News for 'Besides Air India'

Air India unveils new brand identity, aircraft livery

Air India unveils new brand identity, aircraft livery

Rediff.com10 Aug 2023

Air India on Thursday unveiled a new brand identity and aircraft livery as the airline moves ahead with its transformation plan since being taken over by Tata Group more than one-and-a-half years ago. The new look re-imagines the iconic Indian window shape, historically used by Air India, into a gold window frame that becomes central to the new brand design system. It symbolises a 'Window of Possibilities', according to a release.

IndiGo aircraft grazes wings of Air India plane at Kolkata airport

IndiGo aircraft grazes wings of Air India plane at Kolkata airport

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

An IndiGo aircraft grazed the wings of an Air India Express plane at the Kolkata airport on Wednesday, leaving the wings of both aircraft damaged, officials said.

MHA gets Rs 2.55 lakh cr as Budget sharpens focus on internal security

MHA gets Rs 2.55 lakh cr as Budget sharpens focus on internal security

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Union Budget 2025-26 had allocated Rs 2,33,210.68 crore (BE) to the ministry helmed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Air India-Vistara merger deal under CCI scanner

Air India-Vistara merger deal under CCI scanner

Rediff.com27 Jun 2023

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has issued a show cause notice to the parties with respect to the proposed merger of Tata Group airlines Vistara and Air India, according to a source. The fair trade watchdog issues notice asking why an investigation should not be initiated only after forming a prima-facie opinion that the deal could adversely impact competition in the marketplace. Vistara and Air India are the two full-service carriers that are part of the Tata Group, and Singapore Airlines holds a 49 per cent stake in Vistara.

IndiGo cancels over 100 flights, scores delayed; DGCA launches probe

IndiGo cancels over 100 flights, scores delayed; DGCA launches probe

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Indigo airlines cancelled 13 flights from Hyderabad airport, causing chaos and frustration among passengers. The cancellations were attributed to technology and operational issues.

The Importance Of Putin's India Visit

The Importance Of Putin's India Visit

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The enduring relationship between the two countries have survived the disintegration of the erstwhile USSR in 1991, the end of the Cold War and the regime change in both countries, points out Rup Narayan Das.

Iran says forces ready for war; accuses US, Israel of stoking unrest

Iran says forces ready for war; accuses US, Israel of stoking unrest

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Baghaei also alleged that recent unrest in Iran was fuelled by foreign interference, claiming riots were triggered by "very evident" interventionist remarks by US and Israeli officials.

Air India revamps policies for women staff

Air India revamps policies for women staff

Rediff.com30 Mar 2023

Air India will provide 26 weeks of maternity leave to women employees as well as daycare support under its revamped policies. Besides, the airline will give women pilots the choice to opt for quicker turnaround flights till the child reaches the age of one year. The option will be subject to request and availability, according to an internal communication.

Remembering 1971 In The Skies Of The East

Remembering 1971 In The Skies Of The East

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Returning to the Brahmaputra for Vijay Diwas was not just a journey across geography, but across memory of war, service, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between the Indian Air Force and the north east, asserts Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Was Maduro's Capture A Warning Shot To China?

Was Maduro's Capture A Warning Shot To China?

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

China has made serious inroads into Latin America, which the US may now be hinting is simply not ok: Stay in your lane, Xi! In simple terms, China will no longer have access to Venezuelan oil, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

DGCA issues showcause notices to Air India over cockpit breach

DGCA issues showcause notices to Air India over cockpit breach

Rediff.com30 Apr 2023

A cabin crew member of the flight had filed a complaint with the DGCA about the pilot allowing a female friend into the cockpit.

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Trump's Huge Venezuela Gamble

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

I am inclined to believe that the Venezuela adventure is not an indication of American strength, alas, but rather of American weakness, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

Over 800 IndiGo flights cancelled on day 5 as cancellation chaos persists

Over 800 IndiGo flights cancelled on day 5 as cancellation chaos persists

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

DGCA provided temporary relief to IndiGo, which is partially owned by Rahul Bhatia, by rolling back the night duty definition to 12 am-5 am from 12 am-6 am earlier, and allowing its pilots to do six night-landings from two earlier, besides other relaxations.

India Opens Doors To Foreign Banks, But...

India Opens Doors To Foreign Banks, But...

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

But selectively, with regulatory scrutiny and special approval, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Op Sagar Bandhu: Another C-130J deployed, Mi-17s on standby in Colombo

Op Sagar Bandhu: Another C-130J deployed, Mi-17s on standby in Colombo

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The Indian Air Force has stepped up its efforts to assist Sri Lanka in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah, deploying aircraft and helicopters for relief operations and evacuation of stranded citizens under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

India to buy UK's multirole missiles in $468 mn deal to boost airpower

India to buy UK's multirole missiles in $468 mn deal to boost airpower

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

India and the UK have announced a series of defence cooperation initiatives, including a USD 468 million deal for the supply of lightweight multirole missile systems to enhance India's air defence capabilities.

Unions claim shortage of pilots at Air India

Unions claim shortage of pilots at Air India

Rediff.com15 Dec 2022

Two pilot unions at Air India have claimed that there is a shortage of pilots to operate the airline's long-haul and ultra-long haul flights. The concerns raised by the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) and Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) also come against the backdrop of the Tatas-owned airline recently cancelling and rescheduling certain flights to and from the North American region due to crew shortage. In a joint letter written to Air India's chief human resources officer Suresh Dutt Tripathi on December 13, the unions said, "...we cannot maintain the printed planned roster due to a shortage of pilots, as CMS (crew management system) does not have standby pilots."

Modi condemns Israeli air strikes on Qatar, speaks to Emir

Modi condemns Israeli air strikes on Qatar, speaks to Emir

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the violation of Qatar's sovereignty following Israeli air strikes on Doha, targeting Hamas leaders. He conveyed India's deep concern to the Emir of Qatar and reiterated support for peace and stability in the region.

Why this deafening silence over crash, Praful Patel asks Singapore Airlines

Why this deafening silence over crash, Praful Patel asks Singapore Airlines

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Former Civil Aviation Minister and senior NCP leader Praful Patel on Wednesday questioned the "silence" of Singapore Airlines over the horrific crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad last week.

Air India to launch new flights to New York, Paris, Frankfurt

Air India to launch new flights to New York, Paris, Frankfurt

Rediff.com23 Nov 2022

Tata Group-owned Air India on Wednesday announced the launch of new flights connecting Mumbai with New York, Paris and Frankfurt, starting February next year. Besides, the full-service carrier also announced the resumption of non-stop flights connecting Delhi with Copenhagen, Milan and Vienna. The Mumbai-New York (JFK International Airport) daily service will commence from February 14 next year, Air India said.

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The winter session of Parliament is set to begin with the government prioritizing its reforms agenda, including a bill to open the civil nuclear sector to private players. The opposition is expected to raise concerns about electoral roll revisions and air pollution.

Where The Victims Of The Kanishka Terror Attack Are Not Forgotten

Where The Victims Of The Kanishka Terror Attack Are Not Forgotten

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Names and names and names and names... 329 in all. Some Indian. Some Canadian. Some British. Berry. Gupta. Jain. James. Bhatt. Beauchesne. Chatlani. Enayati. Lougheed.... Vaihayasi Pande Daniel visits Ahakista, Ireland, home to the memorial for the worst terrorist atrocity in India's history.

Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers detained in Thailand

Goa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers detained in Thailand

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

The owners of a Goa nightclub, where a fire claimed 25 lives, have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, after fleeing India. An Interpol Blue Corner Notice was issued at the request of the Indian government.

'Pak's arms shopping spree post Op Sindoor concerning'

'Pak's arms shopping spree post Op Sindoor concerning'

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Vice Admiral K Swaminathan highlights concerns over Pakistan's arms procurement and China's growing assertiveness in the Indian Ocean Region.

AI to partially restore international flights paused after Ahmedabad crash

AI to partially restore international flights paused after Ahmedabad crash

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

Air India will begin operating flights between Ahmedabad and London Heathrow from August 1, replacing the Gatwick route. The airline is also partially resuming domestic and international services suspended after a fatal plane crash. Some routes will remain suspended until September 30, while others will see increased frequency.

Tatas to retain all Air India employees for at least 1 yr

Tatas to retain all Air India employees for at least 1 yr

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

The new owners of Air India will have to retain all the employees of the national carrier for at least one year post which they can offer a VRS. The gratuity, pension fund and post retirement medical benefits of existing and past employees too would be honoured by the new owner, civil aviation secretary Rajiv Bansal said. Tata Sons has emerged as the winning bidder for Air India with the government accepting its Rs 18,000 crore offer to acquire 100 per cent of the debt-laden state-run carrier.

Stranded in Russia for 2 days, Air India flyers finally reach US

Stranded in Russia for 2 days, Air India flyers finally reach US

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

Flight AI173 from Delhi was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday owing to an engine glitch, the Tata Group-owned private carrier said in a statement.

Majority of pilots have accepted new salary package: Air India chief Campbell Wilson

Majority of pilots have accepted new salary package: Air India chief Campbell Wilson

Rediff.com28 Apr 2023

Air India chief Campbell Wilson on Friday said that a majority of pilots have accepted the new compensation package offered last week, amid protests by Air India pilots' unions against the revised salary structure and service conditions. The loss-making airline, which was taken over from the government by the Tata Group in January 2022, has announced a new compensation package for pilots and cabin crew. In his weekly message to Air India staff on Friday, Campbell said the airline is making investments in workplace technology and training as well as in new and improved employee benefits.

Air India bans peeing incident accused for 4 months

Air India bans peeing incident accused for 4 months

Rediff.com19 Jan 2023

An airline official said the ban is with immediate effect and is in addition to the 30-day ban it had imposed on the individual earlier.

AI 171 Crash: A Timeline Of Events

AI 171 Crash: A Timeline Of Events

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

A timeline of events related to the investigation of the Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad, including investigation initiation, black box recovery, and safety measures taken.

IndiGo ropes in external expert for flight disruption probe

IndiGo ropes in external expert for flight disruption probe

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The board of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, has already set up a crisis management group in the wake of the significant operational disruptions that started on December 2.

Return of coal threatens India's emission commitments

Return of coal threatens India's emission commitments

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

India's new climate pledge to the UN could be weakened by its growing use of coal, even as the country plans a 2035 roadmap to cut emissions and boost clean energy.

Air India plans to hire expat pilots for wide-body planes

Air India plans to hire expat pilots for wide-body planes

Rediff.com21 Nov 2022

Tata group-owned Air India plans to hire expat pilots for its Boeing 777 planes as the airline is facing a shortage of pilots amid plans to expand its fleet as well as international operations, according to sources. The carrier is looking to rope in around 100 pilots for the wide-body Boeing 777 fleet and has approached various agencies that provide expat flight crew to airlines, the sources told PTI. The loss-making Air India, which was under government ownership for nearly seven decades till the Tata group took over in January 2022, had stopped hiring expat pilots many years ago to save costs.

Cabinet clears Air India disinvestment

Cabinet clears Air India disinvestment

Rediff.com28 Jun 2017

Jaitley did not say if it will be an outright sale or partial divestment.

DGCA orders enhanced inspection of AI's Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet

DGCA orders enhanced inspection of AI's Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has directed Air India to carry out additional maintenance actions on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 planes equipped with Genx engines with immediate effect.

Air India likely to be handed over to the Tatas today

Air India likely to be handed over to the Tatas today

Rediff.com27 Jan 2022

The government has notified the agreement between Air India and special purpose vehicle AIAHL for the transfer of non-core assets, ahead of the national airline's takeover by the Tata Group. The government had in October last year, inked the share purchase agreement with the Tata Group for the sale of national carrier Air India for Rs 18,000 crore. The Tata Group is expected to take full control of the airline, it founded in 1932, on Thursday. The cash component of the deal would come once the handover process is completed. The Tata Group would pay Rs 2,700 crore cash and take over Rs 15,300 crore of the airline's debt.

Air India to lease 12 more aircraft comprising A320 neo, Boeing 777

Air India to lease 12 more aircraft comprising A320 neo, Boeing 777

Rediff.com5 Dec 2022

Air India on Monday said it will lease 12 more aircraft comprising both A320 neo and Boeing 777, which are expected to be inducted in its existing fleet in the first half of 2023. The new planes will be deployed on the airline's short, medium and long-haul international routes, Air India said in a statement. Air India said it has leased 42 aircraft since its privatisation in January this year.

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.

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The MiG-21 episode demonstrates that procurement is always strategic.
Choices about what aircraft to acquire, who builds them, who supplies the spares, who trains the pilots and technicians are decisions with political consequences lasting for decades.

Sri Lanka: Paradiso For Travellers

Sri Lanka: Paradiso For Travellers

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Sri Lanka stays with you not just in memory, but gently reminds you what a society can achieve when heart and heritage guide the way.