@rishiviate
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India & UK Aviation Analysis. Aircraft Brokerage, Airline Consultancy, London Airport Slot Reform Advocate. India Analysis. Available for Media Appearances.
Brighton UK & India
Joined September 2020
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“If KLM in Netherlands is flying 28 flights a week into India because of the [size of] the Indian market, and on the other hand the Indian operators such as Air India only get like seven flights, and [there is] nothing or just a handful of slots for IndiGo at Amsterdam’s Schipol, then there should be some balance,” Pieter Elbers
Well said, Pieter Elbers. I totally agree, and I'd extend it to other areas and include the Middle East.
thehindu.com/business/indigo…
Note there is precedent for this, the 2007 Air India Malaysian Airlines London Heathrow slot deal.
airliners.net/forum/viewtopi…
If a foreign airline or its home airport is prohibiting Indian airlines/carriers from effectively competing, then:
"Indian airlines/carriers must stand up for themselves, and be creative with their demands; asking for things in return, once they said airline/carrier or country exceeds a basic number of flights"
Slot hoarding at foreign airports like London Heathrow or hogging new aircraft could also count.
Otherwise, Indian airlines/carriers will not become global supercarriers.
Note: This is the 21st Century, and world dynamics are changing. Particular countries don't yield the power they once did.
Air India appears to be discontinuing Delhi (DEL)-Birmingham (BHX) from the IATA NW26 Season
This is another masterstroke by Tewolde.
Who, in their right mind, is going to fly DEL-BHX on an unrefitted B777-300ER, with thrice-weekly service, when you can fly Delhi-London Heathrow 4 times a day on the latest or ex-Vistara product?
Note that this is even before I consider the airspace issues affecting Air India right now.
Delhi (DEL)-Birmingham (BHX) is viable for Air India if it can serve it daily on a refitted B787-8, which isn't possible right now.
#airindia
#bhx
#birmingham
hat trip @bhxlife
Air India discontinues Delhi (DEL) Vienna (VIE) effective 31st October
Finally!!
I've been calling for the discontinuation of Vienna (VIE) flights since the 1st round of flight cutbacks last year (IATA NS 25 Season).
There is no sense in keeping Vienna while Zurich (ZRH) and the 2nd Delhi-Frankfurt flight aren't daily.
Better to make both daily, or launch Mumbai-Johannesburg flights if possible.
However, don't be surprised if they use the freed-up aircraft as cover during the fog season or send them for refit to speed up the process.
#airindia
Great news, this is finally happening.
This should have happened a long time ago. I hope this partnership extends into other areas.
A new chapter begins in our partnership with Singapore Airlines🇮🇳 🇸🇬
Launching the first phase of our Commercial Cooperation Framework Agreement, effective 15 October, our customers will be able to book eligible flights operated by either airline directly through both carriers' booking channels, enabling easier access to 126 weekly flights between Singapore and 8 Indian cities, with greater choice, flexibility and convenience.
Enhanced reciprocal benefits for Maharaja Club and KrisFlyer members will follow from next year.
@SingaporeAir
Learn more: airindia.com/in/en/newsroom/…
Finally, after years of applying, Air India obtaines additional slots for the IATA NW26 season at London Heathrow
Since no slot trade involving Air India has emerged, I'm assuming it came via the allocations. Therefore, let's hope it's a permanent allocation.
It will be interesting to see/hear:
1. The timings obtained
2. How Air India will be utilising the slots
Note: These slots do not have to be used for Kolkata; Applying for Kolkata could be a way to secure them.
@AirIndia_News @airindia
#heathrow #airindia
ACL IATA NW26 start-of-season reports are being published out:
acl-uk.org/latest-airport-in…
Rishi Jain retweeted
Ahead of tomorrow’s govt meeting, airlines seek details on Navi Mumbai airport’s preparedness for the proposed relocation of 265 weekly international departure slots from Mumbai T2 after Oct 25
Sources say that carriers are seeking clarity on whether maintenance, regulatory, security, staff and ground-handling requirements are fully in place ahead of the proposed October 25 transition.
Their questions include:
Aircraft maintenance: Is line maintenance available
at Navi Mumbai for each aircraft type, and are the MRO providers appropriately certified?
Maintenance training: Have line maintenance providers completed the required training and certifications for every airline and aircraft type?
DGCA approvals: Have maintenance providers and facilities received DGCA certification for the relevant aircraft types?
Foreign airline approvals: Have foreign carriers obtained the necessary approvals from their respective Civil Aviation Authorities for line maintenance at Navi Mumbai?
Airline office infrastructure: Is adequate office space available for the large number of airlines expected to operate from the airport?
Security approvals: Have Airline Operator Security Programme (AOSP) approvals been obtained from BCAS for each airline?
Security clearances: Have all airline and ground-handling personnel received security clearances and Aerodrome Entry Permits (AEPs)?
Airside access: Are airside vehicle passes and staff driving permits in place?
Ground-handling readiness: Have ground-handling staff been trained and certified for operations of each airline?
@CNBCTV18Live @CNBCTV18News #india #travel #aviation
Let's see what happens on 13th!
BIG DEVELOPMENT
RELIEF FOR AIRLINES
Aviation Ministry puts on hold Adani Airports’ plan to discontinue 265 international flights at T2 starting Oct 26
Govt asks Adani Airports to reconvene with airlines & stakeholders and work out an “agreeable/win-win” transition plan.
Adani Airports’ also asked to submit its request for the Major Development Plan for T1 redevelopment (important)
Adani Airports has called stakeholders for a fresh meeting on Oct 13 to discuss further plan of action
Airlines told the govt current timelines proposed by Mumbai Airport are aggressive timelines and not achievable.
@CNBCTV18Live
@CNBCTV18News #airlines #travel #Aviation
Mumbai Airport's plan should not affect long-haul international flights.
Domestic flights should be targeted. I don't see why the numbers can't be found in domestic flights and some short- to mid-haul international flights.
#CNBCTV18Exclusive |✈️ Mumbai Airport Face-Off Intensifies
Airlines push back against MIAL’s proposed 33% cut in international departure slots at T2, citing existing winter schedule commitments and lack of meaningful consultation.
🚨 Airlines warn cancellations could disrupt bookings & passenger travel plans
🏛️ Seek Civil Aviation Ministry intervention
🤝 Demand a transparent stakeholder process on T1 redevelopment & T2 transition
#CNBCTV18Exclusive #MumbaiAirport #MIAL #Aviation #Airlines #Mumbai
There are far better ways to achieve Adani Group objectives at Mumbai Airport (BOM) than what it's currently proposing.
It might be better to delay this and rethink things, though.
Adani Group-owned #Mumbai International #Airport’s standoff with airlines over the transition of operations ahead of Terminal 1 redevelopment has escalated
The airport operator is now threatening to temporarily discontinue 265 weekly international departure slots at #Terminal2 from October 25
@madeehamedia
cnbctv18.com/business/aviati…
Rishi Jain retweeted
Heathrow expansion is about strengthening connections across the whole UK.
Today, Heathrow's domestic routes support nearly £1.2bn in tourism spending, helping local businesses, jobs and communities benefit from domestic and international travel.
But Heathrow is full. Expansion would create the opportunity for more domestic connections, linking more parts of the UK to the nation's only hub airport and the global opportunities it unlocks.
For Yorkshire, that could mean restoring direct connectivity between @LBIAirport and @HeathrowAirport, making it easier for businesses, exporters, visitors and investors to connect with the region and the world.
And the benefits could go even further. Analysis in @FrontierEcon's Keeping the UK Connected- Domestic connectivity at Heathrow report shows that unlocking new domestic routes could support an additional £335m in annual gross tourism spend for the UK.
Find out more about domestic connectivity and expansion ➡️ heathrow.com/content/dam/hea…
Rishi Jain retweeted
🚨 NEW: Andy Burnham says he will soon force airlines to let kids under 14 sit with their parents for free and allow simple booking changes without charge
Well put.
A no-hub, multi-airport strategy won't work for long-haul/ultra-long-haul flights to/from the UK.
#ExpansionExplained: Why does a hub airport matter?
@HeathrowAirport's role as the UK's only hub airport is important. It helps provide:
✈️ More routes
Pooling passengers from across the UK and beyond helps airlines operate flights to destinations that may not have enough demand from a single city alone.
🌍 Better global connections
The hub model links UK regions to hundreds of destinations worldwide through a single network, supporting long-haul connectivity at a scale that other UK airports cannot deliver on their own.
📦 Support for trade
Passenger aircraft also carry high-value cargo. As the UK's largest port by value, Heathrow helps British businesses connect with customers and markets around the world.
🗺️ Unique global links
Heathrow serves more than 25 routes that are not available from other European hub airports, helping connect the UK with underserved markets around the world.
🏠 Stronger UK connectivity
Expansion could create space for up to five additional domestic routes, improving connections between UK regions and the country's global gateway. These routes could generate around £335 million in additional annual tourism spend.
✨ Benefits across the UK
Businesses, exporters, tourists and travellers from every nation and region can access global opportunities through the UK's hub airport.
A strong hub airport and strong regional airports work together, helping connect communities across the UK to global destinations, trade and opportunity.
Read more about Heathrow expansion FAQs ➡️ heathrow.com/expansion/faqs
#UKGatewayToGrowth
Rishi Jain retweeted
Sir, just open up 10-15 hangars
Air India really needs to refurbish the entire cabin—not just put new seat covers on broken seats.
Non-functional IFE, loose/broken tray tables, worn-out interiors… and seats that seem to face turbulence of their own.
If you’re going to keep flying these old birds, they really need a proper cabin refurbishment.
This is ludicrous. Manchester does not have the demand; that's why there is plenty of capacity there.
Either you build a 4-runway hub airport for the UK just north of London, or you let Heathrow build a 3rd runway. Along with interim measures till either solution becomes operational.
Nothing else will fly its plane, simple.
Air India increases Delhi (DEL)-Sydney (SYD) to 11 weekly, effective 16th Dec
A really wise and good move as:
1. This route is not directly affected by airspace closures
2. Demand for North India Sydney exists particularly during IATA NW season
3. The increase increases the transit connections at the Delhi end, for a destination known to have high demand from destinations Air India serves.
Long term, my prediction is:
Both Delhi-Melbourne and Delhi-Sydney sectors in a few years could see increases up to 21 flights a week by Air India.
aeroroutes.com/eng/260930-ai…
#airindia
@airindia
@AirIndia_News
It's not surprising Air India is discontinuing:
London Gatwick (LGW)-Amritsar (ATQ)
These flights were bound to fail from the outset, as I said many times.
If you're planning direct Amritsar/Punjab-London flights, please only do it to/from London Heathrow (LHR).
It will never be viable from another London airport, period.
The primary target market for this lives in the backyard of Heathrow. Examples: Southall, Hounslow, Feltham, Uxbridge, Greenford, Slough, to name a few.
This market would rather hub via another airport or drive up from Delhi (DEL) than travel on some of the most congested parts of the UK transport network.
Additionally, Gatwick does not offer the vital Canada interlines to help sustain this route.
A sizable number of local flyers on this route work at Heathrow, directly or indirectly.
