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Sending out a stern message to Air India staff, Civil Aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has said “something is lagging” when it comes to commitment shown by them compared with rival airlines. While acknowledging that Air India, which turned operationally profitable last fiscal, has “done better”, the minister emphasised on the need to ensure more cohesiveness at the carrier. The carrier, staying afloat on a bailout package extended by the central govt, is making efforts to improve its financial position, including by way of cost optimisation measures, capacity addition and introduction of new flights. Raju, who has been generally supportive of Air India, is of the view that the carrier has definitely done better but there is always scope for improvement. <br/>

Asiana Airlines has completed introduction of 6 A380 superjumbo jets dubbed "flying hotel," and is ready for competition for long-distance flight service. The newly introduced airplane will be deployed to the Incheon-Sydney route during the peak winter travel season. The aircraft will fly between Incheon and Frankfurt, Germany beginning in March next year. Asiana plans to continuously increase the efficiency and competitive edge in its long-distance flights including those for Los Angeles (twice daily), New York (once daily), and Frankfurt (once daily) by operating the 6 A380 superjumbo jets. The aircraft can not only carry a large number of passengers at once, but also help Asiana strengthen its image for premium quality service as the latest model of high-end passenger jet. <br/>