For Continental passengers flying out of Houston, boarding a plane has become a lot more like getting on the subway. The airport is the first in America to test "self-boarding" gates, in which passengers simply run their boarding passes through a machine before getting on the plane without having to hand it to a staff member, USA Today reports.
Airline staffers will still be at the gate performing other duties. The TSA says that since passengers pass through security checks earlier, the agency has determined that self-boarding gates won’t impact security. Fourteen other airlines worldwide use the technology, and self-boarding gates are expected to proliferate in the US if the Houston experiment is a success.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Self-Boarding Comes to First US Airport
For Continental passengers flying out of Houston, boarding a plane has become a lot more like getting on the subway. The airport is the first in America to test "self-boarding" gates, in which passengers simply run their boarding passes through a machine before getting on the plane without having to hand it to a staff member, USA Today reports.
Airline staffers will still be at the gate performing other duties. The TSA says that since passengers pass through security checks earlier, the agency has determined that self-boarding gates won’t impact security. Fourteen other airlines worldwide use the technology, and self-boarding gates are expected to proliferate in the US if the Houston experiment is a success.
Airline staffers will still be at the gate performing other duties. The TSA says that since passengers pass through security checks earlier, the agency has determined that self-boarding gates won’t impact security. Fourteen other airlines worldwide use the technology, and self-boarding gates are expected to proliferate in the US if the Houston experiment is a success.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Mumbai airport best in India
The Mumbai airport has ranked fourth in world, beating foreign airports such as San Francisco and Zurich, for offering best quality services in the category of airports handling 1.5 crore to 2.5 crore passengers per year. The ranking was awarded by the Airport Council International (ACI), an independent global agency that conducts quality audits on airports.
This also makes the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport the best airport in India in the particular category. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport is the only other Indian airport to qualify in the category. Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport, Vancouver and Taipei airport in China are three airports that have fared better than Mumbai in the survey.
The ACI survey team randomly selects 1,500 passengers to gauge an airport’s service quality.
Its questionnaire seeks passenger feedback on parameters such as services from the airport staff, rates offered by the retail stores and connectivity within terminals.
On a passenger satisfaction index of five, Mumbai recorded a score of 4.34.
This is a distinct improvement over the earlier satisfaction scores of 4.20 in the first quarter of 2010 and 3.83 in the second quarter of 2009.
“This is one of the few independent surveys that truly echo the views of passengers,” said GV Krishna Reddy, chairman, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MAIL).
Across three categories, divided on the basis of airports' passenger handling capacity, Mumbai airport stood 23rd out of 146 contenders.
Last year, Mumbai airport ranked 87th in the same survey. Airport officials said enhancement of terminal infrastructure and etiquette training of staff are some of the reasons that made the difference.
“Infrastructure-wise we have more aerobridges, fancy food courts and services such as spas and salons. The airport has been investing a lot in improving staff behaviour across departments such as customs, immigration, airline and security staff,” said an airport official requesting anonymity, as he not authorised to talk to the media.
This also makes the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport the best airport in India in the particular category. Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport is the only other Indian airport to qualify in the category. Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport, Vancouver and Taipei airport in China are three airports that have fared better than Mumbai in the survey.
The ACI survey team randomly selects 1,500 passengers to gauge an airport’s service quality.
Its questionnaire seeks passenger feedback on parameters such as services from the airport staff, rates offered by the retail stores and connectivity within terminals.
On a passenger satisfaction index of five, Mumbai recorded a score of 4.34.
This is a distinct improvement over the earlier satisfaction scores of 4.20 in the first quarter of 2010 and 3.83 in the second quarter of 2009.
“This is one of the few independent surveys that truly echo the views of passengers,” said GV Krishna Reddy, chairman, Mumbai International Airport Limited (MAIL).
Across three categories, divided on the basis of airports' passenger handling capacity, Mumbai airport stood 23rd out of 146 contenders.
Last year, Mumbai airport ranked 87th in the same survey. Airport officials said enhancement of terminal infrastructure and etiquette training of staff are some of the reasons that made the difference.
“Infrastructure-wise we have more aerobridges, fancy food courts and services such as spas and salons. The airport has been investing a lot in improving staff behaviour across departments such as customs, immigration, airline and security staff,” said an airport official requesting anonymity, as he not authorised to talk to the media.
India's civil aviation sector grows by 22 per ce
ndia's civil aviation sector has grown by 22 per cent in the first six months of this year, according to Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar. Keskar said the growth rate from January to June varied between 19 to 25 per cent, averaging a healthy 22 per cent, and that this rate was likely to
continue over the rest of 2010.
India Strategic magazine quoted Keskar as saying during the just concluded Farnborough Air Show that load factors had already gone up with a majority of the flights in India going full. Coupled with that, the airlines had increased their fares by about 15 per cent, and that had yielded net profitability to them for the first time in two years.
"Cumulatively speaking, every body is net plus," India Strategic quoted him as saying in its coming issue.
Boeing will release its annual aviation forecast for India in August, said Keskar.
continue over the rest of 2010.
India Strategic magazine quoted Keskar as saying during the just concluded Farnborough Air Show that load factors had already gone up with a majority of the flights in India going full. Coupled with that, the airlines had increased their fares by about 15 per cent, and that had yielded net profitability to them for the first time in two years.
"Cumulatively speaking, every body is net plus," India Strategic quoted him as saying in its coming issue.
Boeing will release its annual aviation forecast for India in August, said Keskar.
SpiceJet places $2.7 billion orders with Boeing
New Delhi: SpiceJet is eyeing a mega fleet expansion to take part in the aviation growth story in the coming years. The Gurgaon-based airline, which was recently acquired by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Group, has placed a $2.7 billion order with Boeing for delivery of 30 new 737-800 aircraft beginning 2014. The deliveries should be completed in five years.
According to Boeing’s own estimates, the Indian aviation market should grow by 60% between now and 2014 to 80 million passengers, and SpiceJet is looking for a large share of this growth story.
Ajay Singh, a director on the SpiceJet board, says low-cost airlines today account for almost 70% of the domestic market and “I wont be surprised if this figure reached 80% by 2014…..SpiceJet is looking to take a disproportionate share of the growth in the aviation sector for the next few years”.
Singh said that, between now and 2014, the carrier’s fleet will more than double to 50 aircraft (from 21 now). All the aircraft at present are on lease from Boeing and the airline is looking to lease at least 15 more over the next two years.
It is pertinent to note here that SpiceJet’s closest competitor, IndiGo, plans to order 150 new aircraft beginning 2015, by when its fleet size would have already reached a 100 aircraft.
SpiceJet’s interim CEO Kishore Gupta said the airline is cash rich, with cash reserves in excess of $125 million on its books now. He declined to divulge the funding plan for raising $2.7 billion needed to buy new aircraft, saying this decision was a long way off since deliveries will begin only four years from now.
SpiceJet operates a fleet of 21 Boeing 737-800s with a single seat configuration across domestic routes. Gupta said international operations will begin late September to Dhaka, Male and Kahthmandu even as the company awaits government nod for flying to and from Colombo.
Singh made it clear that despite mega expansion being planned for the next few years, the airline has no plans to change its low-cost model and would continue to operate single configuration, narrow body aircraft on domestic as well as international routes.
According to Boeing’s own estimates, the Indian aviation market should grow by 60% between now and 2014 to 80 million passengers, and SpiceJet is looking for a large share of this growth story.
Ajay Singh, a director on the SpiceJet board, says low-cost airlines today account for almost 70% of the domestic market and “I wont be surprised if this figure reached 80% by 2014…..SpiceJet is looking to take a disproportionate share of the growth in the aviation sector for the next few years”.
Singh said that, between now and 2014, the carrier’s fleet will more than double to 50 aircraft (from 21 now). All the aircraft at present are on lease from Boeing and the airline is looking to lease at least 15 more over the next two years.
It is pertinent to note here that SpiceJet’s closest competitor, IndiGo, plans to order 150 new aircraft beginning 2015, by when its fleet size would have already reached a 100 aircraft.
SpiceJet’s interim CEO Kishore Gupta said the airline is cash rich, with cash reserves in excess of $125 million on its books now. He declined to divulge the funding plan for raising $2.7 billion needed to buy new aircraft, saying this decision was a long way off since deliveries will begin only four years from now.
SpiceJet operates a fleet of 21 Boeing 737-800s with a single seat configuration across domestic routes. Gupta said international operations will begin late September to Dhaka, Male and Kahthmandu even as the company awaits government nod for flying to and from Colombo.
Singh made it clear that despite mega expansion being planned for the next few years, the airline has no plans to change its low-cost model and would continue to operate single configuration, narrow body aircraft on domestic as well as international routes.
Availing NOC for high-rise building near airport made easy
SURAT: Obtaining a no objection certificate (NOC) from Airports Authority of India (AAI) to build a high-rise apartment or other structures around the airport has now become a simple task, thanks to the newly implemented NOC cell system. All required procedures for acquiring an NOC will now be done through the cell and the applicant will get the certificate directly at their residence from Delhi.
So far, there was no dedicated section to handle such applications, resulting in delay of allotment of NOC. Projects worth crores have been stalled for long periods as a result.
As per rules, NOC from AAI is must for a high-rise before getting permission from local authorities like Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Surat Urban Development Authority (SUDA).
"Corruption allegations had been raised against the local airport authority in the past, as obtaining NOC is a lengthy process. So, we have put in place this procedure in which an applicant has to apply to the local office and will get a receipt for the same," says GK Khare, airport controller, Surat airport. "The receipt will serve as a document to prove an application."
Once the application is received, the local office will scrutinise it for all required documents and information. This will take about 10 days, following which, the forms are sent to Mumbai. The Mumbai AAI office receives such applications from all 18 airports in western region.
Mumbai AAI will then check technical details, and if found permissible, the application will be recommended to the Delhi office. "We wanted to provide a transparent system as apart from forwarding the application, we have no role to play. The NOC is actually given by Delhi office if recommended by Mumbai office," Khare says.
"Within 55 km radius of airport any new constructions of high-rise building, chimney or towers require NOC from AAI. And, if the project height is within the permissible limit the applicant will definitely get the NOC within the specified time," says Khare.
In July, Surat airport received 20 applications so far. The height restrictions are implemented considering the communication facility installed at the airport through which the communication is possible within airport and aeroplane
So far, there was no dedicated section to handle such applications, resulting in delay of allotment of NOC. Projects worth crores have been stalled for long periods as a result.
As per rules, NOC from AAI is must for a high-rise before getting permission from local authorities like Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Surat Urban Development Authority (SUDA).
"Corruption allegations had been raised against the local airport authority in the past, as obtaining NOC is a lengthy process. So, we have put in place this procedure in which an applicant has to apply to the local office and will get a receipt for the same," says GK Khare, airport controller, Surat airport. "The receipt will serve as a document to prove an application."
Once the application is received, the local office will scrutinise it for all required documents and information. This will take about 10 days, following which, the forms are sent to Mumbai. The Mumbai AAI office receives such applications from all 18 airports in western region.
Mumbai AAI will then check technical details, and if found permissible, the application will be recommended to the Delhi office. "We wanted to provide a transparent system as apart from forwarding the application, we have no role to play. The NOC is actually given by Delhi office if recommended by Mumbai office," Khare says.
"Within 55 km radius of airport any new constructions of high-rise building, chimney or towers require NOC from AAI. And, if the project height is within the permissible limit the applicant will definitely get the NOC within the specified time," says Khare.
In July, Surat airport received 20 applications so far. The height restrictions are implemented considering the communication facility installed at the airport through which the communication is possible within airport and aeroplane
Jet Airways & JetLite to migrate domestic and international operations to Delhi's T3
Delhi: Jet Airways, the country’s premier international airline and its wholly-owned subsidiary JetLite, will migrate the group’s international and domestic operations to the new state-of-the-art Terminal 3 at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airline has already carried out terminal process proving flights earlier in the month to establish the operational and logistical readiness and is now set to migrate all its international flight operations from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 effective July 28th 2010 to 10 unique international destinations. The domestic operations of Jet Airways and JetLite will later migrate to DIAL’s new Terminal 3 by August 27th 2010.
The phased migration will see Jet Airways operate the inaugural flight 9W 261 from Kathmandu, which will arrive at the new Terminal 3 at 1715 hrs.
As one of the largest carrier’s, operating more than 74 flights daily out of Delhi, Jet Airways plans to develop Delhi’s new Terminal 3 as one of its major international hubs. As part of this strategy, Jet Airways and JetLite will attempt to provide guests with a seamless passenger experience, while also connecting maximum passengers through non-stop and one stop routes to destinations on its domestic and international network. The airline will also increase capacities from Delhi in a bid to transform this important station into a major hub for the carrier’s domestic and international operations.
Jet Airways and JetLite plan to utilize the launch of T3 as an opportunity to develop the new state-of-the-art airport into one of its formidable primary international hubs, from which it will be able to connect ‘India to the World’. As part of this strategic plan, Jet Airways, JetLite and Jet Airways Konnect will now connect over 29 unique domestic destinations, with over 10 international destinations around the world and many more through its operational code shares. Especially, since Delhi affords seamless connectivity into the SAARC, ASEAN, Gulf & Middle East Regions, UK, Europe and points in North America.
The airline, as part of the hub carrier strategy, will look at increasing connectivity to cities in Northern India through Delhi and will step up services through Delhi to the major metros in the winter schedule. On the international front, the Jet Airways Group will look at affording its guests additional connections from SAARC, the Middle East and Far East via Delhi on to Europe through London Heathrow and through Brussels onto North America.
World Class facilities to deliver superior guest comfort and convenience
Spread across 5.4 million sq ft, the new terminal building comprises a range of world class features and facilities designed to provide superior passenger comfort and convenience. For easy access, Jet Airways’ guests may enter the Departure terminal from Gate No. 1, Terminal 3 (IGI), and proceed towards the check in areas located at islands B, C and D, for departure formalities.
Terminal 3 is a 9 level building, featuring a sparkling 168 check-in counters and 95 immigration counters, of which the Jet Airways Group will man 32 integrated check-in counters for both domestic and international travel, significantly reducing check-in time for the airline’s guests.
DIAL’s new Terminal 3 also boasts a number of attractions for passengers including a large retail presence, transit hotel and a plethora of services to offer guests a truly world-class passenger experience.
Equipped with the most sophisticated Common User Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) and an advanced 5 level in-line Baggage Handling System with explosive detection technology, the new Terminal 3 will help quickly process larger numbers of guests arrivals and departure in a safe and secure environment. With 6,400 m of conveyor belts utilized in the fully automated baggage handling system at T3, airlines will now be able to handle 12,800 bags in a single hour.
As one of the largest carriers, operating out of the new Terminal 3, the Jet Airways group is best poised to afford its guests enhanced comfort and convenience, helping them connect easily from domestic flights onto their international flights and vice versa.
Nikos Kardassis, CEO - Jet Airways, commenting on the airlines move to the new terminal said, "DIAL's new airport building, is truly one of the best terminals in the world. I would like to congratulate GMR and the Government of India on this modern marvel, which symbolizes the aspirations of a new and vibrant India. At Jet Airways we plan to harness this world class infrastructure, as an engine for mutual growth. Especially since Terminal 3 in Delhi opens up immense possibilities for the economic development of this region, as airlines will now be able to offer seamless connectivity from India to the world.”
The phased migration will see Jet Airways operate the inaugural flight 9W 261 from Kathmandu, which will arrive at the new Terminal 3 at 1715 hrs.
As one of the largest carrier’s, operating more than 74 flights daily out of Delhi, Jet Airways plans to develop Delhi’s new Terminal 3 as one of its major international hubs. As part of this strategy, Jet Airways and JetLite will attempt to provide guests with a seamless passenger experience, while also connecting maximum passengers through non-stop and one stop routes to destinations on its domestic and international network. The airline will also increase capacities from Delhi in a bid to transform this important station into a major hub for the carrier’s domestic and international operations.
Jet Airways and JetLite plan to utilize the launch of T3 as an opportunity to develop the new state-of-the-art airport into one of its formidable primary international hubs, from which it will be able to connect ‘India to the World’. As part of this strategic plan, Jet Airways, JetLite and Jet Airways Konnect will now connect over 29 unique domestic destinations, with over 10 international destinations around the world and many more through its operational code shares. Especially, since Delhi affords seamless connectivity into the SAARC, ASEAN, Gulf & Middle East Regions, UK, Europe and points in North America.
The airline, as part of the hub carrier strategy, will look at increasing connectivity to cities in Northern India through Delhi and will step up services through Delhi to the major metros in the winter schedule. On the international front, the Jet Airways Group will look at affording its guests additional connections from SAARC, the Middle East and Far East via Delhi on to Europe through London Heathrow and through Brussels onto North America.
World Class facilities to deliver superior guest comfort and convenience
Spread across 5.4 million sq ft, the new terminal building comprises a range of world class features and facilities designed to provide superior passenger comfort and convenience. For easy access, Jet Airways’ guests may enter the Departure terminal from Gate No. 1, Terminal 3 (IGI), and proceed towards the check in areas located at islands B, C and D, for departure formalities.
Terminal 3 is a 9 level building, featuring a sparkling 168 check-in counters and 95 immigration counters, of which the Jet Airways Group will man 32 integrated check-in counters for both domestic and international travel, significantly reducing check-in time for the airline’s guests.
DIAL’s new Terminal 3 also boasts a number of attractions for passengers including a large retail presence, transit hotel and a plethora of services to offer guests a truly world-class passenger experience.
Equipped with the most sophisticated Common User Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) and an advanced 5 level in-line Baggage Handling System with explosive detection technology, the new Terminal 3 will help quickly process larger numbers of guests arrivals and departure in a safe and secure environment. With 6,400 m of conveyor belts utilized in the fully automated baggage handling system at T3, airlines will now be able to handle 12,800 bags in a single hour.
As one of the largest carriers, operating out of the new Terminal 3, the Jet Airways group is best poised to afford its guests enhanced comfort and convenience, helping them connect easily from domestic flights onto their international flights and vice versa.
Nikos Kardassis, CEO - Jet Airways, commenting on the airlines move to the new terminal said, "DIAL's new airport building, is truly one of the best terminals in the world. I would like to congratulate GMR and the Government of India on this modern marvel, which symbolizes the aspirations of a new and vibrant India. At Jet Airways we plan to harness this world class infrastructure, as an engine for mutual growth. Especially since Terminal 3 in Delhi opens up immense possibilities for the economic development of this region, as airlines will now be able to offer seamless connectivity from India to the world.”
Safety rules flouted openly at Kochi airport
a shocking safety breach at Kochi airport that could have had disastrous consequences endangering air passengers. The wing of a Jet Airways aircraft nearly collided with a step ladder, which had mysteriously moved out of its parked position and was moving freely about without a driver.
The incident occurred on July 23 at one of the parking bays at Kochi International Airport where a Jet Airways Flight 9W 561 which had just come in from Sharjah, was standing. At about 2 pm, a 'driverless' step ladder disengaged from its parked position and ran free, stopping a few inches before hitting the wing of the plane.
Airport authorities had brushed off responsibility saying the ground handling agency has to ensure that the safety rules are not flouted. It seems that the ladder belonged to a ground handling agency named World Flight Services. According to sources, airport authorities had allotted the agency parking space for its equipment between aircraft parking bays 12 and 13, and it is from here that the step ladder rolled out and had a free run nearly damaging the aircraft.
Kochi international airport authorities say they are reviewing procedures on their side, but place the blame squarely on the private ground handling agency.
"There are certain procedures which we expect them to follow. That has to be ensured by the persons in the ground handling agency and those agencies who have been given the particular slot to park their equipment, they have to ensure they follow that procedure. We are already in the process of reviewing our procedures on the air side. Right now a dilution of the procedure being followed by the agency was the point," said an Kochi airport official
However, authorities cannot brush off responsibility, as it is Kochi International Airport Ltd which decides on the parking lot allotment and where the vehicles and equipment should be parked. Accordingly such an allotment was granted to WFS for their ladders and vehicles between Bay 12 and Bay 13.
Kochi airport is not new to this game of passing the buck; two days ago a cargo parcel reportedly ran right into an aircraft, setting it on fire. The Kochi International Airport Ltd had even then absolved itself of all blame pointing instead at the company that shipped the parcel as well as the courier company delivering it.
The incident occurred on July 23 at one of the parking bays at Kochi International Airport where a Jet Airways Flight 9W 561 which had just come in from Sharjah, was standing. At about 2 pm, a 'driverless' step ladder disengaged from its parked position and ran free, stopping a few inches before hitting the wing of the plane.
Airport authorities had brushed off responsibility saying the ground handling agency has to ensure that the safety rules are not flouted. It seems that the ladder belonged to a ground handling agency named World Flight Services. According to sources, airport authorities had allotted the agency parking space for its equipment between aircraft parking bays 12 and 13, and it is from here that the step ladder rolled out and had a free run nearly damaging the aircraft.
Kochi international airport authorities say they are reviewing procedures on their side, but place the blame squarely on the private ground handling agency.
"There are certain procedures which we expect them to follow. That has to be ensured by the persons in the ground handling agency and those agencies who have been given the particular slot to park their equipment, they have to ensure they follow that procedure. We are already in the process of reviewing our procedures on the air side. Right now a dilution of the procedure being followed by the agency was the point," said an Kochi airport official
However, authorities cannot brush off responsibility, as it is Kochi International Airport Ltd which decides on the parking lot allotment and where the vehicles and equipment should be parked. Accordingly such an allotment was granted to WFS for their ladders and vehicles between Bay 12 and Bay 13.
Kochi airport is not new to this game of passing the buck; two days ago a cargo parcel reportedly ran right into an aircraft, setting it on fire. The Kochi International Airport Ltd had even then absolved itself of all blame pointing instead at the company that shipped the parcel as well as the courier company delivering it.
Bangalore International Airport, first to get civil defence unit
Bangalore International Airport Ltd has become the first airport or corporate entity to have its own formal civil defence unit.
The first 35 volunteers from among employees of various agencies at the airport, who took a pledge, are being trained to be ready to save lives and property in times of a crisis or disasters around the airport area.
The unit is called the Bengaluru International Airport Area Division Number 22, a BIAL release said. The volunteers were trained for a week by the Karnataka’s Directorate of Civil Defence in disaster management, casualty and communication services, fire fighting, rescuing people, community patrol and mitigating accidents
The first 35 volunteers from among employees of various agencies at the airport, who took a pledge, are being trained to be ready to save lives and property in times of a crisis or disasters around the airport area.
The unit is called the Bengaluru International Airport Area Division Number 22, a BIAL release said. The volunteers were trained for a week by the Karnataka’s Directorate of Civil Defence in disaster management, casualty and communication services, fire fighting, rescuing people, community patrol and mitigating accidents
Kingfisher Airlines plans Rs 350-cr equity infusion
New Delhi: As part of its financial restructuring plan to reduce debt burden, Kingfisher Airlines will infuse equity amounting to Rs 350 crore during this financial year.
Besides this, the airline, which has unsecured loans and preference capital worth Rs 395 crore from the United Breweries (UB) Group, will convert them into equity during the ongoing fiscal.
In an analyst presentation, the airlines also said it proposes to seek a two-year moratorium on all its loan repayments. However, the carrier plans to repay them within a nine-year timeframe.
Moreover, the airline has also initiated the process to raise $200 million through a global depository receipts (GDR) issue this fiscal, for which Citibank, Morgan Stanley, CLSA and UBS have been roped in
Besides this, the airline, which has unsecured loans and preference capital worth Rs 395 crore from the United Breweries (UB) Group, will convert them into equity during the ongoing fiscal.
In an analyst presentation, the airlines also said it proposes to seek a two-year moratorium on all its loan repayments. However, the carrier plans to repay them within a nine-year timeframe.
Moreover, the airline has also initiated the process to raise $200 million through a global depository receipts (GDR) issue this fiscal, for which Citibank, Morgan Stanley, CLSA and UBS have been roped in
ATC radar collapses, again
New Delhi: For the fifth time this year, the radar system at Delhi airport’s air traffic control (ATC) developed a snag on Wednesday, disrupting flights. The radar screens at the Delhi ATC went blank at 5.50 pm on Wednesday, after the software system that displays flight data crashed. The system was restored at 6.14 pm.
The ATC is using a new software, Autotrac III, on validation trial, which developed a snag and collapsed. ATC officials immediately switched over to the earlier system, Autotrac II.
At least 20 flights were directly affected during this period and about 50 flights were delayed by the backlog that ensued.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which handles air traffic at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), claimed that no flights were disrupted due to the radar system failure.
An AAI spokesman said that such glitches are part of the validation process and the stand-by system was running simultaneously. He claimed that there were no disruptions due to the problem.
Senior airline officials, however, said that the snag during peak evening traffic hour led to cascading delays and also affected flights directly, till the system was brought back to normalcy
The ATC is using a new software, Autotrac III, on validation trial, which developed a snag and collapsed. ATC officials immediately switched over to the earlier system, Autotrac II.
At least 20 flights were directly affected during this period and about 50 flights were delayed by the backlog that ensued.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), which handles air traffic at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), claimed that no flights were disrupted due to the radar system failure.
An AAI spokesman said that such glitches are part of the validation process and the stand-by system was running simultaneously. He claimed that there were no disruptions due to the problem.
Senior airline officials, however, said that the snag during peak evening traffic hour led to cascading delays and also affected flights directly, till the system was brought back to normalcy
Guess who kept the British PM waiting
Delhi: British Prime Minister David Cameron had to wait at least 20 minutes in the air before landing in Delhi as the Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar went blank at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Wednesday. Cameron, on his first visit to India after becoming Prime Minister in May, reached Delhi from Bangalore and his aircraft landed at 6:15 pm, more than 20 minutes behind schedule.
"The aircraft kept on hovering over the airport for some time and landed at 6:15 pm. Other planes were held back for a few minutes for the VIP flight," said airport sources.
Airport sources said around 50 flights were affected due to the radar snag, including the plane carrying the British Prime Minister. They added that no incoming flight was diverted to any other airport but they were made to hover over the Delhi airspace till the Autotrac-II system was made operational
"The aircraft kept on hovering over the airport for some time and landed at 6:15 pm. Other planes were held back for a few minutes for the VIP flight," said airport sources.
Airport sources said around 50 flights were affected due to the radar snag, including the plane carrying the British Prime Minister. They added that no incoming flight was diverted to any other airport but they were made to hover over the Delhi airspace till the Autotrac-II system was made operational
Mixed luck for new Delhi terminal
New Delhi: International operations at the brand new Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport here did not quite get off to a flying start on Wednesday.
To begin with, Air India's flight AI-307 from Tokyo (Narita) landed at 4-50 p.m., ahead of Air India's flight AI-102 from JFK New York which was originally scheduled to be the first international flight to touch down at T3. The flight from New York, due to arrive at 4-45 p.m., landed at 5-10.
Passengers were also witness to delays while reclaiming their baggage at T3. That was not all. The Auto Track III radar used by the air traffic management system developed a technical snag at 5-50 p.m. Airport officials had to use an Auto Track II radar that was being maintained as a stand-by. Though there were no diversions, there were minor delays in flight movement because of the snag, said airport sources.
Both in the arrival and departure areas, those waiting to receive and see off family and friends had a tough time as there were no facilities such as shops and washrooms.
To begin with, Air India's flight AI-307 from Tokyo (Narita) landed at 4-50 p.m., ahead of Air India's flight AI-102 from JFK New York which was originally scheduled to be the first international flight to touch down at T3. The flight from New York, due to arrive at 4-45 p.m., landed at 5-10.
Passengers were also witness to delays while reclaiming their baggage at T3. That was not all. The Auto Track III radar used by the air traffic management system developed a technical snag at 5-50 p.m. Airport officials had to use an Auto Track II radar that was being maintained as a stand-by. Though there were no diversions, there were minor delays in flight movement because of the snag, said airport sources.
Both in the arrival and departure areas, those waiting to receive and see off family and friends had a tough time as there were no facilities such as shops and washrooms.
JetLite plane suffers bird hit in Lucknow, aborted
Lucknow: A JetLite plane with 144 passengers and crew members on board suffered a bird hit while taxiing at the runway at the airport in Lucknow this morning, forcing it to abort take off.
The Lucknow-Delhi flight S2138 was taxiing on the runway when it suffered a bird-hit at 7.20am, an airline spokesperson said, adding, all the passengers and crew members were safe
The Lucknow-Delhi flight S2138 was taxiing on the runway when it suffered a bird-hit at 7.20am, an airline spokesperson said, adding, all the passengers and crew members were safe
Windshield crack aborts flight in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad: A day after an Indigo flight was grounded at Ahmedabad airport following a bird hit, another flight of the same airline, going from Mumbai to New Delhi, was diverted to Ahmedabad due to a minor crack in its windshield. The flight landed safely, and passengers were being accommodated on other flights, said officials.
According to official sources, Indigo's flight 6E 190, with 119 passengers and crew members on board, landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad this evening.
The flight took off from Mumbai at 3.37 pm and was on its way to New Delhi when the pilot spotted a crack in the right windshield of the aircraft. The pilot immediately contacted the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Ahmedabad and sought permission to land at Ahmedabad airport, which was granted.
Officials said that the flight made a safe landing at Ahmedabad airport at 4.39 pm. The passengers were made to disembark from the aircraft, and were being accommodated on other flights to New Delhi.
According to official sources, Indigo's flight 6E 190, with 119 passengers and crew members on board, landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad this evening.
The flight took off from Mumbai at 3.37 pm and was on its way to New Delhi when the pilot spotted a crack in the right windshield of the aircraft. The pilot immediately contacted the Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Ahmedabad and sought permission to land at Ahmedabad airport, which was granted.
Officials said that the flight made a safe landing at Ahmedabad airport at 4.39 pm. The passengers were made to disembark from the aircraft, and were being accommodated on other flights to New Delhi.
DGCA proposes change in rules to permit use of mobiles in planes
New Delhi: You may soon be allowed to legally use a mobile phone after your flight lands and is taxiing. According to an amendment proposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the Aircraft Rules, 1937, the commander of an aircraft may permit the use of mobile phones “after the aircraft has landed and cleared active runway”.
Though most people use mobile phones the moment a flight lands, this is not permitted by law. At present, mobile phone use on aircraft is permitted once it finishes taxiing and its doors are opened for disembarkation. The amendment makes it clear that mobile phones cannot be used even after a flight has landed in cases where landing takes place in low visibility conditions
Though most people use mobile phones the moment a flight lands, this is not permitted by law. At present, mobile phone use on aircraft is permitted once it finishes taxiing and its doors are opened for disembarkation. The amendment makes it clear that mobile phones cannot be used even after a flight has landed in cases where landing takes place in low visibility conditions
ndian GPS system for air-traffic control to wait
I
India’s dream of putting a Global Positioning System of its own in space to help in commercial aircraft navigation may have to wait for two more years. Sources in Indian Space Research Organisation said the Geo-Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload onboard the GSAT4, which was launched by Isro on April 15, did not make it into orbit because of the failure of the GeoSynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) mission.
A technical glitch in the indigenously developed cryogenic engine led to the GSLV rocket with the satellite crashing into the Bay of Bengal. “We will be launching two more GAGAN payloads, one each on two geostationary satellites, GSAT-8 and GSAT-10,” a senior Isro scientist told Deccan Chronicle. “But we are yet to finalise the launch schedules.”
However, it is almost certain that these payloads will have to wait till the scientists at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre at Mahendragiri near Kanyakumari prove beyond doubt the reliability of the Indian-built cryogenic engine.
India’s dream of putting a Global Positioning System of its own in space to help in commercial aircraft navigation may have to wait for two more years. Sources in Indian Space Research Organisation said the Geo-Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload onboard the GSAT4, which was launched by Isro on April 15, did not make it into orbit because of the failure of the GeoSynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) mission.
A technical glitch in the indigenously developed cryogenic engine led to the GSLV rocket with the satellite crashing into the Bay of Bengal. “We will be launching two more GAGAN payloads, one each on two geostationary satellites, GSAT-8 and GSAT-10,” a senior Isro scientist told Deccan Chronicle. “But we are yet to finalise the launch schedules.”
However, it is almost certain that these payloads will have to wait till the scientists at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre at Mahendragiri near Kanyakumari prove beyond doubt the reliability of the Indian-built cryogenic engine.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Hyderabad airport ranked world's 5th best!
Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) has been rated the world's number one airport in the category of airports handling 5 to 15 million passengers by the Airport Council International. The Hyderabad airport has also been voted as the fifth best airport worldwide.
The RGIA handles about 6.4 million passengers annually.
Commercial flight operations began from the Hyderabad airport from March 2008. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the second public-private partnership venture among Indian airports, after the Cochin International Airport.
With one of India's longest runways (4260 metres), the airport is designed to handle 12 million passengers, more than 100,000 metric tonne of cargo and 90,000 ATM (air traffic movements) per annum in the initial phase.
RGIA is also the first airport in Asia and second in the world to be awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design ) Silver Rating for its eco-friendly design.
Austin, Cancun, Nagoya, Jacksonville are the other airports that won in the 5-15 million passengers-per-year category.
The Airports Council International (ACI) is an autonomous and independent body that undertakes the ASQ Survey capturing the passengers' immediate perception of the quality of more than 34 aspects of service that they have experienced at the airport
n the Asia Pacific region, the New Delhi International Airport has been voted as best airport in terms of improvement.
The award recognises those airports that have made the most progress in improving service quality.
The 2009 passenger ratings show that despite the economic crisis, overall satisfaction at airports increased by almost 3 per cent worldwide compared to 2008. It is gratifying to see that 82 per cent of the airports were rated with stable or improved performance, the SCI survey said.
The other winners of the Best Improvement Award are Cairo (African region); Cancun (Latin America-Caribbean); Ponta Delgada (Europe); Abu Dhabi (Middle East); and Cleveland (North America).
The RGIA handles about 6.4 million passengers annually.
Commercial flight operations began from the Hyderabad airport from March 2008. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is the second public-private partnership venture among Indian airports, after the Cochin International Airport.
With one of India's longest runways (4260 metres), the airport is designed to handle 12 million passengers, more than 100,000 metric tonne of cargo and 90,000 ATM (air traffic movements) per annum in the initial phase.
RGIA is also the first airport in Asia and second in the world to be awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design ) Silver Rating for its eco-friendly design.
Austin, Cancun, Nagoya, Jacksonville are the other airports that won in the 5-15 million passengers-per-year category.
The Airports Council International (ACI) is an autonomous and independent body that undertakes the ASQ Survey capturing the passengers' immediate perception of the quality of more than 34 aspects of service that they have experienced at the airport
n the Asia Pacific region, the New Delhi International Airport has been voted as best airport in terms of improvement.
The award recognises those airports that have made the most progress in improving service quality.
The 2009 passenger ratings show that despite the economic crisis, overall satisfaction at airports increased by almost 3 per cent worldwide compared to 2008. It is gratifying to see that 82 per cent of the airports were rated with stable or improved performance, the SCI survey said.
The other winners of the Best Improvement Award are Cairo (African region); Cancun (Latin America-Caribbean); Ponta Delgada (Europe); Abu Dhabi (Middle East); and Cleveland (North America).
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