Budget carrier SpiceJet on May 23 announced that it has increased the salaries of its pilots as part of the airline's ongoing 18th-anniversary celebrations. The airline operated its first commercial flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad on May 23, 2005.

According to a statement, the salary of Captains has been increased to INR 7.5 lakh per month for 75 hours of flying. The hike is applicable from May 16, 2023. The airline had earlier revised salaries for its pilots from November 2022, wherein the salary of Captains had been raised to INR 7 lakh a month for 80 hours of flying. Further, Trainers (DE, TRI) and First Officers’ salaries have also been increased commensurately.

Additionally, SpiceJet added that the airline has announced a tenure-linked monthly loyalty reward for its Captains of up to INR 1 lakh per month, which would be over and above their monthly remuneration.

The airline, which completed 18 years of operations today, is facing financial headwinds and has undertaken a ''restructuring exercise'' to further reduce the liabilities. On May 11, SpiceJet said it has no plans to file for insolvency proceedings and has also started the process of reviving its grounded fleet with USD 50 million.

The statement had come in the backdrop of a lessor filing an insolvency resolution plea against the airline and crisis-hit rival Go First being admitted for voluntary insolvency resolution proceedings by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

In a message to the staff, SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said that as part of the airline's overall growth strategy, ''a restructuring exercise is underway to further reduce the liability of the company as it will allow us to pursue our growth targets with focused efficiency''.

The carrier will also soon launch new flights on new and exciting routes, Singh told employees in a letter. He also urged the employees to remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of services as it looks forward to more exciting years ahead.

New International Routes Introduced

By the end of June, the carrier intends to launch two international UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) flights along the routes Imphal-Mandalay-Imphal and Agartala-Chattogram-Agartala. The airline plans to relaunch its UDAN flights from Jammu to Gwalior and from Kolkata to Gwalior to Jammu as well as create a new UDAN flight from Kolkata to Tezpur and Kolkata. In addition to starting flights on the Kolkata-Chattogram-Kolkata sector, the low-cost airline would also resume operations on the Kolkata-Agartala-Kolkata and Kolkata-Imphal-Kolkata sectors.

In the letter, Singh termed the recent hive-off of SpiceXpress into a separate entity as a defining milestone in its journey. "There is large investor interest in our logistics business. Leading UK-based international conglomerate SRAM and MRAM Group have already committed a USD 100 million investment in SpiceXpress. Both SpiceJet and SpiceXpress have great potential and will complement each other well," he told employees.

DGCA Deregisters 3 aircraft

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has deregistered three planes of low-cost SpiceJet at the request of lessors, the latest in a string of troubles for the cash-strapped airline. Of the three, two were non-operational and its operations had not been affected, SpiceJet said on May 19.

Earlier this month, Lessors Wilmington Trust SP Services, Sabarmati Aviation Leasing and Falgu Aviation Leasing approached the civil aviation regulator, requesting the deregistration of three Boeing 737-800s over non-payment of dues. The DGCA deregistered the planes with call signs VT-MXJ, MXF and SZJ.

The move comes a few days after the no-frills airline had said it was taking steps to bring a part of its grounded fleet back in the air after rival Go First opted for voluntary insolvency. The airline also said it had no plans to file for insolvency even as several of SpiceJet’s aircraft remain grounded due to various reasons.

"Out of the five planes listed for deregistration, one lessor has already requested DGCA to suspend the deregistration of two aircraft. Out of the remaining three, two were grounded for a long period and not operational. Hence, there is no impact on our operations. We remain focussed on bringing on our grounded fleet back into operations," a SpiceJet spokesperson said.

SpiceJet also hopes to bring back four of its 25 grounded aircraft by June 15. Two Boeing 737s and two Bombardier Q400s planes are being revived. The airline also intends to restart operations with more aircraft. The budget carrier's plan to revive the 25 grounded aircraft will help it capitalise and make the most of the upcoming peak travel season.

SpiceJet operates about 250 daily flights to 48 destinations within India and to international destinations. Its fleet is a mix of aircraft including Boeing 737 Max, Boeing 700 and Q400s.

Meanwhile, shares of SpiceJet tumbled nearly 14% on May 23, falling to its 52-week low level in intra-day trade, as investors continued to desert the counter. The stock tanked 13.93% to close at INR 24.16 apiece on the BSE. During the day, it plummeted 19.30% to its 52-week low of INR 22.65.

Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., an established Hong Kong airline, was embroiled in an impasse after a passenger accused its flight attendants of discriminating against non-English speakers. The incident occurred on the CX987 aircraft from Chengdu to Hong Kong, and it prompted significant anxiety among passengers as well as condemnation from China's state media. Cathay Pacific issued an apology along with attempts to address the accusations while emphasizing its commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.

Incident Particulars

The airline sector serves as a bridge connecting individuals from all cultures and backgrounds in today's interconnected world. Effective communication and cultural comprehension are critical to providing travelers with an outstanding travel experience. However, situations do occur that demonstrate the difficulties that airlines have in maintaining seamless communication and inclusiveness. The CX987 flight from Chengdu in southern China to Hong Kong became the focus of attention owing to a passenger's accusation of discrimination. The passenger claimed that the flight attendants treated English-speaking passengers preferentially while ignoring passengers who were unable to converse adequately in English. Passengers on the aircraft voiced their concerns and disappointment with the occurrence, underscoring the necessity of treating all passengers equally and with respect, regardless of their linguistic ability. The incident garnered attention not only to the incident itself, but also to the broader issue of communication and inclusiveness in the aviation sector. According to an internet post by a passenger on the Chengdu flight, flight attendants complained about passengers in English and Cantonese. They asserted that flight attendants made fun of passengers who asked for a carpet rather than a blanket in English. "If you cannot say blanket in English, you cannot have it." The carpet is on the floor. "Feel free to lie on it," a flight attendant remarked, according to a clip widely circulated online.

Cathay Pacific's Response

Cathay Pacific Airways promptly issued an apology in response to the passenger's accusations, recognizing the seriousness of the situation. The airline acknowledged the predicament and apologized for any inconvenience caused to the passengers. Cathay Pacific reiterated its commitment to providing all passengers with an inclusive and courteous travel experience. After an internal inquiry, the airline dismissed the three flight attendants implicated, said CEO Ronald Lam in another statement late Tuesday, apologizing once more. "I would like to reiterate that Cathay Pacific takes a 'zero tolerance' approach to serious violations of company rules and ethics committed by individual employees and will not tolerate them," Lam added. He went on to say that he would convene a cross-departmental working group to perform a thorough evaluation of service procedures, personnel training, and associated systems in order to enhance service quality. In addition to apologizing, Cathay Pacific made tangible efforts to resolve the issue and avoid such situations in the future. In order to provide a great customer experience, the airline stressed the necessity of cultural awareness and straightforward communication. Cathay Pacific has pledged to provide additional training to its employees in order to improve their awareness of varied cultural backgrounds and encourage tolerance.

Criticism from China

The incident on Cathay Pacific Flight CX987 was not overlooked by China's state media. The airline was chastised in the media for "worshipping foreigners" and favoring English-speaking passengers over others. This criticism reflected a nationalistic mindset shared by some who believed foreign airlines were given preferential treatment. The incident highlighted the complexities surrounding the airline industry's equilibrium between cultural sensitivity and nationalistic sentiments. It also emphasized the difficulties that international airlines encounter while flying to and from nations with various cultures and linguistic roots.

Importance of Communication and Inclusivity

The aviation industry relies substantially on clear communication and inclusiveness. Airlines are responsible for making sure their passengers are valued, respected, and understood throughout the duration of their trip. The Cathay Pacific incident serves as a reminder of the need for excellent communication between airline personnel and passengers, regardless of language ability. To solve these issues, airlines must prioritize cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness training programmes. Such programmes can equip airline personnel with the skills they need to deliver outstanding customer service to passengers from an array of backgrounds. Airlines can create an improved atmosphere for all travelers by cultivating an environment that acknowledges and appreciates different cultural backgrounds.

Conclusion

The incident on Cathay Pacific Airways' CX987 flight brought to light the issue of non-English speakers being discriminated against. The airline's prompt response, which included an apology and a pledge to inclusiveness, illustrates its commitment to dealing with similar situations and fostering a courteous travel experience. However, this particular incident illustrates the difficulties that airlines encounter while developing good communication and cultural sensitivity. Airlines may aim to provide an inclusive atmosphere for all customers by recognizing the value of clear communication and embracing heterogeneity. The event serves as a reminder of the continued necessity for training programmes that educate airline personnel with the skills essential to navigating cultural differences while offering an excellent travel experience for all passengers.

With Inputs from Reuters

Lufthansa, the German flag carrier, and a Star Alliance member, is expanding its aircraft order book by acquiring four additional twin-engine Airbus A350-900 widebodies. This decision consolidates Lufthansa's position as the A350-900's third-largest customer, demonstrating the airline's commitment to fleet development and technological advancement.

Lufthansa's Aircraft Order

Lufthansa's decision to add four more Airbus A350-900s to its fleet reflects the airline's faith in the aircraft. The A350-900 has already proven to be an effective addition to Lufthansa's fleet, offering significant benefits in terms of fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and range. Lufthansa intends to strengthen its competitive position and provide a better travel experience to its customers by expanding its A350-900 fleet.

Current Scenario

The Lufthansa Group acquires an additional four ultramodern Airbus A350-900 long-haul aircraft. The aircraft will be acquired from Deucalion Aviation Limited and delivered to the Group within the year. Lufthansa currently operates 21 Airbus A350-900s, alongside five additional A350-900s and ten A350-1000s slated as recently as March 2023. Lufthansa has 38 definite orders for this extremely efficient Airbus long-haul aircraft, making it the third-largest Airbus A350 customer in the world. Lufthansa currently serves as the sole airline in the Lufthansa Group that operates the Airbus A350. This is expected to change in the next few years, since data from ch-aviation.com reveals that SWISS has placed an order for five A350-900 variants. The four A350-900s ordered are not new aircraft but rather ex-LATAM widebodies repatriated to the market after the airline opted to divest 13 of its A350s as part of its restructuring process. The aircraft remain in the custody of their lessor, Deucalion Aviation, and will be transferred to Lufthansa in due course. Delta Air Lines acquired all nine of LATAM's A350s.

The Benefits of the Airbus A350-900

The Airbus A350-900 has various features that make it an appealing option for airlines such as Lufthansa. First and foremost, the A350-900's fuel economy decreases operating expenses substantially, making it an ecologically beneficial alternative. Furthermore, its sophisticated aerodynamics and unique design contribute to a quieter and smoother flight, ensuring passengers have a comfortable experience. The aircraft's capacious interior, contemporary amenities, and sophisticated in-flight entertainment systems elevate the passenger experience even more. Furthermore, Lufthansa's long-haul capabilities and exceptional range enable it to connect with additional locations while expanding its global network.

Implications for Lufthansa's Operations

Lufthansa's A350-900 fleet expansion has substantial ramifications for the airline's operations. With more of these cutting-edge aircraft at its disposal, Lufthansa will be able to boost capacity on popular routes and perhaps add new destinations to its network. The improved passenger experience provided by the A350-900 will boost customer satisfaction, enhancing Lufthansa's position as a premium airline. Furthermore, the efficiency advantages from the A350-900's fuel economy will benefit Lufthansa's profitability and competitiveness.

Position of Lufthansa in the Market

Lufthansa consolidates its position as the third-largest client of the Airbus A350-900 with this further aircraft purchase. This demonstrates the airline's dedication to modernizing its fleet and adapting to shifting marketplace conditions. The A350-900's outstanding performance and Lufthansa's support of this variant further cement Airbus's reputation as a leading manufacturer in the aviation industry.

Conclusion

The recent acquisition of an additional four Airbus A350-900 widebodies by Lufthansa demonstrates the airline's commitment to expansion and technological advancement. Lufthansa ensures that its fleet remains at the cutting edge of aviation technology by investing in the A350-900, allowing the airline to provide a greater travel experience to its passengers. The larger fleet will allow Lufthansa to extend its network, improve capacity, and strengthen its market position.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States has issued an airworthiness directive (AD) pertaining to all CFM International LEAP 1-A engines, which are utilized solely in the Airbus A320neo series of aircraft. The directive was issued in reaction to the discovery of certain engine parts fabricated using materials that had reduced properties owing to iron inclusion.

The Airworthiness Directive of the FAA

The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive in response to the reported issues with CFM International LEAP 1-A engines. An airworthiness directive is a regulatory instrument that informs aircraft operators of mandated activities that must be taken to address safety concerns. The directive contains precise instructions, inspections, changes, or repairs that operators must perform to maintain their aircraft's ongoing airworthiness. The FAA's AD on CFM International LEAP 1-A engines is intended to correct the identified concerns, minimize potential risks, and ensure the safety of operators and passengers. The FAA emphasizes its commitment to sustaining the highest standards of aviation safety by releasing this directive.

Present Situation

To ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft and their components, the aviation industry significantly relies on regulatory authorities such as the FAA. The issuing of an AD indicates a potential issue that must be handled as soon as possible to ensure the safety of activities. The FAA has taken pre-emptive efforts to limit potential risks connected with the use of specific engine parts, in the instance of CFM International LEAP 1-A engines used on Airbus A320neo aircraft. The lists include certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 discs (HPT stage 1 discs), front outer seals, and compressor rotor stages 6-10 spools of the LEAP 1-A engines. The initial discovery was made by CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Safran Aircraft Engines, that "iron inclusion was detected in three non-LEAP-1A HPT rotor discs," according to the AD. However, the manufacturer's additional investigation revealed that "the iron inclusion is attributed to deficiencies in the manufacturing process" and affects more parts.

To address the problem, the FAA has ordered operators to replace the three affected parts, which impacts 38 engines installed on aircraft registered in the US. According to the agency’s estimates, replacing the HPT stage 1 disk (a total of 38 affected parts) will cost $216,315 per product ($680 labor and $215,635 in parts), the forward outer seal (24 affected parts) will cost $48,180 per engine ($680 labor and $47,500 in parts), and the compressor rotor stages 6-10 spool (15 affected parts) will set back operators $38,340 per engine ($680 labor and $37,660 in parts). All costs related to parts were estimated on a pro-rated basis. The AD, which was issued on May 19, 2023, is scheduled to come into effect on June 23, 2023.  The CFM International LEAP 1-A engine is one of two viable alternatives for Airbus A320neo aircraft family operators. Airlines can also opt to power their A320neos with the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine, which has been plagued by supply chain challenges, leading airlines to halt their aircraft and look for wet lease alternatives.

Impact on Airbus A320neo Operators

The FAA's airworthiness directive has a direct impact on airlines operating Airbus A320neo aircraft powered by CFM International LEAP 1-A engines. To maintain the ongoing airworthiness of their aircraft, operators must follow the directive's instructions and requirements within a specific timeframe, in this case, June 23rd. While adhering to the AD is necessary for safety, it may cause operational issues and significant interruptions for airlines. To fully resolve the stated risks, the directive might mandate inspections, maintenance, or even the temporary grounding of impacted aircraft. Airlines must carefully handle these operational issues while prioritizing passenger and crew safety.

Passenger Awareness and Customer Communication

Airlines that operate Airbus A320neo aircraft powered by CFM International LEAP 1-A engines understand the significance of adequately explaining the airworthiness requirement to their customers. Maintaining passengers' trust and keeping them informed about any potential impact on their travel arrangements requires open and honest communication. Airlines must explicitly convey the safety steps they are taking in response to the AD. This includes describing the inspections, maintenance, or adjustments that are being carried out to solve the identified issues. Airlines may assist reduce customer anxieties and maintain a pleasant passenger experience by assuring passengers of their safety and keeping them informed throughout the process.

Conclusion

The US FAA's airworthiness directive for CFM International LEAP 1-A engines on Airbus A320neo aircraft underscores the company's dedication to aviation safety and continual progress. This directive intends to fix reported concerns, manage hazards, and ensure the engines' and aircraft's ongoing airworthiness. The aviation sector seeks to maintain the highest safety standards through coordinated efforts between regulators, manufacturers, and operators. Compliance with the AD, effective interaction with passengers, and a dedication to safety measures all contribute to the Airbus A320neo fleet's overall dependability and trustworthiness.

With Inputs from AeroTime

The Government of Kazakhstan has cancelled visa fees for Indian tourists for two weeks, and Kazakhstan's low-cost carrier (LCC) FlyArystan, has also launched flights from Delhi to Shymkent in Kazakhstan. Low-cost carrier FlyArystan (Air Astana Group) made the first flight between India and Kazakhstan. The flight on the Delhi-Shymkent route was carried out on Monday, May 22.

Flight Schedule

Having announced its plans to operate the route just last month, the airline will initially fly twice weekly between the two cities. Flying on Mondays and Thursdays, the flight is flown by one of the airline's fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft. Each FlyArystan aircraft seats 180 passengers in an all-economy class layout.

With the inception of this new route, Delhi becomes FlyArystan's 8th international destination. The airline already has flights to Istanbul and Ankara in Turkey, Kutaisi in Georgia, Baku in Azerbaijan, Samarkand in Uzbekistan, Yerevan in Armenia, and Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan.

The new service is scheduled to take just under three hours to fly the 1,669 km route. The aircraft operating the inaugural flight KC7469 (an A320neo registered EI-KBR) departed Shymkent Airport (CIT) 14 minutes late at 03:34 and arrived at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi at 06:08. 17 minutes ahead of schedule.

FlyArystan sees enormous potential for growth between Kazakhstan and India and is promoting the new service in both markets. The airline is keen to highlight that its new route will allow Kazakh citizens to visit the capital city of India in less than three hours for various purposes, including education, cultural enrichment, medical treatment, and tourism.

Kazakhstan Cancels Visa Fees

As the Government of Kazakhstan cancelled visa fees for Indian tourists for a 14-day visit in Kazakhstan, airline company FlyArystan is very hopeful that tourists will visit for their vacation.

Since the cancellation of the visa regime for Indian citizens to enter Kazakhstan, the flow of tourists has increased significantly; therefore, we decided to fill the need of passengers to travel between countries pursuing our main goal - providing affordable, convenient, and high-quality air transportation options," Pom Komutanont, Senior Director Operations of FlyArystan said. Kazakhstan's low-cost carrier has also announced their fare for one-way flights between two major metros, which starts from USD 55.

About the Kazakh Carrier

FlyArystan is the first Kazakh low-cost carrier that started its operations in May 2019. The carrier's fleet consists of 14 Airbus A320 aircraft with an average age of 7 years and received its first new factory fresh A320neo aircraft in September last year. It is worth noting that four aircraft were received directly from the manufacturer's factory. By the end of 2023, FlyArystan plans to expand its fleet to 19 aircraft, including new aircraft. The airline company is planning to make Kazakhstan a gateway to the European market for Indian passengers.

Since commencing operations in 2018, the low-cost airline has gone from strength to strength. 2022 was a particularly strong one for the airline, in which it flew three million passengers on over 20,000 flights. It flew 6% more passengers last year than it did in 2021 and also has an average load factor of 87%.

Niceair, a small virtual airline, has earned prominence in recent months for its ambitious objective of linking European cities such as Copenhagen and Tenerife straight to the magnificent northern Icelandic resort of Akureyri. Nonetheless, despite a promising start, Niceair has encountered substantial challenges along the way.

Niceair Overview

Niceair emerged as a visionary airline with an exclusive emphasis on bridging the gap between major European destinations and Akureyri's appealing attractions. The airline's objective was to present passengers with convenient and efficient flights, ensuring a seamless experience from departure to arrival. Niceair quickly earned prominence among travel enthusiasts looking for a new adventure due to its commitment to customer satisfaction and exceptional service.

Connecting European cities with Akureyri

Niceair's distinctive route network sought to connect major European cities with the breathtaking panoramas of northern Iceland. The airline perceived Akureyri's untapped potential as a hidden gem rich in natural beauty and cultural legacy. Niceair aims to harness the actual potential of Akureyri as a prime vacation destination by operating flights from key European destinations.

Present Scenario

Niceair operated a single Airbus A319-100 in 9H-XFW, operated by Hi Fly Malta, and Hi Fly Malta operated the 150-seat A319 on Niceair's behalf with aircrew attired in Niceair uniforms. Niceair has been unable to procure a replacement aircraft since April 7 due to Hi Fly Malta's failure to adhere to its payment schedule. Niceair's CEO, Þorvaldur Lúðvík Sigurjónsson, stated in early May that the airline was looking for alternatives to resume flights in time for the summer season and was in discussions with several capacity sources. Niceair issued a statement on May 19 explaining and apologizing for having to declare bankruptcy: "These were uncontrollable reasons in every way." This closure is especially regrettable because there were solid grounds for direct international flights through Akureyri, as evidenced by previous experience. We truly regret the harm caused to the company's customers, personnel, suppliers, and others. All claims will be processed through the judicial system." "After the company suffered major setbacks due to its foreign partner HiFly's noncompliance, […] there were no more flights operated by the company and the company had no income, so the conditions for a recently completed financing round were broken and the share capital pledge was unable to be recalled." At the end of April, the firm laid off all of its personnel." Until Niceair began flying direct flights to Iceland, tourists - who account for roughly one-third of Iceland's economy - who wanted to see north Iceland had to change planes, flying from Keflavik Airport, the city's international airport, to Reykjavik Airport, the city's domestic airport. The time penalty generated demand for direct flights from mainland Europe to northern Iceland.

Payment Issues and Aircraft Replacement Complications

Niceair experienced a major setback because Hi Fly Malta failed to adhere to the agreed-upon payment schedule. Because of this financial lapse, Niceair was unable to procure a replacement aircraft after April 7, when the A319-100 was no longer accessible for operations. The unexpected turn of events placed Niceair in a difficult situation, as it faced flight interruptions and the dismay of tourists anxious to experience Akureyri.

Conclusion

Niceair's path has been distinguished by ambition, perseverance, and unexpected challenges. While the airline has faced obstacles as a result of Hi Fly Malta's refusal to satisfy payment commitments and deliver a replacement aircraft, it is still looking for ways to resume operations. Niceair is dedicated to overcoming these obstacles and providing customers seeking the stunning beauty of Akureyri with flawless travel experiences. The bankruptcy of Niceair has left a hole in the Icelandic aviation industry, affecting customers, personnel, and numerous other stakeholders. The incident emphasizes the need for an aviation sector that is robust and flexible, capable of handling problems and capitalizing on opportunities. As Iceland looks to the future, the government and industry participants must work together to restore trust, boost growth, and safeguard the country's air transport landscape's long-term viability.

With Inputs from Ch-aviation