AIRLINE EXPANSION
Tata Sons chairman tries to uplift morale as turnaround effort stalls
Following the tragic Air India crash that claimed 274 lives, Chairman N Chandrasekharan addressed the airline's leadership, emphasizing safety and support for affected families. He acknowledged the crisis as heartbreaking and stressed the need to learn from the accident to build a safer airline. Despite challenges and criticism, the company remains determined to improve and overhaul its structure.
Cathay Pacific, HK Express surpass 100 global passenger destinations, investing over HKD100B in upgrades
Cathay Pacific and HK Express have reached 100 global passenger destinations ahead of schedule, the company announced during a Hong Kong event. The milestone comes as the Cathay Group continues a HKD100 billion investment in fleet, cabin products, lounges, and digital services, supported by Hong Kong’s expanded Three-Runway System
SpiceJet shares rally 5% after reporting 173% YoY surge in Q4 profit
SpiceJet share price surged over 5% on Monday after the company reported a sharp 173% YoY surge in standalone profit after tax for the March quarter, reaching Rs 324.87 crore, marking its highest-ever quarterly profit. The sharp uptick in profit came even as revenue from operations for the quarter declined 16% YoY to Rs 1,446.37 crore, down from Rs 1,719.3 crore in Q4 FY24.
SpiceJet Q4 Results: PAT jumps 173% YoY to highest-ever quarterly profit of Rs 325 crore
Spicejet announced a significant profit increase for the March quarter. The airline's standalone profit after tax rose 173% YoY. This marks their highest ever quarterly profit. Spicejet also reported a full-year net profit after seven years. Improved yields and cost optimization drove the growth. The company's Chairman, Ajay Singh, expressed confidence in Spicejet's sustainable growth.
Tragedy, not tactics: Airbus says Air India crash calls for industry reflection, not rivalry amid global shockwaves
Following the devastating Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed nearly 300 lives, Airbus emphasized that safety trumps competition. Christian Scherer, Airbus CCO, stated the tragedy is a reminder of aviation's inherent risks and the industry's commitment to preventing future accidents. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg cancelled his Paris Air Show appearance to focus on the investigation.
Ahmedabad plane crash may dent Boeing plane orders
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing all 242 on board. The incident intensifies scrutiny on Boeing, already facing controversies over safety and production quality following past 737 MAX crashes and other issues.
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Deadly Air India crash puts ambitious turnaround plans at risk
Air India's ambitious turnaround, following its acquisition by Tata Group, faces a significant setback after a fatal plane crash. The incident, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, threatens the airline's progress toward profitability and has sparked renewed scrutiny of its maintenance and service standards.
IndiGo shares plunge 6% as promoter plans $1 billion stake sale
IndiGo shares: Sources told CNBC-TV18 that the promoter group aims to raise approximately $1 billion through the sale. Currently, InterGlobe Enterprises holds a 35.70% stake in the company.
$1 billion boarding pass? Adani Airport may raise equity from international investors as it charts expansion route
Adani Airport Holdings is considering raising $1 billion from global investors. The company is evaluating growth plans and acquisitions. Interest has been shown by investors from the US, Middle East, and Australia. AAHL aims to triple capacity in the next 15 years. The company is also open to acquisitions both in India and internationally.
Akasa Air expands fleet with 29th aircraft
Akasa Air has expanded its fleet with a new Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft. The aircraft arrived in Bengaluru. This addition marks the 29th aircraft in just 33 months of operation. Akasa Air plans to add 197 more aircraft in the coming years. Boeing delivery delays have impacted Akasa's expansion.
After Indigo, Akasa partners with Navi Mumbai Airport for commercial flights
Akasa Air will soon operate flights from Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airline plans over 100 weekly domestic departures initially. Later, it will increase to 300 domestic and 50 international flights. Akasa Air aims to expand its network with 10 parking bases by 2027. The airline will focus on Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian routes.
Finding top talent: Hospitality sector demand seen at 600-1,000 GMs in five years
Industry insiders said rapid expansion by hotel chains over the next five years is likely to create demand for 600-1,000 new general managers, or heads of hotels. Dilip Puri, founder and chairman of the Indian School of Hospitality, refers to it as the GM conundrum.
Rafale fighter aircraft's main body to be soon made in India by Tata & Dassault Aviation
Tata Advanced Systems and Dassault Aviation have signed agreements to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in India, marking the first time these will be produced outside France. Tata will set up a state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad to produce key fuselage sections, aiming to deliver up to two complete fuselages monthly by FY2028.
Centre nudges Indian carriers to invest in crisis-hit Air Mauritius amid strategic push in Indian Ocean
The Indian government is encouraging its airlines to strategically invest in Air Mauritius, which faces a severe financial crisis with a significant negative equity. This initiative follows a request from Mauritius for potential investment and increased flight frequencies from Indian carriers.
Aviation soars, but profits still on the ground
India's aviation sector is experiencing rapid expansion. However, profitability remains a concern for airlines globally. IATA forecasts low per-passenger earnings for Asia Pacific in 2025. The region trails behind West Asia, North America, and Europe. India's figures are expected to be below the regional average. High costs and competitive pricing are contributing factors.
IATA says there is need for greater certainty on taxation
IATA highlighted the need for more clarity in India's complex taxation system, especially as foreign airlines face tax notices. Despite this, India's aviation market is rapidly expanding, outpacing even China in growth. Airlines are increasing fleets and networks to meet the rising demand, making tax certainty crucial for sustained development.
PM Modi bats for open skies, global air connectivity at IATA AGM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed India's commitment to open skies at IATA's AGM. He advocated for accessible and affordable air travel. Emirates raised concerns about India's restrictions on foreign airlines. India aims to become a global MRO hub by 2030. The country is also encouraging aviation companies to focus on 'Design in India'. New aircraft act aligns with global practices.
Aviation hub-bub, now, bridge the gulf
India is strategically expanding its international air travel capacity, resisting pressure to expand bilateral agreements with West Asian carriers. This move aims to reduce reliance on foreign airlines and foster the growth of Indian aviation hubs. While West Asian airlines express concerns about potential capacity constraints, India prioritizes its long-term aviation goals and market share.
Air India working on 'top-to-bottom transformation': CEO Campbell Wilson
Air India, owned by Tata Group, is undergoing a major transformation. This has been ongoing for three years. The airline has ordered 570 new planes. CEO Campbell Wilson shared this at an IATA meeting in New Delhi. Air India is improving customer experience and fleet quality. It now has interline and codeshare partnerships with almost all Star Alliance carriers.
Making more noise does not make you right on flying rights: IndiGo CEO
Pieter Elbers of IndiGo supports India's international flying rights policy. This follows Emirates President Tim Clark's concerns. Clark views the restrictions as harmful. Elbers suggests bilateral agreements require mutual consent. He highlights historical imbalances in flight operations. IATA acknowledges India's aviation growth. They foresee adjustments in access approaches as Indian carriers expand internationally.
India now world's 3rd-largest domestic aviation market, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's emergence as the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, fueled by initiatives like the UDAN scheme. The government aims to expand to over 350 airports by 2047. Minister Naidu emphasized India's surging air traffic and invited global airlines to invest, envisioning India as a future MRO hub and a $10 billion aviation industry.
IndiGo shares in focus after doubling Airbus A350-900 order
InterGlobe Aviation, parent of IndiGo, has signed an MoU with Airbus to convert 30 purchase rights into firm orders for A350-900 aircraft, doubling its April 2024 order to 60 jets. Deliveries begin in 2027. The move supports IndiGo's global expansion plans, as it ramps up its long-haul capabilities and positions for a stronger presence in international aviation markets.
IndiGo exercises options for 30 Airbus A350s, signaling long-haul ambitions
IndiGo is significantly expanding its international reach by exercising options to purchase 30 more Airbus A350-900 aircraft, adding to its initial order. This strategic move, with deliveries starting in 2027, will enable non-stop flights to Europe and North America. IndiGo aims to capture a larger share of the growing international travel market and challenge established carriers.
British Airways readies big new India plan, eyes more routes & flights to cash in on FTA-driven biz boom
British Airways, with a century-long presence in India, is set to expand its routes and flight frequencies, capitalising on the India-UK free trade agreement. The airline currently operates 56 weekly flights from five Indian cities and plans to reinstate first-class seating on Mumbai-London Heathrow flights in October.
IndiGo to start direct Delhi-Jorhat flight from mid-September
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that IndiGo will launch a non-stop flight between Delhi and Jorhat starting mid-September 2025. Following discussions with IndiGo's management, plans are underway to enhance air connectivity to other key locations in Assam, including Silchar and Dibrugarh. A new Guwahati-Navi Mumbai service is also scheduled to commence in the 2025-26 winter.
IndiGo plans overseas push as it readies to fly new aircraft
IndiGo is set to expand its long-haul flight network, introducing routes to London, Copenhagen, Athens, and Siem Reap. The airline will incorporate Airbus A321 XLR and A350 aircraft in 2026 and 2027, respectively, and begin long-haul services to Amsterdam and Manchester in July using leased Boeing 787s.
Indian aviation market outlook bullish; in talks with IndiGo for possible membership: AAPA
The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has expressed a positive outlook on the Indian aviation market, highlighting its significant potential and strong rebound in air traffic post-pandemic. While acknowledging global supply chain challenges faced by airlines, AAPA is engaging with IndiGo for potential membership. The association also advocates for regulatory harmonization and cost-effective regulations across the Asia Pacific region.
India one of most competitive aviation markets; cost leadership crucial: IndiGo CEO
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers emphasizes the intense competition within the Indian aviation market, highlighting the critical need for cost leadership to sustain their dominant position. Operating over 2,300 daily flights to more than 130 destinations, IndiGo plans further expansion with direct flights to ten new international locations by March 2026.
IndiGo to launch direct flights to 10 new international cities, including London and Athens
IndiGo is set to launch direct flights to 10 new international destinations this financial year, including London and Athens, expanding its global network from 40 to 50 destinations. The airline aims to connect 40 international destinations and 20 Indian cities through over 100 new routes in FY25, further extending its reach to 90% of India's population.
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