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Defence

INDIAN NAVY SHOWCASES LATEST INDIGENOUS ACQUISITIONS DURING THE PRESIDENT’S FLEET REVIEW

New Delhi; Monday, 21 Feb, 2022: The Hon’ble President and Supreme Commander of the armed forces of India, Ram Nath Kovind reviewed the Indian Navy Fleet at Visakhapatnam on 21 Feb 22. With the theme ‘75 years in Service of the Nation,’ Indian Navy showcased its latest state-of-art indigenously built combat platforms during the 12th edition of the Fleet Review which was also conducted as part of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence being celebrated as ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. After a 21-Gun Salute and Ceremonial Guard of Honour, the President embarked on the Presidential yacht, INS Sumitra, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel designated as the Presidential yacht. The President was received by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of Naval Staff. The Yacht sailed past 44 ships from the Navy, Coast Guard, SCI and MoES lined up in four columns at anchorage off Visakhapatnam, exhibiting the nation’s maritime power in full display. A spectacular flypast was conducted as a part of the static review of the Fleet. During the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines carried out high-speed steam past alongside the Presidential yacht. Several enthralling waterfront activities by Parade of Sails, Search and Rescue Demonstration at Sea, Aerobatics by Hawk aircraft and Water Para Jumps by the elite Marine Commandos (MARCOS) held the guests mesmerised. As the presidential yacht passed between the review columns, each ship dressed in full regalia, manned by her ship’s company saluted the President with traditional “Three Jais” in a demonstration of the unconditional allegiance to the country and the Supreme Commander. The Hon’ble President also witnessed demonstrations in the form of a composite flypast by 55 aircraft including Chetaks, ALH, Sea Kings, KAMOVs, Dorniers, IL-38SD, P8I, Hawks and MiG 29K. Addressing the Fleet during the Review, the Hon’ble President said that the Indian Navy’s constant vigil, prompt response to incidents and untiring efforts have been highly successful in ensuring Safety of the seas and of the maritime commons which are critical to our trade and energy needs. The President expressed his happiness on the Indian Navy becoming increasingly self-reliant and being at the forefront of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He noted that about 70 per cent of the contents of several warships and submarines under construction in various public and private shipyards across the country are indigenous. He said that it is a matter of great pride that India has built nuclear submarines and soon we would have our indigenously built aircraft carrier, ‘Vikrant’, joining the service. He added that the development of indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities is an impressive contribution to the making of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. (full transcript of the address by the Hon’ble President during the review is attached). The Review was followed by the release of a special First Day Cover and a commemorative stamp by the Hon’ble President in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Communication Devusinh J Chauhan.

Recent News

Vipula Gunatilleka Joins as CFO of Jet Airways

New Delhi, February 22, 2021: In a recent development, Jalan Kalrock Consortium has appointed Vipula Gunatilleka as Chief Financial Officer of Jet Airways. He will be joining from March 1, 2022. Vipula Gunatilleka was the CEO of SriLankan Airlines until January 2022 and had joined the airlines in 2018. Prior to joining SriLankan Airlines, Vipula was the CFO & Board Member of TAAG Angola Airlines from November 2015 to July 2018 under Emirates Management. He played a pivotal role to turnaround the loss-making national carrier of Angola. Ankit Jalan, Member of the Monitoring Committee of Jet Airways and part of Jalan-Kalrock Consortium said “We are excited to welcome Vipula Gunatilleka to our young and energic team . Vipula is an aviation expert and regarded as a turnaround specialist in the industry. He has been shortlisted after a rigorous process run by our Executive Team over the last several months. I am certain Vipula will be an asset to the organization and will provide the necessary vision to revive the operations of Jet Airways as per the plans of the Consortium.” Vipula is known for his astute knowledge in aircraft financing, strategic planning, cost-efficient business modelling and openness to adopt hybrid models to keep business costs low and efficiency high. Speaking on his plans, Vipula Gunatilleka said, “I am very excited to join the company and I look forward to contributing my knowledge of last 30 years in Jet Airways’ resurgence in its new avatar. We will capitalize on the strong brand value which Jet Airways has in the market and use it to re-build the lost ground.” He further added,“I first joined SriLankan Airlines as its CFO in 2001, when it was part of the Emirates Group and was establishing its feet in the Indo-Pacific Sub-Continent. Having spent sufficient time in leadership roles in the aviation industry including as CEO of SriLankan Airlines until January 2022, I am aware of the responsibility that lingers on the shoulders of the leadership team, especially the CFO and I am confident Jet Airways will soon regain its lost glory.”

Business Aviation

Aerodata AG places order for two Special Missions Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft at Singapore Airshow

Singapore, 16th February 2022: At the Singapore Airshow 2022, Aerodata AG Germany has ordered two Textron Aviation Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft,equipping them for the flight inspection mission. These special mission aircraft will be owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India and based in Delhi. Aerodata is a privately owned company having its base at Braunschweig-Wolfsburg Airport in Germany. Under its Flight Inspection System it provides AeroFIS for the inspection of all NAVAids and flight procedures that need calibration or validation. At the occasion, Bob Gibbs, vice president, Special Mission Sales, Textron Aviation said, “With the selection of the King Air 360 to replace their existing King Air B300s, we are honored that Aerodata and the Airport Authority of India has continued confidence in the Beechcraft King Air to perform this critical flight inspection mission. The Airport Authority of India will use the aircraft for inspection and calibration of en-route and terminal navigation aids throughout India.” Hans J. Stahl, President & CEO, Aerodata said,“With the purchase of these additional two King Air aircraft we further our long-term, fruitful relationship with the Airports Authority of India. With the Beechcraft King Air 360, we have chosen a state-of-the-art aircraft, fully compliant to the high-level requirements of the end user and will install the latest flight inspection system – AeroFIS.” From left to right: Chris Bogaars, Sales Director – Special Missions, Textron Aviation, Mareile Langhorst, Director Flight Inspection Systems, Aerodata AG and Thorsten Heinke, Senior Program Manager, Aerodata AG. In Pix: (L-R) Chris Bogaars, Sales Director – Special Missions, Textron Aviation, Mareile Langhorst, Director Flight Inspection Systems, Aerodata AG and Thorsten Heinke, Senior Program Manager, Aerodata AG.

Airports

Chandigarh Airport presented Interim Dividend of Rs 6.67 Crore to AAI

New Delhi, 18th February 2022: Chandigarh International Airport Limited presented Interim dividend amounting to Rs. 6.67 Crore (Net of Taxes) for the Financial year 2021-22 to Airports Authority of India (AAI) on 17th February 2022. M.N.N Rao ED (Engg) & Nominee Director of CHIAL, D.K. Kamra, RED (NR), AAI & Nominee Director, CHIAL & CEO Rakesh Dembla handed over the cheque to Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman, AAI in the presence of A K Pathak,Member (Planning) & M Suresh, Member (ANS).Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL), a Joint Venture Company was formed by AAI (51% stake), the Government of Haryana (24.5% stake) & the Government of Punjab (24.5% stake).

Recent News

SpiceJet adds Khajuraho to its domestic network

GURUGRAM, February 18, 2022: Adding one more sector in its flight map, Indian LCC SpiceJet announced the addition of Khajuraho,a UNESCO World Heritage Site as its 15th UDAN destination under UDAN.The airline will be launching 24 new flights and will be connecting Delhi with Sharjah for the first time on its network. The new domestic and international non-stop flights will commence operations from 18th February, 2022 in a phased manner. CMD, SpiceJet, Ajay Singh and Minister of Civil Aviation,Jyotiraditya Scindia flagged-off SpiceJet’s inaugural flight from Khajuraho to Delhi in the presence of Khajuraho MP Vishnu Datt Sharma and other minsitry officails at MOCA HQ through virtual mode. The airline will operate flights between Delhi and Khajuraho twice-a-week on Fridays and Sundays. The UDAN fare on Delhi-Khajuraho-Delhi sector will start at INR 3,209 plus taxes. Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet said, “We are delighted to add Khajuraho to our network as we launch 24 new flights beginning February 18, 2022. Khajuraho, a UNESCO world heritage site which will be our 15th UDAN destination, attracts tourists from all over the world for its rich history of art and culture. SpiceJet will be the only airline connecting Khajuraho with Delhi with a non-stop flight and we are proud to provide the much-needed fillip to boost travel and tourism of this historic city and State.” The airline will be connecting Delhi with Sharjah with a non-stop flight, which will operate four-times-a-week. From March 1st, 2022, SpiceJet will connect Chennai–Jodhpur, Mumbai–Jharsuguda, Mumbai-Tirupati and Varanasi-Dehradun for the first time on its network. The airline will also launch new flights connecting Kolkata-Surat and add additional frequencies on the Pune-Goa, Delhi-Guwahati, Delhi-Jharsuguda, Delhi-Jabalpur and Delhi-Darbhanga sectors. The airline will be deploying the mix of its Boeing 737 and Q400 aircraft on these routes.

Recent News

Jazeera Airways returns to profitability in record time in 2021 with KD7.1 million

Kuwait, February 13, 2022: Jazeera Airways returned to profitability for the year 2021, a period which continued to be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on travel, reporting a net profit of KD7.1 million for the year, up 126.8% from the previous year. The earnings were supported by an increase of 48.2% in the number of passengers flown, which reached 1.0 million, while load factors increased by 3.9% to 66.8% and yield increased by 28.6% to KD73.9. Operating revenue for 2021 stood at KD80.4 million, up 94.3%, and operating profit increased by 152.2% to KD10.8 million. The airline returned to profitability in record time during the third quarter of the year following a second year impacted by restrictions and limitations in capacity imposed on travel at Kuwait International Airport, and globally, in response to the continued spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Jazeera maintained the positive performance in the last quarter (Q4) of the year with a net profit of KD7.0 million, a 164.6% increase from the same quarter of 2020. Operating revenue increased by 285.5% to KD33.1 million while operating profit increased by 204.3% to KD9.3 million. Number of passengers in Q4 increased by 476.6% to 520.2 thousand passengers, while the load factor increased by 35.2% to 74.2% and average utilisation of aircraft increased by 220.4% to 9.2 hours. Commenting on the results, Jazeera Airways Chairman, Marwan Boodai said: “Jazeera’s performance in 2021 is proof that its flexible and resilient business model continues to safeguard customers, employees and shareholders in times of crises. Financially, our airline took the right steps to control costs and limit cash burn, while operationally we focused on new destinations that satisfied an appetite to travel to destinations marked “Covid-safe” as well as catering to a high and latent demand for connecting flights between the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Speaking of the airline’s performance, Jazeera Airways Chief Executive Officer, Rohit Ramachandran, said: “The challenges that the pandemic brought about in the travel industry in 2020 also opened new opportunities for our airline: cargo operations, charter flights and connecting routes were expanded to benefit our business. We were resourceful in adapting our business operations which enabled us to get through a very difficult period and come back strongly in 2021.”

Recent News

SpiceJet reports a Net Profit of INR 23.28 Crore in Q3 FY 2022

GURUGRAM, February 15, 2022: SpiceJet has reported a Net Profit of INR 23.28 Crore (despite one-time exceptional adjustment of INR 77.46 Crore on account of settlement for the quarter ending December 31, 2021. The airline recorded a 74% rise in the third quarter revenue to INR 2,679 Cr as against INR 1,539 Cr in the previous quarter as it added more destinations and newer aircraft to its fleet. For previous quarter, operating expenses were INR 2,100 Cr as against INR 2,579 Cr for the current quarter. On an EBITDA basis, SpiceJet reported a profit of INR 511 Cr as against a loss of INR 106 Cr for the last quarter. On an EBITDAR basis, the Company reported a profit of INR 644 Cr as against a profit of INR 66 Cr for the last quarter. SpiceXpress, the Company’s logistics platform, continued on its growth trajectory reporting increased revenue of INR 584 Cr for the reported quarter as compared to INR 498 Cr in the last quarter, a jump of 17%. The Company plans to significantly increase freighter capacity in the coming quarters. Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, “I am happy that SpiceJet reported a profit in Q3 FY2022 driven by excellent logistics operations, rebound in passenger traffic and various accommodations from aircraft manufacturer and lessors.” “The passenger industry witnessed the much needed turnaround in third quarter as Covid cases ebbed in the first half of the quarter, travel picked up significantly and there was finally hope that the worst was behind us. However, that changed by the second half of December as Omicron halted that recovery. Our performance would have been much better but was impacted by the unexpected delay in the return to service of the 737 MAX, rising fuel costs and certain exceptional adjustments. I am happy to say that there are renewed signs of recovery in the passenger segment and the logistics segment continues to remain strong. ” The settlement with Boeing was a significant event during the quarter. As expected, the Company received cash and non-cash accommodations significantly in excess of the amounts due to lessors during the period of grounding of MAX aircraft. The settlement not only brought back into operations the grounded 737 MAX aircraft but also paves way for the induction of more efficient and younger MAX aircraft into SpiceJet’s fleet. The settlement also ensures the resumption of new aircraft deliveries from our order of 155 MAX aircraft. SpiceJet celebrated the return to service of the 737 MAX with a special flight from New Delhi to Gwalior. On operational parameters, SpiceJet had the best passenger load factor amongst all airlines in the country during the quarter. The average domestic load factor for the quarter was 85.2%. SpiceJet launched 40 new routes to strengthen its domestic network besides adding Kushinagar as its latest UDAN destination. It also became the first and only airline in India to operate non-stop flights on Delhi-Tirupati sector. In an industry first initiative, the airline built Pilot Docs, a digital library to eliminate the need to carry large amount of paper manuals on the aircraft, resulting in operational efficiency. The global airline association, APEX recognized SpiceJet for its Cabin Crew app in the ‘Newcomer of the Year’ category. Besides, SpiceJet also became the first Indian airline to be awarded the Diamond status from APEX Health Safety for ensuring highest standards of cleanliness and sanitization. During the quarter, the airline also took multiple initiatives to enhance customer experience. SpiceJet revamped its website with improved features to offer customers with a personalized experience through superior navigation and functionality. Besides, in an industry-first approach, it introduced Dolby Atmos on SpiceScreen, its in-flight entertainment system to enhance audio experiences on-board for flyers. The airline also launched a new platform for passengers to choose and book tours, activities and experiences from more than 24,000 handpicked activities and experiences across 55+ countries in partnership with Thrillophilia. In addition, SpiceJet also launched the ‘Book Now, Pay Later’ scheme to add more convenience and allow passengers to pay in easy instalments as per their budget. The airline is now aiming for a stronger comeback in 2022 by utilising and expanding its 737 MAX fleet for better yield and flying experience, launching new customer centric services, optimising daily operations based on IT and expanding network both domestically and internationally.

Recent News

India to allow quarantine-free entry for travellers from 82 countries

New Delhi, 10th Feb 2022: In the latest guidelines issued by Ministry of Health & Welfare, Govt. of India, international travelers are bit relaxed with implementation of more friendly travel policies. The new rule will be applicable from 14th February 20022 onwards. The new travel rules allows passengers of 82 countries to upload their double dose vaccine certificate of Covid-19 on a mutually accepted basis. The Union health ministry has also removed the list of at-risk countries and replaced it with another list of countries in respect of which primary vaccination schedule completion certificate is allowed to be uploaded. These include Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Maldives, New Zealand, Netherlands, Qatar, Singapore, Switzerland, UK and USA. China and UAE are among those not on the list of 82 countries as of now. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted,”The demarcation of countries ‘at-risk’ & other countries is removed. Accordingly need for giving samples on port of arrival & waiting till the result is obtained from countries ‘at-risk’ is dispensed with.” The new guidelines are as follows: *No need for mandatory testing on arrival for travellers from “at-risk” countries. *Samples from 2 per cent of the travellers will be collected at random after de-boarding. *Passengers can give their samples and leave the airport. They do not have to wait for the results. *Passengers will no longer be required to do a seven-day mandatory quarantine. They will have to monitor their health for 14 days. *Passengers will no longer be required to get tested on the eighth day after arrival and upload their test results to the government portal. The vaccination certificates of travellers from countries that have an agreement with India on mutual recognition of certificates for vaccination using nationally recognised or World Health Organization (WHO) recognised vaccines. The vaccination certificates of travellers from countries that do not have an agreement but exempt fully vaccinated Indians from quarantine will also be accepted on the “basis of reciprocity”.

Civil Aviation

IAI Completes Conversion of 100th B767-300 Aircraft

TEL AVIV, 10th FEB 2022: In a major milestone, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed the conversion of the 100th B767-300 aircraft, becoming the world leader in conversions of this model. This achievement highlights IAI’s leading role in the cargo conversion industry for over four decades, and is a testament to IAI’s advanced capabilities, robust pace, and expanding capacity to provide customers worldwide with the most optimal freighter solution. The 100th B767-300 freighter was converted at IAI’s cargo conversion facility in Tel Aviv, Israel, prior to being delivered to the customer. IAI began operating the B767-300 conversion line in Israel in 2007 together with M&B Conversions, a joint venture with Mitsui, and received the STC (Supplementary Type Certificate) in 2009. In 2017, IAI opened an additional B767-300 conversion facility in Mexico, increasing operations to meet global demand for the converted widebody aircraft. The converted B767-300 aircraft provides a competitive and cost-effective solution for customers seeking to increase their cargo fleet, and as air cargo traffic doubles in the next two decades and e-commerce continues rising, IAI will continue providing the best solution on the market.

Recent News

Russian Helicopters Participates in the 9th National NAIS Show

Moscow,February 9, 2022: Russian Helicopters takes part in the 9th National Aviation Infrastructure Show – NAIS 2022. This edition,Russian Helicopters has exhibited HEMS version of Ansat helicopter and BAS-200, a helicopter-type unmanned aircraft. A light multipurpose Ansat with a medical module is designed in order to transport one patient, accompanied by two paramedics. The helicopter contains equipment necessary for monitoring the patient’s medical status and stabilizing the main vital functions during the flight. The use of helicopters for transporting patients to medical facilities ensures prompt casualty evacuation and complies with the “Golden Hour” rule, which implies that rendering professional medical assistance during the first 60 minutes after an accident significantly increases the patient’s chances for survival. NAIS 2022 presents another debutant – a helicopter-type UAV BAS-200. The aircraft may be used for a broad range of aviation tasks: terrain monitoring, cargo delivery, search and rescue operations, agricultural work. The UAV maximum take-off weight is 200 kilograms. It is capable of speeds up to 160 km/h and can carry commercial loads of up to 50 kg. At the same time, the BAS-200 can fly for up to 4 hours at altitudes of up to 3,900 meters.

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!

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

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