Indian

CAPA India Outlook 2012/13: Critical uncertainty prevails. Possible Air India shutdown

Indian aviation is facing its most uncertain phase in more than a decade. After reporting an estimated record loss of just over USD2 billion[1] in the 12 months ended 31-Mar-2012, India’s airlines are facing an equally challenging year ahead. Weak balance sheets, increasing costs, regulatory uncertainty, a sluggish Indian economy and a difficult global environment will continue to pile the pressure on airlines, especially the poorer performing carriers. However, this may in turn create market opportunities to exploit for those that are better positioned. Some of the key highlights of the CAPA India Outlook 2012/13, to be released on 31-May-2012, include:

- Indian domestic capacity growth of 7-8% in FY2012/13, traffic to grow 8-10%

- India’s airlines expected to post a combined loss of USD1.3-1.4 billion

- Jet Airways to prosper; major aircraft order expected

- Kingfisher Airlines revival dependent on foreign airline investment

Air India still in Star Alliance holding pattern. Future uncertain

Star Alliance yesterday announced that its members had decided to “put Air India’s alliance membership application on hold”. The beleaguered carrier had been given until 31-Jul-2011 to demonstrate its suitability for membership.

Airports in north-east Japan affected by earthquake and tsunami: Airline responses - UPDATE 1

Several airports in north-east Japan have been affected by Friday’s devastating earthquake and tsunamis. None more so than Sendai Airport, which was flooded when the tsunami struck, and remains closed. Major gateways including Tokyo Narita and Haneda resumed normal operations on Saturday.

Government considers Air India equity infusion as losses continue to flow, debt remains high

Air India, India’s state-owned national carrier, is continuing to struggle to cope with continued and significant losses and accumulated high debt levels as it seeks another government equity infusion. Air India is facing pressure to turn around its operations not only from within but from Star Alliance, with formal entry into the alliance dependent on achieving certain membership requirements which Air India has been slow to meet.

Why don't women run airlines?

IT WAS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY on the 8th of March, 2010, and the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation proudly “acknowledged” flag carrier Air India’s historic flight between Mumbai and New York JFK. It was unique that day in that flight AI-141 operated with an all-female flight crew on the B777-200LR. There was no Air India man in sight. It was different at head office.

(This report, the first in a series of four, is taken from the Oct-2010 edition of Airline Leader.)