Fly to Europe, Russia in a private jet!

A private jet-service run by Lufthansa. They offer faster connectivity, your entire itinerary is coordinated by an event manager and a personal service team is available round-the-clock for assistance.

In-flight catering and entertainment are tailored to individual requirements and passengers have full access at any time to first class services laid out at the airport by Lufthansa, Swiss or Lufthansa partners.

Why are we writing about it?

They’re doing well. The number of flights handled by Lufthansa Private Jets have risen by 13 per cent in 2006. The company flies small, medium and large jets like the Raytheon Hawkers, Cessna Citations and Dassault Falcons. And, Lufthansa is also considering starting a business jet service within India in association with a private aviation company that’s similar to Lufthansa Private Jets.

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Fali Major to be new IAF chief

Air Marshal Fali H Major, Air Officer-Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, Tuesday became the first helicopter pilot to be named chief of the Indian Air Force.

Major, the seniormost Air Marshal in the IAF, will succeed Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi when he retires on March 31, according to an official announcement.

With his appointment, the government has chosen to uphold the principle of seniority and waived the tradition of only making fighter pilots the head of the world’s fourth largest air force.

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The lessons from Putin’s visit

As expected, the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Delhi went off very successfully, rejuvenating the time-tested Indo-Russian strategic partnership and adding new dimensions to it.

Among other things, Russia has agreed to initiate joint development of a fifth generation combat aircraft and a multi-role transport aircraft. Further possibilities in defence R&D cooperation are being explored.

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How do I train to be a pilot?

The job of a pilot is a highly specialised one. It requires knowledge of air navigation, interpretation of meteorological reports, operating sophisticated electronic and mechanical controls, leading the aircraft under adverse circumstances, and being a leader to the flight crew and passengers under climatic and other emergency situations.

You are responsible for the passengers, the crew and the aircraft. Hence you must have discipline, patience, responsibility, punctuality, commitment and self-confidence.

Additionally, a lot of hard work, stamina, alertness of mind, adaptability to follow difficult time schedules, and good team spirit is required. Emotional stability in crisis situations is another characteristic.

Do you have these attributes? If yes, what sort of training do you require? We list out the various options.

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Go Air to have new core team by mid-February

The Wadia Group is putting together a new core team to consolidate the operations of its airline venture, Go Air, even as its flexible fleet strategy has started paying off.

Go Air Managing Director, Mr Jeh Wadia, told Business Line that the core team will consist of Mr Mark Winders as Executive Director. Mr Winders was earlier the Chief Executive Officer of SpiceJet. The team will also have a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Commercial Officer and a Chief Operating Officer.

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Singapore Air cuts fuel surcharge

Following a decline in global oil prices, Singapore Airlines has announced a reduction in fuel surcharge. In a statement, the airline said that for tickets purchased on or after January 30, the surcharge payable by a passenger would be less than what is being charged at present.

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Global Vectra nets Rs 5 cr

Offshore helicopter company Global Vectra Helicorp, part of the UK-based Vectra group, posted a net profit at Rs 5.3 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2006.

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Oilcos to cut aviation fuel prices by 6%

In A move that could improve airline companies’ bottomlines, oil firms has decided to cut aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices by about 6% from February 1. The base price of the fuel is likely to be revised to Rs 2,091/KL, based on the average Arab Gulf price through January.

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India, France Air Force’s to Hold Military Exercises in February 2007

Indian Air Force station Kalaikunda will host ‘Ex-Garuda’, the third in the series of joint Indo-French air exercises next month, as part of the ongoing international defence cooperation.

Defence ministry sources said in Kolkata Monday that the IAF would field Sukhoi-30 MK1, Mirage-2000, MiG-27 and IL-78 (Flight Refueller) aircraft.

The French Air Force detachment will comprise Mirage-2000D, Mirage-2000-5 and AWACS aircraft.

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Boeing gets India call for field trials of aircraft

US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has been invited by the Indian Navy for field trials of the $133-million P-8I multi-mission maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

The trials of the P-8I aircraft, to be taken place in Goa and Vizag soon, are expected to replace the navy’s 8-10 TU-142 Bear aircraft that are being phased out after negotiations with Russia and Israel to retrofit them were called off.

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