30 Mar 2020

India Aviation Industry Newsletter 30 March

Air India starts using idled aircraft to fly cargo Air India is evaluating the option of transitioning its parked passenger flights into cargo-only flights. India has extended its ban on all domestic and international passenger flights till April 14 in its fight against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Nirbhik Narang, executive director, cargo, Air India, said “We are considering and the expert team is examining the feasibility of using our fleet of passenger flights as cargo-only freighters which is very much in demand right now. This may also require removing the seating arrangements or applying for approval from the DGCA.” Garuda Leases 6 Heathrow Slots To Air India For 2 Years It appears that Garuda Indonesia is leasing six slot pairs at the congested London Heathrow airport to flag carrying Indian airline Air India. A slot swap request form has been shared on social media, suffering the lease will be in place for a period of two years. The carrier remains positive about the long term outcomes, as it has leased six more slots from Garuda Indonesia for both summer 2020 and summer 2021. India Halts All Domestic Passenger Flying India has ordered the suspension of all domestic passenger operations—scheduled and private—by midnight on Tuesday 24 March , due to the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The order, which covers a seven-day period ending at midnight on March 31, does not apply to cargo carriers or government aircraft, and airports will remain open to accommodate such operations. International cargo ops to continue: DGCA To maintain international commercial links the DGCA has kept the freighter operations free from any restrictions. According to the aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), there are no restrictions imposed on domestic and foreign air operators for carrying out cargo operations. “Currently, there are no restrictions imposed on domestic or foreign air operators for carrying out cargo operations at any airport in India. All stakeholders kindly note,” the DGCA tweeted today. Acumen Aviation © 30 March 2020 All Rights Reserved.