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The commercial debut of the C919 is a significant milestone for China’s aviation industry. It is a sign that China is now capable of producing world-class aircraft, and it could help to boost the country’s global economic and political influence.

The commercial debut of the Chinese COMAC C919 airplane took place on May 28, 2023, when China Eastern Airlines operated the first scheduled passenger flight of the aircraft. The flight departed from Shanghai and landed in Beijing. The C919 is a narrow-body airliner that is designed to compete with the existing narrow-body aircraft. It is the first domestically produced passenger jet in China, and has already received huge orders, presumably from Chinese carriers. The start of commercial flights of the C919 is a sign that China is now a major player in the global aviation market. It will be interesting to see how this programme develops and goes beyond the shores of China.

Surging air traffic demand, a burgeoning middle class, a demographic dividend, substantial orders by various Indian carriers, improvements in aviation infrastructure, a significant increase in domestic and international passengers are all factors contributing to the Indian aviation market’s growth. Currently India’s civil aviation industry is on a promising and interesting curve as it is heading to become one of the largest aviation markets. Despite some turbulences, India’s aviation industry appears well-supported and is estimated to reach 1.5 billion by 2030. The Indian government has recognised the potential of the aviation sector and is investing heavily in its development. As the industry continues to evolve, both domestic and international passenger traffic is expected to exceed pre-Covid levels, driving further economic growth and prosperity for the nation. A detailed report on the industry by Ayushee Chaudhary is a part of this issue.

Regional aviation especially through the UDAN scheme has been a major fuel to the growth of India’s domestic market. A story by Rohit Goel takes a closer look at the operating economics of regional jets and turboprops as airlines focus on efficiency and profitability. Another of his story explores the technological differences between turboprop and jet engine aircraft.

As a proof of India’s promising aviation market, Indian carriers are making waves internationally too. Air India and IndiGo placed large orders at the Paris Air show that returned after a four-year pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A detailed report from the 54th edition of the show that $150 billion worth of contracts, is also included in this issue.

At a global level, sustainability remains the key word. Joseph Noronha writes about the aviation industry’s realisation that SAF is the most viable option to attain the very challenging target of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Sukhchain Singh’s article looks at Pratt & Whitney’s large commercial engines that are revolutionising commercial aviation with ultra-efficient Geared Fan Technology and sustainable solutions. Another report talks about the maiden flight of China’s C919 that showcases China’s growing technological prowess.

All this and more in this issue of SP’s Airbuz Welcome aboard and we wish you many happy landings!

Jayant Baranwal

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Chanchal Kumar, a 1992–batch Bihar cadre IAS, will take over as the new -Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation after the incumbent Rajiv Bansal retires on August 31, 2023. Kumar, is currently the Managing Director of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, will join as OSD in the Civil Aviation Ministry on August 1, and take charge as Secretary after Rajiv Bansal retires.

Boeing and Iraqi Airways celebrated the delivery of the airline’s first Boeing 787 Dreamliner with a special event in Baghdad to welcome the flag-carrier’s super-efficient widebody jet. The Iraqi flag carrier has taken the first of 10 787s on order, to profitably grow its long-haul network and connect Iraq to more international destinations.

The delivery of Iraqi Airways’ first 787 follows delivery of four Boeing 737 MAX airplanes since February. The airline has ordered a total of six 737-8s and 10 737-10s, providing its single-aisle fleet with more capability across its regional and mediumhaul routes. Iraqi Airways currently serves more than 50 destinations from Baghdad and is expanding and renewing its fleet to support the anticipated increase in international business and leisure travel to and from the country.

Eve Air Mobility and United Airlines announced plans to bring Urban Air Mobility (UAM) to San Francisco by launching electric commuter flights throughout the Bay Area. The announcement is an important first step as both companies will be working with local and state officials, infrastructure, energy and technology providers to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft flights. The companies are also working together to identify origin and destination areas and the future route network for Urban Air Mobility (UAM).

In 2022, United announced a $15 million investment in Eve Air Mobility and a conditional purchase agreement for 200 eVTOLs plus 200 options, part of its strategy to invest in cutting-edge technologies as the airline stakes out its position as a leader in investing in aviation sustainability and innovation technologies. Eve’s eVTOL will offer United’s customers a

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo has assumed her duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term, effective from June 5, 2023. Makolo is the 81st Chair of the IATA BoG and the first woman to take on this role. She has served on the BoG since November 2020. Makolo started her aviation career in 2017 when she was appointed as RwandAir’s Deputy CEO in Charge of Corporate Affairs. She was named CEO in April 2018.

Alexis Vidal has been appointed Senior Vice President Commercial for ATR, -effective June 26, 2023. Alexis has held several senior management roles within the aerospace and defence industry. He began his career with the Airbus Group in 2004, moved to Airbus Helicopters in 2007 and held various management positions. He was appointed Vice President Sales for Energy and Leasing segments in 2016. He moved to Airbus Commercial Aircraft as Head of Sales for Customer Services in 2019. In his last position in 2021, Alexis was Head of Marketing for widebody programmes.

CFM International has appointed Jérôme Morhet as Executive Vice President,Commercial Engines Division, Safran Aircraft Engines. As part of the CFM Executive Team, Morhet is responsible for overseeing the CFM56 and LEAP -programmes, working closely with his counterparts at GE, LEAP engine and CFM56 product line, to monitor engineering, development, production, and services activities for these programmes. Morhet also serves as Vice President of CFM programmes for Safran Aircraft Engines.

Embraer has appointed Mark Neely to the position of Vice President Freighter, in its Commercial Aviation division, effective June 1, 2023. Neely boasts extensive experience in both the passenger and freighter markets and is set to lead the company’s growing focus on the Passenger to Freighter (P2F) aircraft opportunities and market development. He previously served as Vice President Sales & Marketing, Head of Region for North America, managing some of Embraer’s largest customers, serving all the major airlines in the US.

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, announced the appointment of Ajay Surti as the head of its India Customer Training Centre (ICTC) in Hyderabad. In his new role, Ajay Surti will lead Pratt & Whitney’s ICTC in Hyderabad, focusing on delivery of high-quality training to customers and developing new opportunities to provide field support. Ajay brings more than 27 years of experience in the aviation industry, having worked with various airlines and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) over the course of his extensive career. He is also a licensed aircraft engineer for both Airbus and Boeing planes.

quick, economical and lower-carbon way to get to its hub airports and commute in dense urban environments, as compared with conventional air taxis and other forms of traditional public transportation. Eve’s eVTOL is 100 per cent electric and has a range of 60 miles (100 kilometers) allowing it to complete a variety of urban air mobility missions in the San Francisco Bay Area. It will be piloted at launch but evolving towards uncrewed operations in the future. Eve’s eVTOL is scheduled to enter service in 2026.

mile connectivity across all serviceable pin codes in the country.

The development of Ayodhya Airport is expected to be completed by September 2023. The new Airport will be suitable for the operation of A320/B737 type of Aircraft and is being developed at the cost of `350 crores (approximately). The development work includes an extension of the existing runway from 1500m X 30m to 2200m x 45m for the operation of Code -C type of aircraft under IFR condition, an Interim Terminal Building, an ATC Tower, a Fire Station, Car parking, new Apron for parking 03 nos. Code ‘C’ type of aircraft. and allied city-side and airside infrastructure.

The New Interim Terminal Building having an area of 6,250 sqm is equipped to manage 300 passengers during peak hours. Passengers’ facilities include 08 check-incounters, 03 conveyor belts (01 in Departure and 02 in Arrival Hall), Car parking for seventy-five cars & 02 nos. bus parking. The Airport will be PRM (Passenger with reduced mobility) compliant. The Terminal Building of the airport is equipped with various sustainability features like Double Insulated Roofing System, Provision of Canopies for energy saving, LED Lighting, Low Heat Gain Double Glazing Unit, Rainwater Harvesting to recharge the groundwater table, Landscaping with fountains, HVAC, Water treatment plant, Sewage treatment plant and use of recycled water for landscaping, a solar power plant with capacity of 250 KWP has been provided to meet GRIHA –V ratings. The Terminal has been designed to integrate the culture and heritage of Ayodhya, State of Uttar Pradesh, creating a sense of place for the visitors.

Godrej Aerospace, foresees a remarkable growth exceeding 100 per cent in the civil aviation segment within the next three years. The company’s focus on innovation and exports in the Europe region is expected to fuel this exponential growth, solidifying its position as a key global player. Considering the growing opportunities in the civil aviation and space sector, Godrej Aerospace is actively capitalising on international market trends. The industry’s upward trajectory, particularly the demand for single-aisle aircraft and their engines, presents a favourable market environment. In FY23, Godrej Aerospace reported Euro 10 million revenue in the civil aviation segment. Godrej Aerospace has secured significant new orders, particularly in sheet metal brackets, complex fabrications, tubings, and ducting, which will serve as the foundation for its growth trajectory. These orders present tremendous opportunities to expand its customer base and strengthen its foothold in the civil aviation sector internationally.

ST Engineering announced that its Commercial Aerospace business has received the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for its cabin lavatory solution, ACCESS, which is currently designed for installation on the Airbus A320 family. Developed with passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) in mind, ACCESS is the world’s first lavatory solution that can be expanded to bring about 40 per cent more space to accommodate a passenger in a wheelchair and an accompanying caregiver. Following the successful certification for implementation on the A320 aircraft, ST Engineering is working next to make ACCESS available on the Boeing 737 platform. The design of ACCESS for Boeing 737 has already been completed, with certification being targeted for 2024.

SpiceXpress and Logistics Pvt Ltd has partnered with Ekart, one of the largest supply chain services providers in the country, to strengthen its door-to-door delivery capability. As part of this partnership, Ekart will provide first mile pickup of Cargo shipments and will also help deliver them through last

The partnership will enable SpiceXpress, a tech-enabled logistics company, to significantly expand its reach and offer value, speed and transparency for its customers. With Ekart’s extensive network, SpiceXpress will offer an end-to-end service to its customers across all major industries.

CAPA India has been named the official Knowledge Partner for the upcoming Air Expo India next December in New Delhi. CAPA India will be responsible for the conference programme for the First GA & Business Aviation Exhibition that will be held at Delhi International Airport in December 2023 to share their expertise and insights on topics such as the demand outlook, fleet management, aircraft acquisition, financing options, regulatory challenges, and market trends in the Indian and global aviation industry.

This partnership aims to unite key stakeholders and decision-makers in the general and business aviation sector to exchange ideas, network, and explore potential business opportunities.

SpiceJet will partner with FTAI Aviation Ltd, a leading aftermarket provider of engine services, on a CFM56 revitalisation programme. Under this programme, FTAI Aviation Ltd will provide SpiceJet with up to twenty (20) engines for lease, inclusive of maintenance services. By leveraging FTAI Aviation’s engine expertise, SpiceJet will have access to a pipeline of available engines which eliminates the need for frequent shop visits. The revitalisation programme will reduce maintenance expense and minimise aircraft downtime, enhancing the airline’s overall performance. •

BASED MARITIME ENERGY Heli Air Services Pvt Ltd (MEHAIR), the pioneers of seaplane services in India since 2011 has signed an order for fifty, electrically powered regional amphibious aircraft PHA-ZE 100 with Switzerland based Jekta. (MEHAIR) has inked a deal with deposits agreed for ten firm orders and options for 40 more. With this agreement, MEHAIR will be the first customer to receive the aircraft in Asia, with initial deliveries starting in 2029. It is anticipated that the first ten aircraft will be delivered in baseline configuration for 19 passengers to support regional connectivity.

The company has made a decisive move in line with the global trends to move toward sustainable aviation by placing orders for Jekta’s electrically powered aircraft. “We know the Jekta team’s heritage for producing efficient amphibious aircraft, and having been introduced to its electrically powered PHA-ZE 100, we made a decisive move to acquire these aircraft early, showing our deep commitment towards greener technology. We want to be one of the first operators in the world to update its fleet with a zero emissions aircraft to support regional flights between land and water infrastructure,” says Siddharth Verma, Director of MEHAIR.

MEHAIR has already successfully operated seaplane services in India across geographies helping populations travel seamlessly between cities and destinations virtually inaccessible by land infrastructure. MEHAIR has served destinations across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and destinations across

Maharashtra. The company is rescheduling its services in India, starting with Andaman & Nicobar and Goa in 2023 under the Government of India’s highly successful UDAN Scheme. MEHAIR believes the 19-seat PHA-ZE 100 will come for deliveries at the ideal time to address the market’s demand in 2029. The Jekta PHA-ZE 100 design meets the operating requirements at much lower costs than existing seaplanes.

“We know that the Indian government has defined multiple water routes across India and is launching many more, nearing 100 seaplane routes. Demand for regional, sustainable air travel is set to grow exponentially worldwide, and India is at the forefront of this potential. We are delighted to work with MEHAIR to cater to this new and exciting market’s dynamic demands,” says George Alafinov, CEO of Jekta Switzerland. The PHA-ZE 100 flying boat will be certified to EASA CS-23 and US FAA FAR-23 standards for fixed-wing passenger aircraft. Powered by ten electric motors supplied with energy from batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, the PHA-ZE 100’s initial flight endurance on battery power is projected at one hour, with a 30-minute reserve. The PHA-ZE 100 will operate from coastal waters in waves up to 1.2m high, lakes, waterways, and runways using its standard retractable wheeled landing gear. Optimised to serve coastal and island communities with flexible configurations including 19-seat, mixed economy/freight, VIP, and ambulance options, the PHAZE 100 is an optimal platform for sustainable and new amphibious operations. SP