Airlines

Emirates Ends 28-Year Singapore-Melbourne Fifth Freedom Route

Emirates is set to terminate its EK404/405 service between Melbourne and Singapore, marking the end of a route that has been operational since 1996.

The daily flights, which use Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, were briefly suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2023. Emirates has yet to announce a final end date for this service, pending a final assessment from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS).

Despite this change, emirates airlines will continue to serve Melbourne with its daily flights to Dubai. The airline will maintain its extensive connectivity with Dubai, including four daily flights between Singapore and Dubai, and two daily non-stop flights between Melbourne and Dubai.

Passengers traveling between Singapore and Melbourne will still have options through Emirates’ codeshare partnership with Qantas, which offers twice-daily flights on this route. This arrangement allows Emirates to continue offering seats on Qantas-operated flights, ensuring that travelers have alternative options.

As noted by The Straits Times, Singapore Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary Scoot dominate the Melbourne-Singapore route, collectively holding approximately 57% of the market, emirates skywards while Emirates accounts for about 11%.

Emirates has stated that once the termination date is confirmed, it will communicate the changes to affected passengers and provide alternative travel arrangements.

Airlines

IndiGo Partners with Marigold Aviation to Elevate Cadet Pilot Training

In a significant move for aviation in India, indigo, the country’s leading airline, has announced a new partnership with Marigold Aviation for its esteemed Cadet Pilot Program.

This collaboration marks IndiGo’s ninth alliance within the program, further emphasizing its dedication to developing the next generation of pilots and supporting its ambitious growth strategy.

About Marigold Aviation

Marigold Aviation is renowned for its top-tier commercial airline flight training facilities, backed by a team of aviation and flight training experts. Their wealth of expertise allows them to offer a uniquely tailored indigo cadet Pilot Program that upholds the highest standards of quality and safety.

The program guides aspiring pilots through essential stages, including preparation for the DGCA exams, acquiring the Commercial Pilot License Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (CPL-MEIR), and achieving Airbus A320 type rating.

Program Structure

The IndiGo-Marigold Aviation Cadet Pilot Program spans 21 months and is divided into three comprehensive phases:

Phase 1 (15 months):
- Ground School,
- DGCA & Commercial Pilot License Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (CPL-MEIR) Training, and
- Licensing at Marigold Aviation’s world-class facilities.
Phase 2 (4 months):
- Foreign License Conversion.
Phase 3 (2 months):
- Airbus A320 Type Rating.

To help aspiring pilots better understand the program, indigo airlines and Marigold Aviation will host a series of informational seminars in key cities across India, including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, in November. These roadshows will provide detailed insights into the program’s structure, financing options, and career opportunities available through IndiGo’s Cadet Pilot Program.

Commitment to Future Aviators

This partnership signifies indigo atr ongoing commitment to shaping the future of aviation in India by offering a clear and supportive pathway for the country’s next generation of pilots. By expanding its cadet pilot programme indigo, aims to ensure that aspiring aviators are well-prepared for successful careers in aviation, thus contributing to the growth of the industry as a whole.