India recently implemented a liberalised tourist visa on arrival (TVOA) scheme to include nationals of 43 countries. While still short of the goal to include nationals of 180 countries, it is a step in the right direction. The TVOA is now issued as an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) that needs at least four days to process. For example, if you …

Until very recently, I was under the impression that American flag carriers were lackluster airlines, with poor service and an even worse attitude, in short to be booked only as a last resort. Admittedly, United Airlines was the last carrier on my mind to get from London and Dallas. Never having flown United on a long haul flight I went …

Low cost American carrier Frontier Airlines has placed a firm order for nine Airbus A321ceo (current engine option) aircraft. The deal is valued at $991 million at current list prices. The order marks the first time the airline has ordered the A321. The airline has operated every other variant of the A320 family including the smallest variant the Airbus A318 …

While SpiceJet’s chief operating officer Sanjiv Kapoor claims that recapitalisation is the final step of the turn-around process at the airline, there is little doubt SpiceJet desperately needs funds to continue its turn around. Aviation consultancy firm CAPA estimates around Rs 1,500 crore at the minimum. Why is this need for recapitalisation at this stage, and what benefits will it …

US carrier Delta Air Lines has placed a firm order for 50 Airbus widebody aircraft. The 25 A350-900 will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and 25 A330-900neo by Trent 7000 engines. The order is the first firm order for the A330neo and will make Delta the fourth airline to commit to the re-engined airframe. Delta currently operates a …

The newest aircraft to join the Qantas fleet, a Boeing 737-800, registration VH-XZP, recently touched-down at Sydney. This aircraft is wearing a special “retro-livery” which was worn by Boeing 747s of the Australian airline in the 1970s. The livery is an homage to the seven decades of the Flying Kangaroo logo, which falls this month. Qantas A380. Qantas image.[/caption]Many leaders …

SpiceJet is very close to finding a solution to its distressed cash position. I estimate the airline should get funding within the next 30 days, and would not be surprised if something is announced within the coming fortnight. The clues to this conclusion come from the actions of the airline, its second quarter results and the public statements of the …

Jet Airways, India’s largest private airline recently announced results for the second quarter (Q2) and the half-year (1H) for fiscal 2014~2015. The results were the first after a joint announcement with 24% stake holder Etihad Airways PJSC about the airline ceasing operations of its low cost JetKonnect brand exiting the segment. The Jet Group operates two airline operator licenses. 9W …

India’s largest domestic airline prides itself on being punctual. It’s tagline “on-time is a beautiful thing” describes the core pillar that the air traveller wants today, predictability. Punctuality has become part of the airline’s DNA. The airline has adopted processes and equipment to meet its punctuality goals. For example IndiGo slavishly closes its counters exactly 45 minutes before a flight’s …

The very first Airbus A380 delivered to Emirates airline was recently underwent its first major check called the C check or also sometimes known as the 3C check. Along with an extensive mechanical and avionics check, the interior of the plane undergoes a major refurbishment. Enjoy this time-lapse video showing all the activities. [bsu_youtube_advanced url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hLXP1R8y6o” width=”640″ height=”360″ controls=”alt” autohide=”yes” showinfo=”no” …

For the better part of this year, India has suffered the ignominy of being one of only 11 countries relegated to Category 2 status by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as its safety oversight regime did not meet international standards. The relegation dealt a serious dent in the operations of India’s airlines by a freeze on their US …

European airframer Airbus has received type certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for it’s newest commercial airliner the A350-900. The certified aircraft is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. The FAA certification along with the EASA certification which the aircraft received in September marks the successfully completion of a stringent program of certification trials for the A350 airframe. …

India’s largest domestic airline, IndiGo, will finally commence its first international flight from Bangalore when it starts operating to Dubai from December 15th. An announcement on the airline’s website shows the schedule of IndiGo’s flights between Bangalore and Dubai. 6E 95 departs Bangalore at 07:20 arrives Dubai 09:50 6E 96 departs Dubai at 10:50 arrives Bangalore 16:20 IndiGo fares Bangalore …

Bangalore’s Kempegowda international airport has been rated an International Air Transport Association (IATA) e-freight compliant airport for cargo operations. The airport is the first in India to achieve the compliance with the operationalisation and implementation of the e-freight process. The e-freight initiative was facilitated by IATA, a global trade association comprising over 240 airlines around the world. As part of …

As it gets ready to operate to New Delhi, AirAsia India (I5) is offering promotional one-way fares of Rs 699 for travel between its Bangalore hub and its destinations of Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur and Kochi. The promotion is part of the overall ‘Big Sale’ of the AirAsia group which is offering three million seats under the promotional fares. AirAsia, …