10 Jun 2019
India Aviation Industry Newsletter 10 June
AAI inks pact with Boeing on air traffic management
Airports Authority of India (AAI) and US aerospace major Boeing have joined hands to develop a 10-year roadmap for modernising air traffic management (ATM) in India. Funded by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the 18-month project will focus on communication, navigation and ATM modernisation. Boeing will analyse current technologies and processes to identify efficiency improvements that can be implemented while maintaining a practical and safe airspace system. Boeing will also work closely with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airlines operating in India, airport operators and other airspace stakeholders like the US-India Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP).
Bengaluru Airport will Soon Shut Down Lounges for Renovations
The Kempegowda Airport authorities have announced that the lounges of the domestic and international stage will remain shut from 1st June they are being revamped. The renovation process is said to be run in two phases spreading over 18-20 months. The Above Ground Level lounge at both the airports, that is open to only privileged passengers, Mastercard club members and walk-in guests would remain shut from June 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020 while the Plaza Premium, a lounge open to all would remain shut from June 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021.
Boeing and Airports Authority of India Sign Agreement to Modernise Air Traffic Management in India
Boeing and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have signed a technical assistance agreement for developing a comprehensive 10-year Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) modernization roadmap for India, undertaken with a grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). “India is experiencing unprecedented growth in civil aviation. With this kind of growth comes the need for safe and efficient aircraft operations, as well as improving the airport infrastructure, said Salil Gupte, president, of Boeing in India.
Government Pursuing Efforts to Set Up Second Airport in Major Cities
Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra said second aerodromes are required in major Indian cities, considering the way the aviation sector is growing. Noting that land acquisition is a problem in the country, Mohapatra said at least 2,000 acres of land is required for construction of an airport. "We have been writing to state governments from the ministry and the AAI to reserve land somewhere in the vicinity of the city for a second airport and use land restrictions so that structures do not come up," he told PTI in an interview.
Himachal to lease 2 helicopters
Himachal Pradesh government plans to hire a twin engine helicopter with carrying capacity of minimum 15 passengers and a twin engine helicopter with carrying capacity of minimum five passengers for multipurpose use, including VIP duty, emergency evacuation and relief operations among others. It has already opened technical bids for both the categories of choppers.
In Himachal, helicopter is not only used by the chief minister for his official travels, but is also used during winters to ferry people to remote snow bound areas of state beside in other VIP duties and emergency operations.
Taxation imbalances in Indian aviation sector need to be corrected, says SpiceJet chief Ajay Singh
Asserting that Indian aviation sector has terrific potential, SpiceJet chief Ajay Singh has said imbalances in regulatory and taxation structure need to be corrected for the sector, which can be a bright spot of the economy. Singh, who has helmed the turnaround of the once ailing low cost carrier, said big bold reforms and more out of the box thinking can be expected from the government. "If there was any government which has will and political strength, then it is this government. Aviation can be one of the bright spots of the economy ... Some wonderful work has been done, if you see UDAN scheme and other initiatives.”
Vistara to launch international flights in the second half of 2019
Vistara, which has been serving the Indian skies for more than four years, plans to launch international services in the second half of this year. A joint venture between Tatas and Singapore Airlines, Vistara might also look at starting medium and long-haul flights, depending on approvals, amid the grounding of Jet Airways. In 2018, Vistara placed its order for purchased and leased aircraft totalling 50 from the Airbus A320neo family, including A321neos.
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