It took quite a while for the Airports Authority of India to cancel the controversial Ground Handling tender. This, despite the fact that thrice, over the last six months, Cruising HeigHts had highlighted that everything was not above board in the tender process. In this, perhaps, the last chapter of the AAI tender saga, TIRTHANKAR GHOSH pieces together the moves that brought about the end to the tender process and the way forward.
R .I.P. Requiescat In Pace or Rest In Peace. That is the fate of the Ground Handling tender for 76 airports. Laid to rest after the cancellation by Airports Authority of India (AAI), the participants who for the lack of knowledge on the subject or whatever reasons had quoted unrealistic and unimaginably high percentages of royalty amount that was supposed to be shared with AAI, have breathed a sigh of relief. They have reason enough: if the contract were to be awarded to them and had they accepted it, they would perforce have to suffer huge losses -because it would have become impossible to pay the royalty percentage quoted by them. And, if the participants were to back out from accepting the contract, they would have lost crores of rupees deposited by them as earnest money to AAI as it would have been forfeited.
With that, a long-drawn story – almost a year-old since the tender procedure was begun in May last year – of deception, flagrant abuse and bending of rules ended. But will that bring peace to the minds of Ground Handling stakeholders?
CRUISING HEIGHTS readers will remember the three investigative pieces that appeared in the issues of February 2019 (“That’s the name of the game”), March 2019 (“Tender tales”) and May 2019 (“Will our airports be secure?”) that exposed the goings-on in the AAI. The in-depth articles were based on eyewitnesses and whistleblower’s letters. In fact, all our attempts to get reactions to the articles from the vigilance authorities both in the AAI and the central government remained unanswered.
Denne historien er fra July 2019-utgaven av Cruising Heights.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2019-utgaven av Cruising Heights.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
POWERING UP
Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.