25 Jun 2018

India Aviation industry newsletter 25 June

Cathay Pacific keen to explore new connections in India Cathay Pacific is keen to explore new connections to India, including non-metros, even as it is awaits the outcome of bilateral negotiations between the respective governments to increase entitlements. Paul Loo, Cathay's chief customer and commercial officer said “India is a very promising market for us. We would like to increase our capacity by deploying bigger aircraft in existing routes.” Dubai-Mumbai busiest international route The Dubai-Mumbai air sector witnessed the highest flow of passengers at about 2.5 million during the 2017-18 financial year, primarily led by migrant workers, according to data released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Dubai-Mumbai sector was followed by the Dubai-Delhi sector with about two million passenger movement. The Dubai-Kochi sector came next with just over one million passenger flow, the data showed. GECAS Delivers First 737 MAX8 to Jet Airways GECAS announced 19 June the delivery of the first Boeing 737 MAX8s to Jet Airways (India) Limited and the first Boeing MAX aircraft to enter service in India. This new aircraft continues GECAS’ partnership with Jet Airways, which began 25 years ago. The addition of these new technology aircraft, fitted with CFM-LEAP-1B27 engines, aligns with Jet Airways’ growth strategy while offering enhanced fuel efficiency over previous technology. India aims to attract pension funds and insurance companies to aircraft financing India's government plans to remove the constraints banks and financiers face in supporting the acquisition and leasing of aircraft, in hopes that pension funds and insurance companies participate in the financing of aircraft. The government hopes to take in over US$200 million annually in taxes from leasing business, as there is an estimated $5 billion annual lease revenue opportunity for pension funds and insurers as Indian airlines have placed orders for 900 aircraft worth over $45 billion. IndiGo remains top airline in India with 41% market share in May Jet Airways (13.7% market share), Air India (12.8%), SpiceJet (12.3%) and GoAir made up the top five in India’s aviation sector, DGCA data showed.  Indian carriers flew 16.53% more passengers during May: DGCA Domestic airlines registered slightly lower growth of about 16.53% growth in passengers flown during May compared to the same month a year ago on account of rising fuel prices leading to increase in fares. As per the data, released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Indian carriers carried 11.9 million passengers during the month, up from 10.17 million in May 2017.  India and Australia ease airline restrictions India and Australia have moved to significantly liberalize travel between the two the countries in what has been hailed as an important step in bilateral relations. New bilateral air services arrangements mean Australian airlines now have unlimited access to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore airports in India. Indian airlines have unlimited access to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide airports in Australia. India may also nominate one additional airport in Australia for unlimited access. Jet Airways to allow only one check-in bag on domestic routes As per The Times of India report, full-service carrier Jet Airways announced restrictions on the number of bags that a passenger can check in. From July 15, an economy class Jet passenger can check in for free only one bag that weighs 15 kg or less, while a "premiere" class passenger will be allowed two free check-in bags, each not more than 15 kg. Jet Airways is the first airline in India to introduce restrictions on the number of check-in bags. Kannur International Airport to begin operations in September Kannur International Airport will begin operations in September, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced after meeting Union Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu. Kannur aerodome will become the fourth international one in Kerala, which is already the state with the most number of international airports in the country. Long-haul flights gaining preference among Indians: Report More number of Indian travellers are exploring far-off places thanks to improved flight connectivity and better prices over a period of time, a survey said. According to KAYAK, a travel search engine, searches for long haul destinations like Toronto in Canada and Perth in Australia are seen the greatest rise. Acumen Aviation © 25 June 2018 All Rights Reserved.