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Flights Diverted At Kolkata Airport Due To Bad Weather!

Heavy rains and crosswinds caused Kolkata airport to shut its operations on Monday morning. This resulted in flights hovering over the airport for half an hour or getting diverted.

No aircraft could take off or land between 10.18 a.m. and 10.51 a.m. because of the bad weather. The wind’s speed juggled between 62Kmph and 32Kmph, which is not ideal for aircrafts to fly in. If an airplane were to take off or land in such high wind speeds, the aircraft might skid off the runway or suffer a tyre burst.

More than 10 flights hovered over the city, waiting for the wind speed to come down. Seven of them had to be diverted to other cities.

Here are the details of the flights which were diverted –

  • Flights from Jaipur and Chennai of IndiGo airline were diverted to Bhubaneswar.
  • A flight from Mumbai and another from Bangalore, both of IndiGo, were diverted to Raipur and Patna respectively.
  • A Vistara flight from Chennai, an Air India flight from Bagdogra and a Jet Airways flight from Bangalore were diverted to Bhubaneswar.

No flight could take off during that period. A Dubai-bound flight of Emirates and an Air India flight to Delhi had to abort there take off. They both left once the weather improved.

This is the second such incident in the past few days, where flights from the Kolkata airport had to be diverted due to bad weather. Last week, strong winds and lightning at night caused seven Calcutta-bound flights to be diverted to Bhubaneswar and Guwahati. 10 other flights had to hover over Calcutta for more than 30 minutes before they could land.

If you want to know whether your flight has been delayed by bad weather the next time you fly, look no further. Simply Download the AirWhizz app and get real-time flight updates, weather updates and track your flight on the move.

Plan your trip better with us and Fly Stress-Free!

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Jetpacks: How You Can Fly Like Iron Man!

The future is finally here! We’ve got tiny supercomputers in our pockets, virtual reality headsets, and now we’ve got actual jetpacks.

The idea of a personal flying machine was thought of as science fiction by comic book enthusiasts and sci-fi movie buffs. But, with the rapid advancement in technology over these past few years, companies have invested in the concept of jetpacks, and finally they are now here.

Before we get into how you can fly like Tony Stark a.k.a Iron Man from the Avengers series, let us see how jetpacks came into being.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF JETPACKS

The concept of a personal flying personal was first implemented in 1960. Bell AeroSystems engineer Wendell Moore developed the ‘Bell Rocket Belt’ for the U.S. Army, but the only problem with the jetpack was that it could stay in the air for only 21 seconds.

They dropped the idea and for a few years people tried and failed at making the perfect Jetpack.

In 2008 Yves Rossy, a Swiss pilot and engineer, created one of the first actual Jetpacks and flew it over the Alps like a superhero in movies. Despite being called the ‘Rocket Man’ by the media, he did not sell the Jetpack for commercial use. The cost of making it was also very high that time.

PIONEERS IN JETPACK TECHNOLOGY

By 2013 people were introduced to water-powered Jet Packs, but ‘Martin Jetpack’, a New Zealand-based company, introduced the world to a flying machine called the “P12 Jetpack”.

The company’s P12 jetpack has a maximum speed of 74 kilometres per hour and can rise to 3,000 feet.

Another company ‘JetPack Aviation’ build the ‘JB-9’ and demonstrated its effectiveness by flying around the Statue of Liberty in 2015.The ‘JB-9’ can reach a height of 1000 Feet at a speed of 160 Kilometres Per Hour.

BENEFITS OF A JETPACK

Applications of the jetpack are wide due to its small size and ease of handling –

  • Military – Using jetpacks is ideal for search, rescue and extraction of soldiers in the battlefield. Live reconnaissance, minefield avoidance, and ship-to-ship transfers are only a small example of the practical military applications for which Jetpacks can be used.

 

  • First Responders – Jetpacks enable firefighters to reach high floors faster. Police gain an eye-in-the-sky for observation and analysis. Disaster rescue workers can reach survivors in remote or unstable locations when roads are damaged.

 

  • Commuting – There’s no need for us all to sit in traffic. Some will drive, some will ride the bus, and some of us will fly.

 

  • Recreation – Imagine having a lake party with your guests showing off some party tricks with jetpacks. It’s a lot of fun and people are already in talks for Jetpack racing.

HOW SAFE IS IT

The Jetpack is built around safety from the start.

Jetpacks safety system is very similar to that of a Formula One car. Plus, whenever you strap on to the machine you will have to wear a flying suit, boots and a helmet. Inside the helmet, a radio system will allow you to converse with air traffic control in the same way as pilots on airplanes.

The ‘P12’ Jetpack mentioned above, also has a parachute system which opens at very low altitude and saves both the aircraft and the pilot in case of an emergency.

HOW CAN YOU GET YOUR JETPACK?

You can fly!

Anyone can be a Rocketeer by strapping on a rental jetpack or by stepping onto a flyboard.

Companies like Fly High Skyboard, X- Jetpacks rent out their flying machines and are a popular attraction at graduation parties and corporate events abroad.

In, fact Martin Jetpacks will soon start selling its ‘P12” jetpack to the public, once it gets its permissions. It will cost $150,000 excluding special gas charges and training cost.

You will need to complete a training course of 20 days. You don’t need a Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) recognized pilots license since the jetpack is classified under the “ultralight aircraft” category.

With machines like Jetpack, you will soon be able to fulfill your dream of flying like your favourite superhero from the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

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Duty-Free Shops At 17 Indian Airports Exempted From Paying GST!

Last week we mentioned how international flyers will have to pay GST for duty-free shopping at the Delhi Airport. The Authority For Advanced Ruling(AAR) had announced that ‘Duty-Free’ shops at Delhi airport will have to pay Goods and Services Tax(GST).

But it seems for now, prices of perfumes, chocolates and tobacco sold at duty-free shops in Kolkata and 16 other international airports in the country will not be increased.

Flyers purchase liquor, perfumes and tobacco at duty-free shops as they get international brands at prices that are 30-40% lower than the market. If the AAR’s decision is implemented, the price of goods other than liquor will go up by 9-14%.

Duty-Free shops were exempted from giving Central Sales Tax(CST) and Value Added Tax(VAT) prior to GST, as sales from such shops were considered as exports and beyond the custom’s limit. However, the Delhi branch of AAR has now ruled that duty-free shops are within the territory of India and hence, subject to CGST. GST rate on chocolates and perfumes is 18% and tobacco is 28%.

Here are a few facts on duty-free shops in India:

  • Liquor sales account for 80% of the total sales at Duty-free shops in India.
  • Chocolates account for 10% of the total sales followed by cigarettes and perfumes that split the rest.
  • The duty-free market in India is valued at $200 million.
  • Sales for duty-free stores at Kolkata airport is the sixth largest in India.

Retailers and owners of duty-free shops at the airport hope that the AAR’s decision is not implemented as there won’t be any difference between a duty-free shop and a store located outside the airport. Sales will reduce at duty-free shops, and it will make no sense for retailers to pay huge rentals to do business at the airport.

If you want to know more about ‘Duty-Free’ shops at your airport, simply download the AirWhizz App. Get information about places to shop and other services available at the airport for you on the move.

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‘Duty-Free’ Shops Will Now Pay GST At Delhi International Airport!

International passengers will now have to pay goods and services tax on things bought from ‘Duty-Free’ shops at the Delhi International Airport. According to the Authority for Advanced Ruling(AAR) duty-free outlets at the Delhi Airport are not ‘free from duties’ under the current Goods and Services Tax regime.

Duty-free shops were exempted from Central Sales Tax (CST) and Value Added Tax (VAT) as the sale from such shops were considered as exports and beyond the limits of customs in India.

The AAR in a recent ruling said that the sales of goods to international passengers from “Duty-Free” shops may be taking place beyond the limits of the customs under Integrated GST Act, however, these outlets are within the territory of India under the Central GST Act.

The ruling was given by the AAR based on an application filed by Rod Retail Pvt Ltd which runs a retail outlet at Terminal 3 (International Departure) of Delhi International Airport.

Here are the highlights of the ruling –

  • The AAR said that, Rod Retail Private Ltd is within the territory of India under the Central GST Act,2017 and Customs Act, 1962
  • The Retailer is not taking goods out of India and hence their supply cannot be called ‘export’ under Integrated GST Act,2017
  • Accordingly, the shop is required to pay GST at the applicable rates

Many retailers and shop owners are not happy with this decision as they feel that ‘Duty-Free’ shops will no more be “free from duty”. This decision would bring duty-free shops at par with other shops located outside the airport even after paying a hefty rent to the airport authorities, offering no incentive for duty free shop owners.

If you want to know more about ‘Duty-Free’ shops at your airport, simply download the AirWhizz App. Get information about places to shop and other services available at the airport for you on the move.

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10 Airlines That Serve The Best In-Flight Meals!

We all have at some point made jokes about how boring and tasteless In-flight meals are. Well! Those old jokes about airplane food are getting harder to make these days.

Airlines have managed to replace menus of bland inflight-meals with menus of tasty and exotic food prepared by celebrity chefs whose restaurants have received Michelin stars.

We at AirWhizz present to you a list of airlines which serve the best in-flight meals not only in first class but in the economy cabin as well.

1.EMIRATES

Emirates treats its guests to regionally inspired cuisine presented on Royal Doulton fine bone china providing a fine dining experience.

If you are flying First Class, you can enjoy a sumptuous seven-course meal in the privacy of your own exclusive suite.

The airline also treats its guests in the economy cabin to smoked tuna served with marinated vegetable salad, followed by charcoal grilled lamb brochette with cinnamon scented sauce, date pudding, cheese, biscuits, and chocolates.

2.ETIHAD AIRWAYS

Etihad has a crew of award-winning chefs and food & beverage managers who are recruited from the finest Michelin-starred restaurants from around the world.

Etihad presents its guest with a variety of options to choose from, including beef, chicken, lamb and seafood, along with a range of delicate sauces, sides and delicious desserts.

Whichever cabin you fly in, you will find that Etihad’s food is delicious, and portions are always generous.

3.QATAR AIRWAYS

Qatar’s in-flight unique and diverse à la carte menu is prepared by celebrity chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Tom Aikens, Ramzi Choueiri, and Vineet Bhatia.

Together, they spent months testing their specialty dishes for Qatar’s customers.

Apart from flavours and spices they also take into consideration how the taste buds are altered at 30,000 feet while preparing their dishes. Be prepared for extraordinary mouth-watering dishes when you fly Qatar Airways.

4.CATHAY PACIFIC

Did you know? Cathay Pacific was one of the first airlines to have rice cookers, toasters and skillets on board their aircraft to serve freshly prepared food!

Carefully prepared and selected by Cathay’s food culinary team, the dishes in all cabin menus are inspired by the flavours of China.

Those in the premium seats get to choose signature dishes from Hong Kong, such as slow-cooked pork with Hakka mustard greens, wok-fried chicken with black bean, or Hong Kong-style curry prawns.

5.SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Singapore airlines in-flight meal reputation is backed by its collaboration with world-acclaimed chefs who own Michelin-starred restaurants.

The airline is famous for its “Book the Cook” service where you can select your gourmet main course from a premium selection of dishes at least 24 hours before departure.

Economy Class passengers also benefit from the airline’s dedication to serving world-class food. Passengers can treat themselves to appetizers like potato salad with baby shrimp, wok-fried chicken and bamboo shoots in sesame oil.

6. AIR NEW ZELAND

A long flight to or from New Zealand is made better by menus from Air New Zealand’s Executive Chef Peter Gordon, a celebrated chef with restaurants in both London and Auckland who decides the menus for each class.

Fresh New Zealand cuisine, mainly seafood, is served on elegant crockery, designed specifically for the airline.

Air New Zealand also takes pride in serving native wines. If you get thirsty between mealtimes, there’s a self-service refreshment bar that contains drinks and snacks.

7.AIR FRANCE

Given the high culinary standards of the French, it should be no surprise to find Air France on this list of the best food in the skies.

Air France meal service is a truly pleasant experience.

Every 6 months, a different renowned French chef serves special dishes on long-haul flights departing from Paris. Also, menus are changed every 10 days.

8.TURKISH AIRLINES

Turkish Airlines certainly knows how to impress its customers when it comes to food.

When you are boarding the airline, you will be greeted by a chef at the airplane door as if to welcome you into a restaurant. The “flying chef” is in charge of all cuisine on board.

Passengers in the economy cabin are treated to starters like olive oil–poached artichoke and grilled beef with creamy eggplant.

9.SWISS AIRLINES

Food on Swiss Airlines is inspired by the best cuisines from different regions of Switzerland.

In the First class, menus change every 3 months and include dishes such as beef tenderloin with Ofetori or Nidwalden-style mashed potatoes with veal, bacon and cheese. Meals are also complemented by regional wines and a selection of local cheese.

Business and Economy Class passengers also have good things to say about the food onboard Swiss International Airlines.

10.QANTAS

Qantas has its meal service down to an art. The food comes from DO & CO, a catering company that has upscale restaurants and cafés in cities like Vienna, London and New York.

On top of that, the airline hires wine tasters to develop wine pairings for its cuisine onboard for Business Class passengers.

When you need a caffeine kick, you get to choose from 11 different types of premium Australian coffee.

If you want to know more about what else your airline offers, look no further. Simply Download the AirWhizz app and get all the information you want to know about your airline on the move.

Treat your taste buds to culinary delights your airplane has to offer and Fly Stress-Free!

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Fun at Bangalore Airport – A 10k Marathon on the Runway & A Plane Spotting Deck!

The Bangalore Airport, commonly known as the Kempegowda International Airport, has been an example of India’s growing infrastructure excellence. In fact, it was awarded the “Best Regional Airport in India and Central Asia” by SKYTRAX at the world airport awards in 2017.

To build on its reputation, the Bangalore airport has planned some interesting activities for you.

INDIA’S FIRST EVER RUNWAY RACE

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will organise a race called ‘Runway 10K’ on May 8th, 2018 to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

People above the age of 18 years have been asked to register for the event, which is said to be the first of its kind race to be held on an airport runway in India.

100 participants will be selected to take part in the run, which will be held between 12.45 p.m. and 2.30 p.m.

The event has already received registrations from 400 participants. The last date for registration is April 30th, 2018.

There would be no change in flight plans or schedules due to the event because May 8th falls on a Tuesday and the airport’s runway is incidentally closed every Tuesday between 12.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. for maintenance work.

People are looking forward to being associated with a run like this, because it has never happened before in India. This also gives KIA an opportunity to open up the airport to people other than airplane passengers as airports are restricted only to people who are travelling.

AIRPLANE SPOTTING AT THE AIRPORT

Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will soon have a plane-spotting deck for the interested public.

For now, there is no permanent place for aircraft spotting. Interested people send an e-mail to airport officials and only after the permission is given, officials take them to suitable spots to watch the movement of flights. But in future, there are plans to set up a permanent plane-spotting deck, where people can watch airplanes.

Airplane spotters will need a valid government identity proof and will have to take permission for clicking photos and videos from airport officials to get access to the deck.

Aircraft spotting is a popular hobby amongst youngsters in European countries and airports like the Munich Airport have a dedicated spotting deck for passengers and visitors.

Bangalore based airplane spotters are looking forward to this idea being implemented and believe it’s a good initiative as several people are interested in watching airplanes and are inquisitive about how an aircraft lands and takes off. It is also a good opportunity for children to learn about how airplanes and airports function and will motivate them to become pilots in the future.

If you want to know more about the Bangalore airport, simply download the AirWhizz app. Get information on things to do at the Airport on your fingertips via the App itself and Fly Stress-Free!

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Passengers Can Now Bid For An Upgrade On Jet Airways!

Jet Airways passengers travelling in economy and premier class will now be able to bid for an upgrade to a higher class of travel. This offer is called ‘JetUpgrade’ and is being introduced for the first time amongst airlines in India.

Here are the details about ‘JetUpgrade’ –

  • This offer allows all guests holding confirmed economy or premiere tickets of the airline to bid for an upgrade to premiere or first class, respectively.
  • To avail an upgrade, interested guests can place a bid on the Jet Airways website under the ‘manage my booking’ section, stating the amount they’re willing to bid for the upgrade.
  • The bidding will open at least seven days prior to the flight’s departure date and will close 24 hours before scheduled departure time.
  • Guests can modify, or even cancel their bids. However, they will not be able to withdraw their bid, once the bid is accepted as per the defined timelines.
  • All bidders will need to submit their credit card details during the bidding process but only the card of the winning bidder will be charged.
  • A revised e-ticket will be sent to the winning bidder. The original booking of all other guests will remain unaffected.
  • Jet Airways will notify the guests about the bids and their status via email well in advance of the flight’s departure.

The ‘JetUpgrade’ is an ‘industry first’ and with this service, Jet Airways looks to raise the industry benchmark for passenger experience by giving passengers the choice to upgrade to a better seat.

Launched in collaboration with ‘PlusGrade’, market-leading provider of upgrade solutions, ‘JetUpgrade’ has been made available across the airline’s entire network of 65 domestic and international destinations, and on all flights operated by it. The Jet Airways Group currently operates a fleet of 120 aircrafts domestically and internationally.

If you want to know more about the offer’s available to you on your airline, simply download the AirWhizz App. Get information about airline policies and offers on the app itself and plan your trip on the move.

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Government Receives 150 Queries For Air India Sale!

Air India can breathe a sigh of relief. The government has received around 150 queries about Air India sale from companies, which include foreign and Indian carriers, as well as non-aviation entities.

The queries that the government has received from these companies are mostly about the value of debt, employees future and the management of the national carrier. Business Consultants, Ernst And Young(EY) are acting as transaction advisors for the government and will respond to these queries. They will also seek clarification from the government in case there are any changes in the terms of sale.

This comes as a great news for the airline and government, as major players such as Indigo, Jet Airways and Tata Group ruled themselves out for acquiring stake in the airline. However, there is a chance that IndiGo might rethink their decision in case the government changes its policies regarding the airline sale.

Last week the government announced that firms not related to the aviation industry can also bid for Air India as long as they have the financial capability to take over and run the airline. Foreign airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, KLM and Private equity firms BlackRock and Temasek are amongst the entities which have expressed interest and sent queries about the airline.

According to the terms of the deal, the government has to sell 76 percent stake in Air India along with its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express. 50 percent stake of AISATS is also up for sale.AISATS is a joint venture between Air India and SATS Limited, who is a leading airport service and food solutions provider in Asia.

The last date of submitting queries by interested parties was April 16th 2018. EY will respond to the queries by April 30th 2018. The Last date for submitting the formal Expression of Interest(EoI) by prospective buyers is May 14th 2018 and qualified bidders will be informed by the government by May 28th 2018.

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