The number of air travel passengers seeking inflight entertainment (IFE) via on-board internet connectivity on their own devices jumped 12% year-over-year (YOY) to 51% of 6,920 responses to IATA's latest Global Passenger Survey, released Oct 18. “Passengers want convenience and quick results with their bookings and check-in, a seamless and secure airport experience and uniquely tailored experiences throughout their journey,” IATA SVP-airport, passenger, cargo and security Nick Careen said. “They are ready to embrace the benefits of new technology when it comes to enhancing their travel experience.” Survey respondents were largely in favour of doing more traditional airport processes “off airport” by taking advantage of the latest digital self-service options, the report said. <br/>
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The case for Heathrow expansion is now “overwhelming”, according to Howard Davies, chair of the Airports Commission. Davies said Brexit underlined the need for a “clear strategic decision” in favour of Heathrow by ministers. The govt will choose which scheme to back Tuesday, ending more than a year of uncertainty since the Davies Commission came out in favour a third runway at Heathrow. Davies dismissed the idea of expanding both Heathrow and Gatwick – and hinted that Birmingham could be the next in line for a new runway once capacity in the south-east had been expanded. Transport secretary Chris Grayling has acknowledged that any of the 3 options on the table would be controversial but would “open up new opportunities for Britain” as it adjusted to Brexit. <br/>
London City Airport was evacuated Friday afternoon after reports of a chemical incident, later identified by police as possibly CS gas. The alarm came just after 4:10 pm, with police, ambulance and firefighters called to the airport in London’s Docklands. About 500 people were evacuated with some treated by ambulance crews for breathing difficulties. Passengers were allowed back into the terminal at about 7 pm. Police later said “a subsequent search of the airport led to the discovery of what is believed to be a CS gas or spray. Whilst the cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed, officers are investigating if it was the result of an accidental discharge of this canister. At this early stage officers are investigating whether it may have been discarded by a passenger prior to check-in.” <br/>
In a big boost to the Modi govt’s ambitious regional connectivity plan, carriers from the gulf region have shown interest in launching regional airlines to implement the scheme that aims to give wings to the Aam Aadmi party’s flying dream. “Lots of people have come to us with queries about the regional connectivity scheme. Some large global airlines have expressed interest in the scheme and some of the gulf carriers too have shown interest in starting a regional airline in the country to provide regional connectivity,” minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said. He added that Indian domestic carriers, regional carriers, non-scheduled operators, state-owned helicopter operator Pawan Hans and players from the US and UK have also shown interest. <br/>
Regulator DGCA and aviation security agency Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) are all set to get powers to impose fines on violators, with the govt preparing to amend the legislation in this regard. The move would give more teeth and leeway to DGCA and BCAS in dealing with instances of violations amid the domestic sector witnessing over 20% sustained growth in passenger traffic. For providing penal powers to DGCA and BCAS, the govt plans to amend the Aircraft Act, 1934 and it is likely to be taken up during the winter session of Parliament starting next month. The watchdog can currently debar, suspend and even cancel the permission to fly for the airlines as well as individual pilots and engineers but cannot impose any monetary penalty. <br/>
Plane tickets bought online are eligible for full refund within 7 days of being purchased regardless of clauses set by airlines, court records showed Sunday. The ruling by the Seoul Central District Court said the country's Electronic Transactions Act requires carriers to provide refunds on airfare within a set period of time and that this rule takes precedence over terms set by airlines. The ruling was made after a person asked for a refund when he discovered his wife was 6 weeks pregnant. The carrier, citing internal clauses, said a pregnancy did not constitute a valid reason for a refund. The presiding judge said that the law is very clear on the matter and that any terms of transaction that unfairly places the consumer at a disadvantage is invalid and therefore the airline must refund the plaintiff. <br/>
Embraer Commercial Aviation CE John Slattery believes a new rule, which initially limits Chinese start-up airlines to smaller aircraft, could create opportunities for the Embraer E190. Slattery said the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued a rule during the G20 meeting in early September that took immediate effect. This regulation restricts the size and number of aircraft that new air operator’s certificate holders can operate. “The restrictions prevent us from selling new Embraer E195s and restrict Bombardier from selling the CSeries [to Chinese start-ups], but our E190 is absolutely in the sweet spot of the policy. We’ve got very good penetration of the Chinese market with the E-190…so we’re hopeful that China will deliver a significant amount of activity for new and pre-owned aircraft,” Slattery said. <br/>