Aviation

Hajj Step By Step Guide – Application process and cost from India

The Hajj pilgrimage is a significant religious journey undertaken by millions of Muslims around the world.

Each year, Muslims from India eagerly anticipate the opportunity to embark the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. As Hajj 2024 approaches, prospective pilgrims from India are seeking up-to-date information about flight schedules and essential updates to plan their pilgrimage effectively.

Application Process for Hajj 2024

Prospective pilgrims can apply for Hajj 2024 registration by following these steps:

Registration Fee and Application Submission: The registration fee for Hajj 2024 is set at Rs 300 for Indian Muslim citizens. Applications can be submitted electronically via the Haj Committee of India website at hajcommittee.gov.in or through Haj Suvidha.

Application Form Completion: Complete the electronic application form by providing essential details such as name, Aadhar card information, and other necessary particulars. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Document Submission: After registration, upload all required documents including visa, passport, passport-sized photograph, proof of Indian residency, and a copy of the bank passbook.

Final Submission: Review all entered information and documents thoroughly before selecting “Final Submit.” Keep the 2024 Hajj Application Form safe for future reference.

Saudi Arabia Visa Guide for Indian Citizens: Navigating Umrah and Hajj Journey:Read more

The State Haj Committee has decided to send the greatest number of pilgrims from Kerala this year, 10,430 from Karipur, 4,273 from Kochi, and 3,135 from Kannur. Additionally, 45 pilgrims will travel by way of the State Haj Committee from Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai.

hajj flight schedule 2024 india

IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Saudia Airlines have been given the authority to run special flights from Indian cities to Jeddah and Medina in Saudi Arabia for Indian pilgrims who intend to complete the Hajj in 2024.

Documents Required for Hajj Application Registration in India

Valid Visa and Passport
Mobile Number and Email ID
Recent Passport Size Photo of the Applicant
Indian Residency Proof (ID Cards)
Copy of Bank Passbook

Costs for Hajj Application

The Hajj Package for 2024 costs INR 399,500 as per the Hajj Committee of India (HCI). Private travel operators may charge approximately INR 600 more than government rates. comac c919 vs boeing 737 price

Additional package options ranging from INR 3.5 lakh to 4 lakh are available on the official website of the Hajj Committee of India (HCI).

The Ministry for Hajj & Umrah is considering offering an affordable Hajj package for domestic pilgrims in 2024. Payment can be made in full or in installments, although specific tariffs have not been disclosed yet. Domestic pilgrims are required to pay the first installment of 20% of the Hajj expenses within 72 hours of registration.

Hajj flights from India – schedules and updates:Read more

Aviation

Is China’s ARJ21 is better than E195 aircraft. Comparison of ARJ 21 vs E195-E2

The aviation industry has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, especially in the realm of regional jet aircraft.

Among these, two notable contenders stand out: the Chinese-made ARJ21 and the Embraer E195. Both aircraft have gained attention for their capabilities in the regional jet market, offering airlines versatile options for short to medium-haul routes.

In this comparison, we will delve into the key features, performance metrics, and market positioning of both aircraft to provide a comprehensive understanding of each.

The ARJ21, short for “Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century,” is a product of China’s ambition to establish itself as a key player in the global aerospace market. Developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the ARJ21 aims to cater to the growing demand for regional air travel within China and beyond. With its maiden flight in 2008 and subsequent commercial service, the ARJ21 represents China’s first foray into designing and manufacturing modern regional jet aircraft.

In contrast, the Embraer E195 is a well-established player in the regional jet market, hailing from Brazil’s Embraer, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers. The E195 is part of Embraer’s E-Jet family, renowned for its efficiency, comfort, and reliability. Since its introduction in the mid-2000s, the E195 has gained widespread acceptance among airlines worldwide, serving both regional and short-haul routes with distinction.

When comparing the China ARJ21-900 and the Embraer E195-E2, several differences emerge. The ARJ21-900 boasts a seating capacity of up to 105 passengers in a single-class configuration, whereas the E195-E2 offers a higher seating capacity, accommodating 146 passengers in a single-class layout.

In terms of dimensions, the ARJ21-900 has a length of 36.35 meters and a wingspan of 27.28 meters, whereas the E195-E2 is slightly larger, with a length of 38.66 meters and a wingspan of 28.73 meters.

Additionally, ARJ21-900 stands at a height of 8.44 meters while E195-E2 features a taller height at 10.54 meters.

Both aircraft are powered by General Electric CF34 engines, with the ARJ21-900 utilizing the CF34-10A variant generating 18,500 pounds of thrust per engine, and the E195-E2 employing the CF34-10E variant with 20,000 pounds of thrust per engine. This difference in engine thrust contributes to the E195-E2’s superior performance capabilities.

In terms of maximum takeoff weight, ARJ21-900’s has 47,182 kilograms, while the E195-E2 has a higher capacity at 52,290 kilograms, potentially enabling the E195-E2 to carry more payload over longer distances.

Service Ceiling: The ARJ21-900 boasts a slightly higher service ceiling of 11,900 meters compared to the E195-E2’s service ceiling, although precise figures for the latter are not provided.

Wing Area: ARJ21-900’s has wing area of 79.86 square meters. Whereas E195-E2 features a larger wing area of 92.53 square meters.

ARJ21-900’s has range of 1,800 nautical miles, While the E195-E2 boasts a slightly longer range of 2,300 nautical miles compared to the making it more suitable for longer routes and expanding the operational range for airlines.

The ARJ21 boasts a maximum speed of 870 km/h (470 knots), whereas the E195-E2 achieves a slightly higher maximum speed of 871 km/h (470 knots)

The ARJ21 now boasts a state-of-the-art supercritical wing crafted by the Antonov Design Bureau, featuring a sleek 25-degree sweepback along with winglets. China’s advanced supercomputers have played a pivotal role in designing various components for the ARJ21 aircraft.

Embraer targets lower fuel consumption of 16–24% and maintenance costs per seat of 15–25%. Built on the first version of the E-Jet, it features a new fly-by-wire system, new pylons, landing gear, horizontal stabilizers, cabin, cabin air system, air cycle machine, and cabin.

On January 1, 2023, the bureau formally approved the ARJ21 passenger-to-cargo design change project, signalling a significant advancement in the development of commercial jet cargo aircraft in country and a more secure step in the serialization of the ARJ21 project. ARJ21 passenger-to-cargo conversion is committed to becoming the main model in the regional air cargo market.

The E195-E2 was successfully tested on 100% SAF in June 2022, demonstrating that the E-Jets E2 series can fly with blends up to 100% SAF without sacrificing performance or safety. Compared to earlier generations of aircraft, the E2 emits 25% lower CO2 emissions now; with SAF, this reduction can reach 85%.