Cruising Heights Magazine - November 2023

In this issue

The cover story in November edition of Cruising Heights focuses on the exciting makeover of Air India Express and its merger with Air Asia India and have the low-cost arm of Air India is finally ready to fly. We also take a look at the three new routes that Malaysia airlines will launch from India later this month and how the subcontinent is a key market for them. Both Boeing and Airbus are working overtime to get there to get their long-awaited 737–700 and the A350–1000 certified. An update on the process. We also have a detailed look at the Jet Airways saga, and whether the airline will ever revive. All this plus all our regular features in a news filled November issue

Foundation stone laid for Ambala Cantonment airport

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar recently inaugurated the foundation stone laying ceremony for a domestic airport in Ambala Cantonment, emphasising its potential to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth. This civil enclave, designated under the UDAN scheme, will occupy 20 acres adjacent to the Air Force Station.

2 mins

Mumbai International Airport continues to grow

CSMIA's passenger traffic surges to 12.7 million in Q3. In Q3 2023, CSMIA recorded passenger traffic of over 12.7 million, marking a growth of 33 per cent compared to Q3 2022 (9.6 M). CSMIA witnessed a total of 60,861 domestic ATMs and 20,438 international ATMs in this period, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of the aviation industry.

2 mins

Boeing nears type certification for 737 MAX 7; Readies 737 MAX 10 for Tests

Boeing is on the verge of securing type certification for the 737 Max 7, the compact member of its single-aisle jet family. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is anticipated to grant its approval for the aircraft sometime between November and December. Some reports even suggest that the type certification might be issued as early as November. This development paves the way for the 737-7, as it's colloquially known, to potentially enter commercial service in early 2024.

4 mins

THE AIX TANGO

With a new livery, new routes new aircraft and a merger that is almost complete, Air India Express (AIX) is on a tango that is all chutzpah and energy. Synergising with Air India, the LCC driven ably by Aloke Singh is sure to give market leader Indigo a run for its money.

10+ mins

THE SUSPENSE SURROUNDING JET AIRWAYS' REVIVAL

Will 9W ever be resuscitated? No one knows. But so far the Jet Airways story has been like a snakes and ladders game with more misses than hits

8 mins

AKBAR AL BAKER'S STORIED TENURE AT QATAR AIRWAYS ENDS

Undoubtedly the most high-profile CEO of a global airline, the hugely controversial and talented Akbar Al Baker exited from the QA on November 5. A profile of the man and his larger-than-life contribution in making it the world-class airline that it is today.

7 mins

MALAYSIA AIRLINES STRATEGIC INDIA EXPANSION

Malaysia Airlines has overcome a series of severe setbacks over the past few years and is now consolidating, growing and rationalising its fleet and its routes. India is a key market for the company and this month it will launch a record three routes to Kuala Lumpur from the South, the North and the West of India!

5 mins

A 'resurrected' Quikjet takes wing

E-commerce has given a new life to India’s fledgling dedicated cargo carrier Quikjet. The Bangalore-based carrier -- it has been around from 2007 -- has faced more downs than ups in its more than a decade-long journey. In fact, Quikjet’s history has put paid to the theory that dedicated freighter carriers have potential to do business in India. On average, in the last three decades, at least one domestic airline -- and that includes cargo carriers -- have shut shop. Among them were Aryan Cargo Express (went down in 2011), Deccan Cargo & Express Logistics Pvt Ltd (2014) and Quikjet Cargo Airlines Pvt Ltd (2017).

10 mins

Honeywell's Forecast: Steady growth in business aviation sector

Honeywell's recently released Global Business Aviation Outlook for 2023 reaffirms the prediction that business jet manufacturers are set to deliver approximately 8,500 aircraft with a combined value of nearly $300 billion over the next decade. This forecast remains consistent with the previous projection from 2022.

3 mins

Expanding routes to Maldives

In the winter of 2018, Indian Airlines experienced a renaissance of sorts. SpiceJet was recovering from the brink of bankruptcy in 2014, Go Air had just ventured into international operations, and IndiGo was growing stronger with every new addition to its fleet. It was the perfect time for airlines to seek out new destinations, and they had their sights set on the Maldives.

3 mins

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Cruising Heights Magazine Description:

CRUISING HEIGHTS is India's best known monthly aviation magazine with equal interests in air cargo, travel and tourism. In its four years of existence, Cruising Heights has received accolades from the Minister of Civil Aviation, Aviation CEOs, Airport Developers, Travel Agents Associations and others for its path-breaking stories.One of the first true aviation magazines of the country, Cruising Heights was started with the idea of supporting professionals in the airline business to make informed choices on a variety of subjects from ground handling to cargo to airport development-all of which are transforming the Indian aviation scene in mind-boggling ways. Later, due to the interest it generated and in response to demands from the travel and tourism industry stakeholders we have targeted the general reader-the educated Indian who is keen to be an informed Indian-to know what's happening in the business.