DWS Aviation

Air-India, the state-run carrier of India, has dismissed 10 airhostesses for being “exceptionally overweight.”

Emirates Airline, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is adding 31 flights a week to India in two phases – from November 2008 and again from February 1, 2009.

With financial concerns about the Indian airline industry at an all-time high following the Jet Airways layoff fiasco, airline companies in India are now being asked by banks to pledge aircraft as collateral before getting loans approved. And that's not all, the companies may also be forced to pledge their future ticket sales and company shares too.

Malaysia Airlines, the flag carrier of Malaysia, has begun serving Indian menu from November 1, 2008, in all classes of its international medium and long-haul flights irrespective of fare paid.

Airlines in India will be penalised if they delay paying compensation to passengers who have been denied boarding because of overbooking or flight cancellation.

Soaring fuel bills and a steady drop in passenger demand are forcing India’s national carrier Air India to go in for cost-cutting measures.

SpiceJet has just got spicier with US billionaire Wilbur Ross pumping in Rs 3.45 billion into the low cost airline.

Spiraling fuel prices or economic downturn don’t seem to stop Kingfisher flying high. India’s most popular private airline Kingfisher Airlines is set to launch its international service with daily flights to Europe and Southeast Asia by September 3.

In an important breakthrough in the aviation sector, Japan will allot 20 additional slots for Indian carriers at Narita international Airport in Tokyo by 2010. This will result in the Indian airlines operating up to 28 services to Tokyo every week from 4 at present.

Airlines are set to raise domestic as well as international fares following the huge hike in the prices of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) announced by India’s state-run oil companies.

Jet Airways, based in Mumbai, India, has launched daily direct flight to Abu Dhabi from Mumbai and Delhi.

Jet Airways’ JetPrivilege, the largest frequent flyer program in India, has joined All Nippon Airways, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, in a frequent-flyer partnership.