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Air India News -- Part 31
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747-237
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 6:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/More-Air-India-wide-body-flights-on-Mumbai-Delhi-route/article16907579.ece

More Air India wide-body flights on Mumbai-Delhi route

December 20, 2016

Encouraged by the response to its wide-body operations in the Mumbai-Delhi sector, national carrier Air India is planning to operate more wide-body flights on this busy route, a senior official has said.

“We have received overwhelming response to our Boeing 747 Jumbo operation in the Mumbai-Delhi sector, and are now planning to deploy more such flights on this route. A decision will be taken shortly,” a spokesperson said.

Starting December 13, Air India has deployed the double deck Jumbo aircraft in the Mumbai-Delhi sector due to capacity constraints at the Mumbai airport, which is unable to allocate any additional landing slot to airlines. The Boeing 747 has been pressed into service till January 15, 2017, and its operation may be extended depending on the demand, the spokesperson said. The additional capacity in this sector has helped in keeping airfares under control during peak hours.

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PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 7:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/air-india-joining-udan-party-to-take-longer-on-dornier-approval-time/480968/

Air India joining UDAN party to take longer on Dornier approval time

December 20, 2016

With the government preparing for the take off of UDAN, Air India might take longer to play an active part in the ambitious scheme as regulatory approval for the 19-seater Dornier aircraft is likely to happen only by July next year.

To be part of the scheme, Air India is mulling induction of around 10 to 12 Dornier aircraft by its wholly-owned subsidiary Alliance Air. Dornier planes, made by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), are yet to be utilised for general passenger services and hence would require relevant approval from aviation regulator DGCA.

A senior Air India official said a committee has already submitted its report that examined feasibility of inducting Dornier planes into Alliance Air fleet. While a final decision on the report and further moves are expected soon, the official said around 10-12 such aircraft are likely to be inducted.

“Once it gets type certified, we may look into it for regional connectivity (scheme)… The report has been submitted but the aircraft is yet to be type certified. By June or July, it would be type certified,” the official said.

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PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 6:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/air-india-new-york-flight-leaves-behind-passengers-luggage/1/838419.html

Air India mismanagement again! Flight to New York leaves behind passengers' luggage


“The wind pattern at the Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport suddenly got changed and Air India was told to trim the weight of the Boeing 777 aircraft for a smooth take off,” an Air India spokesperson said.

The payload of the aircraft could be reduced either by offloading passengers or some cargo (passengers baggage in the cargo), the spokesperson said, adding that “we decided to offload some of the baggage”.

Consequently nine containers, each containing 25-30 bags, were taken off the aircraft, which were later transported from the airline’s other flights to Newark, he said.


http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/passengers-left-without-luggage-as-air-india-drops-cargo-for-smooth-takeoff/481123/
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 7:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Maharaja to take entertainment to new heights

AI’s Wi-Fi offer to help passengers enjoy movies, games and music on personal devices

The Maharaja may soon dish out Wi-Fi as part of in-flight entertainment offerings. Air India passengers can access on-board movies, games and music on their laptops or smartphones in the days to come.

The proposed Wi-Fi service will be in addition to Air India’s in-flight entertainment screens.

“The system should be capable of streaming Air India IFE (in-flight entertainment) content with menu driven access to passenger electronic devices such as mobile telephones, smartphones, tablets or laptops etc. This will be an additional system to the existing wired system, if installed,” Air India said in its expression of interest document floated on Thursday.


The Hindu

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PostPosted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 11:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India intends to implement ‘IFE on Wi Fi’ on its Narrow and Wide body Fleet of A319, A320, A321, B777-200LR, B777-300ER and B787-8.
This EOI is being issued to form a shortlist of vendors who can provide Wi-Fi Streaming (IFE) for passengers within aircraft
The purpose of this document is to present the details of our requirement to invite ‘Expression of Interest’ ( EOI ) from OEM Companies or their authorized representatives to implement ‘IFE on Wi-Fi’ in our Fleet of A319, A320, A321, B777-200LR, B777-300ER and B787-8 aircraft for entertainment of passengers. The system being offered should be capable of streaming Air India IFE content with Menu driven access to Passenger Electronic Devices such as mobile telephones, smart phones, tablet or laptops etc. This will be an additional system to existing wired IFE system on aircraft, if installed.


http://mmd.airindia.co.in/aimmd/tender/EOI%20-%20WiFi%20IFE%20-%2022%20Dec%202016.pdf
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PostPosted: Sun Dec 25, 2016 11:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India intends to procure stitched seat covers made of composite leather and ready to fit on
First and Business Class seats on B777 fleet. This EOI is being issued to shortlist the suppliers
who have capability to supply stitched seat covers made of composite leather.


http://mmd.airindia.co.in/aimmd/tender/Expression%20of%20Interest%20for%20Stitched%20Covers%20made%20of%20Composite%20leather%20for%20B777%20aircraft.pdf
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 26, 2016 1:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The first Air India 320NEO has been painted. It will be registered VT-CID apparently.

1st Airbus A320 neo Air India VT-CID by Jujug Spotting, on Flickr
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2017 7:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India reintroduces Chandigarh to Leh service

http://indianexpress.com/article/business/companies/air-india-reintroduces-chandigarh-to-leh-service-4453889/

Quote:
Air India reintroduced its flight service from Chandigarh to Leh on Saturday. As many as 108 passengers were on the first flight which arrived in the morning at Chandigarh, while 58 passengers traveled from the city in the same flight to Leh. Air India officials said that the direct non-stop flight will be operated with the 124 seater Airbus A319 aircraft thrice every week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

“We are expecting a good response from the public in the coming days,” said RK Negi, Chandigarh Airport manager of Air India. “Even today in the first flight, a good number of passengers traveled.”
Negi said Air India will be the only airline to operate on this route presently. The flight AI 457 will leave from Leh at 0805hrs and reach Chandigarh at 09:00 hrs. On return, the flight AI 458 will leave from Chandigarh at 09:40 hrs and reach Leh at 1020hrs. “The flight will fulfill the long-standing demand of the business community, tourists, and local residents as Chandigarh is the nearest gateway to the mainland,” said Negi.
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2017 7:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Soon, fly to Singapore, Bangkok, directly from Chandigarh

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/soon-fly-to-singapore-bangkok-directly-from-chandigarh/344441.html

Quote:
While two more international direct flights to two most sought-after global tourist destinations – Singapore and Bangkok— will start taking off from Chandigarh in March, the direct flights to and fro from Goa, Pune, Chennai and Hyderabad will also start taking off in February and March.
With this, Chandigarh will have four international flights (two international direct flights to Sharjah (thrice a week) and Dubai daily are already flying since September this year), while the number of domestic flights daily will go up to 25.
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2017 11:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.asianage.com/metros/mumbai/311216/heeding-sikh-demand-air-india-to-connect-nanded-amritsar.html

Heeding Sikh demand, Air India to connect Nanded-Amritsar

Dec 31, 2016

AI also plans to connect Nanded and Amritsar with Patna, where Sikhism’s 10th guru was born. The national carrier within a few days of the New Year will connect Amritsar and Nanded via Delhi twice a week. “Though all the preparations have been done, we will start this operation by mid January after the New Year celebrations are over,” said the airline spokesperson.

AI also confirmed that it would start two other new connections in January. The airline will connect Chandigarh to Pune and Mumbai fives times a week and Mumbai to Amritsar twice a week. Dhananjay Kumar, the airline’s spokesperson, said, “Apart from connecting Nanded and Amritsar in January, Patna is also in plans as it is the birthplace of Guru Govind Singh and an important pilgrimage centre. We also want to connect Mumbai with Hubli provided the city airport gives us slots.”

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PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 2:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India connects Pune to Chandigarh

National carrier Air India (IATA:AI, ICAO: AIC) tweeted the launch of new flights yesterday becoming the first airline to announce expansion in 2017. The Star Alliance member will start services between Mumbai (BOM) & Chandigarh (IXC), Chandigarh & Pune (PNQ), Mumbai & Amritsar (ATQ) and Amritsar & Nanded (NDC). The new flights will be progressively effective 16th January 2017.

The flights between Mumbai – Chandigarh & Chandigarh – Pune will operate on all days except Saturday & Sunday. While the flights on Mumbai – Amritsar and Amritsar – Nanded route will operate on weekends.
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 9:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ameya wrote:
Air India connects Pune to Chandigarh

Very nice and informative analysis, Sir!
Do you think the B744 services will continue for some time?
(This will give some permanency to the new services, with existing aircraft.)
Do you think AI had some internal information on the P&W 1127, or did they simply patronise the CFM LEAP since they have a lot of planes with the other popular CFM-56?
The focus on Pune looks quite well-thought, and speaks of good strategy.
NDC over the weekend is quite interesting from a passenger's point of view, allowing a weekend visit to the place.
Do you have any predictions for the Mumbai-Amritsar and the Amritsar-Nanded flights? Timings? A319? BOM-ATQ-NDC will be interesting, connecting NDC to the two points which will attract the most traffic to NDC: BOM for the international crowd, who may not mind a one-stop same-plane operation to NDC. ATQ for the domestic crowd.
Thanks once again, for an enlightening article!
Cheers, Sumantra.
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 04, 2017 5:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Very nice and informative analysis, Sir!


Thank You !

Quote:
Do you think the B744 services will continue for some time?

Depends on how the utilization is

Quote:
Do you think AI had some internal information on the P&W 1127, or did they simply patronise the CFM LEAP since they have a lot of planes with the other popular CFM-56?


Absolutely no clue on what led to the selection.
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 05, 2017 7:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.asianage.com/metros/mumbai/050117/air-india-boeing-747s-jumbo-toilet-problems-perturb-fliers.html

Air India Boeing 747’s jumbo toilet problems perturb fliers

Jan 5, 2017

If you find yourself in Air India’s (AI) Boeing 747-400, think twice before using the toilet, as the emergency button hasn’t been functioning. And should one get stuck inside, he or she will have to shout out loud for assistance.

If that were not enough, the 425-seat aircraft has broken seats, faulty hand-rests and its in-flight entertainment services — music, videos, magazines or newspapers that are provided by airlines — are non-existent. Sources say Air India is planning to deploy the aircraft to Chennai and Kolkata.

A recent internal circular that was circulated to AI crewmembers stated: “All the crew operating B747 flights on BOM-DEL and DEL-BOM sector…Announcements to be made in B747flights..in case the in-flight entertainment system is not functioning: ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform you that the in-flight Entertainment System will not be available on this flight. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience (sic).”

When The Asian Age spoke to some passengers, they agreed that the airline had to improve the aircraft’s infrastructure. The passengers, seeking anonymity, claimed that the airline’s economy class needs immediate attention. “Though Air India’s first class and business class sections are up to the mark, the economy class has been ignored. The seats are poorly maintained, the wiring comes out of the ceiling and the most disturbing thing is a printed message in the washroom, which states that the call button in the washroom doesn’t work, and hence one needs to knock on the door loudly in case of any emergency,” one of the passengers said.

Air India spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar said the airline does not have in-flight entertainment services for the domestic sector. “Hence we decided to get rid of them wide-body aircraft,” he said. Talking about poor maintenance of the aircraft, Mr Kumar stated, “There has been no such written complaints to the airline. We have, however, now taken up the matter with the department concerned.”

According to sources, the national carrier initially had four such aircraft, of which two were scrapped. While the aircraft in question is being used in the domestic sector, the other one is used for VVIP movement, which is also when the former is kept on standby. An official also claimed that the airline had started using B747 on a month-long trial after reducing one of its small aircraft’s flights, which proved a cost-effective measure for the airline. “During winters when there are flight delays and cancellations wide-body aircraft are the best since flight passengers who are delayed can be easily shifted into them. Moreover, they are fuel efficient compared to their narrow body counterparts,” a senior industry official said.





(Left) A seat with broken hand-rests; (Right) a broken panel inside the Air India Boeing 747 toilet.
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 07, 2017 5:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Air-India-to-deploy-Boeing-747-jumbo-jet-on-Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi-route/articleshow/55891846.cms

Air India to deploy Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet on Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi route



http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/now-carry-40-50-kg-free-baggage-on-air-indias-delhi-mumbai-jumbo-jet-flights/articleshow/56378787.cms

Now, carry 40-50 kg free baggage on Air India's Delhi-Mumbai Jumbo Jet flights

Jan 6, 2017

Air India has enhanced the free check-in baggage allowance to 40kg and 50kg for economy and class passengers, respectively, flying between Delhi and Mumbai on its newly-launched Boeing 747 service on this route. AI allows 25 kg in economy class and 35 kg in business class of free check-in baggage on its flights as compared to 15 kg offered by other airlines.

AI has recently started operating two daily flights on Mumbai-Delhi routes on the Jumbo Jet which depart at 8am and 7pm. On Delhi-Mumbai route, the Jumbo Jet has two flights at 8am and 10pm. The B-747 flights are in addition to the numerous other flights AI operates between Delhi and Mumbai on its narrow body Airbus A-320 fleet.

AI Jumbo Jets, which are now used for VVIP long haul flights of the president, VP and PM, have operated on Delhi-Mumbai route earlier also but those flights were as part of an international routing. For instance, Delhi-Mumbai-London or Mumbai-Delhi-New York (via London).

These flights used to be in the early hours of the day - usually between midnight and 4 or 5am. Tickets on the domestic leg of these flights used to be sold cheap, making them the first low cost flight for budget flyers in India.

"AI has added to customer delight by allowing up to 40kg and 50kg of free check-in baggage for economy and business class passengers respectively on Boeing 747 Delhi-Mumbai service. Passengers flying on Delhi-Mumbai route will have an opportunity to experience flying the airlines' legendary 'Queen of the Skies' and can avail this facility from Saturday (Jan 7)," an AI statement said.

"AI is the only carrier to operate the 423-seater, four-engine jumbo jet wide body B-747 on the busiest route of India," it added. Of the 423 seats, 12 are in first and 26 in business.

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PostPosted: Sat Jan 07, 2017 9:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.asianage.com/metros/mumbai/070117/age-impact-air-india-asks-team-to-improve-condition-of-b747.html

Age impact: Air India asks team to improve condition of B747

Jan 7, 2017

A day after The Asian Age reported about the plight of passengers travelling aboard a poorly-maintained Boeing 747 by the national carrier on the country’s busiest Mumbai-Delhi route, Air India authorities have instructed, in writing, their engineering department to repair and maintain the aircraft.

The letter sent to the Engineering department has pointed out the need for the airline to improve the condition of the aircraft. The letter accessed by The Asian Age is addressed to the Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) CEO, HR Jagannath. The letter written by the Regional Director of Western Region, Mukesh Bhatia has asked the department to not only asked take required repairing action in order to improve the aircraft washroom and seats, but also to give feedback once the broken materials like the hand rests, the lose wirings and the emergency buttons in the washroom are all repaired and in place.

In a statement issued to the media on Friday, AI stated, “In view of recent media reports about shortcomings regarding onboard facilities for passengers, Air India management has taken a strong cognizance and have instructed corrective measures to ensure enjoyable and delightful experience for the passengers.” The Asian Age on Thursday had reported about the poor maintenance of the only B747 that the airline started operating from December 13, 2016.

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PostPosted: Sun Jan 08, 2017 11:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India Express extends its daily Doha-Kozhikode service to Thiruvananthapuram eff 16JAN

IX373 TRV0700 - 0755CCJ1140 - 1330DOH 73H D

IX374 DOH1430 - 2110CCJ2250 - 2345TRV 73H D

This extension allows for passengers from Thiruvananthapuram to connect to destinations such as Bahrain, Riyadh and Kuwait from Kozhikode.

Also, from 18FEB - IX will increase their Riyadh-Kozhikode service to 5 weekly.

It also appears that the planned Lucknow-Dammam has been shelved.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 09, 2017 11:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India Express increases Kozhikode – Riyadh service in Feb 2017

Air India Express from 18FEB17 is expanding service on Kozhikode – Riyadh service, as the airline announced planned addition of 5th weekly flight.
The new flight operates on Saturdays with 737-800.

IX321 CCJ0915 – 1145RUH 738 x24
IX322 RUH1315 – 2045CCJ 738 x24


Source: Airlineroute.net
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 10, 2017 11:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
Air India Express increases Kozhikode – Riyadh service in Feb 2017

Air India Express from 18FEB17 is expanding service on Kozhikode – Riyadh service, as the airline announced planned addition of 5th weekly flight.
The new flight operates on Saturdays with 737-800.

IX321 CCJ0915 – 1145RUH 738 x24
IX322 RUH1315 – 2045CCJ 738 x24


Source: Airlineroute.net


Right above mate - just as I expected...

abhijith16 wrote:


Also, from 18FEB - IX will increase their Riyadh-Kozhikode service to 5 weekly.


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PostPosted: Tue Jan 10, 2017 11:16 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India upgauges 1 daily Kochi-Delhi/Dubai to B787 Dream)Liner effective 01FEB17

AI831 DEL0510 - 0800COK 788 D

AI047 COK2020 - 2325DEL 788 D

AI933 COK0915 - 1200DXB 788 D

AI934 DXB1330 - 1850COK 788 D
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 10, 2017 8:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

abhijith16 wrote:
Air India upgauges 1 daily Kochi-Delhi/Dubai to B787 Dream)Liner effective 01FEB17

AI831 DEL0510 - 0800COK 788 D

AI047 COK2020 - 2325DEL 788 D

AI933 COK0915 - 1200DXB 788 D

AI934 DXB1330 - 1850COK 788 D


Does COK-DXB need lie flat J? I think this seems to be a waste of a 787. AI should consider having 2 787 with normal narrow body J class that are not lie flat (like US carriers do for some wide body domestic flying). Also why doesn't any indian carrier have a A321 with lie flat J to fly to SIN and BKK? Seems like a lie flat J in narrow bodies would come in handy for ME and SE Asia flights from BOM and DEL (12 seats)
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 10, 2017 10:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Caliguy wrote:
Does COK-DXB need lie flat J? I think this seems to be a waste of a 787. AI should consider having 2 787 with normal narrow body J class that are not lie flat (like US carriers do for some wide body domestic flying).
Seasonal numbers, cargo: the economics make the Dream)liner a good choice. The US carriers can afford to have dedicated sub-fleets: the volumes are far more as compared to AI. AI rotate their fleet well, making dedicated sub-fleets not a good option.
Caliguy wrote:
Also why doesn't any indian carrier have a A321 with lie flat J to fly to SIN and BKK? Seems like a lie flat J in narrow bodies would come in handy for ME and SE Asia flights from BOM and DEL (12 seats)
AI has standardised DEL/BOM-SIN/BKK (SIN first, then BKK) with Dream)liner operations since a while. After the initial hiccups, came the *A membership mid-2014, and numbers and yields picked up, justifying the Dream)liner over the A32S. AI seem to be moving to a very consistent strategy with Dream)liners for most medium-haul routes, with only occasional switches for lean days. As I wrote above, AI also rotate their fleet well, so dedicated sub-fleets do not fit well into the AI plans.
It is nice to see some well-thought of plans and strategy being constantly worked out, with time.
Cheers, Sumantra.
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 7:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/air-india-drops-lease-plans-proposes-purchase-of-boeing-planes-117011101045_1.html

Air India drops lease plans, proposes purchasing Boeing planes

January 11, 2017

Air India is planning to switch from sale and lease back to acquisition model for Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft citing higher operating expenses and redelivery costs.

The move comes in the backdrop of operating losses in two consecutive quarters in FY 2017, largely blamed on increase in lease rentals. Air India suffered an operating loss of Rs 460 crore in the July-September period, after another Rs 246-crore loss in the financial year's first quarter, April-June.

Air India has 27 Boeing 787s on order and has already inducted 23 aircraft. Twenty-one of them are on lease following sale-lease back transaction. The airline is planning a debt-funded acquisition for remaining aircraft (including two in service) which it will acquire till August 2017. Similarly, Air India plans to acquire 3 Boeing 777 aircraft in 2018 raising debt instead of sale-lease model.

"We feel outright purchase of aircraft is more economical option than leasing. The burden of leasing cost remains in the books for a long time," Air India chairperson Ashwani Lohani told Business Standard.

While traditionally Air India has always opted for the aircraft acquisition route with government guaranteed loans it decided to carry out sale and lease back transactions for its Boeing 787 planes following recommendation of government panel which reviewed its turn around plan. The panel had suggested sale and lease back route as it would improve cash position, help in reducing losses, improve debt-equity ratio and lower interest burden.

But now the national carrier doing a rethink considering the shortcomings of sale and lease back model. This is also in the context of operating losses posted by the airline. Lease rent is included in operating expense while interest cost is not recorded in it.

According to the airline, the shortcomings are no rights for termination of lease contract, stringent clauses for aircraft redelivery on lease expiry and 8-12 months of security deposit. " For earlier aircraft taking into account taking into lease rentals, security deposits and cost of redelivery of aircraft the cash outflow works out higher," Air India said.

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 12:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Any idea how the Madrid route is doing since its been more than a month now?

Also, I wonder if more direct routes to US would make sense than Copenhagen/Madrid for AI.
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 2:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

blrsea wrote:
Also, I wonder if more direct routes to US would make sense than Copenhagen/Madrid for AI.
The direct routes will possibly wait for the B77Ws to come in. AI's perspective seems to be on the middle distance routes, with the huge dream)liner fleet.
Cheers, Sumantra.
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The_Goat
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 3:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

AI to reserve seats for women in domestic flights

NEW DELHI: The maharaja carrier Air India will soon start reserving seats for women on domestic flights, ANI reported.
Six seats on every domestic flight will be reserved for women from January 18, ANI said.
This is perhaps the first time in the world that seats will be reserved only for women passengers on planes. However, other modes of transport in India, including local and long-distance trains, metros and buses have reserved berths, seats or coaches for women.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/now-air-india-to-reserve-seats-for-women-on-domestic-flights/articleshow/56496865.cms

Do you really think this is necessary? Will the seats have 'mahilayen' written in Hindi on them?
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 5:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The_Goat wrote:
Do you really think this is necessary? Will the seats have 'mahilayen' written in Hindi on them?
He he...the grapevine has it that there will be flexibility here, in case there are no takers for the so-called `exclusive' seats. I visualised the scenario you described, and had a good laugh: the DTC bus `reserved' seats, which had mahilAyein written originally, had the ma erased intentionally, soon enough Razz
Cheers, Sumantra.
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5Patel
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 11:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The_Goat wrote:
AI to reserve seats for women in domestic flights

However, other modes of transport in India, including local and long-distance trains, metros and buses have reserved berths, seats or coaches for women.


After spending years in Indian Railways, Ashwini Lohani, he seems to be trying to implement the same reservations to Air India.

My guess - Last row of each plane will be reserved for ladies. Entry and exit from rear door will be restricted for them only (and female crew only). There would be a bulkhead to separate the ladies area from the rest. Stretching further, all aircraft are AC, he may rename the narrow body aircraft's Business to 2 Tier and Economy to 3 Tier and 3 Tier Ladies. Hope he doesn't order the new aircraft with 3 doors for boarding in each class.

Hope he doesn't introduce seat reservations like IR's waiting list based on O&D - General, Pooled, Remote Location...
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 10:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

5Patel wrote:
The_Goat wrote:
AI to reserve seats for women in domestic flights

However, other modes of transport in India, including local and long-distance trains, metros and buses have reserved berths, seats or coaches for women.


After spending years in Indian Railways, Ashwini Lohani, he seems to be trying to implement the same reservations to Air India.

My guess - Last row of each plane will be reserved for ladies. Entry and exit from rear door will be restricted for them only (and female crew only). There would be a bulkhead to separate the ladies area from the rest. Stretching further, all aircraft are AC, he may rename the narrow body aircraft's Business to 2 Tier and Economy to 3 Tier and 3 Tier Ladies. Hope he doesn't order the new aircraft with 3 doors for boarding in each class.

Hope he doesn't introduce seat reservations like IR's waiting list based on O&D - General, Pooled, Remote Location...


Next, the Shiv Sena will ask for reserved seats for their lot. Hopefully, they can be given two seats - one in each engine intake !
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 3:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:


Next, the Shiv Sena will ask for reserved seats for their lot. Hopefully, they can be given two seats - one in each engine intake !


One near each engine exhaust would be infinitely more suitable for the likes of Shiv Sena Razz
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 13, 2017 9:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Will this apply to other carriers as well ? Indigo, Spicejet and Jet carry almost 80% of the traffic. I don't see this as a big issue, especially since it is only one row.
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 9:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

On full flights, AI is going to struggle with seat assignments. I can already imagine the headlines:
"Pax: AI put a man next to me in women's row.. Discrimination!"
"Pax: AI made me move to women's row instead of letting me sit next to my husband.. Discrimination!"
"Pax: AI denied me boarding because seat was only available for man/woman instead.. Discrimination!"
"Pax: AI kicked me out of women's row even though I consider myself a woman.. Discrimination!"
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 14, 2017 10:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India Regional has withdrawn a CR7, VT-RJE, from the fleet today.
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PostPosted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 4:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.ptinews.com/news/8292661_Delivery-of-2-A320neo-planes-to-AI-delayed.html

Delivery of 2 A320neo planes to AI delayed

Jan 15

The delivery of first two Airbus A320neo planes to Air India has been delayed by a month due to engine issues and the national carrier is now expected to induct these more fuel-efficient aircraft next month.

As per the earlier schedule, the airline was to take delivery of the two A320neo (new engine option) planes this month as part of its narrow-body fleet expansion plans.

The induction is also aimed at augmenting the capacity in the domestic market which is growing over 20 per cent for as many months now.

"The delivery of A320neo has been deferred to February by the lessors due to some engine issues," Air India Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said.

Air India has opted for CFM-LEAP-1A26 engines to power these A320neo planes.

"The first two A320neo planes will now come in February," Lohani said.

In all, Air India would induct a total of three A320neo aircraft by the end of this fiscal, he said.

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PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 5:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ai-to-double-fleet-by-leasing-100-planes/articleshow/56576126.cms

Air India to double fleet by leasing 100 planes

Jan 16, 2017

The government has decided that Air India will almost double its fleet by adding over 100 aircraft, but without burdening the exchequer with a mammoth debt burden like last time. The airline will grow by leasing aircraft instead of purchasing them — the model adopted by Congress-led UPA.

"AI will induct 100 more aircraft in next four years. We have decided not to seek any additional budgetary support except for the turnaround plan approved for the airline earlier. The airline will lease aircraft and has the resources to make the payment that needs to be made for leasing," aviation secretary R N Choubey told TOI.

By March 31, 2020, AI group is looking at a fleet of 232 as some planes from the 111-aircraft order placed in 2006 are yet to be delivered. AI will take on lease 40 more Airbus A-320s for the erstwhile Indian Airlines that serves domestic and nearby international routes.

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PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 6:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
Air India Regional has withdrawn a CR7, VT-RJE, from the fleet today.


http://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/52404-indias-alliance-air-ends-crj-700-operations

India's Alliance Air ends CRJ-700 operations

Alliance Air (India) (9I, Mumbai Int'l) has ended Bombardier CRJ-700 operations with its last remaining aircraft of the type having now been ferried to Europe.


As it stands, the Air India (AI, Mumbai Int'l) unit is now an all-Avions de Transport Régional operation employing two ATR42-300s and eight ATR72-600s on scheduled passenger flights throughout India's hinterland.

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PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 1:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
e.


As it stands, the Air India (AI, Mumbai Int'l) unit is now an all-Avions de Transport Régional operation employing two ATR42-300s and eight ATR72-600s on scheduled passenger flights throughout India's hinterland. [/i]


IIRC, they are supposed to recieve a good dozen more of the ATR 72s this year, should make for some interesting regional network enhancement

Karan
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 1:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Karan69 wrote:
747-237 wrote:
e.


As it stands, the Air India (AI, Mumbai Int'l) unit is now an all-Avions de Transport Régional operation employing two ATR42-300s and eight ATR72-600s on scheduled passenger flights throughout India's hinterland. [/i]


IIRC, they are supposed to recieve a good dozen more of the ATR 72s this year, should make for some interesting regional network enhancement

Karan


They'll be starting with Delhi-Jaipur-Ahmedabad-Indore-Raipur-Kolkata..!
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 1:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Karan69 wrote:
747-237 wrote:
e.


As it stands, the Air India (AI, Mumbai Int'l) unit is now an all-Avions de Transport Régional operation employing two ATR42-300s and eight ATR72-600s on scheduled passenger flights throughout India's hinterland. [/i]


IIRC, they are supposed to recieve a good dozen more of the ATR 72s this year, should make for some interesting regional network enhancement

Karan


....the fleet size will be expanded by 23 ATRs, taking the total count to 72 by December 2017.

http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/Top-Stories/air-india-to-bid-for-23-new-routes-under-rcs-32424
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 16, 2017 2:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
[
....the fleet size will be expanded by 23 ATRs, taking the total count to 72 by December 2017.

http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/Top-Stories/air-india-to-bid-for-23-new-routes-under-rcs-32424


Do we currently have 49 aircrafts in Alliance?

Also the article mentions 13 new wide bodies, we have 4 x 787s and 3 777s left from the first order, even if we assume 2 or 3 787s overlapping which have recently been delivered that still leaves us with nearly 5 widebodies?

Will these be leased?
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