Diplomacy Archives - Page 126 of 126

23 Aug

Airlines route recast plan aims to lower fuel use, avoid Pakistani air space

New Delhi: In a bid to save fuel, cut emission and have better route utilisation, Indian carriers have suggested a new plan to the government that co-opts the air space controlled by the armed forces. It also calls for bypassing Pakistan while flying overseas to save navigation fees. Called the Flexible Use of Airspace Initiative, under the larger aviation services management, it calls for: New, permanent routes for shorter navigation; grant of weekly permissions to operate shorter routes; and case-by-case approval by the defence Air Traffic Control to a pilot in air. "If this is institutionalised, it will be a win-win-win…

25 Feb

Indian American oversees US regional aviation ops

Washington : An Indian American has been named to a key leadership position in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responsible for oversight and execution of operations in nine US regions. As Executive Director for Regions and Centre Operations (ARC) at the FAA, Ravi Chaudhary, a former US Air Force officer, is also responsible for executing a $288 million operating budget and leading over 2,100 federal employees. As second-in-command to the Deputy Assistant Administrator for ARC, he among other things looks after congressional outreach, emergency readiness, facilities management, and centralised support for the National Aerospace System. Appointed to his present job in…

28 Mar

India unlikely to fine Russia for delay in warship delivery

Langkawi : India is unlikely to bill Russia for the delay in the delivery of the refitted aircraft carrier Vikramaditya caused by engine problems last year, said Viktor Komardin, deputy general director of Russia''s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport. The Vikramaditya, which is already years behind its original 2008 delivery date, was to have been handed over Dec 4, 2012, but sea trials in September revealed that the ship''s boilers were not fully functional. "In theory, India has the right to do so (to impose a fine). But we believe that we will find a mutually beneficial solution to this problem in…