India's IndiGo airline, has been granted Less Paper Cockpit (LPC) approval by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
This approval allows IndiGo to remove Technical Paper Manuals weighing 40 kgs from each aircraft cockpit of its Airbus fleet.
IndiGo has been at the forefront of adopting technology in the cockpit. In 2015, the airline became the first in the region to launch Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) reducing 25 kgs of paper on its Airbus fleet and replacing paper charts and manuals with iPads. The adoption rate was phenomenal, with digital manuals making it easier for the crew to maneuver, with added hyperlinks and colour graphics. Updating manuals became a far simpler process digitally, compared to the days it used to take to update paper charts in the complete fleet. This initiative has not only decluttered the cockpit since 2015 but also helped the airline to reduce its carbon footprint annually to the tune of 2500 tons approximately.
In continuation of the LPC program, IndiGo has now been authorized by DGCA to remove the remaining set of onboard paper manuals. The robustness of our processes, iOS ecosystem, and world practices followed with trials and safety risk assessment were proving points for the regulator to authorize IndiGo's LPC program.
Captain Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President: Flight Operations, IndiGo said, "By replacing paper manuals with iPads, we have taken a big step towards strengthening digitization and increasing sustainability. The initiative will not only further diminish the usage of paper but also help the airline to reduce its carbon footprint. The iPad allows pilots to access information quickly and nimbly, making decisions in the cockpit safer and more efficient. And with IndiGo being the first airline in the region to launch EFB on its Airbus fleet, we are leading the way for other airlines to follow suit. IndiGo is committed to using technology to provide a better and safer flying experience for its customers while contributing towards a sustainable future."
Mr. Aakash Bhatnagar, AVP- Flight Operations Support at IndiGo, led the team in charge of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) program. The effectiveness of the onboard iPads ensured that in the last 8 years of operations the onboard paper manuals were not being used by the flight crew and only added unnecessary weight to the aircraft. IndiGo is determined to be a leading airline in the world, focussed on enhancing sustainability.
Indigo also reported route expansion with its new exclusive flights that will take off starting June 03, 2023, connecting the culturally rich city of Bhubaneswar to two of Asia's most exciting destinations - Singapore and Bangkok. These additional international routes will not only improve connectivity but also enhance accessibility for passengers flying to and from Bhubaneswar. IndiGo's commitment to expanding its network, recently announced the first international flight from Bhubaneswar to Dubai, starting operations from May 15, 2023. The flights were opened for booking by Hon'ble Chief Minister, Shri Naveen Patnaik, with fares starting at INR 15,000.
Electronics, chemicals, petroleum refining, and tourism are some of the major sectors of Bangkok and Singapore. Connecting these destinations to Bhubaneswar will not only boost tourism but will also strengthen trade links. Singapore and Bangkok have also established themselves as significant medical tourism destinations, and their increased accessibility to Bhubaneswar will allow Odisha to fulfil its aspiration to establish itself as one of the leading destinations for medical tourism.
Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head Global Sales, IndiGo, said, “We are pleased to announce the launch of new exclusive international routes from Bhubaneswar. IndiGo has been at the forefront of enhancing international connectivity and these new flights to Singapore and Bangkok will encourage tourism and trade in the city and the state. These flights would not only make travel more efficient but will also provide customers with enhanced comfort. We will continue to explore more flight options for our customers and stay true to our promise of providing courteous, hassle-free, on-time, and affordable travel experience.”
Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Odisha said, “These new connections to Bangkok and Singapore from Bhubaneswar will not only reduce travel time but also enhance global connectivity from the state. The enhanced accessibility will increase trade and tourism, benefit our people and help us realise our goal of new Odisha.”
Bhubaneswar, also known as "The Temple City of India," attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The city is a tourist hotspot and boasts of beautiful temple architecture. It has numerous tourist attractions, including the Lingaraj Temple, Iskcon Temple, Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajarani Temple, and Nandankanan Zoological Park. Bhubaneswar is also a major industrial city in Orissa, with several iron and steel manufacturing plants.
Singapore, also referred to as the "Lion City" and the "Garden City," offers a unique fusion of culture, continental cuisine, customs, and traditions. The rapid economic growth of Singapore gave rise to a landscape of high-rise buildings in the suburbs, but as the city-state grows, urban planners are incorporating nature everywhere, even into its heights. The well-known Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium, Marina Bay Sands Skypark, Botanical Gardens, Singapore Flyer, Night Safari Nocturnal Wildlife Park, and numerous other attractions draw visitors from all over the world to Singapore. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the trendy cafes and boutiques of Tiong Bahru, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city-state.
Bangkok, Thailand's capital, is well-known for its tourism attractions. Many people visit the city because of its famous culinary delights, exciting nightlife, and shopping centres. Bangkok's economy is dominated by manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The city is also popular for its spectacular palaces, skyscrapers, museums, and markets. Floating Market, Safari World, Siam Ocean World, Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise, and Siam Park City are among the few attractions in Bangkok.
These new flights from IndiGo will provide travellers with more convenient and affordable travel options while also encouraging tourism and trade between Bhubaneswar and these two world-class destinations. The launch of these new routes is a testament to IndiGo's dedication to delivering a seamless, hassle-free, and affordable travel experience for its customers.
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