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    Interview on the eve of Wings India 2024 with Gp. Capt. RK Bali (Retd.), MD,BAOA

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    At the onset of India’s premier exhibition and air show, “Wings India 2024,” Gp. Capt. RK Bali (Retd.), Managing Director of the Business Air Operator Association (BAOA), engages in an exclusive interview with Vishal Kashyap on the issues within the GA/BA industry. Here are the key excerpts: *Current Business Aviation Scenario in India:* Regarding the current business aviation scenario, the industry is experiencing the most favorable times due to economic growth and the proactive support from the government. Previously, during the beginning of this century, there was unplanned growth driven by increased business activities and related need to possess aircraft for efficiently running the business thus, leading to purchasing of aircraft without a clear understanding of their optimum business utility. Presently, there is a growing awareness of how to align business needs with aircraft use. Although the number of aircraft has remained stagnant, around 200 helicopters and 300 small aircraft, there is a slow but evident consolidation in the industry in terms of type of aircraft best suited for growing business needs. The number of Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs) has decreased from a peak of 139 in 2010 to about 99-100, showcasing a trend toward consolidation rather than mere ownership. *Government’s Emphasis on Aviation Industry Growth:* With the growth of airlines outpacing that of small aircraft due to affordability, the Indian government recognizes the need for a well-developed General/Business Aviation (GA/BA) sector. The government is aligning its plans to foster holistic growth in the domestic aviation industry by focusing on the growth of GA/BA. There’s a growing recognition within the government that growth of GA/BA is indispensable for safe and efficient aviation industry in the country and ensuring last-mile connectivity. Working in tandem with the government, BAOA, representing the GA/BA industry in the country, anticipates robust growth in the coming years. *Challenges Hindering Business Aviation Growth:* Acknowledging existing roadblocks, such as inadequate infrastructure specifically tailored for GA/BA, efforts are underway to address these issues. New airports are being planned with separate infrastructure for General/Business Aviation, including terminals. Despite a projected increase in demand, necessitated by the growth of startup companies, consolidation within the GA/BA industry is crucial to reducing the overall cost of owning and operating small aircraft. *Average Age of Operational Business Jets in India:* The average age of aircraft in India is comparable to that in the Far East, though not as much with the Middle East. Future developments in the GA/BA industry, including the introduction of new aircraft, are expected to bring down the average age. The emphasis remains on proper maintenance, airworthiness, and not solely on age for safe and efficient operations. *Key Issues Raised by BAOA with Authorities:* With infrastructural issues in the pipeline, attention is turning towards regulatory requirements. BAOA is advocating for proportionate regulations aligned with international standards, similar to those in the FAA but adapted to Indian conditions. Addressing issues related to taxation, including rationalisation of GST rates in the non-scheduled category, is also a priority. The association is actively collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Civil Aviation to resolve these challenges. *BAOA’s Stance on Fractional Ownership:* BAOA supports fractional ownership of business jets and has proposed its implementation in the non-scheduled category in the first phase of implementation. The government is working on a on a consolidated policy expected to allow fractional ownership, aligning with practices in other industries. This move aims to facilitate the growth of Business Aviation in India with numerous small owners sharing aircraft use, reducing overall costs. This,the fractional ownership, is a tested way of ensuring optimal growth of GA/BA industry across the globe, in all developed nations. *Status of GIFT City in Supporting the Business Aviation Sector:* Although GIFT City faced initial challenges, progress is expected over time. Full utilization of GIFT City for supporting the business aviation sector may take another 2-3 years. Efforts to secure financial support from Indian banks are underway, with individuals in the small aircraft industry exploring leasing through GIFT City. This interview offers valuable insights into the current state and future trajectory of Business Aviation in India.

    Recent News

    INDIAN AIR FORCE AN-32(K-2743)

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    New Delhi, 13th Jan 2024: An Indian Air Force An-32 aircraft (registration K-2743), had gone missing over the Bay of Bengal on 22 July 2016 during an op mission. 29 Personnel were on board this flight. Large scale Search and Rescue operations by aircraft and ships could not locate any missing personnel or the aircraft debris. The National Institute of Ocean Technology which functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, had recently deployed an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with deep sea exploration capability at the last known location of the missing An-32. This search was conducted at a depth of 3400 m using multiple payloads, including a multi-beam SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging), synthetic aperture SONAR and high resolution photography. Analysis of search images had indicated the presence of debris of a crashed aircraft on the sea bed approximately, 140 nautical miles (approx. 310 Km) from the Chennai coast. The search images were scrutinised and found to be conforming with an An-32 aircraft. This discovery at the probable crash site, with no other recorded history of any other missing aircraft report in the same area, points to the debris as possibly belonging to the crashed IAF An-32 (K-2743).

    Recent News

    DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH missile off Odisha coast

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    New Delhi, 13th Jan 2024: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha at 1030 hrs on January 12, 2024. The flight-test was conducted against a high-speed unmanned aerial target at very low altitude. During the flight-test, the target was successfully intercepted by the weapon system and destroyed. It has validated the functioning of the complete weapon system consisting of the missile with indigenously developed Radio Frequency Seeker, Launcher, Multi-Function Radar and Command, Control & Communication system. The system performance was also validated through the data captured by a number of Radars, Telemetry and Electro Optical Tracking System deployed by ITR, Chandipur. The flight-test was witnessed by senior officials from DRDO, Indian Air Force (IAF), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The AKASH-NG system is a state-of-the-art missile system capable of intercepting high speed, agile aerial threats. The successful flight test has paved the way for User trials. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented the DRDO, IAF, PSUs and the Industry for the flight-test. The successful development of the system will further enhance the air defence capabilities of the country, he said. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams associated with the successful flight test of AKASH-NG.

    Defence

    INS CHEETAH, GULDAR AND KUMBHIR DECOMMISSIONED AFTER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

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    New Delhi, 13th Jan 2024: Indian Navy Ships Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir were decommissioned on 12 Jan 2024 after rendering four decades of glorious service to the nation. The decommissioning event was conducted at Port Blair in a traditional ceremony wherein the National Flag, the Naval Ensign and Decommissioning Pennants of the three ships were lowered for the last time, at sunset. Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir were built at Gdynia Shipyard, Poland as Polnocny class Landing Ships and were commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1984, 1985 and 1986 respectively, in presence of Shri S K Arora (Cheetah and Guldar) and Shri A K Das (Kumbhir) then Ambassadors of India to Poland. The Commanding Officers of the three ships were Cdr V B Mishra, Lt Cdr SK Singh and Lt Cdr J Banerjee respectively. During her initial years, Cheetah was based at Kochi and Chennai for brief periods, and Kumbhir and Guldar were based at Visakhapatnam. The ships were subsequently re-based at Andaman and Nicobar Command, where they served till their decommissioning. These ships were in active Naval service for nearly 40 years, and collectively traversed about 17 lakh nautical miles whilst being at sea for over 12,300 days. As the amphibian platforms of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, these ships have conducted over 1300 beaching operations for landing of army troops ashore. During their illustrious journeys, these ships participated in numerous maritime security missions and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. Notable amongst them are their role during Operation Aman as part of IPKF operations and Operation Tasha a joint operation carried out between Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard in May 1990 to control smuggling of arms and ammunition and illegal immigration across Indian and Srilankan border and made stellar contributions in relief operations post 1997 cyclone off Sri Lanka and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Indian Naval Ships Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir have left an indelible mark on the maritime landscape and their decommissioning marks the end of a significant chapter of the Indian Navy’s history. Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, AVSM, VSM, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Flag Officers, former Commanding Officers and commissioning crew of the three ships attended the ceremonies at Port Blair. The event was also unique since three warships of the same class were decommissioned simultaneously on a single day.

    People

    Turkka Kuusisto appointed as the CEO of Finnair

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    New Delhi, 12 January 2024: Finnair has appointed Turkka Kuusisto as its CEO. He will start his role on 11 July 2024 at the latest. Kuusisto joins Finnair from Posti Group Corporation, where he has served as the CEO since 2020. Prior to his role as the CEO at Posti Group Corporation, Kuusisto served in senior leadership positions at Posti Group Corporation and in Lindorff Group. “I am happy to welcome Turkka Kuusisto to take the helm of Finnair and drive the next phases of Finnair’s strategy. Finnair has restored its profitability after the historic double crisis, and the company is well-positioned to continue to build a sustainable future, offering excellent connections via its Helsinki hub to both Finns and customers traveling between Europe and Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas”, says Sanna Suvanto-Harsaae, Chair of the Board of Directors, Finnair. “Turkka brings to Finnair his strong understanding of complex industries and his proven people leadership and strategy skills, which will benefit Finnair as Finnair now moves to the next phase in its strategy”, Suvanto-Harsaae says. “Finnair embodies to me Finnish spirit and global connections, and it has a long and unique heritage as a 100-year-old airline. I am excited and humbled to take on the role of CEO in this iconic company. Working side by side with all Finnair colleagues and carefully listening to our customers, I trust our joint journey will be a successful one”, says Turkka Kuusisto. Finnair’s current CEO Topi Manner will leave the company on 15 January 2024 to later take on the role of CEO at Elisa Corporation. Jaakko Schildt, Chief Operating Officer of Finnair, will act as an interim CEO between 15 January and the start of the new CEO.

    Airports

    IndiGo start flights between from Ayodhya & Ahmedabad

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    New Delhi, 11th Jan 2024: The Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia inaugurated the IndiGo direct flight between Ayodhya and Ahmedabad from New Delhi at MoCA HQ.The flight will commence from 11 January 2024 between Ahmedabad – Ayodhya – Ahmedabad (thrice a week). The minister said, “The direct flight from Ayodhya to Ahmedabad will give further boost to air connectivity between both cities. On one hand, Ahmedabad is a symbol of India’s economic strength and on the other hand, Ayodhya represents India’s spiritual & civilizational prowess. Air connectivity between the two cities will contribute to the economic growth, help travel & tourism grow as well”. He also thanked Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath for his cooperation in allotting the required land for building the Ayodhya airport in record time of 20 months. The Minister also reiterated that the airport is fulfilling the Prime Minister’s idea that the airports are not merely ‘airports’ but also the gateways to a region’s ethos, culture, and history. The outer structure of the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport structure is inspired by Ram Temple, and the terminal building through beautiful paintings and artefacts depicts the life journey of Lord Ram. Talking about the growth of the civil aviation sector in Uttar Pradesh in the past 9 years, the Union Minister shared that Uttar Pradesh had only 6 airports in 2014, and now the state has 10 airports including the newly inaugurated airport in Ayodhya. By the next month, UP will have 5 more airports, one airport each in Azamgarh, Aligarh, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot. Apart from this an international airport will also be ready in Jewar by the end of 2024. In totality, UP will have 19 airports in the future. The minister also added that currently the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport is built in an area of 6500 square meters with the capacity of handling 600 air passengers at peak hours which will be expanded to 50,000 square meters and the capacity will also be expanded to 3000 passengers in the next phase. Similarly, the runway which is 2200 meter long will be expanded to 3700 meters so that larger aircraft for international flights could also run from Ayodhya itself. The minister also commended UP Govt’s work in civil aviation as the air connectivity has increased sharply in the last 9 years. The state was only connected to 18 cities connected in 2014 and is now connected to 41 cities. Similarly, the state had only 700 flight movements weekly in 2014, which has now increased to 1654 flight movements per week. In his address, CM Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath expressed his gratitude to Jyotiraditya M Scindia for getting the development of Maharshi Valmiki Ayodhya International Airport completed within stipulated time. He also said that this new air connectivity from Ayodhya will open of further avenues of tourism, trade and investment. Secretary Civil Aviation, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Joint Secretory Asungba Chuba Aao, Special Director, IndiGo, RK Singh were also present during the event.

    Drones

    Commercial Drone Services Market Projected to Reach USD 23 Billion by 2033: Reveals Fact.MR

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    The global commercial drone services market is anticipated to achieve a valuation of US$ 5.8 billion in 2023. Over the forecast period spanning from 2023 to 2033, the market is poised to demonstrate a noteworthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8%, ultimately reaching US$ 23.0 billion by the conclusion of 2033. Commercial drone services have experienced widespread adoption across diverse industry verticals, including energy, construction, agriculture, real estate, and others. The market’s growth has been spurred by the increasing registration of commercial drones and governmental endorsements for drone utilization in commercial applications. Key services provided by commercial drone service providers encompass inspection, mapping & surveying, delivery, spraying & seeding, photography & filming. The market has witnessed substantial demand for package delivery, particularly driven by the robust development of the e-commerce industry. Moreover, the cost and time efficiency offered by drones, compared to traditional methods in inspection, mapping, filming, and similar applications, is expected to generate lucrative opportunities for market expansion. Key Insights from Market Analysis: 1. The energy and construction sectors collectively account for over 30.0% of the demand share in the commercial drone services market. 2. The market is projected to experience a CAGR of 14.8% during the forecast period (2023-2033). 3. North America is anticipated to lead the market, contributing to 29.0% of the total market share. 4. Regionally, the demand for commercial drone services is expected to witness growth at CAGRs of 15.1% and 15.7% in Europe and East Asia, respectively. “Infrastructure development to exhibit the demand for commercial drone services,” says a Fact.MR analyst. Market Advancements In the commercial drone services sector, the business landscape reflects a consolidation trend amidst intense competition. Key industry players are adopting both organic and non-organic strategies, exemplified by AeroVisionz’s introduction of aerial drone photography and videography services, to establish a significant presence in the market. Moreover, these players are actively expanding their customer base by targeting various end-users and regions. With a significant surge in the registration of commercial drones, the demand for commercial drone services is experiencing notable fragmentation in the region. In the United States, the registration count has reached approximately 870,389 drones by 2022, with around 38% being designated as commercial drones. The country showcases a growing trend of technological advancements and widespread adoption across diverse industry verticals. E-commerce giants such as Amazon are actively spearheading initiatives to introduce drone package delivery services, aiming to provide cost-effective and time-efficient delivery solutions in the region. Additionally, online food delivery platforms are strategically venturing into the use of commercial drones for delivering food, further contributing to the overall growth of the market in the country. Competitive Scenario Prominent players in the commercial drone services market include Aerial Drone Solution, Aerial Vision Ltd., AERIUM Analytics, Aerodrome, Aero Enterprises, Astral Aerial Solutions, Celestis, Cyberhawk, Dronegy, DJM Aerial Solutions, Drone Base, Drone Dispatch, Drone Evolution, DDC Smart Inspection, EagleHawk, and Enterprise UAS. The market exhibits a high level of competition as drone services gain increasing popularity across various industry verticals. Key market participants are strategically launching new services and engaging in mergers and acquisitions to maintain competitiveness. This trend contributes significantly to the substantial growth observed in the commercial drone services market. Notable instances include: 1. In April 2022, Wing, a prominent drone delivery company in the United States, introduced the pioneering commercial drone delivery services in the country. 2. In September 2022, Valqari made strategic strides by acquiring IDU Group, aiming to establish a drone delivery infrastructure for mail, packages, and other items using drone technology. Key Companies Profiled Key suppliers of commercial drone services around the world include Aerial drone solution, Aerial Vision Ltd, AERIUM Analytics, Aerodrome, Aero Enterprises, Astral Aerial Solutions, Celestis, Cyberhawk, Dronegy, DJM Aerial Solutions, Drone Base, Drone Dispatch, Drone Evolution, DDC Smart Inspection, EagleHawk, Enterprise UAS etc. (These insights are based on a report on Commercial Drone Services Market by Fact.MR.)

    Recent News

    Ayodhya Airport notified as an Int. Airport and named “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham”

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    5th Jan 2024, Ayodhya: The Union Cabinet chaired by the PM has approved the proposal to declare Ayodhya Airport as an International Airport and naming it as “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham”. Elevating Ayodhya Airport to international status is paramount for realizing Ayodhya’s economic potential and its significance as a global pilgrimage site, opening doors to foreign pilgrims and tourists. The airport’s name, “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham,” pays homage to Maharishi Valmiki, the sage attributed to composing the epic Ramayana, adding a cultural touch to the airport’s identity. Ayodhya, with its deep cultural roots is strategically positioned to become a key economic hub and pilgrimage site. The airport’s potential to attract international pilgrims and businesses aligns with the city’s historical prominence.

    Training

    ModAir Aviation inducts fifth aircraft under its wings

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    Gandhinagar, 2nd January 2024: ModAir Aviation, the leasing and finance company based at IFSC GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat has inducted fifth aircraft under its wings. The latest one is a two-seater aircraft, Tecnam P-Mentor used for flight training. The import of this aircraft is facilitated under the guidelines of IFSC – GIFT City. This aircraft would be leased to an upcoming FTO preparing to commence operations in Karnataka. ModAir has plans to induct one more aircraft by the end of FY 2023-24 for one of the NSOPs. Atul Jain, Director, ModAir Aviation said, “We are excited to welcome the fifth aircraft under our Company. We take pride in supporting our Hon’ble PM’s vision. Very soon we would be inducting our sixth aircraft. The company’scurrent concentration is on Fight Training and Non-Scheduled aircraft category operations for the Indian market by Importing, Finance and Leasing of the aircraft.” Ashish Jaiswal, Chief Executive Officer, ModAir Aviation added, “With this fifth aircraft induction, the landscape of aircraft induction through India-based Aircraft Leasing infrastructure is taking shape.We extend our sincere thanks to the Government of India, IFSC Authority&the GIFT City for providing the required platform to enable seamless and easy aircraft induction in the Country.”

    Civil Aviation

    Akasa Air adds two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

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    Delhi,3rd January 2024: Akasa Air recently added two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in its growing fleet. With this, the airline exited the calendar year 2023 with a fleet size of 22 aircraft, including 21 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and one Boeing 737 MAX 8 200, the first of its kind in Asia. Commenting on the development, Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air said, “The additions to our fleet will help us bolster the strength of our operations as we expand our footprint and foray into international skies in the coming months. Each addition to our fleet brings us closer to our purpose of connecting people, places, and cultures, and we hope that as we step into the next phase of growth, we will be able to serve millions of satisfied travellers across the globe.” The airline steps into the next chapter of its growth story with plans to expand its domestic presence and commence international operations in the coming months, the fleet expansion will support seamless and reliable connectivity to travellers across the globe. Aligning with the airline’s commitment to sustainability, the 737 MAX family provides greater range and fuel efficiency, reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to those it replaces. In addition, the 737 MAX is a quieter airplane with a 50% smaller noise footprint than replacement airplanes. Since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air has served over 6.3 million passengers and connects with 17 cities across India, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata and Port Blair.

    FOREWORD

    Dear Readers,

     

    Welcome to the latest edition of Aviation World. This is an incredibly significant issue for us, perfectly timed to align with several prominent aviation events unfolding across the globe.

     

    Chief among them is the Farnborough International Airshow, taking place from July 20th to 24th, 2026, in Hampshire, United Kingdom. Ranked as one of the world’s premier events for aviation, aerospace, and defense, this year’s airshow arrives at a crucial moment. Against a backdrop of geopolitical turbulence, Farnborough provides an invaluable platform to engage with global leaders and gain firsthand perspectives on the future of the industry. Inside, you will find our comprehensive curtain-raiser report focusing on the show’s core themes, as well as the highly anticipated static and aerobatic aircraft displays.

     

    On our front cover, we are proud to feature Capt. Vaibhav Goutham Suresh, Director of the School of Aviation, Logistics and Tourism Management (SALTM) at Galgotias University. In an exclusive interview, Capt. Suresh highlights how SALTM bridges the gap between academia and the runway, delivering a comprehensive curriculum that ensures graduates are industry-ready from day one. Complementing this, our special feature on SALTM dives deeper into how the institution maintains world-class academic standards and a cutting-edge learning environment.

     

    We are also privileged to bring you exclusive insights from a stellar lineup of industry trailblazers in this edition, including:

    • Robin Glover-Faure, Chief Customer Officer of Acron Aviation
    • Karim Makhlouf, CCO of Royal Jordanian Airlines
    • Pallavi Joshi & Vimal Priya, the leadership powerhouse behind AirFleet Managers &Aviatrics Global
    • Wg. Cdr. Prem Kumar Garg (Retd.), CEO of IndiaOne Air

    Each shares a detailed perspective on driving innovation, navigating current market dynamics, and establishing progressive frontiers within their respective sectors.

     

    Beyond these highlights, this issue is packed with curated features and analytical pieces designed to keep you informed and inspired.

     

    Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed advertisers and partners. Your unwavering support empowers us in our ongoing endeavor to make Aviation World a truly world-class publication with global reach and recognition.

     

    Happy Reading!

     

    The Editorial Team

     

    Aviation World

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    We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

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