Jet Airways and KSTDC launch 'Golden Jet Escapes'

Two of India’s premium luxury travel brands, The Golden Chariot South India’s first luxury train by Karnataka state tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) and Jet Airways, India’s premiere international airline have joined hands to offer unique holiday packages that combine luxury with convenience. ‘The Golden Jet Escapes’ offers a flight to Bangalore and onward journeys on Karnataka’s famed Golden Chariot Train, was launched in Bangalore today by Minister for Tourism and Infrastructure Development, Sri G Janardhana Reddy amidst an audience of media and tour operators. These new holiday packages will target both international and domestic travelers from metro destinations such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Goa and Kochi in India, while on the international front, the offer is valid from New York, New Jersey, Toronto, London and Brussels.

Specially packaged fares have been provided by both the Golden Chariot and Jet Airways to offer a seamless travel experience that combines the air travel from a gateway city with the Golden Chariot experience that will showcase Southern India’s historic regions and sights such as Kabini, Mysore, Sharavanabelagola, Belur, Halebid , Hampi, Badami Caves, Pattadakai and Goa.The holiday packages have been especially created around the concept of time travel. Starting with 21st century Bangalore, travelers will be taken back in time to the 6th century Badami Caves, each destination offering chapter in history of this region.The Golden Jet Escape packages will be available on Jet Airways and The Golden Chariot websites. Bookings can be made on the websites www.glodenjetescapes.com and www.jetairways.com from Monday, July 27th, 2009.

These packages can also be availed through GSA’s of the Golden Chariot and travel agents. Jet Airways with its extensive network in India and in key gateway cities in the US, UK and Europe will also market this to new target audiences encouraging them to experience and relive the rich cultural diversity of Karnataka’s heritage. This offer that is available for both Premiere and Economy class on Jet Airways. Tourism Minister Sri. G. Janardhana Reddy, said, "The Government is interested in coming up with more such initiatives where marketing is jointly done with leading private sector players. Especially when the partners are popular and accepted it augurs well for the destination. With this initiative, Karnataka has spread its marketing initiatives firmly on the international and national markets."

According to Mr. Sudheer Raghavan, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways, "Jet Airways has always sought to promote tourism both internationally, as well as within India, by leveraging its unmatched pan-India and growing international network. We are delighted to partner with KSTDC to launch the ‘Golden Jet Escapes’ initiative, as part of our ongoing efforts to boost domestic travel and tourism. We are confident that the compelling value proposition on offer will spur more travelers to visit Karnataka this year." On this occasion, Sutradhar, The Golden Chariot’s on board magazine was launched by Sri. Siraj Sheikh, Chairman, KSTDC. Speaking on the occasion he said that Karnataka is a land full of exciting stories and they can be seen and heard at every turn, in every destination. "Sutradhar, will narrate the stories of this land in an exciting manner that will be presented by the Sutradhar of ‘The Golden Chariot’. This will be yet another piece of showcase literature for travelers to Karnataka to read."

Jet Airways announces special fares to Bangkok

Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline announced an amazing special economy class return fare of INR 4388 to mark the launch of its Mumbai - Bangkok service 9W 68, a second frequency to the Thai capital, effective 16th August, 2009. Jet Airways’ guests may avail of this fare, specifically introduced for them, applicable only on outbound travel on 9W 68, from Mumbai to Bangkok, with an option to choose any other flight on the return Bangkok – Mumbai sector. This fare is valid for sale with immediate effect until August 05, 2009, whilst outbound travel must commence on or before October 15, 2009. Jet Airways has also re-introduced a special Premiere fare of INR 25000 (one way) valid for sale and travel with immediate effect until September 30, 2009, on this second frequency. With the introduction of this flight, Jet Airways’ leisure and business travelers now have a choice of flights to Bangkok either late at night or in the afternoon and return in the evening or the following morning. Taxes and surcharges extra.

Kingfisher Airlines staff to get delayed salaries

In a call to arms, the man running operations at financially stressed Kingfisher Airlines Ltd, India’s biggest airline by passengers, has asked its 6,000-plus employees to adjust to delayed salaries and embarrassing dealings with unpaid vendors in the months ahead that will decide if the airline survives a severe downturn, even as chairman Vijay Mallya tries to secure funding for the carrier. The communication comes at a time that airlines across the globe are faced with difficult times, and follows a similar missive from the office of Air India chairman and managing director Arvind Jadhav asking employees to join hands in a 'fight for survival'. In an email sent late Saturday night, Hitesh Patel, executive vice-president, Kingfisher Airlines, wrote it was difficult to foresee what the future held for the carrier. But, 'in a sense, our performance, our outlook over the next two months would dictate the shape of that battle,' he wrote, explaining how the airline was trying to improve its state of affairs.

An airline executive confirmed the receipt of the email, reviewed by Mint. Patel, who wrote the email after interactions with employees at four main bases for the airline, did not take calls for comment. The era of 'guests', as Kingfisher Airlines calls its passengers, Patel said, was getting over with the growing market share of low-cost carriers (LCCs). 'For the forseeable future, the market will be ruled by the LCCs,' Patel said, adding Kingfisher is following the trend and operating three of four of its flights as Kingfisher Red, its low-fare service. The number of planes in Kingfisher Airlines’ fleet has been reduced to 69 from 89, added Patel, a former executive at JetBlue, a low-fare US airline.

Kingfisher Airlines reports losses

India's Kingfisher has posted a net loss of 16.09 billion rupees ($334.9 million) for the year ending 31 March on net sales of 52.7 billion rupees. Kingfisher did not provide a comparison to the figures from a year. The last fiscal year was only nine months long as that took into account the airline's integration with low-cost carrier Deccan, and the separation of the latter's charter business into a separate company. It also wanted to bring its accounting year in line with that of other firms in the UB Group, its parent company. For those nine months in the previous fiscal year that ended on 31 March 2008, the airline posted a net loss of 1.88 billion rupees.

The losses come amid a turbulent time for the Indian airline industry, with the carriers reeling from falling demand and high costs. Kingfisher said earlier in July that it was seeking board approval to issue shares worth 50 billion Indian rupees, and secured shareholder approval to borrow up to 125 billion Indian rupees.The cash could allow the company to shore up its balance sheet and navigate its way out of the rough times, says a spokeswoman.

Jet Airways to terminate all expat pilots

Faced with huge losses in the first quarter, the country’s largest private carrier by market value, Jet Airways will complete the process of replacing expat pilots with Indian pilots by the end of the current fiscal. Last November, Jet had discontinued the service of 32 foreign pilots. The company has a total of 1,100 pilots out of which 250 are expats. The contracts of nearly three dozen expat pilots will expire in October while some more will run out in December with the rest by March next year. The objective of the exercise is to control costs. Foreign pilots charge a huge salary premium over Indian pilots. A foreign pilot, on an average, is paid a monthly salary of Rs 5 lakh plus an accommodation allowance of Rs 2 lakh.

Indian pilots, on the other hand, draw around Rs 3.6 lakh a month. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation had earlier said all domestic airlines should have only Indian pilots by July 2010. Jet has already reduced capacity by 20% on domestic routes and by half on international routes in the last two quarters. Capacity is a measure determined by number of operational aircraft and seats occupied in an airline. Analysts say Jet will not need too many pilots after capacities have been reduced. "Laying off foreign pilots will help the company in controlling costs and stay afloat," said an analyst with a domestic brokerage firm. Earlier, the airline has issued termination notices to 43 cabin crew on probation. It has also terminated contracts of 110 employees, of which 60 had superannuated and the rest were probationary cabin crew staff.

Air Asia to fly twice daily to Trichy

Good news for those who travel often to Tiruchirapalli as low-cost carrier AirAsia will be adding a second daily flight to the Indian city starting Sept 1. To celebrate the introduction of the flight, AirAsia will be offering an all-in fare of RM129.00 for a travel period between Sept 1 this year and April 30 next year. The booking period for the flight will be from Tuesday to Aug 2. AirAsia Group commercial regional head Kathleen Tan said the airline was proud to be servicing an underserved route and opening up this market to the world. Tiruchirapalli was AirAsia’s first destination in India since its inception on Dec 1 last year. AirAsia is also offering its guests free rooms in various destinations when they book at its partner hotels via goholiday.airasia.com

Jet Airways and JetLite launch ‘Boarding Card Delights’

Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline and JetLite, Jet Airways’ all-economy subsidiary have launched ‘Boarding Card Delights’, an initiative offering the airlines’ guests a range of special benefits and discounts against their boarding cards, at various partners across India. This initiative, comes into effect on July 23 and is valid until October 15, 2009. ‘Boarding Card Delights’ currently has 13 established brands as programme partners, across four categories- Hotels, Dining/Restaurants, Car Rentals and Retail. These include Marriott® International hotels in India, Domino’s Pizza India Ltd, Welcome Heritage, The Park Hotels, Sarovar Hotels, The Lemon Tree Hotels, Preferred Hotel Group, Sterling Holiday Resorts, Hertz, Avis, William Penn, Collection I, Ferns n Petals. To avail of this attractive offer, guests need to present their Jet Airways/Jet Airways Konnect or JetLite boarding cards, at the various partner establishments/outlets.

Boarding cards generated through the Web, SMS and Kiosk Check-in, will be accepted along with their respective photo identification. Marriott® International hotels in India will offer Jet Airways’ guests 50% discount on food at select restaurants across India, while they dine between 7pm and 9pm on any day in the week. Furthermore, Guests may book 3 nights using the unique promotion code Y0L, present their boarding cards at check-in and enjoy the 3rd night free, plus a US$50 dining credit at participating Marriott International hotels in India.Dominos Pizza India Limited, Jet Airways’ partner in the dining category will offer a discount of Rs.100 on purchase worth Rs.400 and above. This offer is valid at all Dominos Pizza outlets across India. Similarly, guests can upgrade to the next room category and avail of a 10% discount on Food and Beverages at select Preferred Hotels Group properties in India.

Jet Airways’ guests can enjoy special rates, discounts on select services and complimentary stay for their spouse at select properties of The Park Hotels and at WelcomHeritage properties in Rajasthan. Guests can check-in to Sarovar Hotels and enjoy a FREE night stay upon presenting their boarding cards at participating hotels. Additionally, they can also enjoy a 10 percent discount on food & beverage (excluding alcohol) at select Food & Beverage outlets. Guest may avail of flat 15% discount on the Best Available Rate (BAR) with Lemon Tree Hotels in India. This offer is available online at www.lemontreehotels.com using a promotional code ‘Jet’ OR on presentation of a Jet Airways boarding pass at the time of check in. At Lemon Tree Hotels and at their participating hotels guest may enjoy 15% discount on the ‘Best Available Rate’, on presentation of boarding pass. Similarly, guests can upgrade to the next room category and avail of a 10% discount on Food and Beverages at select Preferred Hotels Group properties in India.

Sterling Hotels will offer guests 20% discount on the best available rate at participating properties. Jet Airways has also tied up with two leading car rental companies, Hertz and Avis.With the Avis partnership, Jet Airways’ guest may avail of a 20% off on rack rates on Chauffeur Drive rentals with Avis Car Rentals at participating airports in India. Guests can enjoy a 15% Discount on Airport Transfers and Chauffeur Drive rentals or One day FREE on Self Drive rentals when they rent a car with Hertz in IndiaWilliam Penn offers a Flat 10% off on select brands on purchase of Rs.2000 and a Free Schaeffer 500 worth Rs.1395 on purchase of merchandise worth Rs.4500. This offer is valid at all William Penn stores across India.“Collection I” offers Rs.2000 off on exclusive range of furniture on minimum purchase of Rs.20000 at participating stores. Ferns n Petals offers up-to 15% discount, on purchases made at their outlets.

Oman Air exhibits at Salalah Tourism festival

The Oman Air stand at the Municipal Entertaining Centre, the main venue of the Salalah Tourism Festival has proved to be a major drawcard attracting visitors who are eager to learn about Oman Air's new destinations, products and services. Hamed Al Harthy, Oman Air's District Sales Manager Salalah, said: 'Every year the number of visitors to Salalah increase as the region comes alive with a unique festival atmosphere. Salalah is a tourism magnet during the cooler climate experienced during the Khareef season but the hot offers we have this year has raised the temperature. This autumn we commence new services to Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Colombo and the Maldives with our brand new fleet of Airbus widebody aircraft and people are eager to see the new Oman Air product offers.

The major attraction apart from our red-hot holiday offers is our new Business Class seat which many people are mistaking as a First Class seat due to the 82' length and 180 degree lie flat bed. However, I'm spending most of my time assuring people that our 4 abreast Business Class seating is for real and they will have to wait until 17th August when we unveil our First Class seat at a gala event in Muscat.' Barry Brown, Oman Air's Chief Commercial Officer added: 'Oman Air has worked tirelessly with the Oman Ministry of Tourism to highlight the wonderful weather in Salalah during the Khareef and the Salalah Tourism Festival makes a visit a must to beat the hot summer experienced in other parts of the Gulf and Middle East.'

'Under our banner 'Partnership Oman' a number of public promotions were conducted throughout the GCC and I'm pleased to say that the increased number of visitors is recognition that our efforts have been duly rewarded.' The Oman Air pavilion is strategically located near the main entrance- gate No 1 where all major sponsors are positioned. This allows visitors easy access to obtain the latest information including special holiday package offers, scheduled flight and airfare information.

Oman Air appoints Black Sheep PR

Oman Air, the flag carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has appointed London-based Black Sheep Public Relations to provide UK public relations support. Peter Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said: 'We are delighted to welcome aboard Black Sheep PR and we look forward to working with them to position and build the Oman Air brand in the UK.' Agencies have also been appointed in France and Germany. The appointment comes as Oman Air expands its international network and prepares to introduce new aircraft and new onboard products to a number of routes, including London to Muscat. Having moved its UK operations from Gatwick to Heathrow earlier this year, the airline is the only carrier to offer daily, direct, non-stop flights between London and Oman.

Peter Hill continued, 'Oman Air's international expansion has this year seen the introduction of daily London Heathrow and Bangkok services. In September we will be launching daily non-stop services from Oman to Germany, with four Frankfurt and three Munich flights. October will see the introduction of four non-stop flights from Oman to Paris, Charles De Gaulle and four flights to the Maldives, whilst Colombo in Sri Lanka will receive daily flights with four wide-body and three narrow-body aircraft. These new routes, together with our new aircraft and fantastic new products represent carefully-planned and sustainable growth and confirm Oman Air not just as a major Middle East carrier, but as an important world airline.'

'This transformation is the result of sound strategic planning and long-term investment, and provides the foundation for further sustainable growth over many years to come. It also provides an important element of Oman's ongoing inward investment programme,' he said. Oman Air offers some of the most competitive prices for seats between London and Muscat, with Economy Class fares and Business Class fares.

Oman Air ties up with Shangri La Hotels & Resorts

Oman Air's 'Sindbad' Frequent Flyer Programme has announced a partnership with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts - Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group. Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, welcomes business and leisure travellers with award-winning Asian hospitality. The group comprises of 62 deluxe hotels and resorts in key cities throughout Asia and the Middle East in locations comprising Australia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates, with new properties under development in Europe and North America. With this partnership, Sindbad members are entitled to 500 miles for every qualifying stay at any of the 62 Shangri-La or Traders hotels within the family of hotels around the world.

In addition, Sindbad Frequent Flyer Programme members who are also members of Shangri-La's Golden Circle guest recognition programme will receive additional Sindbad miles for each qualifying stay. Golden Circle Executive members receive 25% or 125 Bonus Miles and Golden Circle Elite member will be awarded 50% or 250 Bonus Miles. These miles can be claimed simply by providing the Sindbad membership number upon check-in. Barry Brown, Oman Air's Chief Commercial Officer said: 'We are delighted to welcome Shangri-La as a partner in our Sindbad Frequent Flyer Programme. Our discerning members who enjoy the finer things in life will appreciate the exceptional hospitality, upon which Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts have built their solid reputation. We have a close strategic relationship with the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort in Muscat and as we spread our wings this year to Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Sri Lanka and the Maldives the ability for our members to enjoy earning capabilities with this luxury group of hotels is a bonus.'

Commenting on the new partnership, Kent Zhu, group director of sales & marketing, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts said: 'The partnership with Oman Air's Sindbad is an important milestone for us. With their strong base in Muscat and Shangri-La's presence and recognition in the Middle Eastern market, especially with hotels and resorts in Sultanate of Oman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the soon-to-be opened Shangri-La hotel in Doha.' Zhu added, 'This will form a strategic alliance to empower our presence in the region and complements our synergies in terms of future growth with new hotels and routings in destinations such as Maldives and Paris.'

Shah Nagardas to exhibit at Food and Hotel Oman 2009

Shah Nagards Manji and Co. LLC, one of the oldest trading companies in the Sultanate of Oman, will present its full range of branded kitchen and laundry equipment at the Food and Hotel Oman 2009 exhibition, which is scheduled on October 26-28 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre. Paresh Shah, owner of Shah Nagardas Manji & Co., said, 'We are glad to confirm our participation as a major exhibitor in this premier exhibition for the vibrant food and hotel industries in the sultanate. This is consistent with our strategy to maintain our position as a leading supplier of kitchen and catering equipments.'

Established way back in 1932, Shah Nagardas Manji & Co. has been operating for over 75 years now, and it has nurtured a good relationship with its clients in that span of time and forged strong partnerships with renowned companies from all over the world. At present, the company is the authorized distributor in Oman for globally known brands, including Fagor, Salva and Sammic from Spain, Simag and Scotsman from Italy, Blanco from Germany, Santos from France, as well as IMC from the UK, Sunnex from Hong Kong, and Lincoln from the US. Shah pointed out that his company's Industrial Kitchen Equipment Division offers a complete range of kitchen equipment, crockery and cutlery, commercial laundry equipment, ice-making machines, refrigeration systems, and all types of catering equipment.

Specifically, among the products available from the company are gas and electric ranges, bakery and pizza ovens, freezers and chiller units, bain-maries and chafing dishes, and a wide selection of food preparation equipments. Apart from simply supplying these products, Shah Nagardas Manji & Co. can also undertake the planning, design and installation based on the existing kitchen layouts. In addition, it is involved in the custom fabrication of kitchen sinks, hoods and worktop tables. The company's full range of products and services has made it the preferred supplier of many major clients such as hotels, catering firms, oil & gas companies, government ministries, and engineering companies.

C.J.Paul, General Manager of Omanexpo LLC, the leading organiser of trade and consumer shows in the sultanate, said: 'The strong presence of Shah Nagardas Manji & Co. at Food & Hotel Oman 2009 will ensure that all our trade visitors will be highly impressed by the wide range of products on display at the exhibition.' Paul explained that Food & Hotel Oman 2009 primarily aims to cater to the growing requirements of the rapidly developing food and hospitality industries in the Sultanate. The three-day trade international exhibition will showcase all types of food products and beverages, hotel supplies and equipment, food processing technologies, kitchen and catering equipment, food packaging systems, and other related products and services.

Food & Hotel Oman 2009 is officially supported by the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI) as well as by AKAH Najwani & Partners LLC as the major sponsor, Salman Hotel and Restaurant Equipment LLC as the platinum sponsor, and ELCO National Trading Co. LLC as the silver sponsor. The OER Dossier is the official publication of the exhibition, while Hospitality News Middle East and Food & Beverage News are the media partners.

Emirates aircraft suffers birdhit in Delhi

A bird flying over Runway 28 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport forced an Emirates flight, EK 510, to land under emergency conditions after being hit on its right engine. The flight was able to land safely at the airport, sources said, adding that the aircraft has been grounded for repairs and is still in Delhi. According to ATC sources, the Dubai-Delhi flight was scheduled to land at 9.05 am when the pilot suspected the bird hit. The pilot informed ATC about the same and later a dead bird was found on Runway 28. Airport sources said the incident delayed the return Delhi-Dubai flight, and passengers had to wait several hours. Sources said Runway 28 had to be shut for sometime after the dead bird was found. Orhan Abbas, Emirates vice-president for India and Nepal, has confirmed the incident. He said an inspection of the flight has been carried out and it has now been cleared for departure.

Air India flight makes emergency landing at Mumbai

An Air India flight bound for Mumbai from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, with 91 passengers on board made an emergency landing at the Mumbai international airport yesterday owing to hydraulic failure, an airport official said. "Full emergency was declared after the Mumbai-bound Air India flight IC-169 reported hydraulic failure," a Mumbai International Airport Limited (Mial) spokesperson said. Airport authorities received the information at 4:34pm. The aircraft landed safely at 4:43pm, the spokesperson said. It was then towed away from the runway to a bay.

Thrifty offers special deals for Khareef season in Salalah

In recognition of Salalah's increased tourism, Thrifty Car Rental, one of Oman's most popular car rental companies, is offering tourists a special deal, giving them the seventh day free when hiring a car for a period of six days. For years, Salalah has been an oasis for GCC residents to escape to during the scorching summer months, in particular during the Khareef festival, named after the monsoon winds that sweep across Dhofar from July to September, resulting in a lush, green landscape. During the festival, Oman experiences a higher visitor influx from across the Middle East. Salalah, also recognized as the perfume capital of Arabia for its Frankincense Trail, has been a haven for travel and tourism operators since the government began promoting it as a tourist destination 10 years ago. Apart from its scenic attractions, Salalah has a rich, natural history, with many areas listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.

In light of Salalah's recent development, Mehdi Jaffer, Deputy Managing Director, Thrifty Car Rental, believes that the city will attract an increased number of business travelers in addition to the large number of tourists: "Previously, Salalah was busy during the Khareef festival, but then quiet throughout the rest of the year. However, thanks to the numerous government backed developments, we have seen an increased interest in the city from oversees investors, many of whom rent cars from us during their visits," explained Jaffer. "This is an ideal time for people to take a look at Salalah's industrial potential, for example, the ongoing development and expansion of the Salalah port will double its capacity over the next four years and facilitate the berthing and handling of large container vessels," continued Jaffer. The Port of Salalah has reported an increase in handling capacity from 2.5 million TEU in 2006 to 4.5 million TEU Containers in 2008 and is ideally located for accessing the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa and the Indian Ocean, reaching out to over 2.5 billion consumers.

The port's natural depth, which ranges from 16 -18 meters, makes it a popular attraction for investors with large liners. The Salalah Free ZoneSalalah Free Zone, situated beside the port, is emerging as a center for heavy industries in the Middle East. The expansion of Salalah airport, targeting a capacity of 10 million passengers, is scheduled for completion in 2011. There is an enormous potential for real estate development with demand currently exceeding supply. "We are confident in the government-supported development plans, and have adopted our business strategy in order to accommodate leisure and business travelers," continued Jaffer. "Last month, Thrifty Oman was awarded 'Best Growth in the Middle East' from the Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group MENA & Asia Pacific. This accolade is something we have achieved not only through our work with tourists, but also by working closely with start-up businesses and potential investors visiting Salalah and the rest of Oman. We are gearing up for exponential growth in the foreseeable future."

Raytheon to provide GPS-Aided Indian Air Navigation System

The Indian Space Research Organization has awarded an $82 million contract to Raytheon Company to modernize the Indian air navigation system. Raytheon will build the ground stations for the GPS-Aided Geosynchronous Augmented Navigation System, and ISRO will provide the space segment and additional ground equipment. GAGAN will provide satellite-based navigation for civil aviation over Indian airspace and adjoining areas in South and East Asia. "GAGAN will be the world's most advanced air navigation system and further reinforces India's leadership in the forefront of air navigation," said Andy Zogg, Raytheon Network Centric Systems vice president of Command and Control Systems. "GAGAN will greatly improve safety, reduce congestion and enhance communications to meet India's growing air traffic management needs.

"Raytheon plays a major role in designing innovative solutions for air traffic management. The company offers a broad range of automation and surveillance systems in use today in more than 50 countries around the world. GAGAN will be the newest addition to the ATM portfolio. Raytheon is the only company that has delivered satellite-based augmentation systems that have been certified for safety-of-flight operations. The company developed the Federal Aviation Administration's Wide Area Augmentation System and was engaged in the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau's Multi-Function Transport Satellite Augmentation System. Raytheon will continue the work it began several years ago and expects to have the GAGAN system fully functional by 2013.

Air India Express to start Mumbai-Pune flights

With a view to save Mumbai-Pune travellers from the traffic snarls due to rains, the Air India Express of the National Aviation Company of India Ltd has announced flights thrice a week between these two cities at Rs 999. These flights will operate between Mumbai-Pune-Dubai route and vice versa. "Monsoon has set in and more and more passengers prefer flying rather than traveling by road between Mumbai and Pune in order to avoid the monsoon traffic snarls. Therefore, Air India Express flights will provide services at Rs 999 for the ease of passengers," said station manager of Air India Dhairyashil Vandekar.

Flight number IX 211 will take off from Mumbai at 2.30 pm, which will arrive Pune at 3 pm. It will operate on are Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. From Pune, it will leave for Dubai at 4.50 pm which will reach Dubai at 5.30 pm. Another flight, IX 212, will depart from Dubai at 6.30 pm and arrive Pune at 11.40 pm. It will leave for Mumbai at 12.35 am and reach Mumbai at 1.05 am. This flight will operate on Thursday, Saturday and Monday.

Boeing cuts aircraft sales forecasts for India

Boeing Wednesday cut its commercial aircraft sales forecast for India saying it expects the country's carriers to buy up to 1,000 planes by 2029 for as much as $100 billion. The U.S. based aircraft manufacturer previously forecast India would need 1, 001 aircraft worth $105 billion by 2027. "India is economically better than the rest of the world but the aviation industry here is equally affected as companies globally," Boeing India President Dinesh Keskar said. He said last year's forecast was that large airplanes' share in the overall market would reach 11% but it now expects it to be 8%. The company now expects higher orders for small planes, so it has scaled down its forecast for India by $9 billion.

Keskar said air travel has started recovering and he expects the local aviation market to turn around in nine to 12 months. Higher operating costs, the global economic downturn and lower consumer spending has hurt air travel in India. Air passenger traffic fell about 5% in 2008. Air traffic declined 8.06% to 21.09 million passengers during the first six months of 2009. Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines and Air India have cut capacity and deferred and cancelled deliveries of new planes from Boeing and its rival Airbus due to the decline in passenger numbers. Boeing's customers in India include Jet Airways, Air India and low-fare carrier SpiceJet.

Jet Airways to launch Kochi-Sharjah sector in September

Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, will launch services to the Gulf emirate of Sharjah, with the launch of its daily service from Kochi, effective September 1, 2009. The airline will launch services to Sharjah aboard a state-of-the-art Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This will be Jet Airways’ fourth daily service to the Gulf from Kochi, complementing the airline’s existing daily services on the Kochi- Doha, Kuwait and Muscat sectors. Effective September 1, 2009 to October 24, 2009 and from March 28, 2010 to October 30, 2010, flight 9W 562 will depart Kochi at 1045 hrs, arriving in Sharjah at 1305 hrs.

Flight 9W 561 will then depart Sharjah at 1415 hrs, arriving in Kochi at 1945 hrs. However, effective October 25, 2009 to March 27, 2010, flight 9W 562 will depart Kochi at 1045 hrs, arriving in Sharjah at 1325 hrs. Flight 9W 561 will then depart Sharjah at 1425 hrs, arriving in Kochi at 1945 hrs. Jet Airways currently flies to seven destinations in the Gulf including Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah from several Indian cities. The airline will also launch services to Riyadh, its second service to Saudi Arabia, on August 6, 2009.

Air India offers low cost fares on select sectors

Beleaguered national carrier Air India, struggling to stay afloat after accumulating Rs 7,200 crore loss, has announced special fares on select domestic sectors in an attempt to attract passengers during the lean season. Announcing the special fares, Air India said that the tickets can be bought up to three days before flying and would be valid till September 20. The all inclusive fares come in two categories. Under the first category, a Mumbai-Hyderabad flight would cost only Rs 2,079. Similarly, a Mumbai-Kochi travel would cost Rs 3,279 and Mumbai-Bangalore Rs 2,779.

The second category of special fares offers would be applicable on 70 select domestic routes and exclusive of all taxes and passenger service fee, Air India said. However, a passenger would have to pay user development fee at airports where it is applicable. In a related development, civil aviation minister Praful Patel on Wednesday asked India’s flag carrier to streamline its operation and change its work culture. Mr Patel said that the government was looking for acclaimed professionals to constitute a national advisory board for the carrier. The company is expected to get several independent directors on its board within a month.

Hijack threat on Indigo Airlines flight

A passenger on board an IndiGo Airlines flight from Delhi to Mumbai created a scare on Thursday when he falsely claimed there was a bomb in the aircraft and asked the crew to divert the plane to Pakistan. According to a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official, the passenger, later identified as Sanjay Malik, created panic at around 11.45am when the flight 6E 181 was on its final approach to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The captain of the aircraft alerted the air traffic control of Mumbai airport. A Quick Response Team of the CISF, a paramilitary force that guards airports and important industrial installations across the country, was deployed at the airport. The team took over the aircraft as soon as it landed at around 11.45am and checked it but could not find any bomb.

The CISF detained the passenger and later handed him over to Mumbai Police who were in the process of questioning him to find out his motive. The CISF official said the passenger seemed mentally disturbed. For the IndiGo airlines, this was the second instance of panic midair. On Feb 2, its flight 6E 664 made an emergency landing at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport as three passengers created a hijack scare during the flight. After landing, the plane was taken to an isolation bay and passengers were asked to remain seated as commandos checked the aircraft. The three passengers were later detained for unruly behaviour.