Government representatives from India and Iran have struck a new air services agreement for carriers of the two countries. Iranian carriers are entitled to operate a total of 23 passenger/ combination services per week in each direction, with an aircraft not exceeding the capacity of B747. Approved destinations include Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin and Amritsar. Indian airlines meanwhile, are similarly entitled to 23 flights and in addition can operate any number of all-cargo services to and via … [Read more...] about INDIA: India and Iran reach new air service accord

Air Arabia, India's first foreign lowcost carrier (LCC) and the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa has announced that its passenger average load factor for the first quarter of 2008 stood at 94 per cent across its destinations network in India. The airline served 246,296 passengers on the Sharjah ¨C India routes for the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 43 per cent compared to 172,246 passengers during the same period in 2007. Air Arabia, who … [Read more...] about INDIA: India-Sharjah demand soars for Air Arabia

Jet Airways has started a new daily direct service from Mumbai to Bangkok using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, its third service to Bangkok from India with daily services from Delhi and Kolkata. "Jet Airways' services to Bangkok from Delhi and Kolkata have proved extremely popular with passengers," said Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, CEO, Jet Airways. "This combined with strong passenger demand for a daily service connecting Thailand's capital city with the financial heart of India, … [Read more...] about INDIA: Jet Airways adds new Bangkok service

Air India and Boeing are said to be negotiating the equity structure of a proposed MRO JV facility in Nagpur, with both parties reportedly seeking a majority stake. Th e two are expected to sign an MoU within the coming months. Aiming to take advantage of India¡¯s surging MRO requirements, the facility will be constructed on 120 acres of land adjacent to the Nagpur airport for a total estimated investment of US$185 million. Th e two companies are looking for a third partner for the … [Read more...] about INDIA: Negotiations ongoing for Indian MRO facility

The Indian government has requested Air India to provide the details as to why it is seeking a nearly US$240 million government capital infusion as it faces growing domestic competition, record high fuel prices and an ambitious fleet expansion plan. The carrier's new chairman and managing director, Raghu Menon, recently announced he would seek a cash injection from the government to help improve the financial health of the airline as it slides ever further into debt due to its fleet … [Read more...] about INDIA: Air India seeks government hand-out