Aviation
Qatar Airways and IndiGo Sign Codeshare Agreement

Agreement is the first step in strengthening cooperation between the ‘World’s Best Airline’ and the ‘Best Low-Cost Airline in India’
Qatar Airways will place its code on IndiGo flights between Doha and Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways is pleased to announce it has signed a codeshare agreement with IndiGo, India’s largest passenger airline. Sales will start from today with the first codeshare flights to operate from 18 December 2019.
This agreement will enable the airline to place its code on IndiGo flights between Doha and Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad and is the first step in strengthening cooperation between the ‘World’s Best Airline’ and the ‘Best Low-Cost Airline in India’.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are extremely proud to secure this strategic partnership with IndiGo, the largest airline in one of the world’s fastest growing aviation markets. We believe this agreement will be just the first step in strengthening our relationship and we very much look forward to working together to harness our complementary strengths and resources to enhance the travel experience for our passengers around the world.”
IndiGo Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ronojoy Dutta, said: “This is a momentous occasion for us, as we sign this codeshare agreement with one of the finest airlines in the world. This strategic alliance will not only strengthen our international operations, but also boost economic growth in India, by bringing in more traffic and heralding opportunities for trade and tourism through seamless mobility. We are confident of a successful partnership as we extend our signature on-time, courteous and hassle-free service experience to the passengers of Qatar Airways. These are exciting times for the aviation industry and it is our commitment to remain focused in building one of the best air transportation systems in the world.”
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Qatar Airways currently operates 102 weekly flights between Doha and 13 destinations in India, including Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Mumbai, Nagpur and Thiruvananthapuram.
The airline’s cargo division, Qatar Airways Cargo, currently operates a total of 28 weekly freighters to seven destinations in India. The top three cargo destinations in India are Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad.
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ by the 2019 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best Business Class’, and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite.
The World’s Top 10 Airlines of 2021 : Skytrax
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of more than 250 aircraft via its hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), to more than 160 destinations worldwide. The world’s fastest-growing airline has added a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network this year, including Rabat, Morocco; Izmir, Turkey; Malta; Davao, Philippines; Lisbon, Portugal; Mogadishu, Somalia; and Langkawi, Malaysia. The airline will add Gaborone, Botswana, in 2019 to its extensive route network along with Luanda, Angola; and Osaka, Japan, in 2020.
IndiGo is India’s largest passenger airline with a domestic market share of 47% as of August 2019 and is amongst the fastest growing carriers in the world. IndiGo has a simple philosophy: offer low fares and an on-time, courteous, hassle-free service. With its fleet of over 240 aircraft, the airline offers almost 1,500 daily flights and connects 60 domestic destinations and 23 international destinations.
Aerospace
How airlines set ticket prices and how to find cheap flights?

Here are some of the most important factors that airlines consider when setting ticket prices:
To find cheap flights, there are several strategies you can use:
- Be flexible with your travel dates: By being flexible with your travel dates, you can often find better deals as prices can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of year, and other factors.
- Book in advance: Booking your flight well in advance can often result in better prices, as airlines will typically offer lower prices for tickets booked further in advance.
- Look for deals and discounts: Airlines will often offer special deals and discounts on flights, so it’s worth checking their websites and signing up for their newsletters to stay informed.
- Use flight search engines: Flight search engines like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights can help you find the cheapest flights available by comparing prices across multiple airlines and dates.
- Consider alternative airports: Flying into or out of smaller airports can often be cheaper than larger airports, so it’s worth considering alternative airports if they are within a reasonable distance.
Aviation
Airbus achieves in-flight autonomous guidance and control of a drone from a tanker aircraft

Airbus Defence and Space and the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Airbus UpNext, have achieved in-flight autonomous guidance and control of a drone using an A310 MRTT.
In a first step towards Autonomous Formation Flight and Autonomous Air-to-Air refueling (A4R), the technologies demonstrate a significant breakthrough for future aerial operations involving manned and unmanned assets. These cutting-edge, ‘Made in Europe’ solutions could reduce crew fatigue and the potential for human error, as well as minimize crew-training costs and provide more effective operations.
Russia seeks car and aircraft parts from India.(Opens in a new browser tab)
Over the waters of the Gulf of Cadiz, the control of the drone transitioned from a ground station to the A310 MRTT, autonomously guiding the DT-25 to the in-flight refueling position.
During almost six hours of flight test, the four successively launched receivers were sequentially controlled and commanded thanks to artificial intelligence and cooperative control algorithms, without human interaction. The different receivers were controlled and guided until a minimum distance of 150 feet (around 45 metres) from the A310 MRTT.
Auto’Mate Demonstrator technology focuses on three pillars:
- Accurate Relative Navigation to precisely ascertain the relative position, speed and attitudes between the tanker and the receiver;
- Intra-Flight Communication between platforms allows information exchange among the different assets, increasing the autonomy of the system of systems;
- Cooperative Control Algorithms to provide guidance, coordination, consensus and collision-avoidance functionalities to the tanker and the receiver/s.
These pioneering technologies, developed by a European team from Spain, Germany and France, will continue to increase the capability gap among competitors, as well as being re-used in key technological projects, such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
A second campaign is expected towards the end of 2023, exploring the use of navigation sensors based on artificial intelligence and enhanced algorithms for autonomous formation flight. In addition, there will also be two simulated drones flying in the vicinity of the A310 MRTT to demonstrate multi-receiver autonomous operations and collision-avoidance algorithms.
Airlines
Emirates restores Dubai-Sydney-Christchurch daily service on Airbus A380

Emirates’ flagship A380 made a landmark touchdown at Christchurch Airport today, marking the resumption of its daily service from Dubai to Christchurch via Sydney after more than three years.
The special service was greeted by a crowd of spectators at the Christchurch Airport boundary, who watched as the iconic aircraft taxied through a ceremonial water canon salute, before parking in view of trade, media, and VIP guests at the international terminal.
Outbound EK412 left Dubai at 10:15 local time, stopping briefly in Sydney before arriving in Christchurch at 13:55 hours the next day, New Zealand time. The resumption of the Dubai to Christchurch route headlines a planned ramping up of seating capacity across Emirates’ global network, after boosting operations 31% (total ASKMs) since the beginning of its financial year. This operational boost included the re-introduction of Emirates’ nonstop A380 route from Auckland to Dubai in December of last year.
Emirates’ A380 return to Christchurch is also welcome news for South Island producers, with SkyCargo again supporting the export of 15 to 18 tonnes of daily goods across the Tasman. The airfreight will provided much-needed airfreight from a broad range of exporters, including Central Otago cherries, prime New Zealand lamb, and premium seafood, as they continue on to destinations around the world.
Both North and South Island customers will now have direct access to daily Emirates A380 services, providing greater levels of flexibility and choice when making travel plans and providing seamless connectivity and reduced transit time when travelling to other destinations across the airline’s global network, including destinations in Europe and the Middle East. Travellers looking to venture beyond the airline’s gateways will also have more connection opportunities to 55 cities across Australia and New Zealand through Emirates’ long-standing partnership with Qantas.
Restart of Christchurch via Sydney
The A380 flight operates as EK 412 and EK 413. Emirates flight EK 412 departs Dubai at 1015hrs, arriving in Sydney at 0700hrs. The flight will then continue, taking off from Sydney at 0845hrs, arriving in Christchurch at 1355hrs. EK 413 will then depart Christchurch at 1820hrs, arriving in Sydney at 1940hrs. The final leg of EK 413 will depart to Dubai at 2145hrs, arriving at 0515hrs local time.
Customers in Christchurch will not only be able to enjoy the airline’s flagship aircraft, but will also experience the debut of the highly sought-after Premium Economy cabin and latest products across every class of travel.
Airlines
Is this Air India’s shortest narrowbody route in India?

A direct service between Pune and Mumbai is planned to be introduced by Air India. The service will launch six times a week as of March 26. The 9:45 a.m. flight by Air India will arrive in Pune at 10:45 a.m. Around 11:20 am, the return flight will leave, and at 12:20 pm, it will touch down in Mumbai. In actuality, this is the first direct flight that is now offered between the two cosmopolitan cities. Jet Airways used to run a flight in the past, but it stopped in 2019.
Vistara Launches Non-Stop Flight From Pune To Singapore(Opens in a new browser tab)
During the voyage, an Airbus A319 will operate on the airline’s revived 9W route, according to the Air India website. This is the smallest aircraft in the carrier’s fleet. For individuals going between Mumbai and Pune, the road would provide another option other than trains, buses and private vehicles.
Connecting flights do travel between Mumbai and Pune. Nonetheless, it takes longer than four hours to get there. For the Air India flight from Mumbai to Pune, ticket sales have already begun. For more information on ticket prices, users can go to the Air India website. Business class tickets cost about Rs 18,467 each seat while economy tickets cost about Rs 2,353 per seat. According to reports, the Mumbai-Pune route will be the nation’s shortest narrowbody route.
The airlines will also begin eight additional weekly flights on Sunday: three flights each from Mumbai and Delhi to Bangkok, as well as weekly flights from Delhi to Hong Kong and Seoul (Incheon). With this, the carrier’s total number of flights to East Asia will reach 67.
Airlines
Etihad Airways returns to East India with daily flights to Kolkata

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, last night touched down in Kolkata as the airline made its much-anticipated return to the city. With a total of seven weekly nonstop services, the airline will once again connect India’s financial capital, Kolkata, with the world through Abu Dhabi.
The first flight on the new service, EY256, departed Abu Dhabi with a full load of passengers at 1:50pm local time on 26 March and touched down at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport last night at 8:10pm local time. Upon arrival in Kolkata, passengers were welcomed with a cake-cutting ceremony and a celebration attended by Etihad and Kolkata Airport Executives.
The return flight, EY257, departed Kolkata at 9:05 pm local time on 26 March, landing in Abu Dhabi shortly after midnight. The flights will be operated with an Airbus A320 aircraft, offering Etihad’s award-winning service to guests in 8 seats in Business Class and 150 in Economy, convenient flight timings to the UAE’s capital city and seamless connections to destinations across the airline’s growing global network of 67 destinations.
Etihad Airways adds flights to Shanghai to its route network(Opens in a new browser tab)
Etihad passengers flying from Kolkata to the United States can benefit from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Abu Dhabi International Airport, the only US immigration preclearance service in the region that allows passengers to clear US immigration while they are still in Abu Dhabi, meaning travellers can get home quicker and easier.
Flight schedule for Abu Dhabi – Kolkata service, effective 26 March 2023:
Flight | Departing | Time | Arriving | Time | Aircraft | Days |
EY258 | Abu Dhabi | 21:10 | Kolkata | 03:30 (+1) | A320 | Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat |
EY259 | Kolkata | 04:35 | Abu Dhabi | 08:15 | A320 | Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun |
EY 256 | Abu Dhabi | 13:50 | Kolkata | 20:10 | A320 | Tue, Fri, Sun |
EY 257 | Kolkata | 21:15 | Abu Dhabi | 00:55 (+1) | A320 | Tue, Fri, Sun |
Aerospace
GE eyes multi-billion dollar engine deal with India for fighter jet programs

While the design of the aircraft manufacturing is rapidly progressing under the AMCA and TEDBF project. Now, the engine manufacturer is promising to provide HAL with the technology. In order to participate in the Indian future fighter lead design manufacture, GE is now prepared to express its interest.
General Electric (GE), a major American aerospace engine manufacturer, has submitted an application to the Pentagon asking for permission to jointly produce and share engine technology with India. The Pentagon has brought up the matter with the appropriate authorities, and the proposal is moving quickly as a result of the urgency displayed by GE, which is eager to expand its business in India with a multi-billion dollar engine deal for Indian fighter jet programs.
A military turbofan engine built by General Electric Aviation is known as the GE F114. Current applications include the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and other military aircraft. It was initially created for the F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft.
The modular design of the F114 engine makes maintenance and repair simple. It is able to travel at supersonic speeds and has a maximum thrust of about 29,000 pounds. Additionally, the engine is equipped with cutting-edge technologies like an afterburner for improved performance and a digital engine control system.
Overall, the GE F114 engine is a strong and dependable engine that has been instrumental in the development of numerous military aircraft.
For the Indian Navy’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) fifth-generation fighter programs, GE has requested authorization to jointly build a 110kn engine based on its F414 engine.
For the 4.5+ Gen Tejas MkII fighter program in India, GE intends to jointly produce a baseline F414 engine that generates a 98kN class of thrust. Moreover, GE wants to create an upgrade core that can provide 110-120kN Class of thrust for the AMCA and TEDBF Program.
For each fighter program over its life cycle, GE estimates a massive deal for 400 engines from India alone, with up to 1000 engines being produced locally in India. Due to the Tejas Mk1A program, GE has an advantage over its rivals in India. GE is eager to fend off offers from Safran and Rolls-Royce by providing engines that are not only economical but also include Transfer of Technology (ToT) for domestic production.
Airlines
Travel the World with Etihad’s Sale Fares Starting from AED 995

Etihad Airways is launching an Early Summer sale with exclusive offers to help guests plan a quick escape before the summer. guests can book their flights at special sale fares to select Etihad destinations until 31 March 2023, and travel between 1 May and 15 June 2023.
Etihad Airways adds flights to Shanghai to its route network(Opens in a new browser tab)
Guests can choose from select Etihad sale destinations with fares starting from AED 995 for a return fare.
- Head to Cairo from AED 1,195 and take in the ancient sites and one of the seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Khufu at the Pyramids of Giza. While in Egypt, take a cruise on the Nile, the world’s longest river, or visit the Red Sea, home to colorful reefs and beautiful marine life.
- Explore the history, architecture and art in one of the world’s most popular cities when you fly to Paris for AED 2,595. Visit the Eiffel Tower, take a cruise along the Seine, or check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s original counterpart Louvre Paris and see the famed Mona Lisa. Watch the Parisiens go by as you relax with un café at the bustling pavement cafes and enjoy the city’s famed gastronomy at a lovely French Bistrot.
- Visit the UK’s bustling capital, London from AED 2,795 to take in the parks, museums, and historical sites, or shop until you drop in the beautiful streets of the majestic city. Take advantage of the nightlife in the famous ‘West End theatre district or dine in cosy eateries or Michelin-starred restaurants
- If you’re looking for tropical beaches, surfing spots, or scuba diving adventures then try the Philippines. Fly to Manila from AED 2,395 and explore the food, art scene and the world’s oldest Chinatown in the city known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, or venture further to visit the islands’ beaches and indulge in breathtaking landscapes and turquoise waters.
- Fly to the beautiful Garden City of Singapore from AED 2,495 and dine on top of the Marina Bay Sands, take in the botanical gardens or the Gardens by the Bay. Visit the famed Raffles Hotel and marvel at the iconic architecture all around the city.
- Starting tomorrow, Etihad will also relaunch daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata, providing a total of seven non-stop services per week to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. To celebrate the relaunch, sale fares to Kolkata start at just AED 995 in Economy. Uniquely cosmopolitan, Kolkata – often referred to as the cultural capital of India – is home to exceptional architecture and dynamic markets.
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