GMR School of Aviation, Hyderabad is gearing up to take off in September 2023

Hyderabad: The aviation industry and aviation education are seeing an upward swing in India. With high-paying jobs and a growing market, the change will be extensive in the next ten years, experts predict. At this juncture, several students are asking themselves a question — how about making aviation engineering a career?

GMR Aero Technic, Hyderabad the leading airframe maintenance MRO in Asia Pacific is preparing to start its School of Aviation in technical collaboration with Airbus in September 2023. It was in 2021, the Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, laid the foundation stone of the new building at the Special Economic Zone of the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

Over a luncheon interview with EdexLive, President and Accountable Manager of GMR Aero Technic, Mr Ashok Gopinath, disclosed details of the upcoming school, its unique selling points, how the idea evolved and how this is going to be a game changer for the industry.

With over 30 years of expertise in aviation, Gopinath joined GMR Aero Technic (GAT) in 2017. Under his able leadership, the Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) of GMR Aero Technic, experienced remarkable growth and development in the industry.

Further, while taking a short ride around the school, he explained the infrastructure facilities and displayed the machinery for practical education to the students. The School of Aviation is being developed as a green-field project in two phases. The newly build facility is spread across 75,000 square feet on a four-acre campus.

In the first phase, around three acres of land are allocated for constructing administrative buildings, academic facilities, classrooms, workshops and a dedicated hangar to house an operating aircraft for practical training. Additionally, the School of Aviation is the first school globally to collaborate with Airbus.

02/08/2023 Harsha Tallapragada/edexLive

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IAF moves LCA Tejas jets to Kashmir for flying experience in valley

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has moved its indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas to Jammu and Kashmir for the fleet to gain experience in flying in the valleys of the union territory situated along the border with Pakistan.

“The LCA fleet has been moved to forward bases for gaining experience in flying in the valleys and other operations. The pilots of the fleet are carrying out extensive flying there,” defence officials said. The Indian Air Force has multiple bases in the Union Territory which are critical for operations on both fronts including China and Pakistan.

The Indian Air Force keeps moving its aircraft in both the union territories in the Northern sector including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to give them the experience of flying there in their unique terrain.

The IAF is strongly supporting the indigenous LCA Tejas fighter aircraft programme by adding more and more capabilities to the aircraft.

The IAF has already operationalised two of its squadrons in the initial operational clearance and final operational clearance versions while a contract has been signed for the 83 Mark1As set to be delivered a couple of years from now.

The Force has also its eyes set on the LCA Mark 2 and the AMCA being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

30/07/2023 FirstIndia

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Seven airlines closed down in five years; 16 carriers operational now: Govt data

New Delhi: A total of seven airlines, including Heritage Aviation and Air Odisha Aviation, have been closed down in the last five years, the government said on Thursday.

Currently, there are 11 scheduled operators and 5 scheduled commuter operators in the country, according to data provided by Minister of State for Civil Aviation VK Singh in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

As per the data, seven airlines have been shut down in the last five years till July 21, 2023. Two airlines -- Heritage Aviation Pvt Ltd and Turbo Megha Airways Pvt Ltd -- were shuttered in 2022.Three carriers -- Zexus Air Services Pvt Ltd, Deccan Charters Pvt Ltd and Air Odisha Aviation Pvt Ltd -- were shut down in 2020.

In 2019, Jet Airways (India) Ltd and Jet Lite (India) Ltd were closed down, as per the data.

27/07/2023 PTI/Times of India

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DGCA adopts ICAO guidelines for environmental protection

The government has taken several initiatives to promote sustainable aviation practices and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation sector, said the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen VK Singh (Retd) in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Monday. 

 The initiatives include: DGCA has adopted the guidelines for environmental protection developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) through its Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and issued it in the form of Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs). 

 To realise the goals of decarbonisation of Aviation Sector, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) has constituted a Bio-Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Programme Committee to take forward the Bio-ATF programme in the country to promote use of clean fuels. 

The terms of reference of the committee included, inter-alia, raw materials production/demand, technology, BIS Standards, effects on engine performance etc. The Committee has submitted its report with recommendations to MoP&NG.

 The Ministry of Civil Aviation has written to the operators of all the brownfield airports with scheduled operations and developers of the upcoming greenfield airports advising them to work towards achieving 'Carbon Neutrality' and 'Net Zero', to get accreditation by Airports Council International (ACI/ISO 14064 through empaneled verifiers) and to adopt carbon mitigation measures as well as carbon management plans. 

 25/07/2023 EnergyWorld

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Aviation sector undertakes measures by ICAO for sustainable practices

The government has undertaken steps to promote sustainable aviation practices and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector, said  V K Singh (Retd), Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen., in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has undertaken various guidelines for environmental protection developed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) through its standards and recommended practices (SARPs), according to a press release by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has constituted a bio-aviation turbine fuel (ATF) programme committee to promote the use of clean fuels.

According to the press release, the civil aviation ministry has advised all brownfield airports to work towards achieving 'carbon neutrality' and 'net zero', and to adopt carbon mitigation measures and carbon management plans.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has undertaken initiatives such as energy intensity data publication to reduce energy intensity for existing as well as upcoming airport projects. The AAI, in consultation with the Indian Air Force, has optimised airspace utilisation under flexible use of airspace (FUA), resulting in the reduction of carbon dioxide emission.

24/07/2023 Business Standard

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Chopper service to connect Lucknow to Prayagraj, Kapilvastu

Prayagraj: Regular helicopter service connecting Lucknow with Kapilvastu and Prayagraj will begin soon to give a fillip to tourism in the region.

The two destinations -- Kapilvastu and Prayagraj -- are significant in the context of religious tourism.

To this end, dedicated heliports would be set up to offer a range of services for the passengers and crew -- including waiting rooms and lounges, well-stocked cafeterias, crew rooms, toilets, and formal reception desks.

The UP Directorate of Tourism has already invited 'Expression of Interest (EOI)' for development, operations and maintenance of heliports at Lucknow, Kapilvastu (at Gorakhpur) and Prayagraj through private sector participation on lease and development basis.

For this, a pre-bid meeting will be held on Monday, said a senior UP Tourism department official. The last date for submitting bids is August 7 while the technical bids are scheduled to be opened on August 8.

23/07/2023 IANS/Daijiworld

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CFM Dominating Indian Skies With LEAP Engines

CFM International has strengthened its market position in India with Air India recently finalising orders with the engine maker for over 800 LEAP engines to power its new fleet of 210 Airbus A320neo/ A321neo and 190 Boeing 737 MAX family jetliners. 

Air India’s latest deal with CFM also includes a multi-year services agreement that will cover its entire LEAP engine fleet. 

Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director, Air India said the introduction on a greater scale of the LEAP engine as well as the services agreement will help the airline optimise its operations in terms of environmental footprint and operational cost. 

Air India’s order for 800 LEAP engines includes 420 LEAP-1A, 380 LEAP-1B, plus spares and is CFM’s largest ever engine order. LEAP-1A engines are an engine option on Airbus’ A320neo aircraft family, which can also be ordered with Pratt & Whitney’s Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine. The LEAP-1B engine, meanwhile, is the sole powerplant for Boeing’s 737 MAX jetliner. There are over 400 LEAP engines in service with Indian carriers today.

The Air India order is another testament to CFM’s success in India with the LEAP engine family, which has overcome initial competition from Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines. CFM has also benefited from orders by Akasa Air.

Go First’s highly publicised implosion for which the airline blamed woes related to its Pratt & Whitney GTF engines has also helped CFM. In Go First’s application for voluntary insolvency in May to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), the airline stated that its fleet of grounded aircraft had increased from 31% in 2020 to more than 50% in April 2023. 

23/07/2023 Atul Chandra/Mobility Outlook

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Manipur plans to airlift Meiteis from Mizoram after caution from ex-militant group

New Delhi: The Manipur government has planned to airlift Meiteis from Mizoram, one of the two communities engaged in violence with the Kukis, from Aizawl. This comes after an organisation of former militants in Mizoram asked the Meiteis to leave for their home state for their “own safety”.

The organisation stated that there is “anger among Mizo youths” over the incident of two women being disrobbed, paraded naked and sexually assaulted by a group of men on May 4, a video of which surfaced on Wednesday, sparking huge outrage.

The Manipur government is planning to airlift people from Mizoram by special ATR flights operating between Aizawl-Imphal and Aizawl-Silchar.

The Mizoram Police stepped up security arrangements to ensure the safety of Meiteis in Aizawl city, India Today NE reported. Security has been beefed up at Vety College, Selesih; Mizoram University, Tanhril; RIPANS, Zemabawk and ZMC, Falkawn.

"In anticipation of possible development of tension which could threaten the security of Meiteis living in Aizawl, due to the public outrage against the recent viral video of two tribal Kuki - Zo brutally assaulted in Manipur. Security arrangements are made in order to ensure the safety of Meitei in Aizawl," the letter read.

Though the government has planned to airlift Meiteis, however, the details of when the evacuation process will start are not out yet. A few thousand Meiteis, mostly from Manipur and south Assam, live in Mizoram.

23/07/2023 India Today

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Madhya Pradesh: Flying Academy To Introduce Double-Engine Plane From July 25

Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh): Khajuraho is going to become a pilot training centre which students from foreign may also join.

At present, Indian Flying Academy (SFS Private Limited), Delhi unit, is imparting training through two single-engine aircraft.

Now the academy is planning to introduce double-engine aircraft from July 25.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Khajuraho MP VD Sharma inaugurate the event.

After the pilot training academy was set up, Khajuraho has become one of the five important airports in the country.

Chief operations officer of Indian Flying Academy Captain Sunil Kumar Singh said a double-engine aircraft had reached Khajuraho from Malaysia.

22/07/2023 Free Press Journal

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Dubai-bound Indian tourists cancel flights, travel plans amidst devastating floods

 

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Several Indian tourists who had been looking forward to enjoying a Dubai holiday have had to either cancel or postpone their trips as monsoon floods hit their home towns.

Torrential rains have battered a number of Indian states over the past few days, with floodwaters entering homes and inundating roads. The violent weather have reportedly impacted domestic and international travel, and service providers have had to deal with interruptions and cancellations due to several inaccessible transit routes.

Along with his family and friends, he had booked flights and accommodation through a travel agent — but all plans had to be given up due to non-stop rains.

“My friends and their families had to reach Delhi from Kanpur, Bhopal, and Surat. We faced train transport disruptions, and even buses were not hitting the roads. So it was difficult for us to move ahead with our plan,” said Kumar.

Kumar had previously been to Dubai on business trips, but for his family, the scheduled holiday would be their first time in the city.

"My daughter and wife are a bit disheartened. But I have promised them a vacation as soon as the situation normalises,” he said.

Nadeem Saifi, a tourist from New Delhi, said he was about to book tickets to Dubai for the third week of July but cancelled his travel plans.

"My wife and I were looking forward to our vacation in Dubai, but with the floods affecting my home town, we decided to postpone our trip. It’s disheartening to see the devastation caused by the floods in my city,” said Saifi.

“The situation in my neighbourhood is better now. Hopefully, we can plan our vacation in the coming days,” he added.

Similarly, a cloth manufacturer from Surat, Rajesh Sharma, planned a business trip on July 20, but due to heavy rain, he also had to cancel his visit.

22/07/2023 SM Ayaz Zakir/Khaleej Times

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Wings of Progress; A Journey Through India's Milestones In Aviation

The history of Indian aviation is an awe-inspiring saga of determination, innovation, and remarkable achievements. Over the years, the Indian aviation industry has witnessed numerous milestones that have transformed the way people travel and connect within the country and beyond.

From humble beginnings to becoming the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market after the US and China, India has overcome challenges and achieved remarkable feats.  India’s domestic air passenger traffic grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 12% between 2010 and 2019, reaching approximately 341 million passengers in 2019. Post Covid numbers are looking bright again, and analysts are hoping, we would surpass them in 2023.

On February 18, 1911, India’s aviation journey took flight when a French pilot, Henri Pequet, piloted the first commercial aircraft from Allahabad to Naini. The journey covered 10 kilometres and lasted a mere 23 minutes.

On October 15, 1932, J.R.D. Tata founded Tata Airlines, which later became Air India. It was the first Indian airline to operate regular mail and passenger services within the country. Air India played a pivotal role in connecting various parts of the country and promoting tourism and trade. It went on to become the flag carrier of India and played a significant role in shaping the Indian aviation industry.

In 1953, the Government of India nationalised the airline industry, leading to the establishment of Indian Airlines. This move aimed to consolidate the aviation sector and provide better services to the public. Indian Airlines became the primary domestic carrier, ensuring connectivity to various regions of the country. The introduction of jet aircraft in the 1960s revolutionised air travel in India. Indian Airlines introduced the Boeing 707 jetliner, which enabled faster and more comfortable journeys, reducing travel times significantly.

The 1990s witnessed a significant milestone in Indian aviation with the introduction of economic reforms. The government liberalised the sector in 1994, allowing private airlines to enter the market. This decision led to the emergence of airlines such as Jet Airways, SpiceJet, and IndiGo, which brought competition, improved services, and expanded connectivity. This period also saw a significant focus on airport infrastructure development.

21/07/2023 Kashif Khusro/Free Press Journal

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India's aviation industry strives for green transformation, targets capital outlay of Rs 98,000 cr

In response to the escalating demands of air travel in India, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other airport operators have set their sights on a substantial capital outlay of approximately Rs 98,000 crore, said a release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Thursday.

The funds are earmarked for various projects, including the construction of greenfield airports, new terminals, expansion and modernisation of existing terminals, and strengthening runways, among other initiatives. This move comes as the nation's aviation industry strives to keep pace with the surging air traffic demands.

An essential focus for the airports is transitioning to sustainable practices. Currently, 55 airports have already made the remarkable switch to 100 per cent green energy, with efforts underway to implement carbon mitigation measures and develop carbon management plans.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is actively collaborating with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and adhering to the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to achieve sustainable aviation. Part of the strategy involves advising airport operators and developers to work towards carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions.

To reduce aviation emissions and their environmental impact, airlines are implementing measures like optimising speed and flap management, reducing aircraft weight, and adopting practices to prevent moisture and dirt accumulation on aircraft.

Additionally, airspace utilisation has been optimised through the Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA) initiative, a joint effort between AAI and the Indian Air Force, resulting in a notable reduction of CO2 emissions.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) in 2016 to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel more affordable. 

20/07/2023 Tarun Mishra/Business Today

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How a resurgent Indian aviation sector can boost regional tourism in South Asia

Tourism alone will contribute $512 billion to India’s GDP by 2028. It will create 53 million jobs by 2029,” asserted Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), at the 67th Convention of TAAI, held in Sri Lanka earlier this month. “It will bring in 30.5 million foreign tourists and over $56 billion in foreign exchange,” Mayal added. The statements reflected the rapid growth being witnessed by travel industry in South Asia. Read >>

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Indian aviation market has huge potential waiting to be tapped: Top industry experts

The aviation industry is optimistic about India's potential for growth due to a growing middle class and young population with a greater propensity to travel. The privatisation of airports has also provided a significant boost, with huge investments being made. The industry experts predict that the growth in the aviation sector will fuel tourism, both of which have shown resilience and are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. India's aviation market is currently the third-largest and fastest-growing in the world, with enormous potential for further growth. Read what experts say >>

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Air fares triple for India-Pakistan World Cup Cricket match in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad: When the Motera stadium in Ahmedabad is set to host the most sought-after India Pakistan World Cup Cricket match, all roads and flight paths lead to Ahmedabad on October 15.

As cricket fans, VVIPs, teams and sponsors have begun making their hotel and travel bookings for the match, airfares have skyrocketed to as high as 350% from major cities to Ahmedabad.

For instance, a round trip from Chennai to Ahmedabad will cost you a whopping Rs 45,425 per person for non-stop flights, even when booked three months in advance on July 15. Under normal circumstances, this would cost Rs 10,000 for a round trip, travel industry sources say.

The ICC Cricket World Cup will be held in India from October 5 to November 19. According to the schedule announced recently, the opening match, final and contest between India and Pakistan will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Anticipating high demand on match days, airfares to Ahmedabad from major cities have skyrocketed for October 14-16 this year, even when booked now. Even nearby destinations such as Mumbai and Delhi have clocked 339% and 203% increases in fares for these dates.

17/07/2023 Times of India

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GMR Hyderabad Aviation SEZ signs lease agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines for MRO

GMR Hyderabad Aviation SEZ Limited (GHASL), a GMR Group company has recently signed a Land Lease Agreement with Safran Aircraft Engines Services India Pvt. Ltd , a subsidiary of Safran, to lease land to the Paris-based aerospace company to build and operate the Engine MRO facility for LEAP turbofan engines. A press release from GMR said spread across 23.5 acres of the land parcel within the SEZ area of GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park here, the facility will occupy around 36,500 sqm of built-up space.

The facility will initially have the capacity to service 100 engines per annum, which will gradually increase, to around 300 engines by 2035. It will also generate ample employment opportunities in the state of Telangana, a GMR official said.

The construction of the facility will commence in September 2023. The facility is expected to be handed over in December 2024. This facility in Hyderabad will be the largest MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) centre in the Safran Aircraft Engines network, it said, adding operations are set to commence in 2025 and will provide employment to about 1,000 workers at its peak operation capacity.

Commenting on this development, Aman Kapoor, CEO GMR Airport Land Development, said, "We are excited to announce that Safran has chosen GMR Industrial Park after a thorough global assessment and has entered a lease agreement to set up one of the largest Engine MROs in the world."

17/07/2023 PTI/Economic Times

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Impractical For Airlines To Conduct Blood & Urine Test Of Crew, Civil Aviation Requirements Mandate Only Breath Analyzer Test: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court has observed that there are sufficient precautionary measures in the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) to safeguard the crew members of aircrafts against “unfortunate false positive results” in breath analyzer tests.

 Justice Gaurang Kanth added that the Requirements only imposes duty upon the airlines to conduct pre-flight breath analyzer tests and does not put any obligation upon such an airline to conduct blood and urine tests in case of positive results. 

 Observing that conducting blood and urine tests at an Airport before every flight will not be practical and feasible, the court said: “The Airlines will have to create infrastructure at every Airport from wherever they operate for conducting blood and urine tests of crew members. This will add additional cost on the operations of Airlines which will further burden them unnecessarily. Thus, in view of this Court, considering the infeasibility and impracticality of conducting blood and urine tests at Airport by operators, CAR does not anywhere put an obligation upon operator to conduct blood and urine test and that is why it only talks about BA Tests. 

 It added, “In fact, in the incidents of accidents also, the duty is not of the operator to conduct blood and urine tests, but the duty is imposed upon the Officer-in-Charge of Airport to conduct these tests. With regard to the aspect of false positive, CAR already has laid down procedure so as to eliminate the possibility of false positives.” 

 The court made the observations while dealing with a plea moved by a pilot of Vistara airlines challenging the orders passed by Director General of Civil Aviation and Joint Director suspending his license for three months. 

 The pilot was tested positive in the pre-flight breath analyzer test and the equipment used showed a reading of 0.004% alcohol in his blood. He was then asked by Vistara Airlines to submit his pilot license for necessary action. 

 After having been removed from the flying roster, the pilot conducted tests in two NABL accredited laboratories which indicated that there was no alcohol in his blood and urine. It was his case that the positive result in breath analyzer test was a false positive which had occurred due to error in the equipment. He contended that the blood and urine tests done in laboratories were more reliable in comparison to the breath analyzer test. 

 15/07/2023 Nupur Thapliyal/LiveLaw

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Indian aviation industry aims to roar back! June sees almost 19% surge in domestic air passenger traffic

ICRA maintains a stable outlook on the Indian aviation industry due to the rapid rebound in domestic passenger traffic during FY2023, which is anticipated to persist in FY2024. The sector has experienced enhanced pricing capabilities, resulting in improved yields and a positive revenue per available seat kilometer – cost per available seat kilometer (RASK-CASK) spread for airlines. This positive trend is expected to continue as the industry recovers pricing discipline, benefiting from consecutive declines in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices over the past five months and relatively stable foreign exchange rates.

Official data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released on Thursday reveals that domestic air passenger traffic in the country surged by 18.78% in June, reaching approximately 12.5 million compared to the same period last year. In June 2023, the estimated domestic air passenger traffic reached approximately 125.2 lakh, showing a slight decline of about 5% compared to May 2023’s 132.1 lakh. It experienced a year-on-year growth of around 19% compared to June 2022’s 105 lakh and was 4% higher than pre-Covid levels in June 2019, which stood at around 120 lakh.

IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, AirAsia India, and Akasa Air experienced an expansion in their market shares during June, benefiting from the grounding of budget carrier Go First. However, SpiceJet’s market share continued its decline, dropping to 4.4% last month from 7.3% recorded in January of this year.

Tata Group airlines, including Air India and AirAsia India (now rebranded as AIX Connect), witnessed strong passenger numbers in June. Air India carried 1.237 million passengers, while AirAsia India served 1.04 million passengers. Air India captured a market share of 9.7%, while AirAsia India held an 8% share. Vistara, a Tata-Singapore Airlines joint venture, recorded a market share of 8.1% with 1.011 million passengers. Akasa Air, launched in August last year, achieved a market share of 4.9% by flying 618,000 passengers. Meanwhile, SpiceJet carried 555,000 passengers, experiencing a market share decline to 4.4% and facing increased surveillance by the DGCA.

14/07/2023 Anindita Sen/Financial Express

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Domestic air passenger traffic rises nearly 19 per cent in June

Mumbai: The country's domestic air passenger traffic grew 18.78 per cent to around 1.25 crore in June compared to the year-ago period, according to official data released on Thursday.

In June, IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, AirAsia India and Akasa Air saw an increase in their respective market share amid the grounding of budget carrier Go First.

However, SpiceJet's market share continued to decline and fell to 4.4 per cent last month whereas it stood at 7.3 per cent in January this year.

The data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) showed that domestic carriers flew 124.87 lakh people in June compared to 105.12 lahks in the same period a year ago.

IndiGo, which carried around 79 lakh passengers in the previous month, increased its market share to 63.2 per cent from 61.4 per cent in May.

Tata Group airlines -- Air India and AirAsia India (now rebranded as AIX Connect) -- flew 12.37 lakh and 10.4 lakh passengers, respectively in June.

The market share of Air India stood at 9.7 per cent while that of AirAsia India was at 8 per cent, as per the data.

Full-service carrier Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, had a market share of 8.1 per cent and flew 10.11 lakh passengers in June.

Launched in August last year, Akasa Air's market share stood at 4.9 per cent as it flew 6.18 lakh passengers last month.

SpiceJet, which has been put under enhanced surveillance by the DGCA, flew 5.55 lakh passengers in June and its market share dropped to 4.4 per cent.

13/07/2023 PTI/New Indian Express

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India’s aviation industry has no cycles of boom or bust. It’s constant headwinds, tailwinds

Despite the excitement in Indian and global aviation circles around the recent agreements inked by IndiGo and Air India to purchase a record number of aircraft – 500 and 470, respectively –  from Airbus and Boeing, a sense of deep unease engulfs the industry. Almost all Indian airlines are bleeding red and struggling to stay afloat. With a stunning mortality rate, more than 30 airlines have gone belly-up in the last 30 years, many of which have been regional airlines. Unlike many sectors that go through cycles of boom and bust, the Indian aviation sector seems to be caught in the throes of headwinds and tailwinds at the same time. 

Why is there such a unique situation, and how will the future play out in this state of paradox? Read >>

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Twenty-five helipads operational in Arunachal Pradesh: CM Khandu

The Arunachal Pradesh government is making investments to create a robust air and road network that will help improve connectivity and promote economic growth, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has said. The state, he noted, has 25 operational helipads and three advanced landing grounds ready for commercial flights.

The chief minister also said that there has been a big boost to road connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh where 2,838 km roads are now built every year.

"Air connectivity not only bridges distances by connecting people and cultures but also boosts tourism, facilitates trade and fosters cooperation. We are investing to create robust air connectivity to unlock the limitless possibilities it offers!" he said on Tuesday.

In Arunachal Pradesh, 25 helipads are currently operational while two Dornier aircraft are leased for earmarked operations.

The airport in Pasighat has been operational since May, 2018 while Tezu and Zero towns are connected through commercial civil operations.

Khandu said seven advanced landing grounds are operational at Vijoynagar, Walong, Tuting, Ziro, Aalo, Pasighat and Mechuka and three advanced landing grounds at Walong, Tuting and Mechuka are ready for commercial flights.

"Sky is not the limit," he said, adding the state has been awarded 'Best Emerging State in Aviation Sector' in Wings India 2022 conference.

12/07/2023 PTI/ZeeBiz

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Air Force Chopper Called To Airlift 300 Tourists Stranded In Himachal's Chandertal

A helicopter from the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been requisitioned to airlift the tourists stranded at Chandertal in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh while a rescue team from Kaza has reached Kunzum Top and is just eight kilometres away from the lake, Principal Secretary, Revenue, Onkar Chand Sharma said today.

Around 300 people, mostly tourists, are stuck in camps at Chandertal, located at an altitude of 14,100 feet, following rain and snowfall in the region.

"Two of them were facing breathing issues due to the high altitude and they would be airlifted," Mr. Sharma said.

All the stranded people would be evacuated to safe places by today night, he said, adding that about 100 people were rescued from different places in the hill state yesterday.

Two teams have been deputed for road restoration -- one from the Losar side and the other from Kaza. The team comprises members of the administration, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), police and local villagers, the officials said.

Mr. Sharma informed that since the onset of the monsoon on June 24, the state has suffered a loss of ₹ 780 crore and the figure is expected to go up as excessive damage has been caused to roads, bridges and water supply schemes.

As many as 1,239 roads, including the Shimla-Kalka and Manali-Chandigarh national highways, are blocked due to heavy downpours over the last three days, according to the state emergency operation centre. Bus service is suspended on 1,416 routes of the Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC) while 679 buses are held en route, transport officials said today.

The supply of essential items was hit in several areas of the hill state, including Shimla and Manali, as the Chandigarh-Manali and Shimla-Kalka national highways were closed following landslides, caving in of roads and flooding.

Several areas in Kullu and Mandi remained without electricity as 2,577 transformers were disrupted while the water supply was also affected in several areas, including state capital Shimla, as 1,418 water supply schemes have suffered damage.

Manali town and the adjoining areas remained cut off for almost a day as roads were blocked due to landslides. Mobile connectivity has also been disrupted.

The rains have stopped since yesterday evening and the rescue operations and road restoration work have gained pace as the water level in the rivers has subsided, Kullu Deputy Commissioner Ashutosh Garg said. "We are hopeful that mobile networks would start working in Manali during the day," he added.

11/07/2023 PTI/NDTV

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India gets its 36th and Tamil Nadu its first flying training school

New Delhi: India now has 36 DGCA-approved flying schools. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday gave its nod to EKVI Air Training Organization Pvt Ltd that will be based at Salem Airport.

This will be the first flying training organisation (FTO) in Tamil Nadu.

“As the sole approved flying training school in the region, this will provide aspiring pilots of Tamil Nadu training opportunities as per DGCA standards and contribute to the growth of the aviation industry in the country,” said a senior official.

11/07/2023 Times of India

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Israel Aerospace purchases Indian MRO services provider HELA Systems

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has inked a significant deal to purchase Indian MRO services provider HELA Systems Private Limited, an Indian subsidiary of ELTA Systems Ltd.

This latest round of acquisition shows the high trust levels placed by Israel in India, as a strong friend and defence partner.

Moreover, the investment in aerospace services in India is also a strong testament to IAI’s support of the initiative of the Indian government: Make in India or Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

This initiative is set to propel India’s aerospace capability and its commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities.

The role of the Indian company is to provide MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) product support and guidance for ELTA systems along with testing and providing technical services, including yearly maintenance contracts and supply of spares to Indian defence customers. 

HELA will work from its large and high-tech base out of one of India’s fastest-growing industrial belts: Hyderabad.

HELA’s excellence in the management and technical team comes with experts in the fields of ‘radio frequency and microwave specialists’ who are specialists with cutting-edge technologies and working with futuristic military applications.

Moreover, HELA is one of India’s standard-setting companies, ready to serve as India’s armed services suppliers and also other defence and relevant organizations in the Republic. 

11/07/2023 Indy Udol/Aviation Source News

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Airbus starts giving upto 5% SAF free for delivery flights; IndiGo becomes 1st airline to use this offer

Airbus has started offering upto 5% pure sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to customers taking aircraft from its Toulouse and Hamburg delivery centres. “The first airline to benefit from this offer was IndiGo, whose new A320neo took off from Toulouse on 3 July,” Airbus said.

“At their discretion, customers ferrying aircraft from our Tianjin, China, and Mobile, Alabama, delivery centres to their home base are already offered varying concentrations of SAF. Now our delivery teams are offering 5%-pure SAF to all customers departing Toulouse, and from September, to those taking delivery in Hamburg. To achieve this objective, Airbus has secured 6,805 hectolitres (HL) of SAF with different blend ratios, ranging from 30 to 49%. This will create around 18,000 HL, or 475,500 US gallons, of blended SAF for 2023 alone. Indigo was the first airline to take advantage of this offer, with an A320neo departing Toulouse for Delhi in early July,” Airbus said in a statement.

“Airbus is convinced SAF will play a major role in decarbonising aviation. In fact, we’ve already set ourselves a goal: to reach 10% pure SAF in the fuel mix of our own operations in 2023. We want to cover ferry flights too, which are when airlines fly a new aircraft to its home base,” it added.

11/07/2023 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Why this might not be the right time for India to set up a final assembly line

This year, Air India, Akasa Air and IndiGo ordered 974 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. This number will increase as Akasa has said it will place a “three-digit” order for aircraft before the end of the year. With India accounting for the bulk of aircraft demand in South Asia, should Boeing and Airbus, the two global manufacturers of civilian aircraft, look at setting up a final assembly line (FAL) to make planes in the country?

While an FAL will no doubt bring cheer, is it the right time to have an FAL in India for the country and aircraft manufacturers? Moneycontrol explains >>

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Noida airport likely to invite expression of interest for MRO this week

Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL) is likely to invite this week expression of interest (EoI) for development of MRO facilities at the upcoming airport in Jewar near Delhi, according to officials. The EoI will be open till October this year and NIAL is expecting response for MRO not only from commercial airlines and private operators but also aircraft manufacturers, a senior officer said.

MRO stands for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul in the aviation industry. It refers to the activities involved in maintaining, repairing, and overhauling aircraft, aircraft components, and systems to ensure their airworthiness and safe operation.

"The EoI for developing MRO facilities at Noida International Airport will be floated soon, likely this week. We are expecting a response from private operators, airlines and aircraft manufacturers for the MRO," NIAL's chief executive officer Arun Vir Singh told PTI.

"The time for response on EoI will remain open till October this year and based on the inputs, we will decide the future course of action that is whether to form a joint venture or opt for any other method for development of MRO facilities," Singh said.

An EoI is a preliminary step in the tendering process where interested parties express their intent to participate in a specific project or contract. It helps the procuring entity assess the suitability of potential bidders before moving forward with the formal bidding process.

10/07/2023 PTI/Economic Times

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Will Aviation Infrastructure In India Keep Up With Projected Growth?

If current trends are anything to go by, the aviation landscape in India will look significantly different in about a decade. The country has never seen aircraft orders as big as those placed by IndiGo and Air India, and demand for air travel has moved beyond just the big metro cities and spilled over into tier 2 and 3 towns.

But what about ground infrastructure and the workforce to sustain such growth? The speed of development in previous decades has been quite uninspiring, but the pace has picked up in the last few years. So, will it keep up with the projected growth? Let’s find out  >>

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Voyager Looks To India For Crew Flight Services

Voyager Space, one of four companies holding NASA contracts supporting the development of commercially owned and operated stations in low Earth orbit, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the use of India’s upcoming Gaganyaan crewed transportation system to service its planned Starlab outpost. 

The MOU, announced July 10, is between Voyager, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Department of Space and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe).

“The objective is to jointly study the potential use of ISRO’s Gaganyaan spacecraft to provide crewed flights to the Starlab station,” Voyager said in a statement.

Voyager and IN-SPACe will also “seek additional collaboration opportunities with various stakeholders within the Indian space ecosystem, including research institutions, commercial entities, and government agencies,” it added.

10/07/2023 Irene Klotz/AviationWeek

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Godrej Aerospace targets Airbus, Boeing suppliers as India jet orders soar

Mumbai: Godrej Aerospace is in talks to build aircraft parts for suppliers to Airbus and Boeing as airlines place record jet orders, a top executive at the Indian company said.

Air India and IndiGo between them have nearly 1,000 new planes on order, said Maneck Behramkamdin, associate vice president and business head at Godrej Aerospace, which means 2,000-2,500 engines would at some point need maintenance.

"With so many aircraft coming into India, Airbus and Boeing need to augment their supply chain. Tier two suppliers of Airbus and Boeing are now looking at India ... we are in talks with them," Behramkamdin told Reuters.

There are a lot of opportunities in supplying for the structure of the aircraft and there are also large titanium requirements, he said, adding there will also be demand for maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft parts.

Godrej Aerospace already exports some key components to engine makers General Electric (GE) and Rolls-Royce (RR.L), Behramkamdin said after a media tour of its plant in Mumbai.

The company expects its civil aviation business to clock revenues of 1 billion rupees ($12 million) in the current fiscal year, making up 35% of Godrej's total revenues, he said in an interview, adding that he expects this to grow to 50% next year.

10/07/2023 Dhwani Pandya/Reuters

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Aviation may attract big corporate houses if high airfares persist

New Delhi: If at all high airfares is a multi-year phenomena then high return ratios is likely to attract other big corporate houses with deeper pockets to this low entry barrier sector, JM Financial said in a research.

Akasa Air garnered 5 per cent market share in a year, the report said.

Sudden bankruptcy filing by Go First (6.4 per cent market share and a fleet of 26 airworthy place) in May earlier this year has significantly benefited the existing players by a) making room for a sharp fare increase (18 per cent QoQ, as per the JM fare tracker) ; and b) enabling record PLFs of 90 per cent plus.

Muted ATF price (down 13.7 per cent QoQ) coupled with a stable INR has further boosted profitability prospects for the sector.

The key question lingering in the minds of sector enthusiasts is whether or not to extrapolate this highly profitable period for a year or two, attributing it to the benefits associated with a duopoly market, the report said.

The marginal players (SpiceJet 5.4 per cent /Akasa 4.8 per cent market share) will also see significant balance sheet improvement in this extraordinarily profitable period, giving them the wherewithal to withstand sector cyclicality in future.

The TATA group currently stands at 26.3 per cent domestic market share and intends to take its share sharply higher with its new gigantic fleet order, the report said.

Post Air India’s order for 470 aircraft with Boeing and Airbus (options to purchase additional 370 aircraft), IndiGo has placed an order for 500 Airbus A320 family single aisle aircraft.

This order comes in addition to the current order book of 480 aircraft which are yet to be delivered (expected to be completed by 2030). It will provide IndiGo a further steady stream of deliveries between 2030 and 2035.

Akasa Air has also placed an additional order for four aircrafts a follow-up to the already placed order of 72 aircraft. The company also plans to place a three-digit aircraft order before the end of the calendar year, the report said.

Airport infrastructure is likely to come in at a quicker pace ensuring supply. India is poised for substantial growth in its aviation infrastructure, with the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announcing plans to increase total airports to 200-220 from 148 by FY25.

09/07/2023 IANS/Daijiworld

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Airbus sets new record with substantial increase in orders from India; confirms higher deliveries

Airbus experienced a significant surge in demand from India in June, resulting in a substantial increase in orders for the European aircraft manufacturer. The company recorded a total of 1,044 net orders in the first half of the year, according to recent data. The orders included 500 jets from budget carrier IndiGo and 250 from Air India, which were announced or finalized during the Paris Airshow held last month. Indian airlines are striving to keep up with the rapidly growing aviation market in the country, which serves the largest population, leading to record-breaking numbers for the industry. However, manufacturers are facing challenges in meeting their production targets due to supply chain disruptions.

In the first half of the year, Airbus received gross orders for 1,080 aircraft before cancellations. During this period, the company delivered a total of 316 jets, as reported by Reuters. In comparison, during the same period in 2022, Airbus secured 442 orders, with a net total of 259 after cancellations, and delivered 297 jets. The company aims to achieve 720 deliveries by the end of this year.

During the January to May period, Boeing received 223 gross orders, resulting in a net total of 127 after cancellations. The company delivered 206 airplanes during this time. Both Airbus and Boeing will be announcing their mid-year results on July 26. It is anticipated that Boeing’s upcoming monthly order figures will also reflect substantial demand from India, following the finalization of an order for 220 jets from Air India during the Paris Airshow.

09/07/2023 Anindita Sen/Financial Express

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Jagruti Patil shatters stereotypes to become Navi Mumbai’s first woman pilot

Jagruti Rohidas Patil, a determined resident of Koparkhairane, has fearlessly pursued her passion for aviation and made history by becoming Navi Mumbai’s first woman pilot. Her remarkable achievement breaks societal expectations and stereotypes, serving as an inspiration to many.

Following her completion of 12th grade, Jagruti embarked on her journey to fulfill her dream of becoming a pilot. Under the guidance of her dedicated instructor, she underwent extensive training, honing her skills and accumulating a total of fifteen hours of flight time. Jagruti successfully passed all the required pilot exams, earning her well-deserved pilot’s license. Her future plans include serving with Air India and contributing her expertise to the aviation industry.

Jagruti’s training spanned four years, during which she faced the challenges imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the obstacles, her dedication and perseverance remained unwavering, and she returned to Navi Mumbai with a sense of pride. Notably, she stood out as the only female participant from Maharashtra at her training institute, demonstrating her determination and breaking barriers along the way.

08/07/2023 Sainath Bhoir/Newsband

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Arshad Khan on winning the eighth annual Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition

I started aeromodelling as a Class 9 student as my school, Shrikanwartara Public Higher Secondary School in Madhya Pradesh, had an aeromodelling lab. where I tried my hand at building and flying radio-controlled (RC) aircraft. In 2017, I participated in the Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition at IIT Bombay but didn’t get through. But it was a learning experience, and I became interested in working with model aircraft and their functioning. I particularly enjoyed the way they operate differently with different designs.

Later, I leveraged an internship opportunity to learn more about advanced aerodynamics, aircraft building, and expert flying. Within a year, I acquired experience in building multiple aircraft and advanced drones, and I started offering training in flying and developing aero-models and drones. 

I started preparing for the Boeing National Aeromodelling Competition 2022 a year in advance. When selected for the final round, I scrutinised the instructions carefully and identified areas where I could achieve maximum points. I tried creating the best range of payload I could develop in the shortest duration, as indicated in the abstract.  I also paid attention to enable safety in the aircraft and prepared it to fly with maximum payload instead of increasing its weight. This idea helped me win.  

During the competition, I met the country’s best RC pilots and designers, Boeing engineers, and learnt several techniques that guided me. The Boeing National Aeromodelling competition is more than a platform; it helps develop young talent, instills curiosity, and provides the knowledge that every enthusiast needs to fulfill their dreams of making the next aeroplane. 

(The writer is a student of Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal).

08/07/2023 The Hindu

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What IndiGo's mega aircraft deal means for India's aviation industry

It was literally India’s moment at the Le Bourget airport, the site of the famed Paris Air Show. Of more than 1,000 aircraft ordered at the event, 970 were bought by Indian carriers IndiGo and Air India. Coming within five months of the national flag carrier Air India announcing its order for 470 aircraft (the purchase agreement for which was signed at the same air show), IndiGo also finalised an order for 500 aircraft from the Airbus 320neo family.

See what this huge deal means for India >>

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HAL gets contract to supply two Dornier aircraft to Indian Coast Guard

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with state-owned company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday for the procurement of two Dornier aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) along with associated engineering support package at a cost of Rs 458.87 crore. 

 The aircraft will be procured under the Buy (Indian) Category, , an official release said. The Dornier aircraft are being indigenously manufactured at HAL (Transport Aircraft Division), Kanpur. "It will significantly contribute in achieving Aatmanirbharta in defence, in consonance with the 'Make in India' initiative of the Government," he said. 

 The aircraft will be fitted with a number of advanced equipment including Glass Cockpit, Maritime Patrol Radar, Electro Optic Infra-Red device, Mission Management System. "The addition (of the aircraft) will further bolster the aerial surveillance capability of maritime areas of responsibilities of the ICG," the release said. 

 The government has set the target of achieving defence manufacturing worth Rs 175,000 crore including defence exports of Rs 35,000 crore by the year 2024-25. 

 08/07/2023 ANI/ET Infra

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ICG airlifts patient from Lakshadweep

Kochi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Friday successfully evacuated a critically-ill person from Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, braving extreme weather conditions.

The 48-year-old man reportedly suffered a stroke and he was evacuated in a Dornier aircraft of the ICG.

The patient was in an unconscious state at the Government Hospital, Androth. He was first shifted from Androth to Agatti (170km) and then from Agatti to Kochi (450km).

The ICG authorities at Kavaratti and Androth coordinated the safe evacuation of the patient. The aircraft landed at Kochi naval airport at 2.38pm. An ambulance was on standby at the airport and the patient was shifted to Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi, for further medical assistance.

08/07/2023 Times of India

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From Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata to Gautam Singhania: 8 Indian billionaires who own luxury private jets

Many Indian billionaires own extravagant private jets with mind-boggling price tags and luxurious amenities. These jets are no less than a private 5-star hotel on air. Many businessmen, like Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, Gautam Singhania, and Adar Poonawalla, own such lavish jets. 

Here's a list of the top eight Indian billionaires who own private jets and their prices >>

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Kerala tribal youths dare to dream big with govt’s ‘Wings’

Kozhikode:  Until a year ago, Gopika’s world revolved around her native Wayanad. The 22-year-old, who hails from the Kurichiya tribal community, had never dreamt she would one day leave her village and work, that too, in an airport. 

However, her life changed when the Scheduled Tribes Development Department (STDD) decided to start a training programme for youngsters hailing from tribal communities across the state to prepare them for jobs in the aviation sector.

Now, Gopika, who completed the course from an academy in Wayanad’s Kalpetta, has been placed at Kochi airport. Though away from family, she is content with her new job in a new city. And she has the STDD’s ‘Wings Project’ to thank. 

As many as 90 students who were part of the first batch of one of the courses launched under the project in 2022 have secured placements in all four international airports in the state – Karipur, Kannur, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram – as well as outside.

An official with STDD said students can choose from two courses – a six-month airline and airport management course and a one-year airline customer service course. The 90 students are among the 100 who joined the six-month course.

“The overwhelming response we received the previous year when the course was launched has prompted us to go big this year,” said Krishna Prakash K, deputy director (Education), STDD. 

“This year too, the response has been tremendous. The department is in the process of estimating the number of students expected to join the courses. The second batch of the courses will begin soon,” Krishna said. 

Both the STDD and SC Development Department (SCDD) launched the project. While the STDD is conducting the course with the support of a private aviation institution, the SCDD is conducting it with the help of the Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology (RAGAAT). 

06/07/2023 Pooja Nair/New Indian Express

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India’s Dhruv Helicopter Wins Restricted EASA Certification

London: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Dhruv helicopter has become the first Indian-designed and developed rotorcraft to secure certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The twin-engine Dhruv received a CS-29 Large Rotorcraft restricted type certificate on June 29. Under that document, the fuel load is limited to 50% of the maximum quantity, the aircraft cannot be used for passenger or cargo transport, and it is restricted to visual-flight-rules operations.

However, company officials say the certification “establishes that HAL is capable of designing helicopter platforms meeting stringent European certification requirements.”

Indian media reports say HAL began exploring EASA certification around 2016 after a series of Dhruv accidents while in service with Ecuador reportedly left operators losing confidence in the platform.

The 5.5-metric-ton Dhruv was developed to meet Indian armed services requirement for a multi-role utility helicopter for the country’s air force, army and navy. The civil version was certified by Indian authorities but few are in the commercial market.

05/07/2023 Tony Osborne/AviationWeek

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Indian aviation on a high with ministry offering 1,222 new jobs since July 2021

The Indian government on Thursday, July 6, created an additional 1,222 new posts in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), and Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA).

To beat the shortage of air traffic control officers (ATCOs), the Union Aviation Ministry has created 796 positions since July 2021. For the aviation safety regulator and AERA, the government created a total of 416 and 10 new positions, respectively.

The domestic aviation industry continues to witness a recovery, with air passenger traffic logging around 60 percent growth at 13.60 crore passengers in FY23 annually.

The Indian carriers had flown a total of 8.52 crore passengers on local routes in the year ended March 2022, as per ICRA. In FY23, the overall airlines' capacity deployment was higher by 38 percent as compared to FY22.

DGCA serves as the aviation safety regulator, responsible for regulating air transport services to, from, and within India. The DGCA is entrusted with enforcing civil air regulations, maintaining air safety and airworthiness standards, as well as overseeing the licensing and training of aviation personnel.

The AAI is a statutory authority responsible for the management, development, and operation of airports throughout the country. It plays a vital role in the infrastructure development of airports across India and is the sole provider of air navigation services, which is a sovereign function entrusted to AAI.

06/07/2023  Jomy Jos Pullokaran/CNBC TV18

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What IndiGo's mega aircraft deal means for India's aviation industry

It was literally India’s moment at the Le Bourget airport, the site of the famed Paris Air Show. Of more than 1,000 aircraft ordered at the event, 970 were bought by Indian carriers IndiGo and Air India. Coming within five months of the national flag carrier Air India announcing its order for 470 aircraft (the purchase agreement for which was signed at the same air show), IndiGo also finalised an order for 500 aircraft from the Airbus 320neo family. As a result, the Gurugram-based low-cost carrier (LCC) not only surpassed the Air India order, but also established a new record for the single largest purchase agreement in commercial aviation. Reacting to the announcement, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, “This contract is a major win for our aerospace sector. Airbus’s deal with IndiGo will be worth billions to the UK and support thousands of jobs across the country—helping to grow the economy.”

The new deal takes the total number of Airbus aircraft on order by IndiGo to 1,330 in the past 12 years. According to experts, the delivery of the new 500 aircraft, however, will start only after 2026. In an oblique reference to the carrier’s future growth strategy, CEO Pieter Elbers said, “The additional 500 [aircraft]… will help IndiGo move forward, to make sure that we live up to our promise and continue to build our unparalleled network, both domestic (India) and international.”

Not to be left behind, the country’s newest scheduled carrier, Akasa Air, also ordered four additional Boeing 737-8 MAX jets to support its international foray.

The record orders by IndiGo and Air India also spurred a discussion in the national and international press about who had struck a better deal. However, with both orders having been placed independently, the linkages or motivations behind them are speculative at best, say industry experts. “The IndiGo order in its current form is comparable to the 400 narrowbody aircraft ordered by Air India, against a total order of 470,” says Satyendra Pandey, Managing Partner at aviation services firm AT-TV.

06/07/2023 Manish Pant/Business Today

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HAL Dhruv received restricted-type certification from EASA

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved restricted type certification for its indigenously developed helicopter platform, the HAL Dhruv, from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Brussels, Belgium. This historic achievement validates HAL’s capacity to design and manufacture helicopters that meet the stringent certification requirements set by the European aviation regulatory authorities.

The EASA certification demonstrates HAL’s extraordinary engineering ability and perseverance in designing the Dhruv helicopter platform. It certifies that HAL has met and exceeded the European aviation industry’s strict safety, performance, and operational requirements.

HAL has proven its dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality in its aircraft designs by complying to the stringent European certification requirements. The EASA certification system involves a thorough assessment of a number of aspects, including design, manufacture, maintenance, and operational procedures, to make sure that the certified aircraft meet or surpass the established criteria.

The HAL Dhruv, renowned for its strong performance and adaptability, has already demonstrated its endurance in a variety of difficult circumstances, including military operations, search and rescue missions, disaster relief operations, and the transportation of personnel and cargo. Dhruv now has formal confirmation that it complies with European aviation standards by the EASA certification, which increases its trustworthiness and appeal to consumers.

05/07/2023 Sana Khan/Jetline Marvel

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Monopoly, ahoy! Indigo is the sole airline flying on 552 out of 1,048 routes in India

Since the time Air India announced the consolidation of its group airlines and Singapore Airlines decided to go ahead with the merger of Vistara with Air India, there have been continuous concerns around Indian aviation sliding into the hands of two players, which could lead to an increase in fares and lack of choice for consumers.

Even before that debate could go towards its logical conclusion, Go FIRST went down, blaming engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for its grounding. With SpiceJet having shrunk dramatically and Akasa Air not scaling up fast enough, over 85 percent of the market appears to be controlled by IndiGo and airlines of the Air India group.

The reality is rather different. Indeed, a flight schedule provided by OAG Aviation, exclusively for this article, paints a very different picture. In July, there are 1,048 routes operational in India (Mumbai-Delhi is considered one route, and Delhi-Mumbai is a separate route). A staggering 830 of those routes are operated by IndiGo. Alliance Air, the only government owned airline, comes in next with 158 routes. This is followed by Air India with 153 routes, and SpiceJet with 119. Vistara, which recently carried its 50 millionth passenger, and is slated to merge with Air India next year, operates 100 routes as per data provided by OAG.

While talks of a duopoly are doing the rounds, the fact is, 769 out of 1,048 routes are a monopoly, i.e., only one airline operates on that route. While routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) guarantee exclusivity, a look at the schedule shows that monopoly routes beyond RCS include those connecting major cities such as Kolkata and Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad, Delhi and Nagpur and Chennai with Pune.

A staggering 552 routes of the 769 monopoly routes — 72 percent — are operated by IndiGo. Indeed, of the 830 routes that IndiGo flies in India, 66 percent (552) are a monopoly. Should one blame IndiGo for the monopoly or be thankful? Being a monopoly is a double edged sword but it isn’t always a bad thing.

A careful look at the schedule shows that the airline has managed to connect cities that are not mandated under the Route DIspersal Guidelines. This includes flights to Goa (Manohar International Airport) from Bhopal, Vadodara, Dehradun or Rajkot. Connections between Tier 2 cities such as Lucknow and Ranchi, or Bhopal and Udaipur. This typically fuels tourism as well as trade.

There are only 24 routes among all the routes that IndiGo operates where it is not the frequency leader, i.e., another airline has more frequent flights than IndiGo. However, this is when Air India, Air India Express, AirAsia India and Vistara are different airlines.

Club them together, and there are 79 routes where the Air India group airlines have more frequencies than IndiGo. There are 145 routes where there is a duopoly.

05/07/2023 Ameya Joshi/Moneycontrol

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Indian Airlines Increasingly Competing With ‘Refreshed’ In-Flight Menus

There was a time when full-service carriers in India offered welcome drinks and hot towels to even domestic economy passengers. Chicken and mutton biryanis featured regularly on lunch and dinner menus. But the low-cost era changed that. Indian passengers were given the option to forgo meals as a tradeoff for cheap and punctual flights, and a large majority took to it quite well.

But lately, there has been an increasing focus on in-flight refreshments across the board, with Indian carriers ‘refreshing’ their menus every now and then.

Read some of their recent efforts >>

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Kerala CM writes to Jyotiraditya Scindia over exorbitant airfares during Onam

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday posted on Instagram, a letter he wrote to Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. In the letter, CM Vijayan requests Scindia to look into the exorbitant airfares, particularly to Kerala, from August 15 to September 15. 

In the letter he writes, that it is during this period that several Malayalees travel from various parts of the country to Kerala to celebrate the festival of Onam. Onam this year, falls on August 28. The ten-day festival is celebrated by exchanging gifts, cooking feasts and visiting family. 'A letter has been sent to Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia seeking urgent intervention in the face of skyrocketing airfares to Kerala,' Vijayan wrote on Instagram.

“The steep airfare costs have compelled a significant number of Kerala expats and non-resident Keralites to cancel or postpone their travel plans,”. He writes in the letter. “In view of this I request your kind intervention to authorize the operation of chartered flights to transport non-resident Keralites from the UAE to India, specifically for the Onam festivities,” the letter reads. In the letter, he also says that he would be grateful if you (Scindia) can issue the necessary directives to the regulatory authority and relevant departments to facilitate this arrangement.

05/07/2023 The Week

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The importance of aviation education in fostering future industry professionals

The aviation industry is a sector that connects people and facilitates global trade and travel. To ensure the growth and sustainability of this dynamic industry, it is essential to prioritize aviation education. By providing individuals with the 

necessary knowledge, skills, and opportunities, aviation education plays a crucial role in fostering the development of future industry professionals. Read how >>

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India's airlines will try to counter Emirates' launch of Premium Economy to Mumbai, Bengaluru

Dubai: Will India’s airlines go the ‘Premium Economy’ route to pick up higher revenues and profit margins on their services to the UAE?

Airline industry sources say doing so would be the best option for India’s carriers on this high-frequency, high-demand route – and more so after Emirates announced it will do so from October in their flights to two Indian cities, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

"By targeting price-sensitive business passengers and comfort-seeking VFR (visiting friends and relatives) and leisure travelers, the Premium Economy has become a value-added product for airlines,” said Linus Bauer, founder and Managing Director at Dubai-based Bauer Aviation Advisory. ((It represents) a significant revenue stream and strategic mechanism to improve yields – especially on long-haul services."

Research by his firms shows that a Premium Economy seat's production and implementation cost is 1.6 times higher than that of an economy seat. "Yet on long-haul flights, it generates 2.3 times higher revenues than its production cost, giving it the highest marginal returns across all cabin classes," said Bauer.

But would adding a Premium Economy generate a similar sort of response on the relatively short-haul flights between UAE and India? And more so given that ticket rates on the sector consistently fly high?

"Bengaluru is an IT hub and Mumbai attracts a lot of corporate travelers,” said Husain Iqbal, General Manager – GSA at Sharaf Travel. “The product would experience some popularity even among point-to-point passengers."

As for Emirates, the Premium Economy rollout gives it significant advantages in tapping traffic from India on longer-haul flights transiting through Dubai. 

Whether low-cost carriers would consider offering a Premium Economy service will likely depend on a careful analysis of market demand, operational feasibility, and potential profitability.

Among Indian carriers, Vistara and Air India offer Premium Economy services on select long-haul flights. Iqbal said that once Vistara’s merger with Air India completes next year, there is no telling what will happen to its existing services. Air India announced a Premium Economy product (in March this year), albeit limited to India-US routes.

04/07/2023 Dhanusha Gokulan/Gulf News

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New Orders And Opportunities: Has Aviation Spring Finally Arrived In India?

When one looks back at the last year and a half, it’s quite remarkable the magnitude of changes that have taken place within the Indian aviation sector. An ailing national airline was given a new lease of life; a new budget airline emerged even as a more established one had to halt operations. And the first half of 2023 saw two global record-setting aircraft orders, both from Indian airlines.

Do all these mean an aviation spring has finally arrived in India? >>

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Govt calls off strategic sale of Pawan Hans as winning bidder disqualified

New Delhi: The government on Monday decided to call off the strategic disinvestment of Pawan Hans as the successful bidding consortium Star9 Mobility Pvt Ltd was disqualified in view of pending legal cases. Pawan Hans is a 51:49 joint venture of the government and ONGC.

The government had in April last year decided to sell the helicopter service provider for Rs 211.14 crore to Star9 Mobility Pvt Ltd -- a consortium of Big Charter Private Ltd, Maharaja Aviation Private Ltd and Almas Global Opportunity Fund SPC.

However, in May the sale process was put on hold after it came to light that the lead member of the winning bidder consortium -- Almas Global Opportunity Fund SPC -- has a case pending against it at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

In a statement, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) on Monday said the government has examined the adverse orders of NCLT and NCLAT.

03/07/2023 PTI/Times of India

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Boeing to significantly ramp up sourcing from India: Boeing India chief Salil Gupte

New Delhi: Boeing will ramp up its sourcing from the country from current $1 billion annually. Boeing India president Salil Gupte has told TOI that Prime Minister Modi’s recent US visit has “certainly laid the groundwork for engine manufacturing” in the country.

Boeing and Airbus have together bagged firm orders for 970 aircraft worth $120 billion in the last four months alone from Air India and IndiGo. Boeing may additionally get a significant wide body order from IndiGo which is testing these waters with two Boeing 777s wet leased (hired with operating crew) from Turkish Airlines.

Asked if Boeing will put a commercial airplane final assembly line in India, Gupte said: "We continue to evaluate the business case for assembly and rate increases as demand for our products grow. Volumes required for final assembly of commercial airplanes are far greater than that required for defence, and a business case would require a large regional market."

"Boeing is already the top foreign aerospace and defense company in India when measured by the more than 5,000 engineers and other skilled staff we employ in India, and the further 13,000 employed by our suppliers. Our supply chain footprint extends to over 300 local companies and $1 billion spent annually on local sourcing," Gupte added.

Boeing’s sourcing from India at the moment is over $1 billion (Rs 8,200 crore) per year, of which roughly two-third is manufacturing, making it the biggest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) importer from here. Over the last 18-24 months it has signed an additional $1 billion worth of contracts. While these contracts are spread out over several years, the sourcing from India will grow significantly in the next 2 to 3 years.

“We have been at the $1-billion level of sourcing from India for the last 2-3 years. During this pandemic time, aeroplane production rates went down significantly. While globally sourcing dropped in that period, in India it we stayed flat at a billion dollars. So you can imagine how fast the growth here was even when aircraft production rates were lower. Now as those rates increase, India will ride that wave up,” Gupte said.

India, the world’s fastest growing aviation market, is keen that both Boeing and Airbus set up FALs here. With Prime Minister Modi’s push, the country is getting the ecosystem for defence side. Last year, Tata and Airbus decided to jointly make the C-295 transport aircraft for Indian Air Force in Gujarat. Modi’s recent state visit to Washington saw US major GE Aerospace signing a pact to jointly make fighter jet engines in India. These defence aviation ecosystems and supply chains will provide the groundwork for civil side manufacturing and FALs.

03/07/2023 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Selfie in the cockpit? You will be inviting trouble! DGCA steps up vigil

We all know it isn’t within the rules for airline passengers or random people to get entry into a plane’s cockpit, yet we have seen people posting selfies from inside the area. If you are someone who has taken such aviation rules for a ride, you may not be able to get off so easily the next time. We have you warned!

Aviation safety watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has now stepped up its vigilance and asked the airlines to strictly follow the rules and also sensitise the pilots and the cabin crew regarding unauthorised entry of people into the cockpit.

Recently, there were two incidents where unauthorised people were allowed inside the cockpit during scheduled flights. Considering this, the DGCA has warned that whosoever refuses to comply with the rules dealing with unauthorized entry into the cockpit will invite stringent enforcement action.

The DGCA in its advisory stated that a random person’s presence in the cockpit can distract the crew’s attention from their sensitive functions which can put the safety of the passengers and the aircraft operations in jeopardy.

The regulator has asked the heads of operations of all scheduled airlines to avoid any unauthorised entry into the cockpit through appropriate means.

02/07/2023 Financial Express

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The Rise of India’s Pilot Training Industry: A Boeing Perspective 2023

The project led to the company’s prediction that India will need 31,000 additional pilots over the next 20 years.

With its rapidly growing aviation sector, India has the potential to become a prominent pilot training hub, catering to domestic and international demand.

Boeing, a leading aerospace company, recognizes the country’s advantageous position. This article explores the reasons behind India’s situation. has the potential to excel as a pilot training hub.

India’s aviation industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. With a population of over 1.3 billion, a burgeoning middle class, and increasing disposable income, air travel has become more accessible and affordable to a more significant segment.

The rise of low-cost carriers and increased connectivity have contributed to the industry’s exponential growth, creating a strong demand for trained pilots.

Salil Gupte, president of Boeing India, told FE that with more investment in installing flight simulators and quicker acceptance of competency-based training curricula, India could become a regional centre for pilot training.

Currently, the Centre and the industry are aware of the need for more pilots, particularly since that local airlines are beginning to place large orders to purchase aircraft. According to Gupte, the giant aerospace company has decided to invest $100 million in projects and initiatives that would meet India’s requirement for training facilities. The project led to the company’s prediction that India will need 31,000 additional pilots over the next 20 years.

India boasts a young and dynamic population, with a significant number of individuals eager to pursue careers in aviation. This demographic advantage provides a vast pool of potential pilot candidates, ensuring a steady supply of aspiring aviators. Boeing recognizes this advantage and aims to tap into this talent pool to meet the global pilot demand.

The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to boost the aviation sector. The Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) aims to enhance air connectivity to smaller cities and towns, which creates a demand for pilots to operate on these routes. Additionally, the government’s focus on building world-class airports, aviation training institutes, and aviation-related infrastructure further strengthens the foundation for India to become a pilot training hub.

According to Gupte, “We have increased our forecast for aeroplanes coming into India over the next 20 years from 2,200 previously to about 2,400-2,500, and that means that there will be required to fly those aeroplanes over the next 20 years, upwards of 31,000 pilots.” We aim to train as many of those pilots in India as possible. Gupte claims that the $100 million investment would enable the adoption of new training curricula and the building of physical infrastructure, such as simulators.

01/07/2023 Shan/Inventiva

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Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Completes Seven Years of Service in Indian Air Force

The indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) will complete seven years of service in the Indian Air Force. Christened Tejas in 2003, the aircraft is a multi- role platform that ranks amongst the best in its class. It has been designed to undertake the Air Defence, Maritime Reconnaissance and Strike roles. The inherently unstable Tejas offers carefree handling and enhanced manoeuvrability. This capability is further enhanced with its Multi-Mode Airborne radar, Helmet Mounted Display, Self-protection suite and Laser Designation Pod.

The first IAF Squadron to induct the Tejas was No 45 Squadron, the ‘Flying Daggers’. Over the years, the squadron progressed from Vampires to Gnats and then onto the MiG-21 Bis, before being equipped with its current steed. Each of the aircraft flown by the Flying Daggers has been manufactured in India – either under license production or having been designed and developed in India. In May 2020, No 18 Squadron became the second IAF unit to operate the Tejas.

The IAF has showcased India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities by displaying the aircraft at various international events, including LIMA-2019 at Malaysia, Dubai Air Show-2021, Sri Lanka Air Force anniversary celebrations in 2021, Singapore Air Show- 2022 and Aero India Shows from 2017 to 2023. Whilst it had already participated in exercises with foreign air forces domestically, Ex-Desert Flag in the United Arab Emirates in March 2023 was the Tejas’ maiden exercise on foreign soil.

30/06/2023 SME Street

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India has potential to be pilot training hub: Boeing

Enhanced investment for installation of flight simulators as well as faster adoption of competency-based training curriculum can make India a regional hub for pilot training, Boeing India president Salil Gupte told FE.

At present, the Centre and the industry have recognised future needs of pilots, especially after domestic airlines have started to place mega orders for aircraft acquisition. Gupte said the aerospace major has decided to invest $100 million in  infrastructure and programmes catering to the need for training facilities in  India. The initiative comes as the company forecasts India to require 31,000 new pilots over the next 20 years.

“We have upped our forecast for airplanes coming into India over the next 20 years from 2,200 previously, to about 2,400-2,500 and that means that there’s going to need to be upwards of 31,000 pilots required over the next 20 years to fly those airplanes,” Gupte said. “It’s our goal that as many of those pilots as possible be trained in India.”According to Gupte, the $100 million investment will support installation of hard infrastructure such as simulators and adoption of new training curriculum

.In India, the investment will support the aerospace major’s partnership with simulator training provider CAE.Recently, the aerospace major signed an agreement with the simulator training provider which will offer Boeing’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment curriculum in India.

“The investment will also support infrastructure for customer’s ambitions, such as those of Air India which wants to enter the training business themselves,” Gupte said. The aerospace major expects that around 20% of 31,000 pilots could be supported by the $100 million investment.

01/07/2023 Rohit Vaid/Financial Express

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