AirSewa-2.0

Ministry of civil aviation recently launched the upgraded version of AirSewa- 2.0 web portal and mobile app.

AirSewa portal

• AirSewa Portal was launched in 2016 as one stop solution for hassle free air travel.
• It operates through an interactive web portal as well as through a mobile app for both android and iOS platforms.
• It includes a mechanism for grievance redressal, back office operations for grievance handling, flight status/schedule information, airport Information and FAQs.
• The web portal and application will help to capture air travellers’ feedback for policy interventions.

AirSewa-2.0: Improvements over AirSewa 1.0

• Secure sign-up and log-in with social media
• Chatbot for travelers support
• Improved grievance management including social media grievances
• Real-time flight status and details flight schedule.

Aviation Sector in India

Market Size

• The civil aviation industry in the country has emerged as one of the fastest growing industries in the last three years.
• India is currently considered the third largest domestic civil aviation market in the world and expected to become the world’s largest domestic civil aviation market in the next 10 to 15 years.
• India is also expected to displace the UK to become the third largest air passenger market by 2025.
• India’s passenger traffic grew at 16.52 per cent year on year to reach 308.75 million. It grew at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 12.72 per cent during FY06-FY18.

Investment

• The government has 100 per cent FDI under automatic route in scheduled air transport service, regional air transport service and domestic scheduled passenger airline. However, FDI over 49 per cent would require government approval.

Recent Developments/initiatives

• In June 2018, India has signed an open sky agreement with Australia allowing airlines on either side to offer unlimited seats to six Indian metro cities and various Australian cities.
• The Government of Andhra Pradesh is to develop Greenfield airports in six cities-Nizamabad, Nellore, Kurnool, Ramagundam, Tadepalligudem and Kothagudem under the PPP model.
• Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) launched in October 2016, it provides regional air connectivity to unserved and underserved airports at a subsidized fare of Rs. 2,500 per hour.
• First ever comprehensive National Civil Aviation Policy-2016.
• New Airports Under the New Greenfield Airport Policy: Noida International Airport (Jewar), Mopa (Goa), Purandar Airport (Pune), Bhogapuram Airport (Visakhapatnam), Dholera Airport (Ahmedabad), Hirasar Airport (Rajkot).
• e-Visa is granted to a foreigner whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends or relatives, attending a short term yoga programme, medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine and business purpose.