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    Drones

    Enhancement of Asset Performance Management with Drones

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    AW Feature-July-August 2022 By Ganesh Govindarajan There are significant economic and environmental imperatives to keep an enterprise’s assets and facilities operation worthy. Drones possess unmatched abilities to perch-and-stare, capture video, and undertake laser scanning. These capabilities impart drones the qualities that make them the instruments of choice for many, if not all, routine and hazardous operations required to be undertaken during inspection, maintenance and the tracking of performance of an enterprise’s assets and facilities. TECHNOLOGY EVOLUTION Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), as they are variously known, were first used for commercial applications in the 1980s in Japan for spraying crop pesticides. The technology used on drones then was primitive. However, since then, advancements in drone technologies and supportive regulations, together with increased investments, have accelerated the development of infinitely more capable drones. The increase in drone capabilities has led to newer applications and business operating models in agriculture, infrastructure, security, delivery, transportation, entertainment, etc. The estimates published by Berkshire Hathaway in the Business Wire magazine predict the size of the global drone market to reach US$ 41.3 Billion by 2026 at a CAGR of 9.4%. Asset performance management software has also evolved rapidly to enable enterprises to ‘track’ their assets and maximize their returns on them. Firms can now track their assets by monitoring their condition, receiving alerts for predictive maintenance, and receiving advance failure warnings through embedded AI/ML. Asset performance management software enables the life cycle extension of the firm’s assets. “Efficient Asset Performance Management (APM) is increasingly viewed as a competitive differentiator. Earlier, the evolution of APM systems was incremental. The introduction of IoT, AI, ML, and drones has revolutionized APM.” The new technologies and the more powerful asset performance management software enable the efficient exchange of information between sensors, cameras, drones, and personnel. The enhanced communication between the various components increases the efficiency of asset performance management, enabling organizations to detect asset degradation and failures ahead of time and thus take actions to prevent them from occurring. The lightweight material of the drones is advantageous for ease of control and high-altitude flights. The drone’s control system (the ‘brain’) interfaces with sensors, navigation equipment, cameras, and the GPS. You may also tether drones. Tethered drones prevent the possibility of signal jamming and enable longer flight times since it is powered through the tether rather than through an onboard battery. AI and ML technologies enable APM systems to process data collected via sensors and the images/videos collected via cameras to extract actionable information. The APM system presents the processed data in a form that enables managers to make critical decisions based on the condition of the assets in real time and optimize their maintenance, thus enhancing their reliability, availability and performance. APPLICATIONS Asset inspection with automated drones is performed extensively in asset performance management (APM). Drones can easily reach difficult-to-access locations, enabling personnel to undertake inspections remotely, quickly, and safely. Suppose the drone identifies any maintenance or repair issue after the inspection. In that case, the maintenance/repair personnel can reach the location armed with all the necessary tools, having already performed the fault diagnosis. The flexibility and ease of operations that drones provide increasingly make them an integral part of asset performance management.With the increased attention on climate change, renewable energy sources such as solar farms see exponential growth globally. Solar farms are large and usually located in remote, rural areas. Using traditional methods of inspection for solar farms is inefficient. “Drones can quickly cover large areas of the solar farms to detect debris on the panels that reduce their efficiency. In addition, they can beam visual images for defect identification. Drones can also beam thermal images for the detection of faulty, overheating panels.” Drones are extremely handy for inspecting large real estate such as tall buildings, bridges, power lines, etc. Defects in such structures can have catastrophic consequences and necessitate regular inspection for early warning of possible defects. Traditional inspection methods would require temporary shutting down of the installation. The inspection would also require ladders, ropes, scaffolding, or other specialized and expensive machinery. Drones, however, can easily be deployed for the visual inspection of the difficult-to-access portions of these structures. Maintenance personnel can remain on the ground, the structure can remain operational, and they can obtain all the data required for making a maintenance/repair decision safely and quickly. Also, uninterrupted operations aid continued production and increased revenue. Manufacturing setups such as cement factories and chemical plants have tall chimneys, power generating plants, long conveyor belts/pipelines, and running machinery that makes inspection and maintenance a hazardous task. Drones make the inspection of these structures/installations efficient, and together with asset performance management software, provide maintenance personnel with the information to decide on the maintenance/repair action. From oil platforms and power stations to large buildings, smart drones can be seamlessly integrated into asset performance management, ushering in a whole new level of efficiency and safety to managing large installations. With drones, businesses can eliminate concerns related to time, expense, and safety of manual inspections. Drones enable accurate, real-time inspection of data, cost-saving, and maximization of equipment availability, thus creating a paradigm shift from passive to proactive management of assets. Most importantly, through integration with asset performance management software, drones will provide businesses with insights for informed, strategic decision-making for asset performance management and enable them to raise their return on their assets. (The writer is Associate Vice President – Solution Advisory, Digital Enterprise Platform, Ramco Systems)

    Recent News

    Jazeera Airways adds IATA Financial Gateway in its payment system

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    Delhi, 2nd June 2022: Jazeera Airways, the first privately owned airline in the Middle East had implemented payment through the IATA Financial Gateway (IFG) as a new and additional Mode of payment for Group Bookings. IFG (BSP) payment is only available for Travel Agencies registered with Jazeera Airways. IFG, is a system designed to facilitate and simplify the selling, reporting, and remitting procedures of IATA-accredited passenger sales agents, according to the IATA website. As a response to this decision, everyone has highly appreciated and mentioned that this mode of payment has indeed enhanced yet simplified the business experience for the travel partners. This new and additional Mode of Payment was introduced when the Airways decided that they will discontinue its availability on all GDSs (Galileo & Amadeus) about 15 months ago. The availability of the IFG (BSP) payment will be for Travel Agencies registered with Jazeera Airways only. Booking and Payment process: • Agents log in to Jazeera portal through their login credentials. • Agents choose the required itinerary and go to payment page. • At payment choice, agents will have payment options. 1) Top-up account (Cash deposit) 2) IFG (BSP payment module) 3) Credit card (Master and Visa) • Authorization is done by IATA to check agent is active and can be billed on BSP. • Billing is added to issuing agents’ BSP billing and would be paid as per the usual BSP calendar

    RCS

    Star Air launches direct flight between Bhuj and Ahmedabad

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    3rd June 2022; Bangalore: Star Air,the aviation arm of Sanjay Ghodawat Group has announced start of flight operation between Bhuj and Ahmedabad as its 17th destination under the RCS UDAN. The airlines will operate Embraer 145 jets for direct and connecting flights between Bhuj, Ahmedabad, and Belagavi as part of its summer 2022 schedule, w.e.f 03rd June 2022. The launch of the new route heralds the beginning of a new era for Gujarat, as it advocates for better connectivity within the state and the rest of the country. Commenting on the milestone achievement, Shrenik Ghodawat, MD – Star Air, said, “We are pleased to announce Bhuj as our 17th destination. The launch of Bhuj would provide easy access to tourist attractions like the famous Rann Utsav, the Aina Mahal, and religious destinations including the Swaminarayan temple. Enhanced connectivity in Bhuj, will boost tourism, trade, and commerce in Gujarat. We hope to continue connecting many other regional cities to the travel map of India in the times to come.” Star Air will operate five times a week between Bhuj, Ahmedabad, and Belagavi on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The schedule of these flights has been planned to offer passengers the most reasonable prices under the popular UDAN scheme. This historic flight service between Ahemdabad and Bhuj covers 297kms of the distance between these cities in just 60 minutes instead of 6+ hours via other modes of transport. Currently, Star Air operates scheduled flight services to 17 Indian destinations that include Ahmedabad, Ajmer (Kishangarh), Bengaluru, Belagavi, Delhi (Hindon), Hubballi, Indore, Jodhpur, Kalaburagi, Mumbai, Nashik, Surat, Tirupati, Jamnagar, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Bhuj.

    Top Stories

    Mumbai’s CSMIA welcomes Lufthansa Cargo ‘NAMASTE INDIA’

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    Mumbai, 1st June 2022: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) welcomed Lufthansa Cargo freighter ‘Namaste India’, – the name chosen for the Boeing 777 freighter aircraft which now operates between Frankfurt and Mumbai. This special initiative by the airline symbolises the significance of India as one of the most important markets for Lufthansa Cargo and its effort to develop a prominent Air Cargo corridor between Germany and India, building strong and robust cargo operations between the two countries.

    Civil Aviation

    Vietjet eyes profit in 2022, develops e-logistics and pays 20% stock dividend

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    New Delhi, May 30, 2022: Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company on May 28, 2022, held the 2022 Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting to review its resilient business performance against the pandemic, the last five-year term of the Board of Directors, and to vote on the 2021 audited financial statements and the development plan for 2022.The global aviation industry has faced the most unprecedented and challenging time in its long history. Vietjet, though, has emerged from the pandemic with its pioneering spirit, patience, and robust inner strength. Vietjet was reported to gain a consolidated revenue of VND12,875 billion (approx. US$555 million) in 2021 with the after-tax profit of VND80 billion (approx. US$3.4 million). As of December 31, 2021, Vietjet’s assets totaled nearly VND51,654 billion (approx. US$2.22 billion). Its debt-to-equity ratio stayed at 0.9 while the liquidity ratio was at 1.6 – all were considered good indicators in the aviation industry. In 2021, Vietjet has bounced back and expanded its flight network, offering everyone more opportunities to fly and joined hands with localities contributing to the country’s economic recovery. The airline last year operated 40,000 flights, transporting more than 5.4 million passengers across over 50 domestic and international routes. It has also airlifted more than 63,000 tons of cargo, reporting a revenue growth of 200% YOY. The airline has operated several flights to airlift doctors, police officers and soldiers to pandemic-stricken localities; delivered millions of Covid-19 vaccine doses and joined hands of strategic partners in Sovico Group to grant medical utilities including ambulances, breathing machines, testing kits, and hospital beds to many localities. By the end of 2021, Vietjet has a fleet of 76 aircraft flying to 44 domestic and 95 international destinations. To prepare for the post-pandemic recovery, Vietjet has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Airbus on the deliveries of aircraft orders and cooperation to develop the airline’s wide-body fleet in addition to further support post-pandemic. Vietjet has invested in a wide-body fleet of Airbus A330-300 following the low-cost model, beginning a new era of longer-range flight routes. Both sides recently have also reached an agreement to continue their order contract with long-term cooperation programs aiming to make Vietnam a regional and global aviation center. Shareholders at the meeting have passed a resolution on business plan for 2022, in which Vietjet eyes to expand its fleet to 82 aircraft, operating 100,000 flights and transporting 18 million passengers. The shareholders have also voted to pass a resolution to pay a 20% stock dividend from accumulated undistributed profits from the years before the pandemic. The airline this year plans to earn more than VND22,300 billion (approx. US$959 million) in air transport revenue and make a profit. Vietjet, since its first flight in 2011, has pioneered in using e-tickets to replace paper ones and the implementation of e-commerce. In 2022, the airline is set to keep broadening its application of advanced technology, automation and innovation; bolstering the digital business sector in air transport, cargo and logistics; and growing and expanding air services including ground handling, training, financing, project investment and other services. Vietjet has rolled out the SFC02 including solutions to optimize the fuel consumption in aircraft operation, reducing environmental pollution. In the coming time, the airline will continue the program to monitor and manage the fuel consumption and CO2 emission of civil aircraft, aiming towards emission reduction and climate change prevention. Recognizing 2021 was a challenging year for the aviation industry, Vietnam Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan, representing Vietnam government, however hailed that Vietjet had resiliently overcome it and demonstrated its efforts and business success. Le said that Vietjet has actively resumed its domestic and international routes after the pandemic was put under control, even opening new routes to Japan, South Korea and India. He hoped that Vietjet’s newly added wide-body Airbus A330 fleet preparing to fly to Australia and Europe would bring more success to the airline. Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam Deputy Director Dinh Viet Son acknowledged Vietjet’s contributions to the country’s aviation safety and service quality. He highly regarded Vietjet as a model for flexibility and adaptability to hold firm throughout the pandemic while seeking new opportunities to develop air transport. “Following the scheme of ‘Flying in the digital era’, Vietjet has found the right way that is in line with the government’s (digital) orientation especially in the aviation sector, which demands highest safety and cutting-edge technology, and is also the current trend of the world,” said Dinh Viet Son. Vietjet’s executive board have recognized the orientation of Transport Ministry leaders and contributing ideas from the shareholders. The meeting also approved the profit distribution plan in 2021 and the dividend payment plan in 2022; bond issuance plan; plan to increase charter capital; and elected members of the Board of Directors for 2022 – 2027 term with independent members who are experienced experts in the fields of insurance and aviation.

    Tourism

    Hideaway Maldives awarded ‘Best of the Best’ Romantic Hotel in Asia by Tripadvisor

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    Maldives,1st June 2022: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives has been awarded the Travelers’ Choice ” Best of the Best”honour by Tripadvisor ,which ensures the resorts ranking among the top 1% of listings in various categories. This award is based on guests review recognised through Tripadvisor that Hideaway is one of the Best of the Best Romantic Hotels in Asia. Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a hidden jewel tucked away deep in the northern Maldives on Dhonakulhi Island, Haa Alifu Atoll. Pristine, untouched, and picturesque, this five-star resort is a scenic 75-minute seaplane ride from Male’ International Airport, straight to the resort. Peace and quiet are guaranteed at Hideaway, which will always live up to its name because space and privacy are built into the very essence of this natural paradise. This crescent-shaped island is enveloped by a lush tropical ecosystem, which eclipses the small portions occupied by villas and outlets. With some of the largest beachfront villas in the country and assured privacy from other guests, Hideaway offers absolute escapism to those who seek it as they enjoy their very own piece of heaven on Earth. Make the best use of the massive private beachfront area in each beach villa, such as having private dining at the beach right near your villa with your loved one. The resort’s uncompromising attentiveness to its guests, coupled with delicious culinary dishes, fantastic water sports adventures including a floating aqua park, calming wellness concepts, and breath-taking natural beauty, make it the ultimate experience for a tranquil honeymoon or romantic getaway. All guests are treated to their very own personal butler that knows the resort like the back of their hand and can advise on how to get the maximum value out of any vacation. They will disclose the best snorkelling spots, customise excursions to fit individual needs and work hard to ensure a hassle-free experience. “Considering the vast number of romantic sanctuaries in the Maldives, to be ranked as #11 in the whole of Asia is a privilege and honour. We will make sure we offer some great romantic experiences in the resort in terms of private dining and excursions and beyond to hopefully keep being one of the best in this category in the years to come. Can’t have done this without the help of the dedicated team from the amazing butlers, the creative and dedicated housekeeping team, the multi-talented F&B team, and the rest who are going the extra mile to make sure to create dreamy experiences that couples will love and cherish during their lovely stay in the Maldives”, says the resort’s General Manager – Mr. Christophe Adam. As per Tripadvisor, the Travelers’ Choice Awards are based on reviews and opinions collected in a single year from Tripadvisor’s global community of travellers. It goes to show if great experiences are being offered by hospitality providers, guests will be their biggest of fans by taking the time to write about their stays with the property. In addition to his statement, Christophe also noted that without guests letting the world know of the magically romantic experiences that they have experienced at the resort via social media and platforms like Tripadvisor, these kinds of accolades and recognition would not have been possible. So together with his team, he wishes to use this opportunity to extend their heartfelt thanks to each and every one of those guests. Guests reviews about the resort can be accessed here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g3644851-d601092-Reviews-Hideaway_Beach_Resort_Spa-Dhonakulhi_Island.html Hideaway strives to create an environment where others can relax and enjoy their time in luxury and privacy – a perfectly splendid hideaway from all the worries of the outside world. Come and experience it for yourself: you and your partner deserve it.

    Recent News

    Lot Polish launches non-stop service between Mumbai and Warsaw

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    Mumbai,1st June 2022: Star Alliance member carrier LOT Polish Airlines increases its footprint in India and has now integrated Mumbai in its global route network. Today, LOT Polish Airlines launched the new non-stop service between Mumbai and Warsaw. The Polish capital is LOT Polish Airlines’ global hub, providing seamless connectivity to many destinations throughout Europe and North America. Flight LO-076 takes off from Mumbai every Sunday at 8:45hr and every Wednesday at 8:25hr and arrives at 13:40hr and 13:20hr respectively (local times) at Warsaw’s Chopin Airport (8:25 hours flight time). On the way to India, flight LO-075 departs from Warsaw every Tuesday and Saturday at 15:40h and lands in Mumbai at 2:45h (following morning) after 7:35 hours flying time. Amit Ray, Director India at LOT Polish Airlines: “Today marks a special day for LOT Polish Airlines. After the successful launch of our Delhi to Warsaw operations in September 2019 and based on positive feedback from our customers and trade partners in India, it has always been our desire to add Mumbai to our passenger route network. We are delighted that the inaugural flight between Mumbai and Warsaw has been launched today, providing guests from India with a greater choice of travel options, not only to Poland, but also to many other popular European and North American leisure and business destinations.” Speaking on the maiden flight from Mumbai, CSMIA spokesperson said: “With a commitment to provide exceptional international connectivity, CSMIA is delighted to extend its network to LOT Polish Airlines who also aims to provide Indians and International travellers Gateway to India and also offer enhanced connectivity to Poland and Europe at large. With the inaugural flight taking off today, CSMIA further strengthens its ties with Poland and neighbouring nations in Europe. The launch of the new nonstop service between Mumbai and Warsaw is a testament of CSMIA’s longstanding promise to continue to be a partner to the airlines in our endeavour to provide seamless access not just to Europe, but also be a gateway to the global destinations.” Modern aircraft and excellent service The new Mumbai-Warsaw route is operated by LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 787 flagship aircraft. In fact, LOT operates all long-haul routes exclusively with its Boeing 787 fleet featuring three classes of service on board: LOT Business Class, LOT Premium Economy Class and LOT Economy Class. All guests can enjoy International and Indian meals and various amenities and services including personal in-flight entertainment system featuring Bollywood blockbusters and classics among others.

    Recent News

    Safran to develop new landing gear for next generation military aircraft

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    Toronto, May 31 2022: Safran Landing Systems Canada Inc. has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin to provide the design, development and qualification of a landing gear structure for a future aircraft. This new structure will include a clean sheet design of the nose and main landing gear. “We are honored to work with Lockheed Martin on a high technology value proposition for this future platform,” says Deane Weatherby, President of Safran Landing Systems Canada Inc. “Safran Landing Systems will apply its engineering expertise in structural and full landing gear systems to this project to meet demanding requirements in today’s market.” This work, to include all landing gear qualification testing, will be completed by the team at Safran Landing Systems Toronto, Canada.

    Airports

    Surat Airport gearing up for holistic development with world-class facilities

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    New Delhi, 1st June 2022: Surat, the financial capital of Gujarat and hub for diamond and textile business in India attracts air travelers in large numbers. Considering the magnificent rise in passenger traffic, AAI is extensively working towards the holistic development of the airport with a project cost of Rs 353 Crores. The development project includes extension of existing terminal building from 8474 sqm to25520 sqm. In addition to the extension of terminal building, the expansion of apron from five parking bays to 18 Parking bays and construction of parallel taxi track(2905mX30m) work is also in progress. After completion of project, the new state-of –the-art extended terminal building will be capable of handling 1200 Domestic and 600 International passengers’ during peak hours making the annual passenger capacity of 2.6 Million. Equipped with all modern passenger amenities, the terminal building will have 20 check-in counters, five aero bridges, In-Line baggage handling system,five conveyor belts for arriving passengers. The new terminal building will also have a parking area with capacityfor475cars. The terminal will be a 4-Star GRIHA rated energy efficient building with sustainability features. The interiors of the terminal building will reflect the art and culture of Gujarat.More than 58% of the work for extension of terminal building is completed and the building will be ready by 31st December 2022. Surat Airport facilitates to a large number of business community across the country, as it is directly connected to 16 cities across the country. The new world-class terminal building of the airport will enhance the connectivity to this industrial City, giving impetus to the overall growth of the region.

    Events

    5TH AIRPORT MODERNISATION SUMMIT

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    Event Date: 14th & 15th July 2022 Venue: Delhi, India Hosted By: TraiCon Events Media Partner: Aviation WorldAirports are becoming living labs for adopting next generation development formats and concepts in and around their terminals, as well as on their commercial properties. Smart Airport is now passing from 2.0 era to 3.0 era. The global smart airport market is expected to reach close to $13 billion by 2019 and $14.87 billion by 2021 & US$25.9 billion by 2025.After the grand successful execution of four consecutive Airport Modernization Summit, continuing our efforts to support the smart airport ecosystem now we are hosting 4th Annual Airport Modernization Summit. This summit is a new international platform that will bring together the most significant innovations & technologies that are shaping the design, features and day-to-day operations of the modern airports. At this summit we will explore how to create successful collaborations between public and private sectors; the ways to fully leverage the modernization opportunities that will help boost Infrastructure, transportation, increase investment opportunities and to develop smart sustainable airport. For more information contact:Alfin Vinod:- M: +91-9036981048 ;Email: alfin@traiconevents.com

    FOREWORD

    Dear Reader’s,

     

    The current edition of Aviation World has covered many areas of Aerospace & Defence based on the latest development in the sector. The front cover highlights three different images, first for the Union Civil Aviation Minister ….. who is leading from the front to steer Indian Civil Aviation sector to witness one of the most interesting phases. He is also facing most tumultuous timing due to the ongoing financial stress in the Aviation sector due to ATF rising cost and long airspace restrictions resulting in mounting losses for Indian carriers. Despite of all the ground level challenges,the minister is addressing new things on regular basis which keeps the sector motivated. We have featured many such developmental works in this edition done under his guidance which will be interesting to read.

    Our lead story on “ The West War” is another important feature which covers the ground level reality of the challenges faced by the Aviation sector. Its though time ahead and we believe it will pass soon .

    There are features on Regional connectivity and MoCA revised rules on the UDAN 2.0 and how its going to transform the flying experience within India.

    In this edition, we have covered topics on MRO,Various Policy changes,Sea Plane Operations by SkyHop Aviation, TATA-Airbus joint project on C295 military aircraft under Make In India which is expected to roll out soon and many other interesting contents which will be good to read.

    We are covering Farnborough International Airshow 2026 from 20-24July 2026 in London and our next edition will be based on the same event.For features, you may contact our team on priority basis.

     

    Happy Reading!

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    NEWSLETTER

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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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