News for 'Air India and Indian'

Special Air India flight evacuating Indians leaves from Wuhan today

Special Air India flight evacuating Indians leaves from Wuhan today

Rediff.com1 Feb 2020

The flight arrived at Wuhan's Tianhe International Airport on Friday evening. While the official number of students to be airlifted in the two flights is not known, Indians who reached the Wuhan airport on Friday said they were told that 374 were expected to be airlifted by the Air India flight. India has taken an undertaking from the Indians travelling in the two flights that they would be quarantined for 14 days after their arrival, besides undergoing special checks at the Wuhan airport.

Air India places order for 840 aircraft; includes option to buy 370 planes: Official

Air India places order for 840 aircraft; includes option to buy 370 planes: Official

Rediff.com16 Feb 2023

Tata Group-owned Air India has placed an order for 840 planes with Airbus and Boeing, including the option to acquire 370 aircraft, with a senior airline official on Thursday saying the order is a "landmark moment" in the Indian aviation history. The announcement by Air India's Chief Commercial and Transformation Officer Nipun Aggarwal comes a day after the airline said it has placed a firm order for 470 aircraft -- 250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. In a LinkedIn post, Aggarwal said the airline is humbled by the excitement generated across the world by the airline's aircraft order.

The rot inside Air India

The rot inside Air India

Rediff.com6 Jul 2017

Enormous debt isn't the only thing afflicting Air India. Its work culture is an equal culprit in its downfall.

Air India pilots' group flags fatigue concerns over new rostering system

Air India pilots' group flags fatigue concerns over new rostering system

Rediff.com24 Aug 2023

An Air India pilots' grouping has raised fatigue concerns in the wake of flight crew rosters generated using a new rostering tool, saying that extended waiting periods between duty time will jeopardise crew alertness and performance. "Extended waiting periods, occurring before active flight duties, run counter to enhancing crew readiness and, in fact, contribute to the accumulation of fatigue over time," the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) has said. In a letter to Air India head of safety Henry Donohoe last week, IPG said it has been recently observed that the relentless pursuit of operational efficiency and economic gains has led to an unintended overshadowing of the primary intent behind Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations.

India spent 2.5 bn euro to buy Russian oil in Sep

India spent 2.5 bn euro to buy Russian oil in Sep

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, spent 2.5 billion euro on buying crude oil from Russia in September, 14 per cent less than the previous month, a European think tank said. India remained the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels in September behind China, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Air India pilots' bodies say airline makes 'rapid', 'regressive' changes in service conditions

Air India pilots' bodies say airline makes 'rapid', 'regressive' changes in service conditions

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

Pilots' bodies at Tata Group-owned Air India have accused the airline management of making unilaterally "rapid" and "regressive" changes in the service conditions of pilots. In a letter to Air India Chief Human Resources Officer Suresh Dutt Tripathi on Tuesday, Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) and Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) also stated that "all unilateral violations of their rights and service agreements are creating industrial unrest and shattering employee confidence in the current management". The communication comes amid Air India reducing drastically the annual limit of privilege leave accumulation to 60 days from 300 days earlier, as per a source.

5G scare: Air India cancels 14 US flights

5G scare: Air India cancels 14 US flights

Rediff.com19 Jan 2022

Air India cancelled 14 flights on India-US routes from Wednesday onwards due to deployment of 5G internet in North America which could interfere with aircraft's navigation systems. Meanwhile, DGCA chief Arun Kumar told PTI that the Indian aviation regulator was working "in close coordination with our carriers to overcome the situation" that has arisen due to 5G internet's deployment in the US. US aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had on January 14 said that "5G interference with the aircraft's radio altimeter could prevent engine and braking systems from transitioning to landing mode, which could prevent an aircraft from stopping on the runway".

Indian-origin US advisor arrested for keeping 'TOP SECRET' docs

Indian-origin US advisor arrested for keeping 'TOP SECRET' docs

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

According to the Justice Department, Tellis, 64, the Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs and a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment think-tank, served as an unpaid senior adviser to the State Department and was also a contractor with the Office of Net Assessment at the Department of Defense.

'Ministry Slept, DGCA Slept, IndiGo...'

'Ministry Slept, DGCA Slept, IndiGo...'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'IndiGo will receive a sharp rap on the knuckles -- a punishment, a huge penalty. 'I look towards them creating a compensation fund.' 'I would like to think they would do that for all the passengers who are affected on every single day since cancellations began.'

AI crash: Pilot's father rejects suicide, mental health claims

AI crash: Pilot's father rejects suicide, mental health claims

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'It is most pertinent to note that in over 25 years of flying, Captain Sabharwal had not had a single incident or accident-causing fatalities or otherwise'

Air India apologises after Indian TT squad denied boarding

Air India apologises after Indian TT squad denied boarding

Rediff.com23 Jul 2018

Terming the incident unfortunate, the national carrier Air India has tendered an apology to the Indian table tennis team, who were denied boarding on the Delhi-Melbourne flight on Sunday.

Diwali added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list

Diwali added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

India's Deepavali (Diwali), the festival of light, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during a meeting held at the Red Fort in Delhi.

Putin to land in Delhi soon, Modi to host private dinner

Putin to land in Delhi soon, Modi to host private dinner

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Russian President Vladimir Putin for a private dinner and summit, focusing on defence, trade, and geopolitical issues, including the Ukraine conflict and the impact of US sanctions.

Putin to visit India in December, first in 4 years

Putin to visit India in December, first in 4 years

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India around December 5 to hold annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further solidify bilateral strategic ties.

'Taliban Was Never Anti-India'

'Taliban Was Never Anti-India'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'Pakistan is uncomfortable with the Indian presence in Afghanistan. They want the Taliban to ensure that there is no Indian presence in Afghanistan.'

Op Sindoor restored 'rightful place' of...: IAF chief

Op Sindoor restored 'rightful place' of...: IAF chief

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the Indian Air Force's attacks during Operation Sindoor restored offensive air action. He highlighted the effective use of air power in shaping military outcomes and praised the performance of indigenously developed weapons.

Ahmedabad AI crash marks 1st fatal Boeing 787 accident

Ahmedabad AI crash marks 1st fatal Boeing 787 accident

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft -- VT-ANB -- was 11.5 years old and had flown for more than 41,000 hours, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Women's WC: India suffer injury blow in rain-marred Bangla game

Women's WC: India suffer injury blow in rain-marred Bangla game

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Rain forces abandonment of India's match against Bangladesh; Rawal injury scare for hosts

India restores embassy in Kabul, vows to deepen ties with Afghanistan

India restores embassy in Kabul, vows to deepen ties with Afghanistan

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

The MEA release said that the embassy of India in Kabul will further augment India's contribution to Afghanistan's comprehensive development.

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran appointed head of Air India

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran appointed head of Air India

Rediff.com14 Mar 2022

N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons, has been appointed as the chairman of Air India by the airline's board, aviation industry sources said on Monday.

Chinese Expert Praises India's New Laser Weapon

Chinese Expert Praises India's New Laser Weapon

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'There are only a few countries in the world that have deployed combat-ready laser systems.'

No help from AI or govt: Father of deceased crew member from Manipur

No help from AI or govt: Father of deceased crew member from Manipur

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

21-year-old Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam was part of the cabin crew in Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.

Trishul 2025 Signals New Era in Fighting Wars

Trishul 2025 Signals New Era in Fighting Wars

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

After Operation Sindoor, the Army and Navy now view the IAF as not a supporting arm, but the spearhead of India's warfighting capability, capable of decisive outcomes across domains, explains Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Navy's 3rd nuclear submarine to be commissioned soon

Navy's 3rd nuclear submarine to be commissioned soon

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

India is strengthening the naval component of its nuclear triad with Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Tuesday saying that the third indigenous nuclear-powered submarine 'Aridaman' will be commissioned soon and that his force is focusing on boosting its overall combat prowess.

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

The Putin Visit: The US-Pakistan Connection

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Luckily for us, a Russia that is desperate to stay relevant in an emerging multipolar world finds in India a reliable geostrategic partner. The Russian proximity to India also keeps China from exploiting its economic dominance vis a vis Russia, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Sunny Deol Gets Emotional At Border 2 Launch

Sunny Deol Gets Emotional At Border 2 Launch

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Despite suffering a personal tragedy weeks ago, when his father -- the legendary actor Dharmendra -- passed away, Sunny Deol stoically returned to work, and put the spotlight on his upcoming film, Border 2 at its teaser launch in Mumbai.

Air India pilot unions oppose salary proposal, call it anti-labour

Air India pilot unions oppose salary proposal, call it anti-labour

Rediff.com20 Apr 2023

Two unions representing Air India pilots have asked members not to accept the revised compensation and employment offer, calling the company's proposals "unfair labour practices." They said any coercion on pilots to sign the offer would lead to industrial unrest. The Tata group airline announced on Monday a new salary structure for pilots and cabin crew.

Modi and Putin: Hug in airport, ride in car, dinner at 7, LKM

Modi and Putin: Hug in airport, ride in car, dinner at 7, LKM

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a two-day visit focused on strengthening ties with India, including defense cooperation and trade, amidst a changing geopolitical landscape.

Tatas, US-based fund among Air India bidders

Tatas, US-based fund among Air India bidders

Rediff.com14 Dec 2020

Salt-to-software conglomerate Tata group was among "multiple" entities who on Monday put in preliminary bids for buying the government's stake in loss-making carrier Air India.

Battle for skies: Tatas kick-start Air India fleet expansion via leasing

Battle for skies: Tatas kick-start Air India fleet expansion via leasing

Rediff.com13 Sep 2022

In its first move to significantly expand the fleet after the Tatas took over, Air India has leased 25 Airbus narrow-body aircraft and five Boeing wide-body planes. These will enter service starting December, the company said on Monday. A wide-body plane has a bigger fuel tank, allowing it to travel longer distances such as India-US routes.

India's iron dome? Modi announces Mission Sudarshan Chakra

India's iron dome? Modi announces Mission Sudarshan Chakra

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Announcing the launch of "Mission Sudarshan Chakra", Modi said it will be aimed at neutralising enemy threat and enhancing India's offensive capabilities.

Air India passengers are 'safe' for now

Air India passengers are 'safe' for now

Rediff.com18 Oct 2019

The three state-owned oil companies have decided to defer snapping fuel supplies to Air India. The airline owes the three firms over Rs 5,000 crore in past fuel bills.

'We want Air India to keep flying'

'We want Air India to keep flying'

Rediff.com30 Jan 2020

'Whether it is the unions or the politicians, they don't have to do politics over Air India, but be guided by a solitary factor -- that we don't want Air India to fly into oblivion.'

All or nothing: The enigma called Pant!

All or nothing: The enigma called Pant!

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

MCG to Barsapara: Gambhir and Pant might be feeling a sense of deja vu

Sale: 'Challenge is Air India's huge size'

Sale: 'Challenge is Air India's huge size'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2020

It's too big to digest as one whole airline.'

Sunny skies await Indian aviation?

Sunny skies await Indian aviation?

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

The trails of mega-mergers, tailwinds of expanding fleets, flights and airports will dot the fast-growing Indian aviation firmament in 2025, though the dark clouds of supply chain woes will persist longer. Also, new airline takeoffs, the future trajectory of revised norms to tackle pilot fatigue and efforts to reduce carbon emissions will be on the radar.

AI-171 pilots had 9,300 hours of flying experience

AI-171 pilots had 9,300 hours of flying experience

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

The pilot of the twin-engine wide bodied aircraft issued a 'Mayday' distress call, denoting a full emergency, soon after takeoff at 1.39 pm, the Air Traffic Control at Ahmedabad said.

AI 171 crash: 65 families hire US law firm Beasley Allen for legal battle

AI 171 crash: 65 families hire US law firm Beasley Allen for legal battle

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Families of victims of the Air India plane crash have hired a US law firm to explore legal options, seeking answers and accountability.

Tatas win back Air India; welcome back, says Ratan Tata

Tatas win back Air India; welcome back, says Ratan Tata

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

They say better late than never. For the Tatas, the original owners of Air India, bringing back the airline to its fold is worth the wait even if the attempt to privatise the bleeding national carrier by successive governments has taken over two decades. While many airlines have come and gone from the Indian skies since the time when the first move was made to privatise Air India to date, the salt-to-software conglomerate has never let the love affair with aviation, more so with Air India that its former chairman Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata (JRD) had, to go off the radar. It is said that Tata group executives used to complain in private that JRD -- the pioneer of the Indian aviation industry -- spent more time worrying about Air India than the Tata group when he was heading both the entities.

'Cannot win everyday': Star shooter Manu Bhaker admits

'Cannot win everyday': Star shooter Manu Bhaker admits

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

That Bhaker couldn't feature among the 13 Indian medallists in the just-concluded tournament has come as a bit of a surprise to many in the shooting fraternity.