Author name: Aviation World

New Delhi, 2nd July 2026: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved the country’s first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport. This is seen as the significant milestone in India’s aviation sector. Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the PinS procedure has been designed in accordance with DGCA regulations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices. PinS (Point-in-Space) procedures use advanced satellite-based navigation technology to enable helicopters to conduct safe and precise instrument approaches to heliports that do not have conventional instrument landing infrastructure. This is particularly beneficial during adverse weather conditions and in areas where ground-based navigation aids are not available. The Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu said, “The introduction of India’s first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure marks the beginning of a new era in helicopter operations by significantly enhancing flight safety, operational efficiency and all-weather accessibility. I sincerely appreciate the coordinated efforts of all concerned agencies including the Airports Authority of India, DGCA and the state government of Andhra Pradesh in achieving this historic milestone. Our foremost priority is the adoption of modern technologies to make helicopter operations more reliable and more accessible across the country. We also recently concluded the first phase of this year’s Char Dham helicopter operations successfully without any incident supported by upgraded technological infrastructure. Our commitment is to build a technology-driven and globally benchmarked helicopter ecosystem in India.” Highlighting the broader significance of the initiative, the Minister further stated, “Under the technology-driven leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s aviation sector is witnessing rapid technological advancement. Just last week, we successfully demonstrated the country’s first indigenous GAGAN-based precision approach by a commercial aircraft. The introduction of the country’s first PinS Instrument Approach Procedure is another major milestone in this journey. It reinforces the Government’s vision of modernising aviation infrastructure through Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), expanding the use of indigenous satellite-based navigation technologies and aligning India’s aviation ecosystem with global best practices.” The approval is expected to pave the way for the development of similar PinS procedures across the country, benefiting emergency medical services, disaster relief operations, tourism, offshore activities, pilgrimage services, corporate aviation, and regional connectivity. It will enable safer Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations to remote and strategically important locations, improve operational reliability, and reduce weather-related disruptions.  

Kuala Lumpur, 30th June 2026: Preliminary May 2026 traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed a moderation in international passenger traffic growth. Meanwhile, international air cargo markets continued to expand, supported by stockpiling activity as businesses sought to safeguard against potential supply disruptions and higher costs arising from the conflict in the Middle East. In May, the region’s carriers carried a combined total of 31.7 million international passengers, a 1.1% decline compared to the same month last year. Demand as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) increased by 1.8% year-on-year, reflecting relatively stronger traffic on longer-haul routes. The regional performance was moderated by a reduction in traffic carried by some airlines, reflecting recent adjustments to international services, while overall available seat capacity remained broadly unchanged for the month. As a result, the average international passenger load factor rose by 1.2 percentage points to 82.0%. International air cargo markets continued to expand, boosted by stockpiling activity and increased shipments of technology products. Demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), grew by 2.5% year-on-year in May, while offered freight capacity expanded by 3.3%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 61.6% for the month. Commenting on the results, Wong Hong, Director General of AAPA, said, “International passenger markets remained broadly stable in May, with firm demand on longer-haul routes. Meanwhile, air cargo demand continued to grow, supported by technology-related shipments and precautionary stockpiling activity in response to evolving supply chain and geopolitical risks.” “For the first five months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 166.8 million international passengers, representing a 3.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025. International air cargo demand grew 4.7%, supported by the continued need for the timely movement of goods amidst operational disruptions particularly in conflict zones.” Looking ahead, Wong Hong said, “The recent easing of tensions in the Middle East may help to alleviate some concerns over supply chain disruptions and energy costs. While jet fuel prices have eased from recent highs, the average price of US$137 per barrel in the first two weeks of June continues to place pressure on airline operating costs.” He added, “Airlines continue to face uncertainty stemming from geopolitical developments, trade policy shifts and broader economic headwinds. Rising inflationary pressures are also contributing to higher non-fuel operating costs, and may weigh on consumer spending and travel demand in the months ahead.” Mr. Wong Hong concluded, “Overall, operating conditions for carriers remain challenging. Nonetheless, Asia Pacific carriers have responded well to evolving demand patterns, and remain agile in adjusting their networks and capacity deployment to capture growth opportunities and improve profitability, while maintaining strict cost discipline.”