New Delhi: Air India launched its non-stop commercial flight operations from Delhi to San Francisco in USA early on Independence Day, with CMD Ashwini Lohani, Director Operations Captain Amitabh Singh, Director Commercial Meenakshi Mallik along with senior airline executives taking part at the inaugural ceremony to flag of the flight. AI 173, operated with a B777 aircraft took wings from IGI airport at 0125 hrs with 300 passengers piloted by Captain Rajneesh Sharma and Captain Digvijay Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashwani Lohani, said, "This is a tremendous unparalleled initiative by the national carrier that would save precious fuel and also reduce travel time for our flights to the USA. The passengers of the first flight would be given a commemorative certificate. Passengers will benefit from the reduced flight times, the airline from the reduced fuel consumption and the environment from reduced carbon emissions."
In its constant endeavor to conserve fuel, reduce travel times, improve aircraft utility and reduce carbon emission, Air India has been operating flights via the Atlantic and the Pacific on the long haul routes. Polar routes between India and North American destinations are yet to be utilized. Situated on opposite sides of the Northern Hemisphere, India and North America would benefit immensely by using existing North Polar Routes for commercial air operations. These routes offer unique opportunities, but also present unique challenges. Sufficient documentation exists to provide clear guidelines for this purpose. DGCA Operations Circular 02 of 2019 on "Polar Operations" clearly defines the requirements for Airlines to operate in the Polar region.
Interestingly Air India had already conquered this frontier in 2007 when a Boeing 777 flew over the polar region under the command of Capt Amitabh Singh, the present Director Operations. Upon taking delivery of the brand new aircraft, he flew the aircraft over the North Pole from Seattle to New Delhi, becoming the first Indian pilot to do so. It is a logical progression from that to now seeking Regulatory permission to fly with passengers on this route.
The fuel savings are expected be in the region of 2000 kgs to 7000 kgs on these routes with the resultant decrease in carbon emission of 6000 kg to 21000 kg, per flight. This is part of the initiatives of the Fuel Conservation Committee set up by the Director Operations. However, fuel savings can never be at the cost of safety or passenger comfort. Careful risk analysis has been conducted for these operations and measures have been taken to ensure equivalent levels of safety. Approvals are in place from the DGCA and FAA. Crew training, weather monitoring, alternate selection and aircraft serviceability are enhanced to ensure safe operations.