More bad news on the aviation front. CNN-IBN reports that British Airways will suspend its flights between Kolkata, Dhaka and London from March 28 next year as it finds the route unprofitable, an airline officer said here Friday.

"The decision to suspend flights between Kolkata and London has been a difficult one to make. However, the route is not making a profitable contribution to our business and we are unable to sustain it," said Amanda Amos, British Airways' area commercial manager South Asia.

Amos said India would remain an important market for the airline, which would continue working on its growth plans in the country.

"India remains an incredibly important market for British Airways and we continue with our growth plans on routes that we believe will be profitable. We continue to offer our customers an extensive network in India. There will be options for both our passenger and cargo customers in the Kolkata region to join our services via other Indian gateways."

Customers booked to travel with British Airways from Kolkata after March 28, 2009, will be contacted by the airline so that alternative arrangements can be made.

The airline currently operates three flights a week between Kolkata and Heathrow airport in London.

British Airways has operated flights to Kolkata intermittently since the 1930s.

161 passengers and crew on board an Air India Airbus A310 aircraft AI 962 had a narrow escape today when the right wing of the aircraft on a flight from Jeddah tilted and grazed the runway while landing at the Karippur International Airport in Malappuram, Kerala.

According to airport sources, the pilot managed to bring the airplane to a quick halt before any danger could occur after he saw the right wing rubbing the runway. The incident occured at around 9.15 AM All passengers were safe and the aircraft did not suffer any damage except for some paint on the wing getting scraped, the sources said.

A senior airport official said prima facie there was nothing abnormal with landing parameters like weather, wind speed and visibility.

Only a detailed probe including the examination of Flight Data Recorder could give clues on why the aircraft tilted while landing, the official said.

The aircraft has been grounded and engineers from Mumbai were expected to arrive here for detailed check, he added.

AirAsia, a low-cost carrier from Malayasia, has announced that it will commence its daily direct flight to Tiruchirappalli, India from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia beginning 1st December 2008. Employing a brand new fleet of Airbus A320, Tiruchirappalli will be the first route to be launched by AirAsia in India.

To celebrate the launch of this new service, AirAsia is offering an unbeatable low fare starting from Rs. 699* (RM49*) one-way. This offer is available online exclusively at AirAsia’s website, www.airasia.com for the booking period from 30 October, 2008 – 9 November, 2008, for travel anytime between December 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009.

With AirAsia offering an extensive route network encompassing over 108 routes in Asia, including the ones served by AirAsia X, its long-haul affiliate to Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Australia and Hangzhou, China, it is now more convenient than ever to fly to Kuala Lumpur from Tiruchirappalli in the South Indian State of Tamil Nadu. Moreover as compared to other budget carriers, the route network offered by this award-winning airline is the most extensive in the region. This will translate into a low-cost yet efficient travel experience for customers who would benefit from using the LCC Terminal in Kuala Lumpur to connect to other regional ASEAN cities or long haul sectors serviced by AirAsia X.

Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia Berhad commented “AirAsia’s low-cost model, with its ultra low fares and modern fleet of comfortable and spacious aircraft, is undoubtedly an attractive consumer proposition, strong enough to compete with premium airlines. Besides features such as our brand new modern fleet fitted with leather seats and spacious cabin, a variety of hot delicious meals, simple, no-frills but convenient and renowned customer service, friendly cabin crew, largest number of destinations serviced along with the highest flight frequencies and an unrivalled On Time Guarantee, establish AirAsia’s position as the best low-fare airline when it comes to offering customers the absolutely best-in-class travel value”

He also informed that “we (Air Asia) are looking into other locations in India within the next one-and-a-half years. These include Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderabad for AirAsia while for AirAsia X, we are looking at New Delhi, and Mumbai.”

* All fares quoted are excluding airport taxes, fuel surcharges and fees, and are applicable for one-way travel only.

I came across a startling set of photos at http://rammy-time2know.blogspot.com/2008/10/death-wont-be-closer-than-this.html. The blog article is definitely worth a visit.

A man slipped under the local train and only by some miracle has survived. For sure, God and all angels were looking out for this fool, since he wasn't.

As part of its ongoing efforts to upgrade the runway system at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (MIAL) inaugurated a new taxiway N9 last week.

MIAL is trying to reduce the runway occupancy time by landing aircraft at CSIA. N9 which is located on the Northwest side of primary runway 09-27 will immensely improve runway efficiency. The location of this taxiway has been aptly designed (located at 2614 metres from the threshold of runway 09-27) to facilitate all wide-body aircraft to vacate the runway after landing with ease.

N9 will also be the first compliant taxiway for Code-F aircraft (such as A-380) at CSIA that requires the width of the taxiway to be 25 metres and shoulders 17.5 metres on each side. Its length is 180 metres. The first flight to utilise this taxiway was British Airways 119 from London.

With the two rapid exit taxiways, the extended parallel taxiway A4 and taxiway N9 in place, runway occupancy time for aircraft landing and taking off, is likely to be reduced considerably.

PTI reports, state-run oil marketing companies on November 3, cut jet fuel prices further by Rs 2,100 per kilolitre on top of the 17 per cent reduction, which was announced last week after the government exempted Customs Duty on fuel last week.

Oil majors like Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) from the 1st of this month have cut Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price by Rs 9,429.87 per kilolitre to Rs 47,017.93 per kilolitre in Delhi.

Following the fall in international oil prices, ATF price for domestic airlines reduced further by Rs 2,100 per kilolitre from last night. For international airlines, who do not pay local taxes or Value Added Taxes (VAT) the reduction will be USD 35 per kilolitre.

You can also use the "BIA Arrivals" and "BIA Departures" link from the top menu bar for real time Bengaluru flight arrival and departure information from the Bengaluru International Airport website. For flight arrival and departure information in other cities, please select the "Real time flight information" tag from the right sidebar.

Flight information is provided by FlightStats, and is subject to the FlightStats Terms of Use.

Politics is the last refuge of scoundrels, very true in India, especially those from the state of Bihar, and the pinnacle is the Rashtriya Janata Dal.

The Press Trust of India reports Union Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh allegedly beat up the station manager of Kingfisher Airlines at Patna Airport on Monday after he was not allowed to board Patna-Kolkata flight as he reported late at the airport.

A Kingfisher Airlines spokesperson, in a statement, alleged that the Airport Manager was assaulted, abused and had to bear a barrage of foul language from Singh, without any provocation.

As per the statement, Singh, who is Minister of State for Food was scheduled to travel on flight IT 4580 from Patna to Kolkata. The flight was scheduled to depart at 08:30 pm and at 08:10 pm, the Kingfisher Airlines staff at Patna Airport were informed by Singh's travel agent that he would not be travelling on the flight.

At around 08:20 pm after all the guests were on board, Patna ATC gave start-up and push-back clearance to the commander of the aircraft.

The aircraft had just begun taxiing when Singh reportedly landed at the airport i.e. 10 minutes before the scheduled departure of the flight, the statement said.

"Under the circumstances, considering the fact that the aircraft had began taxiing, our Airport Manager told Singh the same and regretted that he could not join the flight as we were told that he was not coming," the statement said.

"That was when Singh assaulted and abused our Airport Manager in the VIP lounge in the presence of several witnesses," Kingfisher Airlines added.

I wish the police throw the book at this pathetic individual who obviously has been mistakenly assumed to be a man of some basic intelligence, good enough to be called a "leader" of this great nation of India.

According to a PTI report, British Airways' (BA) multi-million pound takeover plan of Low Cost Carrier (LCC) GoAir got derailed and the Europe's leading carrier may now negotiate for a marketing alliance instead.

The report, which quoted UK’s The Sunday Times, “British Airways planned an audacious, multi-million pound takeover of one of India's leading airlines - but the scheme was derailed by problems with industry-ownership laws.” However, the daily said that it is understood BA may negotiate a marketing alliance with GoAir instead, with the LCC using BA flight codes on its domestic network.

Quoting senior industry sources, The Sunday Times said, “BA wanted to take a controlling or significant minority share, and was ready to pay up to USD 600 million for the stake.” As the commercial aviation sector in India has tough rules preventing foreign nationals from owning or taking control of airlines, BA aimed to get round the restrictions by setting up an Indian intermediary company to hold its investment in GoAir, the newspaper said.

The current Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy of India does not allow foreign carriers to hold equity, directly or indirectly, in domestic airlines. BA's decision to pursue an Indian tie-up has piqued the interest of rival airline executives, who have been focused on the stuttering progress of its planned merger with Spain's flag carrier, Iberia, The Sunday Times said.

Quoting one rival airline executive, The Sunday Times said, “I think it indicates where they think the real future of the airline industry lies, and where their next deal might come from India or China.” BA has had franchise agreements with South African carrier Comair, Glasgow-based Logan Air, Scandinavia's Sun Air and Kenya-based Regional Air.

This raises an interesting question. The Indian airline industry is loosing over $2 billion per year. Like it or not, this requires deep pockets; pockets much deeper than Mr. Goyal or Dr. Mallya have. Also, integrating in to extensive global networks is not just a "must have", but it is vital to an airline's survival, again something neither Jet or Kingfisher have. Is it time for the FDI norms for the airline industry to be reviewed ? Will the review survive intensive lobbying by industry heavy-weights like Mr. Goyal or Dr. Mallya ?

Jet Airways, has just launched an In-flight Festival for Children called W.O.W (World of Wonders) with the onset of the festive season. WOW – is a tailor-made, two month long in-flight fiesta suitable for viewing by the entire family, while they fly Jet Airways.

The festival will feature an exclusive Disney Channel compilation of hit shows like Hannah Montana featuring the teen sensation balancing her twin lives of a superstar and a regular schoolgirl. Another favourite, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, is a comedy about twins who are always finding themselves in the middle of funny situations. Continuing the sibling madness is Phineas & Ferb who make up extraordinary inventions in their ordinary world. Or even Wizards Of Waverly Palace, a fantasy joyride about a New York family where kids do real magic with some unreal consequences.

Jet Airways and Disney Channel also announced the "Camp Rock" contest based on the Disney Channel movie - Camp Rock, premiering on December 26, 2008 on Disney Channel and on Jet Screen, the in-flight entertainment systems of Jet Airways, soon thereafter.

Children can make the most of a fantastic opportunity to win wonderful prizes, including prizes for two children to travel to Hong Kong and visit Hong Kong Disneyland with a parent.

To enter the contest, young participants 5 to 16 years should log on to the Jet Airways website and fill in the online contest form. The music clip required for the contest is available online or can be collected from the in flight crew members. Winning by answering a simple question can bring about an opportunity to board another enjoyable Jet Airways flight to Hong Kong.

The contest also features consolation prizes where each such winner gets a Camp Rock music CD. The contest is open from November 1 to December 31, 2008.

Kevin Done in London and Gerrit Wiesmann in Frankfurt of the Financial Times report that, Lufthansa is taking majority control of BMI British Midland, which will give it the second largest share of take-off and landing slots at London Heathrow airport, behind British Airways.

The deal marks an important step in the restructuring of the European airline industry with the German carrier gaining a leading role at Heathrow, the biggest airport in Europe measured by passenger numbers and the key European gateway for passengers from North America.

The takeover challenges British Airways at its Heathrow global hub. It could trigger an alliance or merger of operations between the German carrier and Virgin Atlantic, the London-based long-haul rival to BA, controlled by Sir Richard Branson.

It will consolidate the role of Star, the global airline alliance led by Lufthansa and United Airlines of the US, as the main challenger to Oneworld, the alliance led by BA and American Airlines, at Heathrow.

The German carrier is taking a leading role in the consolidation of European aviation as it takes advantage of its financial strength in the deepening financial crisis in the airline industry.

Earlier this year Lufthansa took over a 45 per cent stake in Brussels Airlines with an option to acquire 100 per cent in 2011. It is also in negotiations to buy strategic stakes in loss-making Austrian Airways and Alitalia, the latter in competition against Air France-KLM.

Lufthansa said Sir Michael Bishop, BMI chairman, had exercised his put option to sell the group his stake of 50 per cent plus one share.

Lufthansa already owns a stake of 30 per cent minus one share. The remaining 20 per cent is in the hands of SAS Scandinavian Airlines, which has previously indicated it also wishes to sell.

The option agreement was made by Sir Michael in November 1999.

Lufthansa said the option was not expected to become effective before January 12. The two groups were in discussions about the strategic development and future development of BMI

It was unclear last night whether Lufthansa would seek to challenge BA by building up long-haul operations at Heathrow, or through a link with Virgin, which is 49 per cent owned by Singapore Airlines..

The decision by Sir Michael to sell his controlling stake for about €400m (£317m) is a watershed in UK aviation. Sir Michael, 66, led the early drive to liberalise the UK and European industry and to break the dominance of BA. He has controlled BMI since 1978.

Steve Ridgway, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, which has made several attempts to merge with BMI, said: “We are about to enter the next phase of BMI’s future and a turning point in aviation,” said . “Everyone has speculated that it would make sense for Virgin Atlantic and BMI to combine their long-haul and short-haul networks.”

BMI, which includes a low cost subsidiary BMIbaby and a UK regional subsidiary, warned recently it expected to fall into loss this year.

From its Heathrow base it has been seeking to develop a medium-haul network to the Middle East, central Asia and Africa following its takeover last year of BMed, British Mediterranean Airways, a former franchise carrier for British Airways.

The future ownership of BMI has been followed very closely by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, the rival UK long-haul carrier controlled by Sir Richard Branson, which have both coveted BMI chiefly for its 11 per cent stake of all the take off and landing slots at Heathrow.

The airport is highly congested and there are no free slots at most hours of the operating day.

Virgin Atlantic, which is 49 per cent owned by Singapore Airlines which is also a member of the Star alliance, put itself forward as a potential partner for Lufthansa at Heathrow to exploit the BMI assets.

Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic chief executive, said: ”Now we are about to enter the next phase of BMI’s future and a turning point in aviation.

“Everyone has speculated that it would make sense for Virgin Atlantic and BMI to combine their long-haul and short-haul networks. There is now a major opportunity to do that and create a new, strongly viable competitor to BA.

“I am sure that Lufthansa realises the future opportunities and this could be a really good example of the right industry consolidation. It would be good for consumers and for UK plc.”

The future of BMI’s small regional subsidiary is also being watched by Flybe, which has emerged as the leading UK regional airline following its takeover last year of BA Connect, the former UK regional operation of British Airways, and is regarded as a potential buyer of BMI Regional.

BMI became the first airline earlier this year to capitalise its holding of take off and landing slots at Heathrow airport in its 2007 accounts, transforming the value of its balance sheet and breaking new ground in airline accounting.

Inclusion of the slots with what the airline called a “conservative” valuation of £770m helped to raise the value of the group’s net assets from £12m at the end of 2006 to £800m at the end of 2007.

BMI holds 11.4 per cent of the highly lucrative take off and landing slots at Heathrow, a position second only to the 41.5 per cent held by BA.

BMI pre-tax profits last year fell from £29.7m to £15.5m. Pre-tax profits on continuing operations and before exceptional items fell by 45.2 per cent from £17m to £9.3m.

Turnover rose by 12.9 per cent from £905m to £1bn largely as a result of the takeover of BMed. Passenger numbers increased by one per cent from 10.5m to 10.6m.

Its profitability this year has been hit by the ending of a co-operation deal with Lufthansa and SAS, agreed at the start of the decade, under which the two carriers have underwritten a large part of the losses on the BMI mainline operation in Europe.

The takeover of BMed was aimed at reducing BMI’s dependence on short-haul European services.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008

At one time, Singapore Airlines SQ was the most dominant international airline in Bangalore, operating 12 flights a week. A daily night flight and a morning flight 5 days a week.

No more. The new title holder is Emirates operating as many as 3 flights a day.

Citing diminishing demand, from October 26, 2008 onwards, SQ has discontinued the 5 a week morning flights, and will offer only a daily night flight.

Similar reductions in service have been made for Chennai. Singapore Airlines will stop its services to Amritsar from February 4, 2009.

These are just some of the reductions Singapore airlines is making at a global level. Flights from Singapore to Penang, Ho Chi Minh City, Osaka, Seoul, Cape Town are also facing reductions. Flights to the Middle East are being increased. For more information read their press release.

International flights are more valuable for BIAL the operators of Bengaluru International Airport. Each international flight brings in revenue greater than 5 domestic flights, not to mention revenues to the duty free shops and other retail outlets at the airport. With the loss of domestic flights, BIAL can ill afford to loose international flights as well.

Thanks to the global reduction in crude oil prices, and reductions in Customs duty (in response to desperate pleas by airlines), Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices in India, have retreated back to earlier levels of 8 months ago.


Today, ATF is priced almost the same as in March 2008, but air fares show no sign of retreating. Airlines had almost doubled their fuel surcharges in June 2008, citing massive increases in ATF prices by the oil companies.

Yet, despite the prices reducing drastically, airlines are following a dangerously greedy business strategy, and refusing to reduce their fuel surcharges. Not only is this impacting the volume of passengers, but it increasingly alienating airlines' supporters, passengers and politicians', alike.

Instead of abating, the short-sighted approach by airlines, is on the increase. From November 1, 2008, all airlines removed the 5% commission they used to pay to travel agents, but have kept the savings, instead of passing it on to our customers. Naturally, the travel agents, are levying additional service charges on the tickets they sell to us. It is a perfectly acceptable situation till this point, but in addition to this indirect fare increase, Jet, Air-India, and Kingfisher are imposing a "transaction fee" on all ticket sales sold by THEM!!!!. In fact the transaction fee will be levied even on refunds or changes!!!

Across the globe, companies are going all out to retain their customers. Airlines in India, seem to be taking their customers and supporters for granted, adding new unreasonable fees, and hoarding their cost savings, instead of sharing it with their customers.

It is little wonder, why passengers continue to desert the skies and take to trains and buses.

A rollback in the fuel surcharges to March levels, and non-imposition of the ridiculous transaction fees, will bring the passengers back to the skies and improve load factors, which will increase the airlines' incomes. Keep the fares high and passenger numbers will just continue to dwindle, and that, my friends, is the download spiral to oblivion.