SpiceJet

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

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.

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SpiceJet To Offer Free In-Flight Entertainment Services!

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.

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Jet Airways Cancels Pay Cut Proposal After Internal Protests!

Last week Jet Airways had announced that they might reduce the salaries of their employees by almost 25 % owing to a financial crunch.

The Airline has decided to not go ahead with this plan after a lot of backlash from their staff, including pilots.

The management had delayed their staff’s salary thinking that they would be convinced that a pay cut would be in the overall interest of the airline. However, the management went back on its proposal after the chairman’s assurance to employees. The airline has credited the full salary of its staff for the month of July.

The top-level management has taken a pay cut to help the airline cut on wage costs and survive this financial storm, which has been created by the unfavorable aviation market.

Jet Airways brand name has taken a beating after news of financial turbulence. In fact, the airline saw many ticket cancellations across the country due to this.

The airline’s Chairman, Mr. Naresh Goyal, held a meeting with the staff saying that these circumstances are temporary and Jet Airways is ready to benefit from the growth in the Indian aviation sector.

Following the meeting, pilots association National Aviators Guild (NAG), issued a statement calling for unity in these tough times. They said that NAG is confident of Jet Airways’ short and long-term sustainability.

Jet Airways finances have been hit due to rising crude oil prices and weakening of the rupee, which has inflated their operating cost. In addition to these factors, the airline has lost a chunk of its market share to its main competition, IndiGo.

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Jet Airways Faces Major Financial Turbulence!

In a bid to revive their financial condition, Jet airways is looking to sell a part of its stake and has approached investment bankers to help them out.

India’s second largest airline, by market share, has been going through a rough patch as they have been left cashed strapped due to high fuel prices, rising competition and lack of expansion in the past 6 months.

The airline is looking to raise immediate cash and the stake sale may include Jet Airways founder, Mr. Naresh Goyal, offloading a part of the promoters share in the company. Mr. Goyal owns a majority stake of 51 percent in the airline while Etihad owns 24 percent stake.

Jet Airways has reported a loss of Rs 636.45 Crores in FY 2017, while its competitors SpiceJet and IndiGo Airlines registered a profit of Rs 566.66 Crores & Rs 242.37 Crores respectively.

The senior management team of the airline informed its employees in several face-to-face meetings that the carrier’s financials are in a bad shape and drastic measures need to be taken to cut costs. They have said the airline will not operate more than 60 days if these measures are not taken.

Apart from selling shares in the airline, Jet’s top management has pitched for a 25 percent cut in their staff’s (Including pilots) salary and a reduction in the number of leaves to reduce employee cost.

The airline held a meeting with their pilots in Delhi and Mumbai on 1st & 2nd of August for negotiating these terms. Jet Airways CEO Mr.Vinay Dube, EVP Flight Operations & Engineering, Mr. Nikhil Vaid and Chief People Officer Mr. Rahul Taneja, addressed the pilots.

This was followed by an open house discussion, for the proposed salary cut, with the representatives of the airline’s pilot union, National Aviation Guild (NAG).Currently, Jet Airways has 2,000 pilots and a workforce of 16,000 people.

Jet Airways is not the only carrier to be affected by intense cut-throat competition and rising fuel costs. Many domestic airlines have reported a drop in profits for the first quarter of this fiscal year.

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Everything You Need To Know About Your Airline’s Seat Selection Fee!

Back In 2004, Air Deccan used to assign seats free of charge and everyone used to hangout at the boarding gate to grab the best possible seat on the airplane.

But, airlines today charge us for everything, whether it’s checking a bag, choosing a seat or ordering a meal.

In 2015, Directorate General Of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officially allowed airlines in India to charge money from passengers to select their seats and airline operators formed their own rules regarding this.

So, to make things simpler for you, we are going to tell you about the different fees that airlines in India charge you for selecting your preferred airplane seat.

1.Vistara

In a bid to make their airline more customer friendly & stand out from others in the industry, Vistara only charges for emergency exit row seats.

You have to pay anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 1000 for these seats, depending on the length of your flight.

All the other seats are free to be assigned once you’ve booked your tickets, so make sure you check-in online to grab your favourite place on the airplane.

*If you’re a ‘Club Vistara’ member or a ‘Singapore Airlines Kris Flyer’, you wont have to pay for your exit row seat.

Read More About “Vistara’s Seat Selection Policy

2.Jet Airways

On Jet Airways, you can select a seat from 331 days to 12 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time.

Seat selection charges for Centre, Aisle or window seat can vary between Rs 99 to Rs 950, depending on the route you fly on. They charge Rs 899 for Bulkhead or Front row seats and Rs 699 for seats in the exit row.

Most of the seats in the back of the economy cabin are free of cost for pre-selection.

*JetPrivilege “Platinum” members can select any seat free of cost in any class, however, those with a “Gold” membership have to pay for seat selection in certain fare classes. Make sure to add your loyalty number before booking a flight.

Read More About “Jet Airway’s Seat Selection Policy

3.Air India

The state owned airline, recently decided to ask for payments for seat selection on domestic flights.

For front and exit row seats you have to shell out Rs 500. For window and aisle seats, they charge you Rs 200.

You can pay and select your seats in the front and middle section of the airplane until 4 hours prior to departure.

For pre selecting your seat with Air India, you can’t just pull up the seat map, select a seat and pay for it. Once you pay for the selected seat, and if the seat is assigned to you, you’ll find it out 24 hours before the flight.

For instance, if you’ve paid for an aisle seat, you can get it in Row 5 or Row 11.

*To select a seat for free with Air India, you’ll have to go old school. Arrive early at the airport and ask nicely for you preferred seat ,if you haven’t checked in online.

Read More About “Air India’s Seat Selection Policy

4.SpiceJet

SpiceJet has allotted 5 rows in their airplanes ( 3 in the front and 2 in the middle) with seats which have extra legroom.

They charge up to Rs 1000 for these seats which are labelled ‘SpiceMax’. The airline provides a host of services  to those who select SpiceMax, including an inflight meal, priority check-in and baggage handling.

For other seats on the airplane, you have to pay anywhere between Rs 99 to Rs 300.The only way to get a free seat is if you arrive at the airport early and get one.

*If you’re a “SpiceClub” member, you can get into a ‘Members Only’ que, which is mostly empty and have a better chance of getting a better service and airplane seat.

Read More About “SpiceJet’s Seat Selection Policy

5.Air Asia India

Air Asia offers you the option of a “Hot Seat”. These have extra legroom or are situated in the emergency exit rows.

For these seats you have to pay anywhere between Rs 500 to Rs 660 and are available only for their flights on domestic routes.

Air Asia in general charges you based on the row you choose to sit in, rather than the type of seat. It will cost you in the range of Rs 99 to Rs 250.

*If you choose your seat while booking your tickets, you get a 10% discount on that seat. For instance, the first row Hot Seat comes at Rs 600 if you select your seat when you book  your ticket.

Read More About “Air Asia’s Seat Selection Policy

6.GoAir

This airline sells the first 2 rows as Business class, but row 3 onwards you have to pay for selecting your preferred seat.

Emergency exit row seats will cost you Rs 600 if you book online & Rs 800 if you book it at the airport.

For others, you’ll have to pay between Rs 99 to Rs 300 depending on the type of seat.

*The last rows of the airplane are assigned free of cost, however there maybe a window missing on their window seats due to the airplane’s design structure.

Read More About  “GoAir’s Seat Selection Policy

7.IndiGo

India’s leading airline, IndiGo, has a comparatively straightforward process to allot you seats on their website.

On routes where their A320 aircrafts operate, you have to pay Rs 600 (Online Booking) or Rs 800 (At The Airport) for their “XL” seats, which have extra legroom. For sitting in the middle or front section of the airplane, you’ll have to shell out anywhere between Rs 200 to Rs 300

Seats at the back of the airplane are free for selection but usually run out quickly.

On their ATR flights, which they use for regional transportation, you have to pay Rs 100 to Rs 200. These aircrafts have 4 “XL” seats for which you’ll have to pay Rs 300.

The best way to get a free seat is to let the airline automatically check you in when the ticket is issued.

*You can get a free upgrade to XL seats if you arrive early and politely ask for it. The only catch is that XL seats fill up really fast and are usually unavailable, but you can give it a try.

Read More About “IndiGo’s Seat Selection Policy

If you want to know more about your airline’s seat selection policy, look no further. Download The AirWhizz app to get all the details regarding different airline policies along with airport information and real-time flight updates on the move.

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Air India Records Highest Number Of Passenger Complaints In June 2018

With the Air India disinvestment falling into shambles, it seems like the debt-ridden airline can’t catch a break.

The state-owned airline had the most number of complaints lodged against it, amongst all domestic airlines, in June 2018.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) domestic traffic report, a total of 677 passenger complaints were registered last month against different airlines in India.

Here are all the details about the report –

  • Air India topped this list with 237 complaints registered against them.
  • Jet Airways & its low-cost subsidiary ‘Jet Lite’ stood second with 199 complaints against them.
  • IndiGo had a total of 140 complaints registered against it.
  • Complaints against airlines such as AirAsia, Vistara, TruJet & Air Odisha were in single digits.
  • Air Deccan & Zoom Air recorded no complaints against them.

Almost 29 % of the total complaints were due to flight operation problems such as delays, 27 % were due to baggage handling issues and 25 % of complaints were against customer service related issues.

The remaining 19 % of the complains were related to various other reasons such as staff behaviour, refund, airfare and food catering.

The DGCA report shows that although the percentage of complaints against flight operations and customer service were lesser in June as compared to the previous two months, complaints related to baggage, refund and staff behaviour had risen.

Out of the 677 complaints, 615 issues have been dealt with, however, 62 cases still remain unsolved.

The report also stated that the number of passengers travelling by air in the month of June has drastically reduced as compared to April & May, due to the end of the tourist season.

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Air India Puts Restriction On ‘Powder-Like Substances’ In Carry-On Bags!

Air India has upped its security measures for USA bound flights!

The state-owned international airline has restricted passengers, flying to America, from carrying ‘powder-like substances’ in carry-on bags.

Here are the details of the new rule –

  • Passengers cannot carry more than 350 grams of powdered substances in carry-on bags.
  • These include items like sugar, ground coffee, cosmetics, flour etc.
  • Medically prescribed powder-like substances such as baby formula or cremated remains can be carried, however, they have to be packed in sealed containers.
  • Air India has already started implementing this rule and has advised passengers to pack such items in check-in luggage.

Last month the US Department Of Homeland Security wrote a directive to the airline asking them to implement this rule for security purposes.

In 2017, the US Transportation Security Administration(TSA) enacted this rule after a failed terrorist attack on an Australia bound Gulf airline. Reports say that the terrorists used an improvised explosive device using powdered explosives.

Flyers boarding Air India from UAE and other Gulf nations will also have to comply with this rule. In fact, Dubai based Emirates Airlines has issued a notice saying that powder like substances have to be checked-in and won’t be permitted in carry-on bags.

Air India is the only India-based airline which operates non-stop flights from Delhi and Mumbai to American cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Washington DC. Along with them, US-based United airlines also operates direct flights between the 2 countries.

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Emirates Brings Back “Hindu Meal” Option On Their Food Menu!

Dubai based airline, Emirates, has decided to bring back the “Hindu Meal” option, 24 hours after it had decided to scrap the food category from its menu.

On 3rd July 2018, the airline had announced that they will remove the “Hindu Meal” option for their passengers in the economy class while retaining it for those in the business and first class. They had done this based on the reviews and feedback they had previously received.

However, once the airline announced that they were going to remove the ‘Hindu Meal’ from their menus, they got a lot of customer feedback saying that they should not scrap it. This made the airline reverse its decision and decided to bring back the meal category the very next day.

On 4th July 2018 the airline released a statement saying that they have always provided a variety of special meals that can be ordered at least 24 hours in advance to cater to their customers with medical or religious dietary requirements, including Hindu customers. This is why they will bring back the ‘Hindu Meal’ option.

For Emirates, food and drinks form an important part of their flying experience and their chefs carefully choose a menu based on the cultures & preferences of the airline’s wide customer base.

For their Indian passengers, the airline provides food options like Vegetarian Jain Meal, Indian Vegetarian Meal, Kosher Meal and Non-beef Non-Vegetarian Meal.

The ‘Hindu Meal’ is a popular option that many international airlines offer their passengers. Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Air India offer such ‘religious meals’ to their guests.

Emirates is the largest international airline operating in India, in terms of flights. The airline operates flights to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kochi. Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram.

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