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Air India News -- Part 32
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sumantra
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 14, 2017 12:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

GF1011 wrote:
Im guessing AI just needs to keep any two 744s configured for VIP duty at any given time. All four frames have done VIP-duty stints in the past, as can be gleaned from the many pictures and videos online of Air India One at airports around the world. VT- EVA has been the 'chosen one' for the last few months..
At one time, it was `Khajuraho' which was unofficially called `AI1' by many, for the number of VVIP duties she did, but `Agra' also seems to have some soft spot among the ones in charge, not just being the first refurbished B744 (then in the old colours), but according to some, perhaps the one in best shape right now (even when not on VIP duties).
Cheers, Sumantra.
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747-237
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 15, 2017 6:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/delhi-to-shanghai-air-india-aircraft-hit-by-electric-baggage-tractor-before-take-off-probe-ordered/894380/

Air India aircraft hit by electric baggage tractor before take off

October 14, 2017

An electric baggage tractor hit the engine of aircraft AI 348 which was ready to take off, as reported by ANI. The aircraft connected the route from Delhi to Shanghai. As per the reports, the Aircraft has been grounded for now, and a probe has been ordered for the same. Air India has also come out with a statement in connection with the incident. As per the ANI reports, the employees who were handling the baggage tug have been de-rostered. The Airline has further initiated an investigation of the whole episode.
Aircraft has also being examined for any damage.



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5Patel
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 15, 2017 7:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

6 incidents in less than 3 months.

1. AI 676 (A320neo) forgets to retract landing gear
2. AI A320 got hit by ET-687
3. AI 102 (B777) R2 door opened in Armed condition, deploying evacuation slide.
4. IX 452 (B738) veered off taxiway and ended in a drain
5. AI 820 (A319) hit a Ground Cooling Unit
6. AI 348 (B788) got hit by baggage tractor

It includes almost all their aircraft types.
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sumantra
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 15, 2017 8:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

5Patel wrote:
6 incidents in less than 3 months.
It includes almost all their aircraft types.
Wow, you really keep track of such things: that is a neat summary Smile Some of these AI's troubles are self-inflicted, some not so.
Cheers, Sumantra.
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Aseem
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 7:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

any plans around cargo conversion of AI's B744s??
why aren't any of the players interested in cargo?

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PostPosted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 3:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Aseem wrote:
any plans around cargo conversion of AI's B744s??
why aren't any of the players interested in cargo?

VT-ASJ


I think that the pax version of the 744 is generally not very suitable for cargo conversion. The stretched upper deck reduces the payload. Freighter versions of the 744 (and the 748) built by Boeing come with the shorter upper deck, similar to the 741/742.

In any case, Indian operators have lost the cargo market to foreign ones a long time ago. Who is interested in lucrative things like cargo, when launching (loss making) flights to the Birminghams and the Copenhagens of the World is clearly a greater priority?
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sumantra
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 3:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Aseem wrote:
any plans around cargo conversion of AI's B744s??why aren't any of the players interested in cargo?
VT-ASJ

Aseem: The_Goat's answer is partially correct: the market wasn't quite there even for the cargo conversions of the more fuel-thrifty A310s. Yes, in Air India's heydays, the leased freighters did a world of good. Now, it does not make sense to compete with the dedicated cargo bigwigs, and the other big airlines with cargo ops, since as The_Goat has correctly mentioned, Indian operators lost out on the market a long time back.

The_Goat wrote:
I think that the pax version of the 744 is generally not very suitable for cargo conversion. The stretched upper deck reduces the payload. Freighter versions of the 744 (and the 748) built by Boeing come with the shorter upper deck, similar to the 741/742.
That is not fully correct, since there are a few conversions around, which are still able to make money (the penalty isn't that considerable, from what I hear).

The_Goat wrote:
Who is interested in lucrative things like cargo, when launching (loss making) flights to the Birminghams and the Copenhagens of the World is clearly a greater priority?
Sir, I think you have answered your own question. Given the current climate, it will not make sense to launch cargo operations anytime in the near future. AI realised this very quickly, and Thank God for that. The dedicated converted cargo fleet was parted out, retired, or sold out (A310F, B732F). Some routes have been forced upon AI, but most have come after some excellent study and analysis. A route will bleed initially, more so with the non-daily ops: a fine dividing line. AI has seen its best days after its heydays, under Team Nandan and Team Lohani. The debt is the biggest boulder pulling the airline down.
Cheers, Sumantra.
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The_Goat
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 5:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

sumantra wrote:


The_Goat wrote:
I think that the pax version of the 744 is generally not very suitable for cargo conversion. The stretched upper deck reduces the payload. Freighter versions of the 744 (and the 748) built by Boeing come with the shorter upper deck, similar to the 741/742.
That is not fully correct, since there are a few conversions around, which are still able to make money (the penalty isn't that considerable, from what I hear).

.


The 747-400F carries almost 18 tonnes more than the B747-400BCF.
In addition, the B747-400BCF also does not have the nose opening feature.


So while the BCF may be useful for some operators, it is certainly inferior to the 400F.
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sumantra
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 6:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The_Goat wrote:
The 747-400F carries almost 18 tonnes more than the B747-400BCF. In addition, the B747-400BCF also does not have the nose opening feature. So while the BCF may be useful for some operators, it is certainly inferior to the 400F.
Sir, it is definitely inferior, but not that inferior for an operator who could make this work for the required economics. Hence the existence of quite a few such frames in service, and hence my `not considerable' remark. And the bottom line as we know, is that it does not make sense for AI to try to get the BCF.
Cheers, Sumantra.
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747-237
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 6:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.livemint.com/Companies/X8JELLiO16eIgHnFE0D2mL/Air-India-seeks-555-million-bridge-loan-to-buy-3-Boeing-pla.html

Air India seeks $555 million bridge loan to buy 3 Boeing planes

Oct 16 2017

Air India is planning to raise $555 million by way of bridge loan for the purchase of three Boeing Co. aircraft, according to a tender document.

Air India, which is in the process of being privatised, would be taking delivery of three B777-300 ER planes early next year. Now, the airline has sought offers from “banks/ financial institutions to arrange a bridge financing up to $555 million for financing the acquisition of the three B777-300 ER aircraft to be drawn equally at the time of taking delivery of the aircraft,” the document said.

Two of the aircraft are to be delivered in January and the remaining one in February. According to the the purchase agreement with Boeing, Air India is to buy 15 B777-300 ER aircraft and it has already taken deliver of 12 such planes.

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PostPosted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 11:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
http://www.livemint.com/Companies/X8JELLiO16eIgHnFE0D2mL/Air-India-seeks-555-million-bridge-loan-to-buy-3-Boeing-pla.html

Air India seeks $555 million bridge loan to buy 3 Boeing planes

Oct 16 2017

Air India is planning to raise $555 million by way of bridge loan for the purchase of three Boeing Co. aircraft, according to a tender document.

Air India, which is in the process of being privatised, would be taking delivery of three B777-300 ER planes early next year. Now, the airline has sought offers from “banks/ financial institutions to arrange a bridge financing up to $555 million for financing the acquisition of the three B777-300 ER aircraft to be drawn equally at the time of taking delivery of the aircraft,” the document said.

Two of the aircraft are to be delivered in January and the remaining one in February. According to the the purchase agreement with Boeing, Air India is to buy 15 B777-300 ER aircraft and it has already taken deliver of 12 such planes.


Wasn't there some talk of converting these orders to 787-9? I do fear the 77W is too much capacity for AI.
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 12:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jeh wrote:


Wasn't there some talk of converting these orders to 787-9? I do fear the 77W is too much capacity for AI.


Two of these three 77Ws are to be set aside for VIP use.

Coverting these to 787-9s would mean three new oddball aircraft in the fleet, like the three 7Ls.
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747-237
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 3:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jeh wrote:
Wasn't there some talk of converting these orders to 787-9? I do fear the 77W is too much capacity for AI.


I believe all plans for Air India buying /leasing the 787-9 have been shelved.
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sumantra
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 9:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jeh wrote:
Wasn't there some talk of converting these orders to 787-9? I do fear the 77W is too much capacity for AI.
Indeed. The B77W is indeed too much capacity, and more of these do not quite fit into AI's plans: the past, as well as the present, as of now.
The_Goat wrote:
Two of these three 77Ws are to be set aside for VIP use.
Coverting these to 787-9s would mean three new oddball aircraft in the fleet, like the three 7Ls.
Indeed. The VVIP duties. The B789s were not to be order conversions, but fresh leases. Midway through the B788 deliveries, there were rumours of perhaps a few being converted to B789s. There was quite a bit of thinking on this, and these plans were shelved. More on this, below.
7470237 wrote:
I believe all plans for Air India buying /leasing the 787-9 have been shelved.
Indeed. This was perhaps the first indication of change of plans after the privatisation initiative came out from Government. The B789s were to be fresh leases, and would have been perhaps been something between 3 and 5 in number. There had been a fresh rethink at AI on the B789s. Earlier, AI Engineering was quite against the idea of the B789s in the fleet. Apparently, the family commonality isn't that much (compared to the other families), and officially, the B789 conversions were mooted twice, and decided against, twice. The rumour is that some of the serious AI-UA talks may have given AI some confidence that the B789s would lend quite a bit of flexibility to the fleet, and the UA experience with the sub-type had not been too bad.
Cheers, Sumantra.
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 7:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I can't believe they are taking new 77W with that horrible J class and 9 across Y. AI needs to upgrade their J class and move Y to 10 across plus add 3 rows of extra legroom seats for Star Golds. I wonder if the GOI will just give AI all 3 aircraft given its being privatized. I am sure the 747's can be operated for a few more years.
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 9:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Caliguy wrote:
I can't believe they are taking new 77W with that horrible J class and 9 across Y. AI needs to upgrade their J class and move Y to 10 across plus add 3 rows of extra legroom seats for Star Golds. I wonder if the GOI will just give AI all 3 aircraft given its being privatized. I am sure the 747's can be operated for a few more years.


The J Class is quite outdated (the IFE feels and looks like its circa 1998), but the 9-abreast Y class is superb. I walked to the back on my recent flights on AI and sat down in a Y seat for about 10 minutes, and the legroom was superb - about 34" and very comfortable for even someone of my height (6ft 1). I was upgraded on the BOM-DEL sector on AI 101 to First, and, frankly, First needs to be removed.
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sumantra
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 10:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Caliguy wrote:
I can't believe they are taking new 77W with that horrible J class and 9 across Y. AI needs to upgrade their J class and move Y to 10 across plus add 3 rows of extra legroom seats for Star Golds. I wonder if the GOI will just give AI all 3 aircraft given its being privatized. I am sure the 747's can be operated for a few more years.

Indeed, the J is outdated, and the superb Y needs to be squished to make it more profitable to operate. The Dream)liner configuration is one of the best in terms of both J and Y, and the 3-3-3 in Y on the Dream)liner does not feel cramped. The lovely legspace makes up for the slightly constrained width. The B744s, much like the B777s, need a revamp.

Jaysit wrote:
The J Class is quite outdated (the IFE feels and looks like its circa 1998), but the 9-abreast Y class is superb. I walked to the back on my recent flights on AI and sat down in a Y seat for about 10 minutes, and the legroom was superb - about 34" and very comfortable for even someone of my height (6ft 1). I was upgraded on the BOM-DEL sector on AI 101 to First, and, frankly, First needs to be removed.

The current Y legspace is simply superb. It is incredibly comfortable for the India-US flights.
The outdated First is very comfortable, but yes, definitely needs to go. With one B777 currently undergoing a heavy check, on the one hand, makes me hopeful of a reconfig, but on the other, makes me depressed that AI may not take any reconfig decision until the privatisation.
Cheers, Sumantra.
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 7:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

sumantra wrote:
Caliguy wrote:
I can't believe they are taking new 77W with that horrible J class and 9 across Y. AI needs to upgrade their J class and move Y to 10 across plus add 3 rows of extra legroom seats for Star Golds. I wonder if the GOI will just give AI all 3 aircraft given its being privatized. I am sure the 747's can be operated for a few more years.

Indeed, the J is outdated, and the superb Y needs to be squished to make it more profitable to operate. The Dream)liner configuration is one of the best in terms of both J and Y, and the 3-3-3 in Y on the Dream)liner does not feel cramped. The lovely legspace makes up for the slightly constrained width. The B744s, much like the B777s, need a revamp.

Jaysit wrote:
The J Class is quite outdated (the IFE feels and looks like its circa 1998), but the 9-abreast Y class is superb. I walked to the back on my recent flights on AI and sat down in a Y seat for about 10 minutes, and the legroom was superb - about 34" and very comfortable for even someone of my height (6ft 1). I was upgraded on the BOM-DEL sector on AI 101 to First, and, frankly, First needs to be removed.

The current Y legspace is simply superb. It is incredibly comfortable for the India-US flights.
The outdated First is very comfortable, but yes, definitely needs to go. With one B777 currently undergoing a heavy check, on the one hand, makes me hopeful of a reconfig, but on the other, makes me depressed that AI may not take any reconfig decision until the privatisation.
Cheers, Sumantra.


I think they can keep 3 rows of 3-3-3 with 35 inch and call it main cabin extra or what ever. But the rest should be 3-4-3 with 31/32 inch like everyone else. On J, I actually think AI did something weird on their 787's. Other airlines all cram more J seats in the space AI uses. They should have put direct aisle access seats or 2-2-2 like UA which are flat but angled (meaning turned to the walls not angle flat) to fit more seats. AI should have a very dense modern J (like Air Lingus) not spacious. Also the interior colors need to be changed asap. They get reamed on reviews about their color scheme. Maybe bring back the designs on the walls and have the seats look modern and corporate. Rather than sleek clean walls and Indian Holi colors on the seats.

Btw UA used to always have J and Y award availability on AI JFK-DEL or EWR-BOM (less on the EWR flight). Now nothing, day after day. Even off peak like Nov 25th. What is going on? Is Ai all of a sudden full or is UA blocking AI seats for the nonstop (AI within India and EU-India still show up).
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sumantra
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 7:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Caliguy wrote:
I think they can keep 3 rows of 3-3-3 with 35 inch and call it main cabin extra or what ever. But the rest should be 3-4-3 with 31/32 inch like everyone else.
While these are indeed good ideas, and possibly what the Industry is going towards, from what I know, AI will not go this drastic way unless something sudden happens.
Caliguy wrote:
AI should have a very dense modern J (like Air Lingus) not spacious.
Perhaps yes, but then, this is even more improbable with the current AI, though the revamp on the B777s post-heavy-check is something which many of us hope for, even though we know that the chances are quite bleak, given the privatisation efforts.
Caliguy wrote:
Also the interior colors need to be changed asap. They get reamed on reviews about their color scheme. Maybe bring back the designs on the walls and have the seats look modern and corporate. Rather than sleek clean walls and Indian Holi colors on the seats.
Again, chances of this happening (unless there is a sudden directive), are less. However, most of this `reaming' is on Western fora. True, most of us drool over the JRD-era designs, but design trends have moved on toward simplicity.
Caliguy wrote:
Btw UA used to always have J and Y award availability on AI JFK-DEL or EWR-BOM (less on the EWR flight). Now nothing, day after day. Even off peak like Nov 25th. What is going on? Is Ai all of a sudden full or is UA blocking AI seats for the nonstop (AI within India and EU-India still show up).
For one, I know that the JFK flight is doing much better in the past year or so than it used to, in terms of both loads and returns. If it is the latter, it is a pleasant surprise...it means a slight shift in the UA snootiness, and a bit of a thaw in the UA thinktank, which will benefit both UA and AI.
Cheers, Sumantra.
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 8:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

FYI, the outdated First is NOT comfortable. I couldn't find a single recline position that was comfortable, and there's a big bar that hits your lower back. It's rubbish. Get rid of it.
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sumantra
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 19, 2017 8:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jaysit wrote:
FYI, the outdated First is NOT comfortable. I couldn't find a single recline position that was comfortable, and there's a big bar that hits your lower back. It's rubbish. Get rid of it.
Ah, thanks, Sanjay: I didn't know this. (We eagerly look forward to a complete trip report, now!) Reducing the First in the B77Ls is a priority in the wish-list, and removing First altogether from the complete B777 fleet comes next in the wish-list (putting in more of Y, and perhaps Y+). None of which may actually happen pre-privatisation.
Cheers, Sumantra.
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 3:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I cannot wait for Air India to be sold. They have a good network, and many good engineers. A combined Air India-Vistara will be a formidable force to contend with. Simultaneously Indigo needs to buy Go Air and eliminate one more competitor. Jet Airways can then buy SpiceJet thus creating three really big Indian Airlines. Air India can have New Delhi as their hub, Jet Airways can make Mumbai as their international hub and Indigo can make Chennai, Bengaluru or Hyderabad as their hub. This way all can succeed. Indian economy will grow slowly but steadily going forward, and along with it the aviation market.
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 3:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India increases Delhi-Bangkok to 2 daily effective 09DEC, and commences Chandigarh-Bangkok effective 11DEC

AI334 DEL2300 - 0445+1BKK 32B D

AI335 BKK2105 - 0025+1DEL 32B 2
AI335 BKK2120 - 0025+1DEL 32B 357
AI335 BKK2125 - 0025+1DEL 32B 146

AI336 IXC1335 - 1950BKK 32B 35
AI336 IXC1400 - 2015BKK 32B 1

AI337 BKK0540 - 0920IXC 32B 135
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 4:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

PlaneLover wrote:
Simultaneously Indigo needs to buy Go Air and eliminate one more competitor.


Would hate to see Go Air go out of the hands of Wadias. Pretty lean company and operations, I believe their priority was to perfect their model first. But, that is another day another thread.

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sumantra
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 21, 2017 10:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Aseem wrote:
Pretty lean company and operations, I believe their priority was to perfect their model first. But, that is another day another thread
True, another day for another thread. However, I wonder who painted this rosy picture of G8 for you. The recent decent phase was only due to W. P-S, who is also leaving the airline. Imagine the potential there was when G8 started, and look at where it is now.
Cheers, Sumantra.
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PostPosted: Tue Oct 24, 2017 8:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

GF1011 wrote:
747-237 wrote:

What is the status of the 744s ? A few months ago, I saw one of them without engines and in a state fit for scrapping at BOM. Are all 5 currently active ?


The one you saw is VT-ESN. It's in the corner of BOM that is usually reserved for parting out of aircraft.

That leaves only Four AI 744s flying now. VT- ESO, ESP, EVA and EVB.

Theres only one scheduled Commercial 744 rotation - BOM-HYD-JED-COK-JED-HYD-BOM - which sees a B777 now and then.

Apart from that, the 744s do VIP duty (usually a pair of planes), wildcard Domestic flights (BOM-DELs, DEL-MAA, etc.) and the Hajj Charters.

I checked on FR24, all four airframes are active, having flown substantially in the last week.


Wish they had kept one in palace livery, maybe even added black nose and anti-glare patch aswell as grey engines,.

why were the engines white when rest of flleet didnt get that?
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 12:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India boosts Bangkok flights from Dec 2017

Air India in winter 2017 season plans to expand service to Bangkok, as the airline expands current Delhi – Bangkok flight.
The airline will also launch 3 routes between India and Bangkok on scheduled basis.

Chandigarh – Bangkok eff 11DEC17 3 weekly
AI336 IXC1335 – 1950BKK 32B 35
AI336 IXC1400 – 2015BKK 32B 1

AI337 BKK0540 – 0920IXC 32B 135

Gaya – Bangkok eff 10DEC17 2 weekly
AI338 GAY1535 – 1950BKK 32B 7
AI338 GAY1600 – 2015BKK 32B 4

AI339 BKK0540 – 0715GAY 32B 47

Varanasi – Bangkok eff 12DEC17 2 weekly
AI340 VNS1535 – 2005BKK 32B 2
AI340 VNS1545 – 2015BKK 32B 6

AI341 BKK0540 – 0805NS 32B 26

Delhi – Bangkok eff 10DEC17 Increase from 1 to 2 daily
AI332 DEL1345 – 1920BKK 788 D
AI334 DEL2300 – 0440+1BKK 32B D

AI333 BKK0850 – 1205DEL 788 D
AI335 BKK2105 – 0025+1DEL 32B 2
AI335 BKK2120 – 0025+1DEL 32B 357
AI335 BKK2125 – 0025+1DEL 32B 146


Source: Airlineroute.net
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 4:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://defenceaviationpost.com/air-india-operate-flights-riyadh-karipur-sector/

Air India to operate more flights in Riyadh-Karipur sector

Oct 26, 2017

Air India has increased the number of flights in the Riyadh-Karipur sector.

“The airlines will operate new flights on Thursday and Saturday,”Air India manager Kundanlal Gothwal said.

The airlines will conduct six new services in the Riyadh-Kozhikode sector from October 29 onwards.

The service will be conducted by Air India Express having 174 seats.

Presently, flights are operated on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. With the introduction of the additional services, 1400 people will be able to travel on this route.

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PostPosted: Sat Oct 28, 2017 2:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India puts off launch of Delhi-Los Angeles flight till summer

http://indianexpress.com/article/business/aviation/air-india-puts-off-launch-of-delhi-los-angeles-flight-till-summer-4909649/

Quote:
The state-owned Air India has put on hold the launch of its much-talked-about flight service to Los Angeles from New Delhi, announced earlier this year.
Sources at the airline said non-availability of aircraft and crew coupled with higher costs of operations were the prime reasons for the deferment. Then Air India chief Ashwani Lohani had in July said that the national carrier would add Los Angeles to its international route network from the coming winter. “The proposed New Delhi-Los Angeles flight does not figure in our network this winter. We may look at introducing it in the summer schedule,” a source told PTI.
Air India flies non-stop services to New York, Newark, San Francisco and Washington in the US. It also has a one-stop service to New York from Ahmedabad via London. Three of these services -— New Delhi-San Francisco, New Delhi-Washington and Ahmedabad-New York via London — have been launched within the last two years. “Non-availability of aircraft and crew as well as suitable parking slots have forced the management to decide not to introduce the flight till March next year,” the source said.
Air India was offered parking slots in such timings that the aircraft would have been on ground after landing for several hours and “that does not make the operations viable”, the source added. As per the earlier schedule, the new service was to be operated three times a week — Wednesday, Friday and Sunday —- with a 342-seater B777-300 (extended range) airline.
AI had even invited bids for providing hotel at Los Angeles for crew layover. Air India, a part of 28-member international airlines grouping Star Alliance, has 36 destinations in its overseas network across the US, Europe, Australia, Far-East and Southeast Asia and the Gulf.
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747-237
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PostPosted: Sun Oct 29, 2017 3:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.india.com/news/india/explosive-trace-detectors-to-scan-bombs-in-laptops-on-air-india-direct-flights-to-us-2577699/

Air India to Use ETDs to Detect Explosives in Hand Bags on US-Bound Direct Flights

October 29, 2017

Air India will use extra explosive trace detectors (ETD) to scan possible explosive devices in handbags on direct flights to the United States from Delhi and Mumbai airports. According to a report, Indira Gandhi International Airport has two dedicated gates for the non-stop flights to US with extra ETDs for the hand baggages.

Air India and United are the only two airlines operating non-stop flights from India to US and vice-versa. Reportedly, Mumbai airport also use ETDs to maintain safety protocol for all direct flights to US.

Times of India quoted a senior security officer saying that all US-bound passengers are screened before boarding the aircraft and the hand-bags undergo x-ray scan. Initially only suspicious items were scanned used the explosive trace detectors, but after changes in security policies and US rules, all large personal electronic devices are made to go through the ETD scan, he said.

Air India has non-stop operating between New York, Newark, Chicago, Washington and San Francisco to India. United is the other carrier with non-stop flights in the India-US route.

Reportedly, Air India has also begun questioning passengers about their purpose of visit. An Air India spokesperson speaking to Times of India said, “As and when there is a new directive from the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), we comply with the same and are in compliance for the latest one too.”

Recently, another report claimed that large personal electric devices (PED) like laptops might be banned inside check-in luggage to avoid any fire incident in the cargo of planes. However, this, if implemented, will be applicable for all flights and not just the US-bound flights.

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PostPosted: Sun Oct 29, 2017 3:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-explores-operating-tel-aviv-flights-from-mumbai/articleshow/61317095.cms

Air India explores operating Tel Aviv flights from Mumbai

Oct 29, 2017

Air India is examining the possibility of operating flights from Mumbai to Tel Aviv as the carrier weighs various options amid issues of overflying rights, a senior airline official said.

While the flagship carrier has been expanding its international presence, efforts to restart services to Israel are yet to take off. There were plans to commence the flight to Tel Aviv earlier this year.

According to the official, the flight to Tel Aviv could have been started earlier, but the route available as of now is very long.

A flight of more than nine-hour long journey to the Israeli city from Delhi would make the operations "commercially unviable" since duration of a flight on a straight route to this destination would take only around five-and-a-half hours, the official told.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical issues, there are issues related to getting permission to overfly certain countries to reach Tel Aviv.

In case, Air India is not getting permission to fly over countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, other options will be looked at, the official said.

"Instead of starting a flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv, we might start a flight from Mumbai to Tel Aviv, which would cut down the nine-and-a-half hour route to seven-and-a-half hour route," the official noted.

In March this year, Air India had announced that it would start flights to Israel in May with three weekly flights on the New Delhi-Tel Aviv route. However, the plan did not materialise.

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PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 7:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/govt-plans-to-sell-air-india-ai-express-together/article19957932.ece

Govt. plans to sell Air India, AI Express together

NOVEMBER 01, 2017

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is working to conclude the sale of national carrier Air India by June 2018 and is keen on selling its core airline operations, together with its low-cost international airline, Air India Express.

The decision was taken by the Air India-specific Alternative Mechanism — a group of Ministers led by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to decide on the modalities of stake sale in the national carrier.

As per the decision, the Centre will look to sell AI’s regional airline Alliance Air to a separate universe of bidders while Air India and Air India Express will likely go together.

At a meeting of the ministerial group on September 21, the view was that a separate universe of bidders or prospective buyers be invited for Air India’s ground handling subsidiary — Air India Air Transport Service Limited (AIATSL) — and its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) unit — Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) — top government sources said.

“The rationale is that we can find prospective buyers from international airlines if we call bids for Air India and Air India Express together. Since Alliance Air operates flights mainly on regional domestic routes, it makes more sense to sell it off separately,” a source added.

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PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 1:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

sumantra wrote:
ameya wrote:
Air India opens reservation for flights to Copenhagen
Indeed Sir, thanks for the analysis. The hub seems to be working quite well, and the planned expansion can only make the coming days better for AI.
Cheers, Sumantra.


A closer look at AI's expansion into Scandinavia:

https://blueswandaily.com/new-dreamliner-deliveries-drive-air-indias-interest-in-scandinavia/

DEL-CPH O&D market = 35,000

(MIDT data from Sabre on routesonline.com; I'll find the link later.)

DEL-OSL O&D market = 13,747

Data from the Norwegian airports authority, source not stated but the numbers are plausible.

https://avinor.no/en/aviation/why-avinor/unserved-underserved-routes/

Don't know DEL-ARN O&D but it's probably similar to DEL-CPH.

My take: one of the two Delhi-to-Scandinavia routes could have waited to see how the first would do.
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PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 4:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I believe AI have taken delivery of 26 out of their order of 27 787s.

When is the last one due?
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747-237
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PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 4:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Spiderguy252 wrote:
I believe AI have taken delivery of 26 out of their order of 27 787s.

When is the last one due?


747-237 wrote:
Wed Oct 11, 2017 8:22 am

Air India has added a new (it's 27th and last) 787-8 to the fleet today, as VT-NAC.

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PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 7:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/govt-plans-to-sell-air-india-ai-express-together/article19957932.ece

Govt. plans to sell Air India, AI Express together

NOVEMBER 01, 2017

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is working to conclude the sale of national carrier Air India by June 2018 and is keen on selling its core airline operations, together with its low-cost international airline, Air India Express.

The decision was taken by the Air India-specific Alternative Mechanism — a group of Ministers led by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to decide on the modalities of stake sale in the national carrier.

As per the decision, the Centre will look to sell AI’s regional airline Alliance Air to a separate universe of bidders while Air India and Air India Express will likely go together.

At a meeting of the ministerial group on September 21, the view was that a separate universe of bidders or prospective buyers be invited for Air India’s ground handling subsidiary — Air India Air Transport Service Limited (AIATSL) — and its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) unit — Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) — top government sources said.

“The rationale is that we can find prospective buyers from international airlines if we call bids for Air India and Air India Express together. Since Alliance Air operates flights mainly on regional domestic routes, it makes more sense to sell it off separately,” a source added.


So this is interesting. I thought Indigo wanted AI Express. Looks like Indigo and/or Spice want the domestic regional routes. Maybe Indigo wants to protect its place as the "biggest domestic airline." I guess it makes sense. Some of these routes can probably only support one airline. Indigo would get AI's entrenched traffic and not have a competitor on the route (as compared to them starting it and having to compete with AI). Probably the most balanced way of doing things. Vistara/AI become the strongest International player with a good domestic network. Indigo is an even stronger #1 domestic with regional international. Jet is #2 domestic/international. Spice fights for its place and perhaps buys Go.
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PostPosted: Mon Nov 06, 2017 10:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/travel-only-by-air-india-mha-to-officials/articleshow/61534689.cms

Travel only by Air India: MHA to officials

I thought this was the norm. What happens if AI does not fly daily, do they have to postpone the travel to the day AI flies or can they fly other airlines ?
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yashkhullar
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 12:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air india is selling a one off AI 116 from LHR-DEL on Dec 17th? It is surprising because 2 flights get into London from delhi and 3 leave.
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arpitgupta
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 1:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

yashkhullar wrote:
Air india is selling a one off AI 116 from LHR-DEL on Dec 17th? It is surprising because 2 flights get into London from delhi and 3 leave.



It's not. Google has put up a previous year schedule showing the now non existent AI 116 ,but there's no sale of tickets showing up on AI website.
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PostPosted: Tue Nov 07, 2017 2:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
It's not. Google has put up a previous year schedule showing the now non existent AI 116 ,but there's no sale of tickets showing up on AI website.

Yeah, makes sense cause I was trying to book SF-Delhi for a friend and Google is making all sorts of connections with this flight that say "book with a travel agent"
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