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Drones

MoCA grants drone use permission to 10 organizations

New Delhi, 16 August 2021: Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have granted conditional exemption from Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021 to 10organizations. The detail of these permissions include: 1.Government of Karnataka : Drone based aerial survey for creating urban property ownership records in Bengaluru 2.National Health Mission, Mumbai: For conducting experimental BVLOS drone flights to deliver essential healthcare items in tribal areas of Jawhar in Palghar district of Maharashtra 3.Gangtok Smart City Development : Drone based aerial survey for Smart City Project 4.Steel Authority of India, IISCO Steel Plant, Burnpur, West Bengal: For conducting perimeter surveillance of the plant 5.Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy, Hyderabad, Telangana: For conducting remote pilot training using drones 6.Blue Ray Aviation, Gujarat : For conducting remote pilot training using drones 7.Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited, Chennai: For conducting drone based aerial spraying to assess crop health & prevent crop disease 8.Mahindra & Mahindra, Mumbai, Maharashtra: For conducting drone based agricultural trials & precision spraying on paddy & hot pepper crop in the state of Telangana & Andhra Pradesh respectively 9.Bayer Crop Science, Mumbai, Maharashtra: For conducting drone based agricultural research activities & agricultural spraying 10.Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune For atmospheric research at these 5 locations: -IITM Bhopal; NDA, Pune; Karad Airpor; -Osmanabad Airport; Mohammed Airfield, Farrukhabad. These exemptions are valid for a period of one year from the date of approval or until further orders, whichever is earlier and shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the SOP issued by DGCA.

Events

DAS 21 to reflect Dubai’s role in driving the recovery of the aviation industry

Dubai, UAE – 16 August 2021: The Dubai Airshow 2021, set to take place from 14-18 November 2021, serves as a key indicator of Dubai’s success in overcoming the challenges that the pandemic has posed, and moving in the right direction towards achieving a full recovery of the aviation industry. Commenting on the progress that Dubai’s aviation sector has made following the pandemic, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said: “We have crossed many significant milestones this year despite the difficult period. Dubai has been a symbol of resilience and agility in responding to the challenges that the pandemic brought, and we are confident that the collaborative work done by the sector’s key players to restore consumer confidence and boost travel operations will pave the way for a thriving aviation industry. Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as the ultimate testament to the industry’s steady recovery and growth and firmly establish Dubai as the leading global aerospace hub.” Major Gen. Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Baloushi, Military Advisor to State Minister of Defence and Executive Director for Military Committee for Dubai Airshow: “For many years we have been collaborating and working closely with different defence delegations from across the world for the Dubai Airshow. This engagement has continued virtually throughout the pandemic, and we are now planning on having in-person meetings and sessions at the Airshow itself. With the positive sentiment within the industry and the appetite for business continuity, we believe the Airshow will provide the ideal event for strategic development and the creation of new partnerships. Taking centre stage will be the different technologies that enhance safety and accelerate efficiency. They will play a key role in the aviation, aerospace and defence industries getting back to business following the pandemic. A great experience awaits the industry as they once again gear up to network, discuss the future of the industry and do business at the Dubai Airshow. There will be a high number of attendees from the defence industry at the Airshow and we are very much looking forward to meeting them during the event.” The UAE recently started opening quarantine-free travel corridors with multiple countries across the world, which counts as a major step for bringing a higher influx of travellers and tourists. In addition, Dubai Airports recently re-opened Dubai International’s (DXB)Terminal 1, following a 15-month closure, as part of its plan to ensure the airport’s full operational readiness. DXB is targeting 28 million passengers in 2021. To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, Dubai Airshow 2021 will take place at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site from the 14-18 November 2021. Dubai Airshow 2021 will be held with the support of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, the UAE Ministry of Defence and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, and organised by Tarsus Middle East. The highly anticipated event will provide a platform where international aerospace and defence entities can gather and convene to drive the recovery of the global aviation and aerospace industry. For more information, please visit the website https://www.dubaiairshow.aero/

Recent News

Civil Aviation Secretary flags off the Flight Training Aircraft of APFTAL from Kalaburagi Airport

Mr Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, MoCA laid the foundation stone of Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy Limited(APFTAL) at Kalaburagi Airport in Gulbarga on 15th August 2021. He also flagged off the flight training aircraft of APFTAL from Kalaburagi Airport. In Pix ,Mr Hemanth DP, CEO-APFTAL alongwith Ms Chavi Hemanth, Director APFTAL, and the Airport Director Kalabuargi, Mr S Gyaneshwar. Interacting with the media on the sidelines of Inauguration Mr Pradeep Singh Kharola said,”India has 32 FTO(Flight Training Organization).They were not doing well for various reasons. Eight more are permitted by DGCA recently. Job opportunities for pilots are immense. There is good demand for well-trained pilots.We endeavor to stop the mass exodus to abroad for pilot training and make India a hub for pilot training shortly.This initiative will help the Indian flying training sector in becoming more self-sustaining.

RCS, Recent News

Indigo to operate four new flights in Madhya Pradesh

New Delhi: 13th August 2021: Under the RCS,Indigo will start operation of four new flights from Madhya Pradesh from September 1, 2021 onwards with daily frequency.Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Civil Aviation in a tweet mentioned,four new flights of Indigo are going to start from Madhya Pradesh from 1st September: • Delhi-Gwalior-Delhi • Gwalior-Indore-Gwalior • Indore-Gwalior-Indore The inaugural flight between Bareilly-Mumbai by IndiGo was digitally flagged off by the minister on 12th August from MoCA HQ at Delhi.

Defence

INDIGENOUS AIRCRAFT CARRIER (IAC(P71)) ‘VIKRANT’ RETURNS AFTER SUCCESSFUL MAIDEN SEA VOYAGE

Kochi: 08 Aug, 2021: Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ successfully accomplished its maiden sea voyage today for which she had sailed on 04 Aug 21 from Kochi. Trials progressed as planned and system parameters proved satisfactory. The carrier would continue to undergo series of sea trials to prove all equipment and systems prior handing over the vessel to the Indian Navy.Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) is being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a Public Sector Shipyard under Ministry of Shipping (MoS). IAC is a leading example of the nation’s quest for “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” and Indian Navy’s “Make in India” initiative, with more than 76% indigenous content. The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier is 262 m long, 62 m at the widest part and height of 59 m including the superstructure. There are 14 decks in all, including five in the superstructure. The ship has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1700 people, having gender-sensitive accommodation spaces for women officers. The ship with high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation and survivability, has been designed to accommodate an assortment of fixed wing and rotary aircraft. During the maiden sailing, ship’s performance, including hull, main propulsion, Power Generation and Distribution (PGD) and auxiliary equipment were tested. Trials, which were reviewed by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command on the last day; have progressed as planned and system parameters have been proved satisfactory. The successful completion of maiden trials sorties, despite challenges faced due to COVID-19 pandemic and COVID protocols in place, is testimony to the dedicated efforts of large number of stakeholders for over a decade. This is a major milestone activity and historical event. The carrier would undergo a series of Sea Trials to prove all equipment and systems prior to its delivery in 2022. Delivery of Vikrant is being targeted to coincide with celebrations to commemorate 75th anniversary of India’s independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. With the delivery of IAC, India would join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier and provides thrust to Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Delivery of IAC would also strengthen India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its quest for a blue water Navy.

Civil Aviation

Go First Inducts 49th Airbus A320neo Aircraft to Its Fleet

Mumbai, August 11, 2021: GO FIRST recived its 49th Airbus A320 Neo at New Delhi as part of it fleet expansion.Earlier, it has inducted two Airbus A320neo aircraft in the 1st week of May 2021. GO FIRST has placed firm orders for delivery of 144 Airbus A320neo aircraft as part of its growth plan and the aircarft received was part of the same. Kaushik Khona, Chief Executive Officer, GO FIRST, said, “GO FIRST welcomes 49th A320neos to its fleet. We at GO FIRST, believe that the airline is uniquely placed with its ultra-low cost structure that has always stood us in good stead. GO FIRST has one of the youngest fleet globally – average fleet age of 3.7 years as of February 2021. Besides as of February 10, 2021, 82% of our fleet is predominantly fuel efficient A320neos – which are 17% to 20% more fuel-efficient than A320CEO aircraft with the lightest configuration .” As an ULCC, GO FIRST is focused towards maintaining low unit costs & operational efficiency and reliability to deliver a superior customer experience in comparison to other ULCCs and Low Cost Carriers (LCCs). As per CAPA Report on Indian Aviation Market Overview dated April 26, 2021,GO FIRST had a high aircraft utilization during the fiscal 2020, with an average utilization of 12.9 hours per day with a high load factor of 88.9%*. GO FIRST achieved the best on-time performance among the airlines in India for 15 consecutive months between the period September 2018 to November 2019. GO FIRST also had the least number of cancellations at 0.3% during the fiscal 2021 (as of January 31, 2021). It also had the lowest number of customer complaints at 0.3 per 10,000 customers (as against the industry average of 1.0 per 10,000 customers) during the fiscal 2021 (for the period up to January 31, 2021)*.

Business Aviation, Recent News

Complete Aircraft Group (CAG) acquires Aerocare Aviation Services

10 August 2021: Complete Aircraft Group (CAG), a leading UK independent specialist provider of quality aviation solutions, including the supply of aircraft tooling, parts, and components to airlines worldwide, is proud to announce the acquisition of established business aviation MRO Part 145 provider Aerocare Aviation Services Limited (AASL). The AASL team has been operating for over three decades, providing maintenance, repair, modifications, interior refurbishment, and exterior paint, all to OEM standards. Aerocare will retain its name under the new ownership. The acquisition propels Exeter based CAG, founded in November 2020, firmly into the corporate aviation arena. Hawarden Airport / Chester-based AASL undertakes work on aircraft types including Hawker, King Air and Embraer Phenom 300, for leading charter companies, as well as private owners. The combined businesses bring together 100 talented individuals under CAG CEO and Founder, Warren Crook. CAG supports global airlines, leading MROs, original equipment manufacturers (OEMS) and other aviation related organisations to source and deliver reliable aviation solutions across the world. Utilising its trusted and established vendor supply chain contacts, CAG customer benefit from cost savings and increased efficiency. The purchase of AASL marks a strategic investment for CAG, which recently bolstered its senior management with the addition of Alan Barnes, a prolific, seasoned aerospace professional with 30 years’ experience supporting MROs, including those owned and authorised by leading business aviation manufacturers. Alan Barnes, Head of Operations, Complete Aircraft Group commented: “The acquisition of Aerocare is an important and significant milestone in the continued journey of CAG and their wider group portfolio. I’m delighted to be helping steer this expansion. Aerocare is a world renowned, trusted business with an unsurpassed pedigree currently centred on the Hawker platform. We are looking forward to working with Aerocare General Manager, Jason Davies and his team, to maximise resources and building up capability.”

RCS

flybig to launch maiden flight to Tezu

Guwahati, 11th August 2021: Further enhancing its aerial network in the North East region, flybig has announced start of flight services between Tezu –Guwahati route from 16th August 2021 onwards. With this, flybig will develop a strong air network in Arunachal Pradesh under UDAN-RCS. Gaurav Rathore, Chief Commercial Officer, flybig said, “It gives me immense pride to announce that we have successfully established air connectivity in Tezu providingpeople of this city the freedom to travel via air.Arunachal Pradesh now has a strong air network with earlier Pasighat and now Tezu activating air service. We are grateful to the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu for his support and guidance in carrying out the operation successfully.” Tezu – Guwahati flights will operate with a frequency of four flights per week. The launch fares start from INR 1199 making it possible for a larger number of people to travel by flight. Additionally, flybig is reintroducing the Delhi – Shillong connectivity as per the arrangement with Meghalaya Transport Corporation from 16th August 2021. Passengers can now make the booking for this service.

Airports

Munich Airport once again voted Best Airport in Europe

Munich – August 10, 2021 Even in times of the pandemic, Munich Airport remains at the top of the European rankings: At the annual “World Airport Awards” of the London-based aviation research institute Skytrax, the Bavarian hub airport was once again awarded the title of “Best Airport in Europe” on the basis of a passenger survey. In the global ranking, Munich achieved an outstanding sixth place. Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, is delighted that passengers around the world continue to express their confidence in the airport even in times of the pandemic: “This enormous appreciation encourages us to manage the current difficult situation and is at the same time a great motivation to strive to ensure that our airport can soon regain a top position among hub airports in terms of passenger volume as well. In this year’s awards, Doha Hamad Airport was honored as the world’s best airport, followed by Tokyo Haneda Airport in second place and Singapore Changi in third place. The World Airport Awards were the result of a global survey of passengers from more than 100 countries conducted between August 2020 and July 2021. For Munich Airport, the accolade continues a remarkable series: the airport has been recognized as “Best Airport in Europe” for the 14th time in the last 16 years.

Technology

Fly Gangwon Chooses IBS Software’s PSS Platform to Propel Customer Engagement

Thiruvananthapuram/Yangyang, Aug.11, 2021: Fly Gangwon, the South Korean Tourism Convergence Carrier (TCC) airline startup, has partnered with IBS Software to overhaul its distribution and reservations capabilities as it seeks to attract and retain customers and boost revenue as domestic air travel in South Korea continues to bounce back. By deploying IBS Software’s iFly Res platform, Fly Gangwon will overhaul its limiting, legacy booking system and implement a fully digital, omni channel platform that will empower it to promote and differentiate products and offers through multiple channels, transforming the customer experience in the process. Fly Gangwon’s system was unable to gain customer insight or delivered tailored offers. Moving to the iFly Res cloud platform will enable Fly Gangwon to dynamically manage customer profiles, implement differentiated B2B and B2C internet booking engines and significantly enhance indirect distribution. These capabilities will transform the airline’s retailing experience and customer satisfaction, giving them a competitive edge in the South Korea low-cost market. The deployment is fully cloud enabled, hosted on Amazon Web Services, providing iFly Res with industry leading personal information management and security. IBS Software has already achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Travel and Hospitality Competency status. “Customers are the lifeblood of any passenger airline and it’s critical that we continue to put them first by investing in latest technology to deliver more personalised, relevant and engaging offers and services,” said Won Suk Joo, CEO Fly Gangwon. “Our partnership with IBS Software will bring us closer than ever to our customers, and together we can surprise and delight them in new and increasingly innovative ways.” “In a challenging and competitive market, you need every advantage to thrive. Fly Gangwon’s single-minded dedication to casting away the limitations of legacy technology and embracing cloud technology to transform their passenger offering and customer experience makes them a joy to work with,” saidDavid Friderici, Head of Aviation Passenger Solutions, IBS Software. “Dynamic, data-led PSS undoubtedly deliver airlines with a competitive advantage, higher revenues and more engaged, happier customers. We’re excited to continue innovating with Fly Gangwon and seeing the partnership deliver commercial value.”

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

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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