Airliners-India.com

sabya99 · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2018 9:55 pm Post subject:

Yes, AI should start EWR-DEL immediately and I want to be the first passenger!
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747-237 · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2018 11:04 am Post subject:

Air India closes London – Newark reservation from mid-Nov 2018

Air India in recent inventory update closed reservation for London Heathrow – Newa
rk sector, as bookings for travel on/after 16NOV18 is no longer available. The Star Alliance member operates this sector 3 times a week, with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

Planned schedule as follows.

AI171 LHR1300 – 1620EWR 788 135
AI172 EWR2315 – 1105+1LHR 788 135

The airline will continue to operate Ahmedabad – London Heathrow sector 4 times a week.

Source: Airlineroute.net
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iah87 · Member Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 2565

I heard a rumor that AI is starting BLR to LHR very soon (3 times a week). Is it still in the works. If they can get codeshares from United, may be it will work, especially to IAH, DEN and LAX, where AI does not fly to.

AI should also investigate codes shares with other airlines, may even DL or VS.

nadarji · Member Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 305

Even without code shares, I have seen itenaries that have Delta flights from US connect to AI flights at LHR.

justbala · Member Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 1897 Location: Bangalore

From 17NOV18, AI will introduce Bangalore – London Heathrow route, on board Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

AI177 BLR0525 – 1105LHR 788 246
AI178 LHR1300 – 0400+1BLR 788 135

Almost identical timings to BA.

747-237 · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2018 5:51 am Post subject:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/in-cost-cutting-mode-ai-targets-cheese-for-premium-passengers/articleshow/66093100.cms

In cost-cutting mode, AI targets cheese for premium passengers

Oct 6, 2018

Air India is halving the quantity of cheese board carried for premium passengers on its international flights and has cut down its catering cost by Rs 2.5 crore.

This is part of an elaborate cost-cutting exercise that the Maharaja has embarked on as operating expenses have mounted and the government’s promised fund infusion is nowhere in sight.

“Inflight caterers load cheese boards on flights. The cabin crew later sets them on a plate and serves them to premium flyers. There was a lot of wastage of cheese as a flyer may not want certain types of cheese being served. Instead of taking this item off the menu, we have halved the quantity being uploaded and the annual saving is expected to be Rs 2.5 crore,” said a source.

To keep aircraft light, AI is planning to fill its pressurised tanks to store potable water to 50-75% of capacity instead of to brim. Reason: Most passengers drink bottled water and few ask crew for drinking water.

Also, cabin crew are allowed two bags of 23 kg each on international flights on the Boeing 777 and 787 that operate to Europe, the US and Australia. The airline is planning to cut the baggage allowance for cabin crew.
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sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

sabya99 · Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2018 7:41 pm Post subject:

@Sumantra, EWR is no longer a Gujju airport. Yes,they are the oldest and largest sub nationality from Indian subcontinent in New Jersey but other people still live here! EWR also attracts passengers from nearby Philadelphia, DC area, even NY City. Large number of EWR passengers are heading for north/east /central India and for them DEL is better destination. Regarding BOM T2 , it is a very modern terminal, but lacks the comfort of DEL T3.For myself presence of large middle eastern labor traffic makes it uncomfortable.
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sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

747-237 · Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2018 3:25 pm Post subject:

Alliance Air has added a new ATR72-600 to the fleet today, as VT-RKK.
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747-237 · Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2018 4:25 pm Post subject:

https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/fleet-crunch-may-put-air-india-s-mumbai-new-york-non-stop-flight-on-hold/story-YiC2PyFSQrb07zKKCO7xCN.html

Fleet crunch may put Air India’s Mumbai-New York non-stop flight on hold

Oct 14, 2018

Air India’s plans to operate the first direct flight between Mumbai and New York’s John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport could be delayed because the airline does not have the aircraft or the crew to go ahead with operations.

According to senior airline officials, Air India, which had plans to commence the non-stop flight from this month, was planning to use a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to fly to New York on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Currently, there are no direct connections to JFK Airport from Mumbai.

The airline’s other non-stop flight to Frankfurt from Mumbai, which was suspended in 2010, is being re-launched from October 16. When contacted, the Air India spokesperson did not respond Hindustan Times.

A senior airline official said that Air India had not issued an official announcement for the commencement of flight operations to JFK airport.

The official said, “Not only are four aircraft currently grounded, but a heavy investment for the commencement of commercial operations on the route is essential. The management is reviewing intricate details.”

Air India has 16 Boeing 777 planes, of which four are currently grounded, because of unavailability of spare parts.

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747-237 · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2018 7:26 pm Post subject:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/air-hostess-falls-from-aircraft-at-mumbai-airport/article25224577.ece

Air India air hostess falls from aircraft at Mumbai airport

October 15, 2018

In a freak incident, a 52-year-old Air India air hostess on Monday fell off a Boeing 777 aircraft at the Mumbai airport while it was on ground readying for a 7 a.m. flight to Delhi.

Harsha Lobo fell down from the aircraft door as the step ladder was being attached at 6.15 a.m.

Ms. Lobo was attended to by doctors at the Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) at 6.18 a.m. "She is conscious and well-oriented but has sustained compound [open] fracture of right lower leg bones and multiple blunt injuries," an airport official said.

PTI adds:

The airline termed the incident “unfortunate”. Investigation was on, it said.

Ms. Lobo was shifted to the Nanavati Hospital.

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Jaysit · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 4346

sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

747-237 · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 10:37 am Post subject:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/revival-plan-air-india-suggest-govt-to-sell-air-india-express-sats-first/articleshow/66279680.cms

Air India suggest govt to sell Air India Express & SATS first

Oct 19, 2018

Air India has recommended to the government that its low-cost subsidiary and ground-handling unit be sold to improve the national carrier’s financial position in what could be a precursor to its eventual divestment.

This follows a failed plan to sell the debt-laden, state-owned airline earlier this year. The report suggests that Air India Express and Air India-SATS, which were previously meant to be sold with Air India, be put up for sale along with the engineering division and another ground-handling business, said a senior aviation ministry official.

The recommendations on improving Air India are currently being discussed at various levels in the ministry, he said. “The report mentions various ways to improve Air India — both financially and operationally,” he said. “The report is being discussed in the aviation ministry and will be forwarded to the finance ministry for further action.” The report was submitted by Air India chairman Pradeep Singh Kharola to the aviation ministry last week.
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Caliguy · Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2018 6:29 pm Post subject:

With the shut down of EWR-LHR, did AI end up using all of their slots. I think now they fly AMD-LHR 4X and BLR-LHR 3X. I thought they had 2 more pair of slots?

747-237 · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 6:13 am Post subject:

http://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2018/oct/23/alliance-air-to-link-kolhapur-with-bengaluru-hyderabad-1888710.html

Alliance Air to link Kolhapur with Bengaluru, Hyderabad

23rd October 2018

Alliance Air is introducing a daily direct flight from Hyderabad to Bengaluru via Kolhapur and back with effect from November 1, 2018. According to Alliance Air, the commencement of this flight will fulfil a long-standing demand of passengers for a convenient connection to Kolhapur.

The daily flight from Hyderabad to Bengaluru via Kolhapur and back will operate with an ATR-72 aircraft. Flight AI-9875 will depart Hyderabad at 10.45 am to reach Kolhapur at 12.10 pm on all days except Tuesdays. On Tuesdays, the flight will leave Hyderabad at 11.40 am to arrive in Kolhapur at 1.05 pm. The flight will leave Kolhapur at 12.35 pm to arrive in Bengaluru at 2.15 pm. On Tuesdays, the flight will leave Kolhapur at 1.35 pm to arrive Bengaluru at 3.30 pm.

On the return, Flight AI 9876 will leave Bengaluru at 2.45 pm to arrive in Kolhapur at 4 pm on all days except Tuesdays. The flight will leave Kolhapur at 4.25 pm to arrive in Hyderabad at 5.50 pm. On Tuesdays, the flight will leave Kolhapur at 5.50 pm.
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747-237 · Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2018 5:40 am Post subject:

https://www.cnbctv18.com/aviation/air-indias-15-planes-sitting-idle-due-to-lack-of-spare-engines-likely-to-be-back-in-skies-by-december-1177121.htm

Air India's 15 planes sitting idle due to lack of spare engines, likely to be back in skies by December

Oct 23, 2018

As many as 15 narrow-body aircraft of Air India Ltd are on ground due to lack of spare engines but the airline hopes to put these back into service by December driving on expectations of a constant flow of funds, a senior government official told CNBC-TV18.

"Less than 10 percent of our fleet... about 15 A320s are on ground but the cash situation is improving and these should be back into operations by December," the official said on the condition of anonymity.

The planes will be used for strengthening the domestic network and for short overseas routes, the official added.

The grounded planes result in a substantial loss of revenue for the carrier due to the idle capacity and flight cancellations.

The airline has a total of 163 aircraft in its fleet, including 76 narrow-body planes, according to the company website.

In September, the PTI reported that the debt-laden Air India had grounded as many as 19 aircraft, including nine Airbus A321, due to wanting of spares. The carrier had then said a day later, that the aircraft grounding for maintenance was a common practice.

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747-237 · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2018 6:11 am Post subject:

Air India Express has added a new 737-800 to the fleet today, as VT-GHI.
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abhijith16 · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2018 11:25 am Post subject:

747-237 · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2018 4:27 pm Post subject:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ai-will-operate-low-cost-red-eye-flights/articleshow/66397692.cms

AI will operate low-cost, ‘red eye’ flights

Oct 28, 2018

Air India will now operate late night, or “red eye”, flights on domestic routes whose fares will be significantly lower than day flights.

Delhi-Goa-Delhi, Delhi-Coimbatore-Delhi and Bangalore-Ahmedabad-Bangalore routes will get daily red eye flights from November 30.

“These late night flights will be offered at fares considerably lower than normal and help travellers beat peak hour city traffic as well as save on hotel charges,” an AI statement said.
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Aseem · Member Joined: 15 Dec 2006 Posts: 2841 Location: YYZ

747-237 · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2018 10:41 am Post subject:

Air India resumes Mumbai – New York JFK from Dec 2018

Air India from December 2018 is resuming Mumbai – New York JFK service, previously served until late-October 2010 (with 777-200LR operated on daily basis).
From 07DEC18, the Star Alliance member will operate this route 3 times a week, with 777-300ER.

AI105 BOM0100 – 0655JFK 77W 357
AI106 JFK1105 – 1210+1BOM 77W 357

Source: Airlineroute.net
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747-237 · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2018 10:41 am Post subject:

Air India increases Tel Aviv service from late-Nov 2018

Air India in winter 2018/19 season is increasing service to Israel, where it plans 5th weekly Delhi – Tel Aviv flight on Mondays, starting 26NOV18.
The airline in July 2018 introduced 4th weekly rotation.

This route is operated by Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

AI139 DEL1650 – 2045TLV 788 x35
AI140 TLV2215 – 0815+1DEL 788 x35

Source: Airlineroute.net
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Caliguy · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2018 7:09 pm Post subject:

Jaysit · Member Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 4346

Caliguy · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2018 6:40 pm Post subject:

luvleen · Member Joined: 02 Jul 2012 Posts: 179 Location: Bombay

Air India’s Rs 29k crore working capital debt to be moved to SPV

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-indias-rs-29k-crore-working-capital-debt-to-be-moved-to-spv/articleshow/66502669.cms

747-237 · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2018 12:48 pm Post subject:

Air India and Avianca begins codeshare service from Nov 2018

Air India and Avianca next week is launching reciprocal codeshare partnership, covering service between India and Colombia.
Planned codeshare routes from 05NOV18.

Air India operated by Avianca
London Heathrow – Bogota

Avianca operated by Air India
London Heathrow – Delhi

Source: Airlineroute.net
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747-237 · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2018 1:53 pm Post subject:

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/72616-air-india-to-reactivate-grounded-a320s-as-cash-flow-improves

Air India to reactivate grounded A320s as cash flow improves

08.11.2018

Air India is planning to reactivate its entire sub-fleet of A320 Family aircraft by December 2018 as the financial situation at the airline has improved, CNBC TV18 has reported.

"The cash situation is improving and [the aircraft currently on the ground] should be back into operations by December," an unnamed official said.

The Airbus narrowbodies are grounded mostly due to the carrier's poor financial standing and the resulting shortage of spares. Air India never confirmed that it was missing parts and only said previously that the grounding was a "routine practice".
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747-237 · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2018 3:32 pm Post subject:

Air India W18 Singapore aircraft changes

Air India later this month plans to increase capacity on Delhi – Singapore service, currently served by A321 and Boeing 787-8, 1 daily each.
From 14NOV18 to 26JAN19, this route will be served exclusively with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

AI382 DEL1315 – 2125SIN 788 D
AI380 DEL2300 – 0700+1SIN 788 D

AI381 SIN0820 – 1130DEL 788 D
AI383 SIN2300 – 0220+1DEL 788 D

The airline’s other service to Singapore will also see aircraft changes (effective date based on India departure):
Chennai – Singapore 13NOV18 – 27JAN19 A321 replaces 787-8, 1 daily
Mumbai – Singapore 12NOV18 – 26JAN19 A321 replaces 787-8, 1 daily

Source: Airlineroute.net
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747-237 · Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 10:27 am Post subject:

https://indianexpress.com/article/business/companies/air-india-to-raise-at-least-856-million-dollar-via-sale-leaseback-of-seven-widebody-aircraft-5454670/

Air India to raise at least 856 million dollar via sale, leaseback of seven widebody aircraft

November 20, 2018

In order to repay the short-term loans raised to fund the acquisition of widebody aircraft, Air India has floated a tender to sell and lease back seven of its aircraft that would help the airline raise at least $856 million. While the proceeds from the sale of these aircraft will be primarily used to finance their acquisition, it will also partially help Air India in meeting its immediate liquidity requirements. This assumes significance given the delay faced by the airline in raising Rs 500 crore from the market. A senior airline official, however, said that Air India is expecting the Rs 500 crore loan to come in by next week.

In a tender document posted by Air India, it plans to sell six of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft and one Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The six Dreamliners were delivered to Air India between November 2016 and October 2017, while the 777-300ER was delivered in March 2018. “Air India intends to finance its aircraft through operating Sale & Lease Back (SLB). It is proposed to use the sales proceeds under SLB for the repayment of bridge loans taken for acquisition of these aircraft,” the airline noted.

Under the SLB agreement, Air India will sell the aircraft to the lessor and immediately lease the same planes back under an operating lease for a period of up to 12 years with an option to extend by three more years. Based on the age of these aircraft, Air India has set a reserve price for the Dreamliners ranging between $105 million and $123 million. For the 777-300ER, the airline has set a reserve price of $157 million. As per Boeing, the 787-8 aircraft has an average list price of $239 million, while the 777-300ER has an average list price of $361.5 million.
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747-237 · Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2018 3:22 pm Post subject:

Air India Dec 2018 Delhi – Jeddah aircraft changes

Air India during the month of December 2018 is temporary adjusting operational aircraft for Delhi – Jeddah route.
Currently served by 777-300ER aircraft 3 times a week, this route will be temporary switched to 747-400 operation from 06DEC18 to 20DEC18.

AI991 DEL1620 – 1945JED 744 246
AI992 JED2115 – 0445+1DEL 744 135

Source: Airlineroute.net
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747-237 · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2018 8:21 am Post subject:

Air India has added a new A320NEO to the fleet today, as VT-EXO, in Star Alliance livery.

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747-237 · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2018 5:40 am Post subject:

Air India has completed withdrawal of all dual-bogey A320s from the fleet.
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iflytb20 · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2018 10:16 am Post subject:

The_Goat · Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2018 12:54 am Post subject:

AI Dreamliner in wingtip incident in Stockholm Arlanda

Apparently the airplane wing struck a building. News and video here.

https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/0E8dnB/flygplan-kort-in-i-byggnad-pa-arlanda
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I don't know which is the more pampered bunch : AI's widebodies (the aunties) or Jet's widebodies (the planes).
-Jasepl

747-237 · Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2018 8:54 am Post subject:

Air India Express schedules Kannur launch in Dec 2018

28 November 2018

Air India Express from December 2018 is launching service at Kannur, with the opening of 4 new routes, on board Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Planned operation as follows.

Kannur – Abu Dhabi eff 09DEC18 3 weekly (schedule below from 11DEC18)
IX715 CNN0900 – 1130AUH 738 247
IX716 AUH1230 – 1800CNN 738 247

Kannur – Doha eff 10DEC18 4 weekly
IX773 CNN2020 – 2200DOH 738 x457
IX774 DOH2300 – 0545CNN 738 x457

Kannur – Riyadh eff 09DEC18 3 weekly
IX721 CNN2105 – 2330RUH 738 457
IX722 RUH0035 – 0800CNN 738 156

Kannur – Sharjah eff 10DEC18 4 weekly
IX743 CNN0900 – 1130SHJ 738 x247
IX744 SHJ1230 – 1740CNN 738 x247

Source: Airlineroute.net
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747-237 · Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2018 10:59 am Post subject:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-to-buy-ipads-as-many-in-flight-entertainment-screens-not-working/articleshow/66876185.cms

Air India to buy iPads as many in-flight entertainment screens not working

Nov 30, 2018

Air India is buying over 100 iPads for being given to business class passengers on ultra-long haul flights whose in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens are not working. Blank screens on Boeing 777s deployed for direct flights to the US, ranging from 17 hours for Delhi-San Francisco to 14 hours for Delhi-New York, are one of the biggest sore point for flyers.

“The aviation ministry has asked us to figure out how much will it cost to refurbish aircraft interiors and ensure IFE on long flights. Some of the IFE systems are old and repairing them or replacing them will be too expensive, so we are going to have iPads with pre-loaded content and games to passengers in business class of the nonstops to US. We will focus on economy class also for ensuring value-for-money experience with IFE,” said a senior AI official.

While the airline has told the ministry it will through a combination of cost-cutting and revenue enhancement ensure a benefit of Rs 2,000 crore per annum, attracting premium passengers means giving them basic service like IFE on ultra long flights. “We can look at internet-on-board but our first priority is ensuring IFE for all business passengers on US flights and other long hauls,” the official said.

The airline is also weighing the option of refurbishing aircraft interiors, seat upholstery and carpets at a medium cost. “There is no limit to what all can be done for refurbishment. We are looking at cost effective options for this job,” said the official.

Aviation minister Suresh Prabhu had on Wednesday asked AI management to find out how much would refurbishing its aircraft interiors and ensuring fully functional IFE, especially on ultralong haul nonstops to US, will cost. Prabhu said a special fund will be sought from the finance ministry — over and above the bailout package — for the purpose.

“Big foreign airlines spend huge sums of money on interior upgradation. We cannot do that much but some things need to be ensured like having fully functional IFE screens on AI’s long flights. We will seek money for this from finmin,” Prabhu had said.
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iah87 · Member Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 2565