The Countdown Begins: Airlines to Share Foreign Passenger Details with Indian Customs by 2025

In a significant move to bolster border security and enhance passenger risk analysis, airlines operating international flights to and from India will soon be required to share extensive passenger details with Indian Customs authorities. This mandate, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening its interdiction capabilities. Here's what you need to know about this upcoming regulation and its implications.

Mandatory Data Sharing Requirements

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has outlined the data-sharing framework under the ‘Passenger Name Record Information Regulations, 2022.’ Airlines will need to:

• Register with the National Customs Targeting Centre-Passenger (NCTC-Pax) by January 10, 2025.
• Share comprehensive passenger details at least 24 hours before the departure of an international flight.

Details to be Shared

The information airlines must provide includes:

• Passenger Information: Full name, contact details (email ID, mobile number), and details of travel companions on the same booking.
• Travel Details: Travel itinerary, baggage information, ticket issuance date, and intended travel plans.
• Payment Details: Billing and payment information, including credit card numbers.
• Additional Data: Information about travel agencies and code-share agreements (when an airline sells seats on another carrier's flight).

Phased Rollout of the System

To facilitate a smooth transition, the CBIC has planned a phased rollout:

• Pilot Phase: Selected airlines willing to participate will test the PNRGOV system by February 10, 2025.
• Full Operation: Individual airlines will comply starting April 1, 2025, while airlines operating through the Global Distribution System (GDS) will be integrated by June 1, 2025.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Airlines failing to comply with the regulations will face stringent penalties ranging from Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 per violation. The Customs department’s proactive approach ensures no room for error in implementing this mandate.

Enhancing Security and Passenger Risk Analysis

The primary objective of these regulations is to enhance the government’s ability to:

• Intercept Potential Threats: By identifying high-risk individuals before they enter or leave the country.
• Improve Risk Analysis: Utilize passenger data for advanced analytics, aiding in faster and more effective decision-making.

Key Takeaways for Airlines and Travelers

• For Airlines: Preparation is critical. Airlines must prioritize system upgrades, employee training, and adherence to data-sharing deadlines to avoid penalties.
• For Travelers: Expect a more streamlined yet secure travel process, as authorities leverage passenger data to minimize potential threats.

Looking Ahead

As the aviation industry gears up for this transformative change, the collaboration between airlines and government authorities will play a pivotal role in ensuring the regulation’s success. By 2025, India’s customs and border security operations aim to set a benchmark for efficiency and safety in global travel.

India is taking a significant leap forward in the aviation sector with the introduction of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. This landmark legislation, replacing the 90-year-old Aircraft Act of 1934, is set to come into force on January 1, 2025. The new Act promises to transform the regulatory framework for the design, manufacturing, and operation of aircraft in India, aiming to bolster the country's position in the global aviation market.

A Modern Framework for a Growing Market

India’s civil aviation industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world, with increasing demand for air travel and a surge in aviation infrastructure. Recognizing the need for a contemporary legal framework, the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, was passed by Parliament earlier this month.

This legislation introduces updated provisions for the regulation and control of design, manufacture, maintenance, possession, use, operation, sale, export, and import of aircraft. The objective is to align India’s aviation laws with global standards and remove redundancies that have accumulated over decades of amendments to the previous Aircraft Act.

Key Provisions of the New Act

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam introduces several forward-thinking measures to enhance India’s aviation landscape:

Ease of Doing Business:

• The Act simplifies procedures for obtaining licenses and approvals, making it easier for companies to operate in the aviation sector.

Boost to Indigenous Manufacturing:

• By providing a regulatory framework for designing and manufacturing aircraft within India, the Act supports the government’s Make in India initiative.

Streamlined Regulations:

• The legislation eliminates outdated provisions and ensures a cohesive approach to aviation governance.

Encouraging Innovation:

• Provisions for regulating advanced technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and emerging aircraft designs underscore the Act’s forward-looking nature.

Replacing the Aircraft Act of 1934

The Aircraft Act of 1934 served as the foundation for India’s aviation regulations for nearly a century. Over time, it underwent 21 amendments to address emerging challenges and advancements in aviation. However, the patchwork nature of these amendments created inefficiencies and gaps that the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam seeks to address comprehensively.

Implications for the Industry

With the new Act, India aims to attract global investments and foster an environment conducive to innovation in aviation. The provisions are expected to:

• Encourage local manufacturing of aircraft components and systems.
• Support exports of indigenous aviation technologies.
• Enhance safety and compliance measures in line with international standards.

Why Now?

India’s rapid urbanization and economic growth have driven a surge in air travel demand. The government’s commitment to developing airports, improving connectivity, and increasing fleet sizes highlights the need for a robust legal structure to support these ambitions. By implementing the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, the country is positioning itself as a global leader in aviation innovation and manufacturing.

Challenges Ahead

While the Act brings promise, its implementation will require:

• Collaboration between government agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Extensive training and awareness campaigns for compliance.
• Infrastructure upgrades to support the anticipated growth in manufacturing and operations.

Conclusion: A Flight Towards Progress

The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in India’s aviation history. By replacing antiquated laws with a forward-thinking framework, India is charting a course for innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. As the Act takes flight in 2025, the world will watch closely to see how India’s aviation sector soars to new heights.

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) has embarked on an ambitious journey to establish its presence in the global aviation market with the C919, its domestically developed narrowbody jet. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX 8, the C919 represents China’s foray into the competitive commercial aviation industry. With recent reports of COMAC targeting airlines in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, the question arises: can the C919 secure a foothold outside its home market?

COMAC's Global Sales Campaign

According to a Bloomberg report, COMAC executives have been actively pitching the C919 to international airlines. Notable targets include Angkor Air, Garuda Indonesia, and Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines. These discussions underline China’s strategic ambition to make its aerospace industry a global contender.

The C919 has already made headlines with GallopAir, a Brunei-based startup airline, which signed a preliminary agreement for 30 COMAC aircraft, including the C919 and its regional counterpart, the ARJ21 (now rebranded as the C909). GallopAir plans to commence operations by the end of 2024, marking an important milestone for COMAC’s efforts to penetrate the international market.

Strategic Ties and Diplomacy

China’s outreach to Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines comes against the backdrop of complex international relations. Despite strained ties over China’s treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, Beijing and Astana maintain a “unique permanent comprehensive strategic partnership,” as highlighted during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Kazakhstan in July 2023. This diplomatic groundwork could pave the way for further aviation collaboration between the two countries.

Indonesia also figures prominently in COMAC’s plans. TransNusa, an Indonesian airline, already operates three C909 aircraft, delivered between December 2022 and May 2024. Recent high-level discussions between Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral ties, including cooperation across politics, economy, culture, maritime affairs, and security. Such partnerships could potentially enhance COMAC’s prospects in Indonesia, with Garuda Indonesia representing a highly desirable customer.

Advantages of Choosing the C919

For airlines like Garuda Indonesia, opting for the C919 could offer a significant advantage: bypassing the long delivery queues faced by Airbus and Boeing. Supply chain challenges have left both aerospace giants unable to meet demand until at least the early 2030s, making COMAC’s aircraft an attractive alternative for carriers seeking to expand their fleets without delay.

Challenges in Gaining Global Acceptance

Despite its potential, the C919 faces several hurdles in securing international orders:

• Limited Production Capacity: Since the delivery of the first C919 to China Eastern Airlines in December 2022, COMAC has managed to deliver only ten additional units. Operators include Air China (two aircraft), China Southern Airlines (three), and China Eastern Airlines, which received its latest C919 on November 28, 2024.
• Support Infrastructure: COMAC’s support network for pilot, engineer, and flight attendant training, as well as maintenance services, is still underdeveloped compared to the robust infrastructure provided by Airbus and Boeing. This could deter airlines from committing to the C919 without assurances of long-term support.

The Road Ahead

Securing deals with Angkor Air, Garuda Indonesia, or SCAT Airlines would mark a significant milestone for COMAC. Such agreements would not only bolster the company’s credibility but also signal the global acceptance of Chinese-made commercial aircraft. However, COMAC must address its production bottlenecks and expand its support network to ensure the C919’s success in international markets.

Conclusion

The C919’s journey beyond China is emblematic of the country’s broader aspirations in global trade and technology. While the aircraft has a long way to go before it can rival the dominance of Airbus and Boeing, COMAC’s persistence and strategic diplomacy may yet carve out a niche for the C919 in the international aviation industry. Whether this ambitious venture takes flight or remains grounded will depend on COMAC’s ability to overcome its current challenges and deliver on its promises.

Air India, under the stewardship of CEO and MD Campbell Wilson, is poised for a significant leap forward in 2025, building on a transformative journey that began with its acquisition by the Tata Group in January 2022. The airline, once a symbol of Indian aviation pride, is undergoing a comprehensive overhaul aimed at turning it into a profitable, world-class carrier.

2024: A Year of Transformation and Milestones

The year 2024 marked a pivotal phase in Air India’s journey, with the completion of key mergers that redefined its position within the Tata Group and the global aviation market.

Major Mergers Completed

Air India Express and AirAsia India merged into a unified entity, alongside the integration of Vistara with Air India. These mergers elevated the Air India Group to become the fourth-largest business in the Tata conglomerate by revenue.

Expanding Fleet and Operations

With a fleet of 300 aircraft operating across both Air India and Air India Express brands, the airline serves over 60 million customers annually, connecting more than 100 destinations globally.

What Lies Ahead in 2025: Key Initiatives

Looking forward, Air India plans to make significant strides in its ongoing transformation.

Refitting Aircraft for Superior Service

The airline has already commenced the refitting of its narrow-body aircraft and plans to start upgrading its legacy wide-body planes in 2025. This overhaul will include new seats and enhanced in-flight services, reflecting global standards.

Elevating Service Standards

Campbell Wilson emphasized that the airline is raising the bar on service excellence, ensuring a consistent and premium experience for passengers.

Optimizing Practices and Processes

Strengthening operational efficiency and adopting best practices will be a priority. This shift aims to make Air India more consistent, streamlined, and ultimately, profitable.

The Road to Profitability

Despite its challenges, Air India has made noteworthy progress on its financial front.

Reduced Losses

In the fiscal year 2023-24, the airline significantly trimmed its losses to Rs. 4,444.10 crore, compared to Rs. 11,387.96 crore in 2022-23—a reduction of over 60%.

Increased Revenue

Air India reported a 23.69% rise in turnover, reaching Rs. 38,812 crores in 2023-24. This growth reflects the airline’s robust operational performance and strategic decisions.

The Bigger Picture: Tata Group’s Vision for Air India

The Tata Group has been diligently working on an ambitious transformation plan to restore Air India’s legacy as a global leader in aviation. Recent developments include:

Aircraft Orders to Boost Capacity

Air India placed an order for 100 more aircraft, demonstrating its commitment to fleet modernization and network expansion.

Positioning Indian Aviation on the Global Map

By integrating resources, expertise, and infrastructure, the Tata Group aims to make Air India a symbol of India’s aviation excellence.

Conclusion: Charting a New Course for Indian Aviation

As Air India enters 2025, the focus remains on delivering a world-class flying experience, strengthening operations, and achieving profitability. Under the dynamic leadership of Campbell Wilson and the strategic vision of the Tata Group, Air India is set to soar higher, representing not just an airline but the aspirations of modern India.

Will 2025 be the year Air India truly reclaims its skies? The answer seems promising, as the airline continues its journey of transformation and excellence.

The Saudia Group has once again proven its prowess in the global aviation industry, achieving remarkable On-Time Performance (OTP) rankings for its flagship airline, Saudia, and its low-cost subsidiary, flyadeal. These achievements, as reported by Cirium, an independent aviation analytics firm, spotlight the group's commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Saudia: A Global Leader in On-Time Performance

Dominating the Charts

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has clinched the top spot in global On-Time Performance rankings for November 2024, with an impressive on-time arrival rate of 89.85%. This accolade comes after the airline successfully operated over 16,300 flights, marking its third first-place achievement this year, following similar success in June and July 2024.

This milestone underscores Saudia’s seamless operational integration, reflecting its ability to consistently deliver timely services on a global scale.

Transformational Initiatives Through “Shine”

According to Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, this accomplishment stems from the airline’s comprehensive transformation program, “Shine”, which focuses on:

• Enhancing Guest Experience: Upgraded in-flight services and personalized travel options.
• Improving Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes for better punctuality.
• Introducing Innovative Products: Cutting-edge solutions that cater to diverse passenger needs.

This program has been pivotal in reinforcing Saudia's position as a global leader in the aviation sector.

flyadeal: Redefining Low-Cost Airline Standards

Consistency in Excellence

flyadeal, one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing low-cost carriers, secured the second spot in the global low-cost airline category for November 2024, with an outstanding OTP of 90.48%. This recognition follows its previous first-place ranking in September and underscores flyadeal’s unwavering commitment to punctuality.

Expanding Horizons

With a fleet of 36 Airbus A320 family aircraft, flyadeal operates across nearly 30 destinations, connecting passengers to key Saudi cities and international hotspots in the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. Starting early 2025, the airline plans to ramp up its international expansion, further enhancing its connectivity and service offerings.

Industry Leaders Applaud Saudia Group’s Achievements

Jeremy Bowen, CEO of Cirium, lauded Saudia and flyadeal for their exceptional performance, stating:

"It’s fantastic to see Saudia take the top spot as the most on-time global airline, paired with flyadeal’s impressive second place in the LCC category. Their dedication to excellence month after month sets a benchmark for the industry."

Vision 2030: The Road Ahead for Saudia Group

Fleet Expansion and Enhanced Connectivity

In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Saudia Group is preparing to double its seating capacity and expand its global footprint. With the delivery of 130 new aircraft in the coming years, the group aims to connect the Kingdom with even more destinations, making Saudi Arabia a central hub for global travel.

Currently, Saudia operates a fleet of 144 aircraft serving over 100 international destinations, blending Saudi hospitality with world-class services and multilingual entertainment options.

flyadeal’s Role in the Vision

As part of this expansion, flyadeal will play a key role in connecting Saudi Arabia to new markets, offering affordable and reliable travel options to millions of passengers.

A New Benchmark for the Aviation Industry

The Saudia Group's consistent achievements in OTP rankings are a testament to its strategic vision, robust operational framework, and dedicated workforce. With its transformational programs and ambitious expansion plans, the group is not only elevating Saudi Arabia’s aviation standards but also inspiring confidence in travelers worldwide.

What’s next for Saudia Group? As it gears up for new milestones, the world watches closely, eager to see how it will continue to redefine excellence in aviation.