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Trial Run For ‘Digi-Yatra’ Starts At The Chennai Airport!

AirWhizzMay 29, 2018 No Comments

Trial Run For ‘Digi-Yatra’ Starts At The Chennai Airport!

Aviation Insider

Passengers at the Chennai Airport will soon be able to experience a paperless boarding process.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has started a trial run of the ‘Digi-Yatra’ programme at the Chennai Airport to introduce paperless travel to domestic and international travellers.

The concept of ‘Digi-Yatra’ was introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in June 2017. It aims at making the travellers journey through the airport hassle-free by incorporating modern technology.

To use this facility passengers will have to register themselves at the government’s Air-Sewa portal and generate a ‘Digi-Yatra-ID’.

Here are the details of how the system is being implemented at the Chennai Airport –

  • E-Gates will be used by the passengers for Check-in and Immigration boarding.
  • All the information about the passenger will be shared with agencies working at the airport, via the portal, for faster identity authentication.
  • Immigration counters will be rearranged at the airport to incorporate the E-Gates.
  • This arrangement will help passengers, who have the unique Identity number, to pass through these E-Gates with ease.
  • The Air Seva App will help passengers navigate through the Chennai Airport using a digital guidance system.
  • The authorities are also going to implement interactive Kiosks at the airport and develop augmented reality apps for the passenger’s convenience.

Authorities at the Chennai Airport are looking to implement ‘Digi-Yatra’ to ease congestion, especially at the international terminal.

A few weeks back AAI conducted a trial run at the Hyderabad and Bangalore Airport in which boarding of a few passengers was done using E-Gates. The response was really good, and the average boarding time was reduced by almost  15 minutes.

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Everything You Need To Know About The Delhi Airport!

AirWhizzMay 28, 2018 No Comments

Everything You Need To Know About The Delhi Airport!

Aviation Insider

Frequent flyers travelling to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi have made this airport their second home.

From having breakfast and relaxing during pit-stops to shopping at duty-free and airplane spotting, this technologically advanced airport has served weary travellers well.

Yet, most of us are unaware about the years of planning that has gone in building this facility to make air travel a breeze.

So, let us look at how this modern marvel came into being and what it has achieved.

History

The main airport for Delhi till 1962 was the Safdarjung airport which was built in 1930.

Due to increasing air passenger traffic at Safdarjung, the operations were shifted to the Palam Airport which was known as the Royal Air Force (RAF) Airport during the British rule.

In the 1970’s, the air passenger traffic at the Palam airport increased to 1300 passengers per hour and continued to grow at a fast rate.

Owing to this, a new terminal was built which was 4 times the size of the old Palam airport by the early 1980’s and on 2nd May 1986, the Palam Airport was renamed as Indira Gandhi International Airport.

In 2006 the Aviation Minister, Mr. Praful Patel, decided to sell the management rights to the Delhi International Airport Limited(DIAL) which comprises of the GMR Group (64 % Stake), Fraport (10% Stake) and Airports Authority Of India(26 % Stake).

This move gave DIAL the opportunity to make the IGIA an ultra-modern airport and since then they have been continuously improving and adding world-class facilities to it.

Awards & Recognitions

1. At the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2015, Delhi Airport was given the award for “The Best Airport in Central Asia/India” and “Best Airport Staff in Central Asia/India”.

2. It won the award for the “Best Airport” and “Best Airport Service Quality”, in the 25–40 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) category, which was given by the Airports Council International(ACI) in 2015.

3. The Delhi International Airport Limited won the ‘Golden Peacock Award’ for Corporate Social Responsibility under the Aviation category for the year 2016.

4. As per Airports Council International (ACI) ASQ 2016 rankings, IGI was proclaimed as the world’s second best airport in over 40 MPPA category.

5. It was also recognised as Asia-Pacific’s first airport to achieve a carbon neutral status at ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation certificate presentation ceremony in 2016.

6. In 2017, Delhi Airport won the ‘Best Airport’ award from the Airports Council International along with Mumbai International Airport in the over 40 MMPA category.

Interesting Facts About The Delhi Airport

1) The airport was operated by the Indian Air Force before its management was transferred to DIAL.

2) Delhi Airport was the first airport in the country to implement Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) system to help keep a track and improve predictability of take-offs and landings.

3) Terminal 3 at The IGIA has been constructed using the “North Light” concept where the natural light comes from the blue sky and not directly from the sun.

4) IGI airport is spread over an area of 5,106 acres, which is equal to the area covered by 4000 football fields.

5) The mudra installations inside IGIA have been collaboratively designed by Indian industrial design firm Incubis Consultants, U.S.-based branding company Landor Associates and Jaipur-based designer Ayush Kasliwal.

6) Delhi Airport is one of the few airports in the world which is capable of handling the giant Airbus A380 aircraft.

7) DIAL has drafted an expansion plan which includes the construction of Terminals 4, 5 and 6 by 2030. The three terminals will cater to international travellers only. This will increase the airport annual passenger capacity to 100 million.

Delhi airport is one of the best examples of how far we have come in terms of cultural and infrastructure growth. Hopefully, with the governments UDAN scheme being implemented in full force, airports in India will be able to compare themselves to the likes of Delhi and Mumbai airport.

If you want to know more about things to do at the Delhi airport, look no further. Download the AirWhizz app and get information about different places to eat, shop & relax at the Delhi Airport along with real-time flight updates the next time you fly.

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TRAI Won’t Regulate Prices On In-flight Internet!

AirWhizzMay 28, 2018 No Comments

TRAI Won’t Regulate Prices On In-flight Internet!

Aviation Insider

A few weeks back, the Telecom Commission approved the decision to allow passengers to access internet and make calls while travelling on an airplane.

However, the Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India(TRAI) announced yesterday that they will not regulate the tariffs paid by passengers for In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) services over Indian airspace.

According to TRAI’s Chairman, Mr. RS Sharma, tariffs in the telecom sector are governed by market forces and In-flight connectivity is no exception.

He also said that the manner in which Inflight service is provided will be structured and decided upon by both Indian telecom companies and International telephone operators as per rules. The latter will have to act as an intermediary between local telecom companies and the airline.

What this means is, in order for international flights to start getting signal when they enter Indian Airspace, Indian telecom operators handling local stations will have to make arrangements with International service providers. They will not go to the airline directly.

What Telecom Companies Think!

With the In-flight Connectivity (IFC) initiative, Aircraft companies such as Airbus and Boeing can partner up with Indian telecom operators to install the necessary equipment on flights and allow them to enter into a pact with local broadband providers.

In India, companies such as Reliance Jio Infocomm, Bharti Airtel, Tata Services and Hughes Communications are VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) & CUG (Closed User Group) license holders. They can look forward to tying up with International telecom companies.

However, Indian companies are not enthusiastic about the decision by the Telecom Commission and are rethinking about investing in IFC.

They say that only the airlines will be benefitting from this because they are the ones who will be fixing the prices. Also, the revenue that the telecom companies will make from IFC may not be significant in the initial stages, so it may not be the best plan to invest in this.

They have also asked domestic airlines to rethink about providing calling services.

What Does The Aviation Industry Think!

According to Kapil Kaul, CEO of CAPA for the Indian Subcontinent & Middle East regions, it will cost Rs 125 to Rs 150 per minute for calling, as airlines will have to invest millions of dollars to install the equipment. He also added that it would make no business sense for providing these services on airlines in India since the duration of a domestic flight on an average is 1.5 hours.

Read more about IFC services and what it may cost you!

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Airlines Unhappy About New Air Passenger Charter!

AirWhizzMay 26, 2018 No Comments

Airlines Unhappy About New Air Passenger Charter!

Aviation Insider

A few days back the government proposed a new passenger charter for changes in the rights of air travellers in India.

Airlines in India, however, have shown their displeasure towards these proposed changes saying that if new rules are implemented, it will lead to a rise in airfares.

According to experts, these rules will have a massive impact on air ticket prices since airfares in India are already at a lower level as compared to other countries. They have said that the government has to decide whether they want air travel to be accessible to the common man or treat aviation as a luxury sector.

Airlines are opposed to the rules regarding relaxation in cancellation charges. Currently, every airline has a cancellation policy of their own. For example –

  • IndiGo charges its passengers a minimum of Rs 3000 on cancelling flight tickets
  • In case of GoAir, a passenger has to pay Rs 2950 for cancelling the ticket within 2 hours of the flight’s departure time.

Airlines like Vistara and Jet Airways allow their passengers to modify or make cancellations for free within 24 hours of booking the ticket, but the government is looking to make this a standard rule across all airlines in India.

Airlines have come out strongly against the proposed changes in compensation for loss or damage of passenger baggage as well. According to the government’s proposal –

  • The airline has to pay Rs 3000 Per Kg for loss of baggage.
  • For damaged baggage, the airline has to compensate Rs 2000 per kg.

Airlines claim that the compensation for loss is 10 times that of what a passenger pays for excess luggage and these rules may lead to scams. It may lead to a situation where a passenger can tell another person to pick up their bag and claim it as lost.

This latest development can slow down the government’s plan to empower air travellers and safeguard their rights against flight cancellations, delays or other inconveniences caused by the airline.

The passenger charter has been published on ministry’s website for public consultation. The public has a 30-day window to put in their recommendations and the new norms will be released by 15th July 2018.

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10 Simple Tips To Fly With Your Pet!

AirWhizzMay 25, 2018 No Comments

10 Simple Tips To Fly With Your Pet!

Travel Like a Pro

A few years back, travelling by air for a pet owner meant that they had to bid a painful farewell before going on a trip.

Today, that scenario has changed. Thanks to airlines and hotels becoming pet-friendly, you can now bring along your furry friends with you when you fly.

But you need to prepare yourself if you want to enjoy a hassle-free flight along with your pet.

We at AirWhizz have come up with a few simple tips you can follow the next time you decide to fly with your pet!

1.CHECK AIRLINE POLICY

Check whether your airline allows pets on board and if they do, carefully read the airline’s policy regarding travelling with them.

There are rules regarding the pet’s size and weight which you have to keep in mind.

So go through the guideline and restrictions mentioned in the airline’s policies multiple times before booking flight tickets.

In India,  Air India, Jet Airways, Spice Jet and Vistara allow you to carry pets on their flights.

2.BOOK EARLY

If the airline allows you to bring your pet along, you will have to book your flight tickets by directly calling the airline.

Also, airlines only allow limited pets on board.

So, the sooner you call them and book, the better. Also, it would be clever on your part to select a backup airline just in case the first option doesn’t work out.

3.VISIT THE VET

Now that you have selected the flight you and your pet will travel in, check whether your pet is fit for travel.

Consult your vet as to how you can keep your pet comfortable on the flight and whether they should be given a sedative.

Also, don’t forget to get the clearance certificate from the vet deeming them fit to fly and carry an up-to-date copy of the vaccinations that have been given to your pet.

4.GET A COMFORTABLE PET CARRIER

Buy an animal carrier which is comfortable for your pet and meets the criteria given by your airline.

A few weeks before your flight, take your pet out for car rides in their pet carrier. This will help them to get used to it and will be comfortable when they fly.

Also, attach an information label to the carrier with your personal details and the details of the destination you will be travelling to.

5.GIVE THEM SOME EXERCISE

Do everything you can to get them tired before getting on the airplane.

Take them for a long walk, play catch and spend time talking to them before leaving for the airport.

Get all that playful energy out and hopefully, they will be tired enough to sleep through the flight.

6.PACK YOUR PET’S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Pack your carry-on with things that are essential for your pet.

It’s important to make sure you have enough toys and treats to keep your pet occupied for a while during the flight.

If possible, carry a collapsible travel bowl inside of the carrier and place a few ice cubes in it on the flight.

Don’t be alarmed if your pet doesn’t play with his favourite toy. This could just be due to travel anxiety. Similar to how humans get butterflies when they lift off!

7.FEED YOUR PET

Feed your pet and make sure they are well hydrated before boarding the flight.

Many airlines suggest that your pet must be fed four hours before the flight’s scheduled departure so that they are comfortable on the flight.

Just make sure you don’t stuff your pet with food or give them too much water to drink. A pet with a full belly may vomit from anxiety and travel sickness.

8.ARRIVE EARLY AT THE AIRPORT

Once you’re set to go with your pet, make sure you reach the airport well in advance.

Pets need to go through additional security checks where they are weighed, measured and examined properly before boarding the flight.

Many airline policies state that the extra fee for carrying pets has to be paid at the airport and not during the booking.  Try to reach the airport as early as possible so all such formalities can be taken care of conveniently.

9.CONSIDER UPGRADING YOUR SEAT

If you want to travel comfortably on your flight, then you might want to consider upgrading your seat.

Your pet’s carrier will be eating up a lot of your seat’s leg room.

An upgrade would mean you will be able to stretch your legs comfortably and will get some extra space for your pet’s carrier.

10.EXAMINE YOUR PET UPON ARRIVAL

When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet.

If something seems wrong, take your pet to the vet immediately. Don’t forget to get the results of the examination in writing with the date and time on it.

Follow these travel tips and make air travel simple for you and your pet. After all, your pet is also going on a trip!

If you want to know about your airline’s policies for carrying pets on flights, Simply download the AirWhizz app. Get all the information about your airline’s regulations regarding pets along with real-time flight updates on your phone itself and plan your trip on the move.

Bring your faithful companion along the next time you travel and Fly Stress-Free!

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Flight Delays Reduced At The Mumbai Airport Due To Change In System!

AirWhizzMay 25, 2018 No Comments

Flight Delays Reduced At The Mumbai Airport Due To Change In System!

Aviation Insider

Passengers at the Mumbai Airport have witnessed constant delays in flights for the past few days because of the upgradation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the airport.

However, these delays have drastically reduced because of two main reasons –

Familiarity With VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) system

The VOR system was used by airports before the ILS  was developed and implemented.

The Instrument is placed at the epicentre of the two main runways at the Mumbai airport and sends out radar signals which help the pilot to align the airplane to the runway by following the signal.

Since the upgradation work of the ILS started, the airport has been using this system to help pilots land.

The pilots and controllers are familiar with this replacement system and are now being able to land and take off much earlier.

Change In Norms For Manual Landing

The authorities have had to adjust their rules regarding manual landing at the airport, which has helped in reducing the time by which a flight is delayed.

The distance to be kept between 2 airplanes before landing has been reduced from 6.5 miles to 6 miles

By doing this, the airport is saving 20 seconds after every aircraft lands, allowing controllers to add 3 to 4 more airplanes in their schedule every hour.

The amount of aircrafts operating at the airport has increased from 40 to 44 airplanes per hour because of this change.

The airport is also using 2 other systems to make flight operations smoother.

The Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) system for handling flights that are arriving at the airport and the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (ACDM) System which helps in the scheduling of flights on an hourly basis.

With this new traffic arrangement, aviation experts say that the number of hourly operations is now close to its full capacity at the airport and the way the airport is handling this situation shows high professional standards.

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Government May Not Sell Air India If The Price Is Not Right!

AirWhizzMay 24, 2018 No Comments

Government May Not Sell Air India If The Price Is Not Right!

Aviation Insider

Civil Aviation Secretary, Mr. R.N.Choubey, announced on Tuesday that government may pull the plug on sale of Air India if they don’t get the right price for the airline.

He said that the government holds the right to sell Air India and if the bid price is found to be inadequate they may consider not selling the airline. However, he also said that there is still hope and the national carrier may fetch a good price.

In March 2018, the government had decided to sell 76% stake in Air India, along with its subsidiary Air India Express and 50% stake in its ground handling joint venture AISATS, as a single entity.

The Expression Of interest(EoI) has to be submitted by interested companies by May 31st. The qualified bidders will be selected by June 15 and the government will release a Request For Proposal (RFP) which would be a more detailed document on the disinvestment of the airline.

The Successful bidder will be known by end of August after they get the security clearance and are verified by the DGCA that the substantial ownership and effective control will go to an Indian according to FDI norms.

The government will decide the ‘floor’ price for Air India after the financial bids have been received. They have hired Ernst & Young as its transaction advisor to decide on the airline and its asset’s value, which will be used to fix the floor price.

Domestic and foreign firms had shown interest in the airline sale, but many backed out after the EoI was released. Aviation experts say that the reasons for domestic airlines opting out from the bid are as follows-

  • The New buyer will have to take over 61 percent (or Rs 33,392 crore) of the debt burden.
  • The winning bidder has to Retain 10000 – 15000 Air India employees.
  • The government will have 24% stake in the airline after the sale.

Foreign players such as International Airlines Group (IAG), Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Etihad and other non-aviation firms have shown interest in the airline, however, they will have to partner with Indian companies to bid for the airline.

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New Air Passenger Charter Proposes Full Refund Upon Cancelling Tickets Within 24 Hours!

AirWhizzMay 23, 2018 No Comments

New Air Passenger Charter Proposes Full Refund Upon Cancelling Tickets Within 24 Hours!

Aviation Insider

For the convenience of air travellers in India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Tuesday published a draft of the passenger charter which say’s that travellers can cancel their flight ticket free of charge within 24 hours of booking it.

The new air passenger charter looks to amend the current provisions for charges incurred by travellers on cancellation and rescheduling of air tickets, amongst other proposed norms.

Here are the highlights of the proposed air passenger charter –

  • Passengers can cancel their tickets free of cost within 24 hours of booking it.
  • This rule will not apply if the tickets are booked less than 96 hours (4 days) before the scheduled departure time of the flight.
  • If a passenger misses their connecting flight due to a delay of more than 12 hours of the original flight, the airline has to compensate Rs 20000 to the passenger. If the delay is between 4 to 12 hours the airline has to compensate Rs 10000.
  • If the delay results in the flight departing the next day, then the airline will have to offer a free hotel stay.
  • These norms will be applicable only if the delay is due to the fault of the airline, and not if it is caused by bad weather.
  • If the airline informs about the delay more than 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time and there is a delay of over 4 hours, the airline has to offer the passenger with option of a full refund.
  • If the passenger is informed about flight cancellation between two weeks to 24 hours of the scheduled departure time, the airline has to offer an alternative flight which is scheduled to fly within 2 hours of the originally scheduled departure time or refund the ticket.
  • Cancellation charges and rules have to be printed clearly on the ticket.
  • Under no circumstance can the airline or the travel agent charge more than the basic fare plus fuel surcharge on cancellation of tickets.
  • There will be no additional charges for correction of names on the tickets within 24 hours of booking the ticket.
  • The airline has to bear the cost of transferring the passenger to an alternate airport in case an alternate flight is offered which is scheduled to depart from a nearby airport.
  • In case a passenger is denied boarding, the airline has to pay Rs 5000 or more to compensate the passenger.
  • The airline has to have seats which are accessible to people with disabilities. They should have adequate leg space and remain blocked for special passengers, free of charge.
  • If the passenger does not receive their due compensation they can file a grievance on the AirSewa app or the DGCA’s grievance portal.

The charter has been published on ministry’s website for public consultation. The public has a 30-day window to put in their recommendations about the proposed charter.

The new norms are expected to be notified by July 15 after public comments on the proposed charter have been received by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

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