02 Oct 2017

India Aviation Industry Newsletter 2 October

Bombardier Seals Q400 Deal with SpiceJet Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has completed a firm agreement with India’s SpiceJet covering up to 50 Q400 turboprops, marking the largest single order ever for the Q400 program and raising the firm order total for the Q400 to more than 600. Upon delivery, the airline will become the first in the world to operate a 90-seat turboprop, pending certification by regulatory authorities. The purchase agreement includes a firm order for 25 Q400s and purchase rights on another 25. Bombardier places the value of the order at $1.7 billion based on list prices. Emirates predicts India will be 'third largest aviation market' India is fast becoming the world’s third largest aviation market, with passenger numbers growing by around 20 percent each year – far exceeding the global average of 7.3 percent, Emirates noted in its latest monthly bulletin. The Dubai-based carrier said in 2016 India’s domestic passenger traffic stood at 100 million, an increase of 23 percent from the previous year and making it the third largest market for domestic passengers. Govt eases norms for airlines connecting UDAN destinations The civil aviation ministry has agreed to allow some airlines to fly bigger aircraft for Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) flights adding that it may be more flexible in integrating these into routes and overall operations. For hilly regions, UDAN will allow helicopters and four-seater aircraft to participate as well. These changes will cater to better commercial flexibility, a government official said on the condition of anonymity. This development has led to new bidding rounds that will start soon. One of the rules that has been eased is — the airlines can now make UDAN destination part of a connecting flight. Malaysia in talks with India, China to add more routes Malaysia is in talks with India and China to expand new air routes in a bid to boost its tourism market and increase passenger movements, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai. He said the talks were necessary as Malaysia regarded both India and China as the main drivers of the Asian aviation industry with the potential market to turn the KL International Airport (KLIA) into the Asean hub. The Transport Ministry is currently in discussion with Indian Civil Aviation Minister Pusapati Ashok Gajapati Raju and authorities to increase international routes and seats, he added. Singapore-India market grows by 17%, despite bilateral constraints for SIA as Indian airlines expand Growth in the Singapore-India market has accelerated significantly over the past year, despite Indian-imposed bilateral restrictions limiting expansion by the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group. Singapore-India passenger traffic has increased by 17% through the first eight months of 2017, driven partially by a surge in Indian visitor numbers to Singapore reports CAPA Aviation. Vistara seeks nod for global operations to take off next year Vistara, the joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, said it has sought aviation ministry approval to start international operations in May next year, by which time it expects to meet the 20-plane eligibility norm. "As part of the preparation, we have also advanced our aircraft deliveries and expect to receive our 20th aircraft by March 2018. In addition to our initial order, we are leasing two Airbus A320neos, which will arrive by June 2018." Acumen Aviation © 2 October All Rights Reserved.