Delhi Airport was 9th Busiest Globally in 2023
Preet Palash
16 Apr 2024
Delhi Airport was the 9th busiest hub in 2023, according to Airports Council International (ACI) ranking in a list led by Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Dubai and Dallas Fort Worth
Delhi Airport saw 21% more passengers last year compared with the year before at 7.2 crore, Atlanta got 10.5 crore passengers followed by Dubai (DXB) at 8.7 crore and Dallas Fort Worth at 8.2 crore.
ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “Global air travel in 2023 was chiefly fuelled by the international segment…. While perennial leaders from the US continue to dominate the top 10 busiest airports for passengers, there are notable shifts. Dubai International Airport jumped to second rank for the first time, while Tokyo Haneda International Airport witnessed a remarkable ascent from 16th position in 2022 to fifth in 2023. Additionally, the unwavering strength of Istanbul and New Delhi airports keep them in top ranks, marking significant progress over 2019.”
ACI serves 757 members, operating 2,109 airports in 191 countries.
Mumbai’s land-constrained CSMIA airport handled over 5.1 crore passengers in CY 2023; 3.8 crore in 2022 and 4.7 crore in 2019.
“Preliminary figures indicate 2023 global total passengers’ figure is close to 8.5 billion, 27.2% higher than 2022 or a recovery of 93.8% from pre-pandemic (2019). While the domestic market grew by 20.2% (or a recovery of 96.8% of the 2019 level), the international market drove recovery with a 36.5% growth rate (or 90.4% of the 2019 level). The top 10 airports representing close to 10% of global traffic (806 million passengers), witnessed a gain of 19.8% from 2022 or a gain of 0.7% vis-à-vis their 2019 results (801 million pax in 2019),” ACI said.
ACI says the biggest jump in the top 10 rankings was recorded for Tokyo Haneda, leaping from 16th position in 2022 to the fifth spot last year. Five of the 10 busiest airports were in the US.
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IndiGo to Start Flights from Delhi to Jharsuguda
Preet Palash
16 Apr 2024
IndiGo has announced daily direct flights between Delhi and Jharsuguda, Odisha, effective from May 15.
These flights will provide a direct gateway between the emerging industrial centre and the capital of India, the airline said.
Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce direct connectivity between Jharsuguda and Delhi. As an emerging industrial hub in Odisha, Jharsuguda holds immense potential for business and trade, and these new flights will unlock newer opportunities in the region. This will not only promote interstate connectivity and regional accessibility, but also serve as a gateway to a plethora of domestic and international destinations through our vast network. As India’s leading carrier, we continue to deliver on our promise of affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across an unparalleled network.”
Jharsuguda is a city located in the western part of the Indian state of Odisha. Known for its thriving industrial sector, Jharsuguda is a hub for power plants, manufacturing, and mineral resources. Embodying a mix of industrial growth and environmental serenity, the city is also blessed with several scenic locations and tourist attractions, such as the nearby Hirakud Dam and Reservoir, Koilighughar waterfall, Ram Chandi Temple, Jhadeswar Temple, Pikolgughar Stream, Guja Pahad, Ulapgarh Hill forts, and Babadera cave.
Flight 6E 0458 departs from Delhi at 15:20 and arrives in Jharsuguda at 17:10 daily while flight 6E 2274 departs Jharsuguda at 17:40 and arrives in Delhi at 19:40 daily.
In November IndiGo started a direct route from Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda to Bengaluru as well with an inaugural flight led by Captain Rahul Leekha, a resident of Jharsuguda, alongside co-pilot Payal Agarwal from Sambalpur,
With its fleet of 350+ aircraft, the airline is operating around 2000 daily flights and connecting 85+ domestic destinations and 30+ international destinations.
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Mumbai Airport’s Runways are to Remain Shut on 9th May for Maintenance
Preet Palash
16 Apr 2024
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will close the primary runway 09/27 and the secondary runway 14/32 temporarily on 9th May for pre-monsoon maintenance & repair work for around six hours.
The temporary closure will be from 1100hrs to 1700hrs. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has been issued in this regard to enhance runway resilience and ensure smooth operations, particularly during the monsoon season, the airport said.
All operations will resume as usual post 1700hrs. The scheduled temporary runway closure is a yearly practice and a contingency plan on the same will help maintain operational continuity and ensure passengers' safety, the airport added.
Mumbai's airport has a network of runways, taxiways and aprons encompassing nearly 1033 acres. Thus, to ensure operational continuity during the monsoon months, timely checks and repair work on the runways and associated facilities is critical to maintain its health and operational continuity, it noted.
The yearly practice of runway maintenance work involves specialists in engineering and airside teams inspecting the runway surface for micro-texture and macro-texture wear and tear that may have occurred due to day-to-day operations and help strengthen the airside strip.
Runway 09-27 spans 3448m x 60m, and runway 14-32 spans 2871m x 45m and this activity ensures the durability and longevity of the runway infrastructure by addressing concerns such as waterlogging and ensuring safe landings and take-offs during monsoon. Furthermore, the maintenance work will include repairing any damage to the runways that may have occurred due to regular use.
As a collective goal to ensure zero inconvenience to its passengers, CSMIA has intimated all its relevant stakeholders six months in advance. This has also helped airlines to plan their flight schedules accordingly, it added.
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Air India's New Mobile App Wins Award
Preet Palash
16 Apr 2024
Air India has won top honors for its mobile app in the 11th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards announced recently, the airline said in a statement.
The Air India mobile app bagged the Gold Stevie Award for Innovation in General Utility Apps across the Asia Pacific region.
Air India is the first airline from India to receive this honor. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for “crowned,” the Stevie Awards are widely considered to be the world's premier business awards, conferring recognition for achievement in diverse business-related programs. More than 1,000 nominations from organizations across the Asia-Pacific region were considered this year across various categories.
Post its acquisition by the Tata Group, Air India has completely revamped its mobile app, with a focus on guest experience. A host of innovative features that help guests and provide timely information in an easy-to-consume fashion have been added, along with an overhaul of its design by Air India’s in-house teams in Kochi and Silicon Valley, the airline said.
These features include a dynamic splash screen with information most relevant to customers, easy-to-access information about upcoming trips, including the dining menu onboard, timely notifications, an intuitive loyalty portal, a GenAI virtual assistant and a pioneering ‘flight status’ feature that even provides information about the incoming aircraft for the flight.
“The Air India mobile app is our flagship digital channel through which we connect with our guests and delight them on the day of travel. It is a true embodiment of our technology approach - customer-obsessed, design-rich, cloud-only, mobile-friendly, data-driven, and AI-infused. Our app features path-breaking innovations such as the airline industry’s very first generative AI virtual assistant ‘AI.g.’ The app is on a journey of continuous improvement and more industry-leading innovations are on their way. We sincerely appreciate this recognition by the Stevie® awards,” said Satya Ramaswamy, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Air India.
Other features like an easy-to-use baggage tracking capability and comprehensive computer-vision capabilities are in the pipeline. The app has a 4.7 rating in the Apple iOS app store in India, which is the best rating of any airline from India and is among the best global airlines in their home markets, Air India said.
“We are impressed by the Air India app's dynamic splash, whisking users away to exotic destinations. The Flight Status feature shines as the showstopper, transforming travel uncertainties into reassuring snapshots of real-time information. With AI.g as a virtual concierge and personalized journeys through My Trips, the app elevates the travel experience, making it not just a journey but a rich narrative waiting to unfold,” observed the Jury member team selecting the winners.
Air India is navigating through a major five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI, with an ambition to become a world-class airline. The first phase of this transformation, the taxi phase was recently concluded and focused on fixing the basics. These included bringing back to service many long-grounded aircraft, the addition of talent across flying and ground functions, rapid upgradation of technology and strengthening of customer care initiatives amongst others.
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Revolutionizing E-Commerce Logistics: Embraer's E-Jet Freighter Program
Abhishek Nayar
16 Apr 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of global commerce, the rise of e-commerce has sparked a revolution in logistics. To meet the increasing demand for swift and efficient delivery to smaller communities, Embraer, the renowned Brazilian aerospace manufacturer, is pioneering a solution with its E-Jet passenger-to-freighter conversion program.
Tapping into E-Commerce Growth and Program Overview
Embraer's Director for the E-Jet conversion program, Marcelo Tocci, highlights the synergy between e-commerce and the E-Jet freighters, citing them as a "perfect fit" for serving smaller cities often overlooked by traditional freight services.
Launched in 2022, the E-Jet passenger-to-freighter program targets the conversion of both the E190 and E195 models. Recent milestones include the successful maiden test flight of the E190F, boasting a payload capacity of 10,700kg (23,600lb), with the E195F offering a payload of 12,300kg.
Market Forecast and Regional Opportunities
Embraer forecasts a demand for approximately 600 small freighters over the next two decades, with a significant portion destined for the Asia-Pacific region. With a keen eye on Southeast Asia and burgeoning economies like Vietnam, Embraer sees immense potential in this market.
Asian Market Penetration and Replacing Aging Fleet
While currently having a sole Asian customer in China's Lanzhou Aviation Industry Development Group, Embraer aims to expand its footprint in Asia. Raul Villaron, overseeing Embraer's commercial aviation business in the Asia Pacific, underscores the opportunity presented by the evolving dynamics of e-commerce in the region.
Embraer's program also targets the replacement of aging freighters, particularly in regions like Australia, where operators such as Pionair Australia still rely on older aircraft like the BAe 146. The need for modern, efficient freighters is palpable in such markets.
Jet vs. Turboprop Efficiency, Expansion and Collaboration
Embraer sees an opportunity to replace turboprop freighters with their jet-powered E-Jets, citing enhanced range and cost efficiency beyond certain operational distances. This shift could bring a new level of productivity to cargo operations.
To meet demand, Embraer plans to scale up its conversion facilities in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, with a goal of converting up to 12 freighters annually. Additionally, potential collaborations in Asia, including establishing a conversion facility in China, are being explored.
Conclusion
As the global logistics landscape continues to evolve, Embraer's E-Jet freighter program emerges as a transformative solution, perfectly aligned with the demands of the e-commerce boom. With its focus on efficiency, range, and adaptability, Embraer is poised to reshape the air cargo industry, one flight at a time.
With Inputs from Flight Global
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Scoot Takes Flight with Embraer's E190-E2
Abhishek Nayar
16 Apr 2024
In a momentous occasion, Azorra, Scoot, and Embraer came together to mark the delivery of the first of nine new Embraer E190-E2 aircraft to Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA). The special handover ceremony, held at Embraer’s facility in Brazil, was attended by senior executives from all three entities, signifying a significant leap forward in the aviation industry.
A New Era of Exploration: The E190-E2 Arrives
Named ‘Explorer 3.0’ in homage to its role as the third and newest addition to the Scoot family, the delivery of the E190-E2 marks a historic moment for Singapore's aviation landscape. It not only represents Scoot's commitment to modernization but also signifies the first time a Singapore carrier has embraced an aircraft from the renowned Brazilian manufacturer, Embraer.
A Testament to Growth Strategy
Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer of Scoot, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are honored to be the first Singapore carrier to take delivery of this modern and fuel-efficient aircraft. The E190-E2 jets are crucial to our overall network growth strategy." Thng emphasized the importance of this milestone in enhancing connectivity and providing exceptional value to customers.
Empowering Expansion with Efficiency
John Evans, CEO and founder of Azorra, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in facilitating optimized expansion for Scoot. He emphasized the E190-E2's efficiency and versatility, which are instrumental in developing new markets and expanding network reach in the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership underscores Azorra's commitment to supporting airlines worldwide in their growth endeavors.
Embraer's Advanced Technology for Regional Connectivity
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, lauded Scoot's decision to integrate the E190-E2 into its fleet, citing its suitability for the airline's ambitions. He emphasized the aircraft's exceptional short-runway performance, ideal for enhancing regional connectivity. Meijer also expressed excitement about continuing Embraer's long-standing relationship with Azorra and supporting Scoot's passengers with the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the narrow-body space.
Setting Course for New Horizons: E2 Services to Commence
With the arrival of Explorer 3.0, Scoot is poised to embark on a new chapter in its journey. E2 services are scheduled to commence in May 2024, with the inaugural flight destined for Krabi, Thailand. This marks a significant step forward for Scoot as it leverages the capabilities of the E190-E2 to offer enhanced travel experiences to its passengers.
Conclusion
The delivery of the Embraer E190-E2 to Scoot signifies more than just the addition of a new aircraft to its fleet. It symbolizes a strategic partnership between Azorra, Scoot, and Embraer, aimed at driving innovation, efficiency, and connectivity in the aviation industry. As Scoot prepares to introduce E2 services, it stands poised to redefine regional travel experiences, setting the stage for a future characterized by exploration, growth, and excellence.
With Inputs from Embraer
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