Indian Airlines Added 112 Planes in 2023

* GO Airlines (India) Ltd. (Go First) is currently undergoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process as per Section 10 of Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code.

Aircraft orders placed by Major Airlines

(As per information received from the airlines)

On Monday, the government told the Parliament that there had been a significant upswing in the enrollment of female pilots in India.

In the year 2023, the total number of commercial pilot licenses (CPL) issued by DGCA was 1622, of which 294 CPLs were issued to women, constituting, 18 percent of total CPLs issued, Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd) in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

The number of CPLs issued to women in 2023 (294 CPLs) increased by 22 percent compared to 2022 (240 CPLs).

The total number of female pilots employed with various Indian scheduled and non-scheduled operators is approximately 14 percent of the total flight crew strength.

Singh added that the Ministry of Civil Aviation and its associated organizations have taken steps to increase the number of pilots in the country, both women and men.

These include issuing award letters by the Airports Authority of India for nine new Flying Training Organisations (FTO) at five airports, namely Belagavi, Jalgaon, Kalaburagi, Khajuraho, and Lilabari in the first phase, and six more FTOs at five Airports in the second phase namely Bhavnagar, Hubballi, Kadapa, Kishangarh, and Salem.

In addition, the Women in Aviation International (WAI) - India Chapter conducts many awareness programs nationwide in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, industry, and leading women aviation professionals, focusing on young schoolgirls, especially from low-income families.

In a strategic move to tackle the shortfall caused by Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engine problems, India's largest airline, IndiGo, is contemplating a unique approach—leasing up to five Boeing 737 Max aircraft on a short-term damp lease from Qatar Airways. This decision comes amidst challenges in finding available aircraft for short-term leases due to the drying up of the leasing market.

IndiGo's Damp Lease Strategy

IndiGo's decision to opt for a damp lease, a relatively costlier arrangement where the lessor provides both aircraft and operational support, showcases the airline's commitment to maintaining uninterrupted operations during the upcoming busy summer travel season. The leased Boeing 737 Max planes, less than four years old, will be sourced from Qatar Airways, marking IndiGo's first venture into operating Boeing 737 planes, having been an Airbus A320 operator.

Exclusive Deployment on India-Qatar Route

Sources reveal that the leased aircraft will be exclusively deployed on the India-Qatar route, with Qatar Airways handling maintenance responsibilities while IndiGo manages cabin crew operations. This strategic partnership allows IndiGo to address the capacity crunch caused by the grounding of around 75 Airbus A320 Neo aircraft due to P&W engine issues.

Global Aircraft Shortage Challenges

IndiGo's innovative move comes against the backdrop of a global shortage of available aircraft for short-term leases. With airlines worldwide holding onto aging planes due to supply chain constraints and ongoing engine issues, IndiGo faces challenges in finding well-maintained older aircraft for short-term arrangements.

Impact on IndiGo's Growth Plans

The shortage of available planes has led to a 12% reduction in IndiGo's capacity growth for the January-March period, compared to the average 15-19% growth witnessed in previous quarters. The airline, with 135 planes, holds the largest potentially affected fleet, prompting a shift in its traditional practice of returning aircraft after six years.

Curbs on Boeing 737 Max Production

Recent restrictions on the expansion of Boeing 737 Max production following the Alaska Air incident further tighten the supply situation. Analysts at Ishka, specializing in aircraft valuation, report a scarcity of available Airbus A320Ceo aircraft for rent, with a 22% increase in the market value of a 5-year-old A320Ceo since January 2022.

Conclusion

IndiGo's unconventional approach to secure Boeing 737 Max aircraft on a short-term damp lease reflects the airline's resilience in navigating the challenges posed by the P&W engine problems and the broader global shortage of available planes. As the airline seeks alternatives to maintain its growth trajectory, the industry watches closely to see how this innovative strategy will impact IndiGo's operational efficiency and financial standing in the long run.

With Inputs from Economic Times

AirAsia will resume flights from Visakhapatnam to Kuala Lumpur from April 26th becoming the only airline to have direct flights on this route.

These flights will operate three times a week with some fares starting at Rs 5000 if booked between now and 14th February for travel from 26th April 2024 to 19 March 2025.

“AirAsia is thrilled to continue this celebratory momentum of growing connectivity in one of our biggest international markets ? India ? as we continue to make travel more affordable and accessible to all. A direct route from Visakhapatnam to Kuala Lumpur is a core  part of our expansion plans and we’re delighted that it is  taking off at an opportune time for AirAsia, marking our fourth and counting route from India this year," said Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam.

AirAsia is also starting Visakhapatnam - Bangkok flights from 9 April 2024.

“We look forward to connecting travellers to the beautiful Kuala Lumpur that is immersed in rich culture as well as enchanting natural wonders, and links travellers from India affordably to other parts of Malaysia, South East Asia and further afield on our vast network. Similarly,  we look forward to flying travellers from Malaysia’s capital who are keen to visit the quaint and stunning Visakhapatnam. This expansion reflects our dedication to providing seamless and inexpensive travel options, linking different people to different cultures. As we progress into 2024 and with hopes for a wonderful year for travel ahead, AirAsia will be looking to further expand our presence in India and allow for more affordable connectivity between our two nations and beyond,” he added.

The airline recently announced three other new routes from India to Kuala Lumpur that will begin operating this year ? Thiruvananthapuram in February, serving as AirAsia’s second route from the state of Kerala following Kochi, Jaipur in April and Ahmedabad in May. In addition, AirAsia and sister airline AirAsia X fly from six cities in south India ? Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata, as well as from two cities in the north ? New Delhi and Amritsar.

In the midst of a booming travel industry, North American flight attendants are taking a stand for better pay and improved working conditions. The rejection of a new tentative agreement by Air Transat flight attendants has highlighted the growing demand for higher wages among cabin crews. Let us explore the recent developments in the airline industry, where unions representing these essential workers are pushing for substantial pay gains.

Air Transat's Rejected Agreement

Air Transat, a Canadian leisure carrier, faced a setback as 82% of its cabin crew members rejected a new tentative agreement. This marks the second rejection of the proposal, emphasizing the determination of flight attendants to secure better terms. The union, CUPE, representing 2,100 cabin crew members at Air Transat, has expressed the need for substantial improvements in wages and benefits.

Industry-Wide Push for Higher Wages

Unions across various industries, including aerospace, construction, airlines, and rail, have been advocating for higher wages and enhanced benefits over the past two years. The tight labor market has emboldened workers to demand their fair share. This trend is not limited to Air Transat, as flight attendants at Alaska Airlines are currently voting on whether to authorize a strike for the first time in decades.

Changing Compensation Models

One of the central issues in the negotiations is the demand for compensation for hours worked on the ground before takeoff and after landing. This marks a significant departure from the current industry norm, where flight attendants are predominantly paid when the aircraft is in motion. The question of onboard staffing is also a key sticking point, reflecting the evolving priorities of cabin crews.

Southwest Airlines and the Strike Authorization

Southwest Airlines witnessed a similar scenario as flight attendants approved a strike authorization after rejecting a tentative contract in November. The industry's spotlight is now on Alaska Airlines, where flight attendants are voting on strike authorization until February 13. The possibility of strikes and labor disruptions looms large, adding pressure on airlines to address the concerns of their cabin crews.

Conclusion

As the demand for air travel surges, North American flight attendants are leveraging their position to demand fair compensation and improved working conditions. The recent rejections of tentative agreements at Air Transat and Southwest Airlines underscore the urgency for airlines to address the evolving needs of their cabin crews. The industry is at a crossroads, with negotiations ongoing and the potential for strikes looming. Will airlines rise to the occasion and meet the demands of their essential frontline workers? Only time will tell.

With Inputs from Reuters