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Air India News -- Part 33
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747-237
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PostPosted: Thu May 17, 2018 12:22 pm    Post subject: Air India News -- Part 33 Reply with quote

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-to-phase-out-remaining-3-classic-a320s-by-december/articleshow/64192245.cms

Air India to phase out remaining 3 Classic A320s by December

May 16, 2018

Disinvestment-bound flag carrier will phase out its remaining three Classic planes, which are nearly three decade old, from the fleet by the end of this year.

The airline had in April 2014 announced its plans to retire all 14 single-isle double-bogey wheel planes from its fleet in a phased manner after it decided to induct more fuel-efficient A320 neo planes into operations.

Air India has already removed 11 classic A320 planes out of operations and the remaining three such aircrafts will be going out of the fleet by December this year, a senior company official told PTI.

The official said that though these planes are still flying, but they are carrying out limited operations.

“Most of the time these planes are on a stand-by mode and they perform one or two schedule flight in a day,” the official said.

Earlier, the carrier had planned to retire these planes by March this year.

The Indian Commercial Pilots Association – one of Air India‘s pilots‘ bodies – had in 2015 termed these aged planes as “lethal and snag-prone” and demanded their grounding from aviation regulator in order to ensure passengers‘ safety.


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PostPosted: Fri May 18, 2018 9:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://money.cnn.com/2018/05/17/investing/air-india-privatization-sale-buyers/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_latest+%28CNNMoney%3A+Latest+News%29

What is the status on the sale of AI. According to the news report only Singapore/Vistara has any interest.

Until the debt situation is resolved no will buy this airline.
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PostPosted: Fri May 18, 2018 10:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

iah87 wrote:
http://money.cnn.com/2018/05/17/investing/air-india-privatization-sale-buyers/index.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_latest+%28CNNMoney%3A+Latest+News%29

What is the status on the sale of AI. According to the news report only Singapore/Vistara has any interest.

Until the debt situation is resolved no will buy this airline.


This is just another masturbatory exercise by the clueless babus and their nefarious uber-babus in the GOI. Of course, no one will buy this airline with $9 Billion in debt, unless the hapless Indian taxpayer writes off that debt. And that's just one element of the expected headache. AI's work culture, the unions, the neta-babu infiltration are the real problems.
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PostPosted: Sat May 19, 2018 10:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/jet-airways-naresh-goyal-says-air-india-on-his-radar/articleshow/64229204.cms

Jet Airways' Naresh Goyal says Air India on his radar

May 19, 2018

Jet Airways India Ltd. is not ruling out looking at the sale of loss-making national carrier Air India Ltd., its chairman said, although he remains focused on his own airline.

"We are looking at our own business,” Naresh Goyal said in an interview in Manchester, England. “But I am not saying that we will not look at Air India, I’ve never said that. Ultimately we will always see what is the best approach ahead of us, and for the country.”


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PostPosted: Thu May 24, 2018 11:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/67470-air-india-express-commits-to-launching-intl-surat-ops

Air India Express commits to launching int'l Surat ops

May 24, 2018

Air India Express has committed to launching international services out of Surat in Gujarat in northern India within two months of the airport getting the customs notified status, The Times of India has reported.

"Air India Express is waiting for Central Government to approve the customs notified status for Surat airport. Within one month after the customs notified status is given to the airport, Air India Express will launch a Surat to Kochi Int'l flight and in two months from Surat to Sharjah," Surat Airport Action Committee (SAAC) President Sanjay Ezhawa has said.

In February 2018, the Indian government allocated INR10 million rupee (USD146,500) in order to equip Surat airport with the necessary immigration facilities to allow international services out of the airport.

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PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2018 8:43 am    Post subject: AI privatization Reply with quote

http://money.cnn.com/2018/05/31/investing/air-india-privatization-fails/index.html

AI privatization bid fails at this time. As expected no one is willing to take even some of the debt.
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 01, 2018 10:06 pm    Post subject: Re: AI privatization Reply with quote

iah87 wrote:
http://money.cnn.com/2018/05/31/investing/air-india-privatization-fails/index.html

AI privatization bid fails at this time. As expected no one is willing to take even some of the debt.


As expected.

As if anyone is insane enough to take on $7 B in debt and half their workforce who do no work, can't maintain or clean airplanes, or have no clue how the airline industry operates.
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 07, 2018 12:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/air-india-to-hike-excess-baggage-charge-from-june-11/articleshow/64484205.cms

Air India to hike excess baggage charge from June 11

Jun 6, 2018

Air India will hike excess baggage rate (EBR) on its domestic flights from Rs 400 per kg to Rs 500 per kg from next Monday (June 11). Among Indian carriers, AI offers the highest free baggage allowance- 25 kg and 35 kg in economy and business class, respectively, of its domestic flights.

“It has been decided to revise the applicable EBR on domestic sectors to Rs 500 per kg (GST additional) on all commencing on or after June 11, 2018, from Rs 400 (GST additional), operated by Air India flights only, excluding Alliance Air flights. GST will be applicable on the value reflected on all Excess Baggage tickets (EBTs), issued in India, except from the exempted airports. The rate of GST will be 5% of the excess baggage amount reflected on the EBT for economy class passengers and 12% of excess baggage amount reflected on the EBT for other than economy class passengers,”an AI circular said.

“GST is not applicable for passenger embarking from or disembarking to an airport located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura or Bagdogra in West Bengal. The exemption therefore applies to/from the following airports: Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, Lilabari, Silchar, Tezpur, Imphal, Shillong. Aizaw Dimapur, Agartala and Bagdogra. However, this exemption will not apply to passengers using the above airports only as transfer points,” the circular added.

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 8:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/govt-to-consider-selling-100-stake-in-air-india-after-initial-flop-attempt/story-iXiVN1iSWhUJD74md18IpK.html

Govt to consider selling 100% stake in Air India after initial flop attempt

Jun 12, 2018

The government will soon revive the sale of its money-losing flag carrier with new guidelines after a recent attempt ended in a debacle last month, as the proposed terms deterred potential investors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration is ready to “re-examine” its privatisation process, including a clause requiring a minority state stake in Air India Ltd., said Subhash Chandra Garg, a senior official in the Ministry of Finance. The government is considering various options and doesn’t intend to insist on keeping 24%of the company, he said.

“A certain kind of strategy was offered that didn’t find many takers and therefore something different will have to be done,” economic affairs secretary Garg said in an interview in New Delhi on Monday. “There’s no fixed objective that government should have 24%. It can be re-examined.”

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2018 9:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/govt-to-consider-selling-100-stake-in-air-india-after-initial-flop-attempt/story-iXiVN1iSWhUJD74md18IpK.html

Govt to consider selling 100% stake in Air India after initial flop attempt

Jun 12, 2018

The government will soon revive the sale of its money-losing flag carrier with new guidelines after a recent attempt ended in a debacle last month, as the proposed terms deterred potential investors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration is ready to “re-examine” its privatisation process, including a clause requiring a minority state stake in Air India Ltd., said Subhash Chandra Garg, a senior official in the Ministry of Finance. The government is considering various options and doesn’t intend to insist on keeping 24%of the company, he said.

“A certain kind of strategy was offered that didn’t find many takers and therefore something different will have to be done,” economic affairs secretary Garg said in an interview in New Delhi on Monday. “There’s no fixed objective that government should have 24%. It can be re-examined.”


Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 11:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

When will this tamasha end? Nobody wants an airline with such a huge debt. Payoff the debts and then sell.
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 13, 2018 6:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

himmat01 wrote:
When will this tamasha end? Nobody wants an airline with such a huge debt. Payoff the debts and then sell.


Maybe it was all politics. If they initially said 100% sale with very little debt, you would have had Congress, AI unions and others saying the BJP is giving away the Kohinoor. Now the full country knows AI is lipstick on a pig, so maybe they can finally sell it at the true market price. In the end, they need to sell it for WHATEVER someone will buy it for.
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India expands Ethiopian Africa codeshare network from June 2018

Air India earlier this month expanded codeshare partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, covering additional points in Africa.

Approximately effective from 04JUN18, planned new codeshare routes include the following.

Air India operated by Ethiopian Airlines
Addis Ababa – Gaborone
Addis Ababa – Johannesburg
Addis Ababa – Kilimanjaro
Addis Ababa – Mahe Island
Addis Ababa – Mombasa
Addis Ababa – Zanzibar

Air India already started placing AI-coded flight numbers on Ethiopian’s Addis Ababa – Accra service, approximately on/around 30APR18.


Source: Airlineroute.net
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 11:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/ai-pilots-warn-management-over-safety-violation-on-delhi-madrid-route/articleshow/64580413.cms

AI pilots warn management over safety violation on Delhi-Madrid route

Jun 14, 2018

Raising serious concern over the issue of pilot fatigue and passenger safety, a union of Air India pilots has called out the airline for violating norms.

A strongly worded letter issued by the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) to the airline management of Tuesday specifically cites lapses on the Delhi-Madrid route. It goes on to warn the management it will intimate the DGCA if any further violations occur.

AI-135, launched in 2016, flies between Delhi and Madrid thrice a week. Since Madrid and Mumbai are not air-linked by non-stop flights, one of the options for a flyer from Mumbai is to board this flight which transit halts in Delhi. The union says the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is often piloted by two “fatigued” pilots.

To check pilot fatigue, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has laid down work-rest norms (called Flight Duty Time Limitation: FDTL) for rostering pilots. Under these norms, for flights that are just over 10 hours, a three-pilot crew should be rostered.

But flight AI-135 takes less than 10 hours on some days and more than 10 hours on others. “In such a case, the DGCA norm is that if the flight takes more than 10 hours to be completed, then either the airline should try to complete the flight within 10 hours or roster three pilots,’’ said a senior commander.

In May, the union pointed out to AI management that AI-135 is routinely scheduled as a “two-pilot operation” with random instances of “three-pilot operation”. Between December 2016 and April 2018, flight AI-135 was operated 221 times. Out of this, on 116 days, or 52%, the flight exceeded 10 hours of block time. But in violation of safety norms, Air India often rosters only two pilots, alleged the union. “It is imperative AI-135 is operated with three pilots on all days, without exception,” the letter stated.

Between May 15 and June 9, AI-135 was operated on 12 days and, out of this, on four days the flight flew with only two pilots.

The Air India spokesperson did not respond to queries. “With due regard to the safety of operations and the lives of our passengers and crew, we are being pushed with no choice but to intimate the DGCA on every subsequent violation, that this oversight by an operator (Air India) is not acceptable and violation of FDTL CAR laid down by the apex body cannot be ignored,’’ said the ICPA letter.

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PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 11:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-sale-now-government-says-ipo-an-option/articleshow/64582743.cms

Air India sale: Now, government says IPO an option

Jun 14, 2018

The government is considering listing of debt-laden Air India (AI) after the proposal for 76% strategic stake sale failed to attract any bidders, a source said on Wednesday.

The source in the government said various options, including possible listing of the national carrier, are being looked at. By selling shares in an initial public offering (IPO), the state can retain control of Air India and also raise cash to fund its operations, a senior government official told reporters in New Delhi, asking not be identified citing rules.

A group of ministers formed by the Ministry of Finance is considering other options as well, but is not in favor of giving control to a foreign entity, the official said.

The listing option is also being considered as there have been concerns among potential bidders about government retaining 24% stake post disinvestment. Under the proposed plan, around Rs 33,000 crore debt would have remained with AI. AI’s debt burden was about Rs 50,000 crore at the end of March 2017.

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PostPosted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 6:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/ai-pilots-warn-management-over-safety-violation-on-delhi-madrid-route/articleshow/64580413.cms

AI pilots warn management over safety violation on Delhi-Madrid route

Jun 14, 2018

Raising serious concern over the issue of pilot fatigue and passenger safety, a union of Air India pilots has called out the airline for violating norms.

A strongly worded letter issued by the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) to the airline management of Tuesday specifically cites lapses on the Delhi-Madrid route. It goes on to warn the management it will intimate the DGCA if any further violations occur.

AI-135, launched in 2016, flies between Delhi and Madrid thrice a week. Since Madrid and Mumbai are not air-linked by non-stop flights, one of the options for a flyer from Mumbai is to board this flight which transit halts in Delhi. The union says the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is often piloted by two “fatigued” pilots.

To check pilot fatigue, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has laid down work-rest norms (called Flight Duty Time Limitation: FDTL) for rostering pilots. Under these norms, for flights that are just over 10 hours, a three-pilot crew should be rostered.

But flight AI-135 takes less than 10 hours on some days and more than 10 hours on others. “In such a case, the DGCA norm is that if the flight takes more than 10 hours to be completed, then either the airline should try to complete the flight within 10 hours or roster three pilots,’’ said a senior commander.

In May, the union pointed out to AI management that AI-135 is routinely scheduled as a “two-pilot operation” with random instances of “three-pilot operation”. Between December 2016 and April 2018, flight AI-135 was operated 221 times. Out of this, on 116 days, or 52%, the flight exceeded 10 hours of block time. But in violation of safety norms, Air India often rosters only two pilots, alleged the union. “It is imperative AI-135 is operated with three pilots on all days, without exception,” the letter stated.

Between May 15 and June 9, AI-135 was operated on 12 days and, out of this, on four days the flight flew with only two pilots.

The Air India spokesperson did not respond to queries. “With due regard to the safety of operations and the lives of our passengers and crew, we are being pushed with no choice but to intimate the DGCA on every subsequent violation, that this oversight by an operator (Air India) is not acceptable and violation of FDTL CAR laid down by the apex body cannot be ignored,’’ said the ICPA letter.


Does anyone know how the Indian rules compare to the US or EU? Meaning is the 10 hours flight the max for two crew?
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 15, 2018 12:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

himmat01 wrote:
When will this tamasha end? Nobody wants an airline with such a huge debt. Payoff the debts and then sell.


It isn't the debt alone. The government in its infinite wisdom decided to retain 25% control after the sale, allowing for interference in the board. Further, the buyer was not going to be allowed to fire any of the permanent employees for two years at least. Who in his/her right mind would agree to all of this?
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 16, 2018 7:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/ai-downgrades-cabin-crews-stay-to-twin-sharing-in-3-star-hotels/articleshow/64608086.cms

Air India downgrades cabin crew's stay to twin-sharing in 3-star hotels

Jun 16, 2018

In a cost-cutting move, Air India has downgraded its flight attendants’ outstation accommodation in hotels from single occupancy to twin-sharing basis. From now on, not only will two cabin crew members share a room, but they might also have to stay in a three-star hotel, instead of a four- or a five-star one.

While this will save the debt-ridden national carrier a neat sum, the question is whether the changes will impact the cabin crew’s ability to carry out an evacuation of an emergency landing within 90 seconds, as per safety norms.

A mail sent on Thursday by Amrita Sharan, AI executive director (crew management system), said that “cabin crew will be provided hotel rooms in 3 or 4 star hotels as far as possible... The booking will be on twin-sharing basis...The gender sensitivity issue is to be kept in mind while allotting rooms to the cabin crew”.

The changes will be immediately implemented for all cabin crew recruited since 2017. For those recruited before 2017, the changes will be gradually put in place, the note said.

For cabin crew, the dread though is room sharing. “Never in AI’s history has it put its flight attendants on a twin-sharing basis in hotel rooms,” said an AI cabin crew member, requesting anonymity.

Outstation layovers vary depending on the route. It’s 22 hours in stations like London, Paris, Copenhagen, Rome and Milan; 36 hours in Sydney and Melbourne; and 48 hours in New York, Chicago and San Francisco. “We land at the station after crossing many time zones. On a layover, 80% of the time is spent sleeping and re-adjusting to the time zone,” said a senior flight attendant.

“The sleep pattern of every individual will be different. If someone can fall asleep as soon as they reach the hotel, others might be able to sleep only after some hours. Twin-sharing of rooms will hamper restful sleep and would affect alertness of crew,” the crew member said. Then there are personal habits. “I switch on the TV as soon as I’m in the hotel room to feel at home. I need those ambient sounds to feel relaxed, but my room partner might find that disturbing,” he said.

Most international airlines don’t have two flight attendants sharing a room; a Middle Eastern carrier had introduced it on an experimental basis.

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PostPosted: Mon Jun 18, 2018 7:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

As much as AI needs to cut costs, this is not one of them. Staying in a 2 or 3 star hotel may be better than sharing a room. As the FA's mentioned, sleeping patterns for each FA is different.

If they need to cut costs they can cut many of the support staff who are not doing much work or they can cut the number of passes issued to each staff.
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 7:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

iah87 wrote:
As much as AI needs to cut costs, this is not one of them. Staying in a 2 or 3 star hotel may be better than sharing a room. As the FA's mentioned, sleeping patterns for each FA is different.

If they need to cut costs they can cut many of the support staff who are not doing much work or they can cut the number of passes issued to each staff.


I agree - downgrade to a 3 star and give people their own rooms. 2 star is a bit much.
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2018 7:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The corrupt government bosses of this wretched airline can barely pay its employees on time, they're talking about doubling exhausted cabin crew in rooms in skeezy hotels to save pennies on the dollar, even as they outfit brand new 77Ws for the Great Leader, his chamchas and hangers on.

Those old-line Soviet leaders from the bad days of communism are like Buddhist monks in comparison to this bunch.
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PostPosted: Wed Jun 20, 2018 8:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Tonight, on "Let's Waste Some Money" .........



https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-set-to-have-maharaja-class-seats-on-international-flights/articleshow/64667494.cms

Air India set to have 'Maharaja' class seats on international flights

Jun 20, 2018

Passengers on most of Air India's international flights are all set for a new experience as the airline will soon introduce 'Maharaja' business class seats, variety cuisines and new uniforms for crew, officials
said.

The revamped products and services is likely to be unveiled on June 22, which would also come on an eventful week when the government decided to put the breaks, for now, on the disinvestment plans for the loss-making carrier.

"The airline would launch a revamped Maharaja business class," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha told reporters here.

The existing first class and business class seats on its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft fleet would be revamped for the Maharaja business class seats. These planes operate short and long haul international routes.

Airline officials said the latest makeover exercise would involve overhauling of a section of the first class and business class with an upgraded ambience, upholstery and other new features. The night kits would also come with a new look, they added.

Besides, variety cuisines and new uniforms for crew would be introduced, they said.

"The objective of the revamping exercise is to bring about the much needed change in the airline, make it more customer-focussed with enviable service," one of the officials said.

Another official said the move is part of larger efforts to attract more passengers on its international flights and in turn generate more revenues as well as gain more market share.

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PostPosted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 2:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

why don't they replace their First and Business, with some thing such as Premium Business and call it "Maharaja Class".

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PostPosted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 3:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
Tonight, on "Let's Waste Some Money" .........



https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/air-india-set-to-have-maharaja-class-seats-on-international-flights/articleshow/64667494.cms

Air India set to have 'Maharaja' class seats on international flights

Jun 20, 2018

Passengers on most of Air India's international flights are all set for a new experience as the airline will soon introduce 'Maharaja' business class seats, variety cuisines and new uniforms for crew, officials
said.

The revamped products and services is likely to be unveiled on June 22, which would also come on an eventful week when the government decided to put the breaks, for now, on the disinvestment plans for the loss-making carrier.

"The airline would launch a revamped Maharaja business class," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha told reporters here.

The existing first class and business class seats on its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft fleet would be revamped for the Maharaja business class seats. These planes operate short and long haul international routes.

Airline officials said the latest makeover exercise would involve overhauling of a section of the first class and business class with an upgraded ambience, upholstery and other new features. The night kits would also come with a new look, they added.

Besides, variety cuisines and new uniforms for crew would be introduced, they said.

"The objective of the revamping exercise is to bring about the much needed change in the airline, make it more customer-focussed with enviable service," one of the officials said.

Another official said the move is part of larger efforts to attract more passengers on its international flights and in turn generate more revenues as well as gain more market share.


So what does this mean the crap angle flat J class in the 77W stay?
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 5:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think it means that they're dumping their existing First and Business Class rubbish for a single premium cabin and calling it Maharajah Class.

It's about time.

First on AI is garbage. It's designed for clueless babus and, while J is a good prices-sensitive option, it's a far cry from what AI's competitors offer.
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PostPosted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 7:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think AI should move to a high density J class like an Are Lingus or Swiss Air (they have a lot of direct aisle access but also some two seaters by the window). Direct access only on the 777 would probably be too low density for AI. Get rid of F is obvious (assume that is why Maharaja name is shifting to J class). Shift J class meals to trolley service like AI F of the past and Turkish J. Indian food is ideal to be served from bowls. Plus AI sucks in tray presentation. Now they can just plop down an app plate and then a dinner plate and serve a mix of Indian/Western. Would probably be seen as a huge plus and not cost a lot. Also introduce Premium Y on their 77W. Just take the seats that AA or DL bought and move on. Offer a little better meal, an added snack / amenity kit and boom - good value. AI Y in the 777 should move to 10 across (AI is not a Japanese carrier). They should have standard 32 inch legroom but also introduce paid 35 inch seats in Y that are free for Star Golds.
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Jaysit
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PostPosted: Fri Jun 22, 2018 8:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jet does a wonderful job serving Indian food elegantly in their J Cabins.

It's not that hard to do.

And Kingfisher used to serve a beautiful Thaali (Veg and Non-Veg) in J.

AI can learn from either or both, instead of serving food out of aluminum containers in First like it's a canteen in a govt office in Madhya Pradesh, or what looks like a PY meal in J.

But they won't. They'll natter on about new crockery and in the end, they'll trot out the same rubbish. And as far as seats go, you can buy the best in the world, but you need to maintain your hard product, something AI has never learned to do since JRD Tata was unceremoniously fired 40 years ago.
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747-237
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 11:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
Looks like Air India is still hanging on to souveniers from it's 707-300 Combi, VT-DXT.


Air India Engineering Services Ltd., wholly owned subsidiary of Air India Ltd, invites bids from MRO organizations for overhaul of landing gear shipset for Boeing 707 aircraft.


http://mmd.airindia.co.in/aimmd/tender/Tender%20for%20overhaul%20of%20landing%20gears%20of%20Boeing%20707.pdf



As seen this past week at Palam. One is the former VT-DXT "Trishul". Which is the other airframe ?





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Last edited by 747-237 on Sat Jun 23, 2018 12:51 pm; edited 1 time in total
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747-237
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 12:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Air India unveils revamped premium class, govt says revenue expected to go up by 20%

June 23, 2018

The revamped premium class has been christened as "MaharajahDirect" and the airline is expecting to boost its revenue to Rs 6.5 crore per day from the existing Rs 4 crore it nets from these premium classes.

"The important revenue stream for any airline is the business class and the first class. Therefore, revamping the Air India business class is an attempt by the airline to be on par with the business class of any airline worldwide.

"Passengers will get a much better experience for the same money they were paying earlier. They are not going to be charged anything extra," civil aviation secretary RN Choubey said at the unveiling of "MaharajahDirect".

He added that following the upgradation, the revenue of Air India was expected to go up by about 20%.

Air India Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Pradeep Singh Kharola said the existing first-class and business-class seats in its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft flying to destinations such as the US would be upgraded by July-end, while the upgradation of the Boeing 787 aircraft, which mostly fly to European destinations, will take another month.

Passengers travelling in the upgraded premium class will get a feel of the new ambience and provided with better upholstery, better nightwear, woollen blankets and travel kits, a statement from the airline said, adding that ipads will also be made available for personal viewing.

The cabin crew will sport a new uniform -- a mix of traditional and western attire.

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Caliguy
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PostPosted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 9:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

iPads?????? They have seat back monitors wtf? Also they seem to be keeping their current seats ipa the 77W - ugh. Well at least they will clean the seats 😎
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 24, 2018 4:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-delhi-tel-aviv-flight-registers-over-80-per-cent-occupancy-to-become-a-daily-service/articleshow/64718544.cms

Air India Delhi-Tel Aviv flight registers over 80% occupancy; to become a daily service

Jun 24, 2018

Air India's Delhi-Tel Aviv non-stop will become a daily flight shortly, with the airline giving its seal of approval to the proposal, encouraged by the 80 per cent and above occupancy rate, sources in the airline said.

"The success of the service is a testament to the strengthening of diplomatic ties between India and Israel and growing people to people contact between the two countries. We are working on the last minute details before announcing the increase in frequency to all days from thrice a week," they said.

The move is part of Air India's ongoing efforts to reevaluate its route network, increase services to economically viable routes and cut down frequency and withdraw services from some sectors. The airline could soon withdraw flights from a few European destinations with low occupancy and engage its fleet to far east and neighbouring countries that have seen a steady rise in demand, said a source.

The Delhi-Tel Aviv AI 139 flight made its maiden journey on March 22 this year and since then the occupancy rate has gone up from 60 per cent to over 80 to 83 per cent, making it a profitable route for Air India, sources said. It has engaged its 256-seater Boeing 787 Dreamliner on this rout.

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Caliguy
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PostPosted: Sun Jun 24, 2018 9:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/air-india-delhi-tel-aviv-flight-registers-over-80-per-cent-occupancy-to-become-a-daily-service/articleshow/64718544.cms

Air India Delhi-Tel Aviv flight registers over 80% occupancy; to become a daily service

Jun 24, 2018

Air India's Delhi-Tel Aviv non-stop will become a daily flight shortly, with the airline giving its seal of approval to the proposal, encouraged by the 80 per cent and above occupancy rate, sources in the airline said.

"The success of the service is a testament to the strengthening of diplomatic ties between India and Israel and growing people to people contact between the two countries. We are working on the last minute details before announcing the increase in frequency to all days from thrice a week," they said.

The move is part of Air India's ongoing efforts to reevaluate its route network, increase services to economically viable routes and cut down frequency and withdraw services from some sectors. The airline could soon withdraw flights from a few European destinations with low occupancy and engage its fleet to far east and neighbouring countries that have seen a steady rise in demand, said a source.

The Delhi-Tel Aviv AI 139 flight made its maiden journey on March 22 this year and since then the occupancy rate has gone up from 60 per cent to over 80 to 83 per cent, making it a profitable route for Air India, sources said. It has engaged its 256-seater Boeing 787 Dreamliner on this rout.


Wow good for AI. I guess having connections in India plus making it easier to get to DEL might have increased demand.
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Jaysit
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 4:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
Air India unveils revamped premium class, govt says revenue expected to go up by 20%

June 23, 2018

The revamped premium class has been christened as "MaharajahDirect" and the airline is expecting to boost its revenue to Rs 6.5 crore per day from the existing Rs 4 crore it nets from these premium classes.

"The important revenue stream for any airline is the business class and the first class. Therefore, revamping the Air India business class is an attempt by the airline to be on par with the business class of any airline worldwide.

"Passengers will get a much better experience for the same money they were paying earlier. They are not going to be charged anything extra," civil aviation secretary RN Choubey said at the unveiling of "MaharajahDirect".

He added that following the upgradation, the revenue of Air India was expected to go up by about 20%.

Air India Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Pradeep Singh Kharola said the existing first-class and business-class seats in its fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft flying to destinations such as the US would be upgraded by July-end, while the upgradation of the Boeing 787 aircraft, which mostly fly to European destinations, will take another month.

Passengers travelling in the upgraded premium class will get a feel of the new ambience and provided with better upholstery, better nightwear, woollen blankets and travel kits, a statement from the airline said, adding that ipads will also be made available for personal viewing.

The cabin crew will sport a new uniform -- a mix of traditional and western attire.


Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 6:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.mydigitalfc.com/plan-and-policy/air-india-may-sell-iconic-nariman-point-property-shipping-ministry

Air India may sell iconic Nariman Point property to shipping ministry

July 25 2018

The iconic Air India building on Queen’s necklace in Mumbai may be consumed by the survival woes of the national carrier. A plan is under way to sell the 23-storey prime property to raise funds for the cash-strapped airline. Sources said the shipping ministry is considering a proposal to buy the premium real estate.

“The proposal has been presented to the shipping ministry. There are 12 major ports under the shipping ministry, which have sufficient cash reserve. This can be used to buy the Nariman Point property,” a source said. The source further said the proposal was mooted following a directive from the prime minister's office (PMO) a few days ago. It was discussed in the parent aviation ministry with Air India officials and taken forward.

The shipping ministry is examining the possibility of making an outright purchase or leasing the building out on long-term agreement. A final decision would be taken after discussions with the chiefs of major ports.

Major ports have been posting steady growth in cargo handling and have a combined net surplus of Rs 2,820 crore as on March, 2017. “Since the transaction would take place between government agencies, it will not be questioned by CVC, CBI or CAG. In case it is given to a private company, even through proper tendering, questions would be raised,” one of the sources said. An e-mail query on the proposed move sent to junior aviation minister Jayant Sinha and separately to aviation secretary RN Choubey did not receive any response till going to the press.

Sources in Air India said that the Nariman Point building could be valued at Rs 2,000 crore, but questioned the proposal saying that it is not a dead asset. The building has been earning good money for the airline. “The annual income is about Rs 90 crore-Rs 100 crore from the building. There is no reason why it should be sold or given away to some other government department,” he said.

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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 5:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

[quote="Aseem"]
747-237 wrote:
Sources in Air India said that the Nariman Point building could be valued at Rs 2,000 crore, but questioned the proposal saying that it is not a dead asset. The building has been earning good money for the airline. “The annual income is about Rs 90 crore-Rs 100 crore from the building. There is no reason why it should be sold or given away to some other government department,” he said.
[/i]


Why sell if it is contributing to the margins! To sell and what to sell is the questions!

VT-ASJ
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Jaysit
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 7:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

747-237 wrote:
http://www.mydigitalfc.com/plan-and-policy/air-india-may-sell-iconic-nariman-point-property-shipping-ministry

Air India may sell iconic Nariman Point property to shipping ministry

July 25 2018



This is babu-ism run amok.

Why is Nariman Point, an area that has some of the highest real estate values in the world being co-opted by the GOI and being used for housing of babus and minor netas and mantris and the like? If these people had any brains (or if municipal, state, and center level govts talked to each other), they'd redevelop the entire area for the private sector, and turn it into a nucleus for mixed use retail, hospitality, and entertainment options.
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PostPosted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 8:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jaysit wrote:
Jet does a wonderful job serving Indian food elegantly in their J Cabins.

It's not that hard to do.

And Kingfisher used to serve a beautiful Thaali (Veg and Non-Veg) in J.

AI can learn from either or both, instead of serving food out of aluminum containers in First like it's a canteen in a govt office in Madhya Pradesh, or what looks like a PY meal in J.

But they won't. They'll natter on about new crockery and in the end, they'll trot out the same rubbish. And as far as seats go, you can buy the best in the world, but you need to maintain your hard product, something AI has never learned to do since JRD Tata was unceremoniously fired 40 years ago.


I am not sure they are talking about a new hard product here - its likely just new upholstery and enhanced service offerings. New seats on the entire long haul fleet is a significant undertaking and I am not sensing that here
So essentially, lipstick on a pig and nothing to get excited about; and in a few months the cabin will look just like they do now.

I have had a bunch of segments US-India on them (mostly redeeming miles). While their J is nothing to write home about, they exceeded my low expectations. Mostly by pushing back on most occasions well ahead of scheduled time and getting me safely, and having relatively seamless connections in DEL/BOM to BLR and MAA. The IFE did not work or I did not bother with, and I think UA does better with the AVML J meal than AI, so you can draw your own conclusions. The lounge in DEL is decent looking with awful food, while the common lounge in BOM is quite decent all around.
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 12:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.zeebiz.com/companies/news-air-india-cabin-crew-dresses-revamped-check-out-the-new-look-and-more-52370

New Female Cabin Crew Uniforms.

As worn by attractive, fit models.

More professional and sharp than the saffron mess they were wearing for a few years, but still relatively unimaginative.
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 12:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Jaysit wrote:
http://www.zeebiz.com/companies/news-air-india-cabin-crew-dresses-revamped-check-out-the-new-look-and-more-52370

New Female Cabin Crew Uniforms.

As worn by attractive, fit models.

More professional and sharp than the saffron mess they were wearing for a few years, but still relatively unimaginative.


I am happy they kept the sari.

It is one of the nicest and most graceful things a woman can be seen wearing, IMHO.

I flew AI a couple of years ago and found two of the FAs wearing a hideous looking salwar-kameez lookalike. I wonder where they got that from.

I hope they get rid of that crap and introduce saris throughout.
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Jaysit
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 6:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The_Goat wrote:
Jaysit wrote:
http://www.zeebiz.com/companies/news-air-india-cabin-crew-dresses-revamped-check-out-the-new-look-and-more-52370

New Female Cabin Crew Uniforms.

As worn by attractive, fit models.

More professional and sharp than the saffron mess they were wearing for a few years, but still relatively unimaginative.


I am happy they kept the sari.

It is one of the nicest and most graceful things a woman can be seen wearing, IMHO.

I flew AI a couple of years ago and found two of the FAs wearing a hideous looking salwar-kameez lookalike. I wonder where they got that from.

I hope they get rid of that crap and introduce saris throughout.


Spoke too soon.

This is the dumpy uniform with what the babus call a "subtle Western touch" that most of the crew will be sporting. Only hired models get to wear those stunning architectural sarees.

https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/with-no-buyer-coming-forward-here-s-how-air-india-is-giving-itself-a-royal-makeover-348016.html
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