Aviators Magazine

Aviators INDIA’S # 1 AVIATION & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Bell 407GXP

Successful Demo Tour of Bell 407GXP in Nepal.

HEMS

The Beijing Red Cross Emergency Medical Center Falcon 2000LX

NextGen Civil Tilt Rotor

NextGenCTR Innovative Aircraft Demonstrator Platform (IADP).

Inside this issue LUXURY FOR YOU

January - March 2016

2016 Special Issue - 96 Pages

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 1

Aviators Air Rescue We are looking for a few good Helicopter Pilots

Send your resumes to info@airrescue.in

DITOR’S N O T E

January - March | 2016

It’s All Coming Together The Indian aviation sector is poised for growth and 2016 is a year that holds a lot of promise. Business Aviation which has been in the doldrums for quite a few years is showing signs of revival. Improved market sentiment and business optimism is driving an increase in demand for charter flights.

It is also heartening to note the impetus being provided to development of Rotary Wing Aviation in the country. The inauguration of HAL’s New Helicopter Production Facility at Tumkur, located approximately 80 km from Bengaluru, which is expected to see the production of 600 helicopters by 2033, is a massive boost to the helicopter industry. Bengaluru's close proximity with Tumkur, without a doubt, makes the city the centre of Rotary Wing Aviation in India.

Once again, helicopters were in the news, seeing extensive use during disaster relief operations during the Chennai floods, last year. The importance of comprehensively equipped air medical helicopters was again highlighted and air ambulance services can play a vital role providing timely medical aid during disaster and calamity relief operations.

It is therefore heartening to know, that the Government is very seriously looking at creating the right environment for growth of HEMS in India. It is only a matter of time before this sector starts to grow and the requirement of specially configured air medical rescue helicopters will make India one of the important markets for such helicopters globally. Draft rules for HEMS operations in India have already been issued and are a good step in the right direction.

Aviators Air Rescue is aiming to commence operations in 2016 with factory new helicopters. The most modern and comprehensive medical equipment required for air medical tasks will be fitted on these helicopters.

We are in the process of ramping up our internal teams to meet the challenge for this service.

The service will initially be launched in the southern states covering Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and Telangana.

These cities will be immediately followed by Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, UP and Odisha.

In the next three years we hope to cover over 75% of the country and this life-saving and much needed air-medical service is planned to be made available at very reasonable costs, to enable large scale adoption of the service.

Arun Sharma Editor

TABLE Of Contents

22 Cover Story w Make in India - Takes off at Tumkur PM Lays Foundation Stone for HAL’s New Helicopter Manufacturing Facility in Karnataka

w Learning to Fly - Challenges and Lessons for Making Civil Aircraft in India w Successful Run of HAL - Indigenous 25kN Aero Engine w Untapped Potential w Future Insight - TATA SIA Report on Indian Aviation

16

06

Flight Trax

Indian Aviation

Our News Section brings you all the latest from the world of Aviation across Civil Aviation, Business Aviation and Rotary Wing Developments.

......News Brief

Our News in Brief Section contains the latest news from India's Civil Aviation Industry and Developments.

46

36 Rotary Wing w Bell 407 GXP Climbs to New Heights w Super Single Engine Helicopter Airbus Helicopters H130 T2 w Russian Helicopters

34

HEMS

Columns

......MRO

Building India as an Industrial Base for Aerospace Manufacturing

50

HEMS News Digest

w Swiss Rescue - Takes a Major Step All the News from the World of HEMS with Contract for Rescue AW169s and Air Medical Services w State-of-the-Art Medevac - Beijing Red Cross Receives Falcon 2000LX Medevac Aircraft

54

w Maiden Delivery Hondajet w Daher Delivers 100th TBM 900 w Gulfstream Aerospace Continue to Set Records

68

Business Aviation British Airways

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner w New 787-9 Dreamliner Starts Commercial Services w Suki Waterhouse & Neelam Gill Take on a New Runway w Hollywood Photoshoot in the Desert

64 Civil Aviation

MAX EFFECT

Boeing’s Newest Single-Aisle Jet Family Comprises of the 737 MAX 7, MAX 8, MAX 200 and MAX 9

Aviators LUXURY FOR YOU

74

ROLLS-ROYCE CELEBRATES THE COCKTAIL Hour with Limited Edition Hamper

Airlines

w Cathay Pacific - Unveils New Aircraft Livery w Virgin Australia - New Airbus A330 Business Class Suites

88 Future Flight

77

Omega Seamaster

300 SPECTRE Limited Edition

Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor

Editor, Publisher Proprietor & Printer Arun B Sharma Published at 1309, Brigade Towers, 135, Brigade Road

Bangalore-560 025 INDIA

Tel : (D) 080-22219838 / 39

Fax: 080-222138/9

Email : media@aviatorsindia.com,

Website : www.aviatorsindia.com Printed at Ms Peacock Group, Bangalore Editorial contributions should be addressed to the Editorial & Administrative office.

Publisher assumes no reponsibility for safety of artwork, photographs or manuscripts.

Regd. No. 66745/96.

92

94

Aviation Technology Moments in History Thales Unveils TopMax, the World’s First Civilian Head-Worn Display

Civil Aviation’s First Flight

Flight Trax

Airbus pays Homage to

Jacques Rosay

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he No. 1 A380, which continues to serve as Airbus’ flight test aircraft, has been named after Jacques Rosay, the late company test pilot. Rosay served as Airbus’ Chief Test Pilot from 2000 to 2011. He died on 12 June 2015 at the age of 66.

His name has been added below the cockpit windows on the A380 MSN 001 (Manufacturer’s Serial Number 1) tested aircraft. Rosay was the first pilot to fly the 21st century Airbus flagship and also contributed to development and certification activities for the A318, A319, A330-200, A340-600, and A340-500 during his time with Airbus. Rosay was recognized for his professional qualities, as well as his humility and down-to-earth attitude, during a naming ceremony for A380 MSN 001 at Airbus’ Toulouse, France headquarters facility in December 2015. n

Turkish Airlines Orders A321Neo

Turkey’s flagship airline, Turkish Airlines, has placed orders for 20 additional A321neo aircraft from Airbus. With 72 A321neos already on order, the airline has again renewed its confidence in the A321neo as the aircraft of choice to boost its expansion.

“As one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, our ambitious

growth strategy needs to be fully supported by only the most efficient, reliable and profitable aircraft,” said Dr. Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Airlines. “This order for 20 more A321neo will help us achieve our expansion plans in a profitable and sustainable manner.”

“We are extremely happy that Turkish Airlines has renewed its confidence in the A321neo, the largest member of our best-selling A320neo Family.

The A321neo will not only meet but

Pro Line 21 Avionics Upgrades Ready

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et Aviation Basel is now offering Pro Line 21 support kit that will reduce the downtime of such installations to six weeks. The prefabricated kits are set up before the aircraft arrives for upgrade work and the Pro Line 21 support kit is based on modern instrument panels and cable looms that can be customized to the various aircraft types supported by Jet Aviation Basel’s in-house shops. to save valuable time. “With our Pro Line 21 support kit, we demonstrate our engineering and manufacturing capabilities and our ability to adapt new technologies efficiently,” says Johannes Turzer, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Maintenance Center in Basel. Two Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Avionic upgrades have recently been completed by Jet Aviation Basel; a Dassault Falcon 2000 and a Dassault Falcon 2000EX. n 6 | Aviators | January-March 2016

fully exceed the airline’s expectations in terms of operational efficiency, profitability and passenger appeal,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

The A320neo Family incorporates latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklet.

With more than 4,300 orders received from over 75 customers since its launch in 2010, the A320neo Family has captured some 60 percent share of the market. n

Bombardier

Bags Global 6000 Business Jet Orders

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sian private airline, Zetta Jet has placed a firm order with Bombardier for a single Global 6000 ultra-long-range jet along with options for four more. The deal could be worth up to “US$318 million, based on 2015 list prices for standard-equipped aircraft,” says Bombardier.

“The state-of-the-art Global 6000 business jet delivers unparalleled luxury and comfort together with an impressive transcontinental range capability,” said Geoffery Cassidy, Managing Director, Zetta Jet. n

Air New Zealand Orders ATR 72-600s By 2020, Air New Zealand will have 29 ATR 72-600s in operation, making it the third largest ATR fleet in operation globally.

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TR has announced the sale of 15 additional ATR 72-600s to Air New Zealand in a deal estimated at $ 375 million. The 15 new ATR ‘-600s’ will be fitted with the new ATR ‘Armonia’ cabin and be configured with 68 seats. Air New Zealand’s ATR ‘-600’ fleet will progressively replace its older ATR ‘-500s’.

“We have been successfully operating ATR aircraft for more

than 20 years, and we are pleased to further expand our partnership by introducing additional new generation ATRs to our fleet,” Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer, said. “We have operated ATR ‘-600s’ since 2012 and we are very satisfied with the aircraft, both in terms of the customer experience and operational efficiency, which contributed to

achieve our sustainability targets.

The new ATR ‘-600s’ also ensure we continue to deliver a world class experience to our regional customers.” Patrick de Castelbajac, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer said, “The ATR aircraft, and particularly the new ‘-600s’, optimally fit the requirements of the airline in terms of low operating costs, passenger appeal and flexibility.” n

Airbus Corporate Jets Offers Wider

Computerised Maintenance

Vietjet

Expands A321 Fleet The A321 is the largest member of the best-selling single aisle A320 Family. To date, the A320 Family has won more than 12,200 orders and over 6,700 aircraft have been delivered to more than 300 operators worldwide.

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ietnamese carrier Vietjet has placed a firm orders for 30 additional A321s (9 A321ceo and 21 A321neo) with Airbus at the Dubai Airshow by Vietjet President and CEO, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “Today’s order for additional A321s responds to our growth strategy and to the need for additional seat capacity on both domestic and international routes,” said Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vietjet President and CEO “Our aim is to be Vietnam and Asia’s new age carrier, known for quality, efficiency and comfort and our A320

fleet has earned us this reputation.”

“This additional order from the fast growing airline Vietjet confirms the success of the A320 Family as the preferred choice for airlines in the single aisle market,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are delighted Vietjet once again selected the A321, our largest single aisle and the perfect partner for the airline’s continued impressive growth.” Vietjet has a fleet of 29 A320 Family aircraft including three A321s and following the latest announcement the airline has placed firm orders with Airbus for a total of 99 A320 Family aircraft.

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irbus corporate jet customers and operators will benefit from a wider range of computerised maintenance planning services, following an agreement concluded with CAMP. The new service, “CAMP for ACJ”, brings together Airbus, with its unequalled in-depth knowledge of its aircraft, and CAMP, with its expertise in computerised maintenance management services,

to give customers and operators access to a single, integrated, solution. Acropolis Aviation of the UK, currently offering an Airbus ACJ319 for VVIP charter and the launch customer for the ACJ320neo, is the first customer for the new service. n January-March 2016 | Aviators | 7

Flight Trax

Rockwell Collins Delivers for

Korea Airports Corporation

A Alcoa & Boeing Sign Multi-Billion Dollar

Contracts

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lcoa and Boeing have signed long-term multi-year supply contracts valued in excess of $2.5 billion. In what is the company’s largest fastener deal till date, Alcoa will supply multi-material fastening systems for every Boeing platform and also supply ready-to-install titanium seat track assemblies for the entire 787 Dreamliner family. “Alcoa has positioned itself to win in a multi-material aerospace industry, and these deals are the latest proof points that our strategy is working,” said Alcoa Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Klaus Kleinfeld.

Advanced titanium, stainless steel, alloy steel, aluminium and nickel-based superalloy fastening systems will be supplied by Alcoa Fastening Systems & Rings for every Boeing platform, including the 777X and 737 MAX and the 787 Dreamliner. A second agreement announced by Alcoa makes it the sole supplier of ready-to-install titanium seat track assemblies for all three members of the 787 Dreamliner family of jetliners.n

Virgin Australia Implements SITA ‘Future Check-In’

8 | Aviators | January-March 2016

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irgin Australia in collaboration with SITA launched innovative and flexible new check-in passenger services in the month of November at the new domestic terminal at Perth Airport. Amongst the highlights of the new system are first single hardware common-use hybrid desks that can quickly switch from self-service bag drop mode to full-service traditional counters for the first time in the world. “This is a very exciting time for both Virgin Australia and SITA. The airline’s new domestic terminal at Perth Airport has been designed to manage passengers quickly and with the level of service they want,” said Ilya Gutlin, SITA President, Asia Pacific. The hybrid desks are the world’s first implementation of the latest IATA specifications which support both agent desk operations and self-service bag drop using a single set of hardware. They set a new standard for airports not only in Australia but around the world.

The new technology allows guests to manage their own experience for both check-in and baggage drop.n

n air-to-ground aviation communications network for Korea Airports Corporation (KAC), has been successfully implemented

by Rockwell Collins. “The successful launch of KAC’s network reinforces our strong partnership with South Korea and other countries such as China, Thailand and Japan that are using Rockwell Collins networks,” said Yun Chong, vice president, Commercial Aviation Services for Rockwell Collins. The new network leverages the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS®) to support airline operational control (AOC) and air traffic control (ATC) applications such as pre-departure clearance (PDC) and digital automatic terminal information service (D-ATIS).n

Graduates from

Emirates National

Cadet Pilot Program

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he Emirates’ National Cadet Pilot Programme, turned out its largest graduating class in its 23-year history. 80 graduates successfully completed the four-year pilot training programme. Including the latest batch, The Emirates’ National Cadet Pilot Programme has now trained approximately 500 Emirati pilots.

The program got underway, more than two decades ago, with only four trainees. The Emirates Flight Training Academy will also have its official launch next year and is being developed with the ability to accommodate 400 pilots training at the same time. n

Flight Trax

Boeing to Establish its Middle East HQ TCS to Provide IT Testing Services to in Dubai’s Aviation District

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oeing will establish its Middle East headquarters in Dubai’s aviation district and plans for the construction of Boeing’s Middle East headquarters, include a spare parts warehouse, a distribution facility and a maintenance training facility to service the region. The brand new facility is scheduled for completion in 2016 and operations will start by end of 2017.

His Highness Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said “I congratulate Boeing on its strategic decision to establish its regional headquarters at Dubai South – a city that embodies Dubai’s aerospace vision. I am confident that the new address will deliver a solid advantage to Boeing as it seeks to expand its footprint in Dubai and in the region.” “Boeing is the world’s leading aerospace company, and to

ensure our regional competitiveness, we have taken a strategic decision to establish our regional headquarters in what will become an unrivalled logistics and aviation hub,” said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing president and CEO. The agreement was confirmed at a private signing ceremony attended

by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation (parent organization of Dubai South); Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation; Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing president and CEO; Raymond Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Marc Allen, president, Boeing International; and Bernard Dunn, president, Boeing Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. n

Lufthansa

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ndian IT firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will support Lufthansa’s IT transformation initiatives as part of a multi-year, multi-million deal signed last week. As part of the agreement, TCS will deliver testing services to Lufthansa that will help the airline improve technology operations services quality. “TCS’ deep domain knowledge in the aviation business as well as their ability to demonstrate thought leadership had a significant impact on our decision to team up with them. We look forward to further enable our business through TCS’ innovative and intelligent solutions,” said Roland Schütz, CIO Lufthansa German Airlines. As part of the deal, TCS will manage the enterprise testing services and set-up a test factory model across the airline, that will help allow the standardisation and streamlining of Lufthansa’s testing processes, implement next gen services and reduce CAPEX. n

Delta TechOps and Rolls-Royce Bombardier’s CS100

Receives Transport Canada Type Certification

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ransport Canada Type Certification has been accorded to Bombardier’s CS100 jetliner, following the completion of a comprehensive and rigorous testing program. The grant of the Type Certificate for the CS 100 paves the way for the delivery and entry into service of the CS100 aircraft with SWISS in Q2 2016.

“Bringing to market the only new family of aircraft developed for the 100- to 150- seat market segment in close to 30 years is a standout accomplishment,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, adding, “the C Series aircraft is now well on its way to opening up new opportunities for operators, while delivering unrivalled economic advantages, performance, and environmental credentials. It’s the new reality for the single-aisle market.”

The larger CS300 variant is on track to receive its Type Certificate by June 2016, says Bombardier. Swiss International Air Lines will be the first airline to take delivery of the C Series, in the second quarter of 2016. Bombardier has received firm orders for 243 C Series jetliners. The airframer will seek the attract additional customers as the CS100 moves towards entry into service with SWISS. n

Deepen BR715 MRO Relationship

MRO provider Delta TechOps will establish a BR715 overhaul capability next year as part of an agreement signed with Rolls-Royce (RR). The airline is also the largest operator of type with 91 entering into service.

The new agreement will further deepen the relationship between the two companies and is part of an ongoing strategic plan for RollsRoyce to develop a competitive and capable network to meet customer’s needs. Delta TechOps is the largest airline MRO provider in North America and the third largest worldwide. It will also provide engine overhaul services for the Trent XWB and Trent 7000 engines for Delta Air Lines and other customers as a RR Approved Maintenance Centre.n January-March 2016 | Aviators | 9

Boeing Delivers Two 747-8 Freighters

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oeing has delivered two 7478 Freighters to AirBridgeCargo Airlines (ABC), part of Volga-Dnepr Group, and one of the leading international scheduled air cargo carriers. The airplanes are the first to be delivered as part a memorandum of understanding, signed between Boeing and Volga-Dnepr Group at the Paris Air Show in June 2015. “For Volga Dnepr Group, adding more

new generation 747-8 Freighters will allow to secure further development of the Group’s scheduled business, AirBridgeCargo Airlines, and keep the airline’s high growth rates,” said Denis Ilin, executive president for AirBridgeCargo Airlines. “This is a celebration of successful partnership with Boeing, which will enable the airline to continue providing its customers with the exceptional air

cargo services they are used to.”

“We appreciate ABC’s confidence in our products and look forward to our successful cooperation in the future. We are honoured to see that one of the two new 747-8 Freighters delivered, is the 100th 747-8 for Boeing,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president, Middle East, Russia and Central Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. n

celebrate this historic achievement for our company and for the country – a result of the efforts of our more than 9,000 dedicated co-workers, and the support of our customers, suppliers, government entities and partners,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO, Copa Airlines. “This aircraft symbolizes our airline’s steady growth during its 68-year history, as

well as the enhancement of Panama’s connectivity with the world and its reputation as a major logistics and tourism center, all of which translate to better opportunities for development for the country and for all Panamanians.” With this new airplane, Copa now has 77 NextGeneration 737s in its fleet.n

Copa Airlines Celebrates 100th Airplane

In April 2015, the airline signed an order for 61 737 MAX airplanes.

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outh American carrier Copa Airlines has taken delivery of the 100th airplane to join its fleet, a Boeing 737-800. It celebrated the milestone with a special decal on the jetliner. The airplane, leased from SMBC Aviation Capital, flew from Seattle to its Panama City home base, where it was welcomed by a special ceremony. “We are proud to

EVA Air Adds 777-300ER With Brand New Livery

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VA Air today has unveiled its new livery while when taking delivery of its 22nd Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range). “Today, we unveiled a new livery design to herald our continuing commitment to service innovation,” said EVA Chairman K.W. Chang. “EVA was a launch customer for the 777300ER in 2005 and the aircraft has become the backbone of our long-haul fleet. These new generation Boeing 777-300ERs have significantly upgraded our in-flight service and cabin environment.” n 10 | Aviators | January-March 2016

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Receives First 787 Dreamliner

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LM Royal Dutch Airlines has taken delivery of its first 787-9 Dreamliner. The airplane is under lease from leasing company AerCap. “We are very proud to welcome our first Boeing 787 Dreamliner today,” said Pieter Elbers, KLM President & CEO. “This aircraft symbolizes a new phase in the future of KLM. Investment in our customers is one of our priorities. This efficient aircraft is part of that investment. It’s testimony to the great work of 33,000 KLM employees, who are committed to giving their best for our customers every day.” “We are honored that the 787 is now proudly flying in the famous KLM blue livery and are confident the airplane will play a key role in this historic carrier’s continued success,” said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. In addition to today’s delivery, the Air France-KLM Group has 19 787-9s and six 787-10s on order and will lease 12 787s through AerCap. n

Ryanair Adds 375th NG 737-800

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yanair has taken its 375th direct delivery of a Next-Generation 737-800 from Boeing. The airline is the largest Next Generation 737-800 customer in the world having ordered more than 530 of the airplane type.

"As Europe's largest airline, the reliability and customer appeal of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft has been the cornerstone of our successful growth over the last 16 years and we are proud to take delivery of

our 375th Boeing 737-800 aircraft today," said Mick Hickey, Ryanair's Chief Operations Officer. "Our current and future Boeing orders will allow us to grow our fleet to over 540 allBoeing aircraft, which will see our traffic, double from 91 million annual customers last year to 180 million per annum by 2024."

"A key component of Ryanair's success has been the safe, reliable and economic performance of the Next-Generation 737-800," said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"We are honored by Ryanair's continued confidence in our products as we celebrate this significant milestone in our shared history."

The Dublin based airline is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary of operations since its first flight in 1985. Today, Ryanair is the largest all-Boeing operator in Europe. n

4 New Orders for BBJ MAX

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oeing Business Jets has announced orders for three BBJ MAX 8s by an undisclosed customer based in the Middle East and an order for a BBJ MAX 8 from an undisclosed Asian customer.

"2015 has been a really strong year for Boeing Business Jets. We have sold seven aircraft and we are not done yet," said David Longridge, president, Boeing Business Jets. "The BBJ MAX is doing really well with nine orders already on the books for both BBJ MAX 8s and BBJ MAX 9s. The 737 MAX program is on track for first flight scheduled in early 2016. We know the MAX will be a great airplane for our VIP customers." Boeing Business Jets will end 2015 with 11 green aircraft deliveries to completion centers. n January-March 2016 | Aviators | 11

Flight Trax

State-of-the-Art Helicopter Paint Jobs

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helicopter paint scheme represents each customer’s vision and – more importantly – their image and brand. That’s why the talented and professional technicians of Airbus Helicopters Inc. spend hundreds of hours on design, prep work and actual painting to make customers’ paint job dreams come true and – just as critically – really “pop” for their clients.

Every customer is unique. Thus every paint scheme represents their personalized style and imagination,

in effect a flying artistic canvas. Every year, the AHI paint shop in Grand Prairie does hundreds of paint schemes, but custom jobs are the most fun. While we love all our paint jobs, here are a few that stand out the

most.

Papillon’s “Golden” Helicopter - The “Golden” H130 (formerly EC130 T2) helicopter was exhibited at Heli-Expo in March and publicly introduced at Papillon’s 50th anniversary celebration in April. Papillon, the world’s largest and longest-running helicopter tour company, celebrated its anniversary by escorting its new golden aircraft with four of the company’s red helicopters in symbolic formation fly-in to Boulder City, Nev. “The aircraft took many

hours of prep work and sanding,” said lead AHI Painter Jeff Cox, who has 28 years of experience in the aircraft painting business.

The concept of a 50th-anniversary helicopter was several years in the making. The unique gold livery with a red eagle is a reversal of Papillon’s traditional red motif with the gold eagle. The painting process took 600 man hours and five gallons of gold pearlescent paint, along with a gallon of red color. The metallic finish of this aircraft required the mastery and experience of Airbus Helicopter’s painter-artisans because of its difficulty to apply evenly.n

Bhutan Receives First Airbus Helicopters H130

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he Kingdom of Bhutan took delivery of its first H130 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters in the month of November. The helicopter will be operated by Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited (RBHSL) for parapublic and commercial operations and is the first of two helicopters ordered by the operator. A second H130 is scheduled for delivery in June 2016.

“Now, we have a helicopter proudly Bhutanese-owned, to serve our nation and boost our economy. We are confident that our newly-acquired helicopter will fulfil our different needs ranging from emergency missions, passenger transport to fire-fighting,” said Chewang Gyeltshen, CEO of the Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services Limited.n

Luxurious H145 on Display at NBAA2015

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luxurious Airbus Helicopters H145 exhibited at NBAA2015 at the AvPro Jets static display. Airbus Helicopters Inc. designers can offer a customized interior from a wide variety of option packages.

Other versions include the automotive-inspired leather and wood interior Mercedes-Benz Style or the highly modular Stylence version.

The H145 can go from the office heliport to the yacht thanks to its compact footprint. Sliding cabin doors make passenger entry and exit easy, and once airborne, the large windows offer stunning views. Low sound and vibration levels make the ride quiet and comfortable, while there is ample room for passenger’s bags, golf clubs, bicycles and even bigger equipment. There is also an advanced in-flight entertainment system including air show and subtle ambient lighting. The H145 is a smooth and powerful twin-engine helicopter that provides speed, range and versatility to operators and customers. n

12 | Aviators | January-March 2016

Flight Trax

H130 on

British Columbia Demo Tour

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he utility-configured H130 completed its first demonstration tour, flying from Quebec to British Columbia. During the 16 stop, 11,500 km, Canadian tour, Airbus Helicopters demonstrated the excellent performance of the H130 for aerial work missions. Throughout multiple demonstrations, customers were able to experience first-hand the overall versatility and performance of the H130 and its multiple STC equipment. The high performance H130 has a load capacity of 1,500 kgs / 3,307 lbs and excellent pilot visibility.

Following the successful tour, the

Rockwell Collins

Pro Line Fusion

Certified on Bombardier C Series

Chongqing General Aviation Group (CQGA) is New Bell Authorised Customer Service Facility in China

H130 took part in the Helicopter Association of Canada (HAC) Convention in Vancouver from November 13th - 15th, 2015. With the latest aircraft technology and enhanced safety features, the H130 is a reference for challenging missions. Equipped with a VEMD the pilot is able to concentrate on the mission and improving flight safety.

The trademarked Fenestron: which increases efficiency, provides a very low noise signature, and a high level of safety for ground personnel.

Energy-absorbing seats are standard for the crew and passengers.

The H130 is equipped with numerous Airbus Helicopters Canadian STC’s such as the cargo mirrors, a cargo sling, cargo pods, dual controls and longline controller (50amp). n

Cebu Pacific Commences Davao and

Singapore Flights

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he Pro Line Fusion advanced avionics system from Rockwell Collins has received type certification on Bombardier’s CS100 commercial jetliner. The Primary Flight Control Computer (PFCC) and MultiScan weather radar with predictive windshear for the C Series will also be supplied by Rockwell Collins as standard equipment on the C Series family of aircraft. A single or dual Head-up Guidance System (HGS) will also be available as an option. The open architecture Pro Line Fusion for the C Series aircraft, features five 15.1-inch diagonal LCD displays and also adds performance-enhancing capabilities such as RNP AR 0.1 and Category IIIa/b autoland, coupled with Rockwell Collins’ PFCC for CS 100’s fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system. n

hongqing General Aviation (CQGA), located in China’s Chongqing Provence, will be Bell Helicopter’s newest authorized Customer Service Facility (CSF) and offer non-specialised maintenance capabilities for Bell 407 aircraft.

CQGA already has two Bell 407GXs in operation and recently took delivery of the first certified Bell 412 in China for use in fire-fighting missions. “Bringing on Chongqing General Aviation as an authorized CSF reinforces our commitment to enhancing the regional support customers need to continue their operations,” said Chris Jaran, Bell Helicopter’s vice president of China. n

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he Philippines’ largest airline Cebu Pacific Air has commenced weekly non-stop flights between Davao and Singapore which will see the airline service the new route with its young fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft. “This launch marks our fifth direct route from Singapore to the Philippines. Our trademark low fares mean that business and leisure travellers alike can now enjoy easy access to Southern Philippines, and explore all the wonders that Davao has to offer” said Iyog. Besides Davao, CEB offers direct flights from Singapore to Manila, Cebu, Clark and Iloilo. n January-March 2016 | Aviators | 13

Flight Trax Embraer Phenom 100E Jets for

Emirates Flight Training Academy

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he Emirates Flight Training Academy has placed an order with Embraer Executive Jets five Phenom 100E business jets as firm orders and options for five more.

“Emirates’ dedicated flight training center offers one of the industry’s most innovative and advanced airline pilot training programs,” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “We are pleased to be one of Emirates’ key partners by providing them the jet training aircraft adopted to fulfil their future demand for highly skilled professional airline pilots.” Deliveries of the new aircraft will commence from 2017.

Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operations

Officer, said: “Industry forecasts show growth in the need of pilots, particularly over the next few years.

The Middle East and the Gulf region will have the highest demand for pilots to support its expansion and introduction of new aircraft. The Emirates Flight Training Academy is our investment and response to this pressing need. The academy will offer training programs using the latest available technology and advanced aircraft. Our decision to purchase these new aircraft for training underscores our commitment to equip the Academy, as well as the aviation industry, with the infrastructure needed to produce a highly-skilled pilot workforce.n

Mi-171A2

Second Prototype Testing Commences

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ussian Helicopters, part of state corporation Rostec, has commenced flight testing of the second Mi-171A2 medium multirole helicopter prototype at the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. The Mi-171A2 represents the latest development of the internationally renowned medium multirole Mi-8/ Mi17 series, with a higher level of safety, comfort and automation.

The use of composite blades, as well as upgrades to the swashplate and bushing, have reduced the total weight of the main rotor and increased thrust by 700kg. An X-shaped tail rotor with composite blades has also been added to increase responsiveness and reduce noise.n

Embraer Delivers

E195s to Tianjin Airlines

E

mbraer has successfully concluded the delivery of the first two E195 jets to Tianjin Airlines.

The Chinese airline is the launch customer of this aircraft model in China and the two aircraft are part of an order for 20 E195 and 20 E190 E2 jets that the airline has contracted for. Tianjin Airlines already operates the largest Embraer E190 fleet (45 aircraft) in China.

“We are very satisfied with the current E190 fleet we are operating and we believe the new E195 fleet, with more seats and equally excellent operational economics, will allow us to meet the surging demands of air travel in China and help achieve 14 | Aviators | January-March 2016

our development goals,” said Guan Dongyuan, Senior Vice President of Embraer and President of Embraer China. Tianjin Airlines also runs the first Authorized Service Center

in China for Embraer. Embraer has received 224 firm orders from airlines in China which include firm orders for 188 and a total of 130 jetliners have been delivered till date.

75 Boeing 737 MAX

Airliners for Jet Airways

“This order is an endorsement of our confidence in the longterm prospects of the Indian aviation sector, which reflects the positive forecast for the country’s economy and offers tremendous potential for growth and development,” said Naresh Goyal, chairman of Jet Airways.

T

he largest airplane order ever placed by Jet Airways was announced in November, last year when it ordered 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jetliners at the Dubai Airshow. Jet Airways will be the first Indian airline to take delivery of the 737 MAX. The order includes conversions of 25 Next-Generation 737s to 737 MAX 8s, as well as options and purchase rights for 50 aircraft. The transaction will be completely financed and managed through a sale and leaseback arrangement when Jet

Airways takes delivery of the aircraft from 2018.

The acquisition of the new aircraft will be fully financed through a sale and leaseback arrangement and Jet Airways will take delivery of the first aircraft in 2018. The new aircraft will deliver new standards of fuel efficiency and economics, which will help drive our operational efficiency said Jet Airways, CEO Cramer Ball.

The 737 Max incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP1B engines, Advanced Technology

winglets and other improvements to deliver greater efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort. The new aircraft will support Jet Airways’ replacement strategy and ensure it maintains a modern, environmentally friendly fleet. Jet Airways currently has a fleet of 115 aircraft, which includes a mix of state-of-the-art Boeing 777-300 ERs, Airbus A330200/300, Next Generation Boeing 737s and ATR 72-500/600s. With an average age of 6.04 years, this is one of the youngest fleets in the region.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 15

Indian Aviation News Brief

T

Delhi, Mumbai International Airports Named India’s Smartest Buildings at the Times of India & Honeywell Smart Building Awards 2015

he Delhi and Mumbai International airports have been named as India’s smartest buildings at the Times of India and Honeywell Smart Building Awards for 2015.

Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Government of India, who was Chief Guest at the function and felicitated the winners., urged building owners to do more in this area, he said, “The canvas of smartness must percolate across India.” In a congratulatory message, Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, and Parliamentary Affairs, said, “I am happy that Times of India and Honeywell are awarding companies that have done outstanding work in the smart building space; I hope others will also take inspiration.” Eight other buildings in New Delhi, Mohali, Mumbai, Kolkata, Gurgaon, and Bangalore were named the smartest buildings in their market segments, which included hospitals, schools, hotels, retail, commercial multi-tenant offices, single-tenant offices, residential facilities and public sector buildings. The Delhi airport scored highest in power consumption control, use of natural resources, worker safety, personal protection, and indoor environment quality and control. The Mumbai airport is the highest scorer in use of energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, uninterrupted power supply, fire detection and notification, as well as surveillance and intrusion.

“Both airports have the highest scores across all nine building categories, across all green, safe, and productive assets deployed. These airports demonstrated maximum asset capability, uptime, and coverage, setting them apart as the country’s smartest buildings,” said Anant Maheshwari, President, Honeywell India.

“Honeywell and the Times of India congratulate all the winners. Smarter buildings are a fundamental component of smart cities, and they help make their occupants safe, comfortable and more productive, said Arunabh Das Sharma, President, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. ”By encouraging buildings to be made smarter, we hope these awards will drive smart outcomes for buildings, and India’s 100 Smart Cities, in a big way.”

Participation in the competition was open to all building owners and facility managers who agreed to be evaluated under the parameters of the Honeywell Smart Building Score, an online tool launched by Honeywell earlier this year that evaluates buildings and technologies across three key measures of smartness – green, safe, and

16 | Aviators | January-March 2016

productive. Winners’ scores ranged from 81 to 99 on the 100-point smart building score.

The scores were validated by KPMG and affirmed by an eminent jury composed of India’s leading authorities on energy efficiency, safety, security, and productivity in buildings. Jury members included: Dr. Prem C. Jain, Chairman, Indian Green Building Council; Mr. D.K. Shami, Deputy Fire Advisor, National Association of Fire Advisors; Mr. R. Chandrashekhar, President, NASSCOM; Dillon Banerjee, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy; Shrinivas Kowligi, EY Partner-Smart Cities; atnd Mr. Prabhakar Sinha, Editor, Real Estate, Times of India.

The National Winners across the Nine Building Verticals were: Q Airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai Q Education: Indian School of Business, Mohali Campus Q Hospitals: Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai Q Hotels: ITC Sonar, Kolkata Q Retail/Malls: Select Citywalk, New Delhi Q Multi-tenant Offices: DLF Cyber Terraces, New Delhi Q Public Services: Metro Bhawan, New Delhi Q Residential: DLF Magnolias, Gurgaon Q Single-occupant Offices: Bearys Global Research Triangle, Bangalore Honeywell launched the Honeywell Smart Building Score in India in June 2015, a first-of-its-kind global tool to measure building smartness. The tool was subsequently launched in the United States in October, and is scheduled to be launched in China in December and the Middle East in 2016. The score is determined by a building’s use of 15 technology asset groups that make a building green, safe, and productive based on the building systems’ overall capability, coverage of the facility, and uptime.

Indian Aviation News Brief

J

et Airways has received approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for CAT II authorisation of its ATR 72 – 500 / 600 fleet for low visibility operations (LVO). The DGCA CAT II authorisation makes Jet Airways the first Indian airline to receive these approvals for turboprop aircraft operations.

Capt. Nikhil B. Ved, Sr. Vice-President, Flight Operations, Jet Airways said, “The CAT II authorisation for our ATR fleet is an important milestone for Jet Airways.

It will enable Jet Airways to significantly enhance flight operations on ATR routes, especially during winter, and also help us improve on-time performance. It also bears testimony to our commitment for enhanced guest safety by introducing advanced systems, processes and products.”

The DGCA authorisation is applicable on Low Visibility Take Off (LVTO) with a Runway Visual Range (RVR) of 125 m and landing with RVR capability of 300 m. This will give a major fillip to Jet Airways’ ATR operations during the coming winter months, especially for operations from fog-affected airports in northern India.

Jet Airways Receives

CAT II Authorisation for ATR Fleet

Airbus Group India Hires Ashish ‘Make in India’ Officer

Saraf as

A

irbus Group announced in January, that it has taken yet another step in the direction to realise its ‘Make in India’ plans, appointing Ashish Saraf as Vice-President – Industry Development, Strategic Partnerships and Offsets.

Saraf will drive the Group’s existing ‘Make in India’ initiatives and conceive new ones for all the businesses of Airbus Group India with the aim to increase their industrial footprint here. The move comes close on the heels of Airbus Group uniting its Divisions in India under a single company.

“Ashish is a dynamic Indian Executive with experience in leading Industrialization initiatives in the Aerospace and Defence Sector. Having him as a part of our India management team with the mandate to expand our local industrial partnerships is a shot in the arm for our ‘Make in India’ plans,” said Pierre de Bausset, President, Airbus Group India.

“Airbus Group’s ambition is to be a benchmark setting company when it comes to realizing the ‘Make in India’ vision of the Indian government. I look forward to supporting the Group fulfill its ambition while helping my country meet its indigenization goals. I feel privileged to be in this role at a company which has put ‘Make in India’ front and centre of its India strategy,” said Saraf.

Airbus Group has submitted a bid with Tata to jointly manufacture the C295 aircraft in India as a replacement for the Indian Air Force’s ageing Avro aircraft and has tied-up with Mahindra Defence to jointly produce helicopters in India.

Vistara’s Fleet is joined by its Ninth Airbus A-320

I

n line with its steady and measured fleet expansion strategy, Vistara, welcomes its ninth Airbus A-320. The new aircraft will enable Vistara to extend its personalised and seamless travel experience to the airline’s progressively widening customer base by increasing frequencies to its current route network. On the latest addition, Mr Phee Teik Yeoh, CEO, Vistara said, “We are delighted to announce the arrival of our ninth aircraft. The new aircraft will allow us to further enhance our capacity on our key routes and allow many more customers to fly a new feeling with Vistara. With this addition, our fleet induction for the year is complete. However, there are many other interesting announcements in the pipeline timed with our anniversary celebrations that will further make our value proposition attractive for our esteemed customers.”

With 12 destinations, 297 weekly frequencies and industry’s best OTP track record, Vistara is fast becoming India’s preferred airline with an increasing number of repeat customers. With each new aircraft, the airline raises the bar to touch new heights as it continues to redefine the flying experience and setting new benchmarks.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 17

Indian Aviation News Brief

Jet Airways First Indian Airline to Launch APP for Apple Watch Jet Airways, unveiled its app designed exclusively for Apple’s Watch in December. The app will enable guests to access seamless travel information on their wrists.

The application with watch OS 2 support, will allow guests to conveniently access real time information about their flight status of any flight on Jet Airways’ network, receive a flight status notification, get alerts for upcoming trips as well as updates on special deals and offers from Jet Airways.

Commenting on the new Jet Airways app for Apple Watch Mr. Gaurang Shetty- Sr. VP Commercial, Jet Airways, “At Jet Airways we constantly endeavour to be in step with evolving developments in technology and communication to enhance guest experience across touch points. The Jet Airways app for Apple Watch incorporates latest trends in user experience design, personalisation and technology to provide a unique experience and access to relevant travel information on the go. The app symbolises our continued commitment to our customer focused ‘Guest First’ service philosophy, which is at the core of our business.”

To access the Jet Airways app for Apple Watch, users will first need to download the app for iPhone, (existing users will need to upgrade to the latest version). Apple Watch users will need to visit the Apple Watch App on iPhone and turn on the ‘Show App on Apple Watch’ option within the ‘My Watch’ tab.

The Jet Airways Apple Watch app features a flight status application, which allows guests to check their flight status on the day of departure. This is done by entering the flight number on the keypad of the watch to receive the latest status update. For more details, guests will need to click ‘More on iPhone’ on the Apple Watch, and the app will open the flight status details page.

Thales Renews Partnership with IndiGo

I

ndiGo has extended its long-term maintenance agreement with Thales for its growing fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft. The contract will cover avionics maintenance for a fleet of up to 250 aircraft, including the A320neo which will start being delivered to IndiGo in late 2015.

Thales has been a partner to IndiGo since the airline took delivery of its first Airbus A320-200 aircraft in 2006. Through this agreement Thales provides spares availability 18 | Aviators | January-March 2016

and replenishment to IndiGo with stocks located onsite at their main hub in New Delhi, the airline’s main base. Thales also offers IndiGo direct access to a pool of spare parts located in Thales’ Asia-Pacific repair hub in Singapore.

“Through this agreement, Thales is able to provide a flexible solution to IndiGo that helps them optimize the maintenance of their fleet while keeping inventory under control,” said Daniel Malka, Thales

Vice President, Avionics Services Worldwide.“As an airline that is committed to affordable travel with on-time performance, having a comprehensive maintenance and support program with a trusted vendor like Thales is of paramount importance,” said Aditya Ghosh, President of IndiGo. “We have had great support from Thales these past nine years and we look forward to a continued partnership as our business develops.”

Indian Aviation News Brief

Fokker Technologies and Aequs Sign Long Term F

okker Technologies, a division of GKN Aerospace, and Aequs of India, signed a Long Term Agreement (LTA) in December 2015, for the supply of machined components for Boeing’s Chinook helicopter.

Under the agreement, Aequs will supply machined detail parts which will be made in India for the Chinook heavy lift helicopter. Fokker Technologies will build the parts into final sub-assemblies in facilities in Papendrecht, The Netherlands. Aequs was selected after a careful process of qualification proving the ability and affordability through trial production. “This agreement between Fokker Technologies and Aequs is significant because it capitalizes on India’s industrial capability, innovation and talent to contribute to the country’s long-term competitiveness as a global aerospace leader,” said Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India. “Boeing is rapidly expanding its supplier footprint in the country to reinforce our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and we have doubled our sourcing from India in the last 12 months.”

“The manufacturing capability that we have on offer within our aerospace ecosystem is well positioned to deliver the outstanding value that our partners such as Fokker Technologies and Boeing look for,” said Walt Sirmans, President of Aequs Aerospace. Fokker Technologies started to set up its supply chain in India in early 2014. In that year, Fokker Technologies selected its first parts suppliers in India and trial production started, leading to the successful first article inspection in mid-2015 and the signing of the first “Make in India” parts production LTA with Aequs today. Fokker Technologies and Boeing have worked, and still work, together to identify and award work packages. GKN Aerospace India supports GKN Aerospace’s market-leading aerostructures and aero-engines businesses in engineering and procurement activities. The Bangalore site currently has got a highly skilled workforce of 114 engineers located in the office and additional 300+ engineers in the India supply chain. GKN Aerospace also manufactures composite and metallic bonded fuel pods for the Chinook helicopter.

Edwin Boom, Business Line Director of Fokker Aerostructures for Boeing Defence Programs, said “We expect to have found a great partner in Aequs, capable to perform against the high quality standards of Fokker and Boeing. India is a strategic country for our customers. This partnership creates further value by its affordable cost structure, and provides us with the flexibility and capacity necessary to further strengthen our position in the market. Boeing has also signed an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems in November to create a joint venture manufacture Apache fuselages in India.

Airbus BizLab Global Network Expands to Bangalore, India

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n a sign of Bangalore continued importance in the Indian aviation sector and its strategic location as the aerospace hub of India., Airbus BizLab has expanded its global network to include Bangalore. The European aerospace firm inaugurated its BizLab in Bangalore, India, its third after Toulouse, France and Hamburg, Germany, as part of its strategy to establish a global network of aerospace business accelerators. “India is a strategic for Airbus and we are committed to increasing our footprint in the country,” said Dr. Kiran Rao, Airbus EVP Strategy and Marketing.

“Setting up Airbus Bizlab Bangalore, reinforces this commitment by further enhancing India’s aerospace entrepreneurial eco-system.”

Airbus BizLab in India will be co-located with NUMA, France’s biggest business accelerator and one of the most active in Europe. Both will create strong synergies between their accelerators, from start-up selection to specific events to benefit from their respective ecosystem (mentors, experts, investors). Airbus has always been at the forefront of innovation to create more value for our customers,” said Bruno Gutierres, HO Airbus BizLab. “With the Airbus BizLab Bangalore we are broadening our horizons and we aim to accelerate the rise of an Indian aeronautical entrepreneurship.”

Airbus launched its first global aerospace business accelerator in Toulouse in March 2015 as part of its innovation strategy to bring together start-ups and Airbus “intrapreneurs” (internal entrepreneurs) to work and speed up the transformation of their innovative ideas into valuable businesses. A second BizLab accelerator was opened in Hamburg, Germany, in September 2015. The aim is to accelerate the pace at which it can commercialise innovative ideas drawn from within Airbus and outside, including from customers and other external partners.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 19

Indian Aviation News Brief

United Airlines

10 Years U

“All of us at United are very proud to reach this milestone and to have played such an important role in building links between India and the United States,” Dave Hilfman, United’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales.

nited Airlines celebrated the 10th anniversary of its service to India in November. The airline, has carried over three million customers on more than 12,700 flights between the two countries during the past decade.

It operates daily nonstop services from both Delhi and Mumbai to its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport.

72 Economy Plus seats with added legroom and increased personal space. The India flights have been conveniently timed to connect at New York/Newark with an extensive network of service to destinations across the Americas.

United BusinessFirst offers a superior business-class seat that reclines 180 degrees into a 1.98-m lie-flat bed

near the front of the Economy cabin, the seats give the added benefit of allowing a swifter exit from the plane upon arrival.

The airline’s first flight to India, a Continental Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft from New York/Newark, arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on November 2, 2005. It was the first scheduled

“Ten years ago we were the first airline to offer scheduled nonstop service between the two countries, and today we remain the only U.S. carrier serving India. We thank all the customers who have flown with us over the past decade, our travel industry partners, and of course our sales, marketing and operations teams here in India.”

The airline’s Delhi and Mumbai flights are both operated using Boeing 777200 aircraft with a total of 267 seats – 50 flat-bed seats in Business First and 217 seats in Economy, including

and features a personal on-demand entertainment system with a 39-cm touch-screen monitor. BusinessFirst amenities include laptop power, USB ports, noise-reduction headsets, amenity kits featuring Cowshedbrand skin-care products, duvet-style blankets and a multi-course meal with complimentary wines. United Economy Seats feature an adjustable headrest and a 22.8-cm seat-back monitor delivering a personal ondemand entertainment system, while United Economy Plus offers up to 10.2-cm of extra legroom. Located

nonstop service by any carrier between India and the U.S.A. The nonstop service between Mumbai and New York/Newark was inaugurated in 2007.

United and Continental merged in 2010 under the United name and United Airlines and United Express operate an average of nearly 5,000 flights a day to 352 airports across six continents. In 2014, United and United Express operated nearly two million flights carrying 138 million customers.

20 | Aviators | January-March 2016

Indian Aviation News Brief United Airlines has unveiled its new United Club lounges in both Atlanta and San Francisco, offering customers modern designs with stunning panoramic views of the airfield, comfortable seating to work or relax, fresh and healthy food choices, complimentary beverages and plentiful power outlets throughout.

“Our customers deserve the very best travel experience, and our new clubs are not only beautiful spaces, they are also very functional and will provide the perfect settings for customers to relax, refresh and recharge before their flights,” said Jimmy Samartzis, United’s vice president of food services and United Clubs.

“We are investing over$100 million in our United Club locations over the next few years to offer customers the added comfort and convenience

they expect during their trips.” Over the next three years, United plans to renovate and update United Club locations throughout its network.

Starting in 2016, the airline will begin extensive renovations at locations including New York/Newark, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Dallas-Fort Worth and Guam.

Atlanta - The nearly 5,000-squarefoot Atlanta United Club opened in November 2015 and features stunning panoramic views of the airport as well as seating for more than 100 people, giving travelers a comfortable and convenient airport getaway where they can unwind during their journeys. The modern design also features vintage aviation artwork throughout the club, and visiting customers may dine on complimentary fresh-food choices, including yogurt and fresh fruit; muffins in rotating flavors of cinnamon and blueberry; sliced red bell peppers with hummus rotating seasonal soups; and spicy Bloody Mary trail mix. The Atlanta club is located between gates 11 and 12 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s Concourse T, on the mezzanine level.

San Francisco - At just over 6,000 square feet, the newest United Club at San Francisco International Airport first welcomed travelers on November 18, 2015. The club offers a bird’s-eye view of airport operations and a gallery of photos of United’s history. Comfortable seating can accommodate more than 130 people who will be able to enjoy a complimentary menu with seasonal choices, such as fresh zucchini, yellow squash and cherry tomatoes; hearty butternut squash soup; dressed spinach salad; and a variety of fresh meats and cheeses. The club is located in the newly renovated Terminal 3 East Concourse, scheduled to open the same day, and will operate in addition to United Club locations in Terminal 3’s Concourse F and in the airport’s International Terminal G. Like remodeled United Club locations in Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego, Seattle, Boston and London, the new San Francisco location will offer additional work stations and abundant power outlets for customers to work with greater ease and comfort. Members may also enjoy complimentary beverages and Wi-Fi, as well as premium wines and spirits

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 21

Cover Story - Indian Aviation

MAKE IN INDIA

Takes off at Tumkur

PM Lays Foundation Stone for HAL’s New Helicopter Manufacturing Facility in Karnataka

P

rime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for HAL’s new Helicopter Manufacturing Facility at Biderehalla Kaval, Gubbi Taluk, Tumakuru, about 100 km from Bengaluru here today.

“With this, the small village has come on the world-map as it would be manufacturing machines that would protect the country. It is no ordinary facility as the world’s attention would be focused on it.

I expect the indigenous helicopter under Make-in-India, to fly-out by 2018. It is a gift from Government of India to the people of Karnataka,

Tumakuru in particular. Nearly 4000 families, direct or indirect will benefit from this largest ever investment of Rs 5,000 crores in Tumakuru”, he said.

The Prime Minister hoped that HAL would produce 600 helicopters in 15 year period and India’s Defence Forces would be the greatest beneficiary of this.

“I want companies such as HAL to help the country reduce dependency on overseas suppliers”, he added. Mr. Modi congratulated HAL employees, past and present.

“I believe that HAL has good

manpower and technical know how to fulfill the future needs”, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister, Mr. Manohar Parrikar hoped that HAL will one day transform into a lead integrator and spearhead the development of aerospace eco-system in India. The Tumakuru facility would meet the country’s massive requirements in the Defence sector, he added.

Mr. Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka said that Karnataka has supported HAL all through since its inception and will continue to support by providing additional land for this project. He said the state is proud to have created conducive environment for the aerospace and

Cover Story - Indian Aviation

defence sector with aerospace-park at Devanahalli.

HAL CMD, Mr. T. Suvarna Raju said HAL will continue to play a significant role in realizing Prime Minister’s missions like ‘Make-in-India’, ‘Digital India’ and ‘Skill India’ to achieve selfreliance in defence sector.

Mr Vajubhai Vala, Governor of Karnataka, Union Ministers, Ministers from Karnataka, officials from various quarters attended the massive gathering.

Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)

The LUH is 3-ton Class new generation helicopter being developed by HAL to meet the requirements of both military and civil operators. The helicopter with Glass Cockpit will be deployed for Reconnaissance and Surveillance roles and as a light transport helicopter. The helicopter will be capable of flying at 220 Kmph, with a service ceiling of 6.5 Km and a range of 350 Km with 400 Kg payload. LUH is powered by TM/HAL Ardiden 1U/Shakti 1U single turbo shaft engine with sufficient power margins to cater to demanding high altitude missions.

Design and development was launched in February 2009. The initial Ground Test Vehicle (GTV) run was completed on December 6, 2014. Operational clearance of the basic version is expected during 2016-17.

Cover Story - Indian Aviation

Learning to Fly

Challenges and Lessons for Making Civil Aircraft in India

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he Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), one of the world’s largest multi-discipline, professional societies for engineers, hosted its prestigious Lord Austin Lecture in Bangalore in December, last year. Dr. Pablo Bermell-Garcia, Research Team Leader at Airbus Group delivered a lecture on ‘Building a civilian plane; trends, challenges and lessons for India’. The lecture took place on the sidelines of the first of its kind conference – ‘Advanced Manufacturing & Innovation Conference’ that was hosted in partnership with the IET, UKTI and Science and Innovation Network (SIN) as part of the UK-India Innovation week.

The lecture focused on the growth of civil aviation in India that according to latest reports is set to be the third largest aviation market by 2026. Given the strategic nature of the aerospace industry and the high skill level of jobs that it can deliver, Dr Garcia stressed on the need for a proposal; not only for building a plane, but also for building capacity in aerospace related manufacturing infrastructure and design skills. He highlighted the trends and challenges in building a civilian plane through case studies on similar projects worldwide. The lecture carried insights on the global industry trends, innovation and suggestions in the aerospace sector

24 | Aviators | January-March 2016

for India to consider.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Garcia said, “It was an exciting experience and a privilege to deliver The Lord Austin Lecture.

It helped me gain an India perspective and put forward the trends and innovations taking place in the industry across the globe. India is one of the rising economies with a great leader, there is abundance of young engineers and hence the need is for constructive engagement between government and industry that will help establish policies focusing on developing a ‘Made in India’s aerospace industry. This in turn will help meet both the local and global demand for new technologies in both research and manufacturing.”

Mr David M Lindley, Chairman of the Institution of Engineering & Technology - Aerospace Technical Professional Network, Technical Advisory Panel, “The IET Lord Austin Lecture and supporting conference provided an excellent opportunity for the IET in India and the IET Aerospace Technical Professional Network to engage with aerospace SMEs and sectors focused on developing an indigenous aerospace capability within India. The lecture provided a unique insight in to the need,

demands and challenges facing both the local and global aerospace industries.”

“With emphasis placed upon the importance of knowledge transfer and close co-operation with internal and external engineering companies and partners, India presents a unique opportunity to establish a strong aerospace presence in the global market. Events like the IETs Lord Austin Lecture allow government, industry, academia to achieve this goal, he added.”

“Aerospace engineering is a critical aspect of the Make-InIndia initiatives which has opened a plethora of opportunities for engineers in India. According to the IET- Feedback Survey report released in September, 2015, a very low number of Indian engineering colleges offered aerospace engineering as a stream. Dr Garcia’s lecture further highlighted the number of opportunities in the aerospace industry. Dr Garcia’s lecture was highly insightful and relevant to industry, academia and students”, said Shekhar Sanyal, Director and Country Head of IET India.

The IET Lord Austin Lecture is an annual prestige lecture series by the IET in honour of Lord Herbert Austin, founder of the Austin Motor Company.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 25

Cover Story - Indian Aviation

Successful Run of

HAL

Indigenous 25 kN Aero Engine

25 Kn Engine Inauguration: Defence Minister, Mr. Manohar Parrikar at the inaugural run of the core of 25 kN indigenous Aero Engine (Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine – HTFE 25) at HAL’s Engine Division, Bengaluru on December 14, 2015.

Mr. T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL (second from left) is also seen.

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he inaugural run of the core of 25 kN indigenous Aero Engine (Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine – HTFE 25), on December 14th, 2015 was a historic moment that was successfully completed in the presence of Defence Minister, Mr. Manohar Parrikar at HAL’s Engine Division in Bangalore. He also launched the design and development project of Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE-1200)

achieve maximum in the aeronautical engineering with active participation of HAL and the private sector together. The recent expansion of activities in the aerospace sector as seen in HAL and has potential to turn India into aerospace manufacturing hub. The country would need 4000 to 6000 helicopter engines in the coming years and efforts of HAL to in this direction needs to be appreciated, he added.

which can be used for helicopters.

Complimenting HAL for undertaking these projects, Mr. Parrikar said all out efforts should be made to

Also known as the Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25), it can be used for basic, intermediate and advanced trainer aircraft. The engine can also

26 | Aviators | January-March 2016

be used on business jets and five-ton weight class aircraft in single engine configuration and on aircraft of up to nine-ton weight class with twin engine configuration. Aero Engine Research & Design Centre (AERDC), HAL, Bengaluru had taken up the Design and Development of a 25 kN thrust class turbofan engine for Basic Military Trainer Aircraft. HAL used its internal resources with an aim of producing indigenously designed and developed aero engines in a time frame of six years beginning from 2013. In the first phase of the programme, the design of the full engine and manufacture and testing of the technology demonstrator of the core engine are covered. In the subsequent phases the manufacture and testing of the full engine will follow. The HTSE-1200 can be used for helicopters of 3.5-ton class in the single engine configuration (e.g.

LUH) and for 5 to 8-ton class in twin engine configuration (e.g. ALH, LCH).

The engine develops a power of 1200 kW at sea level and can operate up to an altitude of 7 km.

Cover Story - Indian Aviation

Defence Minister Mr. Parrikar also mentioned the on-going HTT-40 trainer program of HAL and said the company is almost there with final activities going on in full swing at its hangars in Bengaluru. Mr. T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL said successful running of the 25 kN engine it is one of the major milestones achieved by the company in its platinum jubilee year contributing to Make-in-India efforts of the Government.

Future Outlook Hindustan Aeronautics Limited t Indian Military and Civil helicopter market is a big opportunity for HAL which has taken steps to position itself in this market by having products in the two to ten ton category. t The development of LUH is crucial to HAL as defence market capitalisation is

based on timelines of this programme. t Based on the current growth rate (approx. 10 to 12%), it can be predicted that the industry may have 400 to 600 helicopters by 2021. HAL is targeting this segment demand by customising ALH and by making efforts for civil

certification of ALH. t The fixed wing defence market will see a lot of interest by foreign OEMs as the Indian Defence and civil requirements have made it as the 5th largest market in the world.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 27

Cover Story - Indian Aviation

Indian Aerospace Sector and Rotary Wing Growth

Untapped Potential

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he massive revenue and employment generation potential of India’s aerospace industry is yet to be tapped. It is important that the right decisions are taken quickly to Indian and Indian companies to better integrate into the global aerospace value chain. The creation of a pragmatic policy-industry-academia ecosystem, is also an important prerequisite for growth in this area. An example of the challenges facing the industry as a whole is exemplified by the challenges encountered in the development of indigenous aircraft.

The reliance on public sector organisation which have access to defence orders has meant that over the years, only the development of defence related aircraft was taken up or defence labs undertook to develop aircraft meant for civil use (NAL and the Saras project is an example).

The development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is an example of the difficulties in the aviation sector. Mammoth efforts were required not only to build technologies from scratch but also to build a base for industrial base considering the denial of technology to India.

28 | Aviators | January-March 2016

For all its successes, the resultant Tejas light fighter has limited export potential and has yet to enter service with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Human Resource challenges have to be overcome for success in the aerospace sector, with co-ordination, direction and role definition being some of the key areas. Though it has taken a combined national effort with multiple agencies involved to achieve results related to LCA. The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) will pose new challenges and opportunities on HR, supply chain and technology fronts.

A meagre 2% of Indian population is vocationally skilled. In comparison, the ratio is 75% in Germany, 96% in Korea, 80% in Japan and 68% in UK. To fill this gap, extensive training is required to be given to budding young talent so they can work at the high standards needed for the aerospace industry. The facilities for basic and specialized training that exist presently need to be periodically reviewed with respect to infrastructure and curriculum so that the existing skill base is continuously upgraded. A successful aerospace

industry needs scientists, software engineers, system engineers, aerospace engineers, management professionals, assemblers, drafters, technicians, fabricators, machine operators, airport staff and so on.

There are challenges on R&D and offset fronts.

“OEMs are citing capability and capacity within indigenous industry as the impediments to liquidate offset commitments, and then there is this issue of international certificates of domestic products, International Marketing Capabilities and so on,” say officials from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Nation’s Premier Aviation Firm.

Cover Story - Indian Aviation It is heartening to see the greater and more urgent emphasis now being given to further developing the potential of rotary wing aviation.

Helicopters are the most suited airborne platform for India’s diverse geographical and climatic conditions.

They also do not require the massive infrastructure required for fixedwing aircraft. While helicopters can operate where fixed-wing aircraft can, the vice-versa is not possible.

Speaking at the International Civil Helicopters Conclave 2015 in New Delhi, which was held in October, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Sh. P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, called upon all stakeholders to come up with new ideas to give a boost to the civil aviation sector as a whole, and the helicopter industry in the country in particular. In keeping with the Government’s aim of flying becoming more affordable and reaching the masses, helicopters have a large role to play. Speaking on the occasion MoS Civil Aviation, Culture and Tourism (I/C) Dr Mahesh Sharma stressed upon the need to increase helicopter services to the North Eastern and hilly areas of the country where road connectivity is a major problem. He talked about the need to create Helihubs in Delhi and Guwahati to facilitate smooth navigation of helicopters.

Addressing the conclave R N

Choubey, Secretary Civil Aviation said that the new Civil Aviation Policy that is being drafted recognizes the special needs of the helicopter sector and efforts are being made to put in place a separate set of regulations for this sector. He said the helicopter sector needs light touch regulations.

The new civil aviation policy, including the policies of DGCA will have such light touch regulations without compromising with overall safety requirements. The Secretary further informed that the proposed Civil Aviation Policy seeks to simplify procedures and remove policy blocks so that more and more people can fly.

Regional connectivity and religious tourism using helicopters will be given a major push under the new policy and efforts are on to work out fiscal initiatives for the sector with the Ministry of Finance. Talks are on with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to work out ways for a quick and low cost evacuation of victims of road accidents and on the issue of safety of helicopter travel the Secretary informed that GAGAN satellite assisted navigation systems which provide one metre resolution even in unregulated air-space will be used for efficient monitoring and tracking of helicopter movement.

Setting up of Helipad at All India Institute of Medical Science

AIIMS has applied for permission for construction of elevated heliport for private use category in day VFR operations on the roof top of Trauma Centre. After the conduction of a site inspection on 13th October, 2015, the site has been found appropriate for construction of an elevated helipad. AIIMS now has to prepare a detailed project report and begin construction of the helipad. AIIMS has contracted HSCC(I), a Govt. of India enterprise, for construction of building and the helipad, and they will obtain environmental / regulatory clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, local bodies etc. for the approval of the operation of AIIMS Helipad. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) was to simultaneously develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Helicopter operations, which was to have been finalized by 31st January, 2016 January-March 2016 | Aviators | 29

Cover Story - Indian Aviation

Future Insight TATA SIA Report on Indian Aviation

A

report released by TATA SIA Airlines Limited, prepared for the company by aviation consultancy firm CAPA- Centre for Aviation and released last year also threw up some additional information on the tremendous impact that aviation can have on the Indian economy.

India’s aviation sector has the potential to contribute to over 5% of the GDP, with the anticipated three-fold increase in domestic traffic. This can create economic value of up to USD 250 Billion on an annual basis by 2025. This could generate direct employment for more than 2.3 million people by 2050. Looking at the global data and international best practices, the report underlined the need for a supportive supply and regulatory environment to realise the aviation industry’s transformative potential.

The report highlights that aviation can play a critical role in delivering many of the government’s priority initiatives including inbound and domestic tourism development, the ‘Make in India’ programme, enhanced trade competitiveness and broad-based socio-economic development.

The incremental domestic traffic handled in the last ten years was almost three times greater than in the previous 50 years, the report revealed, clearly indicating that Indian aviation is yet to achieve its true potential. It called for from the highest levels of government to establish a clear vision and roadmap for the sector and create an enabling environment. In a country with low penetration of aviation, where only an estimated 1-2% of the population travel by FINANCIAL SUMMARY OF SCHEDULED INDIAN CARRIERS DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS (Rs. in Million) 2011 - 12 Name of the Operating Airline Revenue

2012 - 13

2013 - 14

Operating Expenses

Operating Result

Operating Revenue

Operating Expenses

Operating Result

Operating Expenses

Operating Result

Operating Result

NATIONAL CARRIERS Air India

1,47,138

1,98,140

-51,001.8

1,60,721.1

1,98,349.9

-37628.8

1,90,934.9

2,23,488.5

-32553.6

Air India Express

13,778

17,004

-3,225.3

15,610.4

16,892.3

-1281.9

20,6961

19,958.4

727.7

Alliance Air

2,952

4,102

-1,150.2

2811.4

4132.6

-1321.2

2,423.9

4,178.2

-1754.3

1,63,868

2,19,246

-55,377.3

1,79,142.9

2,19,374.8

-40,231.9

2,14,054.9

2,47,635.1

-33580.2

Total

PRIVATE SCHEDULED DOMESTIC AIRLINES Jet Airways

1,47,860

1,54,407

-6,547.7

1,70,916.3

1,69,690.5

1225.8

1,72,325.1

2,01,072.5

-28747.5

Jetlite (P) Ltd.

18,732

21,617

-2885.4

19,806.7

22,274.7

-2468.0

16,909.9

21,456.0

-4546.0

Go Air

15,634

16,380

-746.5

22,259.3

21,408.4

851.0

25,323.8

24,226.8

1097.0

SpiceJet

39,433

45,726

-6,293.7

56,006.8

58,805.0

-2798.2

63.042.3

73,036.8

-9994.5

Indigo

55,524

56,401

-876.8

92,030.8

84,072.9

7957.9

1,11,165.8

1,08,466.9

2698.9

-

-

-

-

-

-

511.0

1,206.6

-695.5

Total

2,77,182

2,94,532

-17,360.1

3,61,019.9

3,56,251.4

4,768.5

3,88,767.0

4,28,259.0

-39,492.0

Grand Total

4,41,050

5,13,778

-72,727.4

5,40,162.8

5,75,626.2 -35,463.43

6,02,821.9

6,75,894.1

-73072.2

Air Costa*

*Air Costa started operating in October 2013.

SOURCE : ICAO ATR FORM-EF FURNISHED BY SCHEDULED INDIAN CARRIERS.

30 | Aviators | January-March 2016

- Illustration : Marie Morency

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Cover Story - Indian Aviation air and the annual per capita seats are less than a quarter that of China, Indonesia or Thailand, the results of this nurturing could be transformative for the economy.

Director on Board, TATA SIA Airlines Limited, Dr Mukund Rajan, said: “TATA SIA Airlines Limited wants to be a long term player and a supportive participant in the government’s efforts to bring about transformation in the aviation sector. As part of a group that pioneered civil aviation in this country, it will be our endeavour to enable the government to realise the Prime Minister’s vision for India and to help bring people, countries and regions closer. India needs to aspire to create a world class and competitive airline industry that can hold its own. We have proven we can do this across sectors – IT services, metals, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, hospitality and others. There is no reason we cannot do this in aviation. ”

l Simplify RDG: Let market forces prevail - Cat 1 and Cat 3 routes should be combined into one.

To promote remote region connectivity India can emulate markets like the US, Canada, Europe and Australia, where airlines are incentivised to provide connectivity by means of direct grants and subsidies which ensure that relevant services are provided to the communities which need them. l Expedite cargo processing and reduce dwell time: Lack of technology, prevalence of manual procedures and processes, and greater incidence of multiple inspections means that the dwell time of air cargo can be 1.5-2 days for exports and 2-4 days for imports, as against a matter of hours at other global airports, thus increasing costs and spoilage of perishable goods

The CAPA report looks at opportunities in five categories and has made strong recommendations that could impact the future of Indian aviation:

3. Create a liberal Aviation Regime l Abolish 5/20 rule: Apart from the fact that there are no global parallels to this rule, the regulation is discriminatory to Indian airlines as foreign carriers that do not meet these criteria are allowed to operate in Indian skies, but Indian airlines cannot enjoy reciprocal rights. Indian carriers are best placed to promote India as a tourism destination and should be encouraged to provide international connectivity if they wish to do so.

1. Reduce the cost of doing business l Rationalisation of taxes on ATF: ATF, which accounts for up to a significant 30-35% of the operating cost of Indian airlines, is 45% more expensive in India than in the United States, due to the combination of import duty, excise and sales taxation. The removal of sales taxation on ATF would bring its price down by around 20% and deliver a 7% drop in operating expenses, potentially boosting traffic by around 8-9%. l Making in-country MROs more competitive: Service tax on labour, VAT on materials, and import duties applied to in-country aircraft maintenance providers should be lifted. This would obviate the current practice of sending empty aircraft to neighbouring hubs for maintenance and spawn an indigenous MRO industry, employing thousands and significantly contributing to the exchequer and to “Make in India”.

2. Make it easier to do business l Single window process and defined timeline in licensing: Currently to set up an airline up to 10 government agencies may have to be approached, which creates significant delays

32 | Aviators | January-March 2016

4. Invest in airport infrastructure, airspace management and skill development l Develop supply-side capacity: Investments are also required in airspace management, as also in skill development to support the sector’s growth 5. Focus on safety oversight l Access to expertise and trained, fit-for-purpose resources are critical for the DGCA to maintain India’s international standing as a safe and well regulated jurisdiction The report concludes that India is blessed with undeniably strong fundamentals to become a global leader in aviation. The aviation sector is at a critical juncture when it needs government and businesses to form a strong partnership and create a collaborative environment to truly transform the industry and establish India as a global aviation hub.

Cover Story - Indian Aviation

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 33

MRO

Building India as an Industrial

Base for Aerospace Manufacturing Aerospace manufacturing is a high technology and capital intensive industry. Its value chain is characterized by a long project life cycle spanning R&D, engineering design, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul.

By Pulak Sen Founder Secretary General, MRO Association of India

I

ntensive technology and safety requirements require significant investments in R&D and quality control. Currently, North America and Europe are still seen as the powerhouse of state-of-the art aerospace manufacturing with all aircraft, engine and systems manufacturers are located there.

Since India’s independence, the Strategic Defence Production Policy of the country has been evolving.

Production of defence equipment has been under the purview of the Government’s right from inception.

India’s Industrial Policy kept defence 34 | Aviators | January-March 2016

production in the public sector domain since the first Industrial Policy outlined in the Industry Policy Resolution of 1948. The Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951, gave statutory base to the Industrial Policy. Under it, the defence industry, which required heavy investments, strong R&D backing and on which there could be total reliance because of criticality, remained under Government control at all times. Control over defence industry was exercised under the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951, which made

licensing compulsory.

As a consequence of the then industrial policy, a large infrastructure for defence production consisting of 39 ordnance factories, 9 defence PSUs and 50 R&D laboratories was created in the country over time.

For too long, India depended on foreign industries for its military hardware. Constraints of technology and resources precluded selfreliance to the extent desired. The first phase was characterised by state-led industrialisation.

Since liberalisation in 1991, the role of private sector and also that

MRO of competition, both domestic and international, is playing a much greater role in the national economy to bring in overall efficiency.

India’s desire to build its own Light Combat Aircraft in 1983 gave the impetus to re-organise the Indian aerospace industry structure. In 1984, the Government established the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), with Dr. H. Kota Harinarayna, as its head to manage the LCA programme. Although the Tejas is most often described as a product of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), responsibility for the development of the Tejas actually belongs to ADA, a national consortium of over 100 defence laboratories, industrial organisations, and academic institutions with HAL being the principal contractor.

In addition, 300 small and medium scale firms participated in the project. The LCA programme, thus, is a national aeronautical endeavour encompassing all available talents in the country across a wide spectrum availing services of institutions and industries, both public and private.

As no country’s aerospace acumen can be allencompassing, the Indian aerospace industry had several gaps to be filled for its LCA programme. Hence it had to adopt established systems from the international market such as from GE the F-404 engines, the navigation system from Sagem, zero-zero seats from Martin Baker and so on.

Established OEMs from North America and Europe very well realize the need to cut costs and deliver products faster, aerospace design, development, and production globally continues to undergo significant change.

OEMs are increasingly making use of a global supply chain. There are various other reasons for this - lower trade barriers, falling communication and transport costs, the emergence

of global service firms, and talent shortage in home markets. Today, OEMs are not only farming out a big chunk of machined and sheet metal parts production, but also expecting vendors to supply large aircraft subassemblies and even design expertise.

While OEMs have been looking at leveraging manufacturing and service capabilities across various countries, some countries have made focused effort to scale up their capabilities in manufacturing and services.

India has emerged as the largest importer of defence arms and is likely to spend a whopping US$ 248

billion over the next decade. India ranks among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of military expenditure. Added to this fact are the country’s Defence Offset Policy and the Defence Procurement Policy, which is giving a huge opportunity to the Indian manufacturing industry to develop to international standards and be part of the global supply chain.

Not every market is equally wellpositioned to develop a robust aerospace industry. The prime requirement for it is to develop an aerospace ecosystem—factors like the supply and quality of engineers, the supply and cost of blue collar workforce, the depth of the supply chain and the potential to reach critical mass—is important. However, infrastructure and Government support are critical inputs for success.

India has developed a good ecosystem and over the next decade, India undoubtedly has the potential to become a significant part of the global aerospace supply chain. It has been estimated that India offers cost advantages of between 15 to 25 percent in manufacturing, depending on the type of component. Indian industry today has the technological capabilities to undertake complex manufacturing required for the sector – indeed there has been a remarkable growth of this sector, as a large number of private players

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 35

Rotary Wing

Bell 407GXP Climbs to New Heights

B

ell Helicopter has undertaken a successful demonstration tour of the new Bell 407GXP throughout Nepal. Bell Helicopter introduced the latest variant of the popular Bell 407 platform at Heli-Expo 2015 in March. The new aircraft incorporates the reliability and advanced technology of the Bell 407GX platform, and introduces performance enhancements, payload increase and pilot workload reduction.

“Bell Helicopter demonstrated the heightened capability and customerdriven enhancements of the popular Bell 407 platform during the tour through Nepal,” said Sameer A. Rehman, managing director, Asia Pacific. “Throughout the demo tour, our customers praised the performance capabilities of the Bell 407GXP – noting its smooth ride, maneuverability, and increased performance at high altitudes.

Proving this incredible helicopter’s capability in the Himalayan mountain range was a true testament to the Bell 407GXP’s game-changing performance in the highest terrain on the planet.” Bell Helicopter’s pilot

36 | Aviators | January-March 2016

began demonstration flights in Kathmandu, Nepal and into Mount Everest Base Camp area. While there, the Bell 407GXP successfully climbed to an altitude of 20,000 feet. The demonstration flight was executed from Lukla airfield, and demonstrated several landings from 13,500 to 19,600 ft. near the Everest Base Camp.

“I was incredibly pleased with the performance of the aircraft and to demonstrate the increased power, performance and economics of the new M250 Rolls-Royce engine, producing 862 horsepower,” said Bell Helicopter demonstration pilot Will Williamson. “The aircraft performed extremely well, and I was able to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to land at base camp and pick up passengers for potential recoveries back down the mountain.” Bell Helicopter Pilot.

Bell 407GXP Improves On 407GX Capability Bell Helicopter introduced the new 407GXP in March at Heli-Expo 2015 in the USA, the rotorcraft incorporated the reliability and advanced technology of the Bell 407GX platform while introducing performance improvements and a payload increase. Pilot workload was also reduced with the introduction of Garmin’s G1000H flight deck that provides critical flight information at a glance for greater situational awareness and safety.

“The Bell 407GXP enhances customer value with improvements in mission capability,” said Matt Hasik, Bell Helicopter’s executive vice president of commercial business.

“We are constantly communicating with our customers to find out what they are looking for in an aircraft, and we have invested in this upgrade to demonstrate our commitment to changing the way the world flies.”

The multi-mission capable interior of the Bell 407GXP is a spacious cabin that easily holds five passengers in a club seating arrangement or specialized equipment for medical and parapublic missions.

Derived from the Bell 407GX platform, the Bell 407GXP has an additional 50 lbs (22.5 kg) of payload capability, coupled with the new M250 RollsRoyce engine that improves performance and fuel efficiency delivering class leading hot and high performance. The aircraft is also equipped with new avionics features

In the Bell 407GXP, the Garmin G1000H flight deck provides critical flight information at a glance for greater situational awareness and safety Spacious 85 ft (2.4 m3) cabin.

such as a hover performance calculator improvement, as well as a transmission TBO extension of +500 hours that will lower maintenance costs. “The Bell 407 has proven to be a very popular aircraft with over 1,200 flying worldwide today,” added Hasik. “We designed this aircraft to enable our customers to perform their missions safe and efficiently, and the Bell 407GXP will only continue to improve those qualities.”

The Bell 407GXP Features the Widest Cabin Door Opening in its Class Standard Bi-fold door Spacious 85 ft3 (2.4 m3) cabin.

Accommodates six passengers plus one pilot.

Multi-Mission Capability.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 37

Rotary Wing

New Upgraded Engine and Rotor The Bell 407GXP features the new RollsRoyce 250-C47B/8 engine to deliver superb hot & high performance with improved hover characteristics. The Bell 407GXP incorporates a composite four-bladed rotor for superior speed and hover performance:

Q Rolls-Royce engine delivers up to 813 shp (606 kW).

Q

Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) with manual back-up.

Q

1,330 ft increase in HIGE performance to 13,550 ft/ 4,130 m.

Q

1,500 ft increase in HOGE performance to 11,940 ft/ 3,639 m.

Q

Interchangeable, unlimited life main rotor blades for reduced operating cost.

Q

Tapered tip blade design provides reduced noise signature.

Q

Optional Quiet Cruise TM kit for further reduction in noise level.

Q

Frahm damper kit available for reduced cabin vibration.

Q

Blade folding kit available for storage.

38 | Aviators | January-March 2016

Rotary Wing

HEMS

Patient loading and unloading is accomplished with ease due to a 61 in/155cm bi-fold litter door Large windows not only provide patient comfort, but also allow the crew to work in excellent ambient lighting.

The Bell 407GXP Helicopter Combines Performance, Reliability and Mission Flexibility

All-composite, four-bladed rotor system offers a smooth ride, excellent hover performance and speed

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 39

Super Single Engine Helicopter

The H130 T2 Has Further Increased The Popularity of The H130 Helicopter Family T he Airbus H130 is a highly versatile and well regarded single-engine helicopter that is extremely popular worldwide for the broad range of roles that it can undertake. In the U.S.A, the H130 which offers offering high performance, high availability, excellent visibility, mission flexibility and low operating costs is widely used in the HEMS role. In addition to excellent high and hot performance, the H130 has outstanding visibility, the lowest external sound level in its class, as well as the safest operation on ground and in flight with a highly efficient main rotor and Fenestron速 shrouded tail rotor.

An estimated 200 H130s are performing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) flights in America and spacious cabin allows for the fitment of the latest EMS equipment tailored to customer needs. The number of H130s in operation in America account for almost 40 percent of H130 sales worldwide; approximately 550 helicopters are

40 | Aviators | January-March 2016

in-service worldwide. The wide side-opening doors, ensure rapid and simple loading/unloading of a stretcher. With the largest cabin in its class, the H130 has a wide sideloading capability of 2.2 meters, accommodating one stretcher and up

to three medical crew members and equipment. The low internal sound level and the flat cabin floor offer a suitable environment to install both fragile and bulky medical equipment.

The H130 offers adjustable energyabsorbing seats to accommodate

Page 9 of 21

Instructions for Continued AirworthinessJanuary-March GTN 6XX/7XX 2016-| Eurocopter Aviators | 41 EC130 190-01007-K9

Text and Drawing Courtesy : Airbus Helicopters

• Limited to only 3 types of inspections • Complementary inspection: every 150 hours or every 12 months • Basic inspection: every 600 hours or every 24 months • Major inspection: every 12 years

Scheduled maintenance

1 stretcher, 2 medical attendants and 1 seat. The H130 is not only economical to operate but also affordable to acquire new and today’s state-of-the art H130 T2 helicopters are estimated to cost in the region of 4-6 million dollars. The H130 T2 is fitted with a brand new Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine and more than 70% of the airframe has been modified.

This substantially increases the

42 | Aviators | January-March 2016

versatility of the H130, making it better equipped to answer to the challenges of additional missions such as high and hot operations and aerial work.

The latest EC130 T2 version, delivers 10 percent more average power with lower specific fuel consumption as a result of using the Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine. Other EC130 T2 version improvements include an active

vibration control system; improved air ventilation, distribution and demisting systems; a cabin interior structure redesign with a full flat floor; a cockpit update for enhanced man-machine interface; new energyabsorbing seats that improve weight and balance for passenger loading; integration of a crashworthy fuel tank; and increased maintenance accessibility for electrical and air conditioning systems.

The quick and easy engine start-up sequence and the high performance of the H130 ensure rapid and efficient interventions when saving lives.

Its manoeuvrability and visibility enable the pilot to land more safely in confined areas.

The VEMD decreases the pilot’s workload, enabling him to carry out critical missions in optimal safety.

The Fenestron ensures safety in flight when manoeuvring close to obstacles and for personnel and patients on the ground. It is fully equipped with a VFR day and night navigation system (standard “ready to fly” package) associated with a VEMD integrated instrument panel and a GPS map display.

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October - December 2015

l Life Saving Flights are Possible with Air Medical Helicopters l Airbus E-Fan: The World’s First Plug-In Plane

Rotary Wing

Russian Helicopters

Delivers Five Mi-171Sh Helicopters to Bangladesh

R

ussian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) has delivered a batch of five military transport Mi171Sh helicopters to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Defence. In addition to regular cargo transportation operations and border security provision, the new Mi-171Sh will be used in UN humanitarian missions and in regions facing complex crime problems. Bangladesh received the Mi-171Sh helicopters under state credit for the purchase of Russian military goods. The contract was concluded by Rosoboronexport in late 2013.

The Mi-171Sh helicopters delivered are equipped with the latest avionics, enabling them to land safely at any time of day or night in any weather conditions.

‘The geographies to which we deliver modified Mi-171 helicopters expand every year. Today they are in use in Brazil, China, Ghana, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Peru and beyond. There are real opportunities to continue to deliver the Mi-171Sh to Bangladesh,’ said Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev.

44 | Aviators | January-March 2016

‘We produce high-tech multirole helicopters, which are designed to complete highly complex missions anywhere in the world.’

‘Our choice of partners is absolutely clear and fully grounded, the Mi-171Sh is ideally suited to operation in Bangladesh’s environment and climate. In addition, our helicopters are renowned for their resilience and ease of operation,’ said Leonid Belykh, Managing Director at UlanUde Aviation Plant. ‘We are constantly modernising Mi171Sh helicopters, expanding their operational capacity.’

The helicopters are equipped with additional fuel tanks to increase range and length of flight, as well as an external sling for large cargo transportation. They boast enhanced

efficiency thanks to the powerful spotlights and winches that can lift 150 kg, can be fitted with medevac equipment to evacuate up to 12 injured people. They are equipped with armour and protection systems for operation in areas that see heightened activity by terrorist or organised crime groups.

The Мi-171Sh - military transport helicopter is developed on the basis of the Mi-171Sh (Mi-8AMT) and is designed to combat armored ground, surface, immobile and mobile small targets, to destroy enemy forces, transport military cargo, troop delivery, day and night, in regular or complex weather conditions, in a variety of climates. The helicopter can be equipped with the latest small arms, rocket, bomb and gun weapons systems, and protection against attack. The helicopter is designed to transport up to 37 paratroopers, and to transport cargo of up to 4,000 kg, up to 12 injured on streatchers, and to carry out search and rescue operations (including CSAR).

Rotary Wing Ulan Ude Aviation Plant - is a production enterprise at Russian Helicopters Its modern production and technological capacities enable it to quickly launch work on new rotorcrafts, create prototypes and launch series production. In the 75 years of its existence, it has produced over 8,000 aircraft. Today it specialises in producing Mi-8AMT (Mi-171), and the Mi8AMTSh (Mi-171Sh) helicopters.

Russian Helicopters, (part of State Corporation Rostec), is one of the global leaders in helicopter production and the only helicopter design and production powerhouse in Russia. Russian Helicopters was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Moscow. The company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world.

Its helicopters are popular among Russian ministries and state authorities (Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Control Ministry), operators (Gazpromavia, UTair), major Russian corporations. In 2014 its IFRS revenues increased 22,8% to RUB 169,8 billion. Deliveries reached 271 helicopters.

State Corporation Rostec is a Russian corporation founded in 2007 for the purpose of promoting the development, production and export of hi-tech civilian and military industry products. It comprises 700 organisations, nine of which have now been formed as holding companies of the militaryindustrial complex, five of them are involved in civil industries and 22 are directly controlled. Rostec’s portfolio includes recognised brands such as Avtovaz, Kamaz, Russian Helicopters, and VSMPO-AVISMA.

Production Enterprise at Russian Helicopters

Production Enterprise at Russian Helicopters

Russian Helicopters signs contract with China for 4 Ka-32A11BC Helicopters Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) has signed a contract with China’s Jiangsu Baoli for delivery of 4 Ka-32A11BC fire-fighting helicopters in 2016-2017. Once delivered to China, the Ka-32A11BC helicopters will be used in fire-fighting operations, as well as for patrols and supporting special operations.

‘Ka-32A11BC helicopters are ideally suited to China’s high mountainous regions and heavily built-up urban centres, since they do not need much space to land and are easy to manoeuvre in mountainous and urban high-rise areas,’ Russian Helicopters Deputy CEO for Marketing and Business Development Alexander Shcherbinin said. ‘These helicopters are successfully operated in China. This contract confirms our interest in developing mutually beneficial cooperation, and we plan to continue to grow it through additional deliveries and new projects,’ Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev said.

China’s fire-fighting service has considerable experience of using Ka-32A11BC helicopters to fight fires and in search-and-rescue operations. In early January this year the Ka-32A11BC played a crucial role in rescuing passengers from the ice-bound Akademic Shokalsky research ship. The Ka-32A11BC meets FAR-29 and AP-29 airworthiness standards, and has EASA certification. They are operated successfully in Austria, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, China, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Spain, and Switzerland.

Russian Helicopters, part also started flight testing of a second prototype of the medium multirole Mi-171A2 at Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in November 2015. Pre-flight and certification testing are also currently underway.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 45

Swiss Air-Rescue Rega Takes a Major Step in “Project Icebird” with Contract for Three Rescue AW169s

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wiss Air-Rescue Rega has placed an order for three AW169 light intermediate twin-engine helicopters and one GrandNew light twin-engine helicopter with Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland. The brand new helicopters will join the current fleet of a GrandNew and nine single-pilot configured Da Vinci helicopters. The aircraft will perform emergency medical service and search and rescue missions (EMS/ SAR) all over Switzerland, from the lowlands to the high mountains of the Alps. “With the new rescue helicopter, we will be able to extend our scope of operations and in the future come to the aid of more people in distress than ever before,” said Rega CEO, Ernst Kohler.

Daniele Romiti, AgustaWestland Chief Executive Officer, said “Project Icebird confirms Rega’s strong confidence in our technology, customisation capabilities and the outstanding performance of the AW169.

We look forward to working with them to bring their 46 | Aviators | January-March 2016

specialised AW169 into service.”

The acquisition of new generation aircraft to meet the future all weather helicopter rescue programme of Rega is valued at CHF 50 million (approximately €46 million).

Rega will take delivery of the GrandNew in the autumn of 2016, while the three AW169s are planned to be delivered in 2020. As part of the challenging and innovative “Project Icebird”, Rega and AgustaWestland will together set a new benchmark for EMS/SAR operations with the development of the “Helicopter of the Future”. This will include a Full

Ice Protection System (FIPS) for operations in known icing conditions, making the AW169 the lightest helicopter ever built with such a feature, advanced next-generation satellite navigation capabilities, Synthetic Vision System (SVS), Enhanced Vision System (EVS), Selex ES’ Laser Obstacle Avoidance and Monitoring (LOAM) system for enhanced safety and situational awareness.

Rega’s “Project Icebird” is intended to lead to the development of an aircraft capable of performing high mountain EMS/SAR operations

HEMS

across Switzerland in any weather conditions, with capabilities that are today utopian for any other rotarywing aircraft. The development of this all-weather helicopter is an essential part of the Rega vision – “fly everywhere, anytime, in any weather”, which will implement different projects focused on the development of a ground based network and the

airborne equipment to allow rescue flights to be undertaken with assured safety in any weather conditions.

Rega aborts more than 600 missions per year due to low visibility or adverse weather. “Project Icebird” is aimed at filling this void allowing it to perform rescue missions even in near zero visibility with the aid of next-generation navigation systems and dedicated IFR routes.

These contracts strengthen the long-standing partnership between AgustaWestland and Rega, following decades of successful operations with the A109K2, introduced in 1992, and more recently with the fleet of Da Vinci helicopters which entered service in 2009.

GRANDNEW HELICOPTER - The GrandNew features the most advanced avionics of any helicopter in its class while retaining the outstanding performance characteristics of the original Grand.

The GrandNew is the first type certified light twin (CS/JAR/FAR 27) to enter service with a new Electronic Flight Information System (EFIS) featuring Synthetic Vision and the first helicopter in this class on the market fully compliant with the latest advanced global positioning systembased navigation requirements for all-weather operations. Orders for nearly 360 Grand and GrandNew

helicopters have been placed by almost 220 customers in nearly 40 countries worldwide; to perform many missions including emergency medical service, search and rescue, executive/private transport, law enforcement, harbour pilot shuttle, maritime patrol and water pollution monitoring.

Swiss Air-Rescue Rega was founded on 27 April 1952 and since then has come to the aid of people in distress, providing swift, professional medical assistance by air. In order to do this, they employ state-of-the-art equipment including EMS/SAR helicopters and ambulance jets. In 2014 they performed nearly 15,000 missions including nearly 11,000 helicopter missions from 13 helicopter bases all over Switzerland. Rega is a privately run, non-profit foundation, which operates independently of the State or of financial interests.

Rega is also using a Level 3 Flight Training Device / Level B Full Flight Simulator designed and produced by AgustaWestland and certified by the Swiss National Aviation Authority (SFOCA). The simulator allows pilots to receive a complete training and to fully exploit the latest technologies found in the GrandNew cockpit which enhance mission capabilities and safety.

Hong Kong Government Flying Service Inducts Bombardier Challenger 605 Aircraft Bombardier has delivered the first of two specialized Challenger 605 aircraft ordered by the Hong Kong Government Flying Service. The delivery took place in the first week of December. The Challenger multi-role aircraft will replace the existing search and rescue aircraft currently operated by the Hong Kong Government Flying Service for long-range search and rescue operations. This multi-role aircraft can be used for search and rescue, VIP transportation, medical evacuation, as well as other special missions.

“We put our trust in Bombardier and are satisfied with the relationship we built throughout the development of this multi-role platform, as well as with the tremendous capacity of these specialized Challenger aircraft,” said Captain Michael Chan, Controller, Hong Kong Government Flying Service. “We are proud to take delivery of this new aircraft and are convinced it will serve the Hong Kong Government Flying Service well in its search and rescue missions.”

“The Challenger aircraft’s popularity for special mission applications with government agencies around the globe is growing. The aircraft’s range, proven reliability and versatility provides the ideal platform for search and rescue, maritime surveillance and air medical transport-type missions,” said Stéphane Villeneuve, Vice President, Specialized Aircraft, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 47

State-of-the-Art Medevac

Beijing Red Cross Receives Falcon 2000LX Medevac Aircraft

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he Beijing Red Cross Emergency Medical Center (999) took delivery of a fully outfitted Falcon 2000LX Medevac aircraft from Dassault Aviation in November, 2015. Beijing Red Cross Emergency Medical Center, commonly known as 999, is an International Red Cross Association dedicated to providing critical pre-hospital medical services and has been among the pioneers in the Chinese air ambulance field. The combination of long range performance and exceptional airport flexibility make the 4,000 nm Falcon 2000LX perfectly suited to the 999 mission.

The Falcon 2000LX Medevac aircraft is equipped with an electrical patient loading system and a

48 | Aviators | January-March 2016

full medical suite, along with an electrical power supply sized for a complete medical module. The

medical module includes a stretcher with dedicated lighting, a three-bottle oxygen supply, and monitoring and analysis equipment. It also is able to accommodate special devices like defibrillators, electrocardiographs,

echographs, a blood bank and an ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). The widebody twinjet is the first fixed wing aircraft in China fully equipped to perform air medevac services.

The conversion was performed

by Dassault Aircraft Services in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Beijing Red Cross Emergency Medical Center is equipped with state of the art medical equipment, including a full digital command center, and staffed by more than 100 medical professionals, 999 was the first air medevac provider in China to launch a three-dimensional rescue package combining ambulances, helicopters and fixedwing aircraft. In the decade it has been in operation, it has provided pre-hospital rescue and medical treatment service for over 3 million patients.

is a well proven platform. More than 170 aircraft are in service around the globe. The LX and its short field sister aircraft, the Falcon LXS and S, are the latest of seven different Falcon 2000 models that have come off the assembly line since the big twin was introduced two decades ago. And despite its long pedigree, the 2000 remains the most popular business jet in its segment, with more than 550 units currently in service around the world.

“There are few aircraft platforms in the world capable of handling the demanding requirements 999 set for this medevac aircraft,” said Olivier Villa, Senior Vice President Civil Aircraft, Dassault Aviation.

“Specifications included a robust and reliable platform suitable for all types of medevac missions, including treatment of the Ebola virus; the ability to access difficult airfields like Lhasa, located 12,000 feet above sea level; and an air circulation system capable of providing ultra-fresh cabin air for in-flight surgery and patient care. The Falcon 2000LX met them all.”

Dassault Falcon 2000LX has a nearly 4,000 nm range with a 1,600 lb. payload, along with low takeoff and landing speeds and the ability to operate from airport elevations as high as 12,000 ft. Falcon 2000LX

The Beijing Emergency Medical Centre is located at Qianmenxi Street in Beijing, with its predecessor Beijing Municipality Red Cross First-aid Station.

The Italian Government and the Chinese Government collaborated in establishing Beijing Emergency Medical Centre in 1983 and it was put into use on March 25, 1988, and at the same time the ambulance call 120 was opened.

The centre has Operation Control Office, Emergency Department, ambulance Management Department emergency room and intensive care units, etc. In 1997 it was entitled upper first-class first aid centre. In 2004 Beijing Emergency Medical Rescue Centre was appended. In 2005 there were some functional transitions, the existing medical laboratories and in-patient service were eliminated, and the construction of Emergency Medical Rescue Centre was strengthened.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 49

Aviators Air Rescue

“Airbus Helicopters is committed to providing Poland with state-of-the-art and reliable helicopters to carry out emergency service duties” said Mickael Peru, Managing Director at Airbus Helicopters Polska.

Four H135 Rotorcraft Delivered by

Airbus Helicopters to Polish EMS Operator

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oland’s public air medical rescue operator LPR (SP ZOZ Lotnicze Pogotowie Ratunkowe) received four new H135 (formerly known as EC135P3) helicopters on January 4th, 2015. The agreement for the delivery of four new H135 helicopters to LPR was signed on 4 August 2015, following a competitive public tender procedure won by Airbus Helicopters.

These deliveries will help extend its Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operations in Poland.

This latest delivery brings the total H135 LPR fleet to 27 units.

“Airbus Helicopters is committed to providing Poland with state-of-theart and reliable helicopters to carry out emergency service duties” said Mickael Peru, Managing Director at Airbus Helicopters Polska. “We also ensure that these aircraft can be autonomously maintained incountry and in full accordance with the operator’s requirements. This

latest delivery is yet another example of the excellent cooperation with our Polish customer and demonstrates once again our ability to fulfil all our contractual obligations”, he added.

An intensive technical acceptance process took place in December 2015 at Airbus Helicopters’ Donauwörth site in Germany, prior to the delivery of the helicopters, which have been equipped according to the required specification including in between the sophisticated avionics, full Night Vision Goggle (NVG) certification, and a fully equipped state of the art Emergency Medical Services (EMS) cabin.

All helicopters are based in Warsaw and a total fleet of 27 H135 helicopters are now fully operational with LPR, representing a major step in the modernisation of the country’s helicopter-based medical evacuation services. The LPR fleet has an average availability rate of over 95 percent. Poland is one of the world’s largest users of this helicopter in its new-generation EMS configuration.

Nearly 1,200 helicopters of the H135family have been delivered by Airbus helicopters to customers around the globe, which have logged more than 3 million flight hours. One-quarter of this total fleet is deployed for EMS duties.

Air Ambulance Used to Evacuate

Swiss National Injured in Paris Terror Attacks A Rega ambulance jet undertook the repatriation of a Swiss patron who was injured in the recent terror attacks in Paris. A Rega jet was positioned in Paris for the operation. According to a company release, “On the night of the shootings, Rega was contacted by a relative of the injured woman.

Thanks to good collaboration with the attending physicians on location and the Swiss Embassy, Rega’s flight coordinators

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were able to quickly organise the patient’s repatriation.”

The Swiss casualty was repatriated in one of Rega’s three ambulance jets,

just over 48 hours after the terrorist attacks in the French capital. Once the Rega jet landed back in Switzerland, the patient was taken to hospital for further treatment. Rega is a Swiss medical assis tance provider that uses helicopters and air-ambulances for rescue by air. Its airborne assets are on stand-by 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to respond to emergency calls – both in Switzerland and abroad.

HEMS News Digest

Dubai Civil Defence Signs Agreement for Martin Jetpacks

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artin Aircraft Company Limited announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Civil Defence, Dubai for the intended future delivery of manned and unmanned Jetpacks, Simulators, Spares Parts, Support Services and both Pilot and Engineer training for appropriate Civil Defence and Fire Service personnel.

The agreement was signed in November at the Dubai Air Show and marks a significant step forward for the advanced delivery of first responder services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The parties are working towards the future delivery of a Martin Aircraft package with an initial tranche of upto 20 Jetpacks and 2 simulators. It will also include initial training services and operational support with

sale is subject to agreeing a supply contract Lt Col Expert Ali Hassan Almutawa, Director Operations said “The vision of Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) is protecting lives, properties and environment and to provide fast professional service, efficient investment of human and material sources to give best results. Dubai is one of the fastest growing future cities in the world with its modern skyscrapers and

vast infrastructure it has always been a world leader in adapting new technology to improve and save people’s lives, the introduction of Martin Jetpacks into our fleet of emergency response vehicles is another example of how Dubai leads the world” he said. Commenting on the agreement, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Martin Aircraft, Peter Coker said, “Martin Aircraft has focused

on the first responder markets for introduction of its innovative aircraft, the Martin Jetpack which provides to organisations such as the Dubai Civil Defence a significant operational advantage being able to carry commercial payloads of up to 120kgs unlike Quadcopters which are limited to only a few kilograms”.

The Martin Jetpack is a disruptive technology, much like the helicopter was when first developed, with substantial capabilities and is able to be flown by a pilot or via remote control.

London Air Ambulance Trials Brain Scanner Pre-hospital

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he London Air Ambulance service is trialling a brain scanner in the pre-hospital environment, to detect on scene for potentially life-threatening head injuries. Earlier and more accurate diagnosis of potentially life-threatening injuries is possible by use of the infrascanner which works by detecting blood clots on the brain. This would speed up the patient’s access to any further treatment that they may need once they arrive at hospital. The Infrascanner trial started in Spring 2015 and will complete in Spring 2016 – it has been used on over 60 patients to as of December last year.

Mark Wilson, London’s Air Ambulance Doctor and Consultant Neurosurgeon at Imperial College London, said: “It is really important to be able to find out what is going on inside a patient’s head, and get a clearer picture of any injuries sustained. By doing this during the transfer to hospital, we hope to be able to expedite treatments, such as surgery, by knowing in advance what type of brain

injury the patient has.”

A small hand held device that takes less than two minutes to operate, the Infrascanner has a 90% accuracy rate in hospitals for finding clinically relevant blood clots on the brain. The London Air Ambulance trial, aims to match these

figures in the pre-hospital environment.

The London Air Ambulance, treated 1806 patients, in 2014 of which 60% were involved in road traffic collisions and falls from heights – mechanisms that are commonly associated with causing head injury.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 51

HEMS News Digest

UAE is AW609 TiltRotor Launch Customer for SAR Missions

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he Joint Aviation Command (JAC) of the United Arab Emirates has selected the AW609 TiltRotor for search and rescue (SAR) missions.

Delivery of the first three AW609 TiltRotors to the JAC is expected to start in the 2019 timeframe and JAC

also has three additional options open.

“The AW609’s unique speed and range characteristics, combined with its ability to hover, will dramatically increase SAR mission capabilities of the UAE’s Joint Aviation Command.

We look forward to operating the AW609 TiltRotor and utilizing the speed advantage it brings,” said the JAC. The AW609 TiltRotor will feature tailored equipment configured to meet the specific operational requirements of the Joint Aviation Command which is the launch customer for the SAR variant. The Joint Aviation Command will further expand its operational capabilities leveraging the 275 knot maximum speed and 750 nm range of the AW609 TiltRotor.

With approximately twice the speed and twice the range of a helicopter the AW609 can dramatically reduce the time it takes to reach a rescue scene. The Joint Aviation Command currently operates eleven AW139 helicopters for a range of missions, including SAR.

Air Methods to Acquire Tri-State Care Flight

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ir Methods Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Tri-State Care Flight for USD 222.5 million. The acquisition will be financed

by Air Methods through its credit facility, which was amended in August to provide for additional borrowing capacity and the

transaction is expected to be completed before the end of the year. “We are very excited about the acquisition of Tri-State,” said Aaron Todd, chief executive officer of Air Methods. “It represents an opportunity to integrate best practices and further extend Air Methods’ commitment to quality, patient outcomes and

safety. We look forward to welcoming Tri-State to the Air Methods team.”

Dr. Blake Stamper, founder and managing member of Tri-State, said, “As a global leader in air medical transport services, Air Methods shares our commitment to superior customer service and the best clinical outcomes for patients

in need. By combining with Air Methods, we will be able to serve even more patients across our footprint. We are confident that this will be a seamless transition for our employees, patients and other stakeholders.” Tri-State generated net revenue of USD 81.5 million for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2014.

Air Ambulance Vital for Growth in Organ Donation

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recent article in the Indian express highlighted the vital role that air ambulances can play when it comes to organ donation.

Air ambulances can play a vital role when it comes to harvesting of live organs, where time is of the essence, the article quoted, Aster Medcity COO Ramesh Kumar saying “For heart transplants, the first four hours after the harvest are critical.”

This is of special importance during road accidents in rural areas where paved roads are nonexistent and not only providing timely medical aid but also the opportunity to harvest a live organ would improve tremendously with greater availability of air

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ambulances. According to the article. In early December last year, “Non-availability of air ambulance for transporting organs from a

brain-dead person had claimed the lives of four persons” Organ donation has been on the rise in recent years backed by increasing awareness and improvements in road ambulance services and greater support from local authorities when transporting of organs is called for.

Tamil Nadu has taken an early lead in this area. States like Kerala are making use of military assets, which is not the ideal way to utilise the costly flight hours on military aircraft, however in an emergency for life-saving tasks, such decisions can be made, though for a high cost of an estimated Rs six lakh for a trip (Navy Dornier aircraft).

HEMS News Digest

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Uses Sikorsky S-76D

Helicopters Configured for Air Medical Transport Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s new S-76D aircraft are outfitted with the latest technologies including Accommodations for 2 pilots, 4 medical crew and 2 patients Comprehensive medical suite including dual isolette/litter system, LOX & medical gases and patient monitoring systems Night vision goggle (NVG) technology including patient care cabin and glass cockpit Sliding cabin doors and enlarged cabin windows

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ikorsky S-76D and S-76C+ helicopters are used for air medical transportation by the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, as it performs life-saving missions every day throughout the greater Arkansas region. The helicopters are used to respond to critical calls for the transport of young children including infants to the hospital for the unique care it provides. Arkansas Children’s Hospital Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer David Berry sees the helicopters as

crucial to the hospital’s lifesaving mission of championing children by making them better today and healthier tomorrow. “We are thrilled to upgrade our existing fleet with the latest technology in the industry,” said Berry. “The new S-76D helicopters, with their speed, payload and range, will continue supporting as the connective tissue for serving our patients and families as we develop our statewide network of care.” The hospital received the helicopters in October 2015.

Long Range Cruise Air Speed of 152 knots/174 mph Single and dual pilot Instrument Flight Rules Configured The S-76D helicopter’s baseline equipment includes powerful and efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines; an advanced THALES TopDeck® integrated avionics system and four-axis autopilot; Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) incorporated into fleet monitoring and analysis; active vibration control; and all-composite, flaw-tolerant main rotor blades.

‘SA’ Red Cross Air Mercy Service Orders 3, W119Kxs

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inmeccanica – Agusta Westland has received an order for three AW119Kx EMS-equipped helicopters from the South African Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS). The contract also includes an option for five more helicopters. The new helicopters will add to the air medical rescue providers existing fleet of five AW119Ke aircraft. The first three helicopters will be delivered between January and October 2016 from AgustaWestland’s Philadelphia facility. With this

order AMS will operate the most modern and efficient EMS fleet in Sub-Sahara Africa.

AMS is the first civilian operator in South Africa to introduce night vision systems into air medical activities.

This will allow 24/7 opera tions as demanded, which is becoming the standard for Health Organisations worldwide. The AW119Kx offers unmatched perform ance characteristics, inclu ding its range, ability to

operate in hot and high environments (even from unprepared landing zones in extremely dusty conditions). This makes it the ideal choice for EMS operations from remote locations across the African continent. AgustaWestland

has integrated a state-of-theart flight deck system into the proven AW119 platform and certified a new avionics suite, delivering the next-generation helicopter to customers in the US, Brazil, Chile, Australia and other countries over the course of two years.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 53

Maiden

Delivery

Honda Aircraft Company Starts Deliveries of HondaJet Light 54 | Aviators | January-March 2016

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eliveries have commenced of the Honda Aircraft Company (HAC), HondaJet, touted by the company as the world’s most advanced light jet. The first aircraft was delivered at HAC’s world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina. HAC has ramped up production at its Greensboro production facility with 25 aircraft on the final assembly line. This milestone follows final type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which the HondaJet received. The HondaJet features revolutionary technology and design innovations; including the Over-The-Wing Engine Mount design and a more spacious cabin over conventional aircraft in its class. The aircraft also delivers high performance and superior fuel efficiency.

The HondaJet received its all-important type certification from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on December 8th, 2015. “Achieving FAA

“We are very excited to commence deliveries of the HondaJet, fulfilling Honda’s commitment to advancing human mobility through innovation,” said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “Honda Aircraft has now extended this commitment skyward with the delivery of our first aircraft, and I hope we soon will begin to see many HondaJets at airports around the world.” type certification for the HondaJet is a monumental milestone for Honda,” said Fujino. “We established Honda Aircraft as a new aerospace company and introduced our first product — an advanced light jet with technologies developed from serious research activities. We designed, tested, and have now certified this clean-sheet

design aircraft – an unprecedented challenge for Honda.” The FAA certification validated the HondaJet’s performance, safety, function and reliability through rigorous ground and flight tests with the FAA. Total flight hours exceeded 3,000, with testing conducted at more

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 55

HAC says that the HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class. Aerodynamic drag is dramatically reduced as result of the technological innovations in the aircraft’s design including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) that improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag.

The OTWEM configuration, natural-laminar flow wing and composite fuselage help the aircraft attain a top speed of 420 knots (483 mph). Other benefits of the OTWEM design are reduced

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cabin noise and lowered grounddetected noise. The HondaJet allows for the roomiest cabin in its class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private aft lavatory. Two highly fuel-efficient GE Honda HF120 turbofan jet engines, power the aircraft. Pilots are also treated to the latest in aviation cockpit technology with the Hondacustomized Garmin G3000 sophisticated next-generation, allglass avionics system composed of three 14-inch landscape-format displays and dual touch-screen controllers.

than 70 locations across the United States. Melvin Taylor, manager of the FAA’s Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, said “This day was achieved through the collaborative efforts of the FAA and Honda Aircraft Company,” said. “Collaboration is not easy; it often is a difficult subject.

But when it is done successfully like this program, the rewards are gratifying to us all.” As part of its Function and Reliability (F&R) tests, the aircraft flew missions to 54 airports in 31 states in the continental United States. Testing included takeoffs, landings, system operations, failure cases, approaches, and operations in hot, cold, and humid environments.

The HondaJet is manufactured

by HAC at its world headquarters in Greensboro and pilot training is already being conducted for HondaJet customers with a full-motion, Level D flight simulator installed at the Honda Aircraft Training Center in Greensboro. The training centre became operational in late 2014 and Honda Aircraft has partnered with FlightSafety International, to develop a program that incorporates the latest technology. This includes enhanced graphic systems and operational day flow (ODF) to allow pilots a seamless transition from the classroom to the cockpit.

Presently the aircraft is available for sale in North America, South America and Europe through the HondaJet dealer network. The company has already established a robust worldwide

From the sky, a greater appreciation of the Earth The Honda Aircraft Company (HAC) is committed to protecting the environment.

Crafting and constructing a jet that can use much less fuel reflects this commitment.

Beyond fuel efficiency, HAC reduced noise emission with the Over-the-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM). HAC's environmental responsibility is also evident its LEED GOLDcertified headquarters building.

The companies commitment to the environment and the future of tomorrow’s generations continues with HAC's Blue Skies for Our Children initiative. Blue Skies for Our Children represents Honda’s environmental vision of a society in which future generations can experience the joy and freedom of mobility while living within a sustainable society.

Rated the highest in its class, the HondaJet is designed to be significantly more fuel-efficient.

dealer network in 11 territories.

HondaJet dealers are ready to support aircraft entry into service, together with a 90,000 squarefoot customer service facility in Greensboro to support the dealer network with heavy maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities.

2015 has been a busy year for HAC which also undertook a world tour with the HondaJet from April last year, which saw the aircraft make its maiden appearances in Japan and Europe. The tour saw the aircraft being flown over 26,000 nautical miles and stop in 13 countries. Following its debut appearance in Japan, aircraft was also showcased for the first time at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, following which it commenced on a demo tour of the major European cities; (Geneva); U.K. (Farnborough and Birmingham); Belgium (Antwerp); France (Paris); Germany (Munich, Hamburg and Moenchengladbach); and Poland (Warsaw).

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 57

Daher delivers the

100thTBM900 Very Fast

Turboprop

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aher’s latest member in its very fast turboprop product line – the TBM 900 – has reached the century mark with the 100th aircraft delivery to date.

The milestone TBM 900 was received

by U.S. customer Dale Schneider, a North Carolina businessman who is an active airplane and helicopter pilot, having logged more than 3,000 flight hours. Schneider’s first aircraft was a TBM 700C2 version, which he purchased in 2006 and has flown some 1,000 hours. Schneider received his TBM 900 at Daher’s production facility in Tarbes, France and participated in the aircraft’s ferry flight from Europe to the U.S. “This very symbolic delivery confirms that our TBM 900 not only is the fastest single turboprop, but 58 | Aviators | January-March 2016

also the fastest-selling TBM ever – as the program was officially unveiled only 20 months ago in March 2014,” commented Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of Daher’s Airplane Business Unit. “We thank Dale Schneider for his confidence, and wish him the best for his next 1,000 TBM flight hours – and beyond.”

Chabbert said the TBM 900’s impressive sales success builds on a development program of more than three years, with improvements that make it the ultimate very fast turboprop aircraft. “Further contributing to the TBM 900’s value is the dedication of the teams at Daher and its partners to customer satisfaction,” he added. The TBM 900’s

top cruise speed is increased to 330 KTAS at 28,000 ft., and its maximum range is extended to 1,730 nautical miles with five adult passengers as a result of the fuel consumption reduction to 37 U.S. gallons per hour.

Daher integrated 26 modifications to the TBM 900, improving efficiency and delivering superior performance without increasing fuel consumption or engine power. They include airframe aerodynamic optimization through the addition of winglets, along with the incorporation of a vertical tailfin strake and a new tail cone; the use of a five-blade composite propeller and redesigned spinner; and a completely revamped electrical system.

Passenger comfort also is enhanced,

The TBM 900’s top cruise speed is increased to 330 KTAS at 28,000 ft., and its maximum range is extended to 1,730 nautical miles with five adult passengers as a result of the fuel consumption reduction to 37 U.S. gallons per hour.

along with the operational environment for pilots. Among the features are an improved human-machine interface with an ergonomic control yoke incorporating new functions; a restyled cockpit panel for increased visibility and interaction with secondary system controls; as well as the revised cockpit center pedestal with a single-control throttle operation, associated with a new torque limiter that enables the use of 850 hp. engine power at takeoff.

As the owner of the milestone 100th TBM 900, Schneider selected the new aircraft based on his experience with the TBM 700C2. “I purchased the preowned TBM 700C2 because it was fast,”

he said. “I then joined the TBM Owners and Pilot Association (TBMOPA) and enjoyed becoming a part of the TBM flying community. So when the time came to replace my airplane, buying a brand new TBM 900 was the obvious choice.”

The TBM 900 is the latest member in Daher’s TBM family of very fast single-engine turboprop aircraft.

It offers superior performance – a maximum cruise speed of 330 kts.

– and high efficiency with a 1,730 naut. mi. maximum range and a fuel consumption at economy cruise of 37 U.S. gallons per hour. This results from aerodynamic improvements, along with

other aircraft enhancements.

The maximum range and useful load, as well as the ability to land at small airports, are some of its customers’ favorite features. As of November 30, 2015, deliveries of TBM 900s brought the total number of TBM-series aircraft received by customers to 760, with this global fleet accumulating more than 1.3 million flight hours.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 59

Class Achievers

The company’s flagship business jet, the Gulfstream G650ER, also added another city-pair record to its list, last year, this time linking Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to New York City.

Gulfstream Aerospace Business Jets Continue to Set Records D

eparting from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, the G650ER covered 6,159 nautical miles (11,407 km) to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey in 13 hours and 10 minutes at an average cruise speed in excess of Mach 0.87. “The G650ER gives our customers the gift of time by getting somewhere fast and enhancing efficiency in every aspect of business travel,” said 60 | Aviators | January-March 2016

Scott Neal, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Gulfstream. “Linking these two financial centers so quickly is a real-world demonstration of the G650ER’s singular capabilities.

No other aircraft can do what the G650ER can.” In February 2015, the G650ER set two city-pair records while flying around the world in one stop, unmatched by any other business jet. It flew from White

Plains, New York to Beijing, flying a distance of 6,939 nm (12,851 km), at a speed of Mach 0.87. It then flew from Beijing to Savannah, covering 6,572 nm (12,171 km) at Mach 0.89. The G650 and G650ER currently hold more than 50 world records. Gulfstream’s G550 arrived at the National Business Aviation Association Convention & Exhibition in November last year, after setting a new speed record

between Macau and Las Vegas, covering the 6,586 nautical-mile (12,197 km) trip in 12 hours and 8 minutes at an average speed of Mach 0.80. “The Gulfstream G550 continues to impress with its outstanding capabilities,” said Scott Neal, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Gulfstream.

“The G550 can fly farther than any other aircraft in its class, enabling operators to

G650ER The G650ER is the industry’s fastest long-range business jet and can travel 7,500 nm (13,890 km) at Mach 0.85 and 6,400 nm (11,853 km) at Mach 0.90.

G550

The smaller Gulfstream G550 which is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710 engines can fly eight passengers and 4 crew at Mach 0.80 over a distance of 6,750 nautical miles (12,501 km).

reach more destinations nonstop.

This latest speed record proves once again that the G550 ensures that passengers reach their destinations in record time.”

These latest city-pair records will be sent to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in Switzerland for consideration as a world record and is pending approval by the U.S. National Aeronautic Association.

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t has a maximum speed of Mach 0.925. It has all the features and amenities of the acclaimed G650 and has the largest purpose-built business-jet cabin offering passengers wider seats, more aisle room, 16 panoramic windows, the lowest cabin altitude of any business jet.

The cabin entertainment, temperature and lighting can also be covered with a smart device.

D

epending on choice of cabin layouts and options, it can accommodate up to 18 passengers. The G550sPlaneView cockpit comes with Gulfstream’s signature Cursor Control Devices and its advanced vision equipment includes the Gulfstream Enhanced Vision System and the optional Synthetic Vision-Primary Flight Display.

It also features Gulfstream PlaneConnect, an advanced system that automatically transmits reports on the aircraft’s condition to maintenance experts on the ground, facilitating a quick resolution of any possible issues. Gulfstream has continuously invested in the G550, ensuring it meets the latest operational mandates with standard Future Air Navigation System Controller-Pilot Datalink Communication and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 61

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. unveiling a redesigned full-size Gulfstream G600 mock-up at the National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition

Gulfstream Reveals Upgraded

G600 Cabin Mock-Up The Improvements to the Mock-Up are the Result of Extensive Customer Feedback Received Over the Past 12 Months.

The Redesigned Mock-Up Features: A slimmer passenger service unit for increased headroom and maximized passenger space.

An expanded side ledge.

Additional counter space in the galley. an ergonomically enhanced aft lavatory.

Enhanced cabin lighting.

Quieter drawer and cabinet latches.

An improved seat for enhanced comfort and ease of use.

Stone flooring in the entry way and forward lavatory “We have collaborated with our customers throughout this project,” said Tray Crow, director, Interior Design, Gulfstream. “Since unveiling the original G600 mock-up at the G500 and G600 announcement event in October 2014, we have been gathering feedback from customers to ensure we meet their needs and deliver an ideal in-flight environment. The interior is so comfortable and functional that passengers will forget they are travelling near the speed of sound.”

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The G600 will also have the best pressurization system in its class with a cabin altitude during cruise that will vary from 3,670 feet (1,119 m) at FL430 to a maximum of 4,850 ft. (1,478 m) at FL510. With the longest cabin in its class, the G600 can be configured for up to four living areas and allows passengers to stay connected through satellite communications and high-speed Internet, hold important business meetings, enjoy a nice dinner, relax or sleep. Passengers can control the lighting, window shades, and temperature and entertainment amenities through touchscreen devices as part of the new and improved cabin management system. The G600 mock-up also includes the Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck, the most advanced flight deck in business aviation with active control side sticks, integrated touchscreen controllers, nextgeneration enhanced vision system, and Honeywell Primus Epic avionics.

Gulfstream also announced towards the end of the year, a number of improvements on its Gulfstream G650 and G650ER aircraft. “We are pleased to provide the operational benefits of autobraking to existing and future G650 and G650ER customers,” said Dan Nale, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “Adding this technology to an already superior aircraft is another way we deliver on our promises and exceed customer expectations. Anytime we have an opportunity to improve the customer experience, we take advantage of it.”

Autobrakes allow for a faster reaction time than a pilot response and give pilots the ability to select one of several braking levels, depending on the situation. This feature enhances safety and passenger comfort during takeoffs and landings, reduces pilot workload when landing on short runways or stopping during a rejected takeoff, and reduces brake wear, which lowers operating costs.

Gulfstream has begun autobrake system installations on in-production aircraft. Autobrakes will also be made available as an option for aircraft already in service. The installation will be free for a period of 36 months if the aircraft is within the labor warranty period and the work is performed at a Gulfstream service center, Gulfstream-factory authorized service center or a Gulfstreamauthorized warranty facility.

The company has also received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Gulfstream G650 and G650ER aircraft to fly Required Navigation Performance with Authorization Required (RNP AR) instrument approach procedures. The approval means G650 and G650ER aircraft equipped with PlaneView II and the Aircraft Service Change 901 software upgrade are capable of flying an RNP AR approach to a minimum RNP value of 0.1 nautical miles, including the missed approach segment.

G450 and our continued investments in its technology, along with its outstanding payload, have helped make this aircraft one of the bestselling business jets in the industry.”

In addition to this latest city-pair record, the G450 has broken speed records between Savannah and São Paulo and London and Chicago, among others.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8C engines, the G450 can travel 4,350 nautical miles (8,056 km) at Mach

0.80. It can accommodate up to 16 passengers with three seating areas that can be customized to meet the customer’s needs. The G450 cabin also features a full-size galley, 100 percent fresh air, quiet noise levels, 12 Gulfstream large oval windows, providing an abundance of natural light, and a roomy baggage area, which can be accessed during flight.

The G450 has achieved a 12-month NBAA Dispatch Reliability rate of 99.9 percent.

G450

The aircraft flew 4,094 nautical miles/7,582 kilometers at an average speed of Mach 0.77, with headwinds of 28 knots.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Tay 611-8C engines, the G450 can travel 4,350 nautical miles (8,056 km) at Mach 0.80. It can accommodate up to 16 passengers with three seating areas that can be customized to meet the customer’s needs.

A

nother record settler from the Gulfstream family is the G450 which also set another city-pair record, this time linking Warsaw to New York. The aircraft flew 4,094 nautical miles/7,582 kilometers at an average speed of Mach 0.77, with headwinds of 28 knots. “The Gulfstream G450 continues to outperform other aircraft in its class,” said Scott Neal, senior vice president, Worldwide Sales and Marketing, Gulfstream.

“The company’s commitments to the

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 63

Boeing 737 Max

MAX

Effect!

B

oeing’s 737 MAX 8 jetliner is on track for first flight in early 2016 and the program remains on schedule for first delivery to Southwest Airlines in third quarter of 2017. The first aircraft to roll-out of the factory, a freshly painted 737 MAX 8, named the Spirit of Renton, was revealed to employees in a special teal version of the Boeing livery on Dec. 8, 2015.

“Today marks another in a long series of milestones that our team has achieved on time, 64 | Aviators | January-March 2016

per plan, together,” said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager, 737 MAX, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“With the rollout of the new 737 MAX – the first new airplane of Boeing’s second century – our team is upholding an incredible legacy while taking the 737 to the next level of performance.”

The second and third MAX flighttest airplanes are currently in final assembly and the fourth (and final) in sub-assembly.

It will deliver 20 percent

lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s, reducing operating costs, increasing payload, and improving revenue for operators. Boeing’s newest single-aisle jet family comprises of the 737 MAX 7, MAX 8, MAX 200 and MAX 9 that build on the popularity and reliability of the Next-Generation 737’s at the same time retaining high levels of commonality with current 737 models. The fuselage and wings are similar in the Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX, but will be

Boeing’s Newest Single-Aisle Jet Family comprises of the 737 MAX 7, MAX 8, MAX 200 and MAX 9 that build on the Popularity and Reliability of the Next-Generation 737’s at the same time Retaining High Levels of Commonality with Current 737 Models

strengthened to support the increased engine weight of the 737 MAX. New customers will be able to make use of the same support system and maintenance program as the Next-Generation 737 airplane, with significant spares commonality between the 737 MAX and the NextGeneration 737.

With a fuel efficiency improve ment of 14 percent, the 737 MAX will save more than 215 million pounds of fuel per year, delivering more than $112 million in annual

cost savings when compared to a fleet of 100 of the most fuelefficient jetliners in commercial service today. Depending on the model, the 737 MAX will be up to 8 percent lighter per seat than competing airplanes and will have the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle market segment with an 8 percent perseat advantage over competing airplanes. As of November 2015, Boeing had received more than 2900 orders and options for the 737 MAX family, which was

launched in 2011.

The new airplane will extend the Next-Generation 737 range advantage with the capability to fly more than 3,500 nautical miles (nmi) (6,482 kilometers [km]), an increase of 405 to 580 nmi (750 to 1,074 km) over the Next-Generation 737. The more efficient structural and aerodynamic design, lower engine thrust, and reduced required maintenance of the 737 MAX will offer customers a large cost advantage.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 65

One of the highlights of the 737 MAX family will be the ‘New Advanced Technology Winglet’, which features some of the most advanced winglet technology currently available.

The new winglet technology alone, contributes about 1 percent to the airplane’s efficiency on 500-nmi missions, increasing to more than 1.5 percent improvement over today’s winglet technology, for longer range missions. The unique up-and-down configuration and natural laminar flow enabled by the winglet design are the innovations that make this feature so efficient.

The CFM LEAP Family Represents the Engines of Choice for the Next-Generation Single-Aisle Aircraft.

The CFM LEAP family represents the engines of choice for the nextgeneration single-aisle aircraft.

The LEAP-1A is an option on the Airbus A320neo; the LEAP-1B is the exclusive powerplant for the Boeing 737 MAX; and the LEAP-1C is the sole Western powerplant for the COMAC C919.

The LEAP-1B engine was launched in August 2011 as the exclusive powerplant for the 737 MAX, with the engine uniquely

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optimized for the airplane. Since 1984, CFM has provided the sole powerplant for all Boeing 737 models from the Classic and NextGeneration 737 airplanes to the entire 737 MAX family. To date, more than 11,750 737 aircraft powered by CFM engines have been ordered.

The LEAP-1B engines feature an optimized, more efficient core and increased fan diameter from 61 inches to 69.4 inches. The new

engines are the major driver for fuel-efficiency on the new airplane — contributing about 11 percent fuel-use reduction after drag is calculated. The LEAP-1B engine is derived from a suite of advanced technologies that encompass a carbon fiber composite fan and fan case; fourth-generation threedimensional aerodynamic airfoil designs; the twin-annular, preswirl combustor and advanced cooling.

The 737 Max 8 features a modernised cockpit featuring four 787-style multi-function displays supplied by Rockwell Collins Rockwell Collins has been selected

by Boeing to provide its large-format flight displays as standard equipment on the 737 MAX flight deck. The multiyear agreement leverages Rockwell Collins’ flight display technology from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The new flight deck includes four configurable

15.1-inch landscape LCD displays that will increase situational awareness and efficiency. The displays are also featured on the Boeing KC-46 Tanker and as a retrofit offering for existing 757 and 767 aircraft.

Rockwell Collins’ Head-up Guidance System (HGS) will be available as an

airline-selectable system on the 737 MAX. The HGS projects an image onto a glass combiner mounted in front of pilots’ eyes that displays essential flight information while they simultaneously look outside the flight deck, scanning for traffic or flying an approach.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 67

The First British Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

New 787 - 9 Starts Commercial Service Between

Heathrow & New Delhi 787-9

First cabin

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B

ritish Airways has inducted the Boeing 787-9 into service. The 787-9 is 20 feet longer and four inches taller than the 787-8 and is the latest and most technologically advanced addition to BA’s fleet, joining the airline in July 2015. It features an evolution of the First cabin, with just 8 seats compared to the usual 14. Most of British Airways' First class cabins have 14 seats, with a small number offering 17. Created specifically for the Boeing 787-9, the new First suites

First Class

suites

A Customer Enjoys travelling in First class

First Class Meal is served

have been painstakingly designed based on feedback from First customers, to put comfort at the heart of the experience and make the very best use of the more intimate space.

The leather used in the First Class cabin has been supplied by the same firms who deliver to Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. The updated and state-of-the-art First Class offering has already been well received by the travelling passenger.

Specifically designed for the 787-9, the eight seat premium cabin has extra storage space and a single dial to control seat recline, headrest, lumbar adjustment and lighting. It also features a larger screen on which to enjoy the latest films

Side Table For First Class Cabin

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 69

and TV programmes, as well as new touchscreen handset.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner currently serves Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Delhi and Kuala Lumpur and will operate flights to Austin from February 5 and San Jose from May 4, 2016. The cost of a first-class return ticket to Delhi will be £3,270, with

70 | Aviators | January-March 2016

First Class CABIN

economy costing £632, premium economy £903 and business class £2,184. The airline has also announced that its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, complete with a new First cabin will start flying to Shanghai from summer 2016.

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has windows that are over 30% larger than

those on most similarly sized aircraft and the brightness can be adjusted at the touch of a button. Serrated edges on the engine nacelles reduce the noise levels by up to 60% both in- and outside the cabin. The midsize, dual aisle, twin engine jet and Boeing’s most fuel efficient aircraft to date - 20% more fuel efficient than

First Class CABIN

the similar sized commercial jets it is designed to replace. Composite materials make up 50% of the primary structure, including the fuselage and wings. The raked wingtips further improve fuel efficiency.

British Airways also celebrated

10 years of flights from Bengaluru in October 2015. The airline’s first flight from Bengaluru took place on 30th October 2005, when its Boeing 777 took to the skies connecting London with Bengaluru with a five flights per week service. Moran Birger, British

Nicole Scherzinger in the First Cabin

Airways' Regional Commercial Manager, South Asia said, “Bengaluru is growing market for us, both for business and leisure travel and we hope to provide our customers across India excellent value for money with an unparalleled service.”

787-9

First cabin

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 71

SUKI WATERHOUSE & NEELAM GILL

TAKE ON A NEW RUNWAY

B

ritish Airways’ new Boeing 787-9 that is now operating on the Delhi-London sector has the distinction of being the first route to receive British Airways’ most technologically advanced aircraft complete with a brand new First cabin.

The latest addition to British Airways’ fleet received a unique send off in true Indian traditional style at Heathrow Airport, when it made its first flight to Delhi in October 2015. The change of scenery from a catwalk runway to the back drop of an airport runway didn’t seem to phase Suki Waterhouse or Neelam Gill as they celebrated the launch of the new aircraft wearing lehengas customised by Indian designer, Rohit Bal. The models were shown around the new aircraft

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by British Airways pilots Caitlin Emery and Suneil Banerjee, having great fun as they marked the end of the occasion in a typical Indian festival manner by throwing flowers.

First Officer, Caitlin Emery was assisted in blessing the aircraft by Suki and Neelam who placed a garland and a specially designed bindi around the aircraft nose and front of the aircraft.

The door of the brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was also decorated with a bespoke henna print and the aircraft surrounded by flowers to signify good luck and best wishes. Striking shots of Suki and Neelam inside the engine, and in the new First cabin added extra grace to mark its’ inaugural flight.

Suki Waterhouse, on joining British Airways’ launch celebrations said: “I’ve never done a shoot quite like this but it was great fun and I loved wearing the beautiful lehenga. British Airways’ newest aircraft looks and feels like a special addition to the family, so I was pleased to be part of its’ unique send-off.’

The new 787s have been a centrepiece to British Airways £5 billion investment programme to benefit customers with a total of 42 787s destined to join British Airways, the aircraft is to become the mainstay of the airline’s fleet. British Airways will continue to improve services for customers rolling out more new aircraft across its worldwide network as deliveries continue over the next three years.

British Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is 20ft longer than its 787-8 predecessor and has four classes with an addition of a new First cabin.

NEW 787-9 DREAMLINER ABU DHABI ROUTE

British Airways

Celebrates New 787-9 Dreamliner with a hollywood photoshoot in the Desert

A

bu Dhabi becomes British Airways’ second 787-9 Dreamliner destination after the airline debuted the futuristic new aircraft on its Delhi route in October.

To mark the launch of British Airways’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its daily London-Abu Dhabi-Muscat service on 6 November 2015, Hollywood star and Australian Margot Robbie attended an exclusive VIP party on Zaya Nurai Island just off the coast Abu Dhabi along with British chart star Jessie J and fellow Hollywood star Orlando Bloom and VIP guests.

Margot Robbie also displayed vintage glamour in an exclusive photoshoot. Robbie glows in a beautiful gown from Burberry’s Prorsum collection amid the drifting, orange-hued dunes of the enchanting Liwa desert in Rub Al Khali (the Empty Quarter). British Airways pilots – many of whom operated the

inaugural 787-9 Dreamliner flight from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi International Airport and Muscat International Airport – accompanied Margot at the event. British Airways will add the 787-9 Dreamliner – which is poised to become the mainstay of the airline’s fleet – on several more destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Austin and the airline’s upcoming new route San Jose, California, next year.

The 787-9 features four cabins: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business class), and the new First cabin - which was created specifically for the aircraft. The new First suites were designed based on feedback from First customers to ensure comfort was at the heart of the experience.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 73

Cathay Pacific

New Era Begins as Airline Unveils Changes to Aircraft Livery

C

athay Pacific Airways marked another important milestone when the airline unveiled a new livery that will be progressively introduced onto all the aircraft in its fleet. The livery was showcased on one of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft at a special event held at Hong Kong International Airport.

Addressing guests at the event, Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Ivan Chu said: “Today represents the beginning of a new era for Cathay Pacific. We are very happy and proud

to unveil our new aircraft livery which represents our journey into the future and also celebrates the many great things we have achieved over the past seven decades as the home carrier of Hong Kong.”

Mr Chu said that the new livery is a continuation of the work that began last year to refresh Cathay Pacific’s brand identity. “The livery is a vital part of our brand image – a symbol of the company’s values displayed on our most important physical asset.

The livery represents Cathay Pacific

in and out of Hong Kong and every time our aircraft take off or touch down in our network of destinations around the world,” he said.

“Creating a new livery is much more than a cosmetic exercise.

This new look is the latest – and most significant – development in our ongoing efforts to improve the overall customer experience at Cathay Pacific. It is also a highly visible representation of the huge investments we are making in new aircraft and products as part of our ongoing commitment to build Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub.”

Guest of Honour at the event was Professor Anthony Cheung, Secretary for Transport and Housing, who officiated at the livery unveiling ceremony together with Ivan Chu. More than 300 guests were in attendance at the event, held in the hangars of Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO), including aviation and trade officials, members of the Marco Polo Club loyalty programme, guests from the Hong Kong public, and Cathay Pacific staff. In addition to seeing the new livery unveiled, all guests enjoyed a unique behind-the-scenes

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experience where they could explore the aircraft inside and out and chat with the airline’s operations teams.

In recent years, Cathay Pacific has made huge investments in new aircraft and new products to provide a rewarding experience for its customers. The airline has also worked hard to build Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s great aviation hubs, growing its network and building connectivity to oil the wheels of commerce, tourism and trade.

The airline sees the livery as a symbol of its commitment to its home city as well as a visible representation of its promise to offer a 'Life Well Travelled' to customers. As part of its ongoing efforts to provide a richer travel experience, the airline promises a number of important upcoming developments including the introduction of the new Airbus A350 fleet, further enhancements to its products and services, and the continued expansion of its network.

The update to the livery is part of a series of ongoing improvements to Cathay Pacific’s customer

experience. These include not only the new livery, but also the website and mobile app, as well as major enhancements to the airline’s airport lounges in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Manila, Bangkok and beyond.

The new Airbus A350 series will be the first fleet to launch with the new livery. However, the airline’s existing fleet will be repainted with the new livery as aircraft go through their normal maintenance schedule over the next five years, with some 150

aircraft getting the new look in total.

The new livery comprises three key design elements: the incorporation of the updated and streamlined brushwing, which was launched in October 2014; a simplification of the colour palette to Cathay Pacific green, grey and white; and a more prominent display of the Cathay Pacific name and brushwing. These updates are most evident on three areas of the aircraft: the nose, the fuselage and the tail.

The Nose

At the nose, the brushwing has been increased in size, freed from the greed band that used to surround the nose, and the position adjusted slightly. The Cathay Pacific name, or wordmark, now sits above the windows. The font is the same, but the letters are now all uppercase, so that the wordmark is more prominent. These changes make the aircraft easily identifiable as Cathay Pacific from the front.

The Fuselage

A single grey band now runs down the fuselage, elegantly linking the nose with the tail. The band encapsulates the contemporary design approach that is at the heart of Cathay Pacific’s brand ethos and yet is also a subtle echo of past liveries. Overlal, these elements give a more contemporary feel, which is better aligned with the direction of Cathay Pacific’s overall brand redesign

The Tail

The tail now displays a brushwing against an all-green tail. This is the same green as on the previous livery, but now a colour gradient runs along the back edge of the tail, subtly deepening the tone of the green background in that area. Additionlly, the brushwing appears ‘clipped’ at the back of the tail. This allows us to keep the brushwing prominent on differing tail proportions, for all types of aircraft January-March 2016 | Aviators | 75

The Business -

New Airbus A330

Business Class Suites

V

irgin Australia’s new wide-body Business Class experience, ‘The Business’, became available on its entire Airbus A330 fleet from the end of October 2015.

Key features include: l The world’s longest and widest fully lie-flat bed in domestic business class; l Reverse herringbone cabin layout, maximising privacy and enabling 100 per cent direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration; l The latest in in-flight comfort, with ample space to multitask, customised triple-layer seat cushion supported by a hammock sub-frame and a turndown service with memory foam mattress toppers and high-grade cotton pillows and doonas; l High Definition 16” touch screens featuring the Virgin Australia Entertainment seatback system with an enhanced graphical user interface; l Individualised, award-winning service from dedicated Virgin Australia cabin crew; l A restaurant-style, hand-delivered fine dining experience enabling guests to dine when they want, with new Luke Mangan-designed menus and premium Australian wines; and l A world-first collaboration with Nespresso which aims to deliver the finest coffee in the sky.

76 | Aviators | January-March 2016

LUXURY FOR YOU

ROLLS-ROYCE CELEBRATES THE COCKTAIL Hour with Limited Edition Hamper

Omega Seamaster

300 SPECTRE Limited Edition

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 77

World Premiere of the

Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion

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With the self-driving luxury sedan F 015 Luxury in Motion, Mercedes-Benz shows how the automobile is changing from a means of transportation to a private retreating space. Offering maximum space in a lounge-like interior, the F 015 elevates comfort and luxury to a new level. One key aspect of the research vehicle is the continuous exchange of information between vehicle, passengers, and the outside world.

This makes the International Consumer Electronics Show 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the logical place for the world premiere of the F 015 Luxury in Motion.

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 79

The F 015 Luxury in Motion is the visionary answer of Mercedes-Benz to a rapidly changing world. By 2030, the number of megacities with more than 10 million inhabitants will increase from about 30 to over 40. “The single most important luxury goods of the 21st century are private space and time,” says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

“Autonomously driving cars by Mercedes-Benz shall offer exactly that. With the F 015 Luxury in Motion, this revolutionary concept of mobility becomes tangible for the first time.”

The concept of the F 015 Luxury in Motion is underpinned by four fundamental pillars The autonomous car features a radically new design concept that takes its cue from the idea of the horse-drawn carriage.

For example, it offers four swivelling lounge chairs that allow the passengers in the front and rear to face one another during the journey.

The research vehicle boasts a highly sophisticated vehicle structure and cutting-edge powertrain engineering. The innovative new body offers the highest possible standards of safety and comfort. Thanks to the advanced electric drive with fuel cell, meanwhile, the car will in future be capable of covering up to 1100 kilometres with zero local emissions.

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The research vehicle actively communicates with other road users – for example, by means of LED displays at the front and rear, acoustic signals and a laser projection system, which is capable of projecting a zebra crossing onto the road, for instance.

The passengers are able to interact with the F 015 Luxury in Motion in a whole new way when in its interior – for example by using gesture control, eye tracking or touching high-resolution screens.

LIQUOR

The Last Drop

48-Year-Old

William Grant & Sons’ Rare Cask Reserves Ghosted Reserve

Blended Scotch

O

nly 592 Bottles Exist of this elixir and each bottle is meticulously bottled and wax-dipped by hand, and presented in a signature Last Drop Distillers leather case. The youngest of the distinguished malts and grains was distilled in 1965. A a small volume of the original blend was selected almost three decades ago by the Chief Blender to be refilled into fresh ex-Bourbon American oak casks for further ageing.

26 Year Old $3,999

Stoli Elit

Himalayan Edition

H

ow could anyone justify pricing a bottle of vodka at $3,000? Stolichnaya does, by explianing that it uses pure water from underground reservoirs in the Himalayan Mountains, mixed with Russian winter wheat. But that alone isn’t enough to get to spend $3000, right? Well, the bottle is made of hand-blown glass, and each bottle comes with a gold-plated ice pick (though if you contemplate sticking the ice pick into your head after you realize you just spend $3,000 on a bottle of vodka, that’s entirely understandable).

$3,000

Highland Park Odin

Single-Malt cotches for Holiday Sipping W

idely known as “The Furious One,” Odin was the strongest of the Norse gods. Appropriately, this cask-strength single malt, produced by Scotland’s northernmost distillery (located on the island of Orkney, a once-favored Viking haunt), harbors the strength to warm even the coldest nights. Thanks to 16 years of maturation, this 111.6-proof whisky is bursting with smoky stewed fruit and walnuts, and finishes with hints of vanilla. Legend has it that Odin, the Norse god, forfeited one of his eyes so that he could drink from the Well of Wisdom. Fortunately, far less is required to possess one of the 2,400 bottles of this Norse god’s namesake whisky that Highland Park has allocated to the United States.

$350

P

art of the Rare Cask Reserves collection have waited 26 years to appear and pair what Kinsman describes as oaky and slightly oily notes from Ladyburn (open from 1963 to 1975) with sweet fruit and floral hints from Inverleven (open from 1938 to 1991).

The master blender goes on to explain the experience on the palate as deep and intense with a creamy mouthfeel followed by delicate spice and toasted almonds. William Grant & Sons plans to distribute 4,100 examples throughout the world, with 2,000 bottles bound for the United States.

$400

Glenfiddich Releases Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve

S

cotch whisky was originally called uisge beatha, a Scottish Gaelic phrase meaning “water of life.”

And few people understand the important role that water quality plays in the delicate whiskyproduction process better than Brian Kinsman, malt master for Glenfiddich, a family-owned distillery since 1887 and the producer of the most awardwinning single malt in the world. From the Robbie Dhu spring in Dufftown, Scotland, which supplies all of the water used in making Glenfiddich whisky, to the rivers in the United States that used to transport the bourbon barrels used for aging Glenfiddich, water is indeed the liquid life of this spirit. To pay tribute to those rivers the Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and Ohio, all of which flow into the mighty Mississippi and to the bourbon industry, Glenfiddich has launched the Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve a limited-edition 19-year-old single malt aged solely in bourbon casks.

$150 to $170

January-March 2016 | Aviators | 81

Aviation FASHION

Zappos & Virgin America Team Up to Launch Limited Edition

Virgin America

Pump in

Concourse C

Red

alifornia-based airline, Virgin America, known for bringing the fun and style back to flying, and Zappos, the leading online shoe and apparel retailer, have formed a unique partnership with the unveiling of the limited edition ‘Virgin America Pump in Concourse Red.’ Virgin America’s in-flight teammates debut the chic new pump onboard flights as of this fall.

This runway-worthy pump is in Virgin America’s signature red – the same sparkly shade used on the airline’s plane livery – and effortlessly transitions from airport concourse to a night on the town. Marrying fashion and comfort, the patent leather heel is built for dashing down the airport concourse – with features like extra insole padding and a limber, rubber sole for better grip.

“Our mission at Virgin America has always been to bring back a bit of the style to flying – and our sleek aircraft cabins and design-forward in-flight uniforms have helped do just that. By partnering with Zappos, we’re now looking to take that a step further with the custom-designed Virgin America pump,” said Luanne Calvert, Chief Marketing Officer at Virgin America. “Travel can be stylish and fun – and this limited edition shoe was designed with an eye for both function and fashion. Created to be both comfortable and chic, it is the perfect travel accessory.”

“Virgin America and Zappos are two brands known for elevating the customer experience – and we saw an opportunity to design a heel that was tailored for the demands of the airline’s

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in-flight teammates and that our customers would love too,” said Galen Hardy, Senior Director of Partnerships, of Zappos. “We were able to create a contemporary shoe that reflects the modern style of Virgin America’s design aesthetic - and looks just as good at 35,000 feet as it does on a night out painting the town red.”

This customized Harley-Davidson Softail Slim S model reflects the speed, power, and agility of the nation’s fifth Littoral Combat Ship, the USS Milwaukee.

Lockheed Martin collaborated with Harley-Davidson to design this motorcycle, which will be auctioned to support the military and their families

Lockheed Martin Collaborates with

Harley-Davidson on One-of-a-Kind Motorcycle

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o commemorate the commi ssio ning of the USS Milwaukee, our nation’s fifth Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has collaborated with Harley-Davidson on a one-of-a-kind motorcycle to honor the U.S. Navy and the city of Milwaukee.

“We wanted to do something special for the occasion and support the families of our military men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms,” said Stephanie C. Hill, Lockheed Martin vice president of Ship & Aviation Systems. “We’re excited to collaborate with Milwaukee’s own Harley-Davidson, a company that has been fulfilling dreams

of personal freedom for over 100 years.”

The motorcycle will be on display during USS Milwaukee Commissioning week, followed by appearance at U.S. Navy, industry and STEM events over the next year, culminating with a charity auction to support the National Military Family Association (NMFA).

“We are honored to be a part of this one-of-a-kind endeavor,” said NMFA Executive Director, Joyce Wessel Raezer. “Both Lockheed Martin and Harley-Davidson have been such wonderful supporters of the military and their families, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of this commemoration.”

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Omega Seamaster

300 SPECTRE Limited Edition

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he latest edition of the James Bond movie franchise, the 24th James Bond film SPECTRE features another desirable James Bond gadget in the SEAMASTER 300 OMEGA MASTER CO-AXIAL 41 MM “SPECTRE” Limited Edition watch. For the first time in Bond history, the actual watch worn by James Bond in Spectre is now available as a limited edition watch, limited to 7,007 models.

This unique Seamaster 300, the actual model worn by James Bond in SPECTRE, has a black ceramic bi-directional bezel ring, built with a 12-hour scale in Liquidmetal, presented in a stainless steel case. The LiquidMetal 12 hour scale, allows time to be kept with any country in the world. The rhodium plated hands have a vintage (blue emission) coating of Super-Luminova. The

TECHNICAL DATA Crystal Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside Case: Steel Dial: Black Water resistance 30 bar (300 metres / 1000 feet) Size Case Diameter: 41 mm

watch also features the unique 5-stripe black and grey NATO strap - otherwise known as the James Bond NATO Strap, which has “007” engraved on the bracelet’s strap holder. The watch is driven by the OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 840, a highly innovative and revolutionary movement that is resistant to magnetism up to 15,000 gaus. The watch has a long list of features; Antimagnetic, Bi-directional rotating bezel, Chronometer, Liquidmetal®, Screw-in crown, Transparent case back.

Belvedere 007 SPECTRE

Limited Edition

Belvedere has released several Limited Edition bottles celebrating the partnership of Belvedere with SPECTRE.

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elvedere 007 SPECTRE Bottle The limited edition Belvedere 007 SPECTRE Bottle features the iconic James Bond gun barrel and 007 logo. A closer look reveals the mark of the SPECTRE organization and a recipe for the timeless Shaken Not Stirred 007 martini.

Available from September 2015 at retailers around the world, the collector’s item will be released in 70cl, 75cl, 1L and 1.75L Magnum illuminating bottle. The Magnum has a little LED light at the bottom which you can turn on to illuminate the bottle giving it a subtle blue glow.

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VANQUISH

THE ULTIMATE

ASTON MARTIN DB10 BUILT FOR BOND

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or over 50 years, Aston Martin has been the sports car of choice for James Bond. Produced exclusively for Spectre, DB10 was designed, engineered and hand crafted by a dedicated team at Aston Martin’s Gaydon Headquarters in the UK.

LUXURY REDEFINED. OUR FINEST INTERIOR

OUR GREATEST GT ENGINE

The 2015 Vanquish is equipped with the AM29 V12 engine – the most powerful GT production engine in Aston Martin history. 568 bhp of power. 201 mph top speed. 0-60mph in just 3.6 secs. Vanquish has the greatest performance numbers ever reached in an Aston Martin, it’s not a Grand Tourer, it’s a Super Grand Tourer.

This is the most luxurious interior we’ve ever produced. A unique Vanquish design combines the widest choice of materials and finishes ever created for a GT. All new ergonomic interior environment groupings and carbon fibre interior finishes.

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ROLLS-ROYCE

CELEBRATES THE COCKTAIL

HOUR WITH LIMITED EDITION HAMPER Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents a limited edition Cocktail Hamper, for those customers who wish to relax and enjoy something a little beyond the traditional glass of Champagne.

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he Hamper features signature attention to details and remarkable

and 45 Park Lane. This was made with the intention to ensure that the hamper would cater for a vast selection of classic and contemporary cocktails.

The Navy Blue leatherbound lid, covers the necessary accoutrements required to create and enjoy the perfect cocktail.

Every possible

craftsmanship. “Each motor car that we craft represents a deeply personal expression of individual customer tastes and lifestyles.

This extraordinary scope for personalization extends far beyond the car itself through an Accessories Collection, featuring exceptional objects designed to augment the lifestyles of the marque’s customers,” said Gavin Hartley, Head of Bespoke Design, RollsRoyce Motor Cars. “This beautifully executed Cocktail Hamper illustrates the marque’s intimate understanding of the desires of the most discerning patrons of luxury in the world; RollsRoyce customers.”

The design is from Rolls-Royce Accessories Designer Sina Maria Eggl, and as part of the design effort, consultations were made with experts from the Dorchester Collection’s London Hotels, The Dorchester

application is considered and ingeniously executed. Should the user wish to present their guests with canapés, two dishes find their place in the lower portion of the Hamper, either side of an ice bucket, whilst discreet drawers hold recipe cards and fine cotton napkins. The upper tier of the Hamper, containing tumblers, decanters and a shaker, is adorned in a Golden Sand coloured leather, selected for its vibrancy, offset with polished aluminum.

The choice of glassware was a difficult one and Europe’s most revered glassmaker, Theresienthal, a supplier of many of the Continent’s Royal Courts, was chosen for their unique dedication to artisanal handcraftsmanship. It takes a month to make the glasses themselves which sees the glass blown into beech wood molds,

guaranteeing an exceptionally smooth surface. Many of the Theresienthal craftspeople represent the fifth generation of their family to work at the foundry. The presence of the human hand at every stage of the production process ensures no two glasses are the same, with almost imperceptible differences attributable only to the glasses’ master craftsperson.

The singular attention to detail again comes to the fore when one uses the paring knife, which is magnetically housed in a recess hewn into the American Walnut structure. This allows for the knife to be stores and safely transported with minimum disturbance. An automatic integrated light shines a

light on the interiors of the hamper.

Each implement is a bespoke, hand-made creation designed to combine beautiful aesthetics with practicality, ensuring effortless use. Indeed, the notions of effortlessness and supreme luxury inform everything about the design.

Smaller utensils including a muddler finished in American Walnut and a strainer engraved with the ‘RR’ monogram are securely stored on a specially developed moveable rack that can be locked when not in use and moved via a hinge to ensure effortless access when required.

The luxurious finish of the Hamper is derived from the meticulous selection of the finest materials and the hand-crafted finish which takes eight weeks and uses, American Walnut Wood and the finest Natural Grain Leather that adorn the interior of some Rolls-Royce motor cars.

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Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor NextGenCTR Innovative Aircraft Demonstrator Platform (IADP) is in development within the framework of the Clean Sky 2 initiative, as a response to the market demand for fastest possible door-to-door connections across Europe.

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Future Flight The Clean Sky 2 Programme consists of four different elements: Three Innovative Aircraft Demonstrator Platforms (IADPs), for Large Passenger Aircraft Regional Aircraft and Fast Rotorcraft, operating demonstrators at vehicle level Three Integrated Technology Demonstrators (ITDs), looking at Airframe, Engines and Systems, using demonstrators at system level The Technology Evaluator (TE), assessing the environmental and societal impact of the technologies developed in the IADPs and ITDs Two Transverse Activities (Eco-Design, Small Air Transport), integrating the knowledge of different ITDs and IADPs for specific applications The Fast Rotorcraft IADP of Clean Sky 2 consists of two separate demonstrators, the NextGenCTR tiltrotor and the LifeRCraft compound helicopter. These two fast rotorcraft concepts aim to deliver superior vehicle productivity and performance, and through this economic advantage to users. NextGenCTR will be dedicated to design, build and fly an innovative next generation civil tiltrotor technology demonstrator, the configuration of which will go beyond current architectures of this type of aircraft. This tilt-rotor concept will involve a rotating wing complemented with two propellers mounted on short wings for horizontal cruise. Demonstration activities will aim at validating its architecture, technologies/systems and operational concepts.

They will show significant improvement with respect to current Tiltrotors. NextGenCTR will continue to develop what has been initiated in Green Rotorcraft ITD in Clean Sky. New specific activities will also be launched in Clean Sky 2 in particular concerning drag reduction of the proprotor, airframe fuselage and wing. The new prop-rotor will require substantial research to reduce noise emissions.

In Clean Sky, noise reduction is mainly addressed through the optimisation of flight trajectories. In Clean Sky 2 transversal subjects will cover new research areas and validating them.

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Future Flight The IADP approach can uniquely provide: Focused, long-term commitment of project partners An “integrated” approach to R&T activities and interactions among the partners Stable, long-term funding and budget allocation Flexibility to address topics through open Call for Proposals Feedback to ITDs on experiences, challenges and barriers to be resolved in the longer term A long-term view to innovation and appropriate solutions for a wide range of issues The Fast Rotorcraft IADP of Clean Sky 2 consists of two separate demonstrators, the NextGenCTR tiltrotor and the LifeRCraft compound helicopter. These two fast rotorcraft concepts aim to deliver superior vehicle productivity and performance, and through this economic advantage to users. NextGenCTR will be dedicated to design, build and fly an innovative next generation civil tiltrotor technology demonstrator, the configuration of which will go beyond current architectures of this type of aircraft.

This tilt-rotor concept will involve a rotating wing complemented with two propellers mounted on short wings for horizontal cruise. Demonstration activities will aim at validating its architecture, technologies/systems and operational concepts. They will show significant improvement with respect to current Tiltrotors.

NextGenCTR will continue to develop what has been initiated in Green Rotorcraft ITD in Clean Sky. New specific activities will also be launched in Clean Sky 2 in

particular concerning drag reduction of the prop-rotor, airframe fuselage and wing. The new prop-rotor will require substantial research to reduce noise emissions. In Clean Sky, noise reduction is mainly addressed through the optimisation of flight trajectories. In Clean Sky 2 transversal subjects will cover new

The Game Changer

research areas, validating them at full scale and in real operational conditions. The LifeRCraft project aims at demonstrating the compound rotorcraft configuration, implementing and combining cuttingedge technologies from the current Clean Sky programme, and opening up new mobility roles that neither conventional helicopters nor fixed wing aircraft can currently cover.

The compound concept will involve the use of forward propulsion through turbo-shaft driven propellers on short wings, complementing the main rotor providing vertical lift and hover capability. A large scale flightworthy demonstrator, embodying the new European compound rotorcraft architecture, will be designed, integrated and flight tested. This demonstrator will allow reaching the TRL 6 at full-aircraft level in 2020. `

The AW609 Tiltrotor revolutionises flying in the commercial vertical takeoff arena. Demonstrating AgustaWestland’s commitment to innovation, it uniquely combines the attributes of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. It has the speed, range and high altitude above-the-weather capability of a fixed-wing turboprop coupled with the takeoff and landing versatility of a helicopter. This game changing combination offers customers new and better ways of conducting existing operations and the capability to provide new types of services in a wide range of roles including EMS, SAR, Offshore, Homeland Security, and Government and Corporate Passenger Transport.

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Future Flight to the wide range of security roles suited to the AW609. OFFSHORE / RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT For Oil & Gas operators the AW609 can carry up to nine passengers long range at speeds that cut journey times in half. Full Cat A performance ensures safety in operations even in single engine conditions. As rigs move further offshore this capability will set a new industry standard for long range transport and the AW609’s ability to fly in full icing conditions enables operations anywhere in the world. Ashore the AW609 provides access to remote locations in support of new exploration programmes.

Flying at speeds of up to 275 kt and at altitudes up to 25,000 ft, the AW609 is capable of performing long-range missions with up to nine passengers and two crew with a full fuel load.

Two powerful PT6C-67A engines deliver Cat A Class 1 performance at MTOW. Advanced navigation systems and Fly-by-Wire technology with a full touch-screen digital glass cockpit reduce crew workload and maximise flight safety. High OEI (One Engine Inoperative) performance coupled with a low noise footprint results in an aircraft suited also to flying over and into densely populated areas.

THE POINT TO POINT ADVANTAGE Combining the speed of a turboprop

with the attributes of vertical lift flight to avoid congested ground transportation systems, the AW609 provides fast and efficient point to point transport in all weathers, reducing journey times and improving operational effectiveness.

CORPORATE / VIP Maximise personal time by using the quickest method of travel from one location to another for distances between 50 and 500 nautical miles.

Take off, accelerate rapidly, fly above the weather in comfort, landing vertically at your destination. Avoid the wear and tear of time spent in congested surface transport by flying direct to the centre of business. HOMELAND SECURITY / PARAPUBLIC The AW609 is the ideal platform to support long-range surveillance operations and the control of illegal traffic, substances and immigration. The ability to operate up to 300 nm from the coast adds anti-piracy, protection of national waters and fisheries control

SAR The pioneering combination of hovering flight, high speed, flight in full icing and long range make the AW609 an unrivalled asset for government or private SAR operations. Response times shrink when it matters most, even in the exceptionally difficult emergency situations created by natural disasters.

EMS / PATIENT TRANSFER Gain vital, fast connectivity when transferring patients and or organs between hospitals and specialist medical centres. In time-critical scenarios the AW609 also allows inaccessible places to be reached quickly enabling operators to achieve the previously unachievable. In the pressurised cabin the possibilities for expert medical intervention with a broader range of treatment options expand.

Up to four medics might be caring for up to two stretcher patients in the fully medically equipped cabin.

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Aviation Technology

Revolutionary Head-Worn Display Unveiled for

Business Jets Thales TopMax is the first head-worn display for civilian pilots.

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hales has unveiled its TopMax, the world’s first civilian headworn display, providing a 3600 field of view and total eye-out functionalities that increase safety for business jet pilots, especially during critical phases and in low visibility. TopMax is the result of Thales’s decades long experience in military helmet mounted sight displays (HMSD) and civilian head up displays (HUD).

“Being inspired by our military applications to produce innovative products for the civil market is part of our DNA, but in TopMax we believe to have developed true game changer. It fulfills a set of market needs that were previously thought to be impossible to be addressed by the civil market.

TopMax represents the future of the civil aviation market” Gil Michielin, Thales Executive Vice President, Avionics The group’s innovation teams have long been seeking to address

the contradictory needs for an affordable, compact head-up vision system with an extra-large field of view for the civilian market to complement existing HUD systems, a complex technical challenge for the whole civil aerospace market, and much more for smaller business aircraft.

Based on more than 20 years’ experience in military Helmet Mounted Display Systems with TopOwl and Scorpion products, this new Head-Worn Display System for civilian applications is dedicated to commercial aviation, business jets and helicopters to introduce a new way for pilots to safely fly and efficiently manage the mission, keeping their eyes out of the aircraft.

As an alternative or complementary solution to current Head-Up Displays, it reduces take-off and landing minima and offers new functionalities based on its wearable design, such as off-axis symbology and 3D scenery with unlimited field of regard; designation and cueing functions (e.g. traffic display, dir to) and an extended virtual display

to avoid looking head down. With its minimalist design integrating a modern visual appearance, it is comfortable and easy to use with a weight of only 700 grams including the audio headset and Active Noise Reduction (ANR). Its installation is rapid and simple with minimal footprint in the aircraft.

Thales worked on the challenge by taking inspiration from vision systems available in the consumer tech industry and, using assets from military HMSD, designed a brand new system that can be worn by civilian pilots and does not require a large fixed mount.

Key points p Thales TopMax is the first head-worn display for civilian pilots. p Result of Thales decade’s long experience in Civil/military applications and in helmet mounted display development. p Lightweight versatile and head-worn, TopMax responds to key needs of business jets and their pilots.

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Aviation Technology The result is TopMax, a lightweight head-worn display that completely bridges the technological gap between a military HMSD and a civilian HUD. First demonstrated at the Paris Air Show 2015, TopMax provides low visibility take off/landing functions, Enhanced Flight Vision and Synthetic Vision capabilities of a fixed HUD, but like an HMSD, it gives a 3600 field of view and total eye-out functionality. Different classes of symbology and representation are available: basic HUD lookalike symbology; 3D scenery Synthetic Vision System (SVS) adapted for eyes out representation with runway symbology for landing; Enhanced Vision System (EVS) image; flight plan symbology (flight path and waypoints); traffic display; charts, Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI).

To add to this Thales was able to integrate functionalities at the heart of its HMSD products, including head tracking system for target designation and cueing functions. This evolution allows a civilian pilot to look at objects like 3D traffic to better understand their position and, in some cases, like waypoints, select them for inclusion in the FMS as direct destinations, in the same way a military pilot can select targets visually for inclusion in targeting operations.

This translates into significant benefits to business jet pilots, whose mission types, in certain respects, are not far off military missions. Both face challenges such as approach and landing at smaller airports with low visibility conditions and require a high level of situational awareness in a highly flexible operational context. With TopMax, pilots are thus able to achieve their mission and serve the needs of their passengers in a more efficient and safer way.

Etihad AIRBUS A350XWBs to Have Thales HUDs

The first 12 A350XWB aircraft of Etihad’s fleet will be equipped with a dual configuration HUD. This is the first dual-configuration HUD in the Middle East, which strengthens Thales’s already strong position in the Middle East for this segment. “We have placed considerable efforts in making our HUD the most tailored system to the needs of pilots. The growth of our footprint worldwide and the choice by Etihad to deploy a dual-configuration across its newest fleet is a proof of success of this system, and of the benefits it brings to pilots”, said Daniel Malka, Thales Vice President, General Manager for Avionics Services Worldwide activities.

It also closely follows the announcement in September, of the first ever contract for a dualconfiguration system the group signed, with China Southern Airlines for their entire fleet of 30 Airbus A320s. Thales is HUD supplier of choice on Airbus. HUDs are becoming a crucial optional component.

The dual-configuration benefits to pilot/copilot situational awareness and efficiency, by giving them the same level of eyes-out instrument visibility during critical phases of the flight, especially in low visibility and adverse weather conditions, thus improving safety.

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Moments in History

Civil Aviation’s First Flight C

ommercial air travel today has a global economic footprint of $2.4 trillion annually and an estimated 3.5 billion passengers travel by air every year. The travelling public now has access to more than 50,000 air-routes and the air cargo carried is worth $6.8 trillion.

All this began more than 100 years ago on January 1st, 1914, when a 23 minute flight over a lake marked the first commercial flight in aviation history. Four people were involved, an entrepreneur Percival Fansler, Thomas Benoist, who built the aircraft and the pilot of the aircraft, Tony Jannus and perhaps the most important person of them all, the customer who paid the fare, Abram Pheil!

Abram Pheil paid $400 for the privilege of being the only passenger on the world’s first commercial flight. The amount he paid is the equivalent of $9,500 today! Pheil purchased his ticket in an auction and then made the 23-minute flight over Tampa Bay, Florida, on 1 January 1914. It took 23 minutes for the aircraft to travel the distance of 34 km across the bay to Tampa.

Soon after, airlines were operating two flights daily, every day of the week, save one and tickets were sold for as less as $5 and freight was charged at $5 per for every 100 lbs of weight. Tickets were sometimes sold 3 to 4 months in advance.

A Revolution was underway, the Birth of Commercial Aviation had taken place with one aircraft, flown on a single route and carrying a solitary passenger, sparked the growth of air travel. Since the first commercial flight an estimated 70 billion passengers have travelled by air and this vitally important sector to the global economy supports 58 million jobs worldwide.

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Percival Fansler, an entrepreneur

who saw commercial opportunity in the technology of flight Thomas Benoist, who built the aircraft Tony Jannus, who piloted the plane to its destination

FOR ROUTINE MISSIONS THAT ARE

ANYTHING BUT ROUTINE. AT LOCKHEED MARTIN, WE’RE ENGINEERING A BETTER TOMORROW. From resupply and combat delivery to aerial refueling, search and rescue, armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and nearly anything else the job calls for, no aircraft in history comes close to matching the versatility, flexibility and reliability of the C-130J. The Super Hercules routinely carries all the cargo and troops you need to places other aircraft can’t go. And with more than 1.2 million proven flight hours, there’s a reason operators around the world still say, “The question isn’t what can a Herc do; it’s what can’t a Herc do.”

Learn more at lockheedmartin.com/c130j

© 2015 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION