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Defence

Australian PM Visits INS Vikrant

New Delhi,11th March 2023: The Australian Prime Minister, Hon’ble Anthony Albanese, visited INS Vikrant in Mumbai on 09 Mar 23 as part of his visit to India from 08 to 11 Mar 23. This is his first bilateral visit to India after he assumed charge in May 22. The Australian PM was received onboard by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff. Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command was also present. The Hon’ble PM was accorded a guard of honour onboard and briefed about the roles and capabilities of INS Vikrant. He was also introduced to the Light Combat Aircraft. He then interacted with a cross-section of personnel of the Indian Navy. While addressing the media, he underscored the strong diplomatic and military ties between the two countries and announced that Australia, for the first time, will host the 27th edition of the annual multilateral naval wargaming exercise, MALABAR, that is scheduled later this year among the navies of the USA, India, Japan and Australia. The MALABAR Exercise is an annual multilateral naval wargaming exercise that began in 1992 between the navies of India and the United States. Japan joined the exercise in 2015, while Australia became part of it in 2020. Australia and India upgraded their bilateral relationship from a Strategic Partnership in 2009 to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2020. Over the years, they have put in place several institutional mechanisms to promote their bilateral cooperation, including high-level visits, annual meetings of Prime Ministers, the Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue, 2+2 Defence and Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, Joint Trade and Commerce Ministerial Commission, Defence Policy Talks, Australia-India Education Council interactions, Defence Services Staff Talks, Energy Dialogue, and consultations of Joint Working Groups on different issues. In Jun 20, the two sides signed the pact that enables reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support, the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) that allows the militaries of the two countries to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies, besides scaling up overall defence cooperation.

Tourism

Goa Tourism strengthens ties with travel trade at ITB Berlin 2023

March 10, 2023: The Department of Tourism (DOT), Government of Goa, recently participated in the Internationale Tourismus Börse (ITB) Berlin 2023, the world’s largest travel trade show held in Berlin, Germany, from 7th to 9th March. The Department had a clear objective at the trade fair to showcase the diversity of tourism options beyond the beaches and promote the state’s unique culture, heritage, and natural beauty.The Goa Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2023 received a notable visit and was inaugurated by Shri Arvind Singh, Secretary of Tourism, Government of India, and the Ambassador of India to Germany, His Excellency Shri Harish Parvathaneni. Under the theme of ‘Mastering Transformation,’ the Goa Pavilion showcased its exuberant culture and promoted its responsible tourism ethos to the global travel industry. The pavilion served as an excellent platform for promoting Goa’s tourism offerings. At ITB Berlin 2023, representatives from Goa Tourism engaged in a series of productive B2B meetings with travel agents and tour operators from Germany. The delegation also spoke with members of the press to promote Goa’s wide range of tourism offerings and upcoming events. Among the topics discussed was the recent addition of the new airport at Mopa, which is expected to enhance connectivity to the region. Additionally, the delegation highlighted the importance of the upcoming G20 meetings and the Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier. Throughout the event, the travel trade showed particular interest in visa facilities, safety, accessibility, and new tourism offerings. In response, the delegation made a strong effort to promote Goa beyond its beaches, focusing on hinterland and eco tourism, waterfalls, etc. Goa Tourism put a significant effort into showcasing its diverse offerings beyond the beaches, including hinterland and eco-tourism, waterfalls, bird watching, monsoons, culture, and cuisine. The ITB Berlin 2023 was an excellent opportunity for Goa Tourism to strengthen existing relationships and establish new ones within the travel industry.

Recent News

Dr. Srinivas Hanumankar takes over as Member (HR) at AAI

New Delhi, 10th March, 2023: Dr. H. Srinivas, an officer of the ‘Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS)’ belonging to the Indian Civil Service Examination, 1991 has taken over the charge of Member (Human Resources) from 10th March, 2023 on the Board of Airports Authority of India (AAI). Prior to this appointment, Shri Hanumankar was serving as Chief Personnel Officer in Indian Railways. As Member (Human Resources) of AAI, Dr. Srinivas will be the overall in-charge of coordinating and implementing Personnel and Industrial Relations policies, commercial management functions in the organization. He is expected to play a leadership role and provide effective support in achieving sustained growth of the organization’s business. Dr. Srinivas’s core areas of expertise range from Policy Making to Managing and Developing Human Resources and Relations of large organizations having diverse skill sets; Strategizing and Managing Change in large organizations through Training, Skilling/Upskilling, IT and Organization Development interventions, etc. He has worked in various capacities in three different Zones of the Indian Railways, each with around a lakh manpower strength and as Director General in one of the institutions of Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoI. Dr. Srinivas has represented India at various international forums and is also a recipient of the “Silver Star Award” presented by the Hon’ble President of India in the year 2019. Dr H. Srinivas holds a Bachelor (Hon’s), Master’s and Doctorate Degree in Earth Sciences, apart from a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management. He has had illustrious Academic and Professional careers and a vast array of accomplishments to his credit.

Recent News

Saudi Aerospace Engineering Industries and Collins Aerospace sign FlightSense and ASCENTIA Agreements

10th March, 2023, Dubai: Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) and Collins Aerospace announced a 10-year FlightSense agreement for Saudia Airlines’ entire A320, A330 and Boeing 787 fleet. Collins will provide SAEI with asset pooling support and services for aircraft. The relationship has potential to expand as SAEI extends its client base to additional airline operators. The SAEI roadmap for growth uses digitalization and predictive maintenance to elevate performance and reliability. To this end the collaboration includes Collins Aerospace’s fully integrated ASCENTIA Performance Health Monitoring (PHM) system, providing a 24/7 fleet monitoring team to SAEI. The PHM system, which uses advanced analytics and human experience, will provide SAEI and Saudia Airlines with advanced maintenance recommendations to reduce fleet downtime. “SAEI, as a modern MRO entity, is focused on technology-enabled solutions to improve forecasting and planning accuracy and reduce inefficiency. The implementation of FlightSense® and the maintenance services with Collins aligns with these objectives,” commented Fahd H. Cynndy, Chief Executive Officer for SAEI. “Collins Aerospace is a significant provider of pooling and MRO services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and this new agreement is a key milestone expanding our presence in the country in support of the Saudi Vision 2030,” said Colin Mahoney, president, Customer and Account Management at Collins Aerospace. “Our FlightSense solutions will provide intelligent prognostics to make smart maintenance decisions, reducing aircraft downtime and schedule interruptions.”

Defence

MoD orders six Dornier-228 aircraft from; inks deal worth Rs 667 crore

10th March 2023, Delhi: Ministry of Defence, on March 10, 2023, signed a contract for procurement of six Dornier-228 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a cost of Rs 667 crore. The aircraft was used by IAF for Route Transport Role and communication duties. Subsequently, it has also been used for training of transport pilots of the IAF. The present lot of six aircraft will be procured with an upgraded fuel-efficient engine coupled with a five bladed composite propeller. The aircraft is ideally suited for short haul operations from semi-prepared/short runways of the North East and island chains of India. The addition of the six aircraft will further bolster the operational capability of the IAF in the remote areas.

Recent News, Tourism

MICEverse Named Official Sales and PR Representative for The Grand Ho Tram Strip, Vietnam

India, 9th March,2023: MICEverse (an HMC Enterprise), India’s first and only representation company for MICE and Weddings just annouced its latest collaboration. The company has been appointed as the India representative for sales and public relations for The Grand Ho Tram Strip, an exquisite and extravagant complex nestled on the pristine beach overlooking the East Sea in Vietnam. Comprising of two resorts, namely, InterContinental Grand Ho Tram and Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach, The Grand Ho Tram Strip boasts world-class amenities and facilities that will leave even the most discerning of travellers breathless. From Vietnam’s first international casino to a championship golf course- The Bluffs, 15+ restaurants and bars, and a host of other entertainment activities and facilities, this destination truly has it all. As the official representative, MICEverse will manage sales and marketing activities for The Grand Ho Tram Strip in India, including public relations and media outreach. With a strong track record of successfully representing several international brands in India, MICEverse is poised to leverage its extensive network and expertise in sales and marketing to promote The Grand Ho Tram Strip and its world-class amenities to Indian customers. Guests can choose from the two stunning resorts, both of which provide an unmatched level of luxury and comfort. The Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram Beach is perfect for families seeking an indulgent and relaxing getaway, while the InterContinental Grand Ho Tram is ideal for those looking for a more refined and exclusive experience. The resort’s amenities also include a night club and a casino, providing a unique and exciting experience for guests seeking a lively and vibrant atmosphere. For golf enthusiasts, The Grand Ho Tram Strip’s championship golf course, The Bluffs, is a must-play. Designed by Greg Norman, this awe-inspiring course boasts stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape, providing a memorable and unparalleled experience for players of all skill levels. Akshay Moza, Vice President of the Commercial Division, The Grand Ho Tram Strip said, “Vietnam has welcomed 102,066 Indian visitors in 2022. The demand of Indian market choosing Vietnam as a desirable destination has continued to increase post-Covid-19 pandemic. This agreement between us and MICEverse is the start of our long-term and eventually prolific relationship. With this strategic alliance and with inbound travel starting we hope to provide a luxurious and high-end alternative to Indian travelers just a few hours’ drive from Ho Chi Minh City airport. This strategic alliance also enables guests to avail our flexible offers and Co-develop products: various packages for both hotel and golf. The advantage having direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City enables us to target and grow this market effectively”. “Celebrating our collaboration with The Grand Ho Tram Strip is a moment of pride for MICEverse. We are thrilled to introduce this spectacular destination to Indian travelers and offer them a world-class experience that they will cherish forever. Leisure travel for MICE and wedding events has emerged as a significant growth driver. With the Indian outbound tourism market projected to reach USD 40 billion by 2025, there is a huge demand for new and exciting travel experiences. Our collaboration with The Grand Ho Tram Strip perfectly caters to this demand, as 60% of Indian travelers prefer to visit destinations that offer casinos and nightlife. As a leading representation company for MICE and Weddings in India, we are confident of leveraging our extensive network and expertise to promote The Grand Ho Tram Strip in India and provide a seamless travel experience for Indian travelers. We believe that this destination will be a top choice for Indian travellers seeking a luxurious and indulgent experience, whether it be for corporate events, weddings, family or leisure travel” said Hemant Mediratta, CEO, MICEverse. In conclusion, Ho Tram is a world-renowned destination that promises to delight and enchant guests with its luxurious offerings and breathtaking ocean views. And with MICEverse at the helm, Indian customers can look forward to experiencing the very best of this exquisite resort.

Top Stories

AirAsia India integrates the Pilot Flight Duty Logbook with DGCA’s eGCA Platform

Mumbai, March 10th, 2023: AirAsia India in collaboration with DGCA integrated the Pilot’s Flight Duty Logbook directly from its Crew Management system to the eGCA platform. The eGCA platform provides end-to-end solutions and connectivity with regional offices to improve transparency and accountability across all functions of DGCA. This initiative, as part of DGCA’s digitization program, will eliminate the need for pilots to hand-fill their flight and simulator duties carried out during their career in physical logbooks, thereby improving efficiency and transparency. Pilots were traditionally required to update their Pilot LogBook in physical logbooks, as required by the MOCA’s Aircraft Rule, 1937 (67A). However, with the integration of AirAsia India’s Crew Management system with eGCA’s LogBook API (Application Program Interface), this process will now be digitised, making it simpler, more user-friendly, and more sustainable. Talking about this initiative, Capt. Manish Uppal, Head of Operations, AirAsia India, said, “We are proud to collaborate with DGCA in integrating our Crew Management System with eGCA’s LogBook API. This initiative is a significant step towards improving the efficiency and transparency of the aviation industry and also contributing to sustainability. By eliminating the need for pilots to manually update their Pilot LogBooks, we are simplifying the process and making it more user-friendly. This initiative in conjunction with DGCA is a testament to our commitment to innovation and digitization, and we are excited to continue working towards making services simpler and more user-friendly for pilots.” eGCA provides 298 services, including pilot licensing, with the goal of adding value to DGCA safety regulation, eliminating operational inefficiencies, improving personal interaction, regulatory reporting, increasing productivity, and increasing transparency. With this partnership, AirAsia India and DGCA are striving to make services simpler and more user-friendly for pilots, while also enhancing the overall efficiency and transparency of the aviation industry. In addition to providing accurate real-time pilot flying hours, this integration will also facilitate the timely submission of applications for pilot licensing, renewal, and endorsement by eliminating multiple data validation steps. As manual intervention in the process is significantly reduced, this will result in faster processing of applications, as the verification of flying data in submitted applications will be considerably streamlined. This initiative will greatly benefit both pilots and DGCA, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the licensing process.

Airports

MIAL declared ‘Best Airport over 40 million passengers’ in Asia Pacific by ACI

Mumbai, March 06, 2023: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is proud to announce that it has been adjudged as the ‘Best Airport over 40 million passengers’ for the year 2022 in Asia Pacific region by Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. CSMIA has been recognised with this prestigious title of ‘Best Airport’ for six years in a row. The ASQ Awards are highly regarded in the airport industry, as they are based on passenger feedback and are considered a testament to an airport’s commitment to providing an outstanding customer experience. ASQ Awards recognises the successful efforts & CSMIA’s dedication towards delivering superior customer experience and increased satisfaction for its passengers. This award is a result of CSMIA’s resolute commitment to always providing exceptional facilities and offerings. The achievement is a symbol of the passenger recognition of the efforts undertaken during the last year, such as: * Brought in path-breaking innovation with the introduction of ‘Integrated Security Check Point’ for domestic and international passengers. * Launched first-of-its-kind Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) & Solar PV system. * Transitioned to become a 100% sustainable green energy consuming airport. * Achieved Level 4+ “Transition” of ACA program of ACI, which is the highest accreditation. * Set up Electric Vehicle (EV) fast charging stations and inducted over 45 EVs * Unveiled the all-new renovated General Aviation terminal facility for private jets and redefined luxury travel through Mumbai. * Launched ‘FASTag car park’ for ease in parking payment system and to reduce the dwell time * Installed Reverse Vending Machines to promote recycling of single-use plastics * Celebrated with airport’s Shop & Win lucky draw for all passengers. * Hosted a 45-day Summer Carnival for its passengers. * Facilitated a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience by Air Charter Service India (ACS) for 27 brave and young cancer patients. * Installed 2D Barcode readers to expedite passenger movement. All these initiatives are a result of CSMIA’s dedication and commitment towards its passengers and their ever-changing demands. Commenting on the occasion, a spokesperson of CSMIA said, “We are delighted to yet again receive the 2022 Airport Service Quality Award for ‘Best Airport over 40 million passengers’ category in Asia-Pacific. We would like to thank our passengers for their valuable feedback and assure them that we will continue to strive for excellence in customer service. This adds as a feather in the cap for CSMIA which reflects the airport’s dedication to creating a seamless, eco-friendly travel experience for its passengers while maintaining its position as a leading airport in the world.” The ACI ratings continue to be one of the most prestigious laurels in the aviation segment that recognize the best airports in the world. The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) surveys are conducted worldwide across airports where passengers are interviewed to rate airport services on the day of travel. The scientific methodology and strict quality control procedure following global standards undertaken by the organisation is a proof of the award’s fairness in identifying the airport’s excellence in service parameters that go beyond satisfying the needs of travelers. ( News Published unedited based on the press release)

Airports

BLR Airport named Best Airport by ACI’s ASQ Arrival Survey Globally for the year 2022

Bengaluru, March 07, 2023: Achieving yet another significant milestone, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, also known as BLR Airport has been recognized as the ‘Best Airport at ACI’s ASQ Arrival Survey Globally for the year 2022’, by the Airports Council International (ACI) World.This honor has added yet another feather to the cap of BLR Airport, affirming its standing as a customer-centric airport. Being one of the busiest airports in India, BLR Airport is contributing to India’s aviation growth story by facilitating connectivity to non-metro cities and serving as a preferred transfer hub for Southern India. Efficient deboarding procedures, streamlined immigration and customs processes, organised baggage claim services and the availability of infrastructure such as transit hotels and AI-powered assistance robots, aid passengers with a smooth arrival experience at BLR Airport. With the vision to deliver superior customer experience and improve operational efficiency to handle growing passenger volumes, the airport aims to become the new gateway to India. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hari Marar, MD and CEO of Bangalore International AirportLtdsaid, “We are truly honored to receive the Best Airport at ACI’s ASQ Arrival Survey Globally for the year 2022. This recognition comes as a testament to the hard work, dedicationand commitment put forth by our team. We would like to thank the government authorities – the Immigration, Customs & CISF; for their cooperation in enabling seamless arrival process. We would also like to thank our passengers for their unwaveringtrust and confidence in us.This award further motivates us to continue to strive towards excellence and reinforce our position as one of the leading airports.” Congratulating BLR Airport on the recognition, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General, ACI World said, “Selected by passengers, these awards are powered by the airport community, which includes airport employees and a range of other stakeholders. I congratulate the whole team at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru on their success in the Airport Service Quality Awards.” ASQ is the world’s leading airport customer experience measurement which is based on live research via surveys gathered at the airport from the travellers and rating their satisfaction on the day of travel. This survey is conducted in over 340 airports worldwide and is considered the industry standard for measuring airport service quality. BLR Airport emerged as the winner among 15 participating airports worldwide, marking a momentous achievement. BLR Airport has been consistently innovating to provide a hassle-free experience to passengers. In the past, the Airport has received numerous recognitions and awardssuch as the ‘Voice of the Customer’ recognition by Airports Council International (ACI), Customer Obsession Award by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), Best regional airport in India and South Asia by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022 to name a few. ( News published unedited based on the press release)

Defence

Curtain Raiser – Naval Commanders’ Conference 23/1

5th March 2023, Delhi: The first edition of the Naval Commanders’ Conference of 2023 commenced on 06 Mar 23. The conference serves as a platform for Naval Commanders to discuss important security issues at the military-strategic level as well as interact with Senior Government functionaries through an institutionalised forum. The novelty of this year’s conference lied in the fact that the first phase of the Commanders’ Conference is being held at sea, and for the first-time, onboard India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh addressed the Naval Commanders onboard INS Vikrant on the conference’s opening day. The Chief of Defence Staff and the Chiefs of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force also interacted with the Naval Commanders on subsequent days to address the convergence of the three Services vis-à-vis common operational environment, and avenues of augmenting Tri-Service synergy and readiness towards the defence of the nation and India’s national interests. An operational demonstration at sea is also planned as part of the activities on Day 1. The Chief of the Naval Staff, along with other Naval Commanders reviewed major Operational, Materiel, Logistics, Human Resource Development, Training and Administrative activities undertaken by the Indian Navy in the last six months and further deliberate upon future plans for important activities and initiatives. During the conference, Naval Commanders would also be provided with an update on ‘Agnipath Scheme’ executed in the Indian Navy in Nov 22. The first batch of Agniveers, which also includes the first batch of women Agniveers of the Indian Armed Forces is scheduled to pass out from INS Chilka in end Mar 23. Due to the prevailing geostrategic situation in the region, the Conference has its own significance and relevance. The Navy has witnessed significant growth in its operational tasking over the years in consonance with India’s growing maritime interests. The Commanders would also deliberate the Navy’s readiness to address the challenges to our Maritime interests. The Indian Navy remains focused on being a combat-ready, credible, cohesive and future-proof force and continues to assiduously execute its mandate as the maritime security guarantor of the country.

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

NEWSLETTER

Aviation World Magazine is India’s premier aviation magazine and has been actively supporting the development of the Indian and global civil aviation sector. We started our journey in year 2015 and its been 12 years now and the response and acceptance is really encouraging. Thanks to all our associates and writers who remained with us in our progressive journey.

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

Disclaimer

The contents published in this website are news covering Aviation, Aerospace and Defence sector. The objective is to provide news in informative form to keep our readers updated of the latest development. We also publish content featured in our print publication Aviation World.We try our best to avoid any factual errors or image displayed here but we ensure immediate corrections to any such thing brought to our notice that might have been published inadvertently. All images and contents are sourced from the relevant organisations media team.

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