Swiss Airline Renews Code Sharing Agreement With Air India

There has been a positive development for the troubled Indian carrier Air India, with Swiss International Airlines renewing a code sharing agreement with the latter.

By virtue of this agreement, to be effective from 18th April 2010, Air India will be able to do business in some areas where it does not have any fleet presence, by using the fleets and crew of Swiss International Airlines.

Needless to say that it will be a good booster for Air India’s business prospects. Firstly, it is always great if an airline’s service capacity gets bigger in comparison to its infrastructure. Secondly, through this agreement Air India is getting an opportunity associate itself with a prominent brand like Swiss International Airlines.

Hopefully Air India will be able to make full utilization of the business prospects (as well as brand enhancement prospects) to be offered by this agreement.

Besides, Air India management may also think of using the example of this agreement with Swiss International Airlines to enthuse other major global airlines to sign similar agreements with them.

Jet Airways Retains No. 1 Position, Consecutively For The 6th Month

Jet Airways, along with its low-cost subsidiary JetLite, has retained its No. 1 position in the Indian civil aviation arena, consecutively for the 6th month. The airlines achieved this honour by capturing 26.1 percent of domestic market share in March 2010.

The 2nd and 3rd positions have been occupied by Kingfisher Airlines and Air India, respectively.

Congrats Jet!

Darjeeling – The Shangri-La In Eastern Himalayas

Protected by the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga, and caressed by green carpets of tea gardens

Darjeeling is such a beautiful place, even with its thick fog and rains.

The beloved homeland of proud and self-respecting peoples, such as Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalis

It is a land of amazing beauty, a land also endowed with eternal charm and peace.

Come here to witness how snow-covered mountains are bathing themselves in fast flowing chilly winds

Come here to observe the thrilling scene of vivacious rivers swiftly flowing through the surrounding rocks and greens.

Come here to relish a colourful flora, which comprises varieties of trees, flowers, plants and orchids

Come here to experience a rich fauna, ranging from Red Panda to singing birds and butterflies.

Come here to know about Mountaineering, one of the world’s top sports and many peoples’ craze

Come here to see the spectacular Darjeeling Toy Train, the wonder recognized by the UNESCO as an object of world heritage.

Come here to know about the cultivation of tea, which might be your favourite beverage

Or come here just to have an idle vacation, and spend some leisurely days.

Whatever may be your interest and objective, come to this astounding land before it is too late

Otherwise, who knows, not visiting Darjeeling might become your life’s greatest regret.

Will US Aviation Firms Set Up Bases In India?

It is really worth watching whether US aviation firms decide to set up bases in India.

During his US tour the Indian Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Praful Patel appealed to the US aviation firms to establish manufacturing bases on the Indian soil, and also to invest in the Indian aviation infrastructure, such as airports.

In fact, US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood have told Mr. Patel that US aviation firms are impressed with the growth curve of the Indian civil aviation sector, and will love to contribute to the same.

Now let’s see whether the US firms will choose to witness the Indian aviation sector’s performance from a distance, or whether they will love to be a part of the notable growth that this thriving Indian sector is achieving.

Indian Government Mulling A National Commission For Aeronautics

The Indian Government is reportedly mulling a National Aeronautics Commission, which will act as the umbrella organization for all research and development activities. A proposal to this effect has been submitted to the Government by Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI).

This key information was shared with the media by the Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines, Mr Vijay Mallya, who is also the President of AeSI.

Mr. Mallya claimed that having an umbrella organization for all research and development activities would enhance the growth potential of the aeronautical sector.

BA-Iberia Merger Forms Europe’s 3rd Largest Airlines

British Airways (BA) has signed a merger deal with Spain’s Iberia to form Europe’s third biggest airlines. The merger will come into life under a new holding company called International Airlines Group, boasting of 408 aircrafts and flying to 200 destinations.

Till the last development, there has been no communication on fleet reduction and staff cuts. However, such developments have always taken place after all similar airlines mergers in the past.

SpiceJet and IndiGo To Fly Abroad

For quite some time Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines have been the only two private airlines to fly abroad. But now they have to share the honour with two more players - SpiceJet and IndiGo.

The two airlines have already got the go-ahead from the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry. Now they are awaiting the completion of the necessary procedural formalities, to be conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Both the players have fulfilled one criterion, i.e. having a minimum fleet size of 20 aircrafts. And both of them will soon achieve the other criterion, i.e. having a track record of conducting domestic operations for 5 years, uninterruptedly.

Notably, neither of the two players is eyeing far away destinations, like Europe and US. Rather both of them have their focus on South Asian region.

Good luck, guys. Wish you people all the best.