Hundreds of passengers in several airports across the country bound for foreign trips faced woes as Air India cancelled its international flights after a section of pilots went on a flash strike since Monday. More than 150 pilots have not reported for duty since Monday, throwing the entire international flight schedule haywire. Outbound passengers in Delhi, Kerala, Mumbai and Amritsar are facing difficulties as their flights have been abruptly cancelled …

Former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam was frisked by US authorities at New York airport for explosives on September 29 before boarding an Air India flight, Geo News reported quoting Indian media. Indian External Affairs Minister SM Krishna spoke to Indian Ambassador to US Nirupama Rao and directed her to take up the matter in writing at the "highest level" with Washington. The US authorities apologized on the matter and ordered an inquiry after …

National carrier Air India, reeling under a financial crisis with little funds for fleet expansion, will now get additional equity of Rs.1,200 crore ($250 million) from the government. The federal cabinet, in a meeting presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here Thursday, approved the funding for the turnaround plan of National Aviation Co of India – the entity that runs Air India. The proposal, based on inputs from the national carrier, …

National carrier Air India (AI) Thursday reported a decrease in its net loss for the fiscal 2009-2010, which stood at Rs.5,551 crore as against a net loss of Rs.7,189 crore in the fiscal 2008-2009. According to the airline, the results were muted due to increase in depreciation cost by Rs.164 crore and interest, and financing charges of Rs.769 crore, which was an increase of 46 percent, on induction of more aircraft. The total expenditure also …

Air India has been ranked the “most trusted brand” in aviation for the fifth consecutive year by the Economic Times Brand Equity Survey 2010, the national carrier said Wednesday. “Air India has also been ranked 28th among the top 50 service brands, ahead of leading banks, insurance companies, food chains and airlines,” said an Air India spokesperson. The survey, conducted by Economic Times in collaboration with market research agency Nielsen, identifies …

Smita Kudva, who trained under legendary filmmaker Satjayit Ray and assisted Ismail Merchant, is making her debut as a feature film director with 'Magic Loom Girl', the filming for which will commence early next year. Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, who composes music for the film, has already commenced work at his Gurukul Studios. 'Magic Loom Girl' is an honest and passionate attempt at aesthetic and sensitive story-telling. A contemporary rural …