Prince Harry will be honoured with the "Living Legend of Aviation" award, next week. This decision has been criticised by veterans who have questioned the basis of giving him that title.

Gravitas | Is Prince Harry a ‘Living Legend of Aviation'?

The Pokhara plane crash in Nepal, involving pilots with limited experience at the airport, highlights the critical importance of rigorous training and adherence to safety standards in aviation. Human error, combined with Nepal's challenging topography and unpredictable weather, has led to a worrying trend of aviation disasters in the country. With over 900 lives lost in Nepalese air accidents since 1955, brings to light the dire need for improved aviation practices.

Gravitas | Pokhara Crash Report: A wake-up call for Nepal's aviation safety

Russia pours investments into domestic aircraft industry amid sanctions imposed by western countries due to its invasion of Ukraine. The aviation gameplan includes a $12 billion investment to keep its aviation sector intact. Watch to know more!

Russia's bid for aviation independence amid sanctions

Lufthansa on Tuesday inked a deal worth $9 billion, ordering a total of 80 planes from both Boeing and Airbus, with delivery set between 2026 and 2032, marking the German flagship carrier's first purchase of Boeing narrow-body planes in approximately 30 years. &nbsp;

According to Reuters, the agreement comprises 40 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes and 40 Airbus A220-300s, with options for additional purchases: 60 for the MAX 8, 20 for the A220, and 40 for Airbus A320s.&nbsp;

This deal signifies a major strategic shift for Lufthansa, as it not only marks its reentry into acquiring Boeing narrow-body planes but also represents its first-ever purchase of the 737 MAX model. Lufthansa, historically maintaining an all-Airbus single-aisle fleet since phasing out the 737 in 2016, has predominantly focused on Boeing wide-body aircraft, including the 787 Dreamliners, 777 freighters, and the upcoming 777X mini-jumbo.&nbsp;

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr expressed the significance of the move, stating, "It is a good strategic decision for the Lufthansa Group to order Boeing 737 aircraft again for the first time since 1995," highlighting that the addition of the MAX 8 aligns with the company's commitment to carbon reduction requirements. The deal underscores Lufthansa's pivotal role as Airbus's largest airline customer, with a long-standing relationship that has seen the delivery of its 600th aircraft just months ago.&nbsp;

Boeing shares rose by 1.6 per cent in response to the news, while Airbus saw a 0.6 per cent increase. Lufthansa plans to finance this substantial purchase with net investments of 2.5-3 billion euros ($2.7-3.2 billion) in 2023 and a similar amount in the following year, emphasising that the order's impact on capital expenditure in 2023-2024 would not be significant.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Lufthansa on Tuesday inked a deal worth $9 billion, ordering a total of 80 planes from both Boeing and Airbus, with delivery set between 2026 and 2032, marking the German flagship carrier's first purchase of Boeing narrow-body planes in approximately 30 years.

Lufthansa on Tuesday inked a deal worth $9 billion, ordering a total of 80 planes from both Boeing and Airbus, with delivery set between 2026 and 2032, marking the German flagship carrier's first purchase of Boeing narrow-body planes in approximately 30 years. According to Reuters, the agreement comprises 40 Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes and 40 Airbus A220-300s, with options for additional purchases: 60 for the MAX 8, 20 for the A220, and 40 for Airbus A320s. This deal signifies a major strategic shift for Lufthansa, as it not only marks its reentry into acquiring Boeing narrow-body planes but also represents its first-ever purchase of the 737 MAX model. Lufthansa, historically maintaining an all-Airbus single-aisle fleet since phasing out the 737 in 2016, has predominantly focused on Boeing wide-body aircraft, including the 787 Dreamliners, 777 freighters, and the upcoming 777X mini-jumbo. Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr expressed the significance of the move, stating, "It is a good strategic decision for the Lufthansa Group to order Boeing 737 aircraft again for the first time since 1995," highlighting that the addition of the MAX 8 aligns with the company's commitment to carbon reduction requirements. The deal underscores Lufthansa's pivotal role as Airbus's largest airline customer, with a long-standing relationship that has seen the delivery of its 600th aircraft just months ago. Boeing shares rose by 1.6 per cent in response to the news, while Airbus saw a 0.6 per cent increase. Lufthansa plans to finance this substantial purchase with net investments of 2.5-3 billion euros ($2.7-3.2 billion) in 2023 and a similar amount in the following year, emphasising that the order's impact on capital expenditure in 2023-2024 would not be significant. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Lufthansa's $9 bn aircraft bonanza: German airline orders 80 planes from Boeing and Airbus

A recent analysis reveals that almost half of 217 global firms have significantly reduced their business travel carbon emissions by a minimum of 50 per cent between 2019 and 2022. <o:p></o:p>

According to Reuters, the data, published on Monday, highlights a shift in corporate behaviour as many businesses continue to curtail air travel in favour of more sustainable alternatives. Major companies such as SAP, PwC, and Lloyd's Banking Group stand out for slashing corporate air travel emissions by over 75 per cent, signalling a concerted effort to prioritise environmental concerns.<o:p></o:p>

Despite the global rebound from the pandemic, business travel has lagged behind leisure flights in its recovery. A multitude of corporations, including tech giant SAP, accounting firm PwC, and Lloyd's Banking Group, have actively embraced sustainable practices, reducing their carbon footprint through a significant reduction in air travel. <o:p></o:p>

The Travel Smart Emissions Tracker analysis suggests that this trend aligns with the goals set by advocacy group Transport and Environment, which advocates for a 50 per cent reduction in business travel from pre-COVID levels to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius.<o:p></o:p>

Reuters cited Denise Auclair, the Travel Smart campaign manager, who emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to further reduce emissions, stating, "The way forward is collaboration with more online meetings, more travel by train and less by plane." <o:p></o:p>

The study, however, identifies 21 companies that surpassed their 2019 flying levels, with L3Harris, Boston Scientific, and Marriott International witnessing a carbon emissions increase of more than 69 per cent.<o:p></o:p>

While the decline in corporate travel is a positive environmental development, concerns are raised about potential impacts on corporate relationships. Airlines remain anxious about the decline in business travel, bearing in mind its importance to their revenue and economic growth. <o:p></o:p>

Despite this, post-pandemic consumer demand for flying has alleviated some fears, indicating that the aviation industry may find ways to adapt to the evolving landscape.<o:p></o:p>

A joint survey by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) and the Harvard Business Review, released in September, reported that 84 per cent of businesses believe in-person trips still bring "tangible business value." <o:p></o:p>

This sentiment underscores the ongoing debate within the business community about the necessity and efficacy of in-person meetings versus virtual alternatives. Before the pandemic, business trips accounted for as much as half of passenger revenue at US airlines, illustrating the significant impact on the aviation industry.<o:p></o:p>

In response to the shift, European airlines, such as Air France, are adjusting strategies to cater to the changing dynamics, with a focus on selling more premium trips to leisure travellers to compensate for the decline in business travel.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A recent analysis reveals that almost half of 217 global firms have significantly reduced their business travel carbon emissions by a minimum of 50 per cent between 2019 and 2022.

A recent analysis reveals that almost half of 217 global firms have significantly reduced their business travel carbon emissions by a minimum of 50 per cent between 2019 and 2022. According to Reuters, the data, published on Monday, highlights a shift in corporate behaviour as many businesses continue to curtail air travel in favour of more sustainable alternatives. Major companies such as SAP, PwC, and Lloyd's Banking Group stand out for slashing corporate air travel emissions by over 75 per cent, signalling a concerted effort to prioritise environmental concerns. Despite the global rebound from the pandemic, business travel has lagged behind leisure flights in its recovery. A multitude of corporations, including tech giant SAP, accounting firm PwC, and Lloyd's Banking Group, have actively embraced sustainable practices, reducing their carbon footprint through a significant reduction in air travel. The Travel Smart Emissions Tracker analysis suggests that this trend aligns with the goals set by advocacy group Transport and Environment, which advocates for a 50 per cent reduction in business travel from pre-COVID levels to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius. Reuters cited Denise Auclair, the Travel Smart campaign manager, who emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts to further reduce emissions, stating, "The way forward is collaboration with more online meetings, more travel by train and less by plane." The study, however, identifies 21 companies that surpassed their 2019 flying levels, with L3Harris, Boston Scientific, and Marriott International witnessing a carbon emissions increase of more than 69 per cent. While the decline in corporate travel is a positive environmental development, concerns are raised about potential impacts on corporate relationships. Airlines remain anxious about the decline in business travel, bearing in mind its importance to their revenue and economic growth. Despite this, post-pandemic consumer demand for flying has alleviated some fears, indicating that the aviation industry may find ways to adapt to the evolving landscape. A joint survey by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) and the Harvard Business Review, released in September, reported that 84 per cent of businesses believe in-person trips still bring "tangible business value." This sentiment underscores the ongoing debate within the business community about the necessity and efficacy of in-person meetings versus virtual alternatives. Before the pandemic, business trips accounted for as much as half of passenger revenue at US airlines, illustrating the significant impact on the aviation industry. In response to the shift, European airlines, such as Air France, are adjusting strategies to cater to the changing dynamics, with a focus on selling more premium trips to leisure travellers to compensate for the decline in business travel. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Business travel emissions plummet as companies embrace sustainable practices

Air India unveiled the new uniforms for its cabin and cockpit crew, designed by renowned designer Manish Malhotra. The airline’s female cabin crew will wear ombre sarees with a modern touch, while the men will wear bandhgalas.

Air India unveils new crew uniform designed by Manish Malhotra

Boeing is adjusting its plans to increase production of its popular 737 narrow body jetliner, signalling a two-month delay, Reuters reported on Thursday. &nbsp;

The U.S. plane maker now expects to produce 42 of its 737s per month starting in February 2024, marking a shift from the initial target at the end of 2023. This adjustment comes as Boeing and its European rival Airbus face challenges in meeting soaring customer demand due to supply chain bottlenecks and production disruptions. &nbsp;

While Boeing declined to comment specifically on the new master schedule, the company reaffirmed&nbsp;its commitment to increasing production to 50 airplanes per month in the 2025-26 timeframe.&nbsp;

The updated schedule also affects subsequent rate increases, pushing Boeing's plan for 47.2 jets a month from June to August 2024, and the target to increase 737 productions to 52.5 jets a month moved from December 2024 to February 2025. &nbsp;

Boeing now anticipates achieving its pre-pandemic goal of 57.7 aircraft per month in October 2025, reflecting a three-month delay from the original target of July 2025.

Despite the adjustments, the company expressed&nbsp;its confidence in meeting production goals and satisfying customer demand. According to Deutsche Bank, a move to 42 jets a month in February will be perceived as "good news" by investors.&nbsp;

Boeing's CEO, Dave Calhoun, previously emphasised the company's intention to increase production levels, stating that Boeing is capitalised to manufacture 60 737s a month. However, the recent adjustments underscore the challenges posed by supply chain complexities. &nbsp;

Calhoun acknowledges the importance of ensuring planned rate increases can navigate through the supply chain effectively. The 737 master schedule, a crucial component of the global supply chain, provides insights into the industry's confidence and drumbeat, even though it may evolve due to various factors.&nbsp;

This development follows a supplier error discovered in August, which prompted Boeing to conduct time-consuming inspections of some of the 737 MAXs on its production line, contributing to the slowdown. &nbsp;

Despite the challenges, Boeing is set to ramp&nbsp;up production, having previously announced an increase from 31 to 38 jets per month in July.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Boeing is adjusting its plans to increase production of its popular 737 narrow body jetliner, signalling a two-month delay, Reuters reported on Thursday. The U.S.

Boeing is adjusting its plans to increase production of its popular 737 narrow body jetliner, signalling a two-month delay, Reuters reported on Thursday. The U.S. plane maker now expects to produce 42 of its 737s per month starting in February 2024, marking a shift from the initial target at the end of 2023. This adjustment comes as Boeing and its European rival Airbus face challenges in meeting soaring customer demand due to supply chain bottlenecks and production disruptions. While Boeing declined to comment specifically on the new master schedule, the company reaffirmed its commitment to increasing production to 50 airplanes per month in the 2025-26 timeframe. The updated schedule also affects subsequent rate increases, pushing Boeing's plan for 47.2 jets a month from June to August 2024, and the target to increase 737 productions to 52.5 jets a month moved from December 2024 to February 2025. Boeing now anticipates achieving its pre-pandemic goal of 57.7 aircraft per month in October 2025, reflecting a three-month delay from the original target of July 2025. Despite the adjustments, the company expressed its confidence in meeting production goals and satisfying customer demand. According to Deutsche Bank, a move to 42 jets a month in February will be perceived as "good news" by investors. Boeing's CEO, Dave Calhoun, previously emphasised the company's intention to increase production levels, stating that Boeing is capitalised to manufacture 60 737s a month. However, the recent adjustments underscore the challenges posed by supply chain complexities. Calhoun acknowledges the importance of ensuring planned rate increases can navigate through the supply chain effectively. The 737 master schedule, a crucial component of the global supply chain, provides insights into the industry's confidence and drumbeat, even though it may evolve due to various factors. This development follows a supplier error discovered in August, which prompted Boeing to conduct time-consuming inspections of some of the 737 MAXs on its production line, contributing to the slowdown. Despite the challenges, Boeing is set to ramp up production, having previously announced an increase from 31 to 38 jets per month in July. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Boeing signals two-month delay to 737 production ramp-up: Report  

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released optimistic projections for the airline industry, anticipating a substantial rebound in 2024. &nbsp;

Despite a few challenging years, IATA predicts global net profits to reach $25.7 billion in 2024, reflecting a 2.7 per cent net profit margin. This outlook follows the $23.3 billion net profit that is expected in 2023.

The recovery is attributed to increased demand for air travel, especially in China, as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resilience amid challenges

IATA Director General Willie Walsh acknowledged the aviation industry's resilience, saying, “The $25.7 billion net profit expected in 2024 is a tribute to aviation’s resilience.”

He emphasised on the extraordinary speed at which the industry is recovering while noting that the pandemic has set aviation back approximately four years in terms of growth.

Despite this comeback, the 2.7 per cent net profit margin is significantly lower than what would be acceptable in many other industries, highlighting the ongoing challenges airlines face.

Key projections and drivers

Revenue surge and operating profit growth

IATA's projections highlight a robust financial outlook for 2024. Total revenues are expected to reach a record-breaking $964 billion, growing at a rate of 7.6 per cent. Operating profits are set to increase from $40.7 billion in 2023 to $49.3 billion in 2024. &nbsp;

This positive trend is driven by a surge in air travel demand, with an estimated 4.7 billion people expected to travel in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Passenger and cargo dynamics

Passenger revenues are anticipated to reach $717 billion in 2024, a 12 per cent increase from 2023, driven by strong demand and improved passenger yields. Cargo revenues, on the other hand, are projected to decrease to $111 billion in 2024 due to a decline in demand compared to the exceptional peak observed in 2021. Despite this reduction, yields will remain historically high.

Expenses and fuel challenges

While revenues are expected to outpace expenses, the industry is not without challenges. Expenses are projected to grow to $914 billion in 2024, with fuel costs accounting for 31 per cent of total operating costs. The average fuel price is estimated to be $113.8 per barrel, contributing to a total fuel bill of $281 billion. Airlines are expected to consume 99 billion gallons of fuel in 2024.

Sustainability efforts and carbon footprint

Recognising the environmental impact of the aviation industry, IATA has outlined efforts to address carbon emissions. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and carbon credits are expected to play a crucial role in reducing the industry's carbon footprint. SAF production could reach 0.53 per cent of total fuel consumption in 2024, adding $2.4 billion to the fuel bill. The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is estimated to cost $1 billion in 2024.

Regional roundup

North America leads financial recovery

Financial performances across regions vary. North America stands out, having returned to profitability in 2022 and strengthening further in 2023. Consumer spending remains solid, and demand for air travel is expected to outpace capacity growth into 2024.

Europe's resilience amid challenges

Europe's performance in 2023 exceeded expectations, with strong demand expected to continue in 2024. However, risks related to the tight labour market and geopolitical tensions pose potential challenges.

Asia Pacific's recovery

While some domestic markets in Asia Pacific recovered quickly, international travel remained subdued until mid-2023. The region is expected to post a small loss in 2023 but is projected to return to profitability in 2024.

Latin America and Africa face challenges

Latin America is expected to face economic and social turmoil impacting airline performance in 2024, with reducing losses. Meanwhile, African carriers are anticipated to generate losses in both 2023 and 2024 due to economic, infrastructure, and connectivity challenges.

West Asia's swift recovery

West Asia is set to deliver strong financial performances in both 2023 and 2024, driven by swift rebuilding of international networks and efficient fleets.

2023: Better than expected

In 2023, the industry outperformed earlier projections, reaching $23.3 billion in net profit, significantly higher than the forecasted $9.8 billion in June. Passenger business drove this improvement, with revenues surpassing expectations by $96 billion, reaching $642 billion. Cargo revenues, however, fell short of projections at $134.7 billion.

Traveller satisfaction and industry perception

Public opinion polls conducted by IATA reveal high levels of traveller satisfaction. A vast majority, 97 per cent, expressed satisfaction with their travel experiences, with 88 per cent believing air travel enhances their lives and 80 per cent considering it good value for money. Travellers have expressed confidence in the industry's commitment to sustainability, with 84 per cent supporting the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released optimistic projections for the airline industry, anticipating a substantial rebound in 2024. Despite a few challenging years, IATA predicts global net profits to reach $25.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released optimistic projections for the airline industry, anticipating a substantial rebound in 2024. Despite a few challenging years, IATA predicts global net profits to reach $25.7 billion in 2024, reflecting a 2.7 per cent net profit margin. This outlook follows the $23.3 billion net profit that is expected in 2023. The recovery is attributed to increased demand for air travel, especially in China, as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Resilience amid challenges IATA Director General Willie Walsh acknowledged the aviation industry's resilience, saying, “The $25.7 billion net profit expected in 2024 is a tribute to aviation’s resilience.” He emphasised on the extraordinary speed at which the industry is recovering while noting that the pandemic has set aviation back approximately four years in terms of growth. Despite this comeback, the 2.7 per cent net profit margin is significantly lower than what would be acceptable in many other industries, highlighting the ongoing challenges airlines face. Key projections and drivers Revenue surge and operating profit growth IATA's projections highlight a robust financial outlook for 2024. Total revenues are expected to reach a record-breaking $964 billion, growing at a rate of 7.6 per cent. Operating profits are set to increase from $40.7 billion in 2023 to $49.3 billion in 2024. This positive trend is driven by a surge in air travel demand, with an estimated 4.7 billion people expected to travel in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Passenger and cargo dynamics Passenger revenues are anticipated to reach $717 billion in 2024, a 12 per cent increase from 2023, driven by strong demand and improved passenger yields. Cargo revenues, on the other hand, are projected to decrease to $111 billion in 2024 due to a decline in demand compared to the exceptional peak observed in 2021. Despite this reduction, yields will remain historically high. Expenses and fuel challenges While revenues are expected to outpace expenses, the industry is not without challenges. Expenses are projected to grow to $914 billion in 2024, with fuel costs accounting for 31 per cent of total operating costs. The average fuel price is estimated to be $113.8 per barrel, contributing to a total fuel bill of $281 billion. Airlines are expected to consume 99 billion gallons of fuel in 2024. Sustainability efforts and carbon footprint Recognising the environmental impact of the aviation industry, IATA has outlined efforts to address carbon emissions. Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and carbon credits are expected to play a crucial role in reducing the industry's carbon footprint. SAF production could reach 0.53 per cent of total fuel consumption in 2024, adding $2.4 billion to the fuel bill. The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is estimated to cost $1 billion in 2024. Regional roundup North America leads financial recovery Financial performances across regions vary. North America stands out, having returned to profitability in 2022 and strengthening further in 2023. Consumer spending remains solid, and demand for air travel is expected to outpace capacity growth into 2024. Europe's resilience amid challenges Europe's performance in 2023 exceeded expectations, with strong demand expected to continue in 2024. However, risks related to the tight labour market and geopolitical tensions pose potential challenges. Asia Pacific's recovery While some domestic markets in Asia Pacific recovered quickly, international travel remained subdued until mid-2023. The region is expected to post a small loss in 2023 but is projected to return to profitability in 2024. Latin America and Africa face challenges Latin America is expected to face economic and social turmoil impacting airline performance in 2024, with reducing losses. Meanwhile, African carriers are anticipated to generate losses in both 2023 and 2024 due to economic, infrastructure, and connectivity challenges. West Asia's swift recovery West Asia is set to deliver strong financial performances in both 2023 and 2024, driven by swift rebuilding of international networks and efficient fleets. 2023: Better than expected In 2023, the industry outperformed earlier projections, reaching $23.3 billion in net profit, significantly higher than the forecasted $9.8 billion in June. Passenger business drove this improvement, with revenues surpassing expectations by $96 billion, reaching $642 billion. Cargo revenues, however, fell short of projections at $134.7 billion. Traveller satisfaction and industry perception Public opinion polls conducted by IATA reveal high levels of traveller satisfaction. A vast majority, 97 per cent, expressed satisfaction with their travel experiences, with 88 per cent believing air travel enhances their lives and 80 per cent considering it good value for money. Travellers have expressed confidence in the industry's commitment to sustainability, with 84 per cent supporting the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Global aviation is all set to emerge out of Covid shadow. Here's why 

An important development from the world of global aviation. Over 100 countries have agreed to set an interim goal to reduce emissions by 2030. The goal calls for 5% lower carbon emissions through the use of cleaner energies like sustainable aviation fuel or SAF.

Countries agree to set interim goal to reduce emissions by 2030

There is one thing about flying that hasn't changed since the Wright Brothers made the first plane in 1903 - besides better engines and aircraft designs - most modern planes have one thing in common that they all use fossil fuels.

Sky-high ambitions: Electric aircraft market set to exceed $37 billion | World DNA

India's largest airline, IndiGo, remains committed to its capacity growth projections for the year, even as it anticipates grounding of over 30 planes in the fourth quarter due to ongoing concerns with its Pratt &amp; Whitney (P&amp;W) engines, a&nbsp;Reuters report said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The carrier successfully increased its capacity by 25 per cent over recent quarters as a part of its aggressive expansion to meet surging air travel demand. These efforts have helped alleviate capacity constraints resulting from the grounding of around 40 aircraft, mainly due to earlier engine-related problems.&nbsp;

IndiGo's strategy for mitigating these challenges includes leasing new planes and extending existing agreements, especially to counteract disruptions caused by new engine issues. &nbsp;

Currently, the airline operates&nbsp;a fleet of 334 planes, retaining 14 older Airbus A320ceo aircraft and extending leases on 36 others. Additionally, they will take delivery of 11 more leased aircraft starting in November. &nbsp;

Beginning in January, IndiGo plans to lease 12 additional A320ceos from the secondary market, according to Gaurav Negi, the airline's Chief Financial Officer, during an earnings call last Friday.&nbsp;

The issues with P&amp;W engines &nbsp;

The root of these troubles can be traced back to a rare powder metal defect identified by Pratt &amp; Whitney's parent company, RTX, in July. This defect has the potential to lead to the cracking of certain engine components in twin-engine Airbus A320neo aircraft, prompting the need for expedited inspections. &nbsp;

The checks are expected to result in the grounding of 600-700 Airbus jets between 2023 and 2026, with the majority of engine removals planned for 2023 and early 2024.&nbsp;

Disruptions ahead&nbsp;

While IndiGo is striving to address these challenges proactively, the airline is bracing for further disruptions in the first quarter of 2024. According to a report by Mint, the carrier anticipates grounding at least 35 planes during this period due to the ongoing powder metal issue associated with P&amp;W engines. &nbsp;

Mint quoted the airline as saying in a statement, "We have recently received additional information on the powder metal issue from Pratt &amp; Whitney and based on our preliminary assessment of this, we anticipate Aircraft on Ground (AOG) in the range of mid-thirties in the fourth quarter (Jan-Mar 2024) due to accelerated engine removals. These groundings will be incremental to the current AOGs."&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

India's largest airline, IndiGo, remains committed to its capacity growth projections for the year, even as it anticipates grounding of over 30 planes in the fourth quarter due to ongoing concerns with its Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines, a Reuters report said on Tuesday.

India's largest airline, IndiGo, remains committed to its capacity growth projections for the year, even as it anticipates grounding of over 30 planes in the fourth quarter due to ongoing concerns with its Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engines, a Reuters report said on Tuesday. The carrier successfully increased its capacity by 25 per cent over recent quarters as a part of its aggressive expansion to meet surging air travel demand. These efforts have helped alleviate capacity constraints resulting from the grounding of around 40 aircraft, mainly due to earlier engine-related problems. IndiGo's strategy for mitigating these challenges includes leasing new planes and extending existing agreements, especially to counteract disruptions caused by new engine issues. Currently, the airline operates a fleet of 334 planes, retaining 14 older Airbus A320ceo aircraft and extending leases on 36 others. Additionally, they will take delivery of 11 more leased aircraft starting in November. Beginning in January, IndiGo plans to lease 12 additional A320ceos from the secondary market, according to Gaurav Negi, the airline's Chief Financial Officer, during an earnings call last Friday. The issues with P&W engines The root of these troubles can be traced back to a rare powder metal defect identified by Pratt & Whitney's parent company, RTX, in July. This defect has the potential to lead to the cracking of certain engine components in twin-engine Airbus A320neo aircraft, prompting the need for expedited inspections. The checks are expected to result in the grounding of 600-700 Airbus jets between 2023 and 2026, with the majority of engine removals planned for 2023 and early 2024. Disruptions ahead While IndiGo is striving to address these challenges proactively, the airline is bracing for further disruptions in the first quarter of 2024. According to a report by Mint, the carrier anticipates grounding at least 35 planes during this period due to the ongoing powder metal issue associated with P&W engines. Mint quoted the airline as saying in a statement, "We have recently received additional information on the powder metal issue from Pratt & Whitney and based on our preliminary assessment of this, we anticipate Aircraft on Ground (AOG) in the range of mid-thirties in the fourth quarter (Jan-Mar 2024) due to accelerated engine removals. These groundings will be incremental to the current AOGs." (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

IndiGo's expansion plans face hurdles amid Pratt & Whitney engine troubles

Soon, overburdened indian pilots could do less work during night duties and take more rest. That may become a reality once recommedations by india's air safety watchdog are accepted by the government. The proposal from india's directorate general of civil aviation or dgca come more than two months after it decided to conduct a review of pilot fatigue data collected during spot checks and surveillance of airlines.

Less work, more rest for Indian pilots

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, one of Europe's leading airline groups, has expressed optimism about its financial performance for the current year and beyond as strong travel demand continues to drive their earnings, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.

The company reported that the strong travel demand experienced during the summer season has extended into the slower final months, with leisure travellers increasingly choosing more expensive seats.&nbsp;

According to a statement released on Thursday, Lufthansa expects its adjusted operating profit to exceed €2.6 billion ($2.8 billion) this year, surpassing analyst estimates. Furthermore, the company anticipates achieving its earnings margin target of at least 8 per cent by 2024.&nbsp;

Lufthansa highlighted the strength of Christmas season bookings and the ongoing trend of passengers upgrading to first and business class. While the cargo division's earnings dipped to just €1 million in the quarter due to an economic slowdown, overall ticket yields in its airline businesses remained 25 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels, which significantly boosted their profit.&nbsp;

Bloomberg quoted Lufthansa's CEO, Carsten Spohr, as saying, "Even though the geopolitical situation remains challenging, our booking outlook gives us reason to be positive - not only for a very good group result this year but also beyond."&nbsp;&nbsp;The company's strong performance is attributed to the sustained high demand for air travel, which has allowed them to recover from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

However, concerns are emerging about the future of air travel demand, as households grapple with rising inflation, increased interest rates, and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. There have been signs that some travellers are starting to avoid bookings to nearby destinations due to these concerns.&nbsp;

Notably, Lufthansa has achieved an operating margin of 8.5 per cent so far this year, doubling the figure from the same period last year, which sets the company on course to achieve its long-term profitability goals by 2024.&nbsp;

Lufthansa's European competitors, British Airways' parent company IAG SA and Air France-KLM, also reported record third-quarter operating profits recently, driven by high demand for summer travel, particularly between Europe and North America. These airlines, however, expressed concerns about the impact of the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel on travel to the Middle East, with indications that some travellers are becoming more cautious.&nbsp;

Despite the positive outlook, Lufthansa is mindful of potential geopolitical and macroeconomic risks. The company has stated its commitment to preserving maximum flexibility to adapt its plans if necessary.&nbsp;

Lufthansa continues to expand, as it recently announced plans to hire an additional 2,000 pilots. Moreover, the company is considering an order of 40 regional aircraft, with a decision pending between the Airbus A220s or Embraer E2s, as well as another 40 Airbus A320neos.&nbsp;

In addition, Lufthansa reiterated its intention to seek approval from the European Commission to acquire a 41 per cent stake in Italy's ITA Airways by early 2024, a process that has faced regulatory scrutiny. The company is also in discussions regarding the potential sale of a stake in its Lufthansa Technik maintenance division and expects to make a decision on whether to proceed by the end of the year.&nbsp;

A technical issue was also revealed by Lufthansa, affecting 64 of its A320neos due to problems with their Pratt and Whitney engines. As a result, around 20 aircraft will be unavailable on any given day in 2024. Pratt, which is owned by RTX Corp., has acknowledged that approximately 3,000 jet engines worldwide require inspections due to potentially flawed components made with contaminated metal powder. This issue is expected to ground hundreds of A320neo aircraft over the next three years, with repair times ranging from 250 to 300 days.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Bloomberg)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, one of Europe's leading airline groups, has expressed optimism about its financial performance for the current year and beyond as strong travel demand continues to drive their earnings, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG, one of Europe's leading airline groups, has expressed optimism about its financial performance for the current year and beyond as strong travel demand continues to drive their earnings, Bloomberg reported on Thursday. The company reported that the strong travel demand experienced during the summer season has extended into the slower final months, with leisure travellers increasingly choosing more expensive seats. According to a statement released on Thursday, Lufthansa expects its adjusted operating profit to exceed €2.6 billion ($2.8 billion) this year, surpassing analyst estimates. Furthermore, the company anticipates achieving its earnings margin target of at least 8 per cent by 2024. Lufthansa highlighted the strength of Christmas season bookings and the ongoing trend of passengers upgrading to first and business class. While the cargo division's earnings dipped to just €1 million in the quarter due to an economic slowdown, overall ticket yields in its airline businesses remained 25 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels, which significantly boosted their profit. Bloomberg quoted Lufthansa's CEO, Carsten Spohr, as saying, "Even though the geopolitical situation remains challenging, our booking outlook gives us reason to be positive - not only for a very good group result this year but also beyond." The company's strong performance is attributed to the sustained high demand for air travel, which has allowed them to recover from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, concerns are emerging about the future of air travel demand, as households grapple with rising inflation, increased interest rates, and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. There have been signs that some travellers are starting to avoid bookings to nearby destinations due to these concerns. Notably, Lufthansa has achieved an operating margin of 8.5 per cent so far this year, doubling the figure from the same period last year, which sets the company on course to achieve its long-term profitability goals by 2024. Lufthansa's European competitors, British Airways' parent company IAG SA and Air France-KLM, also reported record third-quarter operating profits recently, driven by high demand for summer travel, particularly between Europe and North America. These airlines, however, expressed concerns about the impact of the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel on travel to the Middle East, with indications that some travellers are becoming more cautious. Despite the positive outlook, Lufthansa is mindful of potential geopolitical and macroeconomic risks. The company has stated its commitment to preserving maximum flexibility to adapt its plans if necessary. Lufthansa continues to expand, as it recently announced plans to hire an additional 2,000 pilots. Moreover, the company is considering an order of 40 regional aircraft, with a decision pending between the Airbus A220s or Embraer E2s, as well as another 40 Airbus A320neos. In addition, Lufthansa reiterated its intention to seek approval from the European Commission to acquire a 41 per cent stake in Italy's ITA Airways by early 2024, a process that has faced regulatory scrutiny. The company is also in discussions regarding the potential sale of a stake in its Lufthansa Technik maintenance division and expects to make a decision on whether to proceed by the end of the year. A technical issue was also revealed by Lufthansa, affecting 64 of its A320neos due to problems with their Pratt and Whitney engines. As a result, around 20 aircraft will be unavailable on any given day in 2024. Pratt, which is owned by RTX Corp., has acknowledged that approximately 3,000 jet engines worldwide require inspections due to potentially flawed components made with contaminated metal powder. This issue is expected to ground hundreds of A320neo aircraft over the next three years, with repair times ranging from 250 to 300 days. (With inputs from Bloomberg) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Lufthansa's Soaring Prospects: Strong travel demand fuels optimism for 2023 and beyond 

Air India Express and AIX Connect, subsidiaries of the Tata-owned Air India Group, have launched a unified brand identity under the name "Air India Express." This new identity was introduced on the latest Boeing B737-8 aircraft during its flight from Hyderabad to Mumbai, highlighting a significant milestone, Deccan Herald reported.&nbsp;

The rebranding features a fresh visual identity with the Tata Group selecting orange and turquoise as primary colours, complemented by tangerine and ice blue as secondary colours, following Air India's recent brand makeover.&nbsp;

The integrated entity of Air India Express and AirAsia India will now operate solely as Air India Express, marking the end of the AIX India brand. The report by Deccan Herald cited Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, clarified that while designator codes IX and I5 will persist for some time, all services, sales, and distribution will consolidate under the unified Air India Express brand.&nbsp;

Two B-737-8 aircraft, out of a total order of 470, have already joined Air India Express' fleet. These aircraft will soon begin commercial operations, with the first flight scheduled on the Delhi-Guwahati-Imphal route on October 19.&nbsp;

Air India Express is set to expand ambitiously, planning to induct 50 new aircraft into its fleet within the next 15 months. This expansion will see the airline double in size over the next five years, targeting a fleet of about 170 narrow-body aircraft. The airline is also eyeing expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 cities in India, along with extending its reach to the Gulf, Middle East, and Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

According to a Times of India report, Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India and Chairman of Air India Express, emphasised the magnitude of this expansion, noting that on average, the Air India Group will take delivery of one new aircraft every six days until the end of 2024. He also mentioned that the merger of AirAsia India and Air India Express is progressing well, along with the planning and approvals for the merger of Air India and Vistara. Simultaneously, India's largest training academy is making substantial progress in its development.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Air India Express and AIX Connect, subsidiaries of the Tata-owned Air India Group, have launched a unified brand identity under the name "Air India Express." This new identity was introduced on the latest Boeing B737-8 aircraft during its flight from Hyderabad to Mumbai, highlighting a significant milestone, Deccan Herald reported.

Air India Express and AIX Connect, subsidiaries of the Tata-owned Air India Group, have launched a unified brand identity under the name "Air India Express." This new identity was introduced on the latest Boeing B737-8 aircraft during its flight from Hyderabad to Mumbai, highlighting a significant milestone, Deccan Herald reported. The rebranding features a fresh visual identity with the Tata Group selecting orange and turquoise as primary colours, complemented by tangerine and ice blue as secondary colours, following Air India's recent brand makeover. The integrated entity of Air India Express and AirAsia India will now operate solely as Air India Express, marking the end of the AIX India brand. The report by Deccan Herald cited Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, clarified that while designator codes IX and I5 will persist for some time, all services, sales, and distribution will consolidate under the unified Air India Express brand. Two B-737-8 aircraft, out of a total order of 470, have already joined Air India Express' fleet. These aircraft will soon begin commercial operations, with the first flight scheduled on the Delhi-Guwahati-Imphal route on October 19. Air India Express is set to expand ambitiously, planning to induct 50 new aircraft into its fleet within the next 15 months. This expansion will see the airline double in size over the next five years, targeting a fleet of about 170 narrow-body aircraft. The airline is also eyeing expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 cities in India, along with extending its reach to the Gulf, Middle East, and Southeast Asia. According to a Times of India report, Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India and Chairman of Air India Express, emphasised the magnitude of this expansion, noting that on average, the Air India Group will take delivery of one new aircraft every six days until the end of 2024. He also mentioned that the merger of AirAsia India and Air India Express is progressing well, along with the planning and approvals for the merger of Air India and Vistara. Simultaneously, India's largest training academy is making substantial progress in its development. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Air India Express unveils new identity and bold expansion plans 

India's growth story hold promise as it gears for its upcoming festival season. We focus on India's consumption patterns & analyse the impact of growing inflation & supply-related shocks.

India festive frenzy: Diesel demand, aviation takes off in India | World News | WION

Saudi Arabia's aviation landscape is buzzing with activity as the nation's largest airline, Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp., commonly known as Saudia, and shareholder Tarabot Air Cargo Services Ltd., aim to raise up to 2.54 billion riyals ($678 million) through the initial public offering (IPO) of SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co., a prominent cargo firm. This development marks the revival of Saudi Arabia's listing market, signalling a renewed investor interest, according to a report by Bloomberg.

As per a statement released on Monday, it was revealed that Saudia and Tarabot are jointly offering 24 million shares, equivalent to a 30 per cent stake, at a price range of 98 to 106 riyals per share, valuing SAL at a potential 8.48 billion riyals.

The bookbuilding phase for institutional investors is set to continue until October 1, while retail investors will have an opportunity to place orders from October 11 to October 13. Presently, Saudia holds a 70 per cent ownership stake in SAL, while Tarabot holds the remaining 30 per cent.

The timing of SAL's IPO coincided with the establishment of Lumi Rental Co., a vehicle rental business, and the hugely profitable $1.2 billion IPO of ADES Holding Co., an oil driller supported by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, which generated orders totalling $76.5 billion. This increase in activity in the Saudi Arabian listing market comes after a comparatively quiet first half of the year, which was partly caused by a downturn in the nation's stock market.

The recent rally in crude oil prices and a 10 per cent increase in the Tadawul Index from its March low have contributed to the renewed confidence in the Saudi Arabian listing market. Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans to become a global supply chain hub and develop one of the world's largest airports in Riyadh further fuel investor optimism.

SAL holds a dominant position in Saudi Arabia's cargo handling sector, boasting a market share of approximately 95 per cent. The company specialises in handling cargo, transit, and export shipments. In 2022, SAL reported revenue of 1.22 billion riyals ($325 million) and a net income of 362 million riyals. The company continued its strong performance in the first half of 2023, achieving a 15 per cent year-on-year revenue growth.

HSBC Holdings Plc's Saudi unit has been appointed as the sole financial advisor, bookrunner, global coordinator, lead manager, and underwriter for the IPO, underscoring the significance of this offering in Saudi Arabia's evolving economic landscape.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Saudi Arabia's aviation landscape is buzzing with activity as the nation's largest airline, Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp., commonly known as Saudia, and shareholder Tarabot Air Cargo Services Ltd.

Saudi Arabia's aviation landscape is buzzing with activity as the nation's largest airline, Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp., commonly known as Saudia, and shareholder Tarabot Air Cargo Services Ltd., aim to raise up to 2.54 billion riyals ($678 million) through the initial public offering (IPO) of SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co., a prominent cargo firm. This development marks the revival of Saudi Arabia's listing market, signalling a renewed investor interest, according to a report by Bloomberg. As per a statement released on Monday, it was revealed that Saudia and Tarabot are jointly offering 24 million shares, equivalent to a 30 per cent stake, at a price range of 98 to 106 riyals per share, valuing SAL at a potential 8.48 billion riyals. The bookbuilding phase for institutional investors is set to continue until October 1, while retail investors will have an opportunity to place orders from October 11 to October 13. Presently, Saudia holds a 70 per cent ownership stake in SAL, while Tarabot holds the remaining 30 per cent. The timing of SAL's IPO coincided with the establishment of Lumi Rental Co., a vehicle rental business, and the hugely profitable $1.2 billion IPO of ADES Holding Co., an oil driller supported by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, which generated orders totalling $76.5 billion. This increase in activity in the Saudi Arabian listing market comes after a comparatively quiet first half of the year, which was partly caused by a downturn in the nation's stock market. The recent rally in crude oil prices and a 10 per cent increase in the Tadawul Index from its March low have contributed to the renewed confidence in the Saudi Arabian listing market. Saudi Arabia's ambitious plans to become a global supply chain hub and develop one of the world's largest airports in Riyadh further fuel investor optimism. SAL holds a dominant position in Saudi Arabia's cargo handling sector, boasting a market share of approximately 95 per cent. The company specialises in handling cargo, transit, and export shipments. In 2022, SAL reported revenue of 1.22 billion riyals ($325 million) and a net income of 362 million riyals. The company continued its strong performance in the first half of 2023, achieving a 15 per cent year-on-year revenue growth. HSBC Holdings Plc's Saudi unit has been appointed as the sole financial advisor, bookrunner, global coordinator, lead manager, and underwriter for the IPO, underscoring the significance of this offering in Saudi Arabia's evolving economic landscape. (With inputs from Bloomberg) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Saudi Arabia's SAL Cargo Firm targets $678 million in landmark IPO with Saudia Airlines

The abrupt resignations of several of the pilots at Indian low-cost airline Akasa Air have forced the firm to temporarily reduce its flight schedule. This has led to a legal conflict, and the airline has threatened to shut down if there are any more resignations.

Flights were disrupted because a number of pilots "abandoned their duties" and left without giving the required contractual notice period, but the airline is still on track to make investments in expanding its operations and acquiring more aircraft, CEO Vinay Dube wrote in an email to staff on Tuesday.

According to a source with direct knowledge of the proceedings, Dube's email was sent on the same day the airline's attorney warned a Delhi court that Akasa was in "crisis" and would shut down as a result of the sudden resignations.

According to the source, Akasa informed the court that it had to cancel 600 flights in August and that if the resignations continue; it may have to cancel up to 700 more in September.

"We have chosen to fly less and give up market share ... these are only short-term constraints," Reuters quoted him as saying. He also mentioned that the airline had "strong finances" and was positive about its future.

To enforce the notice period, Akasa has taken the pilots, many of whom have joined rival Air India Express, to court and filed a lawsuit against the aviation authority.

According to the aviation regulation, the notice term varies depending on the rank of the pilot and spans from 6 to 12 months.

In a statement, Akasa stated that “all our actions are aimed at creating a durable and reliable airline for the long run.”

Akasa Air’s distress call comes at a moment of extreme polarisation in India's aviation sector, where IndiGo, the largest airline in the nation, and Tata-owned Air India dominate roughly two-thirds of the market, while SpiceJet struggles to raise money and Go Air struggles to emerge from bankruptcy.

Akasa, which was established in 2022 by Dube and former IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh, had its market share decline to 4.2 per cent in August from 5.2 per cent a month earlier, according to official data.

In order to expand its international flying plans, Akasa, which has 72 Boeing planes on order, bought four more 737 MAX aircraft in June. Before the end of the year, it is expected to announce a fresh three-digit aircraft order, according to Dube.

According to Dube, Akasa received approval from India's civil aviation ministry last week to launch foreign flights. The government is currently addressing the airline's request for traffic rights, following which the company can decide on its initial destinations.

"Akasa is a well-run airline with strong finances and a solid plan," Reuters quoted him as saying.

(With inputs from Reuters)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The abrupt resignations of several of the pilots at Indian low-cost airline Akasa Air have forced the firm to temporarily reduce its flight schedule. This has led to a legal conflict, and the airline has threatened to shut down if there are any more resignations.

The abrupt resignations of several of the pilots at Indian low-cost airline Akasa Air have forced the firm to temporarily reduce its flight schedule. This has led to a legal conflict, and the airline has threatened to shut down if there are any more resignations. Flights were disrupted because a number of pilots "abandoned their duties" and left without giving the required contractual notice period, but the airline is still on track to make investments in expanding its operations and acquiring more aircraft, CEO Vinay Dube wrote in an email to staff on Tuesday. According to a source with direct knowledge of the proceedings, Dube's email was sent on the same day the airline's attorney warned a Delhi court that Akasa was in "crisis" and would shut down as a result of the sudden resignations. According to the source, Akasa informed the court that it had to cancel 600 flights in August and that if the resignations continue; it may have to cancel up to 700 more in September. "We have chosen to fly less and give up market share ... these are only short-term constraints," Reuters quoted him as saying. He also mentioned that the airline had "strong finances" and was positive about its future. To enforce the notice period, Akasa has taken the pilots, many of whom have joined rival Air India Express, to court and filed a lawsuit against the aviation authority. According to the aviation regulation, the notice term varies depending on the rank of the pilot and spans from 6 to 12 months. In a statement, Akasa stated that “all our actions are aimed at creating a durable and reliable airline for the long run.” Akasa Air’s distress call comes at a moment of extreme polarisation in India's aviation sector, where IndiGo, the largest airline in the nation, and Tata-owned Air India dominate roughly two-thirds of the market, while SpiceJet struggles to raise money and Go Air struggles to emerge from bankruptcy. Akasa, which was established in 2022 by Dube and former IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh, had its market share decline to 4.2 per cent in August from 5.2 per cent a month earlier, according to official data. In order to expand its international flying plans, Akasa, which has 72 Boeing planes on order, bought four more 737 MAX aircraft in June. Before the end of the year, it is expected to announce a fresh three-digit aircraft order, according to Dube. According to Dube, Akasa received approval from India's civil aviation ministry last week to launch foreign flights. The government is currently addressing the airline's request for traffic rights, following which the company can decide on its initial destinations. "Akasa is a well-run airline with strong finances and a solid plan," Reuters quoted him as saying. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India's Akasa Air reduces flights as pilots leave, warns of a possible shutdown: Report

India's leading low-cost airline, IndiGo, is set to embark on a pilot project aimed at evaluating and managing pilot fatigue using smartwatches, as revealed in an internal memo obtained by Reuters. The airline intends to appoint a consultant to enhance its fatigue risk management procedures, reflecting a commitment to pilot well-being and safety.&nbsp;

Pilots will have the opportunity to volunteer for the trials, which will employ a fatigue management tool developed by Thales. The data collected during these trials will be analysed anonymously.&nbsp;

Reuters quoted Ashim Mittra, the head of IndiGo’s flight operations department,&nbsp;as explaining in the memo, “IndiGo will test Thales’ fatigue management tool to assess pilot alertness levels over the next few months. Once completed, we will collectively evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of the data.” &nbsp;

This development comes&nbsp;after a recent incident in which an IndiGo pilot fell unconscious and died at the boarding gate before his scheduled flight. The incident led to complaints from some Indian pilots, who expressed concerns about being pushed to their limits by airlines, despite adhering to duty time guidelines. &nbsp;

According to Mittra’s memo, integrating a consultant into IndiGo's operations will be crucial to developing a reliable fatigue risk management system in the upcoming months. Additionally, it will allow the airline to design specialised techniques to efficiently reduce fatigue.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's aviation regulator is conducting a review of pilot fatigue data collected through spot checks and airline surveillance to determine if changes are needed in flight duty time regulations or fatigue management protocols.&nbsp;

The trial will concentrate on specific flight patterns utilising on-ground devices at four airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, according to the memo. Additionally, smartwatches and cameras will be used voluntarily to monitor fatigue levels on different flights routes and planes.&nbsp;

IndiGo has been collaborating with Thales on the development of this fatigue management tool, which utilises real-time data, historical information, and predictive analysis, surpassing traditional scheduling methods.&nbsp;

As per reports, Mittra emphasised that the trial won't replace the airline's existing fatigue risk management process, and pilots would still be required to report fatigue based on self-assessment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

India's leading low-cost airline, IndiGo, is set to embark on a pilot project aimed at evaluating and managing pilot fatigue using smartwatches, as revealed in an internal memo obtained by Reuters.

India's leading low-cost airline, IndiGo, is set to embark on a pilot project aimed at evaluating and managing pilot fatigue using smartwatches, as revealed in an internal memo obtained by Reuters. The airline intends to appoint a consultant to enhance its fatigue risk management procedures, reflecting a commitment to pilot well-being and safety. Pilots will have the opportunity to volunteer for the trials, which will employ a fatigue management tool developed by Thales. The data collected during these trials will be analysed anonymously. Reuters quoted Ashim Mittra, the head of IndiGo’s flight operations department, as explaining in the memo, “IndiGo will test Thales’ fatigue management tool to assess pilot alertness levels over the next few months. Once completed, we will collectively evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of the data.” This development comes after a recent incident in which an IndiGo pilot fell unconscious and died at the boarding gate before his scheduled flight. The incident led to complaints from some Indian pilots, who expressed concerns about being pushed to their limits by airlines, despite adhering to duty time guidelines. According to Mittra’s memo, integrating a consultant into IndiGo's operations will be crucial to developing a reliable fatigue risk management system in the upcoming months. Additionally, it will allow the airline to design specialised techniques to efficiently reduce fatigue. Meanwhile, India's aviation regulator is conducting a review of pilot fatigue data collected through spot checks and airline surveillance to determine if changes are needed in flight duty time regulations or fatigue management protocols. The trial will concentrate on specific flight patterns utilising on-ground devices at four airports, including Delhi and Mumbai, according to the memo. Additionally, smartwatches and cameras will be used voluntarily to monitor fatigue levels on different flights routes and planes. IndiGo has been collaborating with Thales on the development of this fatigue management tool, which utilises real-time data, historical information, and predictive analysis, surpassing traditional scheduling methods. As per reports, Mittra emphasised that the trial won't replace the airline's existing fatigue risk management process, and pilots would still be required to report fatigue based on self-assessment. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India’s IndiGo likely to launch project to track pilot fatigue: Report 

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country’s aviation regulator, has taken proactive steps to address concerns surrounding engine failures in IndiGo flights, seeking answers from engine manufacturer Pratt &amp; Whitney, as confirmed by the country’s civil aviation ministry on Thursday.&nbsp;

In response to a series of incidents involving engine failures, the DGCA has formally requested Pratt &amp; Whitney to identify the root causes of these engine issues and share data related to engine failures on a global scale. &nbsp;

The move aims to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft engines in operation.&nbsp;

This is the second instance this year in which Pratt &amp; Whitney has faced scrutiny over engine problems. Earlier this week, the parent company, RTX, disclosed a rare manufacturing flaw that could potentially ground hundreds of Airbus jets in the coming years. &nbsp;

The issue comes on the heels of a recall in July, which affected 200 engines worldwide due to high-pressure turbine parts' snags. Carriers were urged to remove these engines for inspection before September 15.&nbsp;

Pratt &amp; Whitney has indicated its consideration of a phase two recall, targeting the removal of up to 600 engines between 2023 and 2026. Detailed servicing plans are expected to be released within the next 60 days.&nbsp;

According to the statement issued by the Indian civil aviation ministry, eleven engines installed in IndiGo flights were “impacted” by the recall initiated in July. &nbsp;

In response, IndiGo has been working closely with Pratt &amp; Whitney to assess the potential consequences of these engine failures.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country’s aviation regulator, has taken proactive steps to address concerns surrounding engine failures in IndiGo flights, seeking answers from engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, as confirmed by the country’s civil aviation ministry on Thursday.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country’s aviation regulator, has taken proactive steps to address concerns surrounding engine failures in IndiGo flights, seeking answers from engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, as confirmed by the country’s civil aviation ministry on Thursday. In response to a series of incidents involving engine failures, the DGCA has formally requested Pratt & Whitney to identify the root causes of these engine issues and share data related to engine failures on a global scale. The move aims to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft engines in operation. This is the second instance this year in which Pratt & Whitney has faced scrutiny over engine problems. Earlier this week, the parent company, RTX, disclosed a rare manufacturing flaw that could potentially ground hundreds of Airbus jets in the coming years. The issue comes on the heels of a recall in July, which affected 200 engines worldwide due to high-pressure turbine parts' snags. Carriers were urged to remove these engines for inspection before September 15. Pratt & Whitney has indicated its consideration of a phase two recall, targeting the removal of up to 600 engines between 2023 and 2026. Detailed servicing plans are expected to be released within the next 60 days. According to the statement issued by the Indian civil aviation ministry, eleven engines installed in IndiGo flights were “impacted” by the recall initiated in July. In response, IndiGo has been working closely with Pratt & Whitney to assess the potential consequences of these engine failures. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

DGCA seeks answers from Pratt & Whitney over engine failures in India’s IndiGo

The historic summit between the United States and Vietnam is making waves in the world of technology, aviation, and innovation. Executives from tech giants such as Google, Intel, Marvell, and aviation leader Boeing were among the attendees. The agenda focused on the vietnam-u.S. Innovation & Investment Summit, highlighting the deepening cooperation in cloud computing, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.

Biden's visit to Hanoi sparks tech & aviation deals

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has removed the airline codes “G8” and “9W” assigned to Go First and Jet Airways after being non-operational, Mint reported.

IATA’s head of communications stated that in order to be considered for an IATA two-letter designator, an airline must be in operation. Early in May of this year, Go First Airlines stopped operating its commercial flights.

The "G8"&nbsp;for Go First has been revoked by the IATA, which gives airlines a two-letter designator and numeric codes, for a period of one year.

According to the IATA website, companies are given the airline designator code to use for bookings, schedules, timetables, telecommunications, ticketing, cargo paperwork, legal, tariffs, and other commercial and related traffic purposes.

“One of the requirements for a company to be eligible for an IATA two-letter designator is that the airline needs to be operating. As Go First ceased to operate commercial flights since early May 2023, it is currently not eligible for the IATA two-letter designator,” Mint quoted Albert Tjoeng, Head of Corporate Communications at IATA, as saying in a statement.

According to him, the two-letter designator and numeric codes will be blocked for a period of a year, after which Go First may apply to have the designator reinstated provided the conditions are satisfied.

Budget airline Go First stopped flying on May 3 and is currently going through an insolvency resolution procedure due to financial difficulties and engine problems.

“9W,” a two-letter designator, is still barred in the case of Jet Airways, which was grounded in April 2019.

IATA codes are essential for identifying an airline, its destinations, and papers used in traffic.

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) asked the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) and the Committee of Creditors (CoC) for their approval earlier in July regarding Go First’s proposal to return money to passengers who had made reservations for flights after May 3, the day the airline ceased operations.

The Go First management team, under the direction of the Resolution Professional (RP), filed a refund plan that called for a combination of payment through credit notes given to travellers and travel broker with settlements done using operating revenue.

The National Company Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) also handed the winning bidder for Jet Airways, the Jalan-Kalrock consortium, till September 30 to pay the Rs 350 crore ($ 42 million) in debts owed to the airline’s lenders.

The consortium’s request to apply Rs 150 crore ($18 million) from a performance bank guarantee towards the payment of 350 crore was also granted by the tribunal.

The NCLAT will take up the remaining issues after September 30th, including the one from the workers who are requesting the recovery of around 224 crore in unpaid wages.

The resolution plan for Jet Airways was approved by the NCLT on June 22, 2021. It was submitted by the Jalan-Kalrock consortium, which included Florian Fritsch and non-resident Indian Murari Lal Jalan. Jalan will own shares in Jet Airways through his investment holding company Kalrock Capital Partners Ltd., Cayman.

In April 2019, Jet Airways was forced to stop operations due to financial issues. However, due to ongoing disagreements between the consortium and the lenders, the transfer of ownership has been on hold.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has removed the airline codes “G8” and “9W” assigned to Go First and Jet Airways after being non-operational, Mint reported.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has removed the airline codes “G8” and “9W” assigned to Go First and Jet Airways after being non-operational, Mint reported. IATA’s head of communications stated that in order to be considered for an IATA two-letter designator, an airline must be in operation. Early in May of this year, Go First Airlines stopped operating its commercial flights. The "G8" for Go First has been revoked by the IATA, which gives airlines a two-letter designator and numeric codes, for a period of one year. According to the IATA website, companies are given the airline designator code to use for bookings, schedules, timetables, telecommunications, ticketing, cargo paperwork, legal, tariffs, and other commercial and related traffic purposes. “One of the requirements for a company to be eligible for an IATA two-letter designator is that the airline needs to be operating. As Go First ceased to operate commercial flights since early May 2023, it is currently not eligible for the IATA two-letter designator,” Mint quoted Albert Tjoeng, Head of Corporate Communications at IATA, as saying in a statement. According to him, the two-letter designator and numeric codes will be blocked for a period of a year, after which Go First may apply to have the designator reinstated provided the conditions are satisfied. Budget airline Go First stopped flying on May 3 and is currently going through an insolvency resolution procedure due to financial difficulties and engine problems. “9W,” a two-letter designator, is still barred in the case of Jet Airways, which was grounded in April 2019. IATA codes are essential for identifying an airline, its destinations, and papers used in traffic. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) asked the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) and the Committee of Creditors (CoC) for their approval earlier in July regarding Go First’s proposal to return money to passengers who had made reservations for flights after May 3, the day the airline ceased operations. The Go First management team, under the direction of the Resolution Professional (RP), filed a refund plan that called for a combination of payment through credit notes given to travellers and travel broker with settlements done using operating revenue. The National Company Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) also handed the winning bidder for Jet Airways, the Jalan-Kalrock consortium, till September 30 to pay the Rs 350 crore ($ 42 million) in debts owed to the airline’s lenders. The consortium’s request to apply Rs 150 crore ($18 million) from a performance bank guarantee towards the payment of 350 crore was also granted by the tribunal. The NCLAT will take up the remaining issues after September 30th, including the one from the workers who are requesting the recovery of around 224 crore in unpaid wages. The resolution plan for Jet Airways was approved by the NCLT on June 22, 2021. It was submitted by the Jalan-Kalrock consortium, which included Florian Fritsch and non-resident Indian Murari Lal Jalan. Jalan will own shares in Jet Airways through his investment holding company Kalrock Capital Partners Ltd., Cayman. In April 2019, Jet Airways was forced to stop operations due to financial issues. However, due to ongoing disagreements between the consortium and the lenders, the transfer of ownership has been on hold. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Jet Airways and Go Fist lose their airlines codes after being non-operational: Report

A few months after Air New Zealand announced it was weighing passengers before departure,&nbsp;Korean Air - South Korea's largest airline -&nbsp;has also announced it will follow suit.&nbsp;

According to a report by the Independent,&nbsp;Korean Air said it would be ''measuring the average weight of passengers along with their carry-on items for flight safety''.

The airlines stated that the programme will affect some travellers departing from&nbsp;Gimpo International Airport (GMP) from August 28 until September 3 and from Incheon International Airport (ICA) between September 8-19.

Both passengers and their luggage will be weighed anonymously and the collected data will be shared with the&nbsp;Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Those not fully on board with the weight data collection can simply opt out of the programme by letting a staff member know, CNN reported.&nbsp;

According to experts, periodic weight assessments of passengers, as well as their luggage help airlines determine if weight estimates are still accurate to offset the amount of cargo they carry.&nbsp;

The announcement, however, was met with public backlash, according to local media reports.&nbsp;"It feels awkward that others will know my weight," said one netizen, while another asked, "If I weigh less, will they let me carry on more baggage?" or&nbsp;"Will I be charged more if I weigh more?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasas-supersonic-passenger-flights-are-getting-closer-629569">Watch |&nbsp;NASA's supersonic passenger flights are getting closer</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasas-supersonic-passenger-flights-are-getting-closer-629569/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Air New Zealand weighs passengers&nbsp;</h2>

In May,&nbsp;Air New Zealand announced it was weighing the passengers as part of a programme to gather real-world data on the weight load and distribution of planes. The airlines' load control improvement specialist Alastair James, in a statement, said that they weigh “everything” that goes onboard the aircraft, “from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold.”&nbsp;

At the time, the airline said passengers will be asked to stand on a digital scale when they check-in for their flight before reaching the boarding gate. The so-called passenger weight survey aims to collect data from at least 10,000 passengers and those who do not wish to participate can skip it.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-new-zealand-to-weigh-passengers-before-they-board-flights-heres-why-598527">Also read |&nbsp;Air New Zealand to weigh passengers before they board int’l flights. Here’s why</a>

In 2021, domestic passengers participated in a similar survey but the one for international travellers was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A few months after Air New Zealand announced it was weighing passengers before departure, Korean Air - South Korea's largest airline - has also announced it will follow suit.

A few months after Air New Zealand announced it was weighing passengers before departure, Korean Air - South Korea's largest airline - has also announced it will follow suit. According to a report by the Independent, Korean Air said it would be ''measuring the average weight of passengers along with their carry-on items for flight safety''. The airlines stated that the programme will affect some travellers departing from Gimpo International Airport (GMP) from August 28 until September 3 and from Incheon International Airport (ICA) between September 8-19. Both passengers and their luggage will be weighed anonymously and the collected data will be shared with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Those not fully on board with the weight data collection can simply opt out of the programme by letting a staff member know, CNN reported. According to experts, periodic weight assessments of passengers, as well as their luggage help airlines determine if weight estimates are still accurate to offset the amount of cargo they carry. The announcement, however, was met with public backlash, according to local media reports. "It feels awkward that others will know my weight," said one netizen, while another asked, "If I weigh less, will they let me carry on more baggage?" or "Will I be charged more if I weigh more?" Watch | NASA's supersonic passenger flights are getting closer × Air New Zealand weighs passengers In May, Air New Zealand announced it was weighing the passengers as part of a programme to gather real-world data on the weight load and distribution of planes. The airlines' load control improvement specialist Alastair James, in a statement, said that they weigh “everything” that goes onboard the aircraft, “from the cargo to the meals onboard, to the luggage in the hold.” At the time, the airline said passengers will be asked to stand on a digital scale when they check-in for their flight before reaching the boarding gate. The so-called passenger weight survey aims to collect data from at least 10,000 passengers and those who do not wish to participate can skip it. Also read | Air New Zealand to weigh passengers before they board int’l flights. Here’s why In 2021, domestic passengers participated in a similar survey but the one for international travellers was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

After Air New Zealand, THIS airline to weigh passengers before departure. Know why

The W.H.O. Traditional Medicine Global Summit was held in India. What are the contributions of traditional medicine? How widely are traditional treatments used?

Gravitas Plus: Unlocking the power of Traditional Medicine

Family of IndiGo’s co-founder, Rakesh Gangwal, is looking to sell shares worth $450 million through a block deal on Wednesday, according to a&nbsp;by CNBC-TV18 report.

Rakesh Gangwal and his wife Shobha Gangwal are likely to sell their shares for a starting price of 2,400 rupees ($29) each, which is almost six&nbsp;per cent less than the going market rate.

According a CNBC Awaaz report in June, the family was expected to sell between five&nbsp;per cent and eight&nbsp;per cent of its ownership for up to 75 billion rupees (about $900 million).

As of March 31, Rakesh and Shobha Gangwal owned 13.23 per cent and 2.99 per cent of InterGlobe, respectively, while their Chinkerpoo Family Trust owned 13.5 per cent of the company, according to exchange data from June.

In February, Shobha Gangwal decreased her stake in the company by more than four&nbsp;per cent.

When Rakesh Gangwal left the company’s board in February 2022, he said that he would to reduce his stake in the airline over a five-year period.

(With inputs from Reuters)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Family of IndiGo’s co-founder, Rakesh Gangwal, is looking to sell shares worth $450 million through a block deal on Wednesday, according to a by CNBC-TV18 report.

Family of IndiGo’s co-founder, Rakesh Gangwal, is looking to sell shares worth $450 million through a block deal on Wednesday, according to a by CNBC-TV18 report. Rakesh Gangwal and his wife Shobha Gangwal are likely to sell their shares for a starting price of 2,400 rupees ($29) each, which is almost six per cent less than the going market rate. According a CNBC Awaaz report in June, the family was expected to sell between five per cent and eight per cent of its ownership for up to 75 billion rupees (about $900 million). As of March 31, Rakesh and Shobha Gangwal owned 13.23 per cent and 2.99 per cent of InterGlobe, respectively, while their Chinkerpoo Family Trust owned 13.5 per cent of the company, according to exchange data from June. In February, Shobha Gangwal decreased her stake in the company by more than four per cent. When Rakesh Gangwal left the company’s board in February 2022, he said that he would to reduce his stake in the airline over a five-year period. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal’s family to sell shares worth $450 million on Aug 16: Report  

aviation

Aviation, News on Aviation, stories on Aviation, articles on Aviation, Aviation stories at Wion, Aviation news, Aviation latest news