A special discussion was held today (17) at the Civil Aviation Authority premises under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, focusing on measures required to sustain uninterrupted air services amidst the fuel supply issue triggered by the prevailing war situation.

According to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, the meeting examined the current stock of aviation fuel, ongoing management practices, and the future steps necessary to ensure continuity of air services. 

The Civil Aviation Authority also discussed how it should manage fuel supplies as an institution to overcome the challenges posed by the crisis.

The discussion was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation W. W. S. Mangala, the Chairman and Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, members of its management, and several ministry officials. (Newswire)

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India’s aviation industry has expanded at a rapid pace to become the world’s third-largest aviation market in terms of passenger traffic, according to a report compiled by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

IATA’s country director for India, Nepal and Bhutan, Amitabh Khosla, said India’s rise to the third rank in the global market comes on the back of stronger airlines, growth of connectivity, and increased airport infrastructure.

He described the aviation industry as a key driver of employment, economic activity, international trade and investment in the country.

India’s aviation now accounts for 1.5 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has created approximately 7.7 million jobs, both directly and indirectly, across the country, the report states.

Mr Khosla said, “In 2023, the industry made a $53.6 billion contribution to India’s economy, underpinning 7.7 million jobs in the country.”

Tourism, supported by aviation, contributes Rs 2,710 crore to the GDP. International tourists add another $29.4 billion annually to the economy through local purchases of goods and services. “Overall the travel and tourism sector accounts for 6.5 per cent of the nation’s GDP and 8.9 per cent of total employment in 2023,” he added.

The Middle East remained the top international destination for Indian flyers in 2023, with 13.7 million passengers, followed by the Asia Pacific region and Europe.

To meet growing demand, airlines have ramped up flight frequencies and seat capacities. Scheduled flights increased by 77.7 per cent to around 1.3 million in 2024. Most of these were domestic, flights with increased from 613,000 flights in 2014 to nearly 1.1 million in 2024. Indigo led this expansion, operating 53 per cent of all departing flights from and within India.

Consumers have also benefited from increased competition, which led to a 25 per cent reduction in real airfares in 2023 compared to 2011, Mr Khosla noted.

Currently, India has 116 airports offering commercial scheduled services, with 96 of them providing direct connections and 521 outbound international flights each day. Over the last five years, 103 new international routes have been introduced. There are currently 99 operational airlines in the country.

India has also established itself as the sixth-largest air cargo market in the world, transporting 3.3 million tonnes of air freight in 2023.

As of December 2024, the international sector stood nearly 20 per cent above its 2019 levels, while domestic operations were over 8 per cent higher which reflects the strong outlook for the future, he added. (NDTV)

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In a bold move to elevate its aviation sector to international prominence, the Indian government has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the nation into a global aviation hub by the year 2030. Minister of Civil Aviation, K Ram Mohan Naidu, announced during a high-profile conference organized by the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS) in the capital, that domestic air passenger traffic is expected to soar to 300 million by the target year.

Highlighting the rapid evolution of India’s aviation landscape, Naidu emphasized the integration of cutting-edge technologies in air traffic management and sustainability initiatives. “We are witnessing significant transformations within our aviation industry. Investments are being channeled into constructing new airports and expanding existing ones, turning major hubs into global mega centers,” he stated.

The minister attributed the projected surge in air traffic to India’s vast population, extensive geographical expanse, and the development of key economic corridors. To support this growth, the government has rolled out policy reforms aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment. A particular focus is being placed on establishing robust maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities within the country, positioning India as a pivotal player in the global aviation supply chain.

Echoing the sentiment of collaboration, Thierry Mathou, the French Ambassador to India, lauded the strengthening ties between the two nations’ aerospace industries. “France is privileged to be closely associated with India’s aviation sector’s remarkable growth,” Mathou remarked. He highlighted the exponential rise in French exports to India’s aerospace market and noted that over 60 French companies have set up operations in India. These enterprises are not only investing and producing locally but also integrating Indian firms into their supply chains, fostering a synergistic relationship.

Mathou further elaborated on the collaborative efforts underway, stating, “France and India are partnering on innovative projects across various sectors, including aviation and space. Together, we are driving initiatives that promote both innovation and sustainability.”

The conference saw active participation from key stakeholders in the Indian and French aviation industries, underscoring the mutual commitment to advancing aerospace technologies and infrastructure. As India charts its course towards becoming a central aviation hub, the synergy between domestic ambitions and international partnerships is set to play a crucial role in realizing this vision.

With strategic investments and international collaborations, India is poised to take flight on its journey to becoming a major player in the global aviation arena, promising enhanced connectivity and economic growth in the years to come. (Khalsa Vox)

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Sri Lanka’s aviation sector has reported a substantial profit of Rs. 22 billion from January to August this year, Minister of Port, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

Addressing the media on Monday, the Minister highlighted that approximately Rs. 10 billion from this profit has already been contributed to the Treasury, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s finances.

He further said that efforts are underway to restructure Sri Lankan Airlines, the national carrier, with a focus on improving its operations and financial performance. “Importantly, the government is committed to ensuring the job security of the approximately 6000 employees of the airline during this restructuring process. To facilitate this, an international consultant has been appointed. This consultant is expected to bring expertise and best practices to guide the restructuring efforts,” he said.

The Minister highlighted the success of operations at Palali International Airport, emphasizing that the airport has completed 200 flights, adding that this achievement underscores the airport’s increasing significance and efficiency in handling air travel.

Minister Nimal Siripala acknowledged the challenges faced by the aviation sector in the past, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced tourist arrivals, and a dollar crisis that affected the fuel supply for aeroplanes. He mentioned that, at one point, fuel for aeroplanes had to be procured by sending aircraft to Madras to obtain the necessary fuel.

“To address these challenges, the Minister of Petroleum and I intervened and facilitated the import of aviation fuel by the private sector, ensuring a stable supply of fuel for aeroplanes. Additionally, modern technology was employed to develop Bandaranaike International Airport, earning it recognition as a prominent airport in Southeast Asia. Efforts were made to increase the frequency of flights by different airlines operating in Sri Lanka. This likely contributes to improved connectivity and accessibility for travellers.

“These developments in the Sri Lankan aviation sector signify a positive turn in its financial performance, reflecting resilience in overcoming challenges. The government’s interventions, such as facilitating fuel supply and enhancing airport infrastructure, have contributed to this success. Increased profitability in the aviation sector is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s overall economic stability,” he explained.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva also highlighted that in accordance with the report, Emirates Airlines currently operates 28 flights per week, China Eastern Air operates 05 flights weekly, Etihad offers 06 flights, Qatar Airways provides an impressive 35 weekly flights, Air Arabia manages 11 flights, Air India operates 17 flights, and Jazeera Air conducts 04 flights per week. Furthermore, several other airlines have expressed their commitment to commence operations in Sri Lanka.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that the operations at Palali International Airport continue to demonstrate remarkable success. Specifically, the flight operations between Madras and Palali, which are scheduled three times a week, have already completed a total of 200 flights, underscoring the airport’s increasing prominence and efficiency.”

The Minister pointed out that Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake once a scarcely frequented facility, has now evolved into a bustling aviation hub. Notably, in the month of August, it catered to the needs of over 650,000 passengers. This surge in passenger traffic has contributed significantly to its financial prosperity. In the first eight months of this year alone, the airport has managed to generate a substantial profit of Rs. 22 billion through its aviation services. A commendable portion of this profit, amounting to Rs. 10 billion, has been allocated to the national treasury.

In parallel, a strategic initiative is currently underway to attract potential investors to the Mattala Airport. Furthermore, measures have been put in place to actively mitigate the airport’s operational losses, thereby ensuring its long-term sustainability and financial health.

The Cabinet has recently granted approval for a comprehensive restructuring plan for SriLankan Airlines. Following the submission of this proposal to the Treasury, constructive discussions have taken place in collaboration with the World Bank. In an effort to ensure transparency in the restructuring process, it was recommended to enlist the assistance of an international consultant. Consequently, a qualified consultant has been appointed, and crucial steps are actively being taken to expedite the restructuring of SriLankan Airlines. If progress aligns with the planned timeline, the anticipated benefits should be realized by February of the forthcoming year.

The minister said that it is essential to note that the airline presently does not own any aircraft; instead, all available aircraft are leased. Acquiring new aircraft is not an immediate process and generally involves a waiting period of approximately one year post-order. Due to the absence of A330 aircraft in the current fleet, the airline faces limitations in offering services to destinations such as England, France, and Australia. The existing fleet primarily comprises A320 aircraft, which are unsuitable for long-haul or remote operations. Thus, the restructuring of the airline is imperative to address these challenges effectively.

Recent operational setbacks have resulted in substantial losses amounting to approximately $6 billion. While unions have attributed these delays to technical faults in the aircraft, it’s important to emphasize that pilots must possess certification from a qualified aeronautical engineer before they can undertake flight operations. Moreover, a noteworthy contrast exists in the monthly flight hours flown by our pilots compared to those from other airlines. The majority of our pilots have averaged only 63 flight hours per month, whereas their counterparts in other airlines often accumulate a hundred flight hours. In light of this, a plea is made to our aviation professionals to demonstrate unwavering commitment to institutional success, fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability.

It’s worth mentioning that pilots in our employment receive a monthly salary of four million rupees (40 lakhs). While there have been demands for higher salaries, citing comparisons with the remuneration packages offered by global aviation giants, it is essential to recognize that substantial salary increments may not be feasible in the current circumstances.

Furthermore, Tata’s acquisition of Air India, which includes orders for 250 Boeing 777 aircraft, presents opportunities for collaboration. These collaborations, possibly with regional airlines, offer the potential to secure the future prospects and rights of the 6000th employee of the Sri Lankan company, thereby fortifying the industry’s position,” he added. (NewsWire)

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Several children and teenagers have completed the “Aviation programme” offered by the Sri Lanka Airport & Aviation Academy (SLAAA).

According to SLAAA, the 11th batch of students have successfully completed the “Aviation for Youngsters” programme, while the 2nd batch of students has completed the “Aviation for Teenagers” programme.

The students were awarded their certificates at a ceremony held at the academy auditorium at Ratmalana with the participation of Capt. Milinda Ratnayake, Director, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd (AASL).

SLAAA conducts short courses for young schoolchildren during their school vacation. The young, enthusiastic students in age groups from 5 to 11 years and 12 to 15 years are following the Aviation for Youngsters and Aviation for Teenagers holiday courses to enhance their knowledge of aviation and get experience from field visits.

The Academy is the training institution managed by Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Ltd. established to provide aviation-specialized training needs in the industry. It is the training arm of AASL, and it is fully accredited by the ICAO. It is also recognized as a vocational training institution by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Airport & Aviation Academy is now a gateway to earning an internationally recognized bachelor’s degree in aviation management. The prestigious Massey University of New Zealand now offers transfer credits to holders of the Diploma in Aviation Management program offered by the academy to join the 2nd year of their degree program at a discounted fee. Further, SLAAA conducts Japanese and Hindi language courses. (NewsWire)

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A turnaround of India’s flag carrier Air India Ltd. could place the country on the global aviation map. 

The beleaguered airline just kick-started the process with a historic aircraft order. 

Last week, Air India ordered 470 jets from aircraft giants Boeing Co. and Airbus, marking the largest deal for commercial aircraft in aviation history. 

The airline also has an option of ordering an additional 370 planes in the future. 

The deal comes a year after the government sold the airline back to Tata Group after almost 70 years of public ownership, which were often characterized by mismanagement and financial troubles. 

Read more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/india-signals-its-arrival-as-a-force-in-aviation-29bcf992 (WSJ)

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