Digital communication system training made must for airline crew

Mumbai/Delhi: India's aviation regulator has mandated airline crew to be trained on the Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), an in-flight digital communications system that, among other things, helps track planes after they have gone out of radar coverage, a senior DGCA official said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation currently doesn't mandate ACARS in its rules which is recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), although it is compulsory only for  flights across north-Atlantic routes.
ACARS is like an on-board computer which collects large chunks of information about aircraft health and performance and "talks" in digital messages to the ground-level control centre, the airline and even the engine manufacturer.
When a plane is about to take off, an automatic message is triggered from the aircraft, via ACARS, to the operations control center, which records the departure time. The same procedure is followed when the flight lands. ACARS captures OOOI (out, off, on, in) timings, the collective term for the four phases of an aircraft's flight which is Out ( leaving the gate), Off ( take off), On ( touch down) and In ( arrival at the gate).
31/03/14 Debabrata Das & Anirban Chowdhury/Economic Times

Read More

DGCA cracks down on three more business jets

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday denied permission for a private aircraft to take off from Delhi for violating safety norms. The DGCA also held up two flights, one of Larsen & Toubro and the other of Poonawalla Aviation company, citing violation of safety norms in Mumbai.
In another development, the aviation regulator dismissed the Reliance Industries pilot who was suspended on Saturday for flying without a licence.
According to DGCA sources, a Hawker 800 XP of SRC Aviation, which was to fly from Delhi to Colombo, was not allowed to take off for several hours as officials, conducting the checks found several safety violations, including absence of life jackets.
These tough measures come at a time when private planes and helicopters are being heavily used as charters to fly political leaders across the country for election campaign.
29/03/14 Business Standard

Read More

Uttarakhand CM's chopper rides under EC scanner

Dehradun: Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat has come under the Election Commission's scanner for allegedly using private and state-owned helicopters for campaigning in the state and travelling to New Delhi.
Deputy election commissioner Vinod Zutshi issued a notice to the state election commission after reviewing BJP leader Prakash Pant's complaint on the matter. The EC has sought the travel details of the chief minister, including chopper logbooks and the campaigning hours he has clocked so far, from the state's aviation department, Pant said.
"Once we get the details from the aviation department, action will be taken as per the EC guidelines," said a senior EC official.
As per new rules, a candidate cannot spend more than Rs 70 lakh on campaigning. Even the chief minister is barred from using state-owned machinery, including choppers, for campaigning.
29/03/14 Yogesh Kumar/Times of India

Read More

DGCA grounds 3 flights for safety-norm violations

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday refused to allow a private chartered flight to take off from Delhi and two others in Mumbai for violating safety norms.
In Delhi, a Hawker 800 XP of SRC Aviation, which was to fly to Colombo, was not allowed to take off for several hours as DGCA officials found several safety violations, like absence of life jackets or minimum equipment list, during a search.
In Mumbai, officials held up two flights—one of L&T and the other of Poonawalla Aviation company—on the same grounds, said sources.
The tough action comes at a time when more and more private choppers and small aircraft are being used by political leaders across the country for poll campaigning. A week ago, the DGCA grounded a Reliance Industries-owned 14-seater Falcon 900EX and suspended its pilot for violating safety norms. While the aircraft was released after the deficiencies were rectified, sources said the Reliance pilot has now been dismissed.
28/03/14 Deccan Herald

Read More

DGCA cracks down on private air charters

New Delhi: Cracking down on private air charters, DGCA today refused to allow a private aircraft to take off from Delhi for violating safety norms and dismissed the pilot of Reliance Industries who was not carrying his license while on duty.
In Mumbai, officials of the aviation regulator also held up two such flights -- one of L&T and the other of Poonawalla Aviation company -- on the same grounds today, DGCA sources said.
In Delhi, a Hawker 800 XP of SRC Aviation, which was to fly to Colombo on a chartered flight, was not allowed to take off for several hours as DGCA officials, conducting the checks, found several safety violations, like absence of life jackets or minimum equipment list, the sources said.
Similar violations were also found in the Falcon 900 plane of Poonawallah, which landed at Mumbai from Agra, they said, adding that L&T's aircraft also violated safety norms.
28/03/14 PTI/Business Standard

Read More

DGCA tells pilots flying VIPs on poll campaign to keep out black money, arms, drugs

New Delhi : d pilots and crew of aircraft or helicopters flying VIPs for poll campaigning to ensure that no unauthorised cash, narcotics or arms are carried in the flight.
It has also directed business jet operators and pilots to ensure that the hired aircraft or helicopters are airworthy and adhere to all safety requirements.
In a do’s and don'ts list ahead of Lok Sabha elections, DGCA said that the operators may face penal action if their pilots do not adhere to safety guidelines while flying VIPs.
It directed them and flight crew to ensure that no unauthorised cash, narcotics or arms are carried in the flight.
The guidelines also include submission of passenger manifests to the aviation regulator a week in advance.
The flight crew would have to carry local and other maps during flight for navigation and “shall not rely on GPS (global positioning system) only”, the guidelines said.
27/03/14 PTI/Telegraph

Read More

DGCA asks Air India captain to prove he passed Class 12 or lose licence

New Delhi: A senior commander of Air India (domestic) has got a month to prove that he actually completed schooling — successfully — or else lose his flying licence forever. The directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) on Wednesday gave him a month to confirm beyond doubt that the Class 12 certificate he gave to qualify for a commercial pilot licence (CPL) was genuine.
"If he fails to do that, the DGCA will cancel his CPL. The basic requirement of a CPL is passing Class 12 with physics and maths, apart from scoring at least 70% in English. So if someone fraudulently manages to get a CPL without meeting the minimum qualification criteria, the licence is invalid," said an official.
The commander flies Airbus A-320 aircraft. AI has decided not to ground him as it can't act against him till proven guilty.
The pilot's trouble started when his real sister complained to the DGCA and AI that her brother had given a fake certificate to become a pilot. "This person's entire family is of pilots. His father retired from AI and his two siblings (not the one who complained) are also pilots. The fight in the family is possibly due to some property dispute which led to the sister complaining against her brother," said sources.
27/03/14 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

Read More

Small plane operators want infra support

New Delhi: Stakeholders in the general aviation sector will meet senior civil aviation ministry officials on Thursday to press for the requisite infrastructure for smaller aircraft to be able to implement the recently-notified policy for boosting regional air connectivity.
“We want the government to re-look the operations, maintenance and development agreements it enters with private-sector players to manage airport operations. Smaller aircraft are required to implement the government’s policy for regional connectivity. However, currently, there are no terminals or parking areas earmarked in airports for such aircraft,” said Rajesh Bali, secretary, Business Aircraft Operators’ Association.
The association’s members are also scheduled to meet the Director-General of Civil Aviation earlier in the day on Thursday to discuss safety guidelines notified by the regulator earlier this week.
On March 3, the government revamped the policy on regional air connectivity and notified new norms according to which scheduled carriers can enter into code-share agreements with non-scheduled companies operating on regional routes and purchase or sell miles (credits) among one another.
27/03/14 Sharmistha Mukherjee/Business Standard

Read More

GE pledges RNP boost for India

GE Aviation will be providing technical support to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to accelerate the deployment of the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) flight paths nationwide.
The two partners will work together through a US Trade and Development Agency grant to deploy the procedures at the Bangalore, Mangalore and Gauhati airports to improve the airspace efficiency.
GE Aviation will also work with the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to support RNP operations approval for a domestic airline. Once the flight paths are deployed and in use, a report documenting the actual benefits of the flight paths will be published.
The use of the Required Navigation Performance flight paths is expected to alleviate air traffic congestion and reduce excess fuel burnout, noise levels around airports as well as the flight delays due to increased traffic.
27/03/14 Air Traffic Management 

Read More

Compulsory psychometric tests likely for pilots

New Delhi: In the wake of the mysterious disappearance of the Malaysian Airlines flight, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India might make it mandatory for pilots to undergo psychometric (psychological) tests at regular intervals.
A DGCA official told Business Standard, “ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) does not mandate compulsory psychometric tests for cockpit crew. However, we are considering framing some guidelines to check the mental fitness of pilots once every three or five years.”
South Korea and Singapore do continuous assessment of their pilots’ mental health — as individuals, in groups, as well as with the family’s help (once a year) — to determine if there is any cause for concern. DGCA does not mandate a routine check of pilots’ mental fitness or ask for psychometric tests before airlines hire a pilot. The Indian rules are largely in line with those of the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Authority, which do not mandate a regular mental fitness test.
The measure being considered might stir a debate, since some in the aviation industry believe regular psychological tests make little sense. For, there is enough global scientific data to show the mental make-up of a person does not change after he is 18-20 years old.
25/03/14 Sharmistha Mukherjee/Business Standard

Read More

Top-level meet to fix aviation glitches

New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will meet chief executive officers of all Indian carriers later this week to thrash out many pressing problems as it prepares to remove the ignominy of a downgrade on safety issues by the US aviation regulator.
According to sources, the DGCA will discuss ways to make the process of granting and renewing licences to pilots easier and more effective. The meeting will be part of the regulator’s efforts to amend or even do away with some rules or practices that impact operations.
The US Federal Aviation Authority had downgraded India’s safety ranking in January. It had put the country in category II from category I.
DGCA officials said the regulator would also meet private non-scheduled operators and business jet operators. Airlines have been complaining of issues such as the frequency of medical and proficiency checks of pilots, saying the cockpit crew has to be taken off duty for a significant period to fulfil these legal requirements, which affect operations.
These periodic checks are mandatory for pilots and the cabin crew to retain their licence. According to sources, the airlines are likely to make a presentation on various operational issues and the difficulties faced by them.
25/03/14 The Telegraph

Read More

Mehair defers seaplane services launch to Mula, Pawna dams

Mumbai: The proposed maiden sea plane services by Mehair from Mumbai hit yet another air pocket after the operator failed to secure necessary regulatory approvals from the state government.
Maritime Energy Heli Air Services or Mehair put off its maiden service from the mainland, which was scheduled to commence from March 10 from the Juhu airport to Aamby Valley City, in the wake of Sahara Chief Subrata Roy's arrest orders by the Supreme Court, sources said today.
Now, the company has deferred its proposed seaplane services to Mula Dam in Shirdi and Pawna dam in Pune, which were to commence from tomorrow, too for want of approvals from the state Irrigation department, they told PTI.
Mehair has, however, already secured aviation regulator DGCA's nod for these services, they said adding, "the irrigation department is ready to accord permission for the Dhoom dam in Panchgani in Mahabaleshwar, which is yet to (receive) aviation regulator's approval".
25/03/14 PTI/Business Standard

Read More

DGCA to consult carrier chiefs on operational issues

New Delhi: In a bid to enhance efficiency, DGCA would consult chiefs of all Indian carriers later this week for suggestions on a range of operational issues, including granting and renewal of pilots licences and route checks.
The meeting would be part of the aviation regulator's efforts to amend or even do away with some rules or practices which affected airline operations.
Consultations would also be held with private non- scheduled operators and general aviation business officials later in this regard, official sources said.
Airlines have been complaining to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on issues like frequency of medical and proficiency checks of pilots, saying the cockpit crew have to be taken off duty for a significant period to fulfil these legal requirements and it affects airline operations.
25/03/14 PTI/Economic Times

Read More

India aviation market set to be number one

India's fast-growing civil aviation sector, already among the top 10 globally, could be number one worldwide by 2030, a report by global consultancy KPMG says.
Even though most Indian airlines face hefty losses in 2014 and huge debts in the face of fierce competition and a sharply slowing economy, in the longer term the $US16 billion ($A17.90 billion) sector is on a high-growth track thanks to large untapped potential, experts say.
"We've just touched the tip of the aviation iceberg," said Amber Dubey, KPMG's India aerospace head said, noting "access to aviation is still a dream for nearly 99.5 per cent" of India's 1.2 billion population.
Chicago-based Boeing in a similarly bullish mode, separately projected demand for more than 1,600 new airplanes in India over the next 20 years, valued at $US205 billion.
"India's demographics are highly favourable to growth of air transportation" while "the share of India's large population entering the workforce is growing," said Dinesh Keskar, a Boeing senior vice president.
25/03/14 AFP/Yahoo

Read More

Govt relaxes norms for top job at IGRUA

Mumbai: After failing to find the right candidate who would assume charge as the director of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA), the government has decided to relax norms. The premier flying school does not have a full-time director for the last 18 months.
The relaxed norms allow out-station candidates to apply for the position. The IGRUA director is assisted by departmental heads of operations, services, finance and human resources.
“It was difficult to find a candidate, who was willing to stay at the institute in Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. Now, the relaxed rules does not mandate the director to stay at the institute and we expect to fill the post soon,” said a government source.
IGRUA is an autonomous institution under the civil aviation ministry and is managed by the governing council, which has Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, aviation secretary, chairpersons of Air India and Airports Authority of India as its members.
26/03/14 Indian Express

Read More

Soon, Bangalore firm will be sole supplier of key gear for Airbus planes

New Delhi: From the middle of next year, Dynamatic Technologies Ltd, a Bangalore-based company, will be the sole supplier of Flap Track Beams for the long-range aircraft programme of the European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus. The beams are a part of the Airbus A-330 and Airbus-340 aircraft, which are used by several global airlines on long-haul routes .
Explaining the importance of these beams, Srinivasan Dwarakanath, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus India, said the beams help get the flaps to move so that when the flight takes off, these give the necessary force for the lift and when the aircraft gets ready to land, they help in braking.
Dwarakanath said most of the activity (for the new contract) will be done in Bangalore, although Dynamatic would also get some components from its supply chain.
25/03/14 Business Line

Read More

India Issues Safety Guidelines for GA Election Flying

As India enters the final phase of elections carried out in phases over five weeks starting April 7, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued strict safety guidelines for general aviation aircraft operators conducting flights for candidates. It warned that non-compliance could lead to suspension of licenses and air operator permits.
Election flying demands long flying hours; many takeoffs and landings; weather changes; lack of proper rest; hurriedly prepared helipads; time management concerns; stressed security arrangements; congested airspace; difficult and disturbed areas; and lack of adequate communication, all of which “pose serious risks to air travel during elections,” said the DGCA circular.
25/03/14 Neelam Mathews/AINonline

Read More

GE Aviation and AAI to improve airspace efficiency

GE Aviation is providing technical support to air navigation service provider Airports Authority of India (AAI) to accelerate the deployment of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) flight paths throughout India. Through a U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) grant, GE Aviation and AAI will work together to deploy the efficient procedures at India’s Bengaluru, Mangalore and Guwahati airports to improve airspace efficiency.
GE will also work with India’s regulator Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to support RNP operations approval for an Indian airline. Once the flight paths are deployed and in use, a report documenting the actual benefits of the flight paths will be published.  India’s aviation sector is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world according to the Center for Aviation (CAPA). In the last decade, domestic air traffic has more than quadrupled to 60 million while international traffic more than tripled to 40 million. The use of RNP flight paths can alleviate traffic congestion, excess fuel burn, noise levels around airports and flight delays from increased traffic.
25/03/14 Travel Trends

Read More

Small-plane operators face DGCA heat

New Delhi:  With election campaigning set to turn hectic in the coming days, the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued fresh guidelines for the operation of small aircraft/helicopters that are used by VIPs, Special Protection Group personnel and other eminent persons .
The aviation watchdog has made it clear that non-compliance will be viewed “very seriously” leading to to suspension of operations or pilot licence for a specified period.
The guidelines issued on Monday ask the flight crew to Google helipad coordinates to check their correctness, suitability and other flying aspects such as obstacles and landing and take-off directions among others.
In addition, it has also urged flight crew to carry local maps during flights and use them for navigation without relying only on GPS. “The operator shall ascertain from the District Administration that the surface of the temporary helipad is level and does not have loose soil which might raise a dust with rotor downwash cutting down visibility at the time of landing which may lead to disorientation,” the new directions state.
24/03/14 Business Line

Read More

Embraer pitches E2 jets against turbo-props used by Indian carriers

New Delhi: Turboprop aircraft flown by Indian carriers such as SpiceJetBSE -1.15 % and JetLite on regional routes are obsolete, said Brazilian planemaker Embraer Commercial Aviation, which is trying to pitch its next-generation E2 jets as a more cost-effective alternative.
Embraer recently signed a deal with the newly-formed Air Costa to sell 50 planes at a list price of $2.94 billion and with an option to sell 50 more. "There was a time when there was a clear need for smaller planes like the turboprop planes, but I think the Indian market has outgrown the need for such planes," said Mark Dunnachie, vicepresident, Asia-Pacific, Embraer Commercial Aviation. The E2 will also score over bigger jets, he said.
"The E195-E2 jets will be at least 20% cheaper in terms of seat mile costs as compared to the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320," said Dunnachie. "Even the cost of operating an E175-E2 will be cheaper per seat mile as compared to turbo-propeller aircraft." Airlines in India have typically opted for turboprop aircraft such as the French-made ATR-72 and ATR-42 for regional connectivity. These are used by JetLite and Air India, while SpiceJet has opted for Bombardier Q400 turboprops.
25/03/14 Debabrata Das/Economic Times

Read More

Greener flights, lesser delays in the offing

Mumbai: Airports Authority of India (AAI) is working on the deployment of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) flight paths throughout India which would help airlines cut down on fuel usage and also help cut down flight delays.
Performance-based Navigation (PBN) technology allows pilots to use onboard technology to follow a precise track, independent of ground-based navigation beacons that limit where the aircraft can go. RNP procedures, an advanced form of PBN technology, can be designed to shorten the distance an aircraft has to fly en-route, and to reduce fuel burn, exhaust emissions and noise pollution in communities near airports. Because of RNP's precision and reliability, the technology can help air traffic controllers reduce flight delays and alleviate air traffic congestion.
"GE Aviation is providing technical support to air navigation service provider through a US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) grant. GE Aviation and AAI will work together to deploy the efficient procedures at India's Bengaluru, Mangalore and Guwahati airports to improve airspace efficiency," said a release issued by GE Aviation.
24/03/14 Manju V/Times of India

Read More

DGCA comes up with guidelines for jet operators flying VIPs

New Delhi: With growing number of private charters now flying VIPs for poll campaigning, DGCA today came out with a list of do's and don'ts for business jet operators and warned them and their pilots of penal action if these safety guidelines were not adhered to.
The set of guidelines also directs the operators and flight crew to ensure that no unauthorised cash, narcotics or arms are carried in the flight. The guidelines also include submission of passenger manifests to the aviation regulator a week in advance.
The flight crew would have to carry local and other maps during flight for navigation and "shall not rely on GPS (global positioning system) only", the guidelines said.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked the flight crew to google helipad coordinates as an additional measure to check their correctness, suitability and other flying aspects like obstacles (for instance, tall trees and high tension wires) and landing and take-off directions, among others.
23/03/14 Telegraph

Read More

DGCA tightens noose on on airline companies after US Federal Aviation Administration downgrade

Mumbai/Delhi: India's aviation regulator has tightened the screws on airline companies after the US Federal Aviation Administration in January downgraded the country's safety rating and put it on par with that of Swaziland and Uruguay. The ones impacted the most seem to be private charter operators, known as non-scheduled operating permit holders, which have to be ready for random, surprise checks on documentation and equipment.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recently found fault  with planes being used by Reliance IndustriesBSE 1.83 % and Jindal SteelBSE -0.17 % as part of this drive. "The checks have definitely increased on operators after the downgrade (on January 31)," said Rohit Kapur, head of the Business Aircraft Owners Association, a lobby group of general aviation companies.
"They have a checklist of about 25-27 items, including documents. They may check one or all items in the list during their surprise ramp checks," said Sanjay Dahiya, head of operations at Essar Group's private charter division.
24/03/14 Debabrata Das & Anirban Chowdhury/Economic Times

Read More

Reliance's grounded aircraft gets DGCA clearance

Mumbai: Reliance Industries today said aviation regulator DGCA, which had grounded its business jet, cleared it for take-off after the company fulfilled the requirements.
"DGCA has cleared the aircraft for take-off," said a company spokesperson here.
Officials of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation were not available for confirmation.
DGCA had yesterday grounded a business jet owned by Reliance Industries after a surprise inspection at the Delhi airport for carrying expired safety equipment on board and suspended its pilot for flying without a licence.
The aviation regulator also inspected Jindal Steel and Power Limited's Global Express BD 700 aircraft and found several major lapses, official sources said.
23/03/14 PTI/Business Standard

Read More

Mukesh Ambani's luxury jet grounded

New Delhi: A super luxury business jet of Reliance — used by Mukesh Ambani, his family and the group's top management — was grounded following surprise checks on Saturday. The directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) suspended the aircraft's commander after the checks as he did not have a flying licence with him at the time of checks.
The regulatory team swooped down on Reliance's Falcon 9X — a high end luxury jet — as it landed in Delhi from Mumbai. The family members were not flying and it had top officials. An exhaustive check revealed of VT-ISH revealed that the jet's emergency equipment like fire extinguishers had expired. So was the personal breathing equipment — which drops down in event of fall in cabin pressure.
"The cabin compartment containing escape rope (life line) was found jammed. It was found unavailable for escaping in case of emergency," said a senior official. There was also a discrepancy in the number of passengers as the actual flyers were 11 but the "load and trim sheet" — a mandatory document containing list of passengers on any flight — indicated 13.
23/03/14 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

Read More

Reliance, JSPL biz jets grounded for violations

New Delhi: Aviation regulator DGCA on Saturday, grounded a business jet owned by Reliance Industries for carrying expired safety equipment on board and suspended its pilot for flying without a licence.
The aviation regulator, which carried out surprise inspection at Delhi’s IGI Airport, also searched the Global Express BD 700 aircraft belonging to Jindal Steel and Power Limited’s and found several major lapses, official sources said. While action against Jindal would be decided on Monday, the Reliance aircraft was grounded immediately, just before it was slated to take off, a source said.
The 14-seater Falcon 900EX registered in the name of Reliance Commercial Dealers Limited, was grounded after it was found that most safety equipment on board, including a fire extinguisher and personal breathing equipment, were beyond expiry dates.  The commander of the aircraft was also not carrying his licence and the co-pilot was not in possession of mandatory documents.
23/03/14 PTI/Indian Express

Read More

Rivals join forces to develop Indian aircraft

New Delhi: For decades, Indian expertise in designing and building aircraft has developed randomly, with isolated areas of excellence offset by large capability gaps in important fields. Now a new government body has begun coordinating the holistic development of the country's aeronautical capability.
Just as the Atomic Energy Commission oversees the field of nuclear energy, and the Space Commission coordinates India's space programmes, many believe that an empowered Aeronautical Commission must coordinate and oversee the development of capabilities, facilities and skilled human resources needed to design and build aircraft, both military and commercial.
While an Aeronautical Commission currently seems unlikely, the B K Chaturvedi Committee in 2012 recommended establishing an apex, multi-agency National Aeronautics Coordination Group (NACG), chaired by the Secretary (Defence Production). Functioning below the NACG would be the more hands-on and technology oriented Design & Development Management Board (DDMB).
On Thursday, the DDMB held its first meeting in Bangalore. Headed by R K Tyagi, chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), it included key officials from aerospace organisations like the Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO); National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL).
22/03/14 Ajai Shukla/Business Standard

Read More

Tour operator held for selling fake LTC packages

New Delhi:  The director of a fake tour company, who duped central government employees on pretext of providing cheap LTC travel packages, has been arrested.
Aftab Ahmed Siddiqui (24) alias Rajeev Kumar has a bachelors degree in computer applications and four years experience of working in a travel company. He recently suffered losses in the stock market and scouted for mail ids on government websites.
Kumar has duped close to 50 people and landed in the police dragnet after a senior programmer of Jamia Millia University and a government official from south Delhi both complained of having been cheated. They lost Rs 65,000 and Rs 1.8 lakh, respectively.
"On March 5, a complaint was received from the university programmer, Israr Ahmed, who said he had received an e-mail from one Rajeev Kumar who claimed to be the director of Wind Holiday Tours on January 22 regarding a cheap LTC package. He paid Rs 65,000 in two instalments. Kumar delivered an Air India flight ticket to Israr three days after payment," DCP (Central) Alok Kumar said.
22/03/14 Times of India

Read More

Global aviation majors pitch for superior engines at India airshow

The just concluded India airshow 2014 at Begumpet airport in Hyderabad acted as a platform for all the airplane engine makers to pitch their supremacy over the others. The focus was on increasing fuel efficiency and bring down the noise level emitted from the plane.
Leading air planes engine manufacturers including Rolls Royce, CFM, United Technologies presented their leading machines to the aviation experts from across the world who assimilated at the venue. Engines are very important part of the aircraft and as per an estimate in 2012, the industry is said to be valued to be over $40 billion.
"Our latest engines are designed for 15% less fuel consumption and reduced noise by 15 decibels" said a representative of CFM International, one of the leading suppliers of jet engines for commercial airplanes.
The CFM engines are being installed in Boeing 737 Max airplanes; 42 of which have been ordered by Low Cost Carrier (LCC) Spicejet at a cost of Rs 26,000 crore. The deal was announced at the air show.
20/03/14 Daily News & Analysis

Read More

Club One Air takes delivery of Falcon jet

Air charter services provider Club One Air has taken delivery of the first of three Falcon 2000 jets it ordered at the India Aviation Show 2014 that concluded here last week.
This is the first of the three pre-owned Falcon 2000 aircraft that have been purchased by Club One Air. The other two will also be delivered over the next few weeks.
Thierry de Poncins, Director (International Sales), Falcon Business Jets, in a statement said, “Club One Air had been considering the Falcon for the last few months and they found the 2000 to be the best fit for their charter operations. The Falcon 2000 is cost efficient and is already performing well in India.”
20/03/14 Business Line

Read More

India To Buy More Pilatus PC-7 Mk. 2s

The Indian air force (IAF) has decided to “urgently” buy 106 PC-7 Mk. 2 Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) from Pilatus, pulling the plug yet again on state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which is also making an aircraft for training junior pilots.
The BTAs will be acquired from the Swiss company under the “Buy & Make (Indian)” category, in accordance with India’s defense procurement policy.
India is already taking delivery of PC-7 Mk. 2 aircraft from Pilatus under a contract for 75 such aircraft signed in 2012.
“The aircraft and associated equipment in this new procurement are required to be supplied in the same configuration/specifications and scale as was contracted with Pilatus earlier,” an IAF official tells Aviation Week.
Under the “Buy & Make (Indian)” category, Pilatus will have to form a joint venture or establish a production arrangement with an Indian company to execute the contract.
20/03/14 Jay Menon/Aviation Week

Read More

Bombardier, Embraer pitch small jets for domestic connect

Mumbai: Aircraft manufacturers Bombardier and Embraer are making a pitch for small jets to connect Tier-II and Tier-III towns with metros. With these jets, which have fewer than 120 seats, these companies are promising lower seat-km costs.
Seat-km cost is the unit cost incurred to fly a certain number of passengers on a particular route.
Currently, domestic airlines fly narrow-bodied Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s, which have about 180 seats. While Air India, Jet Airways and SpiceJet fly turboprops (40-80 seats), regional operator Air Costa flies two Embraer E-170 jets, with 67 seats, in south and west India.
To expand its regional network, Air India has invited bids for eight 70-80 seater turboprops, while IndiGo is exploring plans to create a separate subsidiary to link small towns with ATR turboprop planes. Last month, Air Costa had ordered 50 Embraer E190-E2 and E195-E2 jets, with a capacity of 98-118 seats. Deliveries of the E2 jets will begin in 2018.
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer sees strong growth prospects for small jets in India.
18/03/14 Aneesh Phadnis/Business Standard

Read More

Regional airports to offer great potential for India

In view of the vast untapped potential, the next generation of aviation growth in India will be triggered by regional airports, offering significant long-term opportunities for global aviation players.
According to the “Indian Aviation 2014” report, launched at the ongoing India Aviation exposition here, there is a large untapped potential for growth in the country as access to aviation is still a dream for nearly 99.5 per cent of the population.
“At present, there are around 450 used, unused or abandoned airports and airstrips spread all over the country,” the report, compiled by consultancy firm KPMG Advisory Services, in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, or FICCI, said.
Many Indian states, especially in Eastern India, have started taking proactive measures to promote air connectivity.  These initiatives include reduction in sales tax on aviation turbine fuel, or ATF, development of no-frills airports, promotion of aviation academies and supportive policies for airlines and tourism, the report said.
“West Bengal deserves special mention as it is the first large state in the country to declare zero per cent sales tax on ATF at its regional airports and 15 per cent sales tax on ATF used by additional flights started at its metro airport in Kolkata,” the report said.
16/03/14 PS Jayaram/Khaleej Times

Read More

Open skies for tech firms in aviation market

Aviation technology firms are entering the Indian market in a big way, tying up with airlines like Air India, IndiGo and GoAir to provide critical components to enhance flight safety and run their businesses.
At last week's India Aviation Show, Air India signed a MoU with major US firm Honeywell to upgrade the landing and takeoff gears of its Boeing 777 fleet, while the two no-frill carriers joined Geneva-based SITA (Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeronautiques) for developing business technology solutions.
The company says that Honeywell's 'SmartRunway/SmartLanding' upgrade, which is already in use on a large number of airplanes worldwide, would improve situational awareness for pilots, deliver safer landing and taxiing operations and lower cockpit workload across its Boeing 777 fleet.
 The upgrade helps mitigating runway accidents that cost the worldwide aviation industry $1 billion annually for injuries, damage, repairs and inspections. Air India's Executive Director (Engineering) A K Mathew said, “As we expand our network, our pilots are required to fly into an ever-growing number of airports, many of which are continually changing in terms of layout. This system could make it easier for them to navigate these airports regardless of visibility and extend passenger safety even further.”
17/03/14 Deccan Herald

Read More

3 Aerobatic Shows on Last Day of India Aviation

Hydreabad: People who have bought tickets for the 4th International Exhibition & Conference on Civil Aviation, India Aviation 2014, for Sunday will be able to watch aerobatics show not once or twice but thrice. On the concluding day, Mark Jefferies Air Shows and Display Aerobatics, UK, will perform Aerobatics at 11 am, 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm.
Mark Jefferies and Tom Cassels, both multiple time British champions from the Global Stars aerobatic team, have been performing aerobatics at the India Aviation 2014 for the last four days.
Authorities say that private vehicles will not be allowed inside the Begumpet airport premises during the general public holidays. Adequate parking arrangement are made at the airport cargo area and Gymkhana Grounds. A shuttle bus service will be operated every 15 minutes to Begumpet Airport.
16/03/14 New Indian Express

Read More

Haryana engineer shows fellow villagers the wonder-world on board a plane

New Delhi: Flying is a right that we all take for granted. Whatever the destination, most of us just swipe our credit cards online, strap on our seat belts, gaze languidly at the window, and get set for an all too familiar experience.
But in this age of hyper-aviation with falling airfares and an increased number of low-cost airlines, it is easy to forget there is an India that has never seen a plane close up, let alone sat in one.
Bahadur Gupta is one man who hasn't forgotten this India. A native of Kaisal village in Haryana's Kaithal district, Gupta, who rose through the ranks to become a mechanical engineer in the erstwhile Indian Airlines, promised his fellow villagers that he would show them the wonderworld on board a plane. Thus was born Gupta's Dwarka-based 'fantasy flight', where, with the help of a grounded Indian Airlines plane, he helps many people live this fantasy even as they learn an important lesson in safety.
Besides villagers from across the country, the experience has also emerged as a popular choice among schools looking for entertaining and educational excursions for students.
"We cater to over 200-300 children at a time," says Gupta, who provides visitors a crash course in introducing boarding cards and aircraft etiquette. He also offers an experience even frequent fliers are not privy too - a trip to the cockpit.
It is evident the students, many of them budding pilots, enjoy this as they flaunt the captain's cap and press buttons to summon staff members who double up as air hostesses.
But what they perhaps find most interesting is the mock emergency drill, which involves them cruising down an evacuation slide and escaping a 'burning' plane through a rope bridge as fake smoke fills up the confines.
16/03/14 Ashwin Ahmad/Mail Today/India Today

Read More

UK pilots seal air show finale

Daredevil pilots Mark Jefferies and Tom Cassells from UK enthralled the public with their stunning manoeuvres and unique “synchronized smoke acts” on the last day of the India Aviation show 2014 that concluded on Sunday at the Begumpet airport.
The five-day event witnessed the participation of about 250 exhibitors related to the aviation industry including major ones like Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Rolls Royce. About 18 aircraft were displayed as part of the event which included the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft and Boeing Dreamliner.
The number of business visitors on the first three days of the event was around 5,000. The last two days saw a large turnout of general public. While on Saturday around 8,000 people visited the show, on Sunday the number almost doubled to 15,000.
16/03/14 The Hindu

Read More

Fare fight among Indian airlines mere eyewash?

Ahmedabad: When Ankit Patel, a businessman, read about airlines offering 30-70% discount on tickets, he went online to book tickets for a trip to Mumbai next month. But before he could decide which date to book ticket for, low cost tickets were shown as unavailable.
In the past 10 days, leading low cost airlines have announced discounts of up to 70% for a limited period of time. But industry insiders say the high discounts are deceptive as only 5-10% seats in a flight are offered at low rates and that too on selected routes. Many customers like Ankit Patel were disappointed after they were unable to get tickets at low prices.
17/03/14 Times of India

Read More

On board tamper-proof tracking system must: Experts

New Delhi: As the search to find the missing Malaysia Airlines aircraft continues, aviation experts say several steps like tamper-proof location systems and satellite-based tracking systems should be used to avoid such incidents in future.
“There are a number of on-board and ground-based navigation and tracking systems that are used to locate aircraft. In this case it seems that the systems have failed to pick up onboard signals,” a senior official with the communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) arm of the state-run Airports Authority of India told IANS here.
“This might happen if the aircraft has sunk to a great depth or someone with deep technical know-how has switched off these systems.”
“Making on-board systems tamper-proof will help not only to detect aircraft in case of an accident but also help as an anti-hijack measure.”
16/03/14 CanIndia

Read More

Snow fallout: Airfares skyrocket in Kashmir

Srinagar: Air carriers operating on the Jammu and Kashmir sector have increased the airfares taking “undue” advantage of Srinagar- Jammu highway blockade following heavy snowfall in Kashmir.
 Passenger travelling from summer capital to other destinations in the country, and those coming home, complained that air carriers have skyrocketed airfares making travelling on this sector highly costly.
 They complained that whenever, the highway gets blocked, air carriers unilaterally hike the fares taking undue advantage of the situation.
 Travel agents here told Greater Kashmir that after the snowfall, the price of air tickets has increased manifold.
 “Air tickets are being sold at a whopping price tag of Rs 7000 to Rs 15800 on Srinagar-Jammu-Delhi sector,” they said.
 “The sharp increase in airfares hits our business, besides giving a lot of trouble to the people,” they said.
 Mushtaq Ahmad of Travel Master, a local travel agency in Srinagar, said, most of the passengers who travel around this time to and fro the Valley are either students or patients.
16/03/14 Mukeet Akmali/Greater Kashmir

Read More

Bombardier Sees Big Demand as India Looks at Air Connectivity

As India is mulling developing non-metro airports and improving regional connectivity, Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier believes its products are a natural fit for the country.
Bullish about the Indian market, it expects significant demand for business jets, commercial aircraft and other transportation products.
 The Montreal-based airplane maker believes there will be a big demand in India for aircraft Q400 and CRJ series family of regional jets with seating capacity of 70 to 149 as the country is drawing up plans to connect smaller cities.
16/03/14 India Times

Read More

World’s largest charter company eyes India entry

New Delhi: The huge spurt in demand for hiring business jets in India has now prompted the world's largest charter company to have a subsidiary here. Zurich-based VistaJet is in talks with some Indian charter firms and is aiming to have a JV functional within a year.
It is going to bring the world's most luxurious mid-size business jet — Bombardier's Global 6000 — to the country. Only three top industrialists in India have placed order for this high-end personal jet and one of them is expecting delivery for personal use soon.
"We plan to have two to three Challenger 350 aircraft with an Indian registration (VT) stationed here by the first quarter of next year. At present, our charters operated by VistaJet's Austria and Malta registered planes either have to originate or terminate outside India. The Indian-registered planes will face no such restrictions and be able to fly both within and outside the country," Sheena de Boisgelin, VistaJet's India head, told TOI.
17/03/14 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

Read More

India-made passenger plane coming soon

Hyderabad: India’s plan to build a passenger aircraft is finally taking shape. It is likely to finalise the specifications in three months, according to an official at the ministry of civil aviation.
“The specifications will be decided in about three months. There are also things to be firmed up, like whether we should use a turbo jet or a turbo-prop engine. The effort is to build a passenger aircraft with 70 to 100-passenger capacity,” according to G Ashok Kumar, joint secretary, MoCA.
The plan to make the passenger aircraft was approved by a high-level committee on manufacturing last year.
“It might take seven to eight years for the prototype to be ready,” Kumar said, adding that public sector enterprises HAL and NAL would be involved in the project. A special purpose vehicle will be formed for the project, he said.
This is about the same time when India is expected to double its fleet size in 2020. According to the Ficci-KPMG India Aviation report, India had a fleet of 400 aircraft and it would add as many aircraft in the six years in view of the growing passenger and cargo traffic.
14/03/14  B Krishna Mohan/mydigitalfc.com

Read More

Specifications of India's civil aircraft likely in three months: Civil aviation ministry

Hyderabad: The specifications for India's national civil aircraft may be finalized in two to three months, a civil aviation ministry official said Friday.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed for the project will decide the type of engine, size and seating capacity of the aircraft.
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the public sector manufacturer of civilian and defence aircraft parts and systems, has formed the SPV with other public sector aerospace firm, National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) to design and develop the aircraft for civil aviation.
G. Ashok Kumar, joint secretary in the civil aviation ministry, said it may take seven to eight years to develop the first prototype.
"The SPV will decide the type of engine and whether number of seats should be 70, 80 or 100," he told reporters at the ongoing India Aviation 2014, country's largest civil aviation show.
14/03/14 IANS/Economic Times

Read More

Karnataka woos aviation firms to aerospace park

Hyderabad: The Karnataka Government today said that a number of aviation companies have evinced interest in setting up and expanding their manufacturing capability at the Aerospace Park located near Bangalore.
Those who have shown interest to expand their presence include Airbus.
This has been made possible as Karnataka was the first State in the country to announce aviation policy last year for overall development of the sector, Naveen Raj Singh, Commissioner, Employment Training, Karnataka Government, said.
Addressing a press conference at the India Aviation 2014 along with other officials, he said that the 1,000-acre park is already a host to some 50-plus companies and has potential to locate many more.
During the event, several companies, which already have their manufacturing and services units in the State, have shown interest to further expand their presence.
14/03/14 Business Line

Read More

Duped and grounded in Delhi in bid to fly abroad

Ram Kumari Bomjan from Rautahat district arrived in New Delhi five months ago with a dream of flying to New Zealand, only to be duped by her agents.
Bomjan, who is staying at Everest Hotel in Paharganj, New Delhi , gave Rs 1.5 million to her agents one year ago. “They are trying to cheat me by producing fake work permit for Hong Kong or telling me that they would send me to Canada instead,” she said.
Bomjan sold her land and borrowed money to pay them. “I cannot go back to my village. Nor can I fly to a foreign country in the lack of documents. My known agents are out of contact,” she rued, adding that she does not have money even to pay the hotel.
About a dozen others are left in the lurch in the Indian Capital after their agents duped them on the pretext of sending them to New Zealand. Of late, India has grown as a transit for sending Nepali foreign job aspirants abroad.
The victims have sought anonymity of the agents fearing that they will be unable to recover the money.
After the government created barriers in the travel of migrant workers to Gulf countries via Indian routes, Nepali workers are being trafficked to countries such as New Zealand, Syria, Uganda, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kenya and Tanzania through Indian routes.
14/03/14 e Kantipur.com

Read More

Air Works wins MRO deal in UAE

Bangalore: Dana Executive Jets, a premier private jet charter and aircraft management company wholly owned by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE has appointed Air Works India Engineering Pvt Ltd, to provide maintenance support for line and base maintenance for its aircraft.
"This is a first overseas win for any general aviation MRO in India and stands as testimony to Air Works' capabilities setting benchmarks in the aviation industry," an Air Works press note said.
Among the key requirements, the MRO service provider had to meet specified standards as well as have the requisite approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority of UAE (GCAA).
"After strict due diligence and meeting all the qualifications, Air Works India was contracted to provide maintenance support for line and base maintenance for Dana Executive Jets' Hawker 800XP, Bombardier Challenger 604 & Gulfstream V aircraft," the release said.
14/03/14 Chethan Kumar/Times of India

Read More

We cannot sell to everybody: Boeing's Dinesh A. Keskar

Dinesh A. Keskar,  the face of Boeing to many people in India, can be seen smiling more often these days. One reason: He has just bagged a $4.4-billion deal from SpiceJet to deliver 42 aircraft, starting 2018. This senior vice-president sales (Asia Pacific & India) for Boeing, who has seen the market in India for the last 25 years, is also a regular at the India Aviation show held jointly by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Hyderabad. At the fourth such event, currently under way in Hyderabad, he spoke to Business Today.
While clearly happy with SpiceJet's deal for the 189-seater airplanes, he dismisses as false any view that Boeing is facing increasing competition from its rival Airbus in India. He does not think Boeing is losing out to Airbus at all despite reports that airlines such as Air Asia and Tata-SIA (Singapore Airlines) have opted for Airbus. He says Boeing is the dominant player in the wide-body aircraft segment in India, and the narrow-body market is split equally between Boeing and Airbus. He also does not see any safety issue or challenges in the product, and says many reports on these are based on misconceptions. One challenge that he does talk about is his company's backlog. "We cannot sell to everybody," he says. "If you are willing to wait, sometimes five years, we will sell to you, but you are not willing to wait five years always." He explains this that his company has sold 5,000 aircraft globally which it has not yet billed. He adds: "It is difficult when you say I want an aircraft next year - we just don't have it. So, we work with a combination of leasing company and our own, but it doesn't always work out."
14/03/14 E. Kumar Sharma/Business Today

Read More

Feb saw marginal growth in domestic air traffic

New Delhi: Marginal growth of less than one percent in domestic air traffic was witnessed in February compared to the same month last year, with IndiGo and Jet Airways-JetLite combine ruling the market share.
In spite of a series of promotional fare offers by most of the airlines starting January, the air traffic growth of 0.69 percent the next month was minor.
Air India, with a market share of 9.62 lakh passengers, was behind IndiGo and Jet-JetLite which carried 14.64 lakh and 11.92 lakh passengers respectively last month, the latest official data on air traffic said on Friday .
While SpiceJet carried 8.85 lakh passengers last month, GoAir flew 4.27 lakh and new regional airline Air Costa 16,000.
GoAir and JetLite had the highest passenger load factors (or average percentage of seats occupied on a flight) of 77.3 and 76.4 percent respectively.
IndiGo and Air India were neck-and-neck with load factors of 75.5 and 75.1 percent respectively, while Jet had a load factor of 72.3 percent, SpiceJet 70.9 and Air Costa 71.6.
14/03/14 PTI/ZeeNews

Read More

When a bird gave them the creeps in the air

Hyderabad: On their maiden visit to India, daredevil aerobatic pilots Mark Jefferies and Tom Cassells had a close shave that petrified them. No, it was not a technical snag or coordination problem, but a bird.
During their show at the ongoing India Aviation 2014 here, they came as close as two feet to a bird, “It would have been the end of the show for us,” said Mr. Jefferies of the Mark Jefferies Air Shows and Display Aerobatics. “This was a unique problem here since the airport is in the city but we managed.” Mr. Cassells, was quick to add: “The crowd response here has been overwhelming and we never expected it to be this way.”
Both pilots from the United Kingdom have become a celebrity of sorts at the air show. They are mobbed by those who want to get a picture with them. Their show in the morning and again late evening has been a scene-stealer in the last few days.
14/03/14 Rahul Devulapalli/The Hindu

Read More

‘India could need 1,600 aircraft in 20 yrs’

New Delhi: India is expected to witness a demand of 1,600 airplanes in next 20 years, with commercial aviation fleet estimated to grow more than five times during the period, according to Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Projecting its 20-year market outlook for India, the US-based company said that planes worth $205 billion would be needed during the period, given a favourable demography in the country.
Passenger airlines in India will mostly rely on single-aisle airplanes, comprising almost 83 per cent of the total fleet.
“India’s demographics are highly favourable to the growth of air transportation. The share of India’s large population entering the workforce is growing. India could have the world’s fourth-largest economy if current trends continue helping drive demand for air travel,” Dinesh Keskar, senior VP of sales, Asia Pacific and India, said.
He added that with passenger growth recovering, aviation industry is likely to turn healthy in the long run, though “adverse near-term trends of overcapacity, a weak rupee and high fuel prices will affect airline profitability in the near term.”
14/03/14 Indian Express

Read More

India needs over 1,290 aircraft worth US $190 billion in next 20 years: Airbus

Bangalore:  European aircraft manufacturer Airbus forecasts that Indian carriers will require 1,290 new passenger aircraft valued at US $190 billion between now and 2032 to satisfy the surging annual demand.
India's annual passenger traffic growth rate of 8.6% is well above the regional Asia Pacific average growth rate of 6.1% and the world average 4.7 %.
Of the requirement for 1,290 new aircraft Airbus said that 73% would be for growth and 27% for replacement.
By 2032, Airbus said that 36% of India's fleet would be wide-body aircraft, more than doubling today's level. This is a result of increased capacity of international as well domestic routes with larger aircraft like the A330 and A350s.
In passenger traffic terms domestic traffic is growing the fastest, increasing at almost 10% per year to 2032. Given the growth India's domestic traffic will be the world's third largest domestic market by 2032.
13/03/14 Anshul Dhamija/Times of India

Read More

Manpower in aviation sector may reach 1.17 lakh by 2017: report

Hyderabad: Manpower requirement of the aviation sector in India is expected to grow nearly two-fold to 1.17 lakh by 2017 as carriers induct new aircraft in the fleet, says a report. "The total manpower requirement of airlines is estimated to rise from 62,000 in FY11 to 1,17,000 by FY17. This includes pilots, cabin crew, aircraft engineers and technicians (MRO), ground handling staff, cargo handling staff, administrative and sales staff," a FICCI-KPMG report titled Enhancing Air Connectivity released by civil aviation secretary Ashok Lavasa said in Hyderabad.
Besides, the aviation industry is believed to generate indirect and induced employment of nearly six times the direct employment, it said. "With direct employment across airports and airlines to be around 1,50,000 by FY17, the domestic aviation sector is expected to provide an indirect and induced employment to around 1 million people by FY17," it said. Noting that every additional job created in the air transport results in creation of over six new jobs, the report said "the growth in the domestic aviation has created significant opportunities. With passengers and aircraft fleet likely to double by 2020, the need to strengthen the human resource development infrastructure is immediate".
13/03/14 First Post

Read More

Revised aviation guidelines to propel regional connectivity

Hyderabad/New Delhi: In a move that is expected to boost air connectivity in remote areas, the civil aviation ministry proposes  to incentivise airlines flying to these towns and cities by waiving off landing, parking and navigation charges at specified airports.
Also, the route dispersal guidelines (RDG) first notified in March 1994, have been revised. The revised guidelines will also recalibrate the capacity scheduled air transport operators need to deploy for connecting Tier-II and -III cities.
A senior official told Business Standard that the ministry had identified 20-25 cities where airlines would not have to pay landing, parking and navigational charges (these account for around five per cent of carriers’ cost).
He added, according to the revised guidelines, airlines would be required to deploy six per cent of their total capacity on  routes in the Northeast, Kashmir, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Towns like Bagdogra and Jammu would be de-clubbed from the regions and there would be no binding norm for capacity deployment for these cities.
At present airlines are required to deploy ten per cent of their capacity on metro routes on category II routes which include the Northeast, Kashmir and other areas.
14/03/14 Aneesh Phadnis & Sharmistha Mukherjee/Business Standard

Read More

India can top aviation in 15 yrs: Ficci-KPMG report

Hyderabad: A Ficci-KPMG report on the Indian aviation sector, launched on Thursday at the ongoing India Aviation 2014 show here, said the country had the potential to become the third-largest aviation market in the world by 2020 and the largest by 2030, given the large untapped potential for growth, as access to aviation was still a dream for 99.5 per cent of its population.
The report, which puts the size of the Indian civil aviation industry at around $16 billion, said the next generation of aviation growth in India will be triggered by regional airports. There are 450 unused or abandoned airports and airstrips across the country. Many states, especially in the east, have started initiatives to promote air connectivity, it said.
“Indian aviation offers significant long-term opportunities for global aviation players. The Indian government and industry are already working together closely,” said Sidharth Birla, president of Ficci.
14/03/14 Business Standard

Read More

Election Will Trigger Indian Bizav Revival Says Bombardier

Bombardier Business Aircraft is confident India’s general aviation market will revive following national elections in India that are to be held during April and May. Nilesh Pattanayak, Bombardier’s Asia-Pacific regional vice-president said there has been a big change in the regulatory environment and infrastructure since 2007, when he first came to India. Despite the country’s recent economic setbacks, he told AIN at this week’s India Aviation show in Hyderabad that he remains optimistic about further growth in private aviation.
“We believe there will be a revival at the end of the 2014 elections [to be concluded on May 12] and that 2015 is going to be a very strong year for business aircraft in India,” he said.  “There is a high level of activity and interest in our products. Traditionally the larger cabin
aircraft, such as our Global aircraft, have been the most in demand in India but there is increasing interest in our Challenger and Learjet aircraft as well.”
13/03/14 Neelam Mathews/AINonline

Read More

Less than 1 per cent Indians have access to aviation

Hyderabad: Only 0.5 per cent of the Indian population has access to aviation. For the rest, it is still a dream. This large demand will make India the third largest aviation market by 2020 and the largest in a decade from then, according to India Aviation 2014 Enhancing Air Connectivity report by Ficci-KPMG.
According to the report, Indian carriers plan to double their fleet size by 2020 to around 800 aircraft. At present, the Indian civil aviation industry is estimated to be $16 billion. The current MRO market size is estimated to be around $700 million. The total manpower requirement of airlines could rise to 1,17,000 by FY 2017 from 62,000 in FY 2011, the report said.
There will be emphasis on no-frills airports and regional connectivity. At present, there are around 450 used/un-used/abandoned airports and airstrips spread in the country, it said.Many states, especially in the eastern part, have started taking measures including reduction in sales tax on ATF and supportive policies for airlines and tourism to promote air connectivity. West Bengal is the first large state in the country to declare zero per cent sales tax on ATF at its regional airports and 15 per cent sales tax on ATF used by additional flights started at its metro airport in Kolkata, it said.
13/03/14 mydigitalfc.com/B Krishna Mohan

Read More

Beechcraft gears up for Indian growth

Hyderabad: Beechcraft sees significant opportunities for growth in India, and believes that the country is progressing towards embracing business and general aviation.
“India is making progress and things are improving,” says John Williams, the company’s newly-appointed country director for India. “There are still issues but they are working on them.”
Wiliams was speaking with Flightglobal at the India Aviation show in Hyderabad. The company brought three aircraft to the show: a King Air 350ER, a King Air 250, and a King Air C90GTx.
Beechcraft’s confidence is highlighted by the recent opening of an office in New Delhi and appointment of Williams. Prior to joining Beechcraft, Williams worked for a major US defence contractor, where he spent years dealing with India’s military acquisition offset processes.
13/03/14 Greg Waldron/Flight Global

Read More

Emirates says Indian airlines may set-up hubs in Dubai - Tim Clark

Indian airlines are considering establishing hubs at the new Al Maktoum Airport at Dubai World Central, Emirates president Sir Tim Clark has revealed.
Despite protectionist policies in the Asian nation, Indian carriers claimed they were so constrained by regulation and lack of space they were looking for additional cities to operate from, Clark said during a press conference in the US to mark his airline’s launch of flights to Boston.
“Already the Indian carriers in the latest round of talks expressed an interest in setting up hubs in Dubai,” he said.
“We can’t accommodate them in DIA [Dubai International Airport], we said, but you can go to DWC.
“Imagine an Indian carrier like Indigo or Jet or whatever [with] 50 aircraft on the ground. They feel so constrained in their own field of operations that they look at somewhere like Dubai, which is unconstrained. Just don’t break the law and fly safely etcetera, and off you go.
“And that’s on the table for them.”
13/03/14 Courtney Trenwith/Arabaian Business

Read More

Boeing, Airbus raise fleet outlook

Hyderabad: Boeing and Airbus on Thursday said Indian carriers would need a bigger fleet in future. While Boeing’s forecast indicated India would require 1,600 planes valued at $205 bn in the next 20 years, Airbus estimated the demand to be 1,290 aircraft worth $190 bn between now and 2032.
The latest Boeing forecast was higher than the 1,450 aircraft worth $175 billion it had projected last year. Meanwhile, the projection by Airbus expects the aircraft demand to be higher by 248 from its earlier estimate.
"Indian market is pretty attractive for sustained growth in air transportation," said Dinesh A Keskar, senior vice-president (sales), Asia Pacific and India.
Our forecast is pretty much in line with what the Indian government was thinking, he added.
"My forecast in 2000 highlighted Boeing would do $25 billion sales up to 2020. However, we have done more than that in the last four years," said Keskar.
According to Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh, India's airplane fleet would grow to 1,000 from the existing 400, making it the world's third largest market after the US and China by 2020.
14/03/14 Business Standard

Read More

All eyes glued on the A-380

Hyderabad: The Airbus A-380, the largest passenger aircraft ever made, which is set to fly from Mumbai airport soon, was the centre of attraction at the India Aviation 2014 show at Hyderabad's Begumpet airport on Wednesday
The awesome bird, a symbol of the continuing effort to stretch the limits of aviation, is bound to be a game-changer after airlines like Emirates, which has the aircraft, starts operations from Mumbai and Delhi, initially.
The aviation ministry recently cleared the aircraft for regular services from India after the proposal was blocked by other Indian carriers for the simple reason that it is difficult to compete with a plane that has such high levels of fuel efficiency and can carry about 800 economy class passengers, if there is no business and first class configurations. With its incredible business and first class combos, the double decker aircraft can carry over 500 passengers.
"In short, it's like a mini palace for passengers and a head-turner wherever it goes," Captain Cyrus Cama of Mumbai, who piloted the Emirates plane to Hyderabad, told dna.
13/03/14 Daily News & Analysis

Read More

Report: High taxes rendering Indian aviation uncompetitive

Hyderabad: FICCI and KPMG have said India is making self-goals in the aviation sector, driving away business. Stating that the industry is over-taxed, they said this aspect is clearly reflected in the industry’s lack of competitiveness at the global level.
FICCI and KPMG released the Indian Aviation 2014 report at the India Aviation show here on Thursday.
KPMG’s India Head of Aerospace and Defence Amber Dubey said the MRO segment is classic example of scoring a self-goal. “Only 5-10 per cent of the MRO (maintenance, repairs and overhaul) work for domestic scheduled carriers is carried out in India, while most of the maintenance activities are outsourced to third-party service providers outside the country,” he said, releasing the report.
The total Indian fleet is expected to double to 1,000 aircraft by 2020, promising a huge opportunity for the MRO business. But high taxation could drive away this opportunity.
13/03/14 Business Line

Read More

A two-seater Sky Arrow that will use petrol to fly

Hyderabad: Indian skies may soon see a small aircraft flying on mogas (motor gasoline) or petrol. The two-seater has a single propeller at the back of the cabin and will be used for training, surveillance, and adventure sport.
“It can run on 91-octane unleaded petrol. It fits well for India and will change the cost dynamics. It will prove that flying is not just a rich man’s luxury,” Bimal Sareen, Director of the Delhi-based OIS (Offset India Solutions), told Business Line . “The position of the propeller gives a clear view of the surroundings, making it easier for reconnaissance and surveillance,” Sareen said.Sareen refused to say how much the plane costs. The 7.6-metre long, 2.6 metre high Sky Arrow has a wingspan of 9.7 and will be in India by February next year. OIS AeroSpace , OIS’ civil and military aviation business unit, has signed an agreement with the Italian firm Magnaghi Aeronatuica to sell its Sky Arrow aircraft.
13/03/14 KV Kurmanath/Business Line

Read More

5/20 rule impedes airline companies’ global plans

Hyderabad: The 5/20 rule, which stipulates that Indian carriers be in operation for at least five years and have a fleet of 20 aircraft to be eligible to fly on international routes, is hindering the growth plans of domestic airlines, according to Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defence at global consultancy KPMG.
“There are sufficient checks and balances to ensure safe operations of an airline. The 5/20 rule is an impediment in the growth plans of the domestic airlines,” he said.
Dubey said the rule is discriminatory and is an anti-competition policy that the industry has been opposing for many years. “Today, a one- day-old foreign airline with one aircraft in the fleet can fly into India with no entry barriers. Removal of the rule will add to the attractiveness of the Indian aviation sector,” he said.
13/04/14  B Krishna Mohan/mydigitalfc.com

Read More

With fewer choppers in service, it's not easy to fly high this election season

Hyderabad: At the International Aviation Show in Hyderabad, the helicopters are missing. The reason: they are all busy ferrying politicians this election season. Bookings happened months in advance.
 AJS Walia of Sikorsky says whatever choppers are commercially available in the country have all been booked by the political parties for use during the election period. ''But the numbers are still very small for a large country like India. We need more helicopters,'' he says.
Sameena Haque of Orbit Aviation says business really looks up for charter service companies during elections. "If we fly 30-40 hours a month during non-election days, it is 60-70 or even 100 hours per month during elections for any operator," she says.
 Given that India is a vast country with all kinds of terrain, the demand for choppers goes up. But the supply has not been able to cope with the deman
14/03/14  Uma Sudhir/NDTV

Read More

Security providers hope for a windfall

Hyderabad: Rising security breaches in recent times has had aviation industry experts critically worried for sometime now. Perhaps that explains the conspicuous presence of security and safety solution providers at the ongoing India Aviation 2014 -- most of them making their debut in the city this time around.
From first-of-its-kind 3D bird radars and non-invasive (safe for the human body) detectors to a three-level comprehensive biometric security system, companies from both India and overseas have exhibited a range of safety equipment at the show this year and are optimistic of finding takers for the same.
"The upgrade of security is a continuous process which cannot be ignored. The vibe so far (at the event) has been very positive and we've had serious inquiries," said director of the New Delhi-based OIS group, Bimal Sareen.
14/03/14 Sudipta Sengupta/Times of India

Read More

Dassault Aviation plans to sell 35 Falcons this year

Dassault Falcon, part of French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation, planned to sell 30-35 business aircraft across its Falcon family, including two in India, this year, said Thierry de Poncins, director (international sales), Falcon Business Jets.
Speaking to Business Standard on the sidelines of India Aviation 2014 on Thursday, Poncins said the company's new, large-cabin and long-haul (9,630 km) Falcon 5X business jet was expected to be certified by the end of 2016 or early-2017. "We are already seeing a good number of bookings for Falcon 5X worldwide, but not from India yet. However, India, where 22 Falcon business jets are in service, is a promising market for us. And, we expect warm reception for the 5X from this region, too," he said.
Dassault Falcon, which delivered its first Falcon in India 20 years ago, is positioning the Falcon 5X against its Falcon 7X, as well as Gulfstream's 650, in terms of performance and pricing. "While the 7X is priced at $52 million (about Rs 312 crore), the new Falcon 5X will be available for $45 million (about Rs 270 crore)," he said.
So far, the company had sold 220 7X aircraft globally and 30 more were scheduled to be delivered through the next two years, Poncins said.
14/03/14 Business Standard

Read More

India DGCA Introduces Discriminatory Rule In New CAR For Passengers With Disabilities

The airline lobby in India gains shorter turnaround times as DGCA introduces a discriminatory cap on the number of wheelchair passengers per flight.
On February 28, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India published the revision of the Civil Aviation Requirements for carriage of passengers with special needs.
The CAR introduces clearer rules and defines responsibilities between airlines and airports. In 2013, Reduced Mobility Rights was invited by the former director of DGCA to introduce its comments at revision stage.
DGCA picked up several suggestions, but failed to deliver on a core requirement, the clarification and relaxation of caps on the number of wheelchair passengers that can be carried on a given flight.
In the United States, airlines are forbidden from limiting the number of passengers with a disability who travel on a flight.  In Europe, EASA's advice to airlines is that the number of Passengers with Reduced Mobility should not exceed the number of able-bodied persons capable of assisting with an emergency evacuation.
13/03/14 Roberto Castiglioni/Reduced Mobility

Read More

Pawan Hans to beef up fleet in 2014

Indian national helicopter firm Pawan Hans has ambitious plans for fleet growth and intends to order up to 20 helicopters in 2014.
Executives at India’s state-owned helicopter operator made the disclosure at the Indian Aviation show in Hyderabad. The company now operates 47 rotorcraft, according to its website.
It is likely to confine its orders to types it already operates, such as the Airbus Helicopters AS365 Dauphin, and Russian Helicopters Mil Mi-17. It is also considering the Bell 429.
13/03/14 Flight Global

Read More

3 months for airlines to fulfil disabled fliers’ rights

New Delhi: The Centre has issued rules to ensure that airlines do not prevent any differently-abled passenger from flying.
Civil aviation regulator DGCA has asked all airlines and airports to provide required facilities and assistance to meet the needs of disabled fliers and upload related information on their websites within three months.
After years of appeals by NGOs as well as some government agencies, the DGCA had released on February 28 a report with a set of compulsory guidelines for all carriers flying in India. The government has now come out with a set of civil aviation requirements (CAR), which formally activates the process.
The guidelines allow guide dogs, a mode of assistance widely adopted in western countries.
Till now, airlines had individual set of guidelines on dealing with differently-abled passengers. Many a time, such passengers were either harassed or, in some cases, not allowed to fly by airlines on one pretext or the other.
“No airline shall refuse to carry persons with disability or reduced mobility and their assistive aids/devices, escorts and guide dogs, including their presence in the cabin, provided such persons or their representatives, at the time of booking, inform the airline of their requirements,” the DGCA report said.
12/03/14 Telegraph

Read More

Russian Helicopters to participate at India Aviation 2014

Russian Helicopters said it will be taking part in the India Aviation 2014 international civil aviation exhibition and conference, which began today in the city of Hyderabad. “At the event, Russian Helicopters will showcase its current and forthcoming helicopter models to operators from across South and South-East Asia,” the company said in a press note.
The multirole Ka-62 will take pride of place at Russian Helicopters’ stand at the exhibition, the company said. “This new model, developed in close international cooperation, incorporates the latest technologies in aircraft building and the finest achievements in Russian helicopter construction,” Russian helicopters said in the statement.
The company also said its specialists would hold a series of business meetings over the course of the exhibition at which they present the Mi-171A2 helicopter. “The Mi-171A2 is an advanced helicopter model based on the Mi-8/17 series that has been in successful operation across the world for decades. This experience is coupled with the latest technological advances in the creation of the Mi-171A2,” Russian Helicopters said.
12/03/14 Alexander Korablinov/Russia & India Report

Read More

No airline can refuse to fly differently-abled people: Govt

New Delhi: Heeding to years of pleas and protests by differently-abled people, government has finally come out with detailed rules governing their air travel by making it clear that no airline would refuse to fly them.
Airlines and airports have been asked to provide all required facilities and assistance to meet the needs of the disabled and make them public through their websites within three months from now, official sources said.
The rules also make it compulsory for the airlines and airports to provide necessary training to their staff to assist such passengers.
The airlines have been asked to make provisions for guide dogs accompanying persons with disabilities "subject to the condition that they are properly trained, remain on floor at the passenger's feet, properly harnessed and vaccinated".
12/03/14 Times of India

Read More

Emirates silent on A380 flights

Hyderabad: An Airbus A380 belonging to Emirates is in Hyderabad for India Aviation 2014, but officials of the airline remain non-committal about the launch of flights of the low-sound aircraft to the country. A clear picture of how Emirates plans to use the seats allocated in a new bilateral agreement is likely to emerge only in April.
Last month, the Indian government signed a new bilateral agreement with UAE which increased the allocation of seats between these two countries by 11,000 seats per week . Before that in January, the Indian government had given a green signal to allow foreign airlines launch A380 operations into the country. With the signing of the new bilaterals, the question now was when will Emirates launch A380 operations into India. On Wednesday, the response was anything but sunny.
13/03/14 Times of India

Read More

Bombardier sees revival of biz jet orders from '15

Hyderabad: Bombardier, the Canadian manufacturer of commercial aircraft and business jets, expects the business aircraft market in India, which has been on the decline since the last four years, to revive after the 2014 elections, according to Nilesh Pattanayak, regional vice-president (Asia-Pacific, business aircraft), Bombardier.
“Business aircraft is directly related to the economic growth in a company, GDP growth as well as proper profits. India had some challenges since the last few years. The business outlook had not been that positive and companies held back their decisions. We believe that there will be a revival at the end of the 2014 elections and 2015 is going to be a very strong year for business aircraft in India,” he told Business Standard.
Stating that Bombardier saw tremendous opportunity in India, Pattanayak said the company was expecting close to 5,000 business jet deliveries across the Asia-Pacific region, including 1,300-1,400 in India, over the next 17 years.
12/03/14 K Rajani Kanth/Business Standard

Read More

OIS-AT readies 3D bird radar for commercial launch

OIS Advanced Technologies (OIS-AT), a part of New Delhi-based OIS Group, is currently in the process of commercialising what it claims to be the world’s first true 3D avian (bird) detection radar system, said director Bimal Sareen.
“The system has already gone through trial runs with the Indian Airforce. We are now awaiting bids to be called for by the latter, even as we are receiving enquires by airport authorities from other countries,” he told mediapersons at India Aviation 2014 here.
Developed, designed and manufactured by OIS-AT, the 3D avian system has a detection range of 11 kilometre for a large bird and six kilometre for a small bird.
Unlike 2D radars, the new system provides all the information essential to flight safety officials and air traffic controllers like simultaneous altitude, position and vector of the birds over the entire airport airspace.
12/03/14 Business Standard

Read More

Key aviation policies await formation of new government

Major policy decisions that could have a far reaching impact on the Indian civil aviation sector will have to await the formation of a government after the General Election. These include setting up a new regulator for the sector (the Bill to that effect awaits Parliamentary clearance) and having a new civil aviation policy in place.
This was the impression Ashok Lavasa, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation gave while speaking to the media at the India Aviation 2014 - an event organised jointly by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Hyderabad - gave on Wednesday (March 12).
"The new civil aviation authority bill was introduced in Parliament sometime last year and thereafter the Parliamentary standing committee made certain recommendations. These were examined and accepted by the government in January. A revised civil aviation authority bill has been approved by the Cabinet. Unfortunately, it could not be considered by Parliament because of paucity of time and will have to come back to the new Parliament when it is constituted," Lavasa said.
12/03/14 E Kumar Sharma/Business Today

Read More

Airbus A380 steals the show at India Aviation 2014

Hyderabad: The world's largest commercial plane, the Airbus A-380, was the star attraction at the India Aviation 2014, the country's largest civil aviation event that began here Wednesday.
Emirates and Airbus arranged the display of the plane at Begumpet airport located in the heart of the city.
Visitors were spellbound to see the luxury interiors, including first class private suites and shower spas aboard the super jumbo.
The plane landed at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad on the city outskirts and then reached Begumpet airport, shortly after the inauguration of the five-day event.
Officials said the aircraft will be on display for three days.
12/03/14 IANS/Business Standard

Read More

Airport sector to attract USD 12.1bn during 12th plan: Ajit

The Indian airport sector is expected to attract investments of USD 12.1 billion during the 12th plan period, including USD 9.3 billion from the private sector, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said today. Singh inaugurated the fourth edition of India Aviation show here, which witnessed one of the biggest aircraft deals being signed between budget carrier  SpiceJet  and Boeing. "The government has envisaged an investment of USD 12.1 billion in the airport sector during the 12th plan period (2012-17), of which USD 9.3 billion is expected to come from the private sector for construction of new airports, expansion and modernisation of existing airports and development of low cost airports," Singh said.
Stating that the rapidly expanding air transport network and opening of the airport infrastructure to private sector participation has fuelled the growth of air traffic in India, Singh said, "However, Indian air traffic density is low as compared to other countries."
India is currently the 9th largest aviation market, handling 121 million domestic and 41 million international passengers with more than 85 international airlines operating to India and 5 domestic carriers connecting over 40 countries.
12/03/14 moneycontrol.com

Read More

Aviation Min Keen to Develop Heli-tourism in State

Hyderabad: The ministry of civil aviation, a nodal agency for the formulation of  national airline polices and for devising schemes, is keen on promoting heli-tourism and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) in the state.
The ministry wanted to play a facilitator role between the state government and private operators in promoting heli-tourism and emergency medical services, joint secretary in the ministry G Ashok Kumar said.
The issue would be discussed with state government departments like tourism and medical and private promoters during the fourth International Exhibition and Conference on Civil Aviation-India Aviation-2014 to be held from March 12 to 16.
Speaking to Express on Tuesday, Ashok Kumar said that some states like Kerala and Karnataka were implementing the said initiatives and wanted the same to be implemented in AP too.
A few private operators were interested in exploring HEMS and heli-tourism in the state and wanted to have a tie-up with the government departments for starting the services, he said and added that the aviation ministry would act as a facilitator.
12/03/14 S Bachan Jeet Singh/New Indian Express

Read More

Aerospace Giants Flock to India Aviation Show

The international presence at the fourth edition of the biennial India Aviation show, which opens today in Hyderabad, has increased significantly in recent years, with 18 major global aerospace groups now exhibiting, including Airbus, Boeing, Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer and Rolls-Royce. The more diverse exhibitor base for the show stems from a partnership between the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), which with India’s civil aviation ministry organizes the event, and Farnborough International Ltd (FIL), which runs the UK’s biennial Farnborough International Airshow.
“When we first established India Aviation, FIL was the company of choice to help us access the major players in the aviation world to attend the show,” said an FICCI spokesman. “Both the 2010 and 2012 events were met with an enthusiastic response with over 200 exhibitors and 25 participating aircraft at the last show. We know that the 2014 show will be just as successful.”
12/03/14 Charles Alcock/AINonline

Read More

FAA downgrade to hit domestic aircraft chartering business: BAOA

Hyderabad: Downgrading of India's aviation safety ratings by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may impact domestic aircraft chartering business in the long run, a senior official of Business Aircraft Operators Association of India said.
BAOA secretary R K Bali said as India does not have adequate number of personnel to carry out regular inspections, aviation companies may tend to become complacent.
"It will affect the business in the long run definitely as far as charter business is concerned. May be in the neighbouring countries if they want charter plans, they will go for some other country because they see safety issues (here). It does affect the business. It is too early, but it is going to show affect all over the world," Bali told PTI on the side lines of India Aviation-2014.
Recently FAA said that it has downgraded India's aviation safety rating from the top to the second category.
12/03/14 PTI/Business Standard

Read More

Wings for faster campaign Leaders vie for choppers

Calcutta: Unavailability of a helicopter grounded chief minister Nitish Kumar’s second lap of the Sankalp Yatra on Tuesday.
Choppers, especially in absence of well-maintained airstrips for smooth operations of smaller aircraft, have turned out to be the most convenient mode of transport for campaign in the run-up to the general elections.
While RJD chief Lalu Prasad started using a chopper for the election rallies from last week, Nitish could not start his Yatra. Sources said the JD(U) had ordered two helicopters but the aviation firm concerned could not supply any of these because of heavy demand for the flying machines. The Yatra has been postponed by a few days till the choppers land in Patna.
The national parties have been using choppers for quite long. “Helicopters allow us to cover more places in less time. We can address eight to nine public meetings on a single day through helicopters. The BJP would also hire three or four choppers for the campaigns this season,” said BJP state president Mangal Pandey.
Aviation experts claim that the number of helicopters that can be seen at Patna airport during the peak campaigning period over the next few weeks can be anywhere between 15 and 20. Political parties are making huge spending in hiring the choppers.
12/03/14 Piyush Kumar Tripathi/The Telegarph

Read More

HAL to display chopper models at India Aviation

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, will be showcasing its achievements in the civil aviation sector at India Aviation 2014, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad from March 12.
The Navaratna-status company will be displaying the models of advanced light helicopter (ALH, VIP version), multirole transport aircraft (MTA), Dornier and light utility helicopter (LUH). The focus is also on HAL airports at Bangalore and Nashik, the company said in a press release on Tuesday.
HAL’s Bangalore airport has a runway of 3.3 kilometre in length and 61-metre width, which is capable of handling aircraft of Boeing 747 class.
12/03/14 Business Standard

Read More

OIS announces OIS AeroSpace at India Aviation '14

Hyderabad: OIS now at India Aviation 2014 and announces OIS AeroSpace (OIS-AS). This company will primarily undertake aircraft and components manufacturing, aircraft maintenance and upgradation, technology collaborations, avionics, besides providing training and simulation services.
At India Aviation '14, OIS AeroSpace has a presence from Magnaghi Aeronautica, the manufacturer of Sky Arrow, the all-composite, high-wing aircraft; Gemelli's aircraft internal communication equipment and systems which are fully integrated with active noise control technologies; and Logic's aerospace equipment which includes cockpit oriented electronic equipment, control, CPM electronic equipment, electromechanical/actuator equipment, fuel gauging equipment, and other special equipment, as part of its strategic partnership portfolio. OIS AeroSpace is also a contender in the bid for upgradation of MiG 29 and repair & renovation of AN-32 aircraft equipment for Indian Air Force.
Commenting on the launch of the business entity, Mr Sanjay Bhandari, Chairman & Managing Director of OIS AeroSpace said, "We are optimistic about the business prospects for OIS AeroSpace, especially since this sector is expected to sustain significant growth driven by accelerated replacement cycle of older aircraft with newer machines, and continuing increases in passenger travel. OIS AeroSpace is geared to service both civil and military aerospace segments".
12/03/14 PRNewswire

Read More

Airlines to bet on flying to unserved smaller cities to tap bigger opportunity

Hyderabad: The air connectivity to smaller cities in the country through no-frills airlines and airports would be the focus of the fourth edition of India Aviation 2014, said a senior official from the Union civil aviation ministry. The show begins on March 12.
“The theme of this show will be looking beyond metros such as  Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Benga-luru and Hyderabad. There are several smaller cities which have airports, but no air connectivity,” Mr G. Asok Kumar, joint  secretary of civil aviation, said on Monday, while announcing the schedule of the event.
The second phase of growth in Indian aviation is expected to come from tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
“The idea is to expand and develop no-frills and low cost airports to meet the demand for air travel. The non-metro airpo-rts presently account for only about 30 per cent of the total air traffic, which is expected to rise to 45 per cent in the next few years,” Mr Kumar explained.
By 2020, the Indian aviation market, which is the ninth largest in the world, is expected to become the third largest, only after the United States and China.
11/03/14 Deccan Chronicle

Read More

Aircraft operators body seeks separate law for general aviation

Business Aircraft Operators’ Association (BAOA), a three-year-old body dedicated to promote business aviation in India, has called for a separate regulatory framework for general aviation (GA) and allow it to grow legitimately as a business venture that creates profits both tangible and intangible besides adding to the GDP.
“Indian corporates are realising business aviation as a vital commerce tool. However, the government is still perceiving it as personal indulgence and corporate excess. We have requested the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to re-validate regulations with specific regulations for BA and create a roadmap for its growth for the next 10 to 20 years,” Rohit Kapur, president of BAOA, told mediapersons here on Tuesday.
Stating that India had a BA fleet of 170 aircraft in 2001 and 204 in 2003, he said the sector saw the start of decline in the growth rate since 2007 because of Customs duty on import of private aircraft and NSOPs (non-scheduled operator’s permit), infrastructural constraints, regulatory apathy and high-cost of operations.
11/03/14 Business Standard

Read More

Airbus sets up India subsidiary

Hyderabad:  Global aviation major Airbus has restructured its India operations to consolidate strengths and tap the growing market.
It has created a fully owned subsidiary called Airbus India by grouping its activities in the country. Srinivasan Dwarakanath is the new Chief Executive Officer and Charles Champion, member of the Airbus Executive Committee, is the Chairman.
Airbus India will manage the company’s Indian footprint spread across several sites. It will have customer centres in Delhi and Mumbai.
Airbus India is the fifth country subsidiary outside Europe for the aviation giant. The changes are directed towards building on the success of the Airbus Engineering Centre India (AECI) in Bangalore and a clear recognition of the country as a strategic hub, said Dwarakanath.
The new entity will also include strategy, customer services and procurement teams under one organisation. A Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability will be established, at a later date, he told Business Line in a telephonic interview.
11/03/14 M Somasekar/Business Line

Read More

Indian MRO industry faces significant challenges: Amcham

Hyderabad: The Indian maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry faces significant challenges due to issues such as taxes and lack of infrastructure, said American Chamber (Amcham) of Commerce in India's Executive Director Ajay Singha.
Indian MRO industry is fragmented and lacks large players with an end-to-end services portfolio, Singha said in a press release issued here today, by Amcham India.
"Currently, the Indian MRO industry faces significant challenges. Factors such as unfriendly taxation structure, cumbersome procedures for import of components and movement of foreign experts, lack of scale and adequate infrastructure are some of issues confronting the industry," Singha said.
12/03/14 PTI/Economic Times

Read More

Indian avionics system GAGAN to cut fuel cost: Ashok Lavasa

New Delhi: All Indian aircraft would have to upgrade their avionic systems soon to match with India's own satellite-based navigation system GAGAN, to be launched later this year, a top official said today. If the airlines can take advantage of the GPS-aided Geo-Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system by equipping their aircraft with matching avionics, almost $10 million worth of jet fuel could be saved annually, civil aviation secretary Ashok Lavasa said.
He was indicating at the fact that a lot of fuel could be saved as the GAGAN system would help pilots navigate in all-weather conditions by an accuracy of up to three metres. It would enable an aircraft to fly on a specific path between two three-dimensional defined points, straighten routes and reduce fuel burn. Such a capability would also help in landing an aircraft in tough weather and terrain. Addressing an ASSOCHAM event in New Delhi, Lavasa said "virtually require all aircraft to be equipped with GNSS (global navigation satellite system) avionics" in order to realise maximum benefits from the global navigation satellite system.
10/03/14 First Post

Read More