MUMBAI- Phew, this week has been extremely busy for the Indian aviation industry, there have been lots of major updates including the Air India Vistara merger progress as Singapore Airlines gets FDI approval, SpiceJet is under DGCA surveillance, IndiGo announcing a new route and upcoming Noida International Airport update on its progress.
Well, let’s start with the most important story of the week, Vistara’s end as Merger progresses. We will soon make a post highlighting Vistara’s journey over 9 years.
Air India Vistara Merger
Vistara’s (UK) independent operations will cease on November 12, 2024, as it integrates into the Air India (AI) brand. This merger signifies a major shift in India’s aviation landscape, with Vistara’s “UK” flight code replaced by Air India’s “AI” designator.
Effective September 3, passengers will no longer be able to book Vistara flights for travel beyond November 11. However, Vistara will maintain normal operations and accept bookings until November 11, 2024.
This milestone follows the Indian government’s approval of Singapore International Airlines (SIA) foreign direct investment into Air India. SIA, previously holding a 49% stake in Vistara, will now own 25.1% of the merged entity. This new conglomerate, comprising Air India, Air India Express, and Vistara, boasts a combined fleet of 285 aircraft.
SIA’s ₹2,058.5 crore investment solidifies its position in the merged company. The approval marks a crucial step towards finalizing the merger, as stated by SIA.
To ensure a smooth transition, all existing Vistara bookings for flights after November 12 will automatically transfer to Air India flight numbers. This process will occur in stages throughout September, with individual customers notified about their reservation changes.
Vistara’s CEO, Mr. Kannan, emphasized that the merger aims to enhance customer experience by offering more choices through an expanded fleet and network. Both airlines are committed to facilitating a seamless transition for passengers.
SpiceJet under DGCA Surveillance
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has placed SpiceJet (SG) under enhanced surveillance, effective immediately. This decision comes amid reports of operational issues at Dubai Airport (DXB) and recent concerns raised by Mumbai Airport (BOM) regarding SpiceJet’s operations.
SpiceJet’s current predicament echoes a similar situation from 2022 when the DGCA imposed operational restrictions on the airline. At that time, the government had implemented limited flight operations and fare caps due to COVID-19 restrictions. Currently, SpiceJet operates fewer flights than it did under those capped conditions.
The airline’s approved summer schedule, effective from March to October, allowed for 1657 weekly domestic departures. However, data from July reveals SpiceJet operated an average of only 703 weekly departures, representing just 42.45% of its approved capacity.
In response to its financial challenges, SpiceJet has announced plans to furlough 150 cabin crew members for three months. This measure involves temporarily suspending paid employment due to the company’s financial constraints, with affected crew members placed on unpaid leave.
Noida Airport Update
Noida International Airport (NIA), the second airport in the National Capital Region, plans to begin commercial operations by late April 2025. Christoph Schnellmann, NIA’s chief executive, announced this timeline along with a series of preparatory steps.
The airport will initiate test flights in September 2024 as part of the approval process. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) will conduct Instrument Landing System (ILS) calibration flights in September and October.
A commercial airline will perform validation flights for approach and departure procedures without passengers in December. Following these tests and subsequent clearances, NIA will apply for the aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The original September launch date faced delays due to supply chain issues affecting the import of specialized steel for the terminal building’s roof construction.
Phase one of NIA will feature one terminal, one runway, 10 aerobridges, and 25 parking stands. The airport’s connectivity plan includes access via six roads, a rapid rail-cum-metro system, and pod taxis.
A 31-kilometer greenfield expressway is under construction to link NIA with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway at Ballabhgarh, enhancing the airport’s accessibility.
IndiGo New Domestic and Int’l Flights
IndiGo, India’s leading carrier, announces new flight routes, enhancing domestic and international connectivity. The airline introduces daily direct flights between Bengaluru and Jeddah, starting September 30, 2024, and new connections linking Bhubaneswar, Bagdogra, and Andal.
The Bengaluru-Jeddah route aims to strengthen India-Saudi Arabia relations, facilitating business, leisure, and religious travel. This connection will support growing trade ties and offer pilgrims easier access to Mecca, with Jeddah serving as a key gateway for Hajj and Umrah journeys.
IndiGo also launches flights connecting Bhubaneswar and Bagdogra via Andal, near Durgapur in south Bengal. These flights will operate four days a week, with daily services between Durgapur and Bhubaneswar.
Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo’s head of global sales, emphasizes the airline’s commitment to enhancing seamless connectivity across regions. The new routes aim to reduce travel time compared to train journeys.
According to Airports Authority of India (AAI) sources, the Eastern India flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The schedule includes:
- Bhubaneswar departure: 11:15 AM, arriving in Durgapur at 12:55 PM
- Durgapur to Bagdogra: 1:15 PM departure, 2:20 PM arrival
- Return flight from Bagdogra: 2:55 PM, reaching Durgapur at 4:05 PM, then continuing to Bhubaneswar
DGCA Revokes Alchemist Approval
DGCA has taken decisive action against Alchemist Aviation, suspending the flying training organization’s approval following a comprehensive audit. This audit, conducted on August 23 and 24, was prompted by a tragic accident involving one of Alchemist Aviation’s trainee aircraft on August 20, which resulted in the deaths of both the instructor and trainee pilot.
DGCA’s investigation uncovered multiple serious deficiencies within Alchemist Aviation’s operations. The organization was found to be non-compliant with several regulatory provisions, raising significant concerns about its adherence to safety standards and operational protocols.
To sum up, the Indian aviation sector is undergoing a rapid transition phase with IndiGo leading the industry to growth, followed by Tata Air India’s makeover, New airports and airlines popping out, and some established carriers like SpiceJet, and Flybig (S9) facing financial difficulties.
But we will have a new set of regional airlines such as Jettwings, Alhind, and Air Kerala. you can read more such stories here: Indian Aviation News – Aviation A2Z
What are your thoughts on recent developments in the Indian aviation industry? Let us know in the comments.
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