Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The fact that they were organizing the first-ever airshow was evident as officials from various departments at the Begumpet airport were seen struggling with the last minute logistics and tying up loose ends on the eve of the India Aviation 2008.
Take for instance, the coordination between the pilots and the ATC (air traffic control ). Many pilots rued they did not get even frequencies to start with. Mind you, this happened on the ground.
Unlike a routine airport operation, an air show is a maze of complexity. Reason: many of the participating companies also do demonstration flights for potential customers. For this, they have to file their flight plans at a very short notice. In some cases, it is as short as an hour.
The ATC, which is otherwise used to a more systematic functioning, is grappling with the demanding pilots. This, many unfamiliar with back end of flying would not comprehend.
All this came out on Tuesday's pilot briefing with the pilots of various nationalities wanting to know the procedure for filing flight plans. Finally, an Air India official said they could file flight plans with them, and they would facilitate clearing of the same with the ATC.
There was also a demand for time slots by pilots. To this too, the ATC officials assured them that they would provide the time slots to everyone's satisfaction.
"This is quite a challenge as we are responsible to handle air traffic at two parallel airports at Begumpet and Shamshabad. Also, we have to take extreme care keeping in mind that aircraft are coming from all over the world," explained Orit Stephan Ekka, joint general manager, ATC.
15/10/08 Satya Naagesh Ayyagary/Times of India
Take for instance, the coordination between the pilots and the ATC (air traffic control ). Many pilots rued they did not get even frequencies to start with. Mind you, this happened on the ground.
Unlike a routine airport operation, an air show is a maze of complexity. Reason: many of the participating companies also do demonstration flights for potential customers. For this, they have to file their flight plans at a very short notice. In some cases, it is as short as an hour.
The ATC, which is otherwise used to a more systematic functioning, is grappling with the demanding pilots. This, many unfamiliar with back end of flying would not comprehend.
All this came out on Tuesday's pilot briefing with the pilots of various nationalities wanting to know the procedure for filing flight plans. Finally, an Air India official said they could file flight plans with them, and they would facilitate clearing of the same with the ATC.
There was also a demand for time slots by pilots. To this too, the ATC officials assured them that they would provide the time slots to everyone's satisfaction.
"This is quite a challenge as we are responsible to handle air traffic at two parallel airports at Begumpet and Shamshabad. Also, we have to take extreme care keeping in mind that aircraft are coming from all over the world," explained Orit Stephan Ekka, joint general manager, ATC.
15/10/08 Satya Naagesh Ayyagary/Times of India
Labels: General
To read the news in full | PermaLink
Hyderabad: Even as one gets into the driveway of Begumpet airport, the venue for India Aviation 2008, the last minute frenetic activity is evident: metal frames being welded, screens being erected and the noise of electric saws echoing in what used to be the departure and arrival halls of the airport that was closed for commercial operations in March.
But even in its heydays, the airport did not see so many aircraft and that also of several hues as on the eve of the maiden air show that kickstarts onWednesday morning. Many more are expected to land late in the night. By Tuesday afternoon, ALH, Citation CJ2, Global Express, Eurocopter 145, Hawker 850 XP, Falcon 900 EX, Hansa, Bell Helicopter 412 and IL-114 had already touched down at the airport.
The area behind the terminal building nearer the apron was abuzz with activity with trolleys carrying pallets as a Pawan Hans helicopter was taxing after landing. The pavilions of most of the 150 participants like Bell, Eurocopter, Air India, and engine makers like Rolls Royce and IAE were getting finishing touches.
Interestingly, at the Eurocopter pavilion the person in-charge began excitedly describing the features of the aircraft. Soon realizing that it was a group of journalists that were enquiring, he retreated saying, "we will issue a detailed press release later."
In the afternoon, an Air India Boeing 777 ER-300 christened Himachal Pradesh landed from Mumbai and the journalists were given a quick tour of the swanky aircraft which looked factory-fresh even as Air India officials went gaga about it.
Meanwhile, FICCI officials said all preparations would be ready on time for the show. While the show is meant only for business visitors who are invited, other business visitors (above 18 years) can also visit the show by purchasing an entry ticket priced at Rs 500. Saturday, the 18th, the last day of the show will be open to public and the entry ticket is priced at Rs 150 per person.
15/10/08 Times of India
But even in its heydays, the airport did not see so many aircraft and that also of several hues as on the eve of the maiden air show that kickstarts onWednesday morning. Many more are expected to land late in the night. By Tuesday afternoon, ALH, Citation CJ2, Global Express, Eurocopter 145, Hawker 850 XP, Falcon 900 EX, Hansa, Bell Helicopter 412 and IL-114 had already touched down at the airport.
The area behind the terminal building nearer the apron was abuzz with activity with trolleys carrying pallets as a Pawan Hans helicopter was taxing after landing. The pavilions of most of the 150 participants like Bell, Eurocopter, Air India, and engine makers like Rolls Royce and IAE were getting finishing touches.
Interestingly, at the Eurocopter pavilion the person in-charge began excitedly describing the features of the aircraft. Soon realizing that it was a group of journalists that were enquiring, he retreated saying, "we will issue a detailed press release later."
In the afternoon, an Air India Boeing 777 ER-300 christened Himachal Pradesh landed from Mumbai and the journalists were given a quick tour of the swanky aircraft which looked factory-fresh even as Air India officials went gaga about it.
Meanwhile, FICCI officials said all preparations would be ready on time for the show. While the show is meant only for business visitors who are invited, other business visitors (above 18 years) can also visit the show by purchasing an entry ticket priced at Rs 500. Saturday, the 18th, the last day of the show will be open to public and the entry ticket is priced at Rs 150 per person.
15/10/08 Times of India
Labels: General
To read the news in full | PermaLink
Hyderabad: And as the country's leading private airlines fight to survive the crisis, India's first ever international exhibition and conference on civil aviation -- "India Aviation 2008" -- is set to kick off in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
All the top CEOs of Aviation are meeting this morning to thrash out issues plaguing the industry, like high cost of aviation fuel, falling passenger demand, high taxes, too much competition making fares uneconomical.
Private airlines are likely to reiterate their demand for a one billion dollar bailout package from the government to counter slowing passenger traffic, rising costs and an industry-wide liquidity crunch.
Among their demands are a cut in taxes on aviation fuel, reduction or withdrawal of duty on spare parts for aircraft maintenance, a 50 per cent reduction in airport landing, route and terminal navigation charges for 24 months for domestic operations and a freeze on increase in airport service charges.
15/10/08 NDTV.com
All the top CEOs of Aviation are meeting this morning to thrash out issues plaguing the industry, like high cost of aviation fuel, falling passenger demand, high taxes, too much competition making fares uneconomical.
Private airlines are likely to reiterate their demand for a one billion dollar bailout package from the government to counter slowing passenger traffic, rising costs and an industry-wide liquidity crunch.
Among their demands are a cut in taxes on aviation fuel, reduction or withdrawal of duty on spare parts for aircraft maintenance, a 50 per cent reduction in airport landing, route and terminal navigation charges for 24 months for domestic operations and a freeze on increase in airport service charges.
15/10/08 NDTV.com
Labels: General
To read the news in full | PermaLink
Hyderabad: The first-ever four-day civil aviation exhibition and conference, 'India Aviation-2008,' jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Federation of Indian Chambers and Industry (FICCI), is all set for inauguration at the old Begumpet Airport here on Wednesday.
With participation from more than 200 exhibitors from leading aviation and allied industries from around the world, the old Begumpet Airport is once again buzz with activities.
Participants are giving final touches to their stalls and the day also saw landing of aircrafts and helicopters including Boeing-777.
Aircraft including ALH, Citation CJ2, Global Express, Eurocopter 145, Hawker 850 XP, Falcon 900 EX, HANSA, Bell Helicopter 412 have already landed and others like Learjet 60 XR, Challenger 605, CRJ 900 among others are expected to arrive during the course of the day, officials said.
The four-day event, to be held from October 15-18, is the first international exhibition of its kind in India on the civil aviation sector, and will be inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, said Ministry of Civil Aviation Joint Secretary Arun Mishra. It will be preceded by a spectacular fly-past by Surya Kirans of the Indian Air Force, while Aero Club of India will have a display of para-sailing, para-jumping and hot-air balloning, he told reporters.
15/10/08 PTI/The Hindu
With participation from more than 200 exhibitors from leading aviation and allied industries from around the world, the old Begumpet Airport is once again buzz with activities.
Participants are giving final touches to their stalls and the day also saw landing of aircrafts and helicopters including Boeing-777.
Aircraft including ALH, Citation CJ2, Global Express, Eurocopter 145, Hawker 850 XP, Falcon 900 EX, HANSA, Bell Helicopter 412 have already landed and others like Learjet 60 XR, Challenger 605, CRJ 900 among others are expected to arrive during the course of the day, officials said.
The four-day event, to be held from October 15-18, is the first international exhibition of its kind in India on the civil aviation sector, and will be inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, said Ministry of Civil Aviation Joint Secretary Arun Mishra. It will be preceded by a spectacular fly-past by Surya Kirans of the Indian Air Force, while Aero Club of India will have a display of para-sailing, para-jumping and hot-air balloning, he told reporters.
15/10/08 PTI/The Hindu
Labels: General
To read the news in full | PermaLink
Hyderabad: The abandoned airport at Begumpet in Hyderabad has come to life once again with hundreds of representatives of the aviation sector descending there to participate in India Aviation 2008, the first ever civil aviation jamboree in the country.
Jointly organised by the ministry of civil aviation and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), the four-day event is expected to set the agenda for the domestic aviation sector - at least for the immediate future. Though how many business transactions will be sealed at the event is anybody’s guess, the country’s aviation industry representatives will benefit from their interactions with the who’s who of the global aviation market, feel organisers.
The event kicks off on October 15 and the first three days will be exclusively for business visitors. The last day, October 18, is an open day for the general public to see the aircraft on display. The partner country for the event is the United States.
India’s aviation minister Praful Patel will formally flag the event off on October 15 and the Surya Kiran fleet of the Indian Air Force will perform a fly-past. Other show-of-skill performances such as parasailing, parajumping and hot air-balloons are also part of the inaugural event.
On October 15, an Airbus A-319 will arrive from Germany and Raghu Menon, the chairman and managing director of Air India, will take possession of the aircraft, which will be inducted into the state-owned carrier’s fleet. The arrival of the largest passenger aircraft in the world, Airbus A-380, from France is scheduled for October 16. The aircraft, which is large enough to cover three-fourth of a football ground, will be on static display for one day.
15/10/08 K V Ramana/Daily News & Analysis
Jointly organised by the ministry of civil aviation and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), the four-day event is expected to set the agenda for the domestic aviation sector - at least for the immediate future. Though how many business transactions will be sealed at the event is anybody’s guess, the country’s aviation industry representatives will benefit from their interactions with the who’s who of the global aviation market, feel organisers.
The event kicks off on October 15 and the first three days will be exclusively for business visitors. The last day, October 18, is an open day for the general public to see the aircraft on display. The partner country for the event is the United States.
India’s aviation minister Praful Patel will formally flag the event off on October 15 and the Surya Kiran fleet of the Indian Air Force will perform a fly-past. Other show-of-skill performances such as parasailing, parajumping and hot air-balloons are also part of the inaugural event.
On October 15, an Airbus A-319 will arrive from Germany and Raghu Menon, the chairman and managing director of Air India, will take possession of the aircraft, which will be inducted into the state-owned carrier’s fleet. The arrival of the largest passenger aircraft in the world, Airbus A-380, from France is scheduled for October 16. The aircraft, which is large enough to cover three-fourth of a football ground, will be on static display for one day.
15/10/08 K V Ramana/Daily News & Analysis
Labels: General
To read the news in full | PermaLink
