While the Regional Connectivity Scheme unfolds gradually, one has to wait and watch how this is going to impact the mainline players and the regional players, including general aviation operators
EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT how Indian aviation will soar in the years to come, with aviation growth registering over 20 per cent year on year, reflected mostly by massive surge in passenger movement. They all seem euphoric that India will be the third top aviation market in the next five years, from its current ranking of ninth. That is a phenomenal jump. Everyone is banking on the National Civil Aviation Policy and the Regional Connectivity Scheme to do wonders. While the top echelons in the Civil Aviation Ministry are doing everything to create an ecosystem for growth, there are still many issues that are eroding airline performance, more so of the regional airlines.
REGIONAL AIRLINES GETTING GROUNDED
All is not well on the regional airline front. The first regional airline from Vijayawada — Air Costa — is again in the news for all the wrong reasons. It has suspended flight operations due to financial muddle, the second such set back in nearly four years of its operations. While it began on a good note, peaked it with ordering 50 E-Jets E2 at the 2014 Singapore Airshow, Air Costa is now facing another bout of financial nightmare. The company, which had four Embraer aircraft at its peak, is left with none as the lender GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) has repossessed them. Negotiations are on between the lessor and Air Costa and the latter has stopped taking bookings for a temporary period. The Vice President (Marketing and Brand Communication) Kavi Chaurasia had told the media that a clear picture would emerge soon and the airline would announce when operations would be resumed.
With fund crunch, the airline has reportedly only paid the base slab salaries for January and the promoters, LEPL Group, are trying to clear the dues. The Vijayawada-based group has diversified interests in real estate and infrastructure development.
This story is from the March 2017 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2017 edition of SP’s Aviation.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
KLM: THE WORLD'S OLDEST AIRLINE STILL GOING STRONG!
In 1930, KLM began scheduled passenger service between Amsterdam and Jakarta. The Fokker F.XII plane took 10 days to reach, including 81 hours of flying time. It was the world's longest scheduled flight before the Second World War.
SPICEJET'S $90 MILLION DEAL WITH CANADIAN Q400 PLANES
SpiceJet has successfully resolved a significant dispute with Bombardier over a fleet of Q400 turboprop planes in the form of a $90 million settlement, marking the end of a prolonged legal battle that also has broader implications for the Indian aviation sector
TAPPING THE UNCHARTED WATERS
Seaplane services are expected to transform regional connectivity in India, boost tourism, create jobs, and foster economic development, particularly in hard-to-reach coastal and inland regions
FLIGHT PLAN FOR NAVIGATING BUSINESS AIRCRAFT FINANCING
The business aircraft financing market has witnessed significant growth post-pandemic, driven by increased demand for private and chartered flights
TRUMP'S VICTORY: WHAT WILL IT UNFOLD FOR INDIA
For India, one of the most significant aspects of Trump's return will be his approach to China. There is a possibility that Trump will continue to view India through a transactional lens, prioritising trade deficits and economic returns. The role which the US plays as the global tech powerhouse is the model for future growth which cuts across economy to security. In all potential, there are mostly positive signs, rather another defining era for Indo-US relations could unfold if indicators are right. The convergence of mutual interest for both democracies is too obvious.
ANTARIKSHA ABHYAS-2024
The first ever tri-services Defence Space Exercise was a significant building block towards holistic capability in global space operations
INDIA'S GSAT-20 SATELLITE LAUNCHED
Symbolising growing technology, growth & collaboration, this mission highlights India's dedication to leveraging space technology for societal progress, expanding its role in commercial space ventures while underscoring the potential for India's heavy-lift launch vehicles to capture future opportunities
A LEGACY OF PRECISION, POWER, AND POISE IN THE SKIES
With a vision for comfort, excellence and sustainable aviation, Dassault's Falcon family embodies the peak of technological and environmental advancements
INDIA'S RICHEST BUYS BBJ
Private jets play a strategic role in allowing business magnates like Ambani to optimise time management, particularly critical given his global business commitments and a packed travel schedule.
PRIME MINISTER INAUGURATES AIRCRAFT COMPLEX FOR MANUFACTURING OF C295 AIRCRAFT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing of C295 aircraft at TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 28, 2024.
