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    MRO

    Development of Aircraft Component Manufacturing Eco System in India

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    Projecting Ideas for Domestic Manufacturing Opportunities in the Civil Aviation Sector By Rishikesh Mishra Indian aviation is on the trajectory of fast development. After implementation of Open Sky Policy in the year 1990, this industry has crossed through various ups and downs. It is settled in last 10 years taking a stable path. The Indian aviation market is poised to be the third largest in the world. Moreover, the recent announcements made by Indian carriers for induction of aircraft rose to over 1200 plus. Our strength in trained human resource and skilled management has reached to its optimum level. Now we can say that we can explore other areas to be self-reliant in this sector and reduce overseas dependency. Component and aircraft manufacturing is such arena where still there is dominancy of developed countries. But gradually we have been entering into the marketing sector of components including engines. 1. A prioritised list of civil aviation products that can be made in the country Tier 1 (0–2 years): immediate localisation (high volume, low airworthiness friction) A. Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and MRO Tools • Tow bars, wheel chocks, jacks/axle stands, and docking platforms • Stands for moving engines, APUs, pallets, and shipping equipment • Tool kits that have been calibrated and special tools like rig pins and alignment tools B. Cabin interiors (parts that are not structural or safety-critical) • Panels for the ceiling and sidewalls, PSU panels, trim parts, ducts, and shrouds • Hardware for storing things, signs and placards, and plastic parts inside • Seat covers, cushions, rugs, and curtains C. “Standard” parts made of sheet metal and CNC machining (not critical) • Simple fittings, brackets, clamps, clips, covers, spacers, and shims • Fairings and non-primary panels; door hardware (chosen) D. Connecting and using electrical wires • Bonding leads, wiring harnesses/looms, and ground straps • Junction boxes, clamp kits, cable trays, and relay panels E. Common spare parts and things that run out • Insulation blankets, seals, gaskets, and O-rings (qualified elastomers) • Sleeving and tapes, protective covers, packaging, and kitting [Adopting AS9100D, FAI (AS9102), traceability, workmanship standards, and basic environmental verification when needed are the main things that make this possible.] Tier 2 (2–5 years): Medium complexity (needs process qualification and testing) A. Composite and bonded assemblies (chosen scope) • Honeycomb/sandwich panels (not the main ones to start), composite fairings • Covers for radomes and antennas, access panels, and certified interior monuments B. Chosen parts for hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel, and ECS • Chosen qualified rigid tubing, flexible hoses, fittings, filters, and manifolds • ECS ducting and insulation systems (not in the hot part) C. The ecosystem of landing gear (some of its parts) • Chosen: pins, bushings, bearings, spacers, and torque links • Brake wear indicators, hoses and fittings, and ground locks D. Hardware for avionics mechanics, enclosures, and integration, such as EMI/EMC gaskets, avionics racks/trays, cooling ducts, and antenna subassemblies. • Sensor mounts, brackets, and housings [Important Factors: Special process control, the ability to do non-destructive testing (NDT), cleanliness and pressure testing, support for DO-160 aligned testing, and configuration control.] To be in Tier 3 (5+ years):Need to have a strategic ability (high criticality + deep certification). A. LRUs for avionics that are safety-critical and high-integrity electronics • Certified flight/safety-critical LRUs (hardware and software) and advanced power electronics B. Main structures and big structural assemblies • Structures that hold up the load of the wing and fuselage, as well as big composite primary assemblies C. Advanced parts for the engine and APU, such as the hot section and long horizon • Materials, coatings, and important rotating parts that can handle high temperatures (with OEM/authority approval) [The main things that make this possible are DO-178C/DO-254 programs, high-end environmental and EMI labs, fatigue and endurance rigs, metallurgical labs, mature Part-21 style oversight, and working with OEMs.] SUPPORT REQUIRED FROM GOVERNMENT: The government needs to help this industry for big changes that will have a big effect. 1. A shared national infrastructure for certification and testing for DO-160 environmental, EMC/EMI, vibration, thermal, humidity; materials and fatigue testing; and metrology/calibration hubs. 2. Quick regulatory paths for localisation: clear ways for parts made in the country to be accepted through processes that follow DGCA rules (conformity, traceability, FAI, approved data). 3. Helping MSMEs improve their quality: subsidised adoption of AS9100D, auditor pools, supplier development programs, special-process training, and support for getting qualified. 4. Long-term procurement visibility and demand aggregation: airline/MRO pooled demand forecasting, rate contracts, and localisation targets with clear part families. 5. Making customs and logistics easier for aviation parts: faster clearance lanes for AOG and critical parts, bonded logistics support, and easier loops for re-exporting and fixing parts. 6. Tier-2 and Tier-3 R&D incentives: money for testing rigs, composites, sensors, avionics, and other things; tax breaks for qualified tooling and certification costs. 7. A structured partnership framework between OEMs, lessors, and airlines that gives them incentives to share technology, get licenses to make things, and improve their repair skills in India. 8. Skill development has taken centre stage with tailor-made training and vocational courses that create industry-ready workers who owe demand for skilled MRO professionals. This focus on skill development ensures a steady supply of qualified technicians and engineers for the industry. 9. Introduction of Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council (AASSC) under Skill India Mission(NSDC) in the specialized skill training arena, GOI can plan to produce maximum number of specialized trained professionals(Aircraft Maintenance and Aircraft Manufacturing) to meet the requirement of such professionals in the fast-expanding aviation industry. 10. Under the current rules to approve AME Training Centre, aircraft and engine MROs approved under CAR 145 are only be eligible. Status of old /existing AME Colleges has been just asked to continue with basic changes incorporated in the course design and on job training requirements. In this process, CAR 145 Organizations who have approvals in the component/Parts category and follow the same regulation as of aircraft and engine MROs and enjoys the same privileges except permission to develop

    People

    Alton Aviation Consultancy Singapore appoints Jeffrey Goh as the new MD

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    Singapore, 2nd June 2026: Alton Aviation Consultancy has announced the appointment of Jeffrey Goh as a Managing Director in its Singapore office, where he will strengthen the firm’s global airline advisory practice. Jeffrey brings more than 30 years of international aviation experience across airline leadership, alliance strategy, industry engagement and commercial transformation. Adam Cowburn, Managing Director at Alton Aviation Consultancy, says: “We are delighted to welcome Jeffrey to Alton’s senior team, strengthening our ability to serve airline clients around the world with strategic, well-informed advisory services. His deep experience and knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector will be hugely beneficial to clients navigating an increasingly competitive market.” Jeffrey adds: “Alton has built a strong reputation for combining deep aviation and aerospace expertise with practical, results-oriented advisory support. I’m pleased to be part of the firm at a time of significant change for airlines globally and look forward to providing clients with strategic counsel, while working alongside a fantastic team of advisors.” Prior to Alton, Jeffrey served as Group Chief Executive Officer at Gulf Air Group and before that served as Chief Executive Officer at Star Alliance, leading a period of strategic growth and digital transformation. At the Gulf Air Group, he was instrumental in the network recalibration and customer experience transformation of the airline. During his tenure at Star Alliance, he worked closely with member airline CEOs and leadership teams across network strategy, alliance development, customer experience, and operational collaboration. Previously, he held senior leadership positions at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where he represented airline interests and led industry engagement on policy, regulation, sustainability, and aviation development initiatives. The announcement comes as Alton continues enhancing its capabilities and expertise to it support growing demand from airline clients navigating a complex operating environment while pursuing long-term growth.

    2026

    Asia Pacific Airlines April 2026 Traffic Results

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    Kuala Lumpur,29 May 2026: Preliminary April 2026 traffic figures released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed stable international passenger demand, with growth moderating amid heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Asia Pacific airlines flew an aggregate total of 32.4 million international passengers in April, broadly unchanged compared to the same month last year. In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand nevertheless increased by 3.3% year-on-year, reflecting relatively firmer traffic on longer-haul routes. Available seat capacity increased by a marginal 1.4% year-on-year, as capacity growth was restrained in the wake of sharply higher fuel costs. As a result, international passenger load factors remained high, averaging 84.8% for the month, up by 1.6 percentage points. Meanwhile, the conflict in the Middle East resulted in supply chain disruptions and higher prices for goods, prompting accelerated stockpiling activity as businesses and consumers sought to secure products ahead of further cost increases. This, in turn, lent support to air cargo market growth. International air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), increased by 4.1% year-on-year in April. Offered freight capacity expanded by 4.4%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 60.5% for the month. Commenting on the results, Mr. Wong Hong, AAPA Director General, said, “International passenger traffic continued to show resilience in April, supported by sustained demand on longer-haul routes. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 135 million international passengers during the first four months of the year, representing a 5.1% increase compared to the corresponding period last year.” “Meanwhile, the start of the second quarter saw accelerated expansion in global manufacturing activity, with increased purchases of consumer and intermediate goods driving demand for air shipments. Growth in April helped lift international air cargo demand during the first four months of 2026 to 5.3%.” Mr. Wong Hong added, “The conflict in the Middle East continues to add volatility to energy markets, keeping jet fuel prices elevated and further intensifying cost pressures for airlines. In April, jet fuel prices rose to an average of US$165 per barrel, reaching levels last seen in 2022 following the onset of the Russia – Ukraine war.” Looking ahead, Mr. Wong Hong said, “Despite signs of the conflict easing, growing macroeconomic uncertainty, coupled with inflationary pressures continue to weigh on the outlook for both passenger and air cargo markets in the months ahead. Nevertheless, Asia Pacific airlines remain vigilant in managing costs and carefully deploying capacity to optimise yields and profitability in this challenging operating environment, without compromising safety standards.”

    Defence

    Suryakiran Aerobatic Team Celebrates 30 Years of Precision, Passion & Professional Excellence

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    New Delhi, 29 May 2026: The iconic Indian Air Force formation aerobatic team, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, marked its 30th Anniversary at Air Force Station Bidar on 26 May 2026. The occasion commemorated three glorious decades of inspiring the nation through precision aerobatics and exceptional airmanship. The celebrations were graced by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Air Marshal S Shrinivas. In a special highlight of the event, CAS and AOC-in-C flew with the team during the commemorative aerial display. A poignant “Hollow Diamond” formation was flown in remembrance of the brave team members the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team lost during its illustrious journey. The tribute reflected the deep camaraderie, courage and enduring spirit that define the team. Since its formation in 1996 at Bidar, the team has enthralled millions across India and abroad with over 800 air displays, symbolising the pride, precision and professionalism of the Indian Air Force. Flying the Hawk Mk-132 aircraft in its iconic red-and-white livery, SKAT continues to inspire generations while upholding its motto – “Sadaiva Sarvottam” – Always the Best. (Courtesy: PIB/MoD)

    Top Stories

    Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines Expand Joint Network

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    Singapore, 29 May 2026: Air New Zealand (NZ) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) will significantly expand their joint network between New Zealand and Singapore for the Northern Winter 2026 season (25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027), increasing overall capacity into Auckland and introducing new non-stop flights into Christchurch on Air New Zealand to complement SIA’s existing services. The expanded services reflect the airlines’ firm commitment to meet the growing demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as key markets across Asia and Europe. Customers will benefit from more seamless connectivity, greater flexibility, and premium travel options across the joint network. Air New Zealand will launch three weekly services between Singapore and Christchurch during the 2026 Northern Winter season, with its Boeing 787 aircraft. Combined with SIA’s existing Christchurch operations of up to 12 weekly services, the two airlines will operate 15 weekly services during the peak months from November 2026 to February 2027. Air New Zealand will also add four weekly Auckland services utilising both its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft. SIA will adjust its schedule from three daily flights to two, and will deploy the Airbus A380 on daily services SQ285 and SQ286 during the 2026 Northern Winter season, instead of the Boeing 777-300ER. SIA’s A380, which has 471 seats in four cabin classes – six in Suites, 78 in Business Class, 44 in Premium Economy Class, and 343 in Economy Class – will provide customers with enhanced travel comfort. It will also support the demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as key markets beyond Singapore in the SIA network. Customers will continue to benefit from the increased overall seat capacity and a broad range of travel options across the joint Air New Zealand-SIA network. With these adjustments, the Air New Zealand-SIA alliance will increase overall seat capacity between Singapore and New Zealand by 17% from late October 2026, adding 72,000 seats and bringing the total seat count to more than 490,000 seats during the 2026 Northern Winter season. Air New Zealand Chief Operations and Alliances Officer Michael Williams says that the expansion reflects the strength of its partnership with Singapore Airlines. “Our partnership with Singapore Airlines plays a critical role in connecting the world to New Zealand and vice versa. This Northern Winter expansion gives our customers even more travel options, whether they are visiting New Zealand for business, leisure, or to reconnect with friends and family.Through Singapore’s position as a leading global hub, between the two airlines, travellers can access New Zealand from across South East Asia, India, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond. The introduction of Air New Zealand’s Christchurch services is especially exciting because it creates more options for visitors to access some of New Zealand’s most popular destinations in the South Island, while remaining fully connected into Singapore Airlines’ extensive global network.” Dai Haoyu, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines, said “Our long-standing partnership with Air New Zealand serves the strong demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as onward to key destinations across our global network. The deployment of the Airbus A380, with its greater seat capacity and enhanced travel experience, to Auckland, reflects our commitment to this important market. This complements the additional capacity that Air New Zealand is adding to bolster our joint network.”

    Recent News

    Airshare to equip fleet of Embraer Phenom 300s with Gogo Galileo connectivity

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    Broomfield( Colorado) 28 May 2026: Gogo has announced that U.S.-based aircraft management, fractional ownership, jet cards, and charter services operator Airshare is equipping its fleet of Embraer Phenom 300s with the Gogo Galileo HDX system.The upgrade delivers high-speed, low-latency connectivity across Airshare’s Phenom fleet, enabling passengers and crew to email, stream, video conference, and browse simultaneously from anywhere they fly. The decision followed a successful demonstration flight during which Airshare executives evaluated the system under real-world conditions. Over the course of one hour, with 23 devices connected across eight passengers and two crew members, the system transferred more than 16GB of data while supporting simultaneous use of bandwidth-intensive applications including Netflix, YouTube in 4K, FaceTime audio and video, WhatsApp, DirecTV Stream, Hulu, Microsoft Teams video conferencing, and iperf performance testing. Gogo Galileois powered by the Eutelsat OneWeb low-earth-orbit (LEO) network, delivering reliable high-speed, low-latency broadband globally. The Galileo HDX electronically steered antenna (ESA) offers a compact, lightweight, aerodynamic and low-power solution capable of delivering reliable speeds of up to 60 Mbps and is minimallyinvasive to install. Installations begin this month at Airshare’s maintenance facility in Wichita, Kansas. “Delivering premium connectivity that keeps customers productive and entertained is essential to our flying experience,” says John Owen, CEO of Airshare. “We look forward to offering our Phenom 300 customers the same standard they expect at the office or at home.” “High performance connectivity is no longer a nice-to-have, and it’s no longer limited to large cabin aircraft,” says Michael Skou Christensen, CCO of Gogo. “Passengers expect to board, connect, and stay fully productive and entertained simultaneously. Gogo Galileo brings that same experience to every segment of business aviation and Airshare’s Phenom 300 fleet is a great example of what that looks like in practice.”

    Events

    Deutsche Aircraft Showcases a Future-Oriented European Multi-Role Aviation Portfolio at ILA Berlin 2026

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    Wessling, Germany, 28 May 2026: Ahead of ILA Berlin 2026, Deutsche Aircraft is preparing its most comprehensive showcase to date, highlighting the evolution of its future ready, multi role aviation portfolio designed for governmental and mission critical operations. At the centre of the presentation will be the D328® Multi Role (MR) — a civil-certified, commercial, off-the-shelf aircraft engineered to support a diverse range of public-sector missions. Deutsche Aircraft will also showcase its expanding portfolio by introducing a new uncrewed aircraft capability. Designed to complement the D328MR, this integrated system will deliver a broader mission offering for civil and governmental operators. In cooperation with EASP Air NL, the FRONTEX Border and Coast Guard D328 will be on static display at ILA Berlin 2026, demonstrating the platform’s proven capabilities, reliability and flexible cabin configuration. It will be showcased alongside an autonomous refuelling pod, highlighting its support for flexible multi-role missions with full operational sovereignty. The aircraft is currently part of the active D328 fleet, backed by Deutsche Aircraft’s In-Service and Global Customer Support team. A Multi Role Platform for Europe’s Public Sector As a civil aircraft manufacturer, Deutsche Aircraft continues to expand the proven Dornier 328 platform to meet the evolving requirements of European authorities and agencies. With a strong heritage in special mission operations, the D328MR is optimised for demanding environments, including surveillance, emergency response, humanitarian assistance, environmental protection and border control. “Europe needs sovereign, flexible and future proof aviation solutions for public sector operations,” says Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft. “With the D328MR, complemented by uncrewed capabilities, we are offering a portfolio that allows authorities to select the right platforms for each mission – based on civilian certification, safety and long term operational reliability.” One Portfolio – Crewed and Uncrewed, Complementary by Design Deutsche Aircraft positions uncrewed systems as mission complements to its crewed aircraft portfolio. The uncrewed aircraft capability is a fully developed product that has been added to the company’s portfolio. Deutsche Aircraft is focusing on industrialisation, production, capability integration and commercial delivery to serve the needs of a rapidly evolving market. In operational scenarios, the D328MR acts as the primary mission platform, while the uncrewed aircraft extends mission reach and persistence. This manned–unmanned concept is particularly relevant for maritime and border surveillance, ISR and SAR missions, where wide area coverage, flexibility and endurance are critical. Together, the D328MR and the uncrewed aircraft form a coherent, customisable mission offering, supporting a broad spectrum of operations — from tactical missions and airlift to MEDEVAC and CASEVAC — while integrating autonomous surveillance capabilities and advanced sustainability measures. “Public sector operators increasingly rely on mixed fleets,” explains Markus Hahner, Sales Director Special Missions at Deutsche Aircraft. “The value lies not in individual platforms, but in how they are integrated into a single, consistent mission concept.” Responsible, Civilian Led Engagement These systems are manufactured in Germany under the Deutsche Aircraft Group, reinforcing European industrial sovereignty, long term lifecycle support and the preservation of critical technology and knowledge. ILA Berlin 2026: Experience the Multi Role Concept At ILA Berlin 2026, Deutsche Aircraft will present its portfolio at the BDLI Joint Pavilion, with a focus on mission adaptability, interoperability and responsible technology evolution. The showcase will feature: • D328MR mission concepts and application scenarios • Digital multi role mission demonstrations • Integrated crewed and uncrewed mission concepts • Insights into uncrewed system integration • Briefings on German manufacturing and lifecycle support

    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

    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

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