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

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

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

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

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

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

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

02/08/2023 Harsha Tallapragada/edexLive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30/07/2023 FirstIndia

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

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

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

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

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

27/07/2023 PTI/Times of India

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DGCA adopts ICAO guidelines for environmental protection

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

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

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

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

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

 25/07/2023 EnergyWorld

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Aviation sector undertakes measures by ICAO for sustainable practices

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

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

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

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

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

24/07/2023 Business Standard

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Chopper service to connect Lucknow to Prayagraj, Kapilvastu

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

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

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

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

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

23/07/2023 IANS/Daijiworld

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CFM Dominating Indian Skies With LEAP Engines

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

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

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

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

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

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

23/07/2023 Atul Chandra/Mobility Outlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23/07/2023 India Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22/07/2023 Free Press Journal

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

22/07/2023 SM Ayaz Zakir/Khaleej Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21/07/2023 Kashif Khusro/Free Press Journal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20/07/2023 Tarun Mishra/Business Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17/07/2023 Times of India

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

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

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

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

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

17/07/2023 PTI/Economic Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 15/07/2023 Nupur Thapliyal/LiveLaw

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

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

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

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

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

14/07/2023 Anindita Sen/Financial Express

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Domestic air passenger traffic rises nearly 19 per cent in June

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13/07/2023 PTI/New Indian Express

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

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

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

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