News for 'Besides Air India'

Why Most Indians Don't Get Enough Daily Protein

Why Most Indians Don't Get Enough Daily Protein

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

'Whether it's paneer for vegetarians or chicken and fish for non-vegetarians, the overall intake of protein is not sufficient.'

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

While it is evident that the INDIA bloc has not shut its doors on Nitish Kumar, those within the NDA are hopeful that the JD-U's support base would benefit them as well

London's Heathrow airport closure disrupts flight ops

London's Heathrow airport closure disrupts flight ops

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Following a significant power outage, operations at the London Heathrow (LHR) have been suspended till 2359 hours (local time) on March 21 (05.30 am March 22, IST).

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.

Bihar polls: Tejashwi's stronghold faces BJP challenge

Bihar polls: Tejashwi's stronghold faces BJP challenge

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Raghopur assembly constituency in Bihar prepares for a high-stakes election where voters may be deciding the next chief minister. Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD's CM candidate, seeks a third term, facing a strong challenge from BJP's Satish Kumar.

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.

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 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.

Brazil's Embraer in talks with IndiGo, A-I to strengthen foot print in India

Brazil's Embraer in talks with IndiGo, A-I to strengthen foot print in India

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

Embraer sees a lot of opportunities in India in the commercial and business jets as well as military aircraft and eVTOL segments, its CEO Francisco Gomes Neto has said as the Brazilian seeks to strengthen its foot print in the fast growing Indian market. Besides, the company is in talks with IndiGo and Air India to explore the possibility of selling its E-2 aircraft, which can have up to 146 seats.

400 scientists worked 24x7 during Op Sindoor: ISRO chief

400 scientists worked 24x7 during Op Sindoor: ISRO chief

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The role of the space sector in armed conflicts came into sharp focus during Operation Sindoor, which saw extensive use of drones and loitering munitions and tested the capabilities of air defence systems such as indigenously developed Akash Teer.

Farewell MiG-21. Flying Legend, IAF's Soul

Farewell MiG-21. Flying Legend, IAF's Soul

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The MiG-21's sharp silhouette and supersonic roar will live on in the memories of those who flew it, those who maintained it, and those who watched it streak across the sky as a symbol of India's strength, asserts IAF veteran Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

From 'trendy appetizers' to 'decadent desserts', Air India revamps menus for intl flights

From 'trendy appetizers' to 'decadent desserts', Air India revamps menus for intl flights

Rediff.com3 Apr 2023

Air India on Monday said it has introduced refreshed inflight food and beverages menus across cabins on all international flights. "The refresh of the menus is based on guest feedback and is designed to offer travellers an assortment of gourmet meals, trendy appetizers, decadent desserts, and showcase India's locally sourced culinary influence while keeping in line with the healthy eating trend," the airline said in a release.

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.

India, US should find common ground to resolve tariff issue: Netanyahu

India, US should find common ground to resolve tariff issue: Netanyahu

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the foundation of India-US relationship is "very solid" and both sides should find common ground to resolve the tariff issue. He also highlighted the strong defense cooperation between India and Israel.

DGCA issues show cause notice to Air India over 'peeing' incidents

DGCA issues show cause notice to Air India over 'peeing' incidents

Rediff.com10 Jan 2023

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday said it has issued a show cause notice to Air India regarding two incidents of passenger misbehaviour onboard a flight from Paris to New Delhi last month.

Air India sale: Govt signs share purchase agreement with Tata Sons

Air India sale: Govt signs share purchase agreement with Tata Sons

Rediff.com25 Oct 2021

The government on Monday signed the share purchase agreement with Tata Sons for the sale of national carrier Air India for Rs 18,000 crore. Earlier this month, the government had accepted an offer by Talace Pvt Ltd, a unit of the holding company of the salt-to-software conglomerate, to pay Rs 2,700 crore cash and take over Rs 15,300 crore of the airline's debt. Following that, on October 11 a Letter of Intenet (LoI) was issued to the Tata Group confirming the government's willingness to sell its 100 per cent stake in the airline.

Air India to buy 470 planes from Airbus, Boeing in a landmark aviation deal

Air India to buy 470 planes from Airbus, Boeing in a landmark aviation deal

Rediff.com14 Feb 2023

Air India will purchase 220 planes from Boeing for $34 billion, with an option to buy 70 more aircraft that could take the total transaction value to $45.9 billion, a deal that US President Joe Biden described as a "historic agreement". While announcing the Boeing-Air India deal on Tuesday, Biden also asserted that together with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he was looking forward to deepen the ties between India and the US. As per an announcement from the White House, Boeing and Air India have reached an agreement under which the airline will purchase 190 B737 MAX, 20 B787, and 10 B777X for a total of 220 firm order valued at $34 billion at list price.

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.

Operation Sindoor: 300 flights cancelled, 25 airports shut

Operation Sindoor: 300 flights cancelled, 25 airports shut

Rediff.com7 May 2025

More than 300 flights have been cancelled and at least 25 airports, including Srinagar, have been temporarily shut for operations amid restrictions in the wake of the armed forces launching missile attacks on terror targets in Pakistan on Wednesday morning.

What happens to Air India's Rs 16,000 cr unpaid bills?

What happens to Air India's Rs 16,000 cr unpaid bills?

Rediff.com11 Oct 2021

The government will transfer about Rs 16,000 crore of unpaid fuel bills and other pending dues that Air India owes to suppliers, to a special purpose vehicle before handing over the loss-making airline to the Tata Group, a senior official said. Air India Assets Holding Ltd (AIAHL), which will hold non-core assets of Air India such as land and building, will also be saddled with 75 per cent of the airline's debt that the Tata Group is not taking over. Besides the debt, the excess liability going to AIAHL comprises unpaid fuel bills to oil companies, airport operators and vendors, said Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management - the department running the privatisation programme of the government.

Mongolia: AI's new shortcut to North America to cut Pak costs

Mongolia: AI's new shortcut to North America to cut Pak costs

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Besides, the carrier is having a technical stop in Kolkata for some of the North America flights from Delhi, they added.

Who prevented military action after 26/11, asks Modi citing Chidambaram

Who prevented military action after 26/11, asks Modi citing Chidambaram

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked the Congress to tell the nation who prevented India's military response after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks linked to Pakistan, and accused the party of weakening the fight against terrorism when in power.

Air India sale to boost privatisation: Survey

Air India sale to boost privatisation: Survey

Rediff.com31 Jan 2022

Air India sale will give a boost to India's privatisation drive, the Economic Survey said on Monday, as it suggested redefining the public sector role in business enterprises to encourage private participation in all sectors. The government earlier this month handed over ownership rights in national carrier Air India to Tata Group for Rs 18,000 crore. The amount includes the takeover of the debt burden of Rs 15,300 crore and another Rs 2,700 crore in cash.

IAF hero rebuilds life after Operation Sindoor injury

IAF hero rebuilds life after Operation Sindoor injury

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

An Indian Air Force paramedic, who lost his hand in an operation, is regaining independence with the help of a cosmetic hand and support from the Artificial Limb Centre in Pune. The centre is also helping other armed forces personnel recover from severe injuries.

Drones Are What India Needs For Future Wars

Drones Are What India Needs For Future Wars

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The foremost lesson for India today is to beef up its air defence to cater for multiple drone attacks. As seen in Operation Sindoor, we have come a long way, but there's room for getting better. We must develop a robust and almost impregnable air cover over ourselves, asserts IAF veteran Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

China showcases latest arms in parade, a veiled warning to US?

China showcases latest arms in parade, a veiled warning to US?

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

China displayed a range of new weapons at a military parade, including laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles, giant underwater drones, and fifth-generation aircraft.

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.

Elavenil Valarivan is Asian Champion!

Elavenil Valarivan is Asian Champion!

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Elavenil Valarivan strikes 10m air rifle gold; juniors continue dominance

When Indian Soldiers Went Through Hell

When Indian Soldiers Went Through Hell

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Can Imperial Japan be forgiven for what it did to Indian soldiers it was supposed to protect as PoWs?

Air India sale: Deal process to conclude by Sep

Air India sale: Deal process to conclude by Sep

Rediff.com13 Apr 2021

The government has initiated the process for inviting financial bids for the sale of national carrier Air India and the deal is likely to conclude by September, sources said. Salt-to-software conglomerate Tata Group was among the "multiple" entities that had put in preliminary bids for buying loss-making Air India in December last year. The sources said that after analysing the preliminary bids, eligible bidders were given access to the Virtual Data Room (VDR) of Air India, following which investors' queries were answered.

One year since Tatas took over Air India, here's how the journey has been

One year since Tatas took over Air India, here's how the journey has been

Rediff.com2 Feb 2023

When the Tatas re-boarded Air India on January 27 last year, the price of aviation turbine fuel was at over Rs 80,000 per kilolitre. Rupee was trading at around Rs 74 to a US dollar. The Omicron variant of Covid-19 was in prevalence - barely a week earlier, India had reported over 340,000 cases on a single day. Seven-day home quarantine of international travellers was the norm.

Air India to promote yoga mid-air

Air India to promote yoga mid-air

Rediff.com18 Jun 2015

The state-run carrier Air India will on June 21 show a film on yoga across its flights, along with a special in-flight announcement.

Diyas To Drones: How Festivals Are Being Redefined

Diyas To Drones: How Festivals Are Being Redefined

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

From drone-lit skies and gemstone rangolis to fragrance journeys and theatrical thalis, India's new-age festive events blend heritage with high-tech spectacle to create memories that feel both intimate and unforgettable.

Govt issues LoI to Tatas for sale of Air India

Govt issues LoI to Tatas for sale of Air India

Rediff.com11 Oct 2021

The government on Monday issued a letter of intent (LoI) confirming the sale of its 100 per cent stake in loss-making Air India to Tata Group for Rs 18,000 crore, a senior official said. Last week, the government had accepted an offer by Talace Pvt Ltd, a unit of the holding company of salt-to-software conglomerate, to pay Rs 2,700 crore in cash and takeover Rs 15,300 crore of the airline's debt. Subsequent to that, an LoI has now been issued to Tata confirming the government's willingness to sell its 100 per cent stake in the airline.

Do fresh steps signal a stable future for India-China ties?

Do fresh steps signal a stable future for India-China ties?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

India and China have announced a series of measures aimed at improving their relationship, including maintaining peace along the border, reopening border trade, and resuming direct flights.

Tatas, SpiceJet chief Ajay Singh bid for Air India

Tatas, SpiceJet chief Ajay Singh bid for Air India

Rediff.com15 Sep 2021

"Financial bids for Air India disinvestment received by Transaction Adviser. Process now moves to concluding stage," DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey tweeted.

Air India handover to Tata Group delayed by a month till Jan

Air India handover to Tata Group delayed by a month till Jan

Rediff.com27 Dec 2021

Tata Group's takeover of loss-making national carrier Air India is most likely delayed by a month till January as the completion of procedures taking longer than expected, an official said on Monday. In October, the government accepted the highest bid made by a Tata Sons company for 100 per cent equity shares of Air India and Air India Express along with its 50 per cent stake in ground-handling company AISATS -- the first privatisation in 20 years. At that time, the government had stated that it wanted to complete the transactions, which included Tatas paying Rs 2,700 crore in cash, by December end.

1st ODI: Deepti shines as India outsmart England

1st ODI: Deepti shines as India outsmart England

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

An unbeaten half-century by Deepti Sharma guided India to a four-wicket win over England in the first Women's ODI in Southampton on Wednesday.

Air India staff begin strike

Air India staff begin strike

Rediff.com3 Jul 2009

Warning the employees of 'firm' action if flights were disrupted and passengers inconvenienced, the staff notice issued by Air India said the agitation by the Joint Action Forum would violate the Industrial Disputes Act and was 'tantamount to illegal strike. All employees are aware that the company is going through a critical financial situation and, at this stage, any disruption to flights will adversely affect the image of the company.'

DGCA audit reveals major lapses in flight safety

DGCA audit reveals major lapses in flight safety

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday said surveillance conducted at major airports revealed several defects in the aviation ecosystem, including multiple cases wherein the defects reappeared on aircraft and centre line marking faded on runway.