Flights to Malaysia, Russia come under a cloud

[Naim 6]

Flights to Malaysia, Russia come under a cloud

 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2007 09:00:33 PM]

 

NEW DELHI: In a move that could result in disruption of directs flights from India to Russia and Malaysia, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has written to Russian and Malaysian airlines informing them they would not be allowed to use Indian airspace since Indian airlines were being denied access to these countries.

 

The tussle could ground operations of Aeroflot as well as Transco Airlines of Russia; and Malaysian Airlines System (MAS) of Malaysia in India. In case these countries retaliate, the door would be closed for Air-India and Jet Airways in Malaysia and Russia.

 

The confrontation with Russia follows a recent decision by Moscow to ban overflying by Indian aircraft which use Russian airspace to connect Western European destinations like London. Following protests by India, the ban was kept in abeyance till May 15. Russian carrier Aeroflot was informed that the DGCA would issue a show-cause notice if the bar was not lifted. Representatives of DGCA personally conveyed this decision to an Aeroflot official on Friday.

 

"The two countries are trying to arm-twist India. We cannot give in to such pressures," said a government source unwilling to be identified for diplomatic reasons. We cannot let Indian carriers suffer, the official explained.

 

The dispute with Malaysia follows Kuala Lumpur’s refusal to allow Air-India Express and Air Sahara to operate flights to Malaysia. The Indian government has nominated these carriers to utilise part of the bilateral rights available to India. Air-India, the parent of Air-India Express, and Jet Airways already operate flights to Kuala Lumpur.

 

A number of Indian tourists fly to Malaysia during summer holidays and packages that combine visits to Malaysia, Singapore and Bangkok are also popular. A section of the traffic to the US also flows through the Kuala Lumpur hub.

 

The ban on Russian carriers could disrupt air traffic to Russia and CIS countries. Air-India and Jet use Russian airspace to reach western Europe faster and the bar on using Russian airspace would force the airlines to burn more fuel and spend more time to reach destinations like London. This obstacle also creates problems related to crew duty time for Air-India since the flight time from Delhi and Mumbai to London would exceed eight hours, airline industry sources said.

 

Since the May 15 deadline has arrived and there has been no positive response from Russia, the DGCA has now issued a show-cause notice to Aeroflot.

 

It is understood that the Russians are keen to enhance access for their carriers in India and the DGCA has even agreed to bilateral negotiations in case in case the bar on Indian carriers is lifted.

 

The restriction imposed by Moscow would also affect the planned flights of Jet Airways to Brussels. The private sector airline plans to use the Belgian capital as its European hub for facilitating flights to the US.

 

Apart from London, Air-India flies to key European destinations like Paris and Frankfurt. Passengers taking flights from India to these destinations would also have to spend more time on air if the Russian restriction is not lifted.

 

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Flight...how/2049886.cms

 

[Keith T 2]

The dispute with Malaysia follows Kuala Lumpur’s refusal to allow Air-India Express and Air Sahara to operate flights to Malaysia.

 

Given all that I've read about the Malaysian government trying to attract more carriers to KLIA - I find it hard to believe that they denied access to Air India Express and Air Sahara. Assuming of course, that India is adhering to what's agreed in the bilateral air agreement when nominating these carriers.

Edited May 15, 2007 by Keith T

[KK Lee 5]

The Malaysian government is not unknown for honour bilateral or multilateral agreement selectively e.g. AFTA.

 

Due to poor scheduling and discrimination, MH has lost lot of opportunity on South Asia routes. Instead of protecting MH, the government should encourage AK to fly to India.

 

[Jessnor Arif 1]

From A.net Malaysian Aviation Thread 3

 

Malaysian Airlines operates over 27 flights a week to various cities in India.

Under the bilateral air traffic services agreements signed between two governments, airlines of each country are determined to operate an equal number of flights in each others territories.

 

Could it be probably the same numbers of flight a week have been reach? [just a wild guess]

[kandiah k 0]

I am not surprised with the happenings with the Indian DGCA. Recently, Air Sahara was to begin a daily Delhi-KL-Changi-Delhi flight using a B737, but apparently, as reported in the local press, MAS requested that the rights to fly that route for Air Sahara be rejected, for the benefit of MAS.

 

What more can we say ? Seems like the Indian DGCA is very firm in its stand towards the treatment of their airlines and their rights. Good luck MAS and the Ministry of Transport !

 

[Radzi 2]

...... MAS requested that the rights to fly that route for Air Sahara be rejected, for the benefit of MAS.

 

Not exactly a brilliant idea.

 

[Keith T 2]

I am not surprised with the happenings with the Indian DGCA. Recently, Air Sahara was to begin a daily Delhi-KL-Changi-Delhi flight using a B737, but apparently, as reported in the local press, MAS requested that the rights to fly that route for Air Sahara be rejected, for the benefit of MAS.

 

The Malaysian govt's ground seems to be based on that of Air Sahara not being a 'flag carrier' of India and thus cannot exercise India's rights to Malaysia. This is despite India having nominated Air Sahara to take up India's air rights to Malaysia, which is standard practice in exercising bilateral air rights. And strangely enough Jet is still flying into KUL.

 

Need to look at how they define 'flag carrier' but it's very flimsy grounds IMO - if that argument is allowed to stand, it means they can, at any time they like or if MAS plays up, ban AK from using Malaysian international air rights?

 

The whole saga seems to be centred around political disputes between India and Russia/Malaysia. Welcome to political horsetrading in the 21st century.

Edited May 16, 2007 by Keith T

[kandiah k 0]

It is really sad that Malaysia and India have so much in common and their relationship goes back to many many centuries ago and yet there is a dispute for many reasons. Singapore seems to be benefiting this whole issue that Malaysia is facing. \

 

Historically, Malaysia has stronger grounds with India, education, migration, Commonwealth, the British empire and etc. Singapore on the other hand has similar connections but at a lesser context yet today they serve the Indian community better in terms of air links and an open gesture to both counterparts.

 

Maybe Malaysia ought to think over this whole issue and reconsider protecting their national carrier always and move on for the benefit of all. After all, we can never achieve our goals if we go on like this.

 

:help: :help:

Edited May 16, 2007 by kandiah k

[Azreen 0]

I suspect there's a whole bunch of explanations that the DCA/Govt not telling the public on this matter, either because there are still investigating the matter or formulating a win-win solution.

 

We are reading the Times of India, so I'm sure there's a bias to the story.

[Sanjay Thaker 0]

I dont think MAS has objected to Sahara or Air India Express flying into KUL..if they did want to object they would have objected to Jet, IC and AI as well..theres more to this than what is published there..

[Naim 6]

Latest from AFP.

 

AFP

Posted: Thu, May 17 2007. 10:42 AM IST

 

Malaysia moves quickly to end air dispute with India

 

The air route between the two countries is considered fast growing and lucrative

 

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia on Thursday said it is prepared to hold talks with India in a bid to resolve an air dispute over flights to Malaysia by Indian carriers.

Reports had said that the Indian civil aviation authority has warned of a ban on Malaysian national carrier Malaysian Airlines if domestic carriers Air-India Express and Air Sahara were not allowed to land in Kuala Lumpur.

Transport minister Chan Kong Choy said Malaysia has already granted landing rights to Air Sahara and hoped to meet his Indian counterpart T.R. Baalu.

“On the Malaysian side, we have been very accommodative. We have granted Air Sahara the rights. We are looking into landing rights for Air-India Express,” he told AFP.

“I welcome my counterpart to Malaysia for talks. I am also planning a trip to India to foster ties,” he said.

Chan said Malaysia values its relations with India, a growing economic giant in Asia, adding the air links between the two countries was crucial for closer economic ties.

“We value so much the relations with New Delhi. There is a lot of potential in the area of tourism, investment and trade,” he said.

It was reported that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India has already served a show cause notice on Malaysia, threatening to stop the Malaysian carrier’s flights to India.

The dispute with Malaysia follows Kuala Lumpur’s alleged refusal to allow Air-India Express and Air Sahara to operate flights to Malaysia, the report said.

The Indian government has nominated these carriers to utilise part of the bilateral rights available to India. Air-India, the parent of Air-India Express, and Jet Airways already operate flights to Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia Airlines mounts 27 flights a week to India. The air route between the two countries is considered fast growing and lucrative.

 

http://www.livemint.com/2007/05/17104230/M...kly-to-end.html

[BC Tam 2]

Our honourable minister better get over and 'settle' the issue real soon - remember, MH's birds have to overfly Indian airspace to/fro Europe and Mid-East

[Jessnor Arif 1]

Hmm It seems all Right of Landing in Malaysia have been fully utilised by Indian Airlines... It seems that Malaysia sides is at lost if Malaysian Birds land in in India only 26 times whereas Indian Bird 56 times not including Air Sahara, and Air Indian Express

 

M'sia Wants Talks To Resolve Air Dispute With India

Bernama

• Malaysia hopes for India to respond quickly to its request to hold talks in a bid to resolve the air dispute over flights to Malaysia by Indian carriers, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said today.

• "Although they have not responded to our request for talks, we still agreed to grant Air Sahara the landing rights even when all the rights have been taken up. At the same time, we are also willing to consider Air-India Express' request to be allowed to fly to KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport)," he said.

• Chan was commenting on the reports that the Indian civil aviation authority has warned of a ban on Malaysia Airlines if domestic carriers Air India Express and Air Sahara were not allowed to land in Kuala Lumpur.

• Early last month, India's civil aviation department threatened to reduce landing rights for Malaysia Airlines after the airline was alleged to have requested that India's Air Sahara be not allowed to fly to Kuala Lumpur from New Delhi on grounds that passenger volume on this route was low.

• In total, Malaysia Airlines flies 27 times to major Indian cities weekly while Indian Airlines, Air India and Jet Airways have a combined total of 56 flights to Kuala Lumpur each week.

[Kevin Teh 0]

i tot all these while AirIndiaExpress do fly into KUL, or they just operating on behalf of their parent AirIndia? Someone please advice me with this

[Naim 6]

May 23, 2007 11:28 AM

 

India Wants To Clarify Flight Pact With Malaysia

 

By P. Vijian

 

NEW DELHI, May 23 (Bernama) -- India is ready to hold discussions with Malaysia to clarify the frequency of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flights to Indian cities under its open skies policies.

 

An official from India's Civil Aviation Ministry told Bernama that the country did not impose any ban on MAS flights as reported in the papers lately but admitted that India was unhappy with Kuala Lumpur's decision not to give landing rights to two of its carriers.

 

"There was some misunderstanding. We did not issue any ban but we did ask why the two airlines were not allowed to land in Malaysia under the Asean agreement," said the senior director who declined to be named.

 

"We said that if our (Indian) carriers are not allowed (more landing rights) under the Asean agreement, then MAS should not also be given similar rights under the same agreement," he said.

 

Last week, leading local newspapers reported that the Indian Civil Aviation Department had issued a ban warning to MAS as retaliation to Malaysia's decision not to allow Air Sahara and the Indian Express to fly to Kuala Lumpur.

 

India nominated the two carriers to operate the Malaysian route and Air Sahara was planning to begin its Delhi-Kuala Lumpur operations last March.

 

The official said the ministry was ready to discuss the matter and was in the process of preparing a letter for the Malaysian authorities, but he was unable to tell when the meeting between both parties would take place.

 

India's move shocked airlines and tourism industry observers who feared such a ban or even the idea to limit number of flights from Kuala Lumpur to Delhi would harm the booming Malaysian tourism sector, which attracted about 280,000 Indian visitors last year.

 

Weekly MAS flies 27 times to major Indian cities while Indian Airlines, Air India and Jet Airways combined have a total of 56 flights to Malaysia.

 

The official said MAS would be allowed to continue its regular daily flights to the four Indian cities -- Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai -- as well as unlimited flights to 18 other Indian destinations.

 

"We have not reduced any frequency of MAS (flights). In fact we welcome them. It helps our tourism," he added.

 

 

 

-- BERNAMA

[KC Sim 2]

Kandiah : Singapore's business and people-to-people relationships have been pragmatically developed over an extended period of time and the air services being operated between both countries support these ties and the greater flow of two-way tourism that resulted from them. These have not developed as a result of any difficulties between Malaysia and India (which seems to have been a rather recent phenomena). The volume of air links between Singapore and India has grown strongly for almost a decade (except for a period coinciding with SARS when it dropped drastically) - certainly India did not foresee the aviation dispute with Malaysia then and diverted traffic to Singapore instead.

 

Do note that both Singapore and Malaysia are jointly promoted in India (either by their tourist boards or by travel agents offering attractive packages) and consequently, good (tourism and aviation) relations between Malaysia and India is also in Singapore's interest.

 

Regarding the dispute, my personal reading of the root to it is Malaysia's objection to more low-cost carriers on the lucrative route. The entry of Air India Express and Air Sahara would certainly pose a strong challenge to MAS and erode the latter's yield. Considering how yield to and from India is for most carriers operating there, I am surprised that some Indian routes were slashed in MAS' Business Turnaround Plan last year. This certainly runs counter to the wishes of other airlines clamouring for additional rights to the huge and exploding Indian market.

 

The dispute has nothing to do with any of the two carriers being (or not being) labelled flag-carriers. In an old fashioned air services agreement (ASA), there is only one flag carrier beyond which both countries are able to negotiate and include secondary carriers.

 

I certainly hope that Malaysia quickly moves to smoothen her aviation ties with India . . . I can only say that failure to do so would harm Malaysia's long-term aviation relationship with India. Any attempts then to ask India for more bilateral rights is going to hit the wall. Looking at the current frequency inbalance between MH and other Indian carriers on the India-Malaysia route is one way of reading the situation . . . a more objective view would be to view the capacity offered by all parties on the route. You will perhaps find that the inbalance is not quite that severe. Malaysia stands to lose a lot more than India would if the aviation agreement between both countries is torn apart.

 

This entire episode clearly is an attempt to safeguard MAS' interest. I have stated before in this forum and perhaps I should say it again. MAS should learn to conduct a profitable and efficient business based on fair competition and not based on excluding the competition. If her yield out of India aren't as good as other SE Asian carriers or her services aren't attracting the travellers, then it is time to reflect on the reasons for both and perhaps address them specifically. Singapore-based carriers aren't the only ones rushing for capacity into India. The Thais have similarly found their niche and strengths in that market. Given the long-standing ties, understanding and relationship that Kandiah has alluded to, this then should not be too difficult an accomplishment. The failure of talks last week to open up the KUL-SIN sector to other carriers is a perfect example. In the end, the losers are Malaysia's (and specifically KUL's) business and tourism sectors.

 

KC Sim

Edited May 24, 2007 by KC Sim