01 Feb 2022

India Aviation Industry Newsletter 1 February

Bengaluru Airport scores record cargo traffic Bengaluru Airport recorded its highest-ever cargo tonnage, despite a turbulent pandemic environment. During the calendar year 2021 BLR Airport processed an all-time high tonnage of 406,688 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo, recording a significant growth of 28.6% vs. 316,305MT in 2020. This is 7.2% more than the pre-COVID level tonnage of 379,348MT in 2019. International cargo recorded a 32.8% growth, 265,873MT processed, as compared to 200,209MT in 2020. Bangalore International Airport Limited CEO & MD Hari Marar stated “The key factors that contributed to the cargo growth at BLR Airport are our resilient ecosystem that ensured efficient operations round the clock; focus on supply chain efficiencies; conducive geographic location, aided with robust infrastructure and technology; right mix of commodities, and adequate airline capacities to key markets, globally.” Star Air Celebrates 3 years of Connecting India On the 25th of January 2022, Star Air, part of Sanjay Ghodawat Group, celebrated its 3rd year of Connecting India. As one of India's fastest-growing regional airlines. Star Air CEO Capt. Simran Singh Tiwana stated “As a chief member of the Star Air family, it is an honour and privilege to witness the incorrigible and relentless growth of the company during these unprecedented times. As we continue to grow in a measured way towards our vision and long-term plans, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my entire team for their relentless efforts and dedication during these past years. All of us at Star Air are truly grateful to our passengers and partners who have supported our dream of building the best regional airline that 'Connects Real India." Tata Group Acquires Air India The Tata Group Thursday 27th January announced the completion of the transaction for the purchase of Air India from the Government of India.  The Tata group takes over management and control of the airline, starting today. The transaction covers three entities namely Air India, Air India Express, and AI SATS.  Air India is India’s flag carrier and premier full-service airline. Air India Express is a low-cost carrier.  AI SATS provides a comprehensive suite of ground handling and cargo handling services. Tata Sons Chairman Mr N Chandrasekaran said “We are excited to have Air India back in the Tata group, and are committed to making this a world-class airline.  I warmly welcome all the employees of Air India, Air India Express, and AI SATS to our Group, and look forward to working together. We are thankful to the Government of India and its various departments for the successful completion of this important transaction.” 16 new airports to be constructed in Central India 16 new airports to be built in all five states of central India, said Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia while addressing the PM-Gati Shakti Conference virtually on 31st January. These five states include Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.  The Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia  stated “The success of PM Gati Shakti will catalyze the multimodal connectivity in the country, leading to realizing the vision of USD 5 trillion economies. The Gati Shakti initiative will not only help in bringing more investment into the country but also help create great employment. Acumen Aviation © 1February 2022 All Rights Reserved.