Airliners-India.com Forum Index Airliners-India.com
Flickr Group & Facebook
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Kolkata ( NSCBI ) Airport: past, present and future.
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3 ... 11, 12, 13 ... 24, 25, 26  Next
 
Post new topic   This topic is locked: you cannot edit posts or make replies.    Airliners-India.com Forum Index -> Civil Aviation
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
stealthpilot
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2006
Posts: 2325
Location: BLR, DXB

PostPosted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 3:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sabya please give a little more info about the links you post ....
.... whether they are news clips or Microsoft Flight Sim or apron shots etc so we can pick what we want to see.
_________________
eP007
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 11:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

stealthpilot wrote:
Sabya please give a little more info about the links you post ....
.... whether they are news clips or Microsoft Flight Sim or apron shots etc so we can pick what we want to see.


I don’t post Microsoft Flight Sim. Videos. Primarily youtube videos taken by passengers inside the terminal or aircraft are likely to be posted here. This could give us an idea about infra. development inside the airport and adjoining approach areas. Besides some news forum videos are also posted here. Before posting I myself watch each video. Please let me know your suggestions etc!

Very Happy
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Thu Aug 07, 2014 5:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kolkata to get more Bangkok flights, timings to get better

TNN | Aug 7, 2014, 12.29 AM IST
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Kolkata-to-get-more-Bangkok-flights-timings-to-get-better/articleshow/39772404.cms

KOLKATA: Months after the grounding of three flights in the Kolkata-Bangkok sector, several carriers are queuing up to add frequencies to the evergreen holiday destination.

While IndiGo has announced its second daily flight to the Thai capital from September 16, rival SpiceJet is waiting in the wings to fly to Bangkok. Thai Airways, which once operated 10 flights a week before reducing it to daily fights, is again considering more frequencies. Even Air Asia that withdrew flights to Bangkok around the same time that Jet Airways stopped the twice-daily operations earlier this year is considering a comeback.

IndiGo currently has a daily flight to Bangkok that departs Kolkata at 8.45am and reaches Bangkok at 12.55am local time. The return flight takes off at 1.05am and reaches Kolkata at 2.15am. It's difficult for families out on leisure as the onward flight reaches Bangkok late and the return flight lands in Kolkata later still. The second flight will fix the problem. This flight will depart Kolkata at 10.25am and reach Bangkok at 2.40pm. The return flight will take off from the Thai capital at 3.45pm and reach Kolkata at 4.55am.

"It will be a perfect flight for holidayers as they will reach Bangkok at a descent hour and be able to travel onward to sea resorts Pattaya or Phuket. They can also return from these beach resorts to board the flight without having to stay overnight in Bangkok," said Raj Dutta, who visits Bangkok frequently.

The 400-odd seats that had disappeared this April being replenished will be good news for traders, businessmen and holidayers as return ticket prices that had shot up from Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000 will again dip, said Travel Agents' Federation of India chairman (east) Anil Punjabi. "At present, flights to Bangkok are choc-o-bloc. Hence, ticket prices are rather high. While airlines had withdrawn because the yield on the sector was low, they are eventually realising that carrying such heavy traffic on a two-hour flight sector isn't too bad an option," said Punjabi.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 6:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Airport alert on Ebola

TNN | Aug 11, 2014, 12.43 AM IST
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Airport-alert-on-Ebola/articleshow/40020401.cms


KOLKATA: Airlines staff, immigration officers and doctors at Kolkata airport have been put on alert to screen passengers arriving from the Ebola-affected African countries.

Following a communique from the Union ministry of health and family welfare on Saturday, authorities at Kolkata airport convened an emergency meeting to discuss measures to identify and check passengers arriving from Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone for the deadly disease that has 90% fatality.

Sources at Kolkata airport said international carriers have been asked to distribute health forms on board arriving flights where passengers have to report symptoms like fever, tendency to vomit and rash. Airlines have been also asked to put their cabin staff on alert so that they report passengers displaying symptoms of the disease to the pilot, who will then transmit the information to the airport authority.

Immigration authorities were asked to flip through all the visas and stamps on the passport of incoming passengers to check if they have been to the Ebola affected countries in the past 21 days.

"If they detect anyone displaying Ebola symptoms or with documents that show they have been to one of the four countries, they will alert the airport medical unit. The doctors will then escort the person to a segregated area for screening," a doctor at the airport said.

The screening includes checking the passenger's body temperature, signs of rash and other Ebola symptoms. Though a thermal screen has been installed at the airport to identify those suffering from fever in a planeload of passengers, it is not being used now because there are no direct flights from Africa to Kolkata.

Comment: Kolkata air is even worse than Ebola virus !
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 8:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Fog, rain won’t hold up flights any more

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Fog-rain-wont-hold-up-flights-any-more/articleshow/40205901.cms

KOLKATA: From the winter of 2015, flight operations will not be hampered by fog or rain at the airport. Poor visibility, which leads to delays and disruptions, will cease to be an issue with the airport authorities upgrading the instrument landing system (ILS) — a combination of runway lights and radio signals that provides precision guidance to aircraft — to ensure that fights can operate even when the visibility is low.

Last winter, flight operations were severely hit by fog on 12 days. Though the fog cleared out by 9am on most days, its ripple effect continued all day, throwing flight schedules of airlines haywire.

Speaking to TOI, Kolkata airport director BP Sharma said the primary runway that was fitted with Category II ILS was in the process of being upgraded to CAT IIIB, which will enhance flight operations in poor weather to a great extent. While CAT I-enabled airports allow landings and takeoffs till there is 550-metre visibility, CAT II allows operation till 350-metre visibility. CAT IIIB ILS, which is proposed at Kolkata airport, will allow flights to operate till visibility drops below 50 metre.

"The Rs 120-crore project on re-carpeting the primary runway and upgrading it to Category IIIB ILS and secondary runway to Category II has been approved. Work will commence this winter and should be over by next," Sharma said.

Work will first commence on the primary runway in which the pock-marked surface will be re-laid and new lights laid at the touchdown and takeoff points as well as along the central line and runway edges. The central line light will also be installed in the taxiway right till the parking bays.

Once work on the primary runway is completed, central lights will be installed on the secondary runway. Thereafter, the ILS equipment of both runways will be calibrated. That, Sharma said, will complete the first phase of modernization of Kolkata airport.

"Kolkata airport now has a modern terminal. The air traffic control has also been upgraded with latest radars and other equipment. The only factor that was lagging was the runway. We are glad that the project is being taken up," said Sarvesh Gupta, chairman of the airport operators' committee at Kolkata airport.

Joydeep Banerjee, a CAT IIIB certified pilot, says the CAT IIIB ILS will be a boon for pilots and passengers. "It will assist us in operations and mean less disruptions and delays for passengers. On nights when the weather is fine, we will enjoy the sight of Kolkata airport's runway glowing from the cockpit," he remarked.

Comments: It is very important that taxiways at NSCBI airports have center line lights. In foggy or rain condition this helps in smooth taxing. Also Fox taxiway must be extended to north and joined with 19R turn pad. This will increase the capacity of secondary runway significantly!
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Sat Aug 16, 2014 9:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

At last a new web page for Kolkata International Airport by AAI

http://www.kolkatainternationalairport.com
At last I got official confirmation about runway lengths of the upgraded airport :
Primary runway : 12,208 ft and secondary runway : 11,058 ft.
More information on the way from AAI .
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Mon Aug 18, 2014 6:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

New airport website

Calcutta airport launched its new website

www.kolkatainternationalairport.com on August 15. It will have information on flights, bookings, passenger baggage, availability of dormitories, food and beverages and retail facilities. One would be able to register complaints and make suggestions on the website. An “apps version” has also been launched.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140818/jsp/calcutta/story_18730397.jsp#1
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 6:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Touch of class but business bland
- New lounge at airport battles footfall foe, another one set to open.


http://www.telegraphindia.com/archives/archive.html

Calcutta airport flaunts a new international business class lounge but can’t find enough business class travellers to impress.
The average daily footfall hasn’t exceeded 300 since the lounge run by Travel and Food Services, the master concessionaire for F&B services at the integrated terminal, was opened earlier this month. It works out to one person using the facility for every eight fliers walking into the lounge at Mumbai airport.
Delhi’s international business class lounge has a daily passenger turnover almost seven times more than Calcutta’s.
“We have fewer international flights than the other metros. We have been talking to several international carriers over several months but have yet to get a positive response from them,” airport director B.P. Sharma said.
Sources in the aviation industry said barely 70-odd guests out of the 300 using the international business class lounge daily were business class travellers. “The rest of the people are those who have gained entry by clocking air miles,” an official said.
Mumbai generates about 700 business class passengers daily and Delhi about 650. Chennai averages 400 business class fliers.
“Less than 10 per cent of our clients are business class fliers round the year. Unless the volume of business class travellers grow, a facility like the new lounge will remain mostly unused,” said Anil Punjabi, chairman (east) of the Travel Agents’ Federation of India.
So low is the footfall that all 75 seats in the lounge are unoccupied for most of the day. With business being lukewarm at best, the lounge doesn’t stock the premium range of alcoholic beverages that adorn the bar shelves at other metro airports. Metro found Johnnie Walker Black Label the most expensive whisky on offer during a visit last week.
“There is an issue of pricing as well. The airport is asking for Rs 1,500 from each airline for every passenger who uses the lounge but the carriers are bargaining for Rs 900. The rate will be finalised soon,” a source said.
Mumbai airport charges Rs 1,600 from airlines for every passenger with access to the lounge but the facilities are better, airlines officials said.
“In Calcutta, our passengers don’t get private shower rooms or massage facilities. So why should we pay more?” a representative of a private international airline said.
Mumbai airport has separate lounges for first class and business class passengers. The new terminal has two entire floors dedicated to business and first-class lounges. In Delhi, some international airlines like Emirates have their own lounges for business class passengers.
“The problem in Calcutta is lack of volume. Had airlines got more business class passengers, it would have been viable for them to pay for such facilities,” an airport official said.
The new business lounge, spread over 500 square metres on the upper level of the international departure lounge, is a vast improvement over what business class fliers were used to.
The spread of food, choice of beverages and décor — everything is better compared to the previous lounge that became defunct earlier this year.
“The place undoubtedly has the look of a business class lounge,” said an official of a private airline.
Airport director Sharma said a second business class lounge spread over 350 square metres will become operational in the lower level by the end of September. “Wheelchair-bound passengers will find this one convenient. Now they have to take the elevator to reach the international business class lounge.”
The twin lounges are part of a Rs 16-crore project to create F&B infrastructure across the airport.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Arrival procedures and visa requirements for foreigners, OCI and PIO card holders and other NRIs:

Source: http://kolkatainternationalairport.com/information/immigration

VISA Requirement Different categories of Visas with specific endorsement of number of entries allowed and duration of stay in India are mentioned on the Visa depending upon request and subsequent decision of the Visa issuing authority.
Foreigners may also look for specific endorsement, if any, on the Visa for their guidance.
In case of any doubt, they may seek clarification from any of the Indian Missions abroad. Nationals of Nepal and Bhutan do not require Visa to enter India. However, citizens of Nepal & Bhutan require a Visa when entering India from China. Citizens of Nepal going for work to a foreign country through India require clearance from Department of Foreign Employment of Nepal Government.
A citizen of Maldives visiting India for a short period, up to 90 days, is exempt from the requirement of Visa, as a special case, provided he/she holds a valid Passport issued by, or on behalf of Government of Maldives. This Visa free entry is allowed for the tourism purpose only. The period of 90 days shall include any prior period of stay of such foreigner on Tourist Visa Sticker in India during a period of six months immediately preceding the date of his/her entry into India.
The Maldivians who want to visit India for a period of more than 90 days shall get Visa issued
A separate Visa regime exists for diplomatic/& official passport holders.
Overseas Citizen Of India (OCI) :-Passengers who are carrying old cancelled passports having Life Long Indian "U" Visa Sticker affixed on it along with new passport are allowed entry into India. Even if the OCI card holder acquires nationality of a different country, except that of Pakistan and Bangladesh, he/she is also allowed entry into India provided he/she is carrying his/her old passport having Life Long Indian "U" Visa sticker pasted on it along with the new passport of the recently acquired nationality.

Requirements during arrival of Foreigners in India
Immigration check is carried out for all passengers at the port of arrival in India. The Foreigners arriving in India are required to furnish true particulars in the Disembarkation Card (Arrival Card) as to his name and nationality, his age, sex, place of birth and address or intended address in India.
Immigration check includes checking of Passport, Visa, Disembarkation Card, entering foreigner's particulars in computer, retention of Arrival Card and stamping of Passport of the foreigner.
Pakistan nationals other than those on Diplomatic Visa (On Assignment), Non-Diplomatic Visa, SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker and SAU Visa or those who have been exempted from carrying visa application are required to carry a Visa application form (duplicate copies) which will be issued in addition to regular Visa on their passport by the Indian Mission concerned.
On presentation at Immigration check post, they are issued Regular Residential Permit and are required to report to the FRRO/FRO or concerned Police Station in their places of stay within 24 hours unless and until they are officially Exempted from Police Reporting.
Foreigners holding PIO cards-
The foreigners holding PIO cards can gain entry into India if valid PIO card is presented along with the valid new foreign passport issued in lieu of the passport endorsed on the PIO card.
However the foreigners are advised to have necessary endorsement of the new passport from the competent authority on their PIO cards to avoid any inconvenience.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Thu Aug 21, 2014 9:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Fare deal to fly Bangkok
- Two new flights, one offer and a price plunge in the offing


http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140821/jsp/calcutta/story_18743227.jsp#.U_YPt8VdWGM


SANJAY MANDAL

Pay the fare for Bagdogra and fly to Bangkok as a new holiday season begins.
The average return fare for Calcutta-Bangkok has dropped from the range of Rs 17,000-Rs 20,000 in July to Rs 10,000-Rs 13,000 for journeys from September.
SpiceJet is offering an introductory return fare of Rs 6,000 from September 25. The offer may not have triggered a war in the skies yet but it has dragged down fares across the sector.
A return ticket for Calcutta-Bagdogra costs between Rs 9,000 and Rs 11,000 on an average, about the same as what airlines might charge for Calcutta-Bangkok as the competition heats up.
Calcutta-Bangkok fares had shot up after Jet Airways withdrew its flights in April and AirAsia too pulled out the same month. That reduced the number of seats on the Calcutta-Bangkok route from 1,120 daily to about 500.
The introduction of two flights by budget carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet has since dragged down fares again for the most-travelled international route from Calcutta. These two flights will take the number of daily seats on offer to around 900.
“On an average, 800 seats are sold every day. So, there will be a surplus except on the festival days when passenger movement is usually very high. This will bring down fares significantly,” said Anil Punjabi, chairman (east) of the Travel Agents’ Federation of India.
In 2013-14, the average return fare offered by most airlines for a Calcutta-Bangkok trip ranged between Rs 12,000 and Rs 14,000. After the withdrawal of AirAsia and Jet Airways, the average return fare increased to Rs 17,000-Rs 20,000.
Fares started dipping again the moment IndiGo and SpiceJet announced their new flights from end-September.
Sources in the aviation industry said that international carriers like Thai Airways would also be forced to reduce fares to fight the competition.
SpiceJet officials said the introductory one-way fare of Rs 2,999, inclusive of all taxes (return fare around Rs 6,000), would be retained for “some time”. This special fare would be applicable to a few seats on each flight. The average return fare between end-September and October, apart from the Durga Puja days, would range between Rs 9,000 and Rs 11,000.
“We want to consolidate our position in the sector. Fares have been structured based on demand and supply,” said Debjit Ghosh, regional sales head (east) at SpiceJet.
IndiGo is offering an average return fare of between Rs 9,000 and Rs 13,000, an official of the airline said.
“We are not reacting to the low fares offered by another airline. Having said that, the addition of seats would trigger rationalisation of fares,” he said.
Jet Airways had pulled out of the Calcutta-Bangkok sector because it wasn’t bringing returns after IndiGo and Bhutan Airlines jumped into the fray.
“This is a sector where low-cost carriers find it easier to survive, compared to full-service airlines,” an aviation official said.
The operational costs of a full-service airline are about six per cent more than that of a low-cost carrier.
The official said Thai Airways was doing well because of its onward connections from Bangkok. Other airlines depend on tourists and traders to survive.
Metro has been highlighting how lack of industry and the corresponding dearth of corporate travellers have chased many airlines from Calcutta
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 1:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

ATC averts major accident at airport

TNN | Aug 28, 2014, 12.47 AM IST
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/ATC-averts-major-accident-at-airport/articleshow/41026513.cms


KOLKATA: A disaster was averted at the Kolkata airport on Wednesday morning when an alert controller spotted a pilot error in the nick of time and took immediate corrective action. The plane, a Boeing 767-200 aircraft, could have overshot the runway and plowed into the airport wall, leading to a major catastrophe had the controller not acted on time.

According to sources, a non-scheduled passenger aircraft belonging to Jet Aviation was flying to Kolkata from Bangkok. When it approached from the Barasat side to the north of the airport, the controller asked it to land on the secondary runway as repairs were underway on the primary runway.

The plane slowly descended for landing, but when it was around 7 nautical miles from Kolkata airport, it suddenly veered to the left and continued to do so further away from the primary runway, towards the heavily populated Narayanpur to the south-east of the airport. It was around 10.59am.

The pilot and the controller both realized the mistake when the plane was merely 3 nautical miles away. That's when both tried to take corrective action by steering the plane to the right. But with time and distance running out fast, the controller decided it was too risky to attempt to realign the bulky plane and land on the secondary runway. She asked the pilot to abort landing and instead go around the airport and make a fresh approach.

The pilot did as told and the plane finally landed at 11.20am. Sources later said even a seasoned pilot who was used to operating in Kolkata would have found it difficult to land safely. "The momentum would have taken him beyond the runway. That would have meant disaster," he said.
Comment: So secondary runway routinely handling B767 widebody aircrafts. Its a good news. It is now as effective as primary runway.May be it is handling much of work loads from primary runway at daytime.Runway extension business worked well!
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Tue Sep 02, 2014 6:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ATC budget shoots up to Rs 380 crore

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/ATC-budget-shoots-up-to-Rs-380-crore/articleshow/41452895.cms

KOLKATA: The estimated project cost of the air traffic control tower and technical block has shot up from Rs 270 crore to Rs 380 crore following a four-year delay. By the time the tower is commissioned in 2018-19, the cost may shoot up by a further Rs 120 crore, taking the overall project cost to Rs 500 crore.

Originally proposed in the first phase of the airport modernization that included the integrated terminal, the ATC tower project was put on the backburner followed funds crunch. The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which carried out the modernization of Kolkata and Chennai airports, pumping in Rs 4,340 crore for the two metro airports in addition to investments in smaller airports, needed a breather.

Now, a year and a half after completion of the first phase, AAI is set to roll out the second phase by reviving the tower project. But now it has to shell out Rs 230 crore for the civil work, up from Rs 120 crore estimated six years ago. It was revised to Rs 200 crore a year ago, factoring in construction cost escalation. It has now been further hiked by Rs 30 crore as the floor area of the technical building has been increased.

With Rs 150 crore already having been spent in automation at the existing air traffic management building that also houses the ATC, the total project cost is pegged to touch Rs 380 crore.

Speaking on the sidelines of an all-India conference on the critical role of communication, surveillance and navigation (CNS) in air safety, AAI member (operations) GK Chaukiyal said the proposal will be placed before the AAI board for clearance later this month. Following its nod, the file will be sent to the Public Investment Board.

"We expect the clearances to come within two months, after which a tender will be floated for the construction of the 86-metre high spiral torch-shaped air traffic control tower and the five-level technical block," Chaukiyal said.
While it will take at least eight months to award the project, it will then take another two years to construct the tower and the adjoining block. "The civil construction should be over by 2017-end. By the end of 2018, the tower should be fitted, equipped and ready for commissioning," he said.

Sources in CNS said the project cost is certain to go up further as part of the Rs 150 crore spent in the automation project would have to be invested again in equipment at the new facility. "Translocation of ANS equipment is virtually impossible at an airport the size of Kolkata. In fact, the old tower and area controls will continue to function even when the new facility is commissioned. Only after the latter stabilizes will the existing facility be decommissioned. Then the four-year-old equipment can be sent to another airport," he explained.
Comment: Kolkata air traffic area handles perhaps highest number of East/West international traffic in the country. So it is about time a modern ATC center is installed here at Kolkata. Money should be no issue. Navigation charge will eventually recover the extra cost. Old ATC tower should be dismantled or converted to a hotel.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sumantra
Member


Joined: 28 Oct 2007
Posts: 4685
Location: New Delhi

PostPosted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 4:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

sabya99 wrote:
Old ATC tower should be dismantled or converted to a hotel.
Sir, this is an interesting idea! The hotel with a view of most of the goings-on except perhaps the South apron. I have my doubts as to whether it will actually work, given that not too many legacy carriers serve CCU, who may patronise the hotel. The airport hotel concept has been successful to some extent at DEL/HYD, I am not sure it will work well at other places. Interestingly, it may actually be more worthwhile to close down the terminal till more traffic comes up, as they have done with IGIA DEL's T1-A and T2.
Cheers, Sumantra.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
stealthpilot
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2006
Posts: 2325
Location: BLR, DXB

PostPosted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 1:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

sabya99 wrote:
Kolkata air traffic area handles perhaps highest number of East/West international traffic in the country. So it is about time a modern ATC center is installed here at Kolkata. Money should be no issue. Navigation charge will eventually recover the extra cost.

Handles the most east/west international traffic in the country? Did you mean overflight?
An airport ATC generally controls ground, TO/Landings + the airspace around the airport. The chaps handling the enroute areas + upper level traffic probably sit in another building god knows where. As for the need for modern ATC absolutely, it's high time!

sabya99 wrote:
Old ATC tower should be dismantled or converted to a hotel.

A hotel with no windows Laughing But seriously speaking who would stay there?
_________________
eP007
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Wed Sep 03, 2014 7:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

@ Stealthpilot, Yes , you are right. I meant East West over flight. Besides this ATC center plays a very important role in coordinating numerous flights to NE India both civil and army flights! MCA should not have neglected such an asset. The fact that current tower worked for sixty years in spite of its rundown condition is a commendable job by AAI staff. The contribution of radar stations around the airport during 1971 Bangladesh war is well documented. Babus of MCA may not understand what to do with these things.
@ Sumantra, converting it to a hotel is one option. But it could be an office too.
Very Happy
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 6:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

RUNWAY OVERHAUL AFTER 10 YEARS OF PATCHWORK

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1140905/jsp/calcutta/story_18798184.jsp#.VAm3fcJdWGM


Your daily commute might remain a bumpy one but you can look forward to smoother take-offs and landings from next year.
Unlike Calcutta’s ragged roads that have to make do with some hasty (and often shoddy) patchwork before Puja, the airport’s main runway is poised to undergo an overhaul starting February, its first in a decade.
The Airports Authority of India has cleared a Rs 122-crore project to resurface a tarmac that pilots have long dreaded because of its worn-out surface, made more uneven by rubber deposits from aircraft tyres.
The last time an overhaul had been planned, the projected budget hit a roadblock in Delhi. The runway saw some patchwork a few months ago to keep it usable.
“Rehabilitation and resurfacing of the main runway will start in February 2015 and we are planning to complete the task by December. The AAI headquarters has sanctioned the funds,” airport director B.P. Sharma told Metro.
Sanction for the runway project has come within weeks of the civil aviation ministry’s green signal to install a Category III-B Instrument Landing System in Calcutta. Delhi’s is the only airport in the country to have CAT III-B, a system that enables aircraft to land in dense fog with visibility of up to 50 metres.
The twin projects will start almost simultaneously, the airport director said. The contract for the runway job will be put out to tender in October. “We plan to keep the main runway closed for 12 hours during the day for resurfacing. It will be used at night,” Sharma said.
The airport’s secondary runway often can’t be used after dusk because it doesn’t have the CAT-II ILS that is required for visibility below 550 metres.
Flight delays and cancellations are likely during the duration of the runway project, airport sources said.
To the untrained eye looking out of an aircraft window, the airport’s main runway might look like an expressway fit for a Ferrari.
But ask the pilots who steer their Airbuses and Boeings through the tarmac and they will tell you how uneven the surface is.
“The runways in Delhi, Mumbai and Dhaka are smooth and we don’t have problems there. But in Calcutta, we have had to repeatedly ask the authorities to start resurfacing the runway because of safety concerns,” said Captain Sarvesh Gupta, a veteran pilot and chairman of the Airline Operators’ Committee, Calcutta.
Patchwork year after year has apparently made the tarmac worse. “Patchwork leads to undulations; it doesn’t matter how good the work is. The main runway is so uneven that it is very uncomfortable to land and takeoff from there,” Gupta said.
An uneven, wet runway with rubber deposits is likely to affect an aircraft’s braking capability.
“The surface might peel off too, in which case stones and pieces of concrete could get into the engine, leading to a condition technically known as foreign object damage,” Gupta said.
Typically, a runway comprises seven layers, including soil, granular sub base, bitumen, asphalt and concrete.
Most domestic airlines, including IndiGo, Jet Airways and SpiceJet, operate narrow-bodied Boeing 737 and Airbus 319 and 320 aircraft that weigh between 60 and 65 tonnes and land at speeds of around 250kmph.
International airlines operate wide-bodied aircraft — the Airbus 330 and 340 and Boeing 777 and 747 — that weigh about 350 tonnes each with landing speeds of around 250kmph.
“That is an enormous burden to bear and any tarmac would need an overhaul in about 10 years, if not earlier,” an AAI engineer said.
The last time the main runway was resurfaced was in 2003-04. It has been due for one since 2011.
A study by the Central Road Research Institute last year revealed damage to various portions of the tarmac. The report recommended giving the runway a new surface and laying a sheet of synthetic fabric under the bituminous layers to prevent rainwater from percolating down.
A synthetic layer imported from Germany and the US will be used for the first time at Calcutta airport. The layer will have a system to route rainwater from the runway to drains along the flanks of the runway.
Apart from normal wear and tear, the rainy season takes its toll on the runway every year. The damage is more in Calcutta because the groundwater level rises till one metre below the runway surface during the monsoon. Rainwater eats into the bituminous layers, causing the surface to become brittle.
The groundwater level is usually three metres below the surface during the rest of the year.

Comment: JFK runway R13 was repaved with concrete recently and it took only 3 months. At that time this runway was closed to traffic which is of course not possible in India.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sumantra
Member


Joined: 28 Oct 2007
Posts: 4685
Location: New Delhi

PostPosted: Sun Sep 28, 2014 8:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

...quite unrelated, but a part of this TR covers The Wife's AI 020 trip from Delhi to your favourite city, on the overheating oven incident plane, 25 Jul'13.
64. Coimba-Tour, Jul'13 [& Overheating Ovens]
http://www.airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/airlinersindia-ftopic13973.html
Cheers, Sumantra.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Fri Oct 17, 2014 11:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A very colorful CAT II landing at Kolkata airport on north end of main runway ( 19 L ) followed by exit through rapid exit taxiway: http://youtu.be/z7QqRRrbnjk

January 7 date for Andal flight test

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/January-7-date-for-Andal-flight-test/articleshow/44829941.cms

KOLKATA: The green field private airport at Andal is planning to operate the first test flight with a fixed-wing aircraft on January 7.

Though the airport is unlikely to get an operators' license till next March, the test flight with a 20-seater plane will serve as a symbolic takeoff that Mamata Banerjee is keen to showcase at Biswa Bangla, the investor meet scheduled in Kolkata around that time.

"We have applied for license to operate Airbus A320 or Boeing B737-800 (category 4C aircraft). The formalities may take a few months though the airport will be completely ready for operation by December. We are therefore looking at the possibility of operating a non-scheduled test flight with 18-20-seat aircraft (category 2C) subject to approval from the directorate general of civil aviation," said Partha Ghosh, managing director of Bengal Aerotropolis Pvt Ltd ( BAPL), which is developing the Andal airport.
With Singapore's Changi Airports International Pvt Ltd a significant partner in the airport project, Mamata is keen that a flight lands and takes off at Andal to send the right signal to the delegates.

We want the airport to begin operations in the first week of January and held a review meeting with stakeholders to assess the preparedness on Wednesday," said transport principal secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay.

The work left includes shifting of a high-tension electricity line across the runway and a six-lane road to connect the airport to national highway-2.

While the terminal building and ATC-cum-service cluster block are ready, runway lights are being installed in the final phase. On Wednesday, non-scheduled operator Pinnacle Air expressed interest in adding Andal as a stop to the current Kolkata-Jamshedpur-Ranchi flight while Spirit Air, Par Air and Costa Air are considering flights on the Kolkata-Andal-Bagdogra-Cooch Behar sector.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
iflytb20
Member


Joined: 27 Jan 2007
Posts: 1079
Location: Next to the Airport

PostPosted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 3:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wouldn't call it a CAT II approach. It's not even CAT I approach. Visibility seems to be atleast 5 km. Wink

This is what it would look like. http://youtu.be/C84FEFjBj3o
_________________
Always do everything into wind...... except piss Wink
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sumantra
Member


Joined: 28 Oct 2007
Posts: 4685
Location: New Delhi

PostPosted: Sat Nov 01, 2014 11:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My first visit to the new CCU T2 (International arrivals, Domestic departures), circa Sep'13, which left the usually skeptical me, quite impressed.
67. CCU Calls, Come September, not Spring! Sep'13
http://www.airlinersindia.s4.bizhat.com/airlinersindia-ftopic14050.html
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Wed Nov 12, 2014 11:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

More options to fly to Bangkok from December

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/More-options-to-fly-to-Bangkok-from-December/articleshow/45115432.cms

KOLKATA: From December 2, Thai Airways will operate twice daily flights between Kolkata and Bangkok on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, taking the flight count to 10-a-week. The airline is keen to make the service twice daily but says it is constrained by the seat cap in the bilateral pact.

"From December, we will introduce morning flights that will take off from Bangkok at 10.35am and reach Kolkata at 11.40am. The departing flight will reach Bangkok at 4.50pm," said Thai Airways general manager Vichaya Singtoroj. The new flights will offer introductory return fare of Rs 15,350 in economy and Rs 30,500 in business class.

The three additional flights to the city make Kolkata the second largest operational airport in India for Thai Airways. While the carrier operates twice daily flights or 14 flights a week to Delhi, it has daily flights to Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore and five flights a week to Hyderabad.

Thai Airways will operate the wide-bodied Airbus 330 on the sector, offering 34 business class seats and 253 economy seats. With Thai doing 80-85% loads on the daily flights, Singtoroj hopes the new flights will gain acceptance during the busy winter season when tourist traffic goes up.

"We would want to introduce twice daily connections from Kolkata but are constrained by the bilateral agreement that limits the capacity of a Thai carrier operating to Kolkata to 3,700 seats a week," the Thai GM added. With the airline now using up 2,870 seats, it can at the most add two flights.

Comment: This time the excuse for not having enough flights to CCU is bilateral agreement and not the usual lack of business class passengers. I think every airline must find their own excuse to bypass Kolkata. But in spite of that international passengers from Kolkata will steadily increase. Smile
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sumantra
Member


Joined: 28 Oct 2007
Posts: 4685
Location: New Delhi

PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 9:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

sumantra wrote:

3. The plane I saw in 1983 was behind the Aerospace Engineering Department (marked as `AERO') on the map, and was a Curtiss A-40 Warhawk. The Aerospace Department is a bit north West of the place you have marked on the map.
4. On enquiring about it in 1983, I was told that it was a crashed aircraft from the WW2 era, when an American airbase was close to the area. I am interested to know which airbase it was, and where is it now. It could be the Dudhkundi one, but wait - there is a Hangar (spelt `hanger') on Google Maps INSIDE the IIT Kharagpur campus (a bit North East of the place where the Hawker Hunter currently is). I suspect a WW2 era grass airfield to have been very close to this place.
5. How do I know it was a Curtiss A-40 Warhawk? It was told that it was an American aircraft which had seen action in WW2. It was clearly not a P-51 Mustang - the tail was Spitfire-like, which could only point to the Curtiss A-40 Warhawk, which had seen action in the area, at that time. The propeller and engine parts peeping outside the front fuselage are exactly how I remember it.

It was a Spitfire. Confirmed by none other than the one-and-only PVS Jagan Rao (Jagan Pilarisetti).
Cheers, Sumantra.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sumantra
Member


Joined: 28 Oct 2007
Posts: 4685
Location: New Delhi

PostPosted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 5:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Spitfire, in worse times than when I saw it. All rights with the photographer, I am just shamelessly posting a link:
https://scontent-a-sin.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10801542_10152425644961022_2792876905833973983_n.jpg?oh=cd491e9dbd6061524318887b76e266fe&oe=54E0CCFC
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 7:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

DGCA clears Kolkata airport new traffic control system

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/DGCA-clears-Kolkata-airport-new-traffic-control-system/articleshow/45441252.cms

KOLKATA: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the watchdog agency that monitors Indian skies, has given a provisional approval to the automated air traffic management system at Kolkata airport that was commissioned in August.

The nod from DGCA is a major leap of faith for engineers and technicians involved in developing the new control centre on the fourth floor of the air traffic complex. Though the old control centre on the building's seventh floor is still in operation as a back-up support, flights are practically being monitored and directed from the new state-of-the-art centre. Once DGCA gives the final approval that is expected in six months, the old centre will be de-commissioned.

The automated system integrates and displays inputs from multiple radars, automatically transmits air traffic data to adjoining ATCs and ushers in smarter air traffic management for optimization of air space. Though the automation system was provided by Spanish firm Indra, it was Indian engineers who developed the architecture and implemented the transition from an archaic system to a modern one.

While controllers in Kolkata have been working with primary and secondary radars installed in 1997, ATCs in Delhi and Mumbai were modernized multiple times in the past 16 years, undergoing generational upgrades.

"Over the years, the airspace has not changed. Yet, traffic has increased manifold. To keep pace with the demand for more flights, we have to pack more aircraft in a defined airspace. And that can only be done when safety is ensured through fail-safe instruments that can track each aircraft. The new system allows us to do just that," a controller said.

The Rs 50-crore new communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) system transforms a controller's access to two radars that could be viewed in isolation to nine radars integrated to display the data on one screen. In addition, there is information from eight automatic dependence surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) units that receives coordinates of aircraft through satellites.

The system has the capability to integrate up to 32 radars. Controllers in Kolkata now get to see 400 nautical miles (740 km) and speak to aircraft located anywhere in that range instead of 200 nautical miles (370 km) using the older system. This will eventually give controllers the confidence to reduce the gap between two planes from 10 nautical miles (18.52 km) to as low as 3 nautical miles (5.56 km) as they approach for landing.

This will double the efficiency of runway at Kolkata airport from 30 landings and takeoffs in an hour now to 60 in future.
Comments: CCU badly needs a new control tower; when AAI going to start that project.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Sat Dec 13, 2014 2:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air Force Station Kanchrapara resurfaces in new avatar

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Air-Force-Station-Kanchrapara-resurfaces-in-new-avatar/articleshow/45498411.cms

KOLKATA: It was set up on September 1, 1942, as a base for P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchells and P-38 Lightnings of the United States Army Air Force. It fell into disuse after the end of World War II. On Saturday, Air Force Station Kanchrapara will resurface in a new avatar when chief of air staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha who is also chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, inaugurates an Indian Air Force selection board there.

"All necessary infrastructure is in place. It has been named No. 5 Air Force Selection Board. The air chief will be received at Kanchrapara by Air Marshal R K Jolly, air officer commanding-in-chief, Eastern Air Command and other senior officers. There are a large number of people from West Bengal in the IAF. The state is very well represented. This selection board will facilitate the entry of more young men and women from the eastern part of India to join the IAF in the officer cadre," an officer said.

During his visit to Kanchrapara, the air chief will be briefed on operationalisation of various facilities and selection processes. Air Chief Marshal Raha will also visit selection areas and oversee facilities provided at the base. He will also interact with air warriors before returning to Kolkata.
Comment: It should be reactivated as a functioning airport and not as recruiting center as it was during WW II.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sumantra
Member


Joined: 28 Oct 2007
Posts: 4685
Location: New Delhi

PostPosted: Sat Dec 13, 2014 10:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

sabya99 wrote:
Comment: It should be reactivated as a functioning airport
I'm not too sure about that, Sir. Kalyani is too close to Calcutta, and since about the late 1980s, very well connected by road. I still have my fingers crossed about Andal/Durgapur Aerotropolis, and its viability.
Cheers, Sumantra.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 7:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

sumantra wrote:
sabya99 wrote:
Comment: It should be reactivated as a functioning airport
I'm not too sure about that, Sir. Kalyani is too close to Calcutta, and since about the late 1980s, very well connected by road. I still have my fingers crossed about Andal/Durgapur Aerotropolis, and its viability.
Cheers, Sumantra.


Sumantra,
I did not mean a civil airport , but a back up of Barackpore AF station. Kolkata’s northern approach could not be well protected by old and crowded Barackpore AF Station.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Emirates eyes a first-class gamble

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150107/jsp/calcutta/story_7132.jsp

Calcutta is set to fly first class again with Emirates after more than eight years, a period marked by the departure of several international airlines that had blamed the lack of business travellers for their exit from the city.
Dubai-based Emirates is reintroducing 12 first-class seats on its morning flights between Calcutta and Dubai from March, banking on the improved airport facilities to match its on-board premium services.
Emirates used to have first class as an option in 2006, the year it started operating from the city. The airline discontinued it after a few months for the same reason that no other international carrier has first-class seats in the Calcutta sector: lack of demand.
"We are in the planning stage of reintroducing first-class seats in the sector," a spokesperson for Emirates said on Tuesday.
Metro checked the Emirates website and found three categories of seats on offer - economy, business class and first class - from March 29 onwards. The average fare for a round trip to Dubai has been pegged at around Rs 1.34 lakh.
The round-trip fare for flying first class between Calcutta and London would be around Rs 3.95 lakh, airline sources said.
"Emirates has informed us about its plan to introduce a first-class section on its flights from Calcutta. The new terminal has a premium lounge, so we expect other airlines to have premium-class seats as well," airport director B.P. Sharma said.
Back in 2006, the old international terminal didn't have a proper business-class lounge, let alone one for first class. There weren't enough aerobridges either and a coach ride to and from the aircraft was a far cry from the civil aviation industry's definition of first-class treatment.
"Complaints from first-class passengers forced Emirates to withdraw first class as an option from Calcutta," an airport official said.
In Dubai, travellers flying first class get entry into an exclusive lounge. On board, they are served gourmet cuisine and a wide range of beverages.
Sources said Emirates might introduce chauffeur services for its first-class passengers in Calcutta.
The idea of adding first-class seats to flights from the city is in line with the airline's plan to replace its old Airbus 330s with Boeing 777-200 series aircraft, a source said.
"The airline is in the process of phasing out the Airbus 330. The larger Boeing 777-200 series aircraft would be ideal for a first-class section," the source said.
Travel operators said the prospect of stiff competition from another UAE-based airline was one of the reasons for Emirates being in a hurry to bring back first class.
"Etihad is flying in next month and Emirates has come up with a new product to face the competition," said Anil Punjabi, chairman (east) of the Travel Agents' Federation of India.
The viability of a full-service airline on a route depends on the sale of business-class seats. Several airlines, including British Airways and Lufthansa, have withdrawn from Calcutta by citing low business-class occupancy.

More on NSCBI airport :
Inside the majestic new terminal of NSCBI airport : http://youtu.be/RQX62jfvpcY
Final approach and landing on Kolkata’s runway end 19L : http://youtu.be/lQbnadxsa0k
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 11:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Andal airport likely to miss 5th deadline

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150107/jsp/bengal/story_7138.jsp

Jan. 6: The airport project in Burdwan's Andal is set to miss its fifth deadline tomorrow, the delay coinciding with the inauguration of the business summit in Calcutta.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had announced during her Singapore trip last year that the first flight would take off from the airport in November, a target that was missed. The deadline was revised by minister Malay Ghatak, who said the airport, conceived when the Left was in power, would become operational on January 7.
Sources said the chances of meeting the fifth deadline was highly unlikely as several high-tension electricity towers near the runway were yet to be relocated.
Airport promoter Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd (BAPL) has not got the approval of the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation for the operation of flights because of the towers, sources in the DGCA and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said.
Work to relocate the towers and build an approach road that would connect the airport to NH2 had been held up for several years because of protests by landlosers. The shifting of the towers began in October but has faced disruptions in some pockets. "Work is going on smoothly now," a source said. Laying the road began last week.
BAPL sources said it would take another two months to relocate the towers and construct the road.
"The towers need to be removed from the operational area. Also, though the communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) equipment has been installed, the calibration is yet to be done," a DGCA official said. The calibration will be done by specially equipped AAI aircraft.
"Once the airport authorities get all the necessary clearances, they'll approach us for the calibration. They have set a date in February for the final calibration," an AAI official said.
In October, labour minister Ghatak, who is overseeing the project on behalf of the government, had announced that the problems over land had been sorted out and two short-distance flights would take off from Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport in Andal on January 7.
The 620-odd BJP-backed landlosers who had not accepted compensation and refused to part with their land, demanding Rs 1 crore an acre, agreed to allow work to proceed after BAPL apparently promised to give them developed plots in the project area.
"BAPL authorities have told us they would give us 5 cottahs of developed plots in the project area in addition to the compensation they have offered us. We have agreed to this. We plan to sell the plots once land prices shoot up," said Sunil Ghosh, the secretary of the Andal Block Krishi Jomi Rakshya Committee
Comment; We can wait 2-3 months for these jobs to complete. Let there be an airport in the western part of Bengal at all cost !!
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Sat Jan 17, 2015 1:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Visa on arrival facility commences in Kolkata airport

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/kolkata/visa-on-arrival-facility-commences-in-kolkata-airport/article6788451.ece?ref=sliderNews#.

The Hindu
The Visa on arrival scheme will facilitate nationals of 43 countries to travel to India for tourism for a stay of 30 days.
The NSC Bose International Airport has now started the facility for Visa on Arrival for tourists of 43 countries.
The facility would be available based on Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a statement by the airport director said on Wednesday.
The scheme will facilitate nationals of 43 countries to travel to India for tourism for a stay of 30 days.
To avail the ETA facility, one has to apply from his/her home country online and pay the visa fee online. Once approved, the applicant will receive an email authorising him/her to travel to India and he/she can travel with a print out of this authorization.
On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorisation slip to the immigration authorities who will then stamp the entry into the country.
Since the system started in December last year, over 500 Visa have been issued, the statement said.
The 43 countries included Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Papua & New Guinea, Philippines, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, Ukraine, USA and Vietnam.

Comment: This system is far better than the dreadful visit to New York consulate!
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 7:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mihin Lanka will start flights to Kolkata from June,2015.

Calcutta is about to welcome yet another budget airline - Mihin Lanka from Sri Lanka - but the big birds of Europe still aren't interested in a city where a first-class section in Emirates is the exception.
Since March 2013, when Calcutta's new terminal became functional, only Etihad Airways has confirmed that it will start operating from the city. Budget carrier Mihin Lanka plans to start a thrice-a-week flight between Calcutta and Colombo, an airline official said.
"The airline wants to operate flights from June," airport director B.P. Sharma said
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150120/jsp/calcutta/story_9240.jsp
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Tue Jan 20, 2015 8:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Emirates adds one flight to Kolkata kitty

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Emirates-adds-one-flight-to-Kolkata-kitty/articleshow/45946262.cms

KOLKATA: Emirates Airline is set to add one more flight to Kolkata and upgrade the evening service to offer first-class seats alongside the current configuration of business and economy seats. The new flight that will begin operations from March 29 will take Emirates' weekly frequency to 13.

Apart from Tuesdays, when the airline will have a single flight in the morning, it will offer passengers a choice of morning and evening flights on the other days. The changes will ring in an additional 250 seats a week.

Announcing the introduction of the 13th frequency to Kolkata, Emirates vice-president (India & Nepal) Essa Sulaiman Ahmad said the capacity addition would facilitate greater customer choice and help the airline maintain competitive edge over rivals. Qatar Airways with a daily flight has already grabbed a pie of the West-bound traffic and Etihad is set to spice up competition further from February 15 when it launches a daily service. While Emirates will continue to be a favourite among professionals and executives, the entry of Etihad is expected to kick off a fare war on long-haul routes to Europe and the US.

"Emirates will stay ahead by not only offering the largest number of frequencies out of Kolkata but also the most reliable and best product," Sulaiman Ahmad said on Monday. While the airline currently uses an Airbus A330-200 aircraft with a seat configuration of 27 business class and 251 economy, it will switch to an Airbus 777-200 aircraft for the evening service with a configuration of 12 first class, 42 business class and 220 economy class seats. To woo Kolkatans to experience the first class, it will offer business passengers an option to fly first class on one leg of a return journey without incurring additional expenses.

"It is a bold gamble given the meagre presence of corporate houses in Kolkata. But if Emirates can ride on the positivity created by the investment summit, it will do everyone good," said Travel Agents' Federation of India chairman (east) Anil Punjabi
More on NSCBI airport : Inside the new terminal ; http://youtu.be/RQX62jfvpcY From Kolkata airport to Bodh Gaya : http://youtu.be/jq8k8HhHT70
Landing from south side on secondary runway ( 01L ): http://youtu.be/0Efulqk0SLU , http://youtu.be/-MH87GSuPFI
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Wed Feb 18, 2015 12:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cathay Pacific to begin freighter flights to Kolkata

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/cathay-pacific-to-begin-freighter-flights-to-kolkata-115021701170_1.html

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific today said it will expand its freighter network in the country with a new service to Kolkata from March 11.

Once the new freighter flight takes off, Cathay Pacific will become the only carrier providing direct services in the Koklata-Hong Kong sector, the airline said in a release.

Cathay Pacific Airways currently operates cargo services to 46 freighter destinations across the globe including Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai in India.

Besides, it also carries freight in the bellies of its 140-plus passenger aircraft, which across its global network.

"India is a very important market for Cathay Pacific and we are delighted to build on our existing network of five freighter destinations in the country. The new Kolkata service will boost the flow of garments and food products to and from India, taking advantage of our world-class facilities in Hong Kong to connect to our comprehensive global cargo network," Cathay Pacific's Director, Cargo, James Woodrow said.

The scheduled service will operate twice a week on a Hong Kong-New Delhi-Kolkata- Hong Kong route, the airline said, adding that it will strengthen its airfreight presence within the subcontinent, offering customers greater choice and flexibility when moving goods between South Asia and other parts of the world.

"This service will surely boost cargo not only to and from this city but the entire east of India providing greater connectivity, flexibility and access to our worldwide network. This will be the sixth freighter port that we will serve from India and this underlines our commitment to serve this growing market," airline's Regional Cargo Manager for South Asia, Middle East and Africa
Landing at Kolkata airport from north : http://youtu.be/GhAMi1Aa_xw
Andal airport under construction ( 2014) : http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=23.631452&lon=87.240307&z=16&m=b
Recent birds eye view of Kolkata airport : http://youtu.be/VdNbU0wHoq0
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 8:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Andal airport project now in final stage

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Andal-airport-project-now-in-final-stage/articleshow/46436068.cms

KOLKATA: Engineers and technicians from the communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) wing of Airports Authority of India (AAI) began installing navigational equipment at Andal airport near Durgapur on Monday. This is the final component for the facility to become operational.
"The radio construction and development unit (RCDU) of CNS has reached Andal to install navigational aids necessary for flight operations. We hope to complete installation of all systems, including Visually
-enhanced VHF Omni-directional Range (VVOR) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), as well as flight calibration, by mid-March. Thereafter, the airport will be ready for operations subject to license from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)," AAI general manager (CNS-Eastern Region) B R Sena said.Airport developer Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd (BAPL) has sought for permission to operate Airbus A320 or Boeing B737 (Category 4C) aircraft from Andal, christened Kaji Nazrul Islam Airport by Mamata Banerjee. But it can only make the final application after the airport is absolutely ready to handle flights.
Sources told TOI the private airport operator, as well as the state government, is keen on launching its first commercial flight on April 15 — Poila Baisakh.
Sena has proposed that the calibration aircraft be requisitioned on March 12 so that the equipment is tested, fine-tuned and ready for operation by March 15, giving the operator a month to pursue DGCA for the license. However, if the licensing process gets delayed, BAPL may consider operating a demo flight with a Czech-made twin-engine, short-range LET 410 aircraft.
While the major work, including construction of runway, passenger terminal and air traffic control tower-cum-administration facility, has been complete for a while, relocation of high tension power lines that ran across the runway delayed installation of navigational aids, including VVOR and instrument landing system (ILS), which includes localizer, vertical glide slope and precision approach path indicator (PAPI).
BAPL director Partha Ghosh said the 200KV line has been relocated and the new line was charged. "The line passing over the runway has been deactivated and wires have been removed. The towers have been dismantled," he said.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 7:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Export hub hope floats on Cathay Pacific freighter

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Export-hub-hope-floats-on-Cathay-Pacific-freighter/articleshow/46533963.cms

KOLKATA: A Cathay Pacific freighter lifted 30 tonne cargo from the city on Wednesday, raising hope of Kolkata emerging as an export hub. The airline's cargo wing hopes to lift 60 tonne a week from Kolkata airport initially before adding frequency to lift more.
Prior to Cathay Pacific Cargo, Qatar Airways was the only carrier to operate a freighter service to Kolkata. Other airlines carry cargo in the belly of their passenger aircraft.
"We believe Kolkata is a good market for both import and export of goods. Its potential was largely untapped due to capacity constraints and goods that should have been lifted from Kolkata were exported via Delhi, Hyderabad or Chennai," said Cathay Pacific Cargo regional cargo manager (South Asia, Middle East and Africa) Anand Yedery on Wednesday.
In the maiden freighter on Wednesday, the airline lifted garments, textiles for Japan, China and the US, leather for Europe and automotive spares for Mexico. These apart, the carrier hopes to add perishables like vegetables, frozen shrimp and live crabs to Singapore, Taipei, Beijing and Shanghai. With the freighter capable of uplifting special size consignments, the airline will also target engineering goods and heavy duty machine parts.
Imports will primarily comprise electronic items like laptops and cellphones.
Cathay Pacific that lifted 58,000 tonne from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, is targeting 70,000 tonne this year following the addition of Kolkata. On the import front, too, it hopes to fly in 65,000 tonne against 53,000 tonne that it brought in last year.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Fri Mar 13, 2015 6:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Andal airport inches closer to take-off

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Andal-airport-inches-closer-to-take-off/articleshow/46546413.cms

ANDAL: Engineers and technicians of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have completed installing all requisite navigational and meteorological equipment at Andal airport, the first private greenfield one in eastern India.

The airport is now ready for AAI's three-day flight calibration schedule, which starts from March 14.

A favourable report by AAI on the calibration is now what Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd (BAPL) — the developer of the airport — is now waiting for. It will enable the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to give its final go-ahead for operation of commercial flights.

"A function commemorating the completion of the calibration is slated at the airport on March 16. A large delegation of Changi Airports International will be present on the occasion," said BAPL managing director Partha Ghosh.

The first team of IMD had reached the airport on March 9. "They will provide updates on weather facilities and services for air navigation," a source said. AAI engineers wing has already set up all requisite navigational aids and associated instruments like Distance Measuring Equipment and Instrument Landing system.

Coochbehar airport in North Bengal waiting for runway extension : http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=26.332240&lon=89.470746&z=15&m=b
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Tue Mar 17, 2015 9:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bengal's Andal airport to commence operations in April

IANS
March 16, 2015 Last Updated at 22:32 IST

http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bengal-s-andal-airport-to-commence-operations-in-april-115031601337_1.html

Kolkata, March 16 (IAN)S India's first private greenfield airport at Andal in West Bengal's Burdwan district is likely to be ready for operations by April this year to handle both commercial as well as passenger traffic, an official said on Monday.
"The final calibration of navigational aids at the (Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport at Andal) airport by Airport Authority (of India) is done. Now, we expect to get final DGCA licence in a month," state Transport Secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay told media persons at Andal.
He said Pinnacle Air, a non-scheduled airline, will begin its operations from Durgapur four days a week connecting Bagdogra, Coochbehar, Durgapur and Kolkata soon after getting license from the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Spread across an area of 650 acres, the facility is promoted by Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd (BAPL). The state government owns a 1.2 percent stake in the private firm with Singapore's Changi Airport being the single largest shareholder in the airport.
The firm's managing director Partha Ghosh said it is in the negotiations stage with Air India and IndiGo for scheduled flights departure and arrivals for a Delhi-Durgapur route and Air Costa, a non-schedule airline for connecting south Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
According to state officials, the government has given a 100 percent waiver on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) surcharge for a period of three years, which was a major demand from scheduled flight operators.
The three-years' waiver on ATF has been given to Coochbehar and Bagdogra airports in north
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Tue Mar 24, 2015 6:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

All's fare in Gulf war for city skies
- Airline trio slash prices by up to 15%


Sanjay Mandal

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150324/jsp/calcutta/story_10488.jsp#.VRFksWbD_xE


Calcutta is the battleground for a new Gulf war.
Airfares to Europe, the US and West Asia have declined 10 to 15 per cent ahead of the holiday season, thanks to three airlines headquartered in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha competing for passengers from this part of the country.
If competitive fares are the primary weapons of war, freebies like free transfers between cities and special promotions like first-class travel for the price of a business-class ticket are luring passengers in a market where supply has outgrown demand over the past few years.




Emirates and Qatar Airways have regular flights from Calcutta to Dubai and Doha. With Etihad Airways, the second largest airline in the United Arab Emirates, joining the dogfight, the first signs of a price war came the moment holiday bookings for April and May started picking up.
Travel industry sources said an economy-class return ticket for Calcutta-London in April could be had for less than Rs 50,000. In the last two years, the average fare in this sector was between Rs 55,000 and Rs 60,000.
Fares for Calcutta-San Francisco too are lower than what travellers paid in the previous two years. A business-class return ticket in this sector is available for around Rs 1.5 lakh. The same ticket was priced upwards of Rs 2 lakh during the festival season last year, sources said.
Sources in the Gulf-based airlines said that until last year, sales promotions, in which low fares are offered for a period of time, would take place around four times a year. This year, some airlines are planning seven to eight such promotions.
"Etihad has brought down fares on several popular routes to get a foothold in the Calcutta market," an official of another airline said.
Once the Abu Dhabi-based airline slashed fares, its two main competitors had little choice but to respond with offers of their own. "We are offering dynamic fares and passengers are reaping the benefits," an Etihad official said.
The airline's return fare for Calcutta-Abu Dhabi is Rs 28,000. Emirates's average return fare for Calcutta-Dubai is Rs 30,000.
Sources in Emirates said the airline hadn't reduced fares drastically because its focus was on quality and connectivity, the two most important factors for fliers.
Both Emirates and Etihad are offering free transfers to Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively.
"The Gulf route and connections to Europe and the US are facing a challenge similar to what the Bangkok sector faced last year. There are now several players and capacity is more than demand. Fares are inevitably fluctuating," said Anil Punjabi, chairman (east) of the Travel Agents' Federation of India.
Between 700 and 750 people travel to Dubai or Abu Dhabi from Calcutta every day, many of them en route to Europe and the US. The number of seats available daily is nearly 900 since Etihad started operating from the city.
The number of travellers does increase during the peak season but the Calcutta market is still heavily dependent on leisure and education traffic, both of which are seasonal," Punjabi said.
Emirates used to be the only airline connecting Calcutta to West Asia for a long time following the withdrawal of British Airways, Lufthansa and direct Air India flights to Europe. Till 2011, Emirates was the only choice for passengers from the city headed for Europe and the US.
In 2009, Emirates started two flights a day for five days a week and was still filling its seats. In 2011, Qatar Airways came in with narrow-bodied aircraft having a capacity of around 150 seats.
"Since Etihad added another 150-odd seats, supply has outstripped demand and so fares have also started declining. Calcutta is not only a price-sensitive market but also has fewer business travellers flying to international destinations compared to Delhi and Mumbai," an airline official said.
The city's international passenger traffic is only 25 to 30 per cent of Delhi and Mumbai's, which tells the story.
Current Easy Fly fares: CCU-LHR ( Economy ) : Rs 48,000(2015) Rs 55,000 ( 2014 ); CCU-SFO (Business ):
Rs. 1.5 Laks ( 2015) Rs.2.0 Laks.( 2014) CCU-UAE : (Economy ) Rs.28,000 (2015) Rs.32,000 (2014)
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sabya99
Member


Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 1399
Location: New Jersey/CCU

PostPosted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 6:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Spice jet flight take off from Kolkata main runway: https://youtu.be/Gru2pdSkXRw
Simultaneous use of both runways from south side ; https://youtu.be/JOfM5pv-1cY
Busy apron area of the new terminal ; https://youtu.be/3bBLQOlv5Jw

Recent updates on NSCBI airport on Google map: http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=22.646696&lon=88.451228&z=16&m=b
Large amount of land being developed as airport support area/ apron area (?) along with newly built airport service road. Extension of NSCBI airport in the east will give ample space for future expansion and even some space for east/west runway in the future.
_________________
Sabya99
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
sumantra
Member


Joined: 28 Oct 2007
Posts: 4685
Location: New Delhi

PostPosted: Tue Apr 07, 2015 9:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

sabya99 wrote:
Large amount of land being developed as airport support area/ apron area (?) along with newly built airport service road. Extension of NSCBI airport in the east will give ample space for future expansion and even some space for east/west runway in the future.
Sir, you have a very sharp eye for detail. It will really be interesting to see what the future plan for this area is. A satellite terminal? Unlikely. Shift of the cargo terminal? Parking bays? Most likely. An MRO complex? Unlikely. The airport director Dr. B.P. Sharma seems to be a man on a mission, and seems to be running the show quite well. Please point us to news, in case you get some, on this. The SW-NE runway? Sir, I guess you may have been the last forum member to see the then grass runway in operation. The type of planes which used it are sadly represented by the trio rotting away: from E-W, an HS-748, Biju Patnaik's DC-3 and an F-27. I remember you saying that you saw an F-27 take-off from it in 1968.
Cheers, Sumantra.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   This topic is locked: you cannot edit posts or make replies.    Airliners-India.com Forum Index -> Civil Aviation All times are GMT + 5.5 Hours
Goto page Previous  1, 2, 3 ... 11, 12, 13 ... 24, 25, 26  Next
Page 12 of 26

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group. Hosted by phpBB.BizHat.com