Aviation sector

Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Gen V.K. Singh (retd), told the Rajya Sabha, in a written reply, that there is however, a shortage of type-rated commanders/PIC (Pilot-in-command) on certain types of aircraft and the same is being managed by utilising foreign pilots by issuing Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA). Presently, there are 82 FATA holders in India, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Mopa International Airport, Goa on Sunday for which the foundation stone of the airport was laid in November 2016. Developed at a cost of around Rs 2,870 crore, the airport has been built on the theme of sustainable infrastructure.

A senior official of the aviation regulator on Saturday said that it is a quantum leap from its 102nd rank four years ago. With a view to check its effective implementation (EI) of critical safety elements, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had last month audited the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Domestic flight bookings so far this year have driven $76 billion in online spend, 17 per cent more than the comparable period in 2019 (pre-pandemic), where $65 billion had been spent. While the $11 billion difference is partly driven by higher prices, bookings have also grown 5 per cent compared to 2019, according to data from Adobe Analytics Insights.

The new guidelines said that male crew with a deep receding hairline or balding patches must keep a clean shaven or bald look. It also said that the head must be shaved daily. The grooming guidelines said that while grey hair is not permitted, it must be regularly coloured in a natural shade and fashion colours and henna are not allowed.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said that the decision has been taken following a review meeting on the issue with the Ministry of Health. "The matter, regarding the requirement for mandatory use of masks or face covers during air travel, has been reviewed in consultation with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

As per the aviation regulator's data for September, Indigo carried 59.72 lakh air passengers during the month while Vistara carried 9.96 lakh air passengers. Air India was at third position with 9.49 lakh passengers and 9.2 per cent market share. Similarly, Go Air, with 8.15 lakh air passengers, had a market share of 7.9 per cent during September.

Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) has selected Tata Projects Ltd. to undertake the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of Noida International Airport. The company has been selected from three shortlisted teams with demonstrated experience in the design, procurement, and construction of large infrastructure projects.

The crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019 involved the 737 MAX airplane and a flight control function called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, reorts Xinhua news agency. According to the SEC's orders, after the first crash, Boeing and then Chief Executive Officer Dennis Muilenburg knew that system posed an ongoing airplane safety issue, but nevertheless assured the public that the 737 MAX plane was "as safe as any that has ever flown the skies".

This follows last month's 6 per cent hike in salaries. Sources said that while the first tranche of Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) payment has been received by the airline, the second is expected shortly. Moreover, the company will be depositing TDS of all employees in the next two-three weeks.