News for 'India Airlines'

When A Golfer Lost His Bags...

When A Golfer Lost His Bags...

Rediff.com9 Oct 2023

Top golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar lodged a complaint against Emirates Airlines for delaying his bags, which he said affected his game. Jehangir Gai tells us what happened next.

As airlines spread wings, regional connectivity gets a boost

As airlines spread wings, regional connectivity gets a boost

Rediff.com15 Jan 2021

While the number of operational airports in the country will rise to 131, other smaller towns too are seeing a surge in connectivity.

Mayank Agarwal hospitalised after drinking 'poisonous liquid'

Mayank Agarwal hospitalised after drinking 'poisonous liquid'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2024

Mayank Agarwal is believed to be out of danger after drinking liquid from a pouch, which he thought was water and was kept on his seat as he was on board with IndiGo airlines

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."

Air India modifies alcohol policy after urination episodes

Air India modifies alcohol policy after urination episodes

Rediff.com25 Jan 2023

According to the revised policy, guests should not be permitted to drink alcohol unless served by the cabin crew and that the cabin crew be attentive to identifying guests that might be consuming their own alcohol.

FM promises fast expansion, development of airports

FM promises fast expansion, development of airports

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The expansion of existing airports and development of new airports will continue expeditiously, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday and emphasised that the country's aviation sector has been galvanised in the past 10 years.

After 'not Malala' speech, Yana Mir vs Delhi customs at airport

After 'not Malala' speech, Yana Mir vs Delhi customs at airport

Rediff.com27 Feb 2024

Bag scanning of international passengers is done routinely and the "privileges are not above law", the Delhi customs said on Monday after a video by a Kashmiri journalist over her bag checking at the airport in New Delhi went viral.

'Market Assumes Modi's Easy Re-Election'

'Market Assumes Modi's Easy Re-Election'

Rediff.com29 May 2024

'We emphasise the importance of not basing investment decisions solely on electoral outcomes.' 'Instead, focusing on investing in high-quality businesses capable of prospering regardless of the political landscape is paramount.'

Air India processes refunds worth over Rs 150 crore after privatisation

Air India processes refunds worth over Rs 150 crore after privatisation

Rediff.com27 Sep 2022

Air India said on Monday that it has processed passengers refunds of more than Rs 150 crore during the first few months after its privatisation. After winning the bid for Air India on October 8 last year, the Tata Group took charge of the airline on January 27. Since then, the airline has been taking multiple steps to address the legacy issues such as stuck refunds.

'Running a JV airline in India a challenge'

'Running a JV airline in India a challenge'

Rediff.com15 Nov 2013

Singapore Airlines will hold 49 per cent stake in the airline, while the rest will be held by the Tata group.

Campbell Wilson all set to become Air India's new CEO

Campbell Wilson all set to become Air India's new CEO

Rediff.com26 Jul 2022

The home ministry has given security clearance to Air India CEO-designate Campbell Wilson, paving the way for him to take charge of the airline, according to a senior official. The appointment of Wilson as the chief executive officer and managing director of Air India was announced by Tata Sons on May 12. Tata Sons took over the loss-making carrier on January 27.

Airlines may not benefit much from airfare hike. Here's why

Airlines may not benefit much from airfare hike. Here's why

Rediff.com13 Feb 2021

'The recent price hike would only be beneficial if the airlines continue to operate at 80 per cent airline capacity. An increase towards 90 or 100 per cent airline capacity would again add pressure to the fares as demand remains muted. Also, we are in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year which is a seasonally weaker quarter,' says an analyst.

'Unfair to allow airlines to book tickets from April 15'

'Unfair to allow airlines to book tickets from April 15'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2020

Aviation consultancy CAPA on Thursday said allowing domestic airlines to take advance bookings from April 15 is "unfair" to consumers since a decision on lifting the nationwide lockdown is yet to be taken. During the lockdown period only special flights approved by aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation, medical evacuation flights and those carrying cargo, including medical equipment, to and from different parts of the country are operational.

The take-off and crash-landing of Jet's Naresh Goyal

The take-off and crash-landing of Jet's Naresh Goyal

Rediff.com4 Sep 2023

In a dramatic turn of events in May 2019, an Emirates aircraft en-route to Dubai was asked to stop while it was taxiing for a take off in Mumbai. The pilot was given no reason and ordered to immediately return to the parking bay. As the aircraft returned to the terminal, two passengers from the first class - Naresh Goyal and his wife Anita - were offloaded by the immigration authorities, who said the duo cannot leave the country. Goyal, founder of Jet Airways, was stunned. The man, who ruled the aviation sector for two and a half decades with an iron hand, did not expect to be offloaded in this fashion.

Air India's long-haul flights face delay over airport entry pass

Air India's long-haul flights face delay over airport entry pass

Rediff.com9 Dec 2022

Full service carrier Air India on Friday said some of its ultra long-haul flights are facing delays due to issues related to airport entry passes and it is "working closely" with the authorities to resolve the matter.

India's most popular airlines today

India's most popular airlines today

Rediff.com19 Jan 2011

India's domestic air traffic continued on its robust growth path this winter recording the highest number of passengers carried between October and December last year.

Air India issues new grooming guidelines for cabin crew

Air India issues new grooming guidelines for cabin crew

Rediff.com24 Nov 2022

Tata group-owned Air India has issued new guidelines on grooming for its male and female cabin crew, including barring them from sporting black and religious thread on the wrist, neck and ankle. Among others, the airline has told the crew that they should not have grey hair and must be regularly coloured in natural shade. "Religious rings with coloured stones and pearls, nose-pins and neck jewellery" along with thumb rings are not allowed.

Airline Passengers: You have rights!

Airline Passengers: You have rights!

Rediff.com5 Mar 2018

Government to ask airlines to educate flyers. 'It will be an exhaustive charter which will tell the passenger about all their rights, like whether they are eligible for a refund when there is a delay in flight, what to do in case of a flight delay and other in-flight etiquette.'

Air India Express cabin crew held for smuggling gold

Air India Express cabin crew held for smuggling gold

Rediff.com9 Mar 2023

An Air India Express flight cabin crew has been arrested by the Customs for allegedly smuggling over 1.4 kg gold through Cochin International Airport near Kochi, official sources said.

India or Bharat? Netizens have a blast over name change

India or Bharat? Netizens have a blast over name change

Rediff.com5 Sep 2023

Users jocularly wondered if the name of institutions such as the Indian Space Research Organisation, the Reserve Bank of India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India will be changed.

Jet Air told to deposit Rs 150 cr by Jan 31 in SBI's escrow account

Jet Air told to deposit Rs 150 cr by Jan 31 in SBI's escrow account

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed Jalan-Kalrock consortium, the new owners of the cash-strapped Jet Airways, to deposit Rs 150 crore in SBI's escrow account by January 31, saying failure to do so will mean that the consortium is not in compliance with the terms of the resolution plan for reviving the airline. The top court, meanwhile, also refused to allow the separate plea of the Jet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Welfare Association seeking payment of provident fund and gratuity dues, observing if additional money is awarded, the resolution plan will become "unworkable". The consortium, as per the lawyers for the workmen, has to pay over Rs 200 crore towards dues on account of PF and gratuity.

Spat between Air India pilots' union and management continue

Spat between Air India pilots' union and management continue

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

A pilots' union of Air India on Wednesday sought the response of the airline management on various issues, including alleged violation of the roster system and career progression policy. The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) also said that if there is no response in three days, it will be constrained to seek appropriate remedies in accordance with applicable law. In its letter on Wednesday, the grouping said, "we understand the management of Air India is contemplating certain changes to the conditions of service of the pilots".

How airlines in India are trying to overcome shortage of pilots

How airlines in India are trying to overcome shortage of pilots

Rediff.com6 Dec 2017

Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways have combined hired more than 100 Indian pilots in the last six months.

Coronavirus outbreak: Airlines seek relief package from govt

Coronavirus outbreak: Airlines seek relief package from govt

Rediff.com12 Mar 2020

Airlines sought a limited period concession of the standing rule of slot allocation, which mandates that firms must operate at least 80 per cent of their allocated slots.

Why India's domestic airlines will oppose price cap proposal

Why India's domestic airlines will oppose price cap proposal

Rediff.com26 Dec 2014

A ministry's internal note proposes caps on minimum and maximum fares airlines can charge, keeping in mind their cost structure, profit margin and ensuring the last minute fares are not out of bounds of passengers.

Air India ends probe into peeing incident, to aid pilot in appeal

Air India ends probe into peeing incident, to aid pilot in appeal

Rediff.com24 Jan 2023

Nearly two months after the urination incident on its New York-New Delhi flight, Air India on Tuesday said it has closed the internal probe into the case and will assist the flight's pilot-in-command with an appeal against the suspension of his licence by DGCA as the airline deems the action as "excessive".

Tata's Plan To Make Air India Great Again

Tata's Plan To Make Air India Great Again

Rediff.com8 Mar 2023

It offers a real opportunity for the flag carrier to compete on the world stage, backed by a leading conglomerate with deep pockets like the Tatas, observes Indrajit Gupta.

Emails show Air India top brass aware of 'peeing' incident

Emails show Air India top brass aware of 'peeing' incident

Rediff.com21 Jan 2023

According to e-mails accessed by ANI, the Air India cabin crew supervisor had reportedly sent out emails on November 27 at around 1 pm to the head of the Inflight Service Department (IFSD), base operations in India, Lead HR head of IFSD, and head of the northern region of IFSD and of complaints (customer care), informing them about the incident.

Why Indigo is fastest growing airline on the planet

Why Indigo is fastest growing airline on the planet

Rediff.com26 Oct 2018

'IndiGo 2018 is a harsh, ultra-lean, mean, zero asset, fighting machine with aspirations of taking on the global long-haul low-cost market.'

6 new airlines in India skies in 2015

6 new airlines in India skies in 2015

Rediff.com30 Dec 2014

The government was also working on a package to promote connectivity and airports in the North Eastern states

Meta expands WhatsApp payments service in India

Meta expands WhatsApp payments service in India

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

WhatsApp on Wednesday announced the expansion of its payments service in India to make it easier for people transacting with businesses to pay for purchases directly in the chat, with a choice of UPI apps, including rival digital payment options, as well as credit and debit cards. Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg asserted that India is leading the world in people and businesses embracing messaging. WhatsApp said it is working with partners Razorpay and PayU "to make paying for something as simple as sending a message", as the Meta-owned platform unveiled a host of new features to woo businesses in India's booming commerce market.

Air India to restore staff salaries to pre-COVID level

Air India to restore staff salaries to pre-COVID level

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

Air India will restore salaries that were cut in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic from September 1, according to a communication. The loss-making airline, which was taken over by Tatas in January this year, has also decided to revise crew layover allowances and meal arrangements from September 1. In the communication to the employees, Air India CEO and managing director Campbell Wilson said the airline "will be restoring the salary reduction for all employees with effect from September 1, 2022."

Air India pilots' union knocks on labour department's doors

Air India pilots' union knocks on labour department's doors

Rediff.com28 Dec 2022

A pilots' grouping of Tata group-owned Air India has approached the labour department to initiate conciliation proceedings with the airline's management to sort out various issues, including concerns over possible changes in service conditions of its members. The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), which claims to represent around 900 pilots flying narrow-body planes of Air India, has written to the Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC) as well as Deputy CLC and Assistant Labour Commissioner in New Delhi earlier this week. Apart from service condition issues, the association has flagged that the airline's plans to hire captains for its A320 fleet on a fixed-term contract may result in an anomalous situation for the existing pilots at Air India.

Air India leases six A320 neo aircraft from Chinese bank

Air India leases six A320 neo aircraft from Chinese bank

Rediff.com9 Nov 2022

Air India has leased a fleet of six Airbus A320 neo aircraft from CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co Limited, to boost the Tata Group-owned company's transformation journey, a statement said on Wednesday. The leasing agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Asia Pacific 2022 conference, said the CDB Asia statement. CDB Aviation is among the first aircraft leasing companies to secure the placement of Air India's additional A320 neo aircraft under the recently announced multi-stage transformation plan since the purchase of the airline by Tata group, which aims to increase the carrier's fleet and help it boost both domestic and international operations.

India's top airlines: SpiceJet beats Jet Airways

India's top airlines: SpiceJet beats Jet Airways

Rediff.com19 Sep 2014

IndiGo continues to fly high as the top airline in India while crisis-hit SpiceJet has some good news.

Air India finalises deal with Airbus for buying around 250 planes

Air India finalises deal with Airbus for buying around 250 planes

Rediff.com9 Feb 2023

Air India has finalised an order for around 250 aircraft with Airbus and the deal is expected to be announced next week, a source said on Thursday. The source in the know also said the airline has signed a deal with Boeing for about 200 planes. Specific details could not be immediately ascertained and there was no immediate comments from Air India about the deals.

Airlines cut wages, re-negotiate contracts to tide over Covid-19 crisis

Airlines cut wages, re-negotiate contracts to tide over Covid-19 crisis

Rediff.com3 Jun 2021

Airlines are slashing salaries and re-negotiating vendor contracts as drastic fall in passengers has hurt revenue. Go First has cut staff salaries by around 16 per cent while IndiGo and SpiceJet are enforcing a leave without pay (LWP) policy and pay by the hour structure respectively to prune expenses. Vistara, which reversed pay cuts for junior staff including managers and cabin crew in March, is not touching employee salaries at the moment and instead focusing on vendor renegotiation and maximising cargo revenue. An Air India executive said efforts are on to pay salaries by 7th or 8th of June.

Air India's 5-year plan - 30% domestic market share

Air India's 5-year plan - 30% domestic market share

Rediff.com16 Sep 2022

The Tata Group-owned Air India has readied a five-year transformation plan, which is expected to take its domestic market share to 30 per cent, up from 8.4 per cent logged in June. IndiGo leads with a market share of 58.8 per cent. The transformation plan--Vihaan.AI-unveiled on Thursday revolves around tripling the domestic market share with investments in new aircraft, technology and improvements in customer service.

India threatens to put curbs on European airlines

India threatens to put curbs on European airlines

Rediff.com16 Jan 2012

Under a Horizontal Aviation Agreement between India and the EU, New Delhi allows European airlines to operate flights between India and any EU member-state.

Flight delays: Scindia warns passengers against unruly behaviour

Flight delays: Scindia warns passengers against unruly behaviour

Rediff.com16 Jan 2024

With low-visibility conditions significantly disrupting flight operations at the Delhi airport, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday said all stakeholders are working round-the-clock to minimise fog-related impact as well as passenger inconvenience, and asserted that unruly passenger behaviour is unacceptable.