Aviation Newsletter - January 30 to February 03, 2012

Top Stories 
 
Kingfisher pilots and employees to get December salaries: reports
Kingfisher Airlines pilots and employees  will start receiving their December 2011 salaries in the next one week,according to reports.
 
Kingfisher Chairman Vijay Mallya reportedly said that the company is making progress with lenders and potential equity investors and our pending requests to the government are under consideration.
 
There are over 7,000 direct and above 3,000 indirect employees who count on this airline for their livelihood, says report.
 
Air India loses fuel supply from OMCs
Oil marketing companies has stopped supply of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to the national carrier, Air India because of its failure to clear its dues, according to reports.
 
Reports stated that some of the flights were behind schedule.
 
The Air India management said that the issue was being resolved, says report.
 
There are reports that Air India owed over Rs. 2.50bn to the three oil marketing companies.
 
Banks offer new debt recast plan for Air India: reports
Lenders to National Aviation Co Ltd (Nacil), which operates under the Air India brand, could consider subscribing to the public sector company's non-convertible debentures (NCDs) that carry government guarantee for debt restructuring, according to reports.
 
Reports stated that Nacil's debt restructuring of Rs. 200bn is stuck as lenders, excluding SBI, refused to convert loans worth Rs. 180bn into redeemable preference
 
In Focus Stories
 
Quikjet Cargo Airline ready to take-off
India’s all-cargo airline, QUIKJET Cargo, announced in Bangalore, the approval of  Air Operating Certificate  by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) paving the way for launch of the commercial services.
 
Capt. Preetham Phillip, CEO Quikjet Cargo said, “the approval of an AOC from DGCA to Quikjet Cargo heralds a new era in Indian aviation both in building the nation’s air-cargo infrastructure  as well as creating a vital link for trade facilitation”.
 
He further added “While there has been an explosive growth in the number of passenger airlines, the air cargo segment has barely witnessed any activity. Presently, due to the lack of freighter aircrafts in the country, the express and cargo industry is largely dependent on the belly space of passenger airlines, which is not conducive for time critical shipments or movement of dangerous goods. Our expertise and focus lies in providing much needed airport to airport air cargo connectivity. We are working on differing business models to provide customized and general air cargo solutions to businesses across the country. We plan to begin our operations with one aircraft and will gradually add aircrafts to the fleet to have a pan India network”.
 
Farnair Switzerland AG, a European cargo airline, has bought a substantial stake in Quickjet Cargo Airlines Pvt. Ltd in which Tata Capital Ltd is one of the key investors.
 
Quickjet Cargo is also backed by investors including Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd, Infrastructure Development Infrastructure Development Finance Co. Ltd and AFL Pvt. Ltd.
 
Domestic News
 
Kingfisher suspended from IATA clearing house: reports
The International Air Transport Association has suspended Kingfisher Airlines from its Geneva-based clearing house (ICH) due to non-payment of dues to airline members, according to reports.
 
Reports stated that the problem was due to a failure in their automated system and the airline is in consultation with the clearing agency to sort issues out.
 
Kingfisher reportedly said that it would like to confirm that all its dues via ICH have been settled in full and it has absolutely no outstanding due as of date.
 
Kingfisher Airlines pays Rs. 270mn in tax dues
Debt-laden Kingfisher Airlines has paid tax dues of about Rs270 mn until January, according to reports.
 
Reports stated that the airline is expected to pay the remainder of its tax dues by March.
 
Air India owes Rs12bn to Airport Authority
 
Jet Airways conferred ‘Excellence in E-Commerce & Innovation in Digital Marketing' award
 
Cathay Pacific recruits flight attendants from India
 
Jet Airways declared ‘FAVOURITE FULL-SERVICE AIRLINE’ at OUTLOOK TRAVELLER awards
 
International News
 
Dassault wins lucrative India fighter plan deal
The Government has selected French major Dassault Aviation SA for exclusive talks on multi-billion-dollar deal to supply 126 fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF).The deal for Rafale aircraft is estimated to be the largest Indian defence deal.
 
The number of fighter planes could increase, according to reports."Dassault Aviation and its partners are honored and grateful to the Indian Government and the people of India to be given the opportunity to extend their long-lasting cooperation," the French group said on its web site.
 
"Dassault Aviation and its partners reiterate their commitment to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force and underline their pride in contributing to India’s defence for over half a century," it added.
 
Cardiac Science AEDs now available for Airbus aircraft
Cardiac Science Corporation, an Opto Circuits group company and a global leader in  automated external defibrillator (AED) and diagnostic cardiac monitoring devices, announced that it will partner with Germany-based Innovint Aircraft Interior GmbH to distribute Cardiac Science AEDs on aircraft worldwide. Innovint is a leader in the global aircraft interior and equipment market and an approved Buyer Furnished Equipment (BFE) supplier for Airbus.“We wanted a company that provides products that exceed the rigorous standards common in the aerospace industry for emergency equipment,” said Manfred Groening, Innovint chief executive officer. “Cardiac Science was our first choice because of their extensive self-tests and their ability to deliver a globally standardized product and service in over 100 countries.”
 
The partnership has already achieved a major milestone: inclusion in the global Airbus Buyer Furnished Equipment catalog. Cardiac Science AEDs successfully completed the rigorous evaluation process required to be offerable by Airbus.
 
American Airlines plans to slash 13,000 jobs: reports
 
Abu Dhabi Airports Company receives executive council approval to build MTC
 
Etihad Airways offers complimentary 96-hour tourist visas for guest
 
French airline unions to go on strike next week
 
Moody's cuts Qantas credit rating