Shares of Jet Airways plunged nearly 8 per cent Tuesday amid reports that the company is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jet-airways-crisis-naresh-goyal-opts-out-of-bidding-process-shut-down-threat-looms-210852">likely to temporarily shut down its operations</a>.

The scrip tumbled 7.62 per cent to close at Rs 241.85 on the BSE. During the day, it plummeted 18.56 per cent to Rs 213.20.

At the NSE, shares plunged 7.71 per cent to close at Rs 241.50.

On the traded volume front, 48.67 lakh shares of the company were traded on the BSE and over five crore shares on the NSE during the day.

The company's market valuation also fell by Rs 225.65 crore to Rs 2,747.35 crore on the BSE.

The BSE has sought clarification from Jet Airways (India) Ltd with reference to news that it is likely to temporarily shut down its operations.

Jet Airways is grappling with an acute financial crunch and is operating less than 10 planes besides temporarily suspending international operations.

The management of cash-strapped Jet Airways will take a final call by end of the day on whether to continue operations as the airline makes last-ditch efforts to raise funds, sources said Tuesday.

The carrier, which was founded more than 25 years ago, has already suspended international operations till April 18.

On Monday, Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube said the lenders could not decide on the emergency funding and that the airline's board would meet on Tuesday to take a call on the future.

Shares of Jet Airways plunged nearly 8 per cent Tuesday amid reports that the company is likely to temporarily shut down its operations. The scrip tumbled 7.62 per cent to close at Rs 241.

Shares of Jet Airways plunged nearly 8 per cent Tuesday amid reports that the company is likely to temporarily shut down its operations. The scrip tumbled 7.62 per cent to close at Rs 241.85 on the BSE. During the day, it plummeted 18.56 per cent to Rs 213.20. At the NSE, shares plunged 7.71 per cent to close at Rs 241.50. On the traded volume front, 48.67 lakh shares of the company were traded on the BSE and over five crore shares on the NSE during the day. The company's market valuation also fell by Rs 225.65 crore to Rs 2,747.35 crore on the BSE. The BSE has sought clarification from Jet Airways (India) Ltd with reference to news that it is likely to temporarily shut down its operations. Jet Airways is grappling with an acute financial crunch and is operating less than 10 planes besides temporarily suspending international operations. The management of cash-strapped Jet Airways will take a final call by end of the day on whether to continue operations as the airline makes last-ditch efforts to raise funds, sources said Tuesday. The carrier, which was founded more than 25 years ago, has already suspended international operations till April 18. On Monday, Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube said the lenders could not decide on the emergency funding and that the airline's board would meet on Tuesday to take a call on the future.

Jet Airways shares sink 8% amid reports of temporary shutdown of operations

Indian aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Government of India (DGCA) on Tuesday said that it continues to monitor the rise in domestic airfares and is engaging with airlines "when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/post-jet-crisis-indian-airfares-skyrocketing-210648">spurt in airfares</a> is observed at any sector for appropriate action".&nbsp;

"We monitor domestic airfares daily particularly on high-density routes and routes where an alternate mode of transport is not available or is difficult. Based on the monitoring process, DGCA engages with airlines when spurt in airfares is observed at any sector for appropriate action," the statement read.&nbsp;

Today again DGCA held a meeting with airline representatives on the "issue airlines were advised to continue to monitor at their level and provide information to DGCA to keep fares low as far as possible."&nbsp;

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The DGCA apprised media of the fact that various airlines representative intimated DGCA that they have removed the few higher buckets from the sale and offering tickets to passengers in lower fare buckets.&nbsp;

"DGCA will continue to monitor fare movement on a daily basis and engage with the airline for appropriate action," the watchdog stated.

Airfares in India have been on the rise for the last one month, ever since Jet Airways suspended its domestic and international flights.

With only seven Jet aircraft operating out of its fleet of 124, its competitors seemed to have cashed in on the opportunity to hike fares, thereby adding to commuters' woes.

Last month, the DGCA had said no diktat was issued to the airlines on hiking airfares. "We have just advised them that to increase their capacity to keep airfares in check," it added.

The Indian aviation market has seen a sharp increase in airfares in the past few months due to the suspension of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as well as the ensuing Jet Airways crisis.

(With inputs from ANI) &nbsp;

Indian aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Government of India (DGCA) on Tuesday said that it continues to monitor the rise in domestic airfares and is engaging with airlines "when spurt in airfares is observed at any sector for appropriate action".

Indian aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Government of India (DGCA) on Tuesday said that it continues to monitor the rise in domestic airfares and is engaging with airlines "when spurt in airfares is observed at any sector for appropriate action". "We monitor domestic airfares daily particularly on high-density routes and routes where an alternate mode of transport is not available or is difficult. Based on the monitoring process, DGCA engages with airlines when spurt in airfares is observed at any sector for appropriate action," the statement read. Today again DGCA held a meeting with airline representatives on the "issue airlines were advised to continue to monitor at their level and provide information to DGCA to keep fares low as far as possible." DGCA: Airlines representative also intimated DGCA that they have removed the few higher buckets from sale and offering tickets to passengers in lower fare buckets. DGCA will continue to monitor fare movement on daily basis and engage with airline for appropriate action. — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019 × The DGCA apprised media of the fact that various airlines representative intimated DGCA that they have removed the few higher buckets from the sale and offering tickets to passengers in lower fare buckets. "DGCA will continue to monitor fare movement on a daily basis and engage with the airline for appropriate action," the watchdog stated. Airfares in India have been on the rise for the last one month, ever since Jet Airways suspended its domestic and international flights. With only seven Jet aircraft operating out of its fleet of 124, its competitors seemed to have cashed in on the opportunity to hike fares, thereby adding to commuters' woes. Last month, the DGCA had said no diktat was issued to the airlines on hiking airfares. "We have just advised them that to increase their capacity to keep airfares in check," it added. The Indian aviation market has seen a sharp increase in airfares in the past few months due to the suspension of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as well as the ensuing Jet Airways crisis. (With inputs from ANI)

Will continue to monitor fare movement on daily basis, engage with airlines for appropriate action: DGCA 

Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube on Monday said that the cash-strapped aviation company has not received interim funding from lenders. Dube announced that the airways will extend the suspension of international flights until April 18, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The airline, which has a debt of more than $1.2 billion, has had to ground over two-thirds of its fleet over unpaid dues to leasing companies.

Jet Airways pilots body, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jet-airways-pilots-appeal-to-sbi-for-funds-also-ask-pm-to-save-20000-jobs-210501">the National Aviator's Guild, on Monday</a>, appealed the State Bank of India (SBI) to release Rs 1,500 crore, which was proposed to be infused in the ailing carrier as part of a debt-restructuring plan last month.

The airline is operating just 6-7 planes, with almost its entire fleet being grounded due to non-payment of rentals to lessors amid severe paucity of cash.

"We would like to appeal SBI to release Rs 1,500 crore funds for the airline to help it continue operations. We also appeal Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save 20,000 odd jobs at the airline," National Aviator's Guild ( NAG) vice president Adim Valiani told reporters at the airline's headquarter on Monday.&nbsp;

The airline's pilots along with engineers and senior staff were last paid for December 2018. This apart, the airline has also defaulted on the March salary of other categories of employees as well.

Last month, an SBI-led consortium of lenders had taken management control of the airline post a debt-recast deal, following which the lenders had proposed to infuse as much as Rs 1,500 crore to the carrier to keep it afloat till the time it gets an investor, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The Monday meeting with lenders was reportedly expected to take a final decision on the quantum of funds to be infused immediately to avert a possible shut down.&nbsp;

A meeting between the airline management and its major lender SBI last Friday could not take a decision on the fund infusion issue.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube on Monday said that the cash-strapped aviation company has not received interim funding from lenders. Dube announced that the airways will extend the suspension of international flights until April 18, news agency Reuters reported.

Jet Airways CEO Vinay Dube on Monday said that the cash-strapped aviation company has not received interim funding from lenders. Dube announced that the airways will extend the suspension of international flights until April 18, news agency Reuters reported. The airline, which has a debt of more than $1.2 billion, has had to ground over two-thirds of its fleet over unpaid dues to leasing companies. Jet Airways pilots body, the National Aviator's Guild, on Monday, appealed the State Bank of India (SBI) to release Rs 1,500 crore, which was proposed to be infused in the ailing carrier as part of a debt-restructuring plan last month. The airline is operating just 6-7 planes, with almost its entire fleet being grounded due to non-payment of rentals to lessors amid severe paucity of cash. "We would like to appeal SBI to release Rs 1,500 crore funds for the airline to help it continue operations. We also appeal Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save 20,000 odd jobs at the airline," National Aviator's Guild ( NAG) vice president Adim Valiani told reporters at the airline's headquarter on Monday. The airline's pilots along with engineers and senior staff were last paid for December 2018. This apart, the airline has also defaulted on the March salary of other categories of employees as well. Last month, an SBI-led consortium of lenders had taken management control of the airline post a debt-recast deal, following which the lenders had proposed to infuse as much as Rs 1,500 crore to the carrier to keep it afloat till the time it gets an investor, news agency PTI reported. The Monday meeting with lenders was reportedly expected to take a final decision on the quantum of funds to be infused immediately to avert a possible shut down. A meeting between the airline management and its major lender SBI last Friday could not take a decision on the fund infusion issue. (With inputs from agencies)

Haven't received interim funding, international flights to remain suspended till April 18: Jet Airways

Airfares in India have been on the rise for the last one month, ever since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jet-airways-pilots-appeal-to-sbi-for-funds-also-ask-pm-to-save-20000-jobs-210501">Jet Airways</a> suspended its domestic and international flights.

With only seven Jet aircraft operating out of its fleet of 124, its competitors seemed to have cashed in on the opportunity to hike fares, thereby adding to commuters'&nbsp;woes.

This morning, flights from Mumbai to Delhi were being sold online for fares as high as Rs 32,000 for a single journey, with the minimum one-way price clocking around Rs 8,000. Prices are almost the same from Delhi to Mumbai.

Similar airfares are being displayed on websites for an entire week. Bipin Singh, who is a frequent traveller, said he had to pay a heavy fare for travelling today from Mumbai to Delhi by GoAir flight G8-319.

"I booked a ticket from Mumbai to Delhi today morning for over Rs 25,000. There was chaos at the Mumbai airport due to the suspension of Jet Airways flights," he told ANI.

Last month, the DGCA had said no diktat was issued to the airlines on hiking airfares. "We have just advised them that to increase their capacity to keep airfares in check," it added.

The Indian aviation market has seen a sharp increase in airfares in the past few months due to the suspension of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as well as the ensuing Jet Airways crisis.

In India, Jet Airways has five Boeing 737 MAX while Spice Jet has 12 aircraft of this make. The aircraft were grounded following the Ethiopian Airlines crash.

Meanwhile, a senior DGCA official said the aviation regulatory body is reviewing the hike in airfares on specific routes across the country.

The 737 MAX jets came under scrutiny after 346 people lost their lives in two deadly plane crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia.

On March 10, 157 people on board an Ethiopian Airlines flight - a Boeing737 MAX jet - lost their lives after their flight crashed just a few minutes after it took off from Addis Ababa.

In October last year, a Boeing 737 MAX Lion Air flight crashed in Indonesia, claiming the lives of all 181 people on board.

Investigations are ongoing into both the incidents.&nbsp;

Airfares in India have been on the rise for the last one month, ever since Jet Airways suspended its domestic and international flights. With only seven Jet aircraft operating out of its fleet of 124, its competitors seemed to have cashed in on the opportunity to hike fares, thereby adding to commuters' woes.

Airfares in India have been on the rise for the last one month, ever since Jet Airways suspended its domestic and international flights. With only seven Jet aircraft operating out of its fleet of 124, its competitors seemed to have cashed in on the opportunity to hike fares, thereby adding to commuters' woes. This morning, flights from Mumbai to Delhi were being sold online for fares as high as Rs 32,000 for a single journey, with the minimum one-way price clocking around Rs 8,000. Prices are almost the same from Delhi to Mumbai. Similar airfares are being displayed on websites for an entire week. Bipin Singh, who is a frequent traveller, said he had to pay a heavy fare for travelling today from Mumbai to Delhi by GoAir flight G8-319. "I booked a ticket from Mumbai to Delhi today morning for over Rs 25,000. There was chaos at the Mumbai airport due to the suspension of Jet Airways flights," he told ANI. Last month, the DGCA had said no diktat was issued to the airlines on hiking airfares. "We have just advised them that to increase their capacity to keep airfares in check," it added. The Indian aviation market has seen a sharp increase in airfares in the past few months due to the suspension of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as well as the ensuing Jet Airways crisis. In India, Jet Airways has five Boeing 737 MAX while Spice Jet has 12 aircraft of this make. The aircraft were grounded following the Ethiopian Airlines crash. Meanwhile, a senior DGCA official said the aviation regulatory body is reviewing the hike in airfares on specific routes across the country. The 737 MAX jets came under scrutiny after 346 people lost their lives in two deadly plane crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. On March 10, 157 people on board an Ethiopian Airlines flight - a Boeing737 MAX jet - lost their lives after their flight crashed just a few minutes after it took off from Addis Ababa. In October last year, a Boeing 737 MAX Lion Air flight crashed in Indonesia, claiming the lives of all 181 people on board. Investigations are ongoing into both the incidents.

Indian airfares skyrocket after Jet Airways crisis

Jet Airways on Sunday issued a statement noting that Jet Airways' pilots body National Aviator's Guild (NAG) will be holding a meeting tomorrow "as no collective decision has been taken yet," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"The Union hasn't yet issued any direction or passed any resolution on whether the pilots will fly from midnight due to non-payment of salaries," the statement added.&nbsp;

Pilots at Jet Airways have been told by their union to put off a planned strike to give its management and key lender State Bank of India time to strike a deal to keep the debt-laden airline flying.

Jet Airways' pilots' body National Aviator's Guild, in a statement to union staff, said that "there is a critical meeting tomorrow with airline management and SBI. In light of the meeting, members have requested through their team leaders that call of 'no pay, no work' be deferred to give the airline a chance of survival".

"Accordingly, as requested, the Committee would like to inform all, that the decision stands deferred for the time being," the statement added.&nbsp;

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Jet Airways' pilots body National Aviator's Guild (NAG) to union Staff: Accordingly, as requested, the Committee would like to inform all, that the decision stands deferred for the time being. <a href="https://t.co/FdsNDQoUEu">https://t.co/FdsNDQoUEu</a>
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The development followed a news report&nbsp;that said that over 1,000 Jet pilots will not fly from Monday due to unpaid salaries, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/over-1000-jet-airways-pilots-not-to-fly-from-monday-due-to-unpaid-salaries-210296">news agency Reuters reported</a> citing the president of the National Aviators Guild.&nbsp;

"Pilots haven't been paid for the last three months," Captain Karan Chopra told Reuters.

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Jet Airways' pilots body National Aviator's Guild (NAG) will meet tomorrow as no collective decision has been taken yet. The Union hasn't yet issued any direction or passed any resolution on whether the pilots will fly from midnight due to non-payment of salaries <a href="https://t.co/Jvz5NarYvs">pic.twitter.com/Jvz5NarYvs</a>
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The crisis at Jet has deepened in recent weeks as lessors have started applying to deregister planes, signalling the planned bailout had failed to assuage their concerns.

Saddled with more than $1.2 billion of bank debt, the airline has been teetering for weeks and has yet to receive a loan of about $217 million from its lenders as part of a rescue deal agreed in late March.

An urgent meeting to discuss the Jet situation was held at the prime minister's office on Friday, which was also attended by the country's aviation secretary, Pradeep Singh Kharola.

After the meeting, Kharola said the carrier had money to operate 6-7 planes over the weekend and after that, the lenders would have to decide how many jets it could fly after Monday afternoon, a news channel reported late on Friday.

Kharola said the company will meet bankers on Monday for infusion of funds in the interim, the TV channel said.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Jet Airways on Sunday issued a statement noting that Jet Airways' pilots body National Aviator's Guild (NAG) will be holding a meeting tomorrow "as no collective decision has been taken yet," news agency ANI reported.

Jet Airways on Sunday issued a statement noting that Jet Airways' pilots body National Aviator's Guild (NAG) will be holding a meeting tomorrow "as no collective decision has been taken yet," news agency ANI reported. "The Union hasn't yet issued any direction or passed any resolution on whether the pilots will fly from midnight due to non-payment of salaries," the statement added. Pilots at Jet Airways have been told by their union to put off a planned strike to give its management and key lender State Bank of India time to strike a deal to keep the debt-laden airline flying. Jet Airways' pilots' body National Aviator's Guild, in a statement to union staff, said that "there is a critical meeting tomorrow with airline management and SBI. In light of the meeting, members have requested through their team leaders that call of 'no pay, no work' be deferred to give the airline a chance of survival". "Accordingly, as requested, the Committee would like to inform all, that the decision stands deferred for the time being," the statement added. Jet Airways' pilots body National Aviator's Guild (NAG) to union Staff: Accordingly, as requested, the Committee would like to inform all, that the decision stands deferred for the time being. https://t.co/FdsNDQoUEu — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2019 × The development followed a news report that said that over 1,000 Jet pilots will not fly from Monday due to unpaid salaries, news agency Reuters reported citing the president of the National Aviators Guild. "Pilots haven't been paid for the last three months," Captain Karan Chopra told Reuters. Jet Airways' pilots body National Aviator's Guild (NAG) will meet tomorrow as no collective decision has been taken yet. The Union hasn't yet issued any direction or passed any resolution on whether the pilots will fly from midnight due to non-payment of salaries pic.twitter.com/Jvz5NarYvs — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2019 × The crisis at Jet has deepened in recent weeks as lessors have started applying to deregister planes, signalling the planned bailout had failed to assuage their concerns. Saddled with more than $1.2 billion of bank debt, the airline has been teetering for weeks and has yet to receive a loan of about $217 million from its lenders as part of a rescue deal agreed in late March. An urgent meeting to discuss the Jet situation was held at the prime minister's office on Friday, which was also attended by the country's aviation secretary, Pradeep Singh Kharola. After the meeting, Kharola said the carrier had money to operate 6-7 planes over the weekend and after that, the lenders would have to decide how many jets it could fly after Monday afternoon, a news channel reported late on Friday. Kharola said the company will meet bankers on Monday for infusion of funds in the interim, the TV channel said. (With inputs from agencies)

Request to defer call of 'no pay, no work' and 'give airline chance of survival': Jet Airways

More than a thousand pilots of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jet-airways-employees-seek-pm-modis-intervention-to-help-them-out-210182">debt-laden Jet Airways</a> will not fly from Monday as they have not been paid salaries for the past three months, President of the National Aviators Guild said on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pmo-calls-for-urgent-meeting-to-discuss-jet-airways-situation-209874">Saddled with more than $1.2 billion of bank debt</a>, the airline has been teetering for weeks and has yet to receive a loan of about $217 million from its lenders as part of a rescue deal agreed in late March.

"Pilots haven't been paid for the last three months," Captain Karan Chopra told Reuters.

The crisis at Jet has deepened in recent weeks as lessors have started applying to deregister planes, signalling the planned bailout had failed to assuage their concerns.

An urgent meeting to discuss the Jet situation was held at the prime minister`s office on Friday, which was also attended by the country's aviation secretary, Pradeep Singh Kharola.

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Jet Airways' pilots body National Aviator's Guild (NAG) will meet tomorrow again as no collective decision was taken in today's meeting. The Union hasn't yet issued any direction or passed any resolution on whether the pilots will fly from midnight due to non-payment of salaries <a href="https://t.co/AwTEm3bpe4">pic.twitter.com/AwTEm3bpe4</a>
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After the meeting, Kharola said the carrier had money to operate 6-7 planes over the weekend and after that, the lenders would have to decide how many jets it could fly after Monday afternoon, a news channel reported late on Friday.

Kharola said the company will meet bankers on Monday for infusion of funds in the interim, the TV channel said.

According to a newspaper report on Sunday, Jet's lenders, led by the State Bank of India, are considering a proposal to infuse 10 billion rupees ($144.55 million) to keep the airline afloat.

The money is expected to be disbursed after the Jet management submits an operational plan on how it intends to use the money till May 7, the report said.&nbsp;

The lenders, who have been seeking a new investor to take a stake of up to 75 per cent in the airline, hope to complete the selection of bidders by May 7.

Initial bids were to be submitted by the end April 10, but SBI extended the deadline to April 12.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, which owns a 24-per cent stake in the airline, private equity fund TPG Capital, government-owned sovereign fund National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and ousted chairman Naresh Goyal are among those to have submitted bids, the Business Standard reported.

&nbsp;

More than a thousand pilots of debt-laden Jet Airways will not fly from Monday as they have not been paid salaries for the past three months, President of the National Aviators Guild said on Sunday.

More than a thousand pilots of debt-laden Jet Airways will not fly from Monday as they have not been paid salaries for the past three months, President of the National Aviators Guild said on Sunday. Saddled with more than $1.2 billion of bank debt, the airline has been teetering for weeks and has yet to receive a loan of about $217 million from its lenders as part of a rescue deal agreed in late March. "Pilots haven't been paid for the last three months," Captain Karan Chopra told Reuters. The crisis at Jet has deepened in recent weeks as lessors have started applying to deregister planes, signalling the planned bailout had failed to assuage their concerns. An urgent meeting to discuss the Jet situation was held at the prime minister`s office on Friday, which was also attended by the country's aviation secretary, Pradeep Singh Kharola. Jet Airways' pilots body National Aviator's Guild (NAG) will meet tomorrow again as no collective decision was taken in today's meeting. The Union hasn't yet issued any direction or passed any resolution on whether the pilots will fly from midnight due to non-payment of salaries pic.twitter.com/AwTEm3bpe4 — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2019 × After the meeting, Kharola said the carrier had money to operate 6-7 planes over the weekend and after that, the lenders would have to decide how many jets it could fly after Monday afternoon, a news channel reported late on Friday. Kharola said the company will meet bankers on Monday for infusion of funds in the interim, the TV channel said. According to a newspaper report on Sunday, Jet's lenders, led by the State Bank of India, are considering a proposal to infuse 10 billion rupees ($144.55 million) to keep the airline afloat. The money is expected to be disbursed after the Jet management submits an operational plan on how it intends to use the money till May 7, the report said. The lenders, who have been seeking a new investor to take a stake of up to 75 per cent in the airline, hope to complete the selection of bidders by May 7. Initial bids were to be submitted by the end April 10, but SBI extended the deadline to April 12. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, which owns a 24-per cent stake in the airline, private equity fund TPG Capital, government-owned sovereign fund National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and ousted chairman Naresh Goyal are among those to have submitted bids, the Business Standard reported.

Over 1,000 Jet Airways pilots not to fly from Monday due to unpaid salaries

Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal wrote a letter to his staff after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/naresh-goyal-quits-jet-airways-205510">stepping down from the board</a> on Monday. Goyal and his wife Anita made the move yesterday. He also resigned from the chairmanship of the 25-year-old airline.

"I'd like to humbly and with immense love and gratitude, inform you that both Anita and myself are stepping down from the board of Jet Airways with immediate effect," the letter read.&nbsp;

The letter, which was addressed to over 20,000 employees, had Goyal hoping that the cash-strapped airlines "stands poised to turn the page, ready to fly out of the turbulence and soar into a bright new future".

Goyal also said the approval of the debt-recast plan will put the carrier on a "sounder and sustainable" financial footing, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Goyal, in the letter, went on to note that the decision has been taken after much contemplation, adding that this is "the start of a brand new chapter".

He said he has seen the airline growing from a fleet of just four aircraft flying to 12 routes in the first year, to a peak fleet of 124 flying to over 550 destinations.

He thanked all Jet employees for their tireless, unrelenting efforts.

"It has truly been a labour of love that Anita and I, together with all of you have built collectively with our blood, toil and tears. Looking back I wouldn't want to change a thing. Not the triumphs, nor the trials and tribulations, challenges nor sweat equity," Goyal said.

"For the past 25 years, Jet has been a way of life for Anita and me. Very few people are fortunate enough to live their dreams and we have been truly blessed to be one among those few," he said.

"I'd also like to take this moment, to acknowledge the contribution of my wife, confidant and partner Anita without whom this journey would just not have been possible," Goyal concluded.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jet-airways-shares-soar-after-founder-goyal-exits-205658">Jet Airways Ltd's shares climbed about 8.5 per cent on Tuesday</a> to a near two-month high after founder and chairman Naresh Goyal stepped down and lenders took control of the airline, in an attempt to rescue it from bankruptcy, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

After weeks of speculations over the future of Jet, which has grounded over 80 planes due to financial woes, its board Monday approved a resolution plan formulated by a consortium of lenders led by SBI, who has now become the new owners of the airline with 51 per cent equity holding. 
&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal wrote a letter to his staff after stepping down from the board on Monday. Goyal and his wife Anita made the move yesterday. He also resigned from the chairmanship of the 25-year-old airline.

Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal wrote a letter to his staff after stepping down from the board on Monday. Goyal and his wife Anita made the move yesterday. He also resigned from the chairmanship of the 25-year-old airline. "I'd like to humbly and with immense love and gratitude, inform you that both Anita and myself are stepping down from the board of Jet Airways with immediate effect," the letter read. The letter, which was addressed to over 20,000 employees, had Goyal hoping that the cash-strapped airlines "stands poised to turn the page, ready to fly out of the turbulence and soar into a bright new future". Goyal also said the approval of the debt-recast plan will put the carrier on a "sounder and sustainable" financial footing, news agency PTI reported. Goyal, in the letter, went on to note that the decision has been taken after much contemplation, adding that this is "the start of a brand new chapter". He said he has seen the airline growing from a fleet of just four aircraft flying to 12 routes in the first year, to a peak fleet of 124 flying to over 550 destinations. He thanked all Jet employees for their tireless, unrelenting efforts. "It has truly been a labour of love that Anita and I, together with all of you have built collectively with our blood, toil and tears. Looking back I wouldn't want to change a thing. Not the triumphs, nor the trials and tribulations, challenges nor sweat equity," Goyal said. "For the past 25 years, Jet has been a way of life for Anita and me. Very few people are fortunate enough to live their dreams and we have been truly blessed to be one among those few," he said. "I'd also like to take this moment, to acknowledge the contribution of my wife, confidant and partner Anita without whom this journey would just not have been possible," Goyal concluded. Meanwhile, Jet Airways Ltd's shares climbed about 8.5 per cent on Tuesday to a near two-month high after founder and chairman Naresh Goyal stepped down and lenders took control of the airline, in an attempt to rescue it from bankruptcy, news agency Reuters reported. After weeks of speculations over the future of Jet, which has grounded over 80 planes due to financial woes, its board Monday approved a resolution plan formulated by a consortium of lenders led by SBI, who has now become the new owners of the airline with 51 per cent equity holding.

Jet has been a way of life for me, this is start of brand new chapter: Goyal in heartfelt letter to staff

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Friday issued a detailed Circular with an aim to curb the movement of unauthorized arms, contraband goods and cash at the airports, in the wake of the announcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the ensuing General Elections.

The Bureau has given specific instructions to be followed by the Airport authorities and other government officials.

Officers of BCAS will be conducting surprise inspections of these airports to check the compliance of these instructions.

Apart from strengthening the security at the regular commercial airports, BCAS has directed the airport authorities to check flights from uncontrolled, remote and unserved private and public airstrips, helipads and waterdromes.

It has also directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) to inform State Police, BCAS and Income Tax Department about such flights in advance.

ATC has been specifically directed to share records of the travel plan of chartered aircrafts or helicopters half an hour in advance to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State and the DEO of the district, in which the airport is located.

As per direction of the Election Commission, Director General of Police (DGPs) of States have been ordered to deploy police units to check these flights during Code of Conduct.

The operators of all private aircrafts or helicopters have been asked to declare the contents of the baggage, suitcases carried on these flights to CEO of the states, DEOs of the districts, state police and IT Department.

With an aim to keep strict vigil over movement of cash through all airports, Income Tax Department and CISF have been extended with all requisite cooperation for checking and surveillance activities.&nbsp;

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Friday issued a detailed Circular with an aim to curb the movement of unauthorized arms, contraband goods and cash at the airports, in the wake of the announcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the ensuing General Elections.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on Friday issued a detailed Circular with an aim to curb the movement of unauthorized arms, contraband goods and cash at the airports, in the wake of the announcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the ensuing General Elections. The Bureau has given specific instructions to be followed by the Airport authorities and other government officials. Officers of BCAS will be conducting surprise inspections of these airports to check the compliance of these instructions. Apart from strengthening the security at the regular commercial airports, BCAS has directed the airport authorities to check flights from uncontrolled, remote and unserved private and public airstrips, helipads and waterdromes. It has also directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) to inform State Police, BCAS and Income Tax Department about such flights in advance. ATC has been specifically directed to share records of the travel plan of chartered aircrafts or helicopters half an hour in advance to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State and the DEO of the district, in which the airport is located. As per direction of the Election Commission, Director General of Police (DGPs) of States have been ordered to deploy police units to check these flights during Code of Conduct. The operators of all private aircrafts or helicopters have been asked to declare the contents of the baggage, suitcases carried on these flights to CEO of the states, DEOs of the districts, state police and IT Department. With an aim to keep strict vigil over movement of cash through all airports, Income Tax Department and CISF have been extended with all requisite cooperation for checking and surveillance activities.

BCAS issues circular to strengthen security at airports ahead of Lok Sabha polls

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday issued additional safety instructions to SpiceJet and Jet Airways for operating Boeing 737 MAX planes.

The pilot commanding the aircraft should have at least 1,000 hours of flying experience, according to the DGCA directions.

A day after a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-four-indians-identified-but-still-missing-202467">737 MAX aircraft crashed in Ethiopia</a> killing 157 people, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said interim safety measures are being taken with inputs available at this stage.

"The DGCA will continue to closely monitor the situation and may impose/ take any other operational/ maintenance measures/ restrictions based on the information received from accident investigation agency/ FAA/ Boeing," the regulator said in a statement.

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DGCA issued circular for additional actions &amp; said it will continue to closely monitor the situation and may impose/ take any other operational/ maintenance measures/ restrictions based on the information received from accident investigation agency/ FAA/ Boeing <a href="https://t.co/X9Y90krGtq">https://t.co/X9Y90krGtq</a>
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The watchdog has also asked the airlines to ensure various requirements are complied with by engineering and maintenance personnel with respect to 737 MAX planes.

The operators have to ensure that no B737&nbsp;8 MAX aircraft in their fleet is operated without compliance with DGCA's latest directions with effect from 1200 hours on March 12, the statement said.&nbsp;

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday issued additional safety instructions to SpiceJet and Jet Airways for operating Boeing 737 MAX planes. The pilot commanding the aircraft should have at least 1,000 hours of flying experience, according to the DGCA directions.

Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday issued additional safety instructions to SpiceJet and Jet Airways for operating Boeing 737 MAX planes. The pilot commanding the aircraft should have at least 1,000 hours of flying experience, according to the DGCA directions. A day after a 737 MAX aircraft crashed in Ethiopia killing 157 people, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said interim safety measures are being taken with inputs available at this stage. "The DGCA will continue to closely monitor the situation and may impose/ take any other operational/ maintenance measures/ restrictions based on the information received from accident investigation agency/ FAA/ Boeing," the regulator said in a statement. DGCA issued circular for additional actions & said it will continue to closely monitor the situation and may impose/ take any other operational/ maintenance measures/ restrictions based on the information received from accident investigation agency/ FAA/ Boeing https://t.co/X9Y90krGtq — ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2019 × The watchdog has also asked the airlines to ensure various requirements are complied with by engineering and maintenance personnel with respect to 737 MAX planes. The operators have to ensure that no B737 8 MAX aircraft in their fleet is operated without compliance with DGCA's latest directions with effect from 1200 hours on March 12, the statement said.

Only pilots with 1,000 hours of flying experience to operate Boeing 737 Max: DGCA after Ethiopia crash

State Bank of India, a lender to Jet Airways, is likely to own 15 per cent of the cash-strapped carrier after the airline gets consent for a debt to equity swap, TV channels reported on Tuesday citing agencies.

Jet Airways said on Monday it would seek a shareholder nod next month to convert existing debt into equity, raise more money and allow its lenders to nominate a director on its board as part of efforts to resolve its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lessors-to-troubled-jet-airways-consider-taking-back-planes-report-189642">financing problems</a>.

Jet's lenders could end up owning as much as 30 per cent while its shareholder Etihad Airways could see its stake go up to more than 40 percent from 24 percent at present as it infuses more equity, the TV channels reported.

State Bank of India, a lender to Jet Airways, is likely to own 15 per cent of the cash-strapped carrier after the airline gets consent for a debt to equity swap, TV channels reported on Tuesday citing agencies.

State Bank of India, a lender to Jet Airways, is likely to own 15 per cent of the cash-strapped carrier after the airline gets consent for a debt to equity swap, TV channels reported on Tuesday citing agencies. Jet Airways said on Monday it would seek a shareholder nod next month to convert existing debt into equity, raise more money and allow its lenders to nominate a director on its board as part of efforts to resolve its financing problems. Jet's lenders could end up owning as much as 30 per cent while its shareholder Etihad Airways could see its stake go up to more than 40 percent from 24 percent at present as it infuses more equity, the TV channels reported.

SBI set to own 15% of Jet Airways after debt-for-equity swap: Reports

Aviation regulator DGCA Thursday banned IndiGo and GoAir from operating their A320 neo planes to Port Blair in the wake of problems with their Pratt &amp; Whitney engines.

Against the backdrop of instances of P&amp;W engine problems, including mid-air shutdowns, the watchdog has issued directions with respect to flying these aircraft by the two budget carriers.

IndiGo and GoAir operate A320 neo planes powered by P&amp;W engines.

The regulator has barred the airlines from operating the planes to Port Blair since the nearest landing place in case of an emergency is more than one hour away, according to an official.

In a communication, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said restriction has been "imposed on flight operations to Port Blair with A320 Neo aircraft".

On January 8, the Civil Aviation Ministry reviewed the performance of A320 neo planes with P&amp;W 1100 series engines. During the meeting, it was decided to issue a directive in addition to the existing measures related to combustion chambers and No.3 bearing issues for identifying and correcting impending failures of dry face seal.

Among others, the two carriers have been directed to carry out certain inspections of the P&amp;W engines, including weekly inspection of the 3rd stage LPT blade.

For new engines, certain inspection has to be done at the first oil filter change. "For engines that have already had the first oil filter change and are less than the 1,000 FH (Flight Hour) of operation time, perform BSI at next opportunity or A check whichever is earlier," the communication said.

With respect to the engines, the watchdog has also asked the airlines to create awareness among cabin and cockpit crew about "odour/ burning smell/ smoke (even if slightest) during approach phase and positive reporting to cockpit crew for necessary action".

If any odour or smoke is observed in air-conditioning pack air, the cockpit crew need to identify the source of odour by isolating packs one at a time. Also, all such cases in cabin during operation should be recorded for necessary investigation, the DGCA said.

Certain set of components used in aircraft engines are referred to as packs.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Aviation regulator DGCA Thursday banned IndiGo and GoAir from operating their A320 neo planes to Port Blair in the wake of problems with their Pratt & Whitney engines.

Aviation regulator DGCA Thursday banned IndiGo and GoAir from operating their A320 neo planes to Port Blair in the wake of problems with their Pratt & Whitney engines. Against the backdrop of instances of P&W engine problems, including mid-air shutdowns, the watchdog has issued directions with respect to flying these aircraft by the two budget carriers. IndiGo and GoAir operate A320 neo planes powered by P&W engines. The regulator has barred the airlines from operating the planes to Port Blair since the nearest landing place in case of an emergency is more than one hour away, according to an official. In a communication, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said restriction has been "imposed on flight operations to Port Blair with A320 Neo aircraft". On January 8, the Civil Aviation Ministry reviewed the performance of A320 neo planes with P&W 1100 series engines. During the meeting, it was decided to issue a directive in addition to the existing measures related to combustion chambers and No.3 bearing issues for identifying and correcting impending failures of dry face seal. Among others, the two carriers have been directed to carry out certain inspections of the P&W engines, including weekly inspection of the 3rd stage LPT blade. For new engines, certain inspection has to be done at the first oil filter change. "For engines that have already had the first oil filter change and are less than the 1,000 FH (Flight Hour) of operation time, perform BSI at next opportunity or A check whichever is earlier," the communication said. With respect to the engines, the watchdog has also asked the airlines to create awareness among cabin and cockpit crew about "odour/ burning smell/ smoke (even if slightest) during approach phase and positive reporting to cockpit crew for necessary action". If any odour or smoke is observed in air-conditioning pack air, the cockpit crew need to identify the source of odour by isolating packs one at a time. Also, all such cases in cabin during operation should be recorded for necessary investigation, the DGCA said. Certain set of components used in aircraft engines are referred to as packs.

DGCA imposes restrictions on IndiGo, GoAir in operating A320 neo planes with P&W engines

While Air India's passenger count rose by only 4 per cent in the December 2018 quarter, its revenue from passengers increased by 20 per cent on the back of better aircraft utilisation, said a senior official of the company.

"Due to better and efficient utilisation of aircraft fleet, the passenger revenue increased from Rs 4,615 crore in third quarter of 2017-18 to Rs 5,538 crore in the third quarter of 2018-19," the official said.

The official added that the number of passengers has increased to 55.27 lakh during the quarter from 53.28 lakh in the year-ago period. "This shows that passengers have increased by around 4 per cent...But our ASKM (available seat kilometres) has increased at a much faster rate," the official said.

ASKM indicates the passenger-carrying capacity of an aircraft. It is arrived at by multiplying the number of seats occupied by the distance travelled by aircraft in kilometres during a particular period.

The loss-making Air India is estimated to have a debt burden of over Rs 48,000 crore and the government's efforts for strategic disinvestment of the carrier failed in May last year.

The official said passengers in December increased by 4 per cent but the revenue from them increased by 23 per cent during the month.

"In the third quarter, total 15 new flights were started by the company," the official added.

Speaking about the Air India's woes, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu Friday said future revenues of the company cannot service its "massive" debt and this legacy issue has to be segregated from the current challenges of the national carrier.

"If you feel that future revenues can actually service the debt, it is not possible for the simple reason that the debt is so massive," Prabhu said Friday during a live stream held on 'Flying for All: Global Aviation Summit 2019'.

Air India earns 65 per cent of its revenues from international routes, while the remaining comes from the domestic network.

"Also, the cost of interest on the debt, when you try to service it from your revenues, Air India can never be in profit. Therefore, we have to address the debt issue. We are proactively working with the Ministry of Finance to make it happen," Prabhu added.

Air India has been making losses since the merger with Indian Airlines in 2007. The airline has a fleet size of around 122 aircraft currently.

"We have prepared a plan... We are trying to professionalise the entire management of Air India, right from the CEO (chief executive officer) downwards so that there will be a proper management structure so that Air India can reach to newer heights," he said.

"But anybody, who comes in, will ask this question 'how do I deal with the legacy'. The same question I had to address when I took over as a minister. The same question, Air India's new managing director or the new CEO or new board of directors would have to address - how do I deal with the past?" he added.

While Air India's passenger count rose by only 4 per cent in the December 2018 quarter, its revenue from passengers increased by 20 per cent on the back of better aircraft utilisation, said a senior official of the company.

While Air India's passenger count rose by only 4 per cent in the December 2018 quarter, its revenue from passengers increased by 20 per cent on the back of better aircraft utilisation, said a senior official of the company. "Due to better and efficient utilisation of aircraft fleet, the passenger revenue increased from Rs 4,615 crore in third quarter of 2017-18 to Rs 5,538 crore in the third quarter of 2018-19," the official said. The official added that the number of passengers has increased to 55.27 lakh during the quarter from 53.28 lakh in the year-ago period. "This shows that passengers have increased by around 4 per cent...But our ASKM (available seat kilometres) has increased at a much faster rate," the official said. ASKM indicates the passenger-carrying capacity of an aircraft. It is arrived at by multiplying the number of seats occupied by the distance travelled by aircraft in kilometres during a particular period. The loss-making Air India is estimated to have a debt burden of over Rs 48,000 crore and the government's efforts for strategic disinvestment of the carrier failed in May last year. The official said passengers in December increased by 4 per cent but the revenue from them increased by 23 per cent during the month. "In the third quarter, total 15 new flights were started by the company," the official added. Speaking about the Air India's woes, Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu Friday said future revenues of the company cannot service its "massive" debt and this legacy issue has to be segregated from the current challenges of the national carrier. "If you feel that future revenues can actually service the debt, it is not possible for the simple reason that the debt is so massive," Prabhu said Friday during a live stream held on 'Flying for All: Global Aviation Summit 2019'. Air India earns 65 per cent of its revenues from international routes, while the remaining comes from the domestic network. "Also, the cost of interest on the debt, when you try to service it from your revenues, Air India can never be in profit. Therefore, we have to address the debt issue. We are proactively working with the Ministry of Finance to make it happen," Prabhu added. Air India has been making losses since the merger with Indian Airlines in 2007. The airline has a fleet size of around 122 aircraft currently. "We have prepared a plan... We are trying to professionalise the entire management of Air India, right from the CEO (chief executive officer) downwards so that there will be a proper management structure so that Air India can reach to newer heights," he said. "But anybody, who comes in, will ask this question 'how do I deal with the legacy'. The same question I had to address when I took over as a minister. The same question, Air India's new managing director or the new CEO or new board of directors would have to address - how do I deal with the past?" he added.

Air India's passenger revenue grows by 20% in Q3 of 2018-19

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said Saturday that the government is ensuring that all domestic carriers are in "conformity" with the highest safety standards, and the aviation regulator has been directed to carry out their safety audits on a regular basis.

Prabhu's assertion came on a day when reports of a Pratt &amp; Whitney engine of an IndiGo A320 neo plane stopping mid-air surfaced.

"As far as we are concerned, we are ensuring that all Indian carrier must conform to the highest safety standards. I have directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to conduct safety audit of not only all the airlines but also of other organisations on a regular basis," Prabhu said at a media briefing here about the 25th edition of the CII Partnership Summit, to be held in the city from January 13.

An IndiGo Airbus A320neo plane suffered a mid-air engine failure with a "loud bang" on January 3, forcing the aviation ministry to take a serious note of the incident.

Prabhu said that two leading global aviation organisations - Federation Aviation Administration of the USA and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) -- have certified that India's safety apparatus has improved its performance, adding, "the domestic air passenger demand is growing at 20 per cent each month and we are seeing an increased number of passengers (every month)."

He said the number of airports in country has gone up to 101 from 67 five years ago.

"We have a target of having another 100 airports with a USD 100 billion investment," he added.

Responding to a question on whether the government was considering intervening by way of support to the domestic airlines which are in the red due to high costs and the lack of funds, Prabhu said in a deregulated sector like airlines it is the responsibility of the company to manage its affairs.

India has recorded highest foreign direct investment, more than China, in this year, which is a landmark, he said, adding that the government is eyeing USD 100 billion FDI in the next two years.

"And to achieve this, we are targeting specific sectors as well as companies," he added.

Over 1,000 delegates from 40 countries are expected to participate in the two-day mega business event, which is being hosted for the first time in the state in association with the Ministry of Commerce and the Maharashtra Government.

The theme for this year's summit is `New India: Rising to Global Occasions'.&nbsp;

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said Saturday that the government is ensuring that all domestic carriers are in "conformity" with the highest safety standards, and the aviation regulator has been directed to carry out their safety audits on a regular basis.

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said Saturday that the government is ensuring that all domestic carriers are in "conformity" with the highest safety standards, and the aviation regulator has been directed to carry out their safety audits on a regular basis. Prabhu's assertion came on a day when reports of a Pratt & Whitney engine of an IndiGo A320 neo plane stopping mid-air surfaced. "As far as we are concerned, we are ensuring that all Indian carrier must conform to the highest safety standards. I have directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to conduct safety audit of not only all the airlines but also of other organisations on a regular basis," Prabhu said at a media briefing here about the 25th edition of the CII Partnership Summit, to be held in the city from January 13. An IndiGo Airbus A320neo plane suffered a mid-air engine failure with a "loud bang" on January 3, forcing the aviation ministry to take a serious note of the incident. Prabhu said that two leading global aviation organisations - Federation Aviation Administration of the USA and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) -- have certified that India's safety apparatus has improved its performance, adding, "the domestic air passenger demand is growing at 20 per cent each month and we are seeing an increased number of passengers (every month)." He said the number of airports in country has gone up to 101 from 67 five years ago. "We have a target of having another 100 airports with a USD 100 billion investment," he added. Responding to a question on whether the government was considering intervening by way of support to the domestic airlines which are in the red due to high costs and the lack of funds, Prabhu said in a deregulated sector like airlines it is the responsibility of the company to manage its affairs. India has recorded highest foreign direct investment, more than China, in this year, which is a landmark, he said, adding that the government is eyeing USD 100 billion FDI in the next two years. "And to achieve this, we are targeting specific sectors as well as companies," he added. Over 1,000 delegates from 40 countries are expected to participate in the two-day mega business event, which is being hosted for the first time in the state in association with the Ministry of Commerce and the Maharashtra Government. The theme for this year's summit is `New India: Rising to Global Occasions'.

Government ensuring airlines follow highest safety standards: Prabhu

The US regulator FAA has retained the highest aviation safety ranking for India, a senior official said Tuesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carried out an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July this year.

The official said that the FAA on Tuesday formally confirmed that India's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) rating remains 'Category 1'.

Category 1 means the carriers from the assessed state may initiate or continue service to the US in a normal manner and take part in reciprocal code-share arrangements with American carriers.

The FAA carried out an audit to confirm India's adherence to the standards laid down by the ICAO and oversight of Indian airlines.

"During consultations held with the FAA in early November, the DGCA presented the actions taken to address the findings of the July 2018 audit," the DGCA official said.

According to him, the FAA has formally communicated that India is adhering to the safety standards of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

The regulator has also "confirmed that India's IASA rating remains Category 1," he noted.

The American regulator conducts IASA programme to assess the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of each country that has carriers operating to the US.

An IASA assessment determines if the foreign CAA provides oversight to its carriers that operate to the US as per the international standards.

Under the International Convention on Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), each country is responsible for the safety oversight of its own air carriers.

Other countries can only conduct specific surveillance activities, principally involving the inspection of required documents and the physical condition of aircraft. 
&nbsp;

The US regulator FAA has retained the highest aviation safety ranking for India, a senior official said Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carried out an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July this year.

The US regulator FAA has retained the highest aviation safety ranking for India, a senior official said Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carried out an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July this year. The official said that the FAA on Tuesday formally confirmed that India's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) rating remains 'Category 1'. Category 1 means the carriers from the assessed state may initiate or continue service to the US in a normal manner and take part in reciprocal code-share arrangements with American carriers. The FAA carried out an audit to confirm India's adherence to the standards laid down by the ICAO and oversight of Indian airlines. "During consultations held with the FAA in early November, the DGCA presented the actions taken to address the findings of the July 2018 audit," the DGCA official said. According to him, the FAA has formally communicated that India is adhering to the safety standards of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). The regulator has also "confirmed that India's IASA rating remains Category 1," he noted. The American regulator conducts IASA programme to assess the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of each country that has carriers operating to the US. An IASA assessment determines if the foreign CAA provides oversight to its carriers that operate to the US as per the international standards. Under the International Convention on Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), each country is responsible for the safety oversight of its own air carriers. Other countries can only conduct specific surveillance activities, principally involving the inspection of required documents and the physical condition of aircraft.

US watchdog FAA retains highest aviation safety ranking for India

The partial runway closure and subsequent cancellation of flights at the Delhi airport have led to a sharp rise in last-minute average fares with rates on some key sectors shooting up to 86 per cent amid high weekend travel demand, industry experts claimed Friday.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the private aerodrome operator, had early last month announced closure of one of the three runways for "preventive repairs" for 13 days, starting November 15.

It also told the airlines to tweak their flight schedule accordingly.

On Friday evening, several travel portals showed a sharp rise in spot airfares.

There was an increase in fares from Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai and other destinations for the next one week, especially November 16-19.

While the fare for a Delhi-Bengaluru flight on normal days stand around Rs 11,044, for travel on Saturday (November 17), it stood at Rs 13,702 on average, according to the data by travel portal Ixigo.

One travelling to Mumbai from the national capital on Saturday would have to spend Rs 11,060 as against Rs 9,228 on normal days, as per the portal.

The cancellation of flights from the Delhi airport due to the closure of the runway (09/27) has led to an increase in fares for the next one week, said Aloke Bajpai, chief executive and co-founder, Ixigo.

"Another contributing factor is the high travel demand over the upcoming weekend. We have seen an average increase of 86 per cent in air fares for flights from Delhi to key routes such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai," Bajpai said.

Besides 09/27, the Delhi airport has two more runways -- 11/29 and 10/28 -- which remain operational. The three runways together handle 1,300 flights per day.

Tagged as the busiest airport in the country, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) handled 63.5 million passengers in the fiscal ended March 2018.

"The closure of a runway at Delhi for a brief period has disrupted flight schedules and have led to a reduction in the number of flights from the city. This has led to an increase in airfares for the next ten days," said John Nair, head of business Travel, Cox &amp; Kings.

Though spot fares to key destinations such as Delhi- Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata and Delhi-Bangalore have gone up by 30- 40 per cent, those who booked early grabbed the cheap deals that were available in the market, he added.&nbsp;

The partial runway closure and subsequent cancellation of flights at the Delhi airport have led to a sharp rise in last-minute average fares with rates on some key sectors shooting up to 86 per cent amid high weekend travel demand, industry experts claimed Friday.

The partial runway closure and subsequent cancellation of flights at the Delhi airport have led to a sharp rise in last-minute average fares with rates on some key sectors shooting up to 86 per cent amid high weekend travel demand, industry experts claimed Friday. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), the private aerodrome operator, had early last month announced closure of one of the three runways for "preventive repairs" for 13 days, starting November 15. It also told the airlines to tweak their flight schedule accordingly. On Friday evening, several travel portals showed a sharp rise in spot airfares. There was an increase in fares from Delhi to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai and other destinations for the next one week, especially November 16-19. While the fare for a Delhi-Bengaluru flight on normal days stand around Rs 11,044, for travel on Saturday (November 17), it stood at Rs 13,702 on average, according to the data by travel portal Ixigo. One travelling to Mumbai from the national capital on Saturday would have to spend Rs 11,060 as against Rs 9,228 on normal days, as per the portal. The cancellation of flights from the Delhi airport due to the closure of the runway (09/27) has led to an increase in fares for the next one week, said Aloke Bajpai, chief executive and co-founder, Ixigo. "Another contributing factor is the high travel demand over the upcoming weekend. We have seen an average increase of 86 per cent in air fares for flights from Delhi to key routes such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai," Bajpai said. Besides 09/27, the Delhi airport has two more runways -- 11/29 and 10/28 -- which remain operational. The three runways together handle 1,300 flights per day. Tagged as the busiest airport in the country, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) handled 63.5 million passengers in the fiscal ended March 2018. "The closure of a runway at Delhi for a brief period has disrupted flight schedules and have led to a reduction in the number of flights from the city. This has led to an increase in airfares for the next ten days," said John Nair, head of business Travel, Cox & Kings. Though spot fares to key destinations such as Delhi- Mumbai, Delhi-Kolkata and Delhi-Bangalore have gone up by 30- 40 per cent, those who booked early grabbed the cheap deals that were available in the market, he added.

Air fares shoot up by 86% as Delhi runway shuts for repair

Air India's Chief Vigilance Officer will carry out a detailed inquiry into the incident involving Captain Arvind Kathpalia, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the impact of Kathpalia's action on passenger's safety will also be investigated, along with the administrative and disciplinary aspects of his conduct.

Air India Captain Arvind Kathpalia was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-director-of-operations-arvind-kathpalia-sacked-177079">removed from the post of air carrier's Director of Operations</a> on Tuesday. Kathpalia's dismissal came a day after his licence was revoked by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday.&nbsp;

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Chief Vigilance Officer of Air India to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident of 11 Nov &amp; on administrative &amp; disciplinary aspects of the conduct of Captain Arvind Kathpalia &amp; impact of his action on passenger's safety.He has been relieved from the charge of Dir Operations
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"The privileges of his licence have been suspended for a period of three years from 11.11.2018 as per the provisions of applicable regulations," a spokesman at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement.

On Sunday, Kathpalia made headlines for failing two breathalyzer tests before a flight to London from New Delhi.&nbsp;

This is the second time Arvind Kathpalia has been in trouble over alcohol tests. He was suspended for three months in 2017 for allegedly refusing to take breathalyzer tests, news agency Reuters reported.

Air India's Chief Vigilance Officer will carry out a detailed inquiry into the incident involving Captain Arvind Kathpalia, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the impact of Kathpalia's action on passenger's safety will also be investigated, along with the administrative and disciplinary aspects of his conduct.

Air India's Chief Vigilance Officer will carry out a detailed inquiry into the incident involving Captain Arvind Kathpalia, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the impact of Kathpalia's action on passenger's safety will also be investigated, along with the administrative and disciplinary aspects of his conduct. Air India Captain Arvind Kathpalia was removed from the post of air carrier's Director of Operations on Tuesday. Kathpalia's dismissal came a day after his licence was revoked by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday. Chief Vigilance Officer of Air India to conduct a detailed inquiry into the incident of 11 Nov & on administrative & disciplinary aspects of the conduct of Captain Arvind Kathpalia & impact of his action on passenger's safety.He has been relieved from the charge of Dir Operations — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2018 × "The privileges of his licence have been suspended for a period of three years from 11.11.2018 as per the provisions of applicable regulations," a spokesman at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement. On Sunday, Kathpalia made headlines for failing two breathalyzer tests before a flight to London from New Delhi. This is the second time Arvind Kathpalia has been in trouble over alcohol tests. He was suspended for three months in 2017 for allegedly refusing to take breathalyzer tests, news agency Reuters reported.

Drunk Air India pilot case: Air India's Chief Vigilance Officer to conduct detail inquiry

Discussions on a bailout package for embattled state-run carrier Air India are at an "advanced stage", the Junior Aviation Minister Jayant Sinha said on Wednesday.

India's government has been working on a package for Air India after plans to sell a majority stake in the debt-laden airline failed this year due to a lack of interest from bidders.

"We are going through the government approval process," Sinha told reporters, without giving details.

Air India, which has survived for years with the help from taxpayers, has asked the government for 21.21 billion rupees ($292 million) in additional equity to pay the carrier's bills to vendors.

India's top civil aviation bureaucrat said in September that a $120 million capital injection for Air India was on the way, and the government is also working on a relief package for the airline industry.

Jet Airways, India's largest full-service carrier, and state-owned Air India are struggling to stem losses in the world's fastest-growing domestic aviation market, where competition is intense and fuel taxes are high.

India's airline industry is forecast to lose up to $1.9 billion this financial year due to rising costs and low fares, according to consulting firm CAPA.

The civil aviation ministry has proposed other measures to help the airline industry, including adding aviation turbine fuel to a nationwide goods and services tax, Sinha said.

Discussions on a bailout package for embattled state-run carrier Air India are at an "advanced stage", the Junior Aviation Minister Jayant Sinha said on Wednesday.

Discussions on a bailout package for embattled state-run carrier Air India are at an "advanced stage", the Junior Aviation Minister Jayant Sinha said on Wednesday. India's government has been working on a package for Air India after plans to sell a majority stake in the debt-laden airline failed this year due to a lack of interest from bidders. "We are going through the government approval process," Sinha told reporters, without giving details. Air India, which has survived for years with the help from taxpayers, has asked the government for 21.21 billion rupees ($292 million) in additional equity to pay the carrier's bills to vendors. India's top civil aviation bureaucrat said in September that a $120 million capital injection for Air India was on the way, and the government is also working on a relief package for the airline industry. Jet Airways, India's largest full-service carrier, and state-owned Air India are struggling to stem losses in the world's fastest-growing domestic aviation market, where competition is intense and fuel taxes are high. India's airline industry is forecast to lose up to $1.9 billion this financial year due to rising costs and low fares, according to consulting firm CAPA. The civil aviation ministry has proposed other measures to help the airline industry, including adding aviation turbine fuel to a nationwide goods and services tax, Sinha said.

Talks on Air India bailout package at 'advanced stage': Report 

Confirming India's stand on the offsets agreement between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Group, the former, in a statement, reiterated that Reliance Group was chosen in compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 regulations.

It further clarified that although the Rafale deal was a contract between the Indian and the French governments, it provided for a separate contract in which Dassault Aviation committed to making compensation investments (offsets) in India equivalent to 50 per cent of the value of the purchase.

"This offsets contract is delivered in compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 regulations. In this framework, and in accordance with the policy of Make in India, Dassault Aviation has decided to make a partnership with India's Reliance Group. This is Dassault Aviation's choice, as CEO Eric Trappier had explained in an interview published in MINT newspaper on April 17, 2018. This partnership has led to the creation of the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) joint-venture in February 2017," the company stated.

"Dassault Aviation and Reliance have built a plant in Nagpur for manufacturing parts for Falcon and Rafale aircraft. The Nagpur site was chosen because of the availability of land with direct access to an airport runway, an essential condition of aeronautic activities," it added.

The French aviation company also said that contracts were signed with companies other than Reliance as well, as part of the offsets contract under the Rafale deal.

"Other partnerships have been signed with other companies such as BTSL, DEFSYS, Kinetic, Mahindra, Maini, SAMTEL,. Other negotiations are ongoing with hundred-odd other potential partners," the firm divulged.

The statement by Dassault Aviation comes shortly after former French president, François Hollande, claimed that Dassault Aviation was given no choice but to partner with Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence for the offset clause in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

The Centre, led by Prime Minister Modi, scrapped the UPA's plan in 2015 and announced that it would buy 36 "ready-to-fly" Rafale jets instead of seeking a technology transfer from France's Dassault Aviation and making the aircraft in India.

Confirming India's stand on the offsets agreement between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Group, the former, in a statement, reiterated that Reliance Group was chosen in compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 regulations.

Confirming India's stand on the offsets agreement between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Group, the former, in a statement, reiterated that Reliance Group was chosen in compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 regulations. It further clarified that although the Rafale deal was a contract between the Indian and the French governments, it provided for a separate contract in which Dassault Aviation committed to making compensation investments (offsets) in India equivalent to 50 per cent of the value of the purchase. "This offsets contract is delivered in compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 regulations. In this framework, and in accordance with the policy of Make in India, Dassault Aviation has decided to make a partnership with India's Reliance Group. This is Dassault Aviation's choice, as CEO Eric Trappier had explained in an interview published in MINT newspaper on April 17, 2018. This partnership has led to the creation of the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) joint-venture in February 2017," the company stated. "Dassault Aviation and Reliance have built a plant in Nagpur for manufacturing parts for Falcon and Rafale aircraft. The Nagpur site was chosen because of the availability of land with direct access to an airport runway, an essential condition of aeronautic activities," it added. The French aviation company also said that contracts were signed with companies other than Reliance as well, as part of the offsets contract under the Rafale deal. "Other partnerships have been signed with other companies such as BTSL, DEFSYS, Kinetic, Mahindra, Maini, SAMTEL,. Other negotiations are ongoing with hundred-odd other potential partners," the firm divulged. The statement by Dassault Aviation comes shortly after former French president, François Hollande, claimed that Dassault Aviation was given no choice but to partner with Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence for the offset clause in the Rafale fighter jet deal. The Centre, led by Prime Minister Modi, scrapped the UPA's plan in 2015 and announced that it would buy 36 "ready-to-fly" Rafale jets instead of seeking a technology transfer from France's Dassault Aviation and making the aircraft in India.

Deal with Reliance was Dassault Aviation's choice: Report

Explosions intensified on Hawaii's Kilauea volcano on Tuesday, spewing ash and sparking a red alert for aviation for the first time since the latest eruption began 12 days ago.

Ash and volcanic smog, or so-called vog, rose up to 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) above Kilauea's crater and floated southwest, covering cars on Highway 11 with gray dust and sparking an "unhealthy air" advisory in the community of Pahala, 18 miles (29 km) from the summit.

An aviation red alert means a volcanic eruption is underway that could affect aviation by spewing ash into air routes, according to the US&nbspGeological Survey (USGS) website.

Lava flowing from giant rips in the earth on the flank of Hawaii's erupting Kilauea volcano threatened highways on Monday, raising the possibility officials may order thousands more people to evacuate before escape routes are cut off.

Lava from a huge new fissure tore through farmland towards a coastal dirt road that is one of the last exit routes for some 2,000 residents in the southeast area of Hawaii's Big Island.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-new-crack-opens-at-hawaii-volcano--136833">More lava-belching cracks</a>&nbspare expected to open among homes and countryside some 25 miles (40 km) east of Kilauea's smoking summit, possibly blocking one of the last exit routes, Highway 132.

A shift in winds was expected to bring ash and vog inland on Wednesday and make them more concentrated, said John Bravender of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

"We're observing more or less continuous emission of ash now with intermittent, more energetic ash bursts or plumes," said Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) Deputy Scientist-In-Charge Steve Brantley on a conference call with reporters.

The observatory warned the eruption could become more violent.

"At any time, activity may become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles near the vent," the HVO said in a statement on the change in aviation alert level to red from orange.

Ash is not poisonous but causes irritation to the nose, eyes and airways. It can make roads slippery and if emitted in large quantities could cause electrical power lines to fail, said USGS chemist David Damby.

An aviation red alert means a volcanic eruption is underway that could affect aviation by spewing ash into air routes

Explosions intensified on Hawaii's Kilauea volcano on Tuesday, spewing ash and sparking a red alert for aviation for the first time since the latest eruption began 12 days ago. Ash and volcanic smog, or so-called vog, rose up to 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) above Kilauea's crater and floated southwest, covering cars on Highway 11 with gray dust and sparking an "unhealthy air" advisory in the community of Pahala, 18 miles (29 km) from the summit. An aviation red alert means a volcanic eruption is underway that could affect aviation by spewing ash into air routes, according to the US&nbspGeological Survey (USGS) website. Lava flowing from giant rips in the earth on the flank of Hawaii's erupting Kilauea volcano threatened highways on Monday, raising the possibility officials may order thousands more people to evacuate before escape routes are cut off. Lava from a huge new fissure tore through farmland towards a coastal dirt road that is one of the last exit routes for some 2,000 residents in the southeast area of Hawaii's Big Island. More lava-belching cracks&nbspare expected to open among homes and countryside some 25 miles (40 km) east of Kilauea's smoking summit, possibly blocking one of the last exit routes, Highway 132. A shift in winds was expected to bring ash and vog inland on Wednesday and make them more concentrated, said John Bravender of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "We're observing more or less continuous emission of ash now with intermittent, more energetic ash bursts or plumes," said Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) Deputy Scientist-In-Charge Steve Brantley on a conference call with reporters. The observatory warned the eruption could become more violent. "At any time, activity may become more explosive, increasing the intensity of ash production and producing ballistic projectiles near the vent," the HVO said in a statement on the change in aviation alert level to red from orange. Ash is not poisonous but causes irritation to the nose, eyes and airways. It can make roads slippery and if emitted in large quantities could cause electrical power lines to fail, said USGS chemist David Damby.

Ash cloud from Hawaii volcano sparks aviation red alert

The first scheduled non-stop flight between Australia and the United Kingdom touched down at London&#39;s Heathrow Airport, earlier on Sunday, reducing a trip that once took 12 1/2 days to 17 hours.

Qantas Airways&#39; inaugural service between the Australian city of Perth and Heathrow completed a 14,498 km (9,009-mile) journey in just 17 hours.

The airline used the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which is twice as fuel-efficient as the Boeing 747.

This new link is part of Qantas&#39; ambitious plans, unveiled over the past two years, to add ultra long-haul flights to its global schedules, a media reported.

&quot;The last frontier of global aviation ... the antidote to the tyranny of distance and a revolution for air travel in Australia,&quot; The Telegraph quoted Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce as saying last year.

Meanwhile, travel firm Flight Centre has recorded a &quot;high demand&quot; for the new Qantas flights.

&quot;Flight Centre definitely feels that long-term the new route is viable and we will see additional services being launched from Europe to Australia in the coming years,&quot; head of aviation, Justin Penny said.

The new link with Perth will be around three hours quicker than routes which involve stopping in the Middle East to change planes or refuel.

It will also enable faster journeys to Sydney and Melbourne than flying via Dubai.&nbsp;

The first scheduled non-stop flight between Australia and the United Kingdom touched down at London's Heathrow Airport, earlier on Sunday, reducing a trip that once took 12 1/2 days to 17 hours

The first scheduled non-stop flight between Australia and the United Kingdom touched down at London's Heathrow Airport, earlier on Sunday, reducing a trip that once took 12 1/2 days to 17 hours. Qantas Airways' inaugural service between the Australian city of Perth and Heathrow completed a 14,498 km (9,009-mile) journey in just 17 hours. The airline used the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which is twice as fuel-efficient as the Boeing 747. This new link is part of Qantas' ambitious plans, unveiled over the past two years, to add ultra long-haul flights to its global schedules, a media reported. "The last frontier of global aviation ... the antidote to the tyranny of distance and a revolution for air travel in Australia," The Telegraph quoted Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce as saying last year. Meanwhile, travel firm Flight Centre has recorded a "high demand" for the new Qantas flights. "Flight Centre definitely feels that long-term the new route is viable and we will see additional services being launched from Europe to Australia in the coming years," head of aviation, Justin Penny said. The new link with Perth will be around three hours quicker than routes which involve stopping in the Middle East to change planes or refuel. It will also enable faster journeys to Sydney and Melbourne than flying via Dubai.

'Last frontier' of aviation conquered with direct flight from Perth to London

In a move that may impact the operations of no-frill carriers IndiGo and GoAir which operate the A-320 neo planes, the Delhi High Court today directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to state on affidavit that the remaining fleet of aircraft of this model, which have not yet been grounded, were safe and airworthy.

According to aviation regulator DGCA, IndiGo and GoAir together have a total of 45 A320 neo aircraft, of which 14 have been grounded till date due to engine trouble.

The direction from a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar came on a plea which has sought the grounding of all the A320 neos till the aviation regulator certified that they are safe to fly.

The petitioner, Kerala-based lawyer Yashwanth Shenoy, told the court that in the past 18 months, there have been around 100 engine failures in these aircraft, despite which the DGCA has ordered grounding of only 14 of them while the remaining continue to ferry passengers.

He also claimed that these aircraft are not allowed in the US or the European airspace pursuant to the air worthiness directives issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

DGCA, on the other hand, opposed the petitioner&#39;s contention, saying that the engine failure problem occurred in 14 A 320 neo aircraft which had recently undergone a modification and therefore, they were grounded.

The regulator said that a conscious decision was taken to ground only the modified planes while allowing the remaining to fly.

The court observed that it was a matter of public knowledge that several A320 neos were grounded, one as recently as on March 18 and added, &quot;Let DGCA say they are safe&quot;.

The bench issued notice to DGCA directing it to file an affidavit stating its satisfaction, according to the Aircraft Rules, regarding the safety and airworthiness of the A320 neos.

It said the affidavit should be signed by an officer not less than the rank of Joint DG and listed the matter for further hearing on April 6.

On March 16, the court had refused to grant Shenoy&#39;s main prayer to ground all the A320 neo aircraft operated by the IndiGo and GoAir.

Today, it said his petition be treated as an application in a PIL he has filed for removal of high rise buildings from around Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on the ground that such structures are obstacles for aircraft taking off and landing at the aviation hub. 
&nbsp;

According to aviation regulator DGCA, IndiGo and GoAir together have a total of 45 A320 neo aircraft, of which 14 have been grounded till date due to engine trouble

In a move that may impact the operations of no-frill carriers IndiGo and GoAir which operate the A-320 neo planes, the Delhi High Court today directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to state on affidavit that the remaining fleet of aircraft of this model, which have not yet been grounded, were safe and airworthy. According to aviation regulator DGCA, IndiGo and GoAir together have a total of 45 A320 neo aircraft, of which 14 have been grounded till date due to engine trouble. The direction from a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar came on a plea which has sought the grounding of all the A320 neos till the aviation regulator certified that they are safe to fly. The petitioner, Kerala-based lawyer Yashwanth Shenoy, told the court that in the past 18 months, there have been around 100 engine failures in these aircraft, despite which the DGCA has ordered grounding of only 14 of them while the remaining continue to ferry passengers. He also claimed that these aircraft are not allowed in the US or the European airspace pursuant to the air worthiness directives issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). DGCA, on the other hand, opposed the petitioner's contention, saying that the engine failure problem occurred in 14 A 320 neo aircraft which had recently undergone a modification and therefore, they were grounded. The regulator said that a conscious decision was taken to ground only the modified planes while allowing the remaining to fly. The court observed that it was a matter of public knowledge that several A320 neos were grounded, one as recently as on March 18 and added, "Let DGCA say they are safe". The bench issued notice to DGCA directing it to file an affidavit stating its satisfaction, according to the Aircraft Rules, regarding the safety and airworthiness of the A320 neos. It said the affidavit should be signed by an officer not less than the rank of Joint DG and listed the matter for further hearing on April 6. On March 16, the court had refused to grant Shenoy's main prayer to ground all the A320 neo aircraft operated by the IndiGo and GoAir. Today, it said his petition be treated as an application in a PIL he has filed for removal of high rise buildings from around Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on the ground that such structures are obstacles for aircraft taking off and landing at the aviation hub.

Are A320 Neos airworthy? High Court asks DGCA

NASA scientists have chosen five green technology concepts that have the potential to transform the aviation industry in the next decade by reducing aircraft fuel usage and emissions by 75 per cent. 
 
The concepts were selected under NASA&#39;s Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Programme in the US for a two-year study. 
 
The topics, including three specifically targeted at electrically-propelled aircrafts are the use of alternative fuel cells, three-dimensional (3D) printing to increase electric motor output, lithium-air batteries for energy storage, new mechanisms for changing the shape of an aircraft wing in flight and a lightweight material called aerogel in the design and development of aircraft antenna. 
 
These five concepts, in addition to three of the six selected last year, address NASA&#39;s green aviation initiatives to cut fuel use by half, lower harmful emissions by 75 per cent, and significantly reduce aircraft noise, scientists said. 
 
&quot;There definitely was an emphasis in our selections on bringing forward activities that addressed a NASA aeronautics goal to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation during the 21st century,&quot; said programme manager Doug Rohn. 
 
(PTI)

The scientists have chosen five green technology that were selected under NASA's 'Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Programme' in US

NASA scientists have chosen five green technology concepts that have the potential to transform the aviation industry in the next decade by reducing aircraft fuel usage and emissions by 75 per cent. The concepts were selected under NASA's Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Programme in the US for a two-year study. The topics, including three specifically targeted at electrically-propelled aircrafts are the use of alternative fuel cells, three-dimensional (3D) printing to increase electric motor output, lithium-air batteries for energy storage, new mechanisms for changing the shape of an aircraft wing in flight and a lightweight material called aerogel in the design and development of aircraft antenna. These five concepts, in addition to three of the six selected last year, address NASA's green aviation initiatives to cut fuel use by half, lower harmful emissions by 75 per cent, and significantly reduce aircraft noise, scientists said. "There definitely was an emphasis in our selections on bringing forward activities that addressed a NASA aeronautics goal to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation during the 21st century," said programme manager Doug Rohn. (PTI)

NASA aims to reduce aircraft fuel use, emissions by 75%

Officially at least, Ratan Tata, patriarch of one of India&#39;s wealthiest business families, retired in late 2012.&nbsp; 
 
In reality, he has been a driving force behind Tata&rsquo;s bet on airlines and a rare public campaign to open up the booming aviation sector. 
 
The $100 billion Tata group conglomerate is a major beneficiary of the decision last week to open up aviation in India, making it easier for start-ups to fly overseas sooner. 
 
The decision is no panacea for Tata, whose airlines - Vistara and AirAsia India - have had a slow start in a competitive market dominated by IndiGo, owned by InterGlobe Aviation , and Etihad-backed Jet Airways, both of which opposed the rule change. 
 
But it marks a victory for 78-year-old Ratan Tata, and ends more than two years of airlines lobbying, of Twitter rows and of frequent public statements from the usually circumspect steel-to-salt group. 
 
&quot;This was a David-and-Goliath kind of situation,&quot; said a source close to Tata group.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;There was huge lobbying from the other side.&quot; 
 
Ultimately, sources familiar with the talks said, it was Ratan Tata, a trained pilot, who was key to sealing the deal, capitalising on his clout. 
 
In a message earlier this year, he called for &quot;a new open market economy&quot; and said airlines lobbying against a rule change was &quot;reminiscent of protectionist and monopolistic pressures by vested interests, entities who seem to fear competition.&quot; 
 
A spokesman for Tata Sons, which promotes the group, denied Ratan Tata was directly involved, saying he had &quot;nothing to do with operations or management of either of the airlines&quot; after his retirement, and that views he expressed were personal. 
 
TURBULENT BEGINNINGS 
 
Not that either of Tata&#39;s two airline ventures - a low-cost carrier owned with Malaysia&#39;s AirAsia Berhad and Vistara, a full-service carrier run with Singapore Airlines - is yet ready to fly overseas. Both have had turbulent starts. 
 
Vistara initially focused on domestic business travellers, but had to reconfigure its aircraft after a year, to replace pricier seats with cheaper ones. 
 
AirAsia underwent a management shake-up earlier this year. 
 
Vistara&rsquo;s share of India&#39;s passenger air market is rising but is still just 2.5 per cent after nearly 18 months in business. AirAsia&#39;s share after two years has stagnated at about 2 per cent, government data showed, compared with IndiGo, which has a 39 per cent share, and Jet Airways with 19 per cent.&nbsp; 
 
But flying overseas is critical. It means higher profits and margins than in India&rsquo;s cut-throat market dominated by low-cost carriers, and Vistara and AirAsia now aim to boost their fleet sizes within a year.&nbsp; 
 
A Tata Sons spokeswoman said making profit can take several years and the group had a &quot;clear road map&quot;: &quot;Aviation is a long gestation business sector.&quot; 
 
The new rules water down a requirement known as 5/20, which barred domestic airlines from flying overseas before being in operation for five years and having 20 aircraft. 
 
Now they can fly overseas as long as they deploy 20 aircraft or 20 per cent of total capacity in India, whichever is higher. Tata Sons and the two airlines said they would prefer the rules to be abolished altogether. 
 
TATA&rsquo; S RE-ENTRY 
 
Tata group, a business empire stretching from Jaguar Land Rover and steel mills in Britain to salt pans and India&#39;s cheapest car, has a long history in aviation. 
 
JRD Tata, the group chairman before Ratan Tata, became India&#39;s first qualified pilot in 1929, and set up an airline that was later nationalised as state carrier Air India. 
 
Under Ratan Tata, the group sought to snap up Air India in a privatisation process, later aborted. 
 
Instead, even as current chairman Cyrus Mistry has sought to wind up some of Tata group&rsquo;s more ambitious projects, Ratan Tata pulled the group back in with two joint ventures. 
 
&nbsp;For his critics, the intervention was too little, too late. 
 
In 2013, a year after India liberalised foreign direct investment in aviation, Tata returned, first with AirAsia and then Vistara. 
 
&quot;India&#39;s market has only just started and it could provide growth for global aviation for the next 10 or 15 years,&quot; said Kapil Kaul, New Delhi-based chief executive of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) consultancy. 
 
India is the world&#39;s fastest-growing aviation market, clocking more than 20 per cent growth last year, and CAPA expects domestic passenger travel to grow to 500 million by 2035 from 70 million in 2015.&nbsp; 
 
Tata group is moving to capitalise on the win. 
 
Vistara, which has 11 aircraft, had an original plan to scale up to 20 by June, 2018, but could speed that up. 
 
&quot;We do not rule out accelerating the deliveries or procuring more aircraft from leasing firms, manufacturers or, for that matter, from our parent Singapore Airlines also,&quot; Vistara CEO Phee Teik Yeoh said in response to a query. 
 
Yeoh said the company was reviewing its international plans. 
 
AirAsia is in the process of ramping up its aircraft to 20 from six to meet the criteria, India CEO Amar Abrol said, adding that the airline lobbied hard for the removal of the 5/20 rule. 
 
(Reuters)

India is the world's fastest growing aviation market and Ratan Tata's dream of opening up the booming sector has just been realised

Officially at least, Ratan Tata, patriarch of one of India's wealthiest business families, retired in late 2012. In reality, he has been a driving force behind Tata’s bet on airlines and a rare public campaign to open up the booming aviation sector. The $100 billion Tata group conglomerate is a major beneficiary of the decision last week to open up aviation in India, making it easier for start-ups to fly overseas sooner. The decision is no panacea for Tata, whose airlines - Vistara and AirAsia India - have had a slow start in a competitive market dominated by IndiGo, owned by InterGlobe Aviation , and Etihad-backed Jet Airways, both of which opposed the rule change. But it marks a victory for 78-year-old Ratan Tata, and ends more than two years of airlines lobbying, of Twitter rows and of frequent public statements from the usually circumspect steel-to-salt group. "This was a David-and-Goliath kind of situation," said a source close to Tata group. "There was huge lobbying from the other side." Ultimately, sources familiar with the talks said, it was Ratan Tata, a trained pilot, who was key to sealing the deal, capitalising on his clout. In a message earlier this year, he called for "a new open market economy" and said airlines lobbying against a rule change was "reminiscent of protectionist and monopolistic pressures by vested interests, entities who seem to fear competition." A spokesman for Tata Sons, which promotes the group, denied Ratan Tata was directly involved, saying he had "nothing to do with operations or management of either of the airlines" after his retirement, and that views he expressed were personal. TURBULENT BEGINNINGS Not that either of Tata's two airline ventures - a low-cost carrier owned with Malaysia's AirAsia Berhad and Vistara, a full-service carrier run with Singapore Airlines - is yet ready to fly overseas. Both have had turbulent starts. Vistara initially focused on domestic business travellers, but had to reconfigure its aircraft after a year, to replace pricier seats with cheaper ones. AirAsia underwent a management shake-up earlier this year. Vistara’s share of India's passenger air market is rising but is still just 2.5 per cent after nearly 18 months in business. AirAsia's share after two years has stagnated at about 2 per cent, government data showed, compared with IndiGo, which has a 39 per cent share, and Jet Airways with 19 per cent. But flying overseas is critical. It means higher profits and margins than in India’s cut-throat market dominated by low-cost carriers, and Vistara and AirAsia now aim to boost their fleet sizes within a year. A Tata Sons spokeswoman said making profit can take several years and the group had a "clear road map": "Aviation is a long gestation business sector." The new rules water down a requirement known as 5/20, which barred domestic airlines from flying overseas before being in operation for five years and having 20 aircraft. Now they can fly overseas as long as they deploy 20 aircraft or 20 per cent of total capacity in India, whichever is higher. Tata Sons and the two airlines said they would prefer the rules to be abolished altogether. TATA’ S RE-ENTRY Tata group, a business empire stretching from Jaguar Land Rover and steel mills in Britain to salt pans and India's cheapest car, has a long history in aviation. JRD Tata, the group chairman before Ratan Tata, became India's first qualified pilot in 1929, and set up an airline that was later nationalised as state carrier Air India. Under Ratan Tata, the group sought to snap up Air India in a privatisation process, later aborted. Instead, even as current chairman Cyrus Mistry has sought to wind up some of Tata group’s more ambitious projects, Ratan Tata pulled the group back in with two joint ventures. For his critics, the intervention was too little, too late. In 2013, a year after India liberalised foreign direct investment in aviation, Tata returned, first with AirAsia and then Vistara. "India's market has only just started and it could provide growth for global aviation for the next 10 or 15 years," said Kapil Kaul, New Delhi-based chief executive of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) consultancy. India is the world's fastest-growing aviation market, clocking more than 20 per cent growth last year, and CAPA expects domestic passenger travel to grow to 500 million by 2035 from 70 million in 2015. Tata group is moving to capitalise on the win. Vistara, which has 11 aircraft, had an original plan to scale up to 20 by June, 2018, but could speed that up. "We do not rule out accelerating the deliveries or procuring more aircraft from leasing firms, manufacturers or, for that matter, from our parent Singapore Airlines also," Vistara CEO Phee Teik Yeoh said in response to a query. Yeoh said the company was reviewing its international plans. AirAsia is in the process of ramping up its aircraft to 20 from six to meet the criteria, India CEO Amar Abrol said, adding that the airline lobbied hard for the removal of the 5/20 rule. (Reuters)

Tata patriarch's aviation ambitions a step closer as India opens up

The Indian government on Monday radically liberalised the foreign direct investment (FDI) regime with the objective of providing major impetus to employment and job creation in India, as 100 per cent FDI was approved in the sectors of aviation, food, defence and pharmaceuticals. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Modi hailed a sweeping liberalisation of rules on foreign direct investment on Monday, saying they will make Asia&#39;s third-largest economy the most open in the world. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&quot;Key reform decisions were taken at a high level meeting chaired by the PM, which makes India the most open economy in the world for FDI,&quot; Modi said in a tweet. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In a second tweet, he said the changes would provide a &quot;major impetus to employment and job creation in India.&quot; &nbsp; 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
It has now been decided to permit 100% FDI under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce (1/2)
&mdash; PMO India (@PMOIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/744826441750163456">June 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
This is the second major reform after the last radical changes announced in November 2015. Now most of the sectors will be under the automatic approval route except a small negative list. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Launching the second set of liberalisation of foreign investments, the government relaxed the norms in host of sectors including single brand retail trade (SBTR), broadcasting carriage services, private security agencies and animal husbandry.&nbsp; 
Welcoming the landmark decision to open up the FDI regime, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said the relaxation of local sourcing norms under single brand retail trading for advanced technology products would encourage global brands to build up their participation in the country.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Taken together, the FDI rules announced today will attract big new investments across key sectors such as food processing, defence production, pharmaceuticals and civil aviation, among others, thereby adding to growth and employment,&quot; Director General of CII Chandrajit Banerjee said in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
Changes introduced in the policy include increase in sectoral caps, bringing more activities under the automatic route and easing of conditionality for foreign investment. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
These amendments seek to further simplify the regulations governing FDI in the country and make India an attractive destination for foreign investors. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It was decided to permit 100 per cent FDI under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce, in respect of food products manufactured or produced in India. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In the defence sector, foreign investment beyond 49 per cent has now been permitted through government approval route, in cases resulting in access to modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded. The condition of access to &#39;state-of-the-art&#39; technology in the country has been done away with. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
FDI limit for defence sector has also been made applicable to Manufacturing of Small Arms and Ammunitions covered under the Arms Act, 1959, of India. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
For private security agencies, FDI up to 49 per cent permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond 49 per cent and up to 74 per cent will be permitted through the government approval route. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The extant FDI policy on pharmaceutical sector provides for 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in greenfield pharma and FDI up to 100 per cent under government approval in brownfield pharma. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The extant policy on airports permits 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route in Greenfield Projects and 74 per cent FDI in Brownfield Projects under automatic route. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
With a view to aid in modernisation of the existing airports to establish a high standard and help ease the pressure on the existing airports, it has been decided to permit 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in Brownfield Airport projects. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As per the existing FDI policy, foreign investment up to 49 per cent is allowed under automatic route in scheduled air transport service/domestic scheduled passenger airline and regional air transport service. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It has now been decided to raise this limit to 100 per cent, with FDI up to 49 per cent permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond 49 per cent through government approval. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Monday&#39;s amendments to the FDI policy are meant to liberalise and simplify the FDI policy so as to provide ease of doing business in the country leading to larger FDI inflows contributing to growth of investment, incomes and employment. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
India&#39;s economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das said the manufacturing sector and job generation will get a boost with dual clearances no longer needed. &nbsp; 
 
&quot;With this liberalisation, we expect manufacturing activity to come in, more activity in defence products. The driving force behind the whole thing is that all this investment should facilitate creation of jobs,&quot; he told reporters here.&nbsp; 
The decision on FDI liberalisation was a follow-up to the decisions which were taken last November when a whole lot of reforms were announced. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Wherever approval is given by the regulator, the companies will not need to the approach the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for clearance,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
(Agencies) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Foreign direct investment will be possible in sectors like food, defence, pharmaceuticals and aviation through the automatic approval route

The Indian government on Monday radically liberalised the foreign direct investment (FDI) regime with the objective of providing major impetus to employment and job creation in India, as 100 per cent FDI was approved in the sectors of aviation, food, defence and pharmaceuticals. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Modi hailed a sweeping liberalisation of rules on foreign direct investment on Monday, saying they will make Asia's third-largest economy the most open in the world. "Key reform decisions were taken at a high level meeting chaired by the PM, which makes India the most open economy in the world for FDI," Modi said in a tweet. In a second tweet, he said the changes would provide a "major impetus to employment and job creation in India." It has now been decided to permit 100% FDI under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce (1/2) — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 20, 2016 This is the second major reform after the last radical changes announced in November 2015. Now most of the sectors will be under the automatic approval route except a small negative list. Launching the second set of liberalisation of foreign investments, the government relaxed the norms in host of sectors including single brand retail trade (SBTR), broadcasting carriage services, private security agencies and animal husbandry. Welcoming the landmark decision to open up the FDI regime, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said the relaxation of local sourcing norms under single brand retail trading for advanced technology products would encourage global brands to build up their participation in the country. "Taken together, the FDI rules announced today will attract big new investments across key sectors such as food processing, defence production, pharmaceuticals and civil aviation, among others, thereby adding to growth and employment," Director General of CII Chandrajit Banerjee said in a statement. Changes introduced in the policy include increase in sectoral caps, bringing more activities under the automatic route and easing of conditionality for foreign investment. These amendments seek to further simplify the regulations governing FDI in the country and make India an attractive destination for foreign investors. It was decided to permit 100 per cent FDI under government approval route for trading, including through e-commerce, in respect of food products manufactured or produced in India. In the defence sector, foreign investment beyond 49 per cent has now been permitted through government approval route, in cases resulting in access to modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded. The condition of access to 'state-of-the-art' technology in the country has been done away with. FDI limit for defence sector has also been made applicable to Manufacturing of Small Arms and Ammunitions covered under the Arms Act, 1959, of India. For private security agencies, FDI up to 49 per cent permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond 49 per cent and up to 74 per cent will be permitted through the government approval route. The extant FDI policy on pharmaceutical sector provides for 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in greenfield pharma and FDI up to 100 per cent under government approval in brownfield pharma. The extant policy on airports permits 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route in Greenfield Projects and 74 per cent FDI in Brownfield Projects under automatic route. With a view to aid in modernisation of the existing airports to establish a high standard and help ease the pressure on the existing airports, it has been decided to permit 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in Brownfield Airport projects. As per the existing FDI policy, foreign investment up to 49 per cent is allowed under automatic route in scheduled air transport service/domestic scheduled passenger airline and regional air transport service. It has now been decided to raise this limit to 100 per cent, with FDI up to 49 per cent permitted under automatic route and FDI beyond 49 per cent through government approval. Monday's amendments to the FDI policy are meant to liberalise and simplify the FDI policy so as to provide ease of doing business in the country leading to larger FDI inflows contributing to growth of investment, incomes and employment. India's economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das said the manufacturing sector and job generation will get a boost with dual clearances no longer needed. "With this liberalisation, we expect manufacturing activity to come in, more activity in defence products. The driving force behind the whole thing is that all this investment should facilitate creation of jobs," he told reporters here. The decision on FDI liberalisation was a follow-up to the decisions which were taken last November when a whole lot of reforms were announced. "Wherever approval is given by the regulator, the companies will not need to the approach the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for clearance," he said. (Agencies)

Radical reform: India allows 100% FDI in key sectors

Iran and US aerospace giant Boeing have reached a deal for the purchase of 100 aircraft to renew the country&#39;s ageing fleet, the head of Tehran&#39;s civil aviation authority announced today. 
 
&quot;We have 250 planes in the country, 230 need to be replaced,&quot; said Ali Abedzadeh, the head of the civil aviation body, adding that the deal still needed approval from the US government. 
 
(AFP)

Iran and US aerospace giant Boeing have reached a deal for the purchase of 100 aircraft to renew the country's ageing fleet, the head of Tehran's civil aviation authority announced today. "We have 250 planes in the country, 230 need to be replaced," said Ali Abedzadeh, the head of the civil aviation body, adding that the deal still needed approval from the US government. (AFP)

Iran, Boeing reach deal on purchase of 100 planes: Tehran

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