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Air India set to receive new aircraft every six days in next 18 months: CEO Campbell Wilson

Air India has ordered 470 aircraft to serve the Indian economy and is set to receive a new aircraft every six days over the next 18 months, CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said on Friday. He was speaking at the 67th Assembly of Presidents of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines in Singapore. "We have new aircraft, we are recruiting many, many new crew and staff, improving the training regime and there is more work to do and we are making good progress," he said. Speaking at a session, Wilson said a vast majority of Air India customers want reliability and punctuality, and the challenge is to satisfy customers' requirements. Moreover, new aircraft are being put on international flights and most of the grounded planes have been restored, Wilson added. Tata-owned Air India has ordered 470 aircraft to serve the Indian economy which is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 per cent and it is set to receive a new aircraft every six days over the next 18 months, he said. He also exuded confidence of competing with other airlines and increasing traffic for Air India. Current air travel demand in India is 20 per cent above 2019 levels as India reopened sooner, according to Subash Menon, director general of Association of Asia Pacific Airlines. As the region's borders reopened after the rest of the world, Asia Pacific air travel recovery at 69 per cent, trails other regions, for the year to September, he said. But growth is still dramatic. Asia Pacific passenger traffic increased 171 per cent over the same period in 2022, while capacity growth was slower by 130 per cent. As air travel recovered later in Asia than other regions, many Asian airlines could not resume services to Europe to use slots as required by the EU, he added. The loss of these slots affects connectivity between the two regions. International air transport exists under a shared framework of rules and norms at International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Any unilateral departure from this framework, detracts from its pillars, namely safety, sustainability, security and cross-border mobility, he said.

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‘Green Tourism India Conclave’ to put the spotlight on responsible tourism in Northeast India

Indian Express Online Media (IEOMSL) is thrilled to introduce the inaugural Green Tourism India Conclave 2023 (GTIC2023). This event is designed to champion Responsible Tourism initiatives in the Northeastern region of India. Scheduled for October 19, 2023, the daylong conclave will take place at the State Convention Centre in Shillong. The event is supported by the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), the Government of India, and the tourism departments of Northeastern states, with Meghalaya Tourism serving as the Presenting Partner. The Northeast of India is celebrated for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and ecological diversity. However, the region demands a unique approach to tourism that respects the environment and local communities. Responsible Tourism is the path forward, and the Green Tourism India Conclave aims to foster discussions, stimulate innovative ideas, and establish a roadmap for the future of tourism in the Northeast. This day-long event will convene essential stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. These stakeholders encompass tour operators, hoteliers, community tourism leaders, practitioners, and domain experts. The participants will include individuals and organizations based in the Northeast as well as those with expertise in the region from across India. The conclave will also align with the ‘Travel for LiFE’ program, introduced by the Ministry of Tourism under Mission LiFE. This initiative aims to induce significant behavioral changes among tourists and tourism businesses, with a substantial impact on environmental conservation and climate action. Bah Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, will grace the event as the chief guest. Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department, Government of Meghalaya, and Mr. Cyril V. D. Diengdoh, Director of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, and MD of MTDC, will also address the distinguished gathering. The event will feature a performance by Da Thymmei, a local cultural group from Meghalaya. There will also be a presentation of a case study titled ‘Tourism in Meghalaya: Challenges & Opportunities’ by Gerald Samuel Duia, General Secretary of the Tour Operators Association of Meghalaya (TOAM) and General Secretary of the Tour Guides Association of Meghalaya (TGAM). Several riveting panel discussions are planned, including on the following topics: The Great Outdoors: What Makes the Northeast the Perfect Destination for Adventure and Eco-Tourism Community Tourism and Homestays in the Northeast: How Well Has the Model Worked? Luxury Tourism: Is High-Value, Low-Impact Responsible Tourism the Way Forward for the Northeast? Tourism in the Northeast: Opportunities, Challenges, Solutions, and the Road Ahead Featuring the active engagement of prominent tourism players from Northeastern India, alongside senior government officials and expert panelists from across the nation, the Green Tourism India Conclave is poised to be a stimulating and results-driven event that will influence the trajectory of tourism in the Northeast. This Conclave also underscores the dedication of Indian Express Online Media and FinancialExpress.com to fostering meaningful dialogues on vital topics, encompassing sustainability.

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Sri Lanka to Thailand, top travel destinations Indians can visit without visa

Exploring the world becomes a lot easier when you don’t have to worry about visa hassles. Indian travel enthusiasts are in for delightful news as the Thailand government has announced waivers on visa requirements for Indian and Taiwanese tourists from November 10 until May 2024. This move is a bid to stimulate the tourism industry as the high season approaches. In the case of Thailand, Indians can enjoy a stay of 30 days visa-free in the country, soaking up the rich culture, beautiful temples, lively markets and stunning beaches. The move comes a week after Sri Lanka announced free visas for Indians as part of their pilot programme extending till March 31, 2024. This means that Indian travel enthusiasts can travel to the beautiful island nation, famous for its rich history, wildlife and serene beaches, without any visa fees. In addition to these destinations, there are other countries too that welcome Indian visitors without a visa. Based on the Henley Passport Index 2023, these include Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Bhutan, Jamaica, and Nepal. Kazakhstan offers a blend of modernity and tradition, with bustling cities like Almaty and ancient artifacts in Turkistan. According to a report shared by Skyscanner, Kazakhstan is among the top trending destinations for Indian travelers and witnessed a search increase of 501 per cent. Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Whether you want to relax on the famous beaches of Flic-en-Flac, explore the Chamarel Seven-Coloured Earth, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Bay Marine Park, Mauritius has something for every traveller. Bhutan, the happiest country in the world, offers a blend of tranquility, spirituality, and untouched natural beauty. Visitors from India don’t need a visa, but a permit to enter Bhutan. Jamaica, with its infectious reggae music and world-renowned beaches, is a must-visit for people looking for a unique cultural experience. Nepal, our neighbouring country, offers majestic views of the Himalayas and rich cultural heritage. Qatar is another visa-free travel destination for Indian passport holders. You can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 30 days in Qatar. You can visit the dazzling city of Doha, explore the Souq Waqif, or enjoy the cultural richness of the Museum of Islamic Art.

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EU shifts to digital visas for Schenge area

Once it is in place, people applying for short stays in the Schengen area will upload documents, data and electronic copies of their travel documents with biometric informa and pay fees, all through an online platform. The shift towards digitalisation of the visa process will do away with the need for applicants to get a sticker in their passport, mean no more appointments at consulates or service providers' offices. People applying for visas to visit Europe's Schengen area will soon do so via an online platform, under a change adopted by EU foreign ministers on November 13. The shift towards digitalisation of the visa process will also do away with the need for applicants to get a sticker in their passport, meaning no more appointments at consulates or service providers' offices. The change, unveiled after a long legislative process, will take effect after technical work on the visa platform, expected to take months, then publication in the EU's administrative gazette. The online visa system "will simplify the application process for travellers," said Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, whose country currently holds the EU presidency. Once it is in place, people applying for short stays in the Schengen area will upload documents, data and electronic copies of their travel documents with biometric information, and pay fees, all through an online platform. If approved after database cross-checks, they will receive a cryptographically signed barcode to print off or store in a device. But some first-time applicants or those with a new passport or changed biometric data may still need to attend an in-person appointment. In most cases, citizens from more than 60 countries around the world, including Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States, do not need to apply for Schengen visas for short visits.But they will still be required to apply online for pre-screened entry under a much-delayed European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), similar to the ESTA system employed by the United States. ETIAS is now expected to be up and running in mid-2025. All visitors entering the European Union -- with visas or visa waivers -- will find themselves going through an automated EU Entry/Exit System (EES), whose implementation has also been much delayed but expected. The computerised EES will record a person's details and biometric data along with their date of entry and exit, keeping track of overstays and refused entries.

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Asia-Pacific logs over 92% increase air traffic in Sept; total traffic up by 30.1%: IATA

Notably, the domestic traffic reached a new high for the month of September, with a remarkable 28.3 per cent increase compared to September 2022, surpassing September levels by 5.0 per cent. International traffic also surged, climbing by 31.2 per cent compare the previous year, and all markets saw double-digit percentage gains. In September, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the strong post-pandemic passenger traffic trend continued, providing a solid end to the third quarter of 2023. As per the data, the Asia-Pacific region stood out with a remarkable 92.6 per cent increase in traffic for September 2023 compared to September 2022, continuing to lead in terms of annual improvement. The region also witnessed a capacity increase of 82.1 per cent, and the load factor improved by 4.5 percentage points, reaching 82.5 per cent. Total traffic in September 2023, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), rose by a substantial 30.1 per cent compared to September 2022, and this growth pushed global traffic to 97.3 per cent of pre-Covid levels. Notably, the domestic traffic reached a new high for the month of September, with a remarkable 28.3 per cent increase compared to September 2022, surpassing September 2019 levels by 5.0 per cent. International traffic also surged, climbing by 31.2 per cent compared to the previous year, and all markets saw double-digit percentage gains. International RPKs reached an impressive 93.1 per cent of September 2019 levels. “The third quarter of 2023 ended on a high note, with record domestic passenger demand for the month of September and continued strong international traffic,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. September traffic compared to the previous year. Capacity also rose by 23.7 per cent, and the load factor climbed by 1.9 percentage points to 81.8 per cent. North American carriers saw an 18.9 per cent rise in traffic for September 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Capacity increased by 18.0 per cent, and the load factor showed a modest improvement of 0.6 percentage points, reaching 85.6 per cent. Latin American airlines reported an increase in traffic, with a growth of 26.8 per cent compared to the same month in 2022. September capacity also saw a healthy climb of 24.7 per cent, and the load factor rose by 1.4 percentage points to 85.8 per centin the load factor, dropping by 1.0 percentage point to 72.6 per cent. China's domestic market continued to perform well, with a staggering 168.7 per cent year-over-year increase in demand. However, it's important to note that this growth is measured from a relatively low base in September 2022, when domestic travel restrictions were reintroduced in some Chinese provinces. Japan's domestic traffic rebounded strongly from the impact of typhoons in August, with RPKs rising by 19.9 per cent compared to September 2022. IATA, representing approximately 300 airlines, covering 83 per cent of global air traffic, compiles statistics based on direct airline reporting and estimates, including data from FlightRadar24 under license. These statistics encompass international and domestic scheduled air traffic for both member and non-member airlines. Looking ahead, IATA’s Walsh emphasised the importance of preparing the entire aviation value chain to handle the expected demand in 2024. He expressed concerns about supply chain issues in the aircraft manufacturing sector and challenges faced by infrastructure providers

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Southern Railway earns INR 34 cr b running Bharat Gaurav trains to pilgrim centres

A total of 24,848 people have travelled on these trains since the first service was flagged Coimbatore North to Sainagar Shirdi in June. Southern Railway has operated 50 Bharat Gaurav trains to pilgrim centres. The 50th train “Ganga Snan Yatra‟ Diwali Special service Kochuveli to Prayagraj-Varanasi started its journey on November 9. The 50th train “Ganga Snan Yatra‟ Diwali Special service from Kochuveli to Prayagraj-Varanasi started its journey on November 9. The services, operated by private firms using rakes and crew provided by Railways, has covered popular tourist and pilgrimage destinations like Sai Nagar Shirdi, Kashi, Prayagraj, New Delhi, Mathura, Agra, Triveni Sangam, Varanasi Akshardham, Darshan of Krishna Bhoomi, Govardhan, Gokulam, Parlivaidhyanath, Somnath, Hyderabad, Mantralayam, Kumbakonam, Kochi, Gaya, Ayodhya, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Puri, Mysuru, Hampi, Ajanta/Ellora caves, Goa, Ekta Nagar, Statue of Unity at Kevadia in Gujarat, Haridwar, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Rameswaram, Madurai and Kodaikanal. Southern Railway has recorded a revenue of INR 34 crore from the operation of these 50 services, said a press release. The zone has allotted seven Linke Hofmann Busch rakes to the four registered service providers, including IRCTC. Of the 11 companies that have registered to run the trains, four are operating the services.With the success of Bharat Gaurav trains, Railways will leverage the potential of the tourism sector to run more theme-based trains for pilgrims and tourists.

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