Airliners-India.com

747-237 · Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 5:17 pm Post subject:

Air India losing Rs 70 lakh daily on Delhi-Sydney route

Carrier's cumulative losses since launch of Dreamliner services stand at Rs 80 cr

http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/air-india-losing-rs-70-lakh-daily-on-delhi-sydney-route-114052101059_1.html

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 5:24 pm Post subject:

^There's little mentioned about why the money is being lost, aside from the vague references to competition from SQ and MH which have always been players on the India - Australia route.

Either way, it seems that the 787 isn't too much of a game changer after all, and the Italian sojourn is likely going to end up the same way.
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abhijith16 · Posted: Wed May 21, 2014 5:54 pm Post subject:

Nimish · Posted: Thu May 22, 2014 3:02 pm Post subject:

INR 70L daily is a mammoth amount - looks like the taxpayer is further subsidizing AI and it's loss making abilities Sad

.

The only hope is for some Modi-magic now - but it seems unlikely since he seems to endorse strong PSUs. Of course AI is not strong, neither is it strategic, so hopefully the new govt. will start winding this beast down.
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We miss you Nalini!

747-237 · Posted: Fri May 23, 2014 2:02 am Post subject:

Air India likely to be put on cash-and-carry mode over dues

MIAL threat over non-payment of dues worth Rs 450 crore; AI needs to pay Rs 200 crore by June

http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/air-india-likely-to-be-put-on-cash-and-carry-mode-over-dues-114052201037_1.html

iah87 · Member Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 2566

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140524/nation-current-affairs/article/air-india-might-be-privatised

AI could be privatised, but will BJP ally Shiv Sena go along, especially Mumbai will bear the brunt of the employee cutbacks and spending cuts.

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Sat May 24, 2014 10:21 am Post subject:

AI Dreamliner attempts take-off from Frankfurt twice, in vain

NEW DELHI: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner's unending trouble with spoilers — speed retardation devices on the wings that move up and down — saw over 200 passengers supposed to fly from Frankfurt to Delhi on Thursday night taxiing out of the airport twice only to return to the aerobridge minutes later each time. The aircraft had to be finally grounded in Germany on Thursday night as by the time the problem was sorted, night curfew had kicked in at Frankfurt.

The problem started when AI 123 on Dreamliner (VT-AND) first taxied out of Frankfurt and a problem was detected with the spoilers. This device acts as a speed breaker on an aircraft and its actuators make it go up or down on wing tips during takeoff to alter drag and during landing to increase rate of descent. Without this important device perfectly functional, an airplane can't be allowed to get airborne.

"The problem was sorted out in about 90 minutes. By this time, the flight time duty limitation of the crew (maximum time that a crew is allowed to operate for) got keeping in mind the time spent on ground and the remaining flying time to Delhi. An exemption from the FTDL was obtained. And then the aircraft was ready to fly to Delhi. But it was not allowed to take off as the 9pm airport curfew time at Frankfurt may have been breached," said an official.

As a result, 201 passengers, including 21 infants, and 10 crew members had to stay back in Frankfurt. "While passengers were agitated, AI had to spend a lot in putting many of them in hotels. The Dreamliner snags have meant that the airline spends money on such things and ends up earning the ire of its flyers. Hopefully, the next aviation minister takes a tough stand with Boeing on the unending problems with the B-787," said an official.

Incidentally, another Frankfurt-Delhi flight had to return to the German city earlier this month as the Dreamliner's windshield had cracked minutes after take off. A majority of the problems being experienced by AI Dreamliners are of repeat nature like windshield cracks and spoiler snags. "We have taken up these issues with Boeing but so far they have not been resolved. As a result, similar snags keep reappearing time and again," said an official.

AI has ordered 27 Dreamliners and has got delivery of 13 so far. The airline is seeking compensation from Boeing for three counts of the Dreamliner — the over three-year delay in delivery of the aircraft; grounding of this aircraft for four months last year and for failure to meet "guaranteed performance" standards of fuel consumption as the plane has not proven to be as fuel efficient as it was promised to be and was the deal-clincher for AI placing order for them.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/AI-Dreamliner-attempts-take-off-from-Frankfurt-twice-in-vain/articleshow/35543175.cms

Just another day in the office for the nightmare liner.
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Yeah.

Nimish · Posted: Mon May 26, 2014 8:56 am Post subject:

abhijith16 · Posted: Mon May 26, 2014 1:40 pm Post subject:

Nimish · Posted: Mon May 26, 2014 2:33 pm Post subject:

If the Shiv Sena want to keep AI going - we should pass on the bill to them.
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We miss you Nalini!

sri_bom · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore

Air India Express 'cannot consider' increasing revenue from pax to improve food quality: CEO
News
26-May-2014 10:50 AM
Air India Express CEO K Shyam Sundar addressed complaints over the food quality served on-board, saying it could not be improved without increasing revenues from passengers (The Hindu, 23-May-2014). Mr Sundar said, "The private carriers are offering this [improved quality] after collecting money from the passengers which Air India Express cannot consider".

lavence7 · Posted: Thu May 29, 2014 9:53 pm Post subject:

Just saw some interesting Air india bashing by Arnab on Times Now about the " extended freebies " to retired and former employees.

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Thu May 29, 2014 11:54 pm Post subject:

747-237 · Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 3:08 am Post subject:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/AI-withdraws-Silchar-Kol-services/articleshow/35741599.cms

AI withdraws Silchar-Kolkata services

May 30, 2014

On March 15, 2003, Indian Airlines (now Air India) had started operating ATR 42-320 aircrafts on the Silchar-Kolkata and Imphal-Guwahati routes. Much to the dismay of fliers, Air India (AI) announced closure of services on the Silchar route.

Although AI sources confirmed the report on Thursday, the airline didn't explain its reasons for withdrawing flights on the Silchar route.

Sources said the affected aircrafts would be redeployed elsewhere.

747-237 · Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 6:24 pm Post subject:

http://rtn.asia/zzz/6614/air-india-signs-code-share-agreement-with-hong-kong-airlines

Air India signs code share agreement with Hong Kong Airlines

May 30, 2014

Air India signed a code-share agreement with Hong Kong Airlines

Under the code-share agreement, HKA will place its code on direct flights operated by Air India between Hong Kong and three cities including Delhi (DEL), Osaka (KIX) and Seoul (ICN) respectively. HKA passengers will have better access to an expanded network of destinations on Air India due to the arrangement.

“They will be able to enjoy daily flights between Hong Kong and Delhi, a three times weekly flight (every Tue/Thu/Sat) between Hong Kong and Osaka, as well as a four times weekly flight (every Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun) between Hong Kong and Seoul, all to be served by Air India’s B787 Dreamliner,” Air India said.

The code share takes effect for flights booked from 10 June 2014 (HKG-DEL) and 4 July 2014 (HKG-KIX, HKG-ICN) respectively.

ranjanmehta · Member Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 108 Location: Dilli

Air India's Airbus A330, VT-IWA damaged today due to strong storms in Delhi. Heard severe damage on the port engine side.

747-237 · Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 10:44 pm Post subject:

^

http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/Storm-Hits-IGI-Five-Planes-Damaged-24-Flights-Diverted/842606

Five aircrafts -- two of SpiceJet, one each of Air India, GoAir and BlueDart -- suffered damaged after they were hit by some flying objects, airport sources said, adding a portion of the roof of Terminal 1D was also blown away.

As the gale hit the airport around 5.30 PM, some flying objects hit an Air India plane, a Boeing 777, parked at the remote bay, they said.

The wing tip of the aircraft suffered damage after it was hit by some flying objects that was carried by the winds.

However, airline officials said the damage was minor and the plane would be ready for operations after small repair work.

Two SpiceJet planes - Boeing 737s - parked at the airport's parking bay suffered damage.

One of the planes was hit by a step ladder, kept near the aircraft, while another by some flying debris, airport sources said, adding a freight plane of a private courier company BlueDart and a GoAir aircraft were also damaged.

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 12:28 am Post subject:

^Can't be VT-IWA if the article above refers to the AI bird as a 777 then?
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jbalonso777 · Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 12:57 am Post subject:

Nimish · Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 11:01 am Post subject:

From http://www.bangaloreaviation.com/2014/05/analysis-air-india-misses-turnaround-targets-25-posts-rs-5000-crore-loss.html

Devesh · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:57 am Post subject:

Nimish · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:03 pm Post subject:

http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/air-india-in-eye-of-storm-over-free-passage-scheme/1/206786.html - interesting to see how the new MoCA/ PM deal with the mess that is Air India!
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We miss you Nalini!

rutvij · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:40 pm Post subject:

I have been a beneficiary of these staff privileges at AI. Nothing wrong here, as long as its in line with IATA guidelines. What needs to be scrutinized is the definition of a family at both erstwhile AI and IC and across all posts/designations at the company, which I believe are inconsistent.

Family = Employee/Spouse/Parents/Sons/Daughters
Extended Family = Above + Brothers/Sisters/*S-I-L/*D-I-L

* indicates in-law relations, and could fit in into either of the categories depending upon the definition of a family in a particular country.

Additionally, austerity measures should cut down on the number of these discounted passes, especially at higher designations. Innovative measures could also include cutting down on the number of passes to a family if it contains more than 2 children.

PlaneLover · Member Joined: 03 Aug 2007 Posts: 275

Air India has come a long way in cutting their expenses. The 787's if operated on the right routes at the right frequencies will earn them good profits. Entry into Star Alliance will also help. They really need to cut down on all freebies for families. Let us watch for 6 more months. By the end of 2014 if they don't turn cash positive they need to be privatized or shut down.

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 8:51 am Post subject:

Nimish · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 11:29 am Post subject:

Nimish · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 1:17 pm Post subject:

sri_bom · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore

Hong Kong Airlines announces codeshare agreement with Air India
News
2-Jun-2014 10:39 AM
Hong Kong Airlines (HKA) signed (30-May-2014) a codeshare agreement with Air India, under which HKA will place its code (HX) on direct services operated by Air India between Hong Kong (HKG) and Delhi (DEL), Osaka (KIX) and Seoul (ICN). Hong Kong Airlines commercial directors Li Dianchun said: "The codeshare agreement broadens our reach to India, Japan and Korea, making it a significant landmark in Hong Kong Airlines’ network development. And we look forward to further cooperation with Air India in the future". Air India commercial director Pankaj Srivastava said; "The present codeshare with HKA is only the beginning of the partnership between the two airlines and we look forward to an expansion of the codeshare to also involve the transfer of AI passengers on HKA network".

747-237 · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 3:20 pm Post subject:

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 3:48 pm Post subject:

747-237 · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:49 am Post subject:

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/ai-raises-410-m-to-finance-purchase-of-4-dreamliners/1256734

AI raises $410 m to finance purchase of 4 dreamliners

Jun 03 2014

National carrier Air India has raised a bridge loan of $410 million (R2,426 crore) from Deutsche Bank and Standard Chartered Bank to finance the purchase of four Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, a senior company executive told FE.

Of the 27 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft Air India had ordered in 2007, the carrier has inducted 14 so far and expects deliveries of two more planes in June and July. Another two are scheduled for delivery before the year end.

747-237 · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2014 1:50 am Post subject:

http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/Only-Esrtwhile-AI-Pilots-to-Fly-Boeing-777-Planes-HC/842972

Only Esrtwhile AI Pilots to Fly Boeing 777 Planes: HC

Jun 02, 2014

The Delhi High Court has rejected a plea of Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) challenging Air India Ltd's decision to train only pilots belonging to erstwhile Air India to fly advanced Boeing 777 planes.

"The decision of AIL (Air India Ltd created after merger of Air India and Indian airlines in 2007) to have the co-pilots of erstwhile Air India to command Boeing 777 aircraft (subject to flight safety requirements), does not impinge upon any term and condition of service applicable to members of ICPA," the court said.

Nimish · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2014 3:05 pm Post subject:

^^ I did not quite understand this ruling. What is the problem if there are qualified senior pilots on the ex-IC side who wish to switch over to the 777s?
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We miss you Nalini!

747-237 · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2014 9:18 pm Post subject:

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2023756440_boeingairindiaxml.html

Overweight 787s prompt Air India to ask Boeing for compensation

June 3, 2014

Air India said it’s demanding compensation from Boeing for delivering 787 Dreamliner aircraft that don’t meet promised fuel-efficiency targets because the planes are heavier than planned.

Design changes made after targets were set meant some 787s are heavier than required, Air India Chairman Rohit Nandan said in an interview in Doha, Qatar. The national carrier and the plane maker are negotiating a formula for compensation, which may be finalized after the 18th Dreamliner is delivered to the Mumbai-based carrier, he said

In February, Boeing said Air India was not happy with the reliability of the aircraft and the plane maker was upgrading software and changing components on some planes owned by the flag carrier whenever they could be taken out of service. The model has experienced a series of malfunctions since commercial debut 3 1/2 years late in 2011, including a three-month grounding of the global fleet last year after battery meltdowns.

“The worst part is over,” Nandan said. “The initial ones did have some difficulty of engineering, in terms of service, but I think they have all been upgraded now.”

Boeing was struggling to find buyers for 11 of its earliest 787 Dreamliners valued at $1.1 billion after two airlines dropped orders for the holdover models from the jet’s troubled birth, people briefed on the plans had said earlier.

The early Dreamliners are known in the industry as the “terrible teens,” a nod to their place in the assembly-line order and the factory woes. The teens weigh more than other 787s due to custom-fitted reinforcements and needed the most work among the more than 60 early Dreamliners that required post-assembly modifications.

The_Goat · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2014 10:16 pm Post subject:

jbalonso777 · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2014 9:29 pm Post subject:

sri_bom · Member Joined: 22 Dec 2006 Posts: 2365 Location: Singapore

Air India exceeding turnaround plan 'under each and every parameter', pax rev up 20% in May-2014
News
5-Jun-2014 11:37 AM
Air India stated “the performance achieved by Air India exceeded turnaround plan under each and every parameter,” after the carrier reported “another good month” in passenger revenue and traffic for the May-2014 (PTI, 05-Jun-2014). Air India reported a 20% year-on-year increase in passenger revenue per day to INR440 million (USD7.4 million) and a 5% increase in average passengers transported to 47,700. Passenger load factor on domestic services reached 80% and on international services reached 73%. Yield per RPK increased 10% to INR4.47 (USD 7.5 cents) during the month with domestic yield reaching INR7.41 (USD 12.5 cents). Meanwhile, Air India Express reported average passenger revenue per day of INR81.3 million (USD1.4 million) and transported 8500 passengers during the month. The carrier also recorded an all-time record international load factor of 90% while yield reached INR4.08 (USD 6.9 cents).

747-237 · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:31 pm Post subject:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Air-India-jet-hit-by-truck-at-US-airport-damaged/articleshow/36083759.cms

Air India jet hit by truck at US airport, damaged

Jun 5, 2014

An Air India aircraft was hit by a catering truck at Newark airport in the US on Wednesday evening. The Boeing 777-300ER (extended range) was being prepared to fly as AI 191 with 335 passengers to Mumbai.

"The aircraft has been severely damaged in the mishap and had to be grounded. Alternate arrangements are being made for the passengers and the aircraft was being prepared for take off when it was hit," said an official.

While AI will seek compensation from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey which runs the Newark Liberty International Airport, the airline faces a major handicap with an ultra-long range aircraft down.

"Such things like aircraft getting hit by ground vehicles or passenger boarding ramps flying around during strong storms are common at Indian airports. But something like this happening in New York is unimaginable," said a senior pilot.

AI is worried that the B-777 which got damaged in the US may stay grounded for a while as the authorities there will take their time to certify it airworthy again.

The reason: the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had this January downgraded India's aviation safety ranking, following which Indian-registered aircraft have been left open to intense checks on foreign soil.

Spiderguy252 · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:40 pm Post subject:

^335 pax to BOM is a healthy load on the 77W.
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PlaneLover · Member Joined: 03 Aug 2007 Posts: 275

If the aircraft was severely damaged by the catering truck it speaks of poor standards at EWR. Time to downgrade the airport.