Latest news with #BureauofCivilAviationSecurity
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Air India to shift maintenance work from Turkish firm as it 'looks to adjust plans' amid geopolitical tensions
Image used for representative purposes Air India announced its plans to reduce its reliance on Turkish Technic for the maintenance of its wide-body aircraft, redirecting operations to alternative Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, according to CEO Campbell Wilson. The move comes in light of recent geopolitical developments involving Turkiye. In May, Turkiye voiced support for Pakistan and condemned India's anti-terror operations. In response, India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of Turkish company Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd on May 15, citing concerns over "national security". Subsequently, on May 30, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted a final three-month extension to IndiGo for operating two damp-leased Boeing 777 aircraft from Turkish Airlines. The extension is valid until August 31, with a directive to terminate the lease within that period. Also read: I ndiGo confirms order for 30 more Airbus A350s, strengthens wide-body fleet Addressing questions regarding Air India's ongoing use of Turkish Technic for wide-body aircraft maintenance, Wilson pointed to the global nature of aviation supply chains but underlined the airline's responsiveness to geopolitical shifts and public sentiment. "It does take a while to adjust when the circumstances change around us but we are obviously sensitive to the national sentiment and perhaps the national wishes. So, regardless of which country we are talking about, we would clearly take cognisance of what people like us to do and expect us to do," Wilson said in an interview with PTI. Turkish Technic currently conducts heavy maintenance for a portion of Air India's Boeing 777 and 787 fleet. Wilson said Air India would temporarily redirect aircraft requiring MRO services to facilities in the Middle East, South East Asia, the US, and, on a limited basis, still to Turkish Technic, until domestic capacity is developed. "With this most recent development, we will look to recalibrate where we sent our aircraft, reduce the amount that we are sending to Turkiye and send it to other places," he said. "But that does take some time because aircraft have to be maintained... we are cognisant of recent developments and we will look to adjust our plans," he added. Also read: Air India eyes 200 narrow-body aircrafts in fresh talks with Airbus, Boeing, claims report During the PTI interview, the Air India CEO also explained that when faced with external challenges like supply chain disruptions and airspace concerns, the airline "just learns to adapt and move on" accordingly. "When you are trying to do a turnaround, there are so many things that require us to act to prove ourselves... the objective is very very clear and hasn't changed in the slightest, the opportunity hasn't changed in the slightest, in fact if anything it has got more clear at the scale of the opportunity," he said. Air India has witnessed substantial growth in both passenger and cargo operations since privatisation, according to Wilson. The cargo division's revenue has surged to more than triple its previous figures, whilst passenger revenue has shown a twofold increase during this timeframe. "Again, huge upside, non-stop service into key points around the world, more focus on cargo, better systems, more consistent product delivery, all of these things mean we are a much more credible player in the cargo space. (There is) significant upside opportunity," he said. Air India currently operates a fleet of 191 aircraft, including 64 wide-body jets. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Hostilities with Pak suspended, but it's not business as usual yet
Though hostilities with Pakistan have been suspended, it is not business as usual. Following security concerns expressed by the Union government, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has revoked the security clearance of Istanbul-based airport ground handling firm, Celebi Airport Services India. Celebi, an old player in airport services, and with 10,000 employees in India, now faces the prospect of being ousted from the 9 airports it had ongoing contracts. The trigger has been Turkey's undiluted support for Pakistan. Not only did Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan greet the Pakistani PM Shebaz Sharif as 'his brother', but he ensured a steady supply of Turkey's advanced Bayraktar drones launched on India. In its defense, Celebi has said it has no political affiliations, that it is not a Turkish government organization, and it is not owned by Turkish capital. The company points out it is in existence since 1958 as a global airport services firm. Its majority 50 percent owner is Actera Partners, a New Jersey-registered fund, while 15 percent is held by Alpha Airport Sevices BV, a Netherlands company. It goes without saying national and security interests are paramount, and must prevail over business interests. Business organisations have been known to be moles working for the enemy. In this case though, Celebi has run the security gauntlet and had been given a license to operate in India. Has some new, palpable evidence changed that perception? One can understand Turkey needs to be taught a lesson. But should a company with a fairly long run in India, and with no apparent evidence of security breaches, become the collateral damage?
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif walks hand-in-hand with Turkey's Erdogan, lauds 'resolute support' against India
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul and thanked him for his support during the recent military conflict between New Delhi and Islamabad. The meeting comes amid diplomatic tension between India and Turkey over the latter's support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. 'Had the honour of meeting my dear brother President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul this evening. Thanked him for his resolute support to Pakistan in the recent Pakistan-India standoff, which resulted in Pakistan's overwhelming victory, Alhamdolillah! Conveyed the sentiments of gratitude from the people of Pakistan to their Turkish brothers and sisters,' said Sharif in a post on X. He also shared a photo of himself walking hand-in-hand with Erdogan. 'We also reviewed the ongoing progress of our multifaceted bilateral engagements particularly in trade and investment and reaffirmed our resolve to continue working closely to further strengthen these unshakable bonds of brotherhood and cooperation. Long live Pakistan Turkiye Friendship,' he added. Replying to Sharif's post, Erdogan said that the two leaders discussed several critical issues, including economy, trade, and security. 'We reaffirmed and strengthened our determination to enhance the deep-rooted historical, human, and political relations between Türkiye and Pakistan in all areas,' he wrote. Also read: Amid boycott calls for Turkey, PM Modi says more Indians choosing domestic vacations As my dear brother @CMShehbaz expressed, we further solidified the unshakable bonds, cooperation, solidarity, and brotherhood between our countries and peoples. I convey my heartfelt affection to our Pakistani brothers through Mr. Sharif. I thank him and his delegation for their visit. May our Lord make our unity, togetherness, and brotherhood everlasting…' he added. Tensions between India and Turkey heightened after the latter showed support to Pakistan during the four-day military conflict between New Delhi and Islamabad. Pakistan also used Turkey-made drones during the conflict, fuelling the tensions. India on Thursday, May 22, said that it expects Turkey to 'strongly urge' Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism and take action against the terrorist ecosystem. 'We expect Turkey to strongly urge Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism and take credible and verifiable actions against the terror ecosystem it has harboured for decades,' the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said last week. India's Bureau of Civil Aviation Security also revoked clearance of Turkish aviation firm Celebi, which earlier provided ground-based services at nine airports across India – Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Kannur, Chennai, and the MOPA airport in Goa. According to Jaiswal, the issue has been discussed with the Turkish Embassy in India. "Celebi matter has been discussed with the Turkish Embassy here. But I understand that this particular decision was taken by the Civil Aviation Security..." he said.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Bar on visitors at city airport to continue amid heightened vigil
1 2 Bhubaneswar: With the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) extending the red alert at Biju Patnaik International Airport here for seven more days following the recent tensions between India and Pakistan, common visitors will not be allowed to enter the BPIA. Additionally, the activation of BPIA's anti-hijacking cell will remain in force, and a high alert status will be maintained. Earlier, BPIA authorities conducted a comprehensive review of navigational assets to ensure operational security. "Until further notice, the airport will be out of bounds for common visitors in view of the recent tensions. Secondary ladder point check (SLPC) will be in place for some more days. The second layer of security check is carried out in emergency situations and on special occasions," said airport director Prasanna Pradhan. Sources said the last time the airport authorities activated SLPC was following a threat mail from Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Airport officials said that minutes before passengers board a flight, their bags will be scanned, and they may be frisked, which is not done usually. Normally, after the primary security check by CISF personnel before proceeding to the departure lounge, no further checking is done. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Airport sources said in view of the tensions, the BCAS issued directions to airport authorities not to provide visitor passes for entering terminal buildings. On an average, around 200 people visit the airport every day. The visitors include tourists and relatives and friends of passengers. Bhubaneswar airport is treated as sensitive by BCAS. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Court ought not to see info in sealed cover unless firm is given gist of allegations, Celebi tells Delhi HC
Ground handling service provider Celebi Airport Services India Private Limited told the Delhi High Court on Friday that the government 'is not endowed' with plenary powers as it claims and that 'it is not open for government' to say that it can be in breach of its own rules of granting an opportunity of hearing while revoking security clearance. The firm also told the court that it ought not peruse materials provided to it in sealed cover until the firm is given a gist of the allegations it is faced with. In the backdrop of public outrage over Turkey's support for Pakistan amid the recent India-Pakistan conflict, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) had revoked the security clearance granted to the Turkey-based firm on May 15 'with immediate effect in the interest of national security', following which Celebi Airport Services India Private Limited moved the Delhi High Court challenging the order. The government has justified the revocation before the court on grounds of intelligence inputs it had received and the perceived threat, even as the firm has emphasised that it is an 'Indian company'. Earlier, the government had told the court that given the national security threat, it was not mandatory for authorities to be in full compliance of principles of natural justice. It had also submitted that the rules pertaining to granting an opportunity of hearing before any such action are directory in nature, and not mandatory. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the firm, told Justice Sachin Datta while highlighting provisions of the Aircraft (Security) Rules 2023 as well as Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 (which replaced the 1934 Aircraft Act) that 'it is not open for government to say that 'I can breach it'…It is a very carefully drafted rule, otherwise there would've been an exception…(It is) not a carte blanche, the government is not endowed with this power…to do it of his (their) own will. He (Government) has to follow the law and the law is objective… He (Government) has to record reasons in writing, not in your mind…Right to business cannot be curtailed in this flippant manner…Directions can be issued in compliance with the rules.' While the government had earlier argued that 'there is substantial compliance of principles of natural justice' for the firm, Rohatgi argued that there is 'nothing to show compliance' of Rule 12 of the Aircraft (Security) Rules 2023. Emphasising that the firm ought to have been put on notice before the government's action, Rohatgi argued, 'Notice has to say the proposed punishment based on the gravamen of the facts… In a given case you can redact some information…something I should know, or should I argue from newspapers?… Give me a gist of the allegations.' Rohatgi further added that without the firm being in the know of the allegations, it faces the same prejudice before the court as it does before the government. Upon a query from Justice Datta as to whether Rohatgi was suggesting that 'this court ought not to look at it (material in sealed cover)?' Rohatgi responded, 'Yes, (not before) I (am) given a gist of it…' The court has now instructed the parties to file their written submissions by Monday.
