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Emirates world’s first airline to operate A380 demo flight with 100% SAF

Demonstration flights like the one conducted today pave the way for future standardisat qualification and adoption for 100 per cent SAF flying, as governments adopt broader strategies to support the production and scale up of SAF. The A380 demonstration flight underlines the performance and compatibility of SAF, making it a safe and reliable fuel source. Emirates has become the world’s first airline to operate an A380 demonstration flight using 100 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The flight took off today from Dubai International Airport (DXB) with one of four engines powered on 100 per cent SAF, helping demonstrate its potential as a drop-in replacement that matches jet fuel’s technical and chemical requirements, while being a more sustainable alternative. Notably, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85 per cent over the fuel’s life cycle when compared to conventional jet fuel.Demonstration flights like the one conducted today pave the way for future standardisation, qualification and adoption for 100 per cent SAF flying, as governments adopt broader strategies to support the production and scale up of SAF. The A380 demonstration flight underlines the performance and compatibility of SAF, making it a safe and reliable fuel source SAF is currently capped at a 50 per cent blend limit in engines for commercial flightsThe Emirates A380 demonstration flight comes as the aviation industry, international organisations, regulatory bodies and high-level officials driving policy-related decisions converge in Dubai for the Third International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3). Dedicated collaborators from Airbus, Engine Alliance, Pratt &Whitney, Neste, Virent and ENOC have been working on the testing, technical assessments and data analysis for this flight. The 100 per cent drop-in SAF used on Emirates flight includes renewable aromatics and closely mimics the characteristics of conventional jet fuel. This is the first time that drop-in SAF has been used on an A380 aircraft, with the expectation of full compatibility across the aircraft’s existing systems As per the official release, the flight carried four tonnes of SAF, comprised of HEFA-SPK provided by Neste (hydro processed esters and fatty acids synthetic paraffinic kerosene) and HDO-SAK from Virent (hydro deoxygenated synthetic aromatic kerosene). ENOC helped to secure the neat SAF comprised of HEFA-SPK, and blended it with Sustainable Aviation Kerosene (SAK) at its facility in Dubai International Airport ahead of the demonstration, and also carried out into-plane services. The 100 per cent SAF was used in one Engine Alliance GP7200 engine, while conventional jet fuel was used in the other three engines. The PW980 auxiliary power unit (APU) from Pratt &Whitney Canada also ran on 100 per cent SAF. Last week, robust engine testing for one A380 Engine Alliance GP7200 engine using 100 per cent SAF was carried out, with the objective of validating the engine’s capability to run on the specially blended 100 per cent drop-in SAF without affecting its performance or requiring any modifications. Ground engine testing took place at the Emirates Engineering Centre in Dubai.“The growing global demand for lower-emission jet fuel alternatives is there, and the work of producers and suppliers to commercialise SAF and make it available will be critical in the coming years to help Emirates and the wider industry advance our path to lower carbon emissions,” Al Redha added. “Seeing Emirates flying an A380, the world's largest airliner, powered by an engine running on 100 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuels is a symbolic moment. These fuels are the most effective way to address CO2 emissions in the aviation industry today and that they are supported increasingly by the world's leading airlines. SAF is vital to meeting the sector's target of net-zero emissions in 2050, but needs the backing of the whole industry. At Airbus, we are working to make all our aircraft 100% SAF-capable by 2030,” stated Julie Kitcher, Airbus Executive Vice President Communications and Corporate Affairs. “We're also working with partners to grow the global SAF market in the coming years. Airbus's purpose as a company is to pioneer sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. Through our partnership with Emirates, we're matching ambition with action.” “Increasing the use of SAF is critical to achieving the goal of net-zero in the decades ahead.” Virent President and General Counsel Dave Kettner said that it’s critical that a consortium of companies, like Emirates, come together to bring sustainable aviation fuel into more widespread use. “Virent will continue to collaborate with future-focused companies, and through this collaboration we can continue to reduce emissions and power a more fuel-efficient airline industry.” Earlier this year, Emirates successfully completed the first 100 per cent SAF-powered demonstration flight in the region on a GE90-powered Boeing 777-300ER. Last month, the first Emirates flights operating with SAF provided by Shell Aviation took off from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Shell supplied 315,000 gallons of blended SAF for use at the airline’s hub in Dubai. The airline also recently expanded its partnership with Neste for the supply of over 3 million gallons of blended SAF in 2024 and 2025 for flights departing from Amsterdam Schiphol and Singapore Changi airports.GCAA, the airline contributed to the development of the UAE’s powerto-liquid (PtL) fuels roadmap, driven by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the World Economic Forum, and has been an active participant in the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap launched in January 2023 by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and GCAA.

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Delhi-Bangkok flights cheaper than air travel to NE states: Tour operators

Expressing regret that the cost of domestic airfares to pristine destinations in the northeast is costlier than airfares to Thailand, travel agencies and hotel operators urged the government to intervene in the matter. The airfare from Delhi to Bangkok as on December 1 (one-way) is Rs 11,470 whereas flights from Delhi to Shillong cost around Rs 14,974, travel agents claimed. This was discussed at length at the B2B meet at the International Tourism Mart here on Wednesday. Entrepreneurs from the tourism industry from all the NE states agreed that airfares from Delhi/Mumbai to Bangkok is cheaper than those to Shillong or Agartala or any of the state capitals of the region."We understand this is due to number of travellers going to Bangkok. We want the government of India to intervene and put a cap on this because it is unfair that domestic fares are costlier than international destinations," a Guwahatibased tour operator said. Meanwhile, the Union tourism ministry has sanctioned over Rs 1,300 crore for 16 projects in the northeast region under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme while 15 other projects are being developed under Swadesh Darshan (SD) 2.0, officials said. "A total of 15 tourist destinations are being taken up in the northeast for development under SD 2.0. Religious tourism is a major motivation for tourists to travel," they added. Meghalaya has been allotted two schemes - Sohra and Shillong - under SD 2.0 where investment of up to Rs 50 crore will be made. The ministry has also sanctioned eight projects worth Rs 256.45 crore for the integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations in the northeast states under the PRASHAD Scheme, they said. The ministry of tourism has also sanctioned the development of 22 viewpoints at the cost of Rs 44.44 crore to provide world-class infrastructure and related services for the highway network viz, commercial spaces, logistic parks, traveller facilities such as wayside amenities (WSA) in the region. Many of the projects sanctioned under SD 1.0 and PRASHAD schemes have already been completed and have been dedicated to the public, they said.Accordingly, air connectivity in the northeast has increased tremendously in the last few years with 16 airports providing accessibility to tourist destinations in the region, officials said. Under the RCS-UDAN Scheme of the ministry of aviation, 53 tourism routes have become operational of which 10 routes are exclusively for the northeast region, officials added. Also, rail connectivity in the region has also increased and railways is now connecting seven states in the northeast

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Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission makes it to UNWTO list

Kerala's strategy involved leveraging local resources and products to bolster RT destinatio effectively aligning with and contributing to the realization of the SDGs. Kerala's RT Missi stands distinguished among seven G20 nations, alongside Maharashtra, the other Indian state recognised for its Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve project. These two Indian case stud join a select group of seven G20 countries featured on the UNWTO list. Kerela is widely-recognised Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission has achieved global recognition by earning a coveted spot on the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's (UNWTO) prestigious list of case studies. This accolade further highlights the state's innovative approach towards grassroots development while championing tourism aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UNWTO commended Kerala Tourism for its exemplary commitment to upholding the SDGs while fostering the growth of the travel industry within the state. Kerala's strategy involved leveraging local resources and products to bolster RT destinations, effectively aligning with and contributing to the realization of the SDGs. A dashboard showcasing Kerala Tourism's website details the state's comprehensive activities in this regardCongratulating the State RT Mission, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas said Kerala’s initiative in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism has been earning international acclaim for a while now. “Tourists across the globe are watching our activities with great interest. The UNWTO’s recognition will further inspire us to promote ecofriendly tourism,” he noted. Kerala's RT Mission stands distinguished among seven G20 nations, alongside Maharashtra, the other Indian state recognised for its TadobaAndhari Tiger Reserve project. These two Indian case studies join a select group of seven G20 countries featured on the UNWTO list, including Mexico, Germany, Mauritius, Turkey, Italy, Brazil, and CanadaKerala's inclusion in the Special Dashboard stems from the state's commendable tourism promotion endeavours, meticulously aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This recognition also reaffirms Kerala's commitment to sustainable tourism practices on a global platform.Department of Tourism Secretary K. Biju said the international honour will inspire the state to scale-up the RT model and expand it to more areas. “This will also boost local industry,” he added. Kerala Tourism Director PB Nooh, while recalling the state’s hosting of the first-ever Responsible Tourism Global Summit at Kumarakom in February this year, said that the UNWTO Citation had strengthened the presence of ‘God’s Own Country’ on the world tourism map Additionally, the UNWTO citation comes close on the heels of the Kerala RT Mission getting the Global Award, acknowledging the sustainable and women-inclusive initiatives successfully promoted in the state. The award, instituted by the Responsible Tourism Partnership and International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT), is in the ‘Best for Local Sourcing – Craft and Food’ category. Kerala RT Mission State Coordinator K. Rupeshkumar said these honours endorsed the relentless efforts made by the State RT Mission towards overall socio-economic development amid its tourism-boosting initiatives.

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India resumes e-visas for Canadian tourists & business travellers

The decision to resume e-visas is specific to tourism and business purposes for Canadian nationals. It is noteworthy that India had previously restored visas under four of the 13 categories that were suspended in September, showcasing a gradual normalisation of visa services between the two countries. The Indian tourism industry has welcomed the move saying it is a sigh of relief during the current inbound tourist season After a two-month suspension, India has recommenced issuing e-visas for Canadian tourists and business travellers, signaling a potential alleviation of tensions between the two nations. The decision follows a period of strained relations sparked by Ottawa's allegations of potential Indian government involvement in the murder of a Canadian Sikh separatist leader. According to media reports., an anonymous Indian government official has confirmed the resumption of e-visa services for Canadian nationals, emphasising that this move is expected to ease tensions, though a significant improvement in bilateral relations is not anticipated in the immediate future decision to resume e-visas is specific to tourism and business purposes for Canadian nationals. It is noteworthy that India had previously restored visas under four of the 13 categories that were suspended in September, showcasing a gradual normalisation of visa services between the two countries. While the recent move is a step toward diplomatic reconciliation, observers note that more substantial improvements in India-Canada relations may require additional efforts and diplomatic initiatives. The resumption of e-visa services underscores the importance of facilitating travel and business exchanges between the two nations. Commenting on the development, the Indian tourism industry has welcomed the move saying it is a sigh of relief during the current inbound tourist season.Sharing his views on resumption of e-tourist visas from Canada, Rajiv Mehra, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) said, " We are happy and pleased with this piece of information as opening of visas from Canada which is one of the largest source market, would be a big booster shot for inbound tourism here in India. by January, the tourist flow from Canada would begin."(TAFI) said, "It is an excellent move and we welcome it whole heartedly. We are both robust democracies and we should be able to resolve our differences though dialogue rather than putting barriers for people to people movement. Tourism is a people's business, and we would urge the govt to play an important role of facilitator in this sector." Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) said that the Indian government’s decision to resume e-tourist visas for Canadian nationals is a positive step towards promoting tourism and strengthening the relationship between the two countries. "Canada is one of our largest source markets & and we definitely require footfalls to increase. This is the best season for tourists to visit India and it's good to know that the opportunity is not all lost. The e-visa program is a convenient and efficient way for foreign nationals to apply for a visa online, and it can help to promote tourism and economic growth in India. By making it easier for foreign nationals to visit India, the country can attract more visitors, generate more revenue, and create more jobs. This can have a positive impact on the local economy and help to drive peace among human beings," she mentioned. Mayal further urged the need to open e-tourist visas for all countries to citizens from the 13 countries exempted from visa requirements, there has been a threefold extension in the duration of stay, now set at 45 days.

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Cultural events lined up to celebrate Assam Day at Bharat Mandapam

Programmes have been lined up to showcase the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Assam at amphitheatre 1 at the Bharat Mandapam from 6 pm to 7.30 pm. Various initiative the Assam government like 'one district, one product', GI products such as Assam Lemon Gamusa, and Muga silk along with the traditional dresses of the state are being promoted the fair, the release said.Scented lemons, muga silk, traditional dresses and a host of items from Assam are on display at the ongoing 42nd India International Trade Fair in the national capital where "Assam Day" will be celebrated on Wednesday. Cultural dance forms like Satriya, Jhumur, Hajong, and Bihu will be presented while renowned artists Bhrigu Kashyap and Ridip Rankit will perform at the day-long celebrations as part of the Assam Day, according to a release issued by the Assam government. Programmes have been lined up to showcase the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Assam at amphitheatre 1 at the Bharat Mandapam from 6 pm to 7.30 pm Various initiatives of the Assam government like 'one district, one product', GI products such as Assam Lemon, Gamusa, and Muga silk along with the traditional dresses of the state are being promoted in the fair, the release said. State's Minister for Industries and Commerce and Cultural Affairs Bimal Borah will be the chief guest at the function. The Assam Pavilion at the fair was inaugurated by the state's Additional Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on November 14. The pavilion houses five state government departments/PSUs -- DIPR, Tourism, NEDFi, AIDC Ltd, AGMC -- as well as 32 MSME units and two startups join Director, Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce, Assam, Shantanu Deori is the pavilion director. The theme of this year's IITF is 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - United by Trade'. The fair will continue till November 27

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Kerala B2B meet at Global Ayurveda Fest to rev up wellness tourism

Revving up wellness tourism in India, the state capital will host the fifth edition of the Glo Ayurveda Festival, the largest ever business-to-business meet on Ayurveda-based medic tourism. The event would bring together over 150 tour operators from India and abroad to clinch business decisions with major wellness institutions and service providers.Revving up wellness tourism in India, the state capital will host the fifth edition of the Global Ayurveda Festival, the largest ever business-tobusiness meet on Ayurveda-based medical tourism. The event would bring together over 150 tour operators from India and abroad to clinch business decisions with major wellness institutions and service providers. The focal theme of the event - GAF 2023-, scheduled to be held here from December 1 to 5, is "Emerging Challenges in Healthcare & a Resurgent Ayurveda," a statement said here. The prime focus of the wellness B2B segment at the meet, scheduled for December 3 at nearby Greenfield Stadium, is to attract international and domestic tourists seeking Ayurveda-based wellness and rejuvenation solutions and create a network of tour operators, ayurvedic institutions, service providers and other stakeholders, it said."This B2B meet at GAF will be a big boost to tourism while globally positioning Ayurveda as a holistic solution to address serious health challenges staring at the humanity," said G G Gangadharan, Working Chairman, GAF. As home to world renowned Ayurvedic institutions and where the most authentic form of the time-tested Indian system of medicine is practised, Kerala will especially benefit from the event as wellness tourism is a fastgrowing domain in the state, he said. The meet will provide a platform for networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration between the tourism industry and Ayurveda institutions, said Dr C Sureshkumar, Chief Co-ordinator, GAF.Also, an expo of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ayurveda will be held as part of GAF, enabling a wide range of enterprises from different parts of the country to showcase products and services, it said. Now into its 5th edition, GAF will see focused deliberations on a diverse range of topics related to Ayurveda by experts from across the globe on all five days. The biennial event is being organised by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA), in association with the union ministry of Ayush, state government of Kerala, and various associations of Ayurveda, the statement added.

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