Akasa Air Takes Flight; Nod for International Operations to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar

In a groundbreaking move, Akasa Air has received the government’s approval to extend its flight operations beyond India’s borders, signaling the airline’s entry into the international market. The destinations initially granted are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, heralding a new era for this low-cost carrier. This development aligns with India’s modified 0/20 rule, facilitating international flights once an airline possesses a minimum of 20 aircraft in its fleet without any time-based constraints, a shift from the previous 5/20 rule. However, a notable challenge for Akasa Air lies in securing access to destinations like Dubai, where existing bilateral agreements have nearly been exhausted, underscoring the intricacies of international aviation regulations. The airline’s upcoming journey abroad will undoubtedly shape its role in the global aviation landscape.
Istanbul International Airport was Busiest in March

Turkiye’s mega airport Istanbul was the busiest one in Europe, with an average of 1,263 daily flights in March, according to EUROCONTROL. Sabiha Gokcen, also in Istanbul, ranked 17th on the list with an average of 549 daily flights.
Analysis: As Ukraine war drags on, Europe’s economy succumbs to crisis

A post-pandemic spending euphoria, supported by copious government spending was set to drive the economy and help fatigued households regain a sense of normality after two dreadful years.
EXCLUSIVE Germany to overhaul laws to allow energy bailouts – sources

Germany’s government will have the power to take stakes in utilities and impose emergency levies on consumers under proposed legal changes now under discussion, three sources told Reuters, as Berlin moves to beef up energy security.
Explainer: Do 5G telecoms pose a threat to airline safety?

Major international airlines rushed to rejig or cancel flights to the United States ahead of a 5G wireless rollout on Wednesday that has triggered safety concerns, despite wireless carriers saying they will delay parts of the deployment.
Wizz Air CEO says business class flying bad for environment

The boss of Hungarian budget airline Wizz Air (WIZZ.L) attacked the sustainability credentials of traditional airlines like Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA) and Lufthansa (LHAG.DE), saying business class flying was bad for the environment.
Germany is considering selling up to a quarter of its Lufthansa stock

The German finance ministry said on Monday that it expects to sell up to a quarter of its 20% interest in Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) in the next weeks, noting favorable progress at the bailed-out airline. Following the announcement, Lufthansa shares fell as much as 4.9 % to 8.81 euros in early trading. The state bought a […]
Lufthansa to allow check-in with digital vaccine pass

Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) will allow passengers to use new digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates at check-in for their flights, the German airline said on Thursday.
Airbus, Air France want EU green funds used for jet incentives – documents

Airbus (AIR.PA) and Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA) have urged policymakers to use EU-backed green stimulus funds to support aircraft sales, according to documents released on Thursday by InfluenceMap, an investor-led climate lobbying watchdog.
Germany may take part in Lufthansa capital increase – report

Germany is leaning towards participating in a planned 3 billion euro capital increase at Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) to limit a dilution of its 20% stake in the airline and ensure the refinancing measure is successful, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.