of $110 million on internal investments in recent iterations of sustainable aviation research.

SAE International

After more than ten years of research and development, NASA, Boeing, and industry funding have produced the TTBW airframe idea. Boeing advanced the design of the TTBW through intensive wind tunnel testing and computer modeling under earlier NASA programs, such as the agency's Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research program. Under NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation initiative, preliminary conceptual investigations have been conducted.

SOURCE: Boeing

COVER: Boeing

Netflix is ready to pay up to $385,000 a year (Rs 3 crore/ year) to a private flight attendant for its "dream crew” on its private plane Gulfstream G550.

Before you presume, Netflix isn't searching for someone to play the part of a flight attendant in its next web series; instead, the firm needs a flight crew for one of its private jets.

Streaming Giant, Netflix, despite cutting hundreds of jobs just 7 months ago, is now looking to hire a flight attendant for one of its super-midsize private jets based at its Los Gatos headquarters in San Jose, California. Notably, the position entails travel within and outside of the United States and has a base in San Jose, California.

Gulfstream G500

In addition to offices in Madrid, Seoul, Tokyo, Mexico City, and London, Netflix operates in 30 cities worldwide.

What does it take to be in the 'dream crew'?

Netflix is looking for a private flight attendant who is FAA-certified with training in flight safety. The candidates must also be flexible to work different schedules, including local and international travel. Additionally, there will be a need for the weekend and holiday workdays as well as lengthy travel times.

The applicants must possess qualities that include "independent judgement, discretion, and outstanding customer service skills". 

Candidates must "demonstrate a professional representation of Netflix Aviation at all times while performing the duties of the position," says the job description. Further, candidates should be able "to operate with little direction and a lot of self-motivation" and embrace Netflix's ethos.

Candidates should be able "to operate with little direction and a lot of self-motivation" and embrace Netflix's ethos.

Application candidates should be able to provide "confidential air transportation" and exercise "discretion" in their work.

“The Netflix Aviation department provides exceptional, safe, confidential air transportation. It is our goal to provide the most outstanding aviation experience available, by using the best people and the best equipment and providing the highest level of customer service possible. The aviation team helps Netflix reach the world more efficiently and effectively so the company can continue to create joy around the world.”

–Job Listing, Netflix

Before takeoff, the flight attendant's responsibilities on the aircraft include assessing the emergency equipment in the cockpit, cabin, and gallery. 

The flight attendant's duties on board the aircraft include inspecting the emergency equipment in the cockpit, cabin, and gallery prior to takeoff.

“Must be able to assist with purchasing aircraft stock before trips, ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs when loading and stocking the aircraft, capable of long periods of standing, able to help with baggage loading as necessary.”

–Job Listing, Netflix

How much will the job pay?

Although the streaming behemoth Netflix hasn't provided precise compensation for the post, it did indicate that the general market range for jobs similar to it is between $60,000 and $385,000. The final remuneration will be based on a number of elements, including experience and skill. 

Netflix said that "compensation factors" such as an employee's background, experience, and talents are taken into account when determining remuneration. The job description stated that these factors can cause their salary to differ and will also be dependent on their location.

According to Netflix, compensation criteria such as an employee's background, experience, and skills are considered when deciding on salary.

“The overall market range for this role is typical $60,000 - $385,000. This market range is based on total compensation (vs only base salary), which is in line with our compensation philosophy.”

–Job Listing, Netflix

Calling all flight attendants! Get ready to submit your resumes at Netflix Jobs!

Source: CNBC-TV18

Air India will transfer its precious collection of over 4,000 artworks by well-known artists to the National Gallery of Modern Arts (NGMA) for public display.

Air India will hand over its 'Maharaja Collection' of artefacts to NGMA for preservation and public display

In this regard, the airline and the NGMA inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, January 18 in the presence of Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Kalpana Rao, the Corporate Secretary for Air India, and Temsunaro Jamir, the Director of NGMA, both signed the MoU. Senior representatives from the ministries of culture and aviation as well as Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson of Air India attended the occasion.

The NGMA, a famous organisation for modern and contemporary artworks, will now serve as the repository for the entire collection of Air India after this MoU was inked at an event here.

Legendary artists such as M F Hussain, Laxman Pai, V S Gaitonde, Sayed Haider Raza, Jatin Das, V Prabha, Shankar Palsikar, and Anjolie Ela Menon are among those whose works are featured in the airline's cherished collections.

Air India gave away free tickets to budding artists over the first eight decades of its commercial operations, which began in 1932. These artists went on to become well-known figures in the art world.

Throughout the first eight decades of Air India's commercial operations, which started in 1932, it provided free tickets to budding artists

These artists returned the favour by giving the airline their creations, including paintings, statues, and wooden sculptures, at various times, which over time grew to be a priceless collection.

Aviation Minister Scindia called it a historic occasion and noted that Air India has many firsts to its credit, including the first mail courier aircraft that J. R. D. Tata personally piloted from Karachi to Mumbai, the first international flight between Mumbai and London, and the first longest non-stop flight between New Delhi and New York.

According to Scindia, many of the artists, offered their work and devotion, which has now been incorporated into a beautiful historical collection

“Air India also transported our culture. Many of the paintings that you will see in this collection are all a contribution in kind for the fare that was to be paid while flying by Air India. So, many of the artists contributed their art and passion which has now become a part of a wonderful historical collection.”

–Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation

Speaking of the diversity of the collections, he claimed that in addition to paintings and sculptures, even the menu cards used by Air India at the time were works of art.

“It is not the contemporary menu card that we receive when we board the aircraft today. They were large menu cards with artwork on their cover, beautifully engraved in the interiors.”

–Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation

Speaking of the variety of the collections, Scindia asserted that in addition to the artworks like paintings and sculptures, even the menu cards that Air India was using at the time were masterpieces

Culture Minister Reddy expressed his gratitude to the Civil Aviation Minister and Air India for donating the collection and said that the NGMA has been working to safeguard and preserve the artwork since its founding in 1953.

“Whatever transfer is happening today, we will preserve them for our future generations. We will also display these artefacts.”

–G Kishan Reddy, Union Culture Minister

Reddy added that the ministry, in addition to preserving them, will continue to cooperate with Air India to carry these priceless works of art to other places all over the world.

Source: PTI

Jet Airways stock surged 14% in three trading sessions after the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) allowed the ownership transfer of the bankrupt airline to the winning bidder, Jalan-Kalrock Consortium (JKC).

Jet’s stock, which was trading at around INR 70 apiece on January 12, has surged to around INR 80. However, it is still down nearly 40% from its peak of INR 131 recorded last year. The Mumbai-based low-cost airline has been in the midst of a bitter fight between State Bank of India-led lenders and JKC over the past few months on whether the latter has met the conditions it had proposed to take over Jet.

ALSO READ - NCLT allows Jet Airways ownership transfer to Jalan-Kalrock consortium; gives 6 months to complete the process

The NCLT on Friday, January 13 ruled that the winning bidder can be handed over the airline and will be granted six months starting November 16, 2022, to pay back the banks that have lent the airline around INR 8,000 crore.

Jet Airways shares surge after NCLT approved the ownership transfer to Jalan Kalrock Consortium

As per the resolution plan, JKC should make a cash payment of INR 185 crore to financial creditors within 180 days from this effective date. The lenders, however, opposed the ruling in the same hearing and sought a two-week stay, which was declined by the court.

ALSO READ - Jalan-Kalrock Consortium asks RP not to communicate on behalf of Jet Airways

Besides the conditions being met, the lenders' consortium had asked JKC-appointed Sanjiv Kapoor to stop using the designation of “CEO, Jet Airways” as the company has still not been transferred. The consortium, has, in turn, shot back a letter defending Kapoor. “Sanjiv Kapoor, who received necessary security clearance from the honourable Ministry of Civil Aviation, govt of India, in August 2022, is the CEO-designate for Jet Airways and thus requires no further approval from any statutory authority,” JKC said.

Jet’s stock, which was trading at around INR 70 apiece on January 12, has surged to around INR 80.

The lenders now have the right to approach the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to challenge the NCLT verdict.

ALSO READ - 4 Jet Airways aircraft seized over non-payment of gratuity

Recently, the Maharashtra government on January 17 attached four Boeing 777 aircraft belonging to Jet Airways. The attachment action was carried out by the tehsildar office in Mumbai under the provision of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code for non-payment of gratuity to the employees.

The grounded airline’s employees have been fighting a legal battle for provident funds and gratuity. Last October the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal ruled that the successful resolution applicant Kalrock Jalan consortium was liable to pay

Aerospace and defence company Saab said it has dropped its agreement with Adani Group to manufacture the Gripen E fighter in India. Mats Palmberg, CMD of Saab India said that they have “decided not to pursue the arrangement”.

Palmberg referred to the government allowing 74% FDI in the defence and aerospace sector and noted that conditional to permission from the defence ministry Saab would now look to manufacture its fighters in a company where it owns a 74% stake.

Notably, the defence ministry is considering original equipment manufacturers’ (OEMs) responses on the issue. After this, it is likely to draw up an acceptance of necessity and then issue a request for proposal. The agreement announced in August 2017, stated that Adani would be Saab’s partner should the Swedish company be chosen to supply the Gripen E fighter in India.

Saab drops agreement with Adani Group to manufacture Gripen E fighter in India

The INR 60,000-70,000 crore tender to supply 114 medium multirole fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), has multiple companies vying for the win. This includes Saab’s Gripen E, Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (US), Dassault’s Rafale (France), the Eurofighter Typhoon (Europe), Lockheed Martin’s F-21 (US), and two Russian fighters: the MiG-35 and the Sukhoi-35.

ALSO READ - The Indian MRCA competition – here’s how the SAAB Gripen stacks up along with the other competitors

The Swedish company is one of the seven companies which has responded to the tender which was floated by the IAF for almost USD 15 billion (approximately INR 80,000 crore plus) deal for 114 Medium Multirole Fighter Aircraft (MMRFA) for the IAF.

ALSO READ - France has delivered all 36 Rafale jets to India

Despite the addition of 36 Rafale fighters from the French Dassault Aviation and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft `Tejas’ the IAF is still dealing with a dwindling number of fighter squadrons and to maintain the minimal squadron strength and capability the IAF needs at least 200 more fighter jets.

ALSO READ - LCA Mark 2 fighter jet’s development receives government approval

While the focus is on indigenous LCA and AMCA joining the service, there is still a need for getting 114 fighters to help strengthen the IAF which has set the ball rolling for phasing out the MiG-21s over the next couple of years. “The IAF is not likely to have the mandated 42 squadrons over the next 10-15 years. And this means that until the next decade, it will be left with just 35 squadrons.

ALSO READ - India starts the development of 5th Generation AMCA fighter jets

With its media briefing on the Gripen E fighter on January 16, Saab is the first foreign contender to make its move. What’s interesting is that the emphasis on Make in India ensures that foreign companies partner with local ones to produce maximum components within the country, besides assembling and servicing them here as well.

If it wins the tender, Saab would supply 96 of the 114 aircraft.

Aviacionline notes that Saab offers a high degree of customisation on its Gripen fighters, which means that India can easily integrate domestic requirements and specifications as per choice. If it wins the tender, Saab would supply 96 of the 114 aircraft.

This fighter acquisition has been necessitated by the cancellation of an earlier fighter tender, issued in 2007 for 126 medium multirole combat aircraft. That ended in the government-to-government purchase from Dassault of 36 Rafale fighters. However, this left the IAF with a serious shortfall of fighter aircraft, necessitating the fresh tender for 114 medium fighters.

In its briefing, Saab highlighted the new-generation networking technology that has gone into the Gripen E. Powered by a new, more powerful General Electric F-414 engine, Saab claims that its aircraft offers maximum operational availability with minimum logistics requirements. However, it will be the IAF, through a series of flight tests, that will have the last word on the quality of the seven fighters.