Air Travel

India’s First Biofuel Run Airplane To Fly On Monday!

AirWhizzAug 25, 2018 No Comments

India’s First Biofuel Run Airplane To Fly On Monday!

Aviation Insider

India is all set to create history. It may become the first developing nation to test a biofuel-run aircraft!

Indian carrier, SpiceJet, announced that it will fly a passenger aircraft which will solely run on biofuel.

The aircraft will take-off from Dehradun on Monday and fly around the city. If it’s a success, SpiceJet will make the airplane fly again from Dehradun to Delhi. Senior officials from the government and airline will be on board the flight to see the results.

The main purpose is to make air travel economical and bring some respite to airlines in India who are fleeing the pressure of rising fuel prices globally.

Biofuel, produced from vegetable oils, recycled grease, algae, and animal fat, is an alternative fuel that can be used in place of fossil fuels. According to some estimates, biofuel has the potential to reduce the aviation carbon emissions by up to 80 percent.

Global association of airlines, International Air Transport Association (IATA), has set a goal to cut carbon emissions for the industry by 50 percent by 2050.

Till now, no developing nation has tested a biofuel-run flight. However, some developed nations like Australia and the US have flown commercial flights on the sustainable fuel. Australian airline Qantas had flown a Dreamliner between Los Angeles and Melbourne in January this year.

Alaska Airlines and KLM had also tested flights using biofuel. Many nations are testing biofuels for flight operations to get independence from Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) which is a non-renewable fossil fuel and costly.

If the test flight on Monday is a success, we may soon have ‘Green’ airplanes flying us from one place to another. Biofuels will definitely be a cost-effective and pollution-free substitute for ATF

Read More

10 Air Travel Myths That Aren’t True!

AirWhizzAug 24, 2018 No Comments

10 Air Travel Myths That Aren’t True!

Aviation Insider

At some point in your life you must have heard stories about flying that make you go “ What? Really? Are you Sure?”!

Some of them are actually true like “There is no “Number 13” row on an airplane”. But most of the myths floating around are just rumours and aren’t actually true.

In fact, some myths are so scary that people don’t want to get on an airplane because of them, but we all know how safe air travel is.

Well, to bust those rumours and make you aware flyers, here are 10 popular air travel myths that are definitely not true.

1. Flying Is The Most Expensive Mode Of Travel

Well, let’s get this myth out of the way!

Of course in absolute terms it is expensive. A round trip from India to any European country can cost you almost 1/4th of your month’s salary.

But when it comes to traveling, that is going from point A to point B, it’s actually pretty cheap.

According to a study conducted by the American Automobile Association, the average cost to drive per 1 km is around 60 cents (Rs 38.52), while flying sets us back only 10 to 15 cents (Rs 7.92) per km.

Let’s look at it from another perspective. If you go on a road trip from Mumbai To Bangalore(960Km) it will cost you around Rs 5500( Including Fuel and Toll cost). But a flight ticket on the same route will cost you less than Rs 2000 on a low-cost airline.

2. Airplane Doors Can Be Opened Mid-Flight

Don’t worry! if someone tries to open the cabin door while you’re cruising along at 35,000 feet, the door will stay shut.

The cabin doors can only be opened if the pressure on the inside and outside of the aircraft are virtually the same.

The air pressure at high altitude is dangerously low, which is why the cabin pressure is increased artificially inside.

3. Thunderstorms Increase The Risk Of An Airplane Crash

According to aviation experts, an aircraft is hit by lighting at least once a year.

But don’t worry! it will not burn and char your airplane. Airplanes are built to absorb over eight times the energy carried by a bolt of lightning.

The tiny pin-like devices you must have seen on the wings of your airplane, absorbs the electric energy and does not let it affect the passengers or the aircraft electronics.

Also, aircraft manufacturers build airplanes in such a way that they don’t tear apart in rough weather. The wings and the main body of an aircraft can withstand extreme wind pressure when flying.

4.Clearing A Computer’s Browsing History Will Yield Lower Fares

There’s a long-standing rumour that airlines and travel agents increase flight prices when you repeat a search.

Well, it’s not true!

The idea behind the hack is that when you’re searching for flights, airlines and travel sites take note of your movements and jack up the prices when you come back.

In fact, some travellers have claimed that the prices had increased when they came back to look at airfares for the second time on a website. However, most frequent flyers and travel experts have said that you will find similar flight prices whether your browser is cleared of cookies or not.

A famous travel search engine ‘Skyscanner’ conducted a study and found there is no such evidence of this. The study showed that it isn’t possible for a ‘cookie’ to influence prices because you’re anonymous according to the website till the time you don’t book a ticket.

5. Airlines Aren’t Affected If Their Airplane Crashes

Some passengers may think that airline companies are less bothered by safety and more so by profits.

In case you didn’t know, airlines have been investing heavily in research and development of new technologies that can make flying safer for us.

Plus, the airplane that you are flying in is worth around £100,000,000 and the compensation that an airline company would need to pay out would also cost millions.

6. Duty-Free Is Always Cheaper

The stuff they sell in duty-free, whether it be champagne, chocolate or cosmetics, can seem incredibly tempting.

However, it doesn’t always mean that you’ll get a good deal at the shop. Duty-free just means taxes won’t be collected. It doesn’t mean that prices are necessarily lower.

In certain countries, duty-free may represent excellent value for money, but in most, you’ll be shelling out more than the steepest retail prices in your hometown.

7. Flight Attendants Are On The Airplane To Serve You

Yes, they do push carts down the aisle to serve you drinks but consider that a bonus. Their real work is making sure passengers are safe and secure.

They go through years of training at the academy to handle emergency situations and make sure that you’re unharmed during a mid-flight crisis.

This means a crew member’s word is law on an airplane, and if one of them tells you to do something, you are obligated to obey.

8.If The Engine Fails The Airplane Will Immediately Drop

The thought of an engine failure causing the airplane to plummet can be a huge worry for any flier. But, In actuality, a plane can still manage to land without one.

An airplane is simply a big glider and they can be flown and landed without an engine. Plus pilots go through rigorous training to land this big glider.

Famous Hollywood movie “Sully” is based on a real-life event, where the captain glided the airplane across the Huston River when all four of its engines failed.

9. You Automatically Get A Jet-Lag When You Fly Internationally

Jet lag isn’t necessarily caused by a lack of sleep, but rather sleeping at the wrong time.

The best practice is to align your eating and sleeping as close as possible to the appropriate times for those activities in the local time of your destination.

This will help you avoid that dazed, drowsy feeling after a flight.

10. Flights Wait For People Who Check-In Late

Airlines have a very complex flight schedule which they have to stick to. Plus they have to incur huge losses when a flight is delayed.

They do consider people checking in late when they are scheduling a flight.

So unless there is a major issue and if you check in late, you’re at the mercy of the airline.

Read More

In-Flight Internet & Calling Services May Start In October 2018!

AirWhizzAug 24, 2018 No Comments

In-Flight Internet & Calling Services May Start In October 2018!

Aviation Insider

The telecom department is all set to allow in-flight calls and internet services on airplanes in India by October end this year.

The Department of Telecommunications(DoT) has said that they are in the final stages of in-flight connectivity license norms and the service option will be given to carriers and telecom companies within two months

DoT has largely followed all recommendations put forth by the Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India (TRAI) in terms of drafting guidelines. After the department clear the plan, an estimated two weeks will be required for the Law Ministry’s approval.

There have been meetings with both telecom operators and airlines and some players have shown interest in offering the services.

In January 2018, TRAI issued recommendations to allow both calling and Internet services on domestic flights. As part of the in-flight connectivity proposal, the Telecom Commission will initially allow Wi-Fi on flights and slowly get into voice services as well.

The internet services will be allowed through Wi-Fi onboard. For calling services, the airplane/flight mode on the phone will have to be kept off. It is expected that consumers will need to pay an additional fee to avail these in-flight services, however, telecom companies may gradually throw-in bundled packages to attract frequent fliers.

While there is no immediate clarity on pricing of such services, analysts say that it could be much higher than the rates for mobile services on the ground. This is because airlines will have to make an initial investment to install the equipment required to support in-flight connectivity.

Read More

Cochin International Airport Will Reopen From 29th August!

AirWhizzAug 23, 2018 No Comments

Cochin International Airport Will Reopen From 29th August!

Aviation Insider

There is some good news for travellers flying to/from the flood-hit city of Kochi!

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has announced that it will resume flight operations from 29th August 2018.

The airport has been shut since 15th August because of massive floods in the region, after various dams in Idukki district opened their gates in the wake of heavy rains.

Initially the airport was to start from 26th August, however, Officials said that the opening had been put off by three days as 90 percent of the staff had been affected by Kerala’s worst floods in a century.

After intense rescue operations, the Southern Naval command on Wednesday called off its 14-day long operation in flood-hit Kerala, saying there were no more requests for evacuation as waters were receding in affected areas.

It also said Naval personnel rescued a total of 16,005 people during ‘Operation Madad’, launched on August 9 for assisting the state administration and undertaking disaster relief operations.

Flights were diverted to Trivandrum Airport and Calicut Airport after Cochin International Airport was shut down. Trivandrum International Airport handled a total of 480 additional flights till yesterday. As many as 146 rescue and relief flights were also operated from the airport. The airport managed around 30,000 additional passengers during these days, including Haj pilgrims.

Things seem to be coming back to normal, however, Cochin International Airport has suffered a lot of damage due to the floods. It is reported that the airport has suffered an estimated loss of Rs 220 crores.

Large sections of the airport suffered damage after the Periyar River, which is located in close proximity to the compound, overflowed. The flood water completely submerged runways, taxi bays and the duty-free shops in both the domestic and international terminals.

Another aspect that suffered severe damage during the floods is the solar power system of the airport. The airport has garnered headlines in the past few years as the world’s first completely solar-powered airport.

CIAL has started work on rebuilding crucial infrastructure, including 2.5 km of walls that were damaged in the floods.

Read More

Bangalore Airport Becomes The World’s 2nd Fastest Growing Airport!

AirWhizzAug 22, 2018 No Comments

Bangalore Airport Becomes The World’s 2nd Fastest Growing Airport!

Aviation Insider

Bangalore Airport has emerged as the second fastest growing airport in the world, In terms of passenger growth, among the top 20 major airports in the world.

The airport recorded a total of 1,58,50,352 passengers handled from the month of January to June this year, with an addition of 41,80,852 passengers over the corresponding period last year. It is next to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport which is the world’s fastest growing airport.

‘RoutesOnline’, a company focussing on the quality and standards of aviation globally, on Tuesday released a report on major airports in the world. Only airports which have crossed a figure of 2.5 million passengers in the first six months of 2018 have been considered for analysis.

According to the Managing Director & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), Mr. Hari Marar, The number of passengers handled stands as a testament of the impressive growth of Bangalore as a new hub of economic activity in India, led largely by the knowledge economy.

According to aviation experts, there are a number of factors that have contributed to the growth of the Kempegowda International Airport which are given below –

  • Bangalore has been historically not very well connected via rail or roads. Plus, the city does not have a seaport, which also contributes to air traffic.
  • Industries such as IT, brick and mortar, electronics, precision engineering, food and floriculture have a huge presence in the city.

Business flyers from the tech industry & knowledge industry travel by air and traditionally people from the city travel in ‘Business Class’. They look at value for money and are money conscious. Also, Bangalore’s air traffic has been witnessing the fastest growth in the last 15 years.

New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is placed 6th (with a growth of 32,76,183) while Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport(RGIA) is placed 17th in terms of actual growth of passengers (20,97,087 passengers).

Read More

Children Flying Alone? Everything You Need To Know!

AirWhizzAug 17, 2018 No Comments

Children Flying Alone? Everything You Need To Know!

Travel Like a Pro

Today, more than ever, children are flying without their parents. It’s safe, largely hassle-free and quite exciting for them.

But the world of airport terminals and baggage claims can get a bit overwhelming, especially for a kid whose flying alone.

Children who fly alone are referred to as Unaccompanied Minors (UM’s), and every airline has different requirements and regulations for children traveling without an adult.

But before we get into these rules, let us give you some handy tips that will help your child prepare for their first memorable solo airplane ride.

1. Prepare Your Kid For Flying

Before your child goes on their first airplane ride alone,  fly with them and let them sit away from you to see how they manage.

Tell them how to find seat numbers, discuss who they can talk to if there are any issues while flying, and what to do when an airplane lands.

Also, make it a point to discuss in-flight etiquettes with your kids.

In case you don’t get the chance to travel with them before their solo journey, you can always take them to the airport a few days in advance, show them around & if possible, make them meet the airline staff.

2. Pack Efficiently

Pack your child’s luggage as smartly as possible, keeping it light but including everything that is necessary.

Make sure your child will have plenty to do on the flight. Pack their carry-on bag with a few snacks, medicine kit, their favourite toys, electronic devices like tablets, puzzles, colouring books, headphones and emergency cash.

Also, teach them how to use the cell phone, at least enough for them to be able to call the person picking them up when they land or in case of emergency.

3. Book A Direct Flight

While choosing the airline, opt for a direct flight so that your child doesn’t have to deal with the hassle of connections.

If possible, try and choose one of the first few flights in the day, as later ones have a greater chance of being delayed.

4. Prepare An Information Card

Prepare a card with all the relevant information about your child. This should include their name, age, address, flight number and destination.

Include the name, contact details and if possible, the photograph of the person who will be picking your child up at the other end, as well as any emergency contact details. Do not forget to mention any medical conditions or allergies that your child might have.

5. Arrive Early To The Airport

On the day of travel, make sure you reach 2 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time so that you can make the necessary arrangements to accompany them to the gate.

You will have to get a Guest Pass and fill out an ‘Unaccompanied Minors’ form. Also, introduce them to the airline crew and the gate staff.

Make sure that your child can identify the uniform colour and the people they can reach out to.

Communicate with the person who is picking your child up, letting them know when the flight takes off, and if there is any delay.

Most airlines require parents to stay at the airport until the flight takes off so that if there’s a problem, the child can be returned.

Now that you know how to prepare your child and yourself for their first solo flight, let us tell you which airlines, that fly in India, allow UM’s and the rules regarding it.

Indian Airlines

In India, rules for unaccompanied minors are almost similar across all airlines except the age limit.

Here is the list of airlines that allow UM and their age limit-

  • GoAir – Ages 5 to 18
  • Jet Airways – Ages 5 to 12 (Domestic Flight) & Ages 6 to 12 (International Flight)
  • SpiceJet – Ages 5 To 12
  • IndiGo – Ages 5 to 12
  • Air India – Ages 5 To 12(Domestic Flight) & Ages 5 To 16( International Flight)
  • Vistara – Ages 5 To 12

The flight crew from the above-mentioned airlines accompany your child every step of the way, from boarding the flight to claiming baggage and making sure they reach the person picking them up.

Airlines that allow unaccompanied minor travel require parents or guardians to fill up an indemnity form with details of the minor, person seeing off at departure and person meeting on arrival.

Also, some airlines such as Jet Airways do not permit online booking for unaccompanied minors; the ticket has to be booked at reservation or ticketing offices.

International Airlines

1.Lufthansa (Age Limit – 5 to 11)

The German airline has special check-in counters and supervision rooms with movies, toys and games, at many airports across the globe.

Children are given a yellow pouch, to be worn around the neck at all times, containing their travel documents.

On board, they are seated near the crew and given toys and colouring books. There is a special in-flight entertainment system and a children’s menu.

2.Air France (Age limit – 5 to 14)

This airline gives unaccompanied minors priority boarding. Once on board, they are given games, films, cartoons, radio programs, gifts to play with and a children’s meal.

In case of a delay, a staff member will be with the child throughout, even if they have to stay at a hotel overnight.

3.Singapore Airlines (Age Limit – 5 to 12)

The airline takes its unaccompanied minor travel so seriously, that they change all aspects related to children’s travel every quarter.

These rules vary across domestic and international flights so that children travelling frequently get a variety.

They provide your child with water bottles, toys to play with and souvenirs to take home.

4.Emirates (Age Limit – 5 to 12)

They require you to inform them in advance about your child’s seating and food preferences so that they can arrange it accordingly.

If your child is travelling on their birthday, they will have a cake waiting for them on board. There is a special in-flight entertainment for children.

5.Etihad Airways (Age Limit – 5 to 12)

The luxury airline has a dedicated childcare crew member called the Flying Nanny on long-haul flights.

Identified by their orange aprons, they are trained in child psychology and well-equipped with supplies for arts and crafts, magic tricks and quizzes.

If you want to share your child’s flight information with your family or friends, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz App and share the details on the click of a button. You will also get real-time flight updates and all the airline/airport information you need on the move.

Read More

SpiceJet To Offer Free In-Flight Entertainment Services!

AirWhizzAug 14, 2018 No Comments

SpiceJet To Offer Free In-Flight Entertainment Services!

Aviation Insider

In a bid to compete with the rising competitions in the domestic aviation market, SpiceJet has announced that it will offer free ‘In-flight Entertainment’ services to its passengers.

The low-cost carrier has introduced an in-flight entertainment system called ‘SpicEngage’ which will allow flyers to watch movies, TV shows and play games onboard SpiceJet flights using their own mobile phones, tablets or laptops at no cost.

According to the Chairman & Managing Director of SpiceJet, Mr. Ajay Singh, SpicEngage will vastly improve the onboard experience of their guests. SpicEngage has been strategically designed with attractive and creative content aimed at catering to audiences across all ages.

Unlike traditional in-flight entertainment systems, flyers can easily access SpicEngage on their hand-held devices by following a few easy steps. The system is currently available on all SpiceJet’s domestic and international flights.

Here are the details about the SpicEngage system-

  • The platform will host a wide range of content under 5 main categories-Watch, Play, Explore, Read and Eat
  • In the ‘Watch’ section, flyers will be able to watch cartoons, popular web series, stand-up comedy videos and short movies
  • The ‘Explore’ section will display content for travel and lifestyle enthusiasts with articles and videos related to tips on fashion, vacation and much more
  • The ‘Read’ section offers a whole lot of content especially for well-read travellers who prefer to keep themselves abreast with the latest in the aviation industry.

With this decision, SpiceJet becomes the first Budget Airline in India to Introduce Inflight-Entertainment for free.

This will surely help the carrier to compete with its rivals such as IndiGo and GoAir, in the low-cost segment and get a better grip on the Indian aviation market.

Read More

Airplane Innovations That Could Change The Way We Fly!

AirWhizzAug 13, 2018 No Comments

Airplane Innovations That Could Change The Way We Fly!

Aviation Insider

In a competitive global aviation market, airlines are doing their best to incorporate innovative ways to cater to the needs of a customer and save operating costs at the same time.

With the help of technology, they have been able to come up with airplane designs and amenities that will help them beat their rivals and take passenger experience (PAX) to a whole new level.

To give you a peek into the future, here are a few interesting, amazing and downright scary airplane innovations that can change the way we fly.

1.Standing Airplane Seats

In a press conference in 2012, famous American carrier, Ryanair’s CEO Mr. Michael O’Leary pointed out that seat belts are unnecessary and airplanes are actually just “a bus with wings”.

He also suggested that there should be standing areas inside an airplane, which would eventually cost just $1 to book it.

While the general public laughed off these ideas, airplane manufacturers ‘Airbus’ & Italy based company ‘Aviointeriors’ took this pretty seriously.

In the 2017 “Aircraft Interiors Expo” held in Germany, Aviointeriors introduced a prototype called the ‘Sky Rider 2.0’.

These are ‘saddle seats’ which will allow people to lean a bit and shift their weight slightly on the seat while basically standing.

The concept of standing seats have been disregarded by authorities over the years, however, the design and applicability of the Sky Rider 2.0 may force them to rethink their decision.

2.Doughnut Shaped Airplanes

These airplane designs by Airbus look like a spacecraft from Si-Fi movies!

A cross between a UFO and a glider, this design allows better utilisation of space than other aircrafts and hence allows it to carry more passengers.

The doughnut-like shape between the nose and wings of the airplane will seat various classes of passengers, with economy class in the outer ring & business class in the middle.

This design has been patented by the airplane manufacturer and if implemented, it will make the current airplane design redundant.

3.Stacked Airplane Seats

Cramped seating arrangements on economy flights could get significantly worse if Airbus’ latest design ever becomes a reality.

A patent filed by the airplane manufacturer envisions stacking passengers on top of one another.

The design, which Airbus claims will provide a high level of comfort for the passengers, involves two levels of seating arrangements in a standard aircraft cabin.

A similar tiered approach to air travel was conceived by a UK based company “Factorydesign” and claims to allow for 30 percent more passengers on a standard airplane.

4.Upright Sleep Support System

For most of us sleeping on an airplane is not very easy.

However, airplane manufacturers ‘Boeing’ have designed a device that looks like a backpack but unfolds to turn into a cuddler of sorts.

It is completely adjustable and is attached to the seat, allowing you to lean forward and sleep with your head supported by a cushion.

This is a great concept if implemented, however, issues over space inside the cabin and reusability have been raised by many.

5.Self Cleaning Seats

The microbes lurking in airplane seats could soon be a thing of the past!

Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH, whose customers include Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., says it’s developing a seat infused with a disinfectant that destroys almost every germ on contact within seconds.

These seats won’t just cleanse themselves but will also display each incoming passenger how well it has done the job.

According to the company, these seats should be available in the next 2 years.

6.Cargo Hold Relaxation Area

Airbus is currently developing a design to turn its cargo holds into flying capsule hotels.

In April 2018, Airbus announced that they plan to make airplanes with a cargo hold that can be converted into sleeping capsules and relaxation compartments for passengers.

The firm has partnered with Zodiac Aerospace, an aviation equipment supplier, to create the concept, which could give economy class fliers the chance to swap cramped seating for capsule-style beds and sofas.

The lower deck could also be turned into a gym, a fine-dining restaurant or even a kids mini playground.

According to the Head of Cabin & Cargo at Airbus, Mr. Geoff Pinner, Airlines are looking for innovative ways to use space on their aircraft. On a long-haul flight, the airline could rent out each of these spaces to a number of passengers in different time slots throughout the flight.

7.In-Flight Virtual Reality

With Lufthansa recently offering Virtual Reality(VR) in-flight entertainment to passengers on its Dubai bound flights, it looks like this technology is finally here.

Airbus has patented such a helmet attached to the airplane seat, which creates an immersive environment for watching 3D movies, playing video games or simply relaxing.

This will surely help passengers have a pleasant flying experience, especially if they are flying for the first time.

8.Smart Toilet Tap/Faucet

The “E-Tom Smart Faucet”, designed by researchers from Cranfield University in the UK, helps airplanes save on water, and therefore fuel.

The faucets atomize water, breaking it into a fine mist that still comes out fast enough to clean hands, allowing lavatory-goers to use 90 percent less water.

It also has charcoal filters to keep water pure and can clean itself.

Modern technological innovations in air travel are slowly coming to India and we at AirWhizz are continuously trying to implement it and bring it to you. From real-time flight updates to providing information about airports and airlines, we help you plan your trip on the move.

Download the AirWhizz App NOW and Fly Stress-Free!

Read More