Aerospace
These are the top 20 airlines in the world for 2022
The well-known airline survey website airlineratining.com has announced the world’s best airlines today. After COVID’s first airline survey, the company made an important announcement in which it analyzed the various factors of the airline that have led to them holding the best position in the world due to their innovative products, passenger services, connecting routes, and, most importantly, safety factors.
Qatar has retained its top ranks in recent years. Air New Zealand has dropped to second place, with Etihad Airways in third place. For the first time, JetBlue is ranked among the top 20 airlines in the world. The majority of Asian and Middle Eastern airlines are mentioned in the top 20.
Qatar Airways was also named Best Business Class. “The airline’s Qsuite offers a first-class experience in business class,” Mr Thomas said. “Our judges rated it as the greatest overall business-class product they had seen.”
Air New Zealand took second place in the Top Twenty Airlines rankings, Best Airline in the Pacific, Best Premium Economy, and Best Economy in the AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards.
“Air New Zealand punches far above its weight,” said Mr Thomas. “Over the last 15 years, it has set the benchmark for airline excellence in so many areas.” Its Premium Economy is simply outstanding, setting the industry standard and providing the best value in the sky.”
In addition, the airline has recently launched a massive makeover and new items that will be introduced in 2024.
Singapore Airlines was named Best First Class and Best Lounges for its innovative Suites product.
The six Suites in this beautiful cabin at the front of the upper deck of the airline’s flagship Airbus A380s are the size of modest hotel rooms.
Virgin Australia was named Best Cabin Crew, while Emirates was named Best In-Flight Entertainment.
This year, several new award categories were established, with winners including Etihad Airways for Best Environmental Airline, Korean Air for Best Cargo Airline, and Vietjet for Best Value Airline.
Qantas link was named Best Regional Airline for its remarkable service in Australia’s remote outback.
JetBlue (Americas), Turkish Airlines (Europe), Qatar Airways (Middle East/Africa), Korean Air (Asia), and Air New Zealand received awards for long-haul excellence (Pacific).
Southwest Airlines (Americas), easyJet (Europe), Jetstar (Asia/Pacific), and Fly Dubai are the best low-cost airlines (Middle-East).
Top Twenty Airlines 2022
AirlineRatings.com also named its Best of the Best:
- Qatar Airways,
- Air New Zealand,
- Etihad Airways,
- Korean Air,
- Singapore Airlines,
- Qantas,
- Virgin Australia,
- EVA Air,
- Turkish Airlines,
- All Nippon Airways,
- Cathay Pacific Airways,
- Virgin Atlantic,
- Japan Air Lines,
- JetBlue,
- Finnair,
- Emirates,
- Hawaiian,
- Air France/KLM,
- Alaska Airlines
- British Airways.
Aerospace
India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN
India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.
Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.
For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.
Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.
FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.
Aerospace
Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.
C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders
COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.
Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.
During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.
He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.
Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.
Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements
The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.
Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.
In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.
Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.
Aerospace
Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India
InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.
Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.
This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.
At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.
Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.
Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).