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    Airports

    Jaipur International Airport handed over to Adani Jaipur International Airport Limited

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    New Delhi, 11th October 2021: Jaipur International Airport handed over to Adani Jaipur International Airport Limited (“AJIAL”), at 00:00 hours on 11th October 2021 (midnight of 10.10.2021) for Operations, Management and Development through Public Private Partnership mode for a lease period of 50 years. Through an international competitive bidding process, AEL had emerged as a successful bidder for the Jaipur International Airport and a Concession Agreement was signed by Airports Authority of India with AJIAL on 19th January 2021. As per the terms of the Concession Agreement, AJIAL shall be paying Airports Authority of India, a monthly concession fee of Rs.174 per embarking and disembarking domestic passenger. In case of international passengers, the concession fee shall be Rs.348 per embarking and disembarking passenger.

    Top Stories

    Domestic passenger traffic accelerates in September 2021 : ICRA

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    New Delhi: October 06, 2021 •September 2021 witnessed a 2-3% sequential growth and 74% YoY growth in domestic passenger traffic as infections declined •However, elevated aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices continue to pose a near term challenge; sequential increase of 9.0% witnessed in October 2021The domestic air passenger traffic grew by ~2-3% at around 68-69 lakh in September 2021, compared to ~67 lakh in August 2021. The same reflects a Y-o-Y growth of ~74%. The airlines’ capacity deployment for September 2021 was around 54% higher than September 2020 (~61,100 departures in September 2021, against 39,628 departures in September 2020). On a sequential basis, the number of departures in September 2021 were higher by ~6%, as Covid-19 infections demonstrated a downward trajectory. Mr. Suprio Banerjee, Vice President & Sector Head, ICRA said: “For September 2021, the average daily departures were at ~2,100, significantly higher than the average daily departures of ~1,321 in September 2020, and higher than ~1,900 in August 2021, though they remained lower than ~2,200 in Jan 2021. The average number of passengers per flight during September 2021 was 113, against an average of 117 passengers per flight in August 2021. Though the recovery continued in September 2021, demand continues to be subdued from the corporate traveller segment as reflected by passenger traffic being lower by ~38% in September 2021 compared to pre-Covid levels. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), reduced the permissible capacity deployment to 50% of pre-Covid levels, with effect from June 01, 2021 due to the resurgence of the second wave of the pandemic. It had increased the permitted capacity to 72.5% with effect from August 12, 2021, but has now permitted increasing the capacity to 85.0% with effect from September 18, 2021 until further orders. Additionally, effective September 18, 2021, the Ministry relaxed the fare cap rule wherein the fare caps in each of the bands shall be applicable up to next only 15 days on a rolling basis. Hence, the minimum and maximum fare chargeable shall continue to be rolled over for the next 15 days cycle compared to 30 days earlier. In ICRA’s view, the increase in permitted capacity to 85.0% levels is a step in the right direction, given the onset of the festive season. Also, reduction in fare cap roll over period from 30 days to 15 days is a move towards market driven pricing as applicable during the pre-Covid period, wherein the pricing was determined by the actual demand-supply dynamics and real passenger load factors. While the scheduled international operations have been suspended further till October 31, 2021, under the Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) for evacuation of Indian citizens from foreign countries, which started from May 07, 2020, international passenger traffic (inbound and outbound) for Indian carriers stood at ~46 lakh for the period May 07, 2020 to September 30, 2021. For September 2021, international passenger traffic for Indian carriers under the VBM was estimated at ~4.0 lakh, a sequential growth of ~30%. As for the aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, there has been a sharp increase of 78.6% on a YoY basis till October 2021, attributed to increase in crude oil prices. This coupled with low capacity utilisation of aircraft fleet will continue to weigh on financial performance of Indian carriers in FY2022. Furthermore, the credit profile of most Indian carriers continues to be characterised by a weak liquidity position.

    Defence

    High Commissioner of Bangladesh honours 1971 War Veterans onboard BNS Somudra Avijan at Visakhapatnam

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    05 October 2021; Visakhapatnam As part of Birth Centenary celebrations of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, His Excellency Mr Muhammad Imran, High Commissioner of Bangladesh honoured 10 Indian Naval War Veterans from across the country acknowledging their contribution in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 at a function hosted onboard BNS Somudra Avijan at Visakhapatnam on 05 Oct 21. Rear Adm Tarun Sobti, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet was the Chief Guest for the event which was attended by Rear Adm Jyotin Raina, NM, VSM CSO (Ops) and other senior officers of the ENC.

    Tourism

    Vacation Like a Local in Virginia

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    06th October 2021:Feature/ Tourism Lesser-Known Hidden Gems Across the Commonwealth Virginia offers a wealth of popular tourism destinations such as Virginia Beach and Shenandoah National Park. While both are incredible places for a holiday, they tend to get booked early during high season. But no worries, Virginia has you covered. All around the state you will find, lesser-known hidden gems perfect for new adventure. Take some advice from the locals and check out these low-key, yet idyllic destinations for your next U.S. holiday. Craving some water-time fun in the sun? The small beach towns of the Chesapeake Bay are calling your name. Check out Colonial Beach, a quaint, riverside resort town complete with sandy beaches and a variety of marinas. It’s known as a boater’s paradise and often called the Playground of the Potomac. If you like to soak up both history and sunshine on your beach excursions, consider Fort Monroe. Situated at the mouth of the James River, Fort Monroe has several secluded beach fronts that line the Chesapeake Bay. Nicknamed Freedom’s Fortress, this bayside community was once a former military base, and during a visit you’ll discover just how integral the fort was to American history. If you’re seeking to really find some peace and quiet, Onancock is right up your alley. Called “the Gem of the Eastern Shore” this small town is chalk full of waterfront excursions, award-winning restaurants, and a diverse arts scene. In and around the famous Chesapeake Bay there’s plenty to keep you busy. Kiptopeke State Park invites guests to learn about Chesapeake Bay ecology and the natural history of the region while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities including kayaking, fishing, hiking and swimming. If you’re interested in learning about the Chesapeake Bay while also getting out on the water, book a kayak tour with SouthEast Expeditions. They provide several interesting tours for every type of traveler, including kayak trips to great Virginia wines at Chatham Vineyards in Machipongo, a guided paddle through the Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge, and an aqua-culture tour where you’ll harvest your own clams for dinner. Another must-see stop on the Eastern Shore of Virginia is the Assateague Island National Seashore, a protected barrier island off the eastern side of the peninsula complete with miles of pristine white sand beaches, a historic lighthouse, and of course, the beautiful wild ponies made famous in the classic book “Misty of Chincoteague”. Visitors can also catch a ferry to nearby Tangier Island, a remote island off the coast accessible only by air or sea, which has been called the “Soft-Shell Crab Capital of the World.” With more than 7,000 miles of shoreline, we’ve barely scratched the surface with our few pointers above. Check here for more hidden beaches from locals in the know. Shenandoah National Park has become a legend, with songs, poems, and letters penned by famous authors memorializing the stunning scenery of the landscape. The Park attracts thousands to see the views with their own eyes each year. However, the locals know that the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests also contain impressive scenic beauty that is not to be missed. These national forests combined in 1995 to form a 1,664,110-acre park through the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, running all the way from the Tennessee border in Southwest Virginia to the northwest corner along the West Virginia state line. You can hike or bike the more than 2,200 miles of trails; fish, kayak, or canoe the 2,300 miles of streams; or simply take a drive to admire the wildlife and abundance of native plants untouched by civilization. While in the area, stop by Burke’s Garden in Tazewell, an awe-inspiring mountain-ringed valley known as “God’s Thumbprint’ due to its aerial appearance. South of Shenandoah, on the western edge of the Virginia Mountain region, you’ll find another spot the locals love. The Alleghany Highlands are known for beautiful views, outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking, and delicious maple syrup that is harvested within the Highlands. It is the perfect destination for those looking to get “off the grid” and unwind with a little peace and quiet. With Highland County referred to as Virginia’s “Little Switzerland”, this mountainous region is a must-see vacation spot in the Commonwealth. Iconic spots within the Alleghany Highlands include Humpback Bridge, the only covered humpback bridge still standing in America, Falling Spring, a breathtaking 80-foot waterfall in Covington, and the Historic Masonic Theatre, Clifton Forge’s opera house and masonic lodge that dates back to 1905. Make your way to the Garth Newel Music Center in Hot Springs for live music performances and a taste of the musical heritage of the region. Hike some of the almost 40 miles of trails within Douthat State Park, which are also open to mountain bikers. And before leaving the Alleghany Highlands, stop by Sugar Tree Country Store to pick up a few bottles of premium Highland County Maple Syrup. A vacation to Virginia is all about discovering what you love. Aviation World Online.Contents and Image provided by Virginia Tourism Corporation

    Airports

    En-route to Airports 4.0

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    GREEN AIRPORT Driving sustainability is the key to future of Indian airports By Ashutosh Shukla In the globalised world, air travel is the single-most important medium for world connectivity, fostering global trade, transport, and travel. While it is true that the recent unprecedented challenges have stalled aviation sector for a considerable period, the world economies are already finding innovative ways to resume flying. As the countries round the world progress into more evolved economies, air travel will be more dynamic and entail more complexities. There will be more people travelling than ever before. More complex models of flight travel will come into play. As increasing travel cost for the long-term may not be a pro-business solution, aviation companies will look for more cost-effective models of facilitating air travels while making their services more accessible for the masses. While the sector and the world navigate through the current challenge, there’s an even bigger problem staring at us in the form of climate change. Therefore, like all sectors, sustainability is one of the most important aspects of the future of aviation sector. The global aviation industry produces 2 per cent of all human induced carbon dioxide emissions in the world, while it amounts to 12 per cent of CO2 emissions from all transport sectors. Contrary to popular perception, it is not the airplanes that are so much a cause for concern. Today, jet aircrafts are 80 per cent more efficient than the first jets of 1960. There has been good success in identification of sustainable aviation fuels. With 82 per cent occupancy, which is greater than other modes of transport of the world, the latest airplanes use less than 3 litres of jet fuel per 100 passenger kilometers. The greater challenge lies in the airports itself. Being huge energy users, large airports can daily consume equivalent electricity and thermal energy as that of a small city of 100,000 people. Amidst growing complexities and footfalls of air travel, it’s the airports which have to undertake a major transformation not only to achieve sustainability objectives. Green Initiatives at the Indian Airports: Apart from various private airports in India which has been recognized by global bodies for their green initiatives, there have been significant measures initiated by Airport Authority of India (AAI), which achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation “Level-2: Reduction” certificates from ACI for four of its Airports last year. Furthermore, AAI has implemented several other measures, including energy audits, invested in solar power plant installations, LED light installations, so on and so forth, across various airports. However, to progress towards the airports of the future, it is essential that India works towards Airport 4.0. Energy utilization and building in operational efficiencies as two of the most important factors towards sustainability. The airports of today need to adopt advance technologies, automation, and big data for a more integrated, energy efficient and connected ecosystems while developing more decarbonized, sustainable and decentralized infrastructure. While Indian airports are moving towards green energy, the integration of microgrids would be a major move in bringing about the transformation. While relatively new to the aviation sector, microgrids have been tremendously successful in data centers, major healthcare facilities, and commercial buildings. Armed with self-contained electrical networks, microgrids empower airports on-site power management capabilities. The solution can be integrated with linear, conventional sources of power as well as with more dynamic renewable energy sources. Backed by distributed energy resources management capabilities, microgrids can optimize energy utilization and reduce energy wastage, especially for renewable energy sources with activating on-site storage facilities. Furthermore, they employ advance features to balance the supply and demand and ensure power continuity during outages, thereby providing cost saving and energy security. Resource to Airport 4.0: By investing into extensive digitization of the entire airport value chain and infrastructure management, Airport 4.0 will take the Indian aviation sector towards greater resource efficiency while taking it closer to larger sustainability objectives such as carbon neutrality in the coming decades. This can be made a reality by leveraging IoT, AI and data analytics and strengthening airports with end-to-end digital solutions. In the decades to follow, sustainability will become increasingly crucial and leveraging new age technologies will be increasingly essential. The pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of the aviation sector. It has only put spotlight on the urgency to adopt automation and digitalisation of the airport management and operations. For the future of Indian airports, the transformation must begin now, and en-route to Airport 4.0, achieving sustainability will be the key for a successful transformation. (The feature is written by Mr. Ashutosh Shukla, Director-Transportation & Mobility at SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC India. Views presented are personal.)

    Top Stories

    Vistara Named Best Airline in India & Southern Asia By Skytrax

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    Delhi/London, September 29, 2021: Indian full-service carrier,Vistara has been named as ‘Best Airline in India & Southern Asia’ and ‘Best Airline Staff in India & Southern Asia’, at the 2021 World Airline Awards by Skytrax.Vistara was voted for by global air travellers based on their experiences, elevating the airline to the 28th position amongst 350 global airlines (up from 69th in 2019 and 86thin 2018). Additionally, Vistara also won the award for ‘Best Cabin Crew in India & Southern Asia’, besides getting ranked the highest in India for Cabin Cleanliness. The World Airline Awards are based on surveys of more than 13 million travellers for the period between September 2019 and July 2021. Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara said, “We are very delighted to have won these prestigious awards that recognise the consistent efforts by each and every team member towards offering a world-class travel experience to our customers. We would like to thank Skytrax for the recognitions and express gratitude to all our customers for placing their trust in us.” Commenting on the Awards for Vistara, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said, “Vistara has achieved a remarkable success by winning these two major awards, demonstrating their leadership for the highest product and staff service standards. Vistara also jumped up the global ratings to be ranked at No 28 out of 350 airlines. We look ahead with optimism for 2022 that air travel may be restored to more normal times.”

    Drones

    First of its kind Swarm Drone Show was organised at IIT Delhi

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    28th September 2021,New Delhi: The first of its kind Swarm Drone Show was organised at IIT Delhi on 28th September. The formation consisted of approx. 80 indigenously built drones by BotLab Dynamics. The formation included a DNA structure a cylindrical cone, a ‘Thank U’ formation in honour of Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secy., MoCA, who’s retiring by the end of this Sept. Showstopping formation of the evening was The Indian flag, held up all high with all indigenously built drones.

    Defence

    MoD signs contract with Airbus for 56 C-295MW transport aircraft

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    24 SEP 2021, NEW DELHI: Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Airbus Defence and Space, Spain for acquisition of 56 C-295MW transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, on September 24, 2021. The MoD has also signed an Offset Contract with M/s Airbus Defence and Space through which M/s Airbus will discharge its offset obligations through direct purchase of eligible products and services from Indian Offset Partners. These contracts were signed following the approval accorded by the Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month. The induction of C-295MW will be a significant step towards modernisation of the transport fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology that will replace the ageing Avro transport aircraft of IAF. The aircraft is capable of operating from semi-prepared strips and has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops & cargo. The aircraft will give a major boost to tactical airlift capability of IAF, especially in the Northern and North-Eastern sector and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The project will provide a major boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ of the Government that offers a unique opportunity for the Indian private sector to enter into technology intensive and highly competitive aviation industry. Out of 56, forty aircraft will be manufactured in India by TATA Consortium. All the deliveries will be completed within ten years of signing of the contract. All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite. After completion of the delivery, the subsequent aircraft manufactured in India can be exported to countries which are cleared by the Government of India. The project will give a boost to aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over the country will be involved in manufacturing of parts of the aircraft. The program will also involve development of specialised infrastructure in the form of hangars, buildings, aprons and taxiway. This programme is a unique initiative of the Government to strengthen the indigenous capabilities and boost ‘Make in India’.

    RCS

    Alliance Air to start flight to Sidhudurg connecting rest of the country via Mumbai

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    22nd Sept, 2021, New Delhi: Alliance Air will now commence daily direct flight operations from Mumbai to Sindhudurg & back effective 09th October 2021. This flight will operate under the RCS Udan Scheme of Government of India. The airline will deploy its luxurious 70 seater ATR 72 600 aircraft to connect these cities. Flight 9I 661 will depart from Mumbai at 1135 hrs and arrive in Sindhudurg at 1300 hrs. Flight 9I 662 will depart from Sindhudurg at 1325 hrs and arrive in Mumbai at 1450 hrs. Sindhudurg, is a tourist destination located along the Konkan coast, between Vengurla and Malvan. This flight will bring coastal Konkan on the national air map &add convenience and comfort to travellers creating a gateway for people to easily access the Konkan region, noted for its pristine beaches, temples and forts. The travel time between the Mumbai ; Sindhudurg by road is approximately 9 hours 23 minutes which will be reduced to just 1 hour 25 minutes of air travel for commuters.

    Defence

    Air Marshal V R Chaudhari appointed next Chief of Air Staff

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    21 SEP 2021.NEW DELHI Government has decided to appoint Air Marshal V R Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, presently Vice Chief of Air Staff, as the next Chief of the Air Staff after the retirement of Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC on 30th September, 2021. Air Marshal V R Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, was commissioned into the Fighter stream of Indian Air Force on 29th December 1982 and has held various Command, Staff and Instructional Appointments at various levels including the present one as Vice Chief of Air Staff. This Air Officer is decorated with PVSM, AVSM, VM. ( PIB)

    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!

    USEFUL LINK

    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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