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TEL AVIV – July 18, 2022: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has received the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its B737-800SF passenger-to-freighter conversions.With the EASA STC approval, IAI will open its B737-800BDSF cargo conversions to European companies and operators, providing a solution to the rising demand for aircraft conversions worldwide. The first two converted aircraft for which this approval will apply have already been delivered to a customer in Spain, with an additional aircraft undergoing conversion and joining the European fleet shortly. IAI’s B737-800BDSF cargo conversions are already approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), theCivil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Last year, IAI established the first cargo conversion site in Europe together with its partner Atitech in Naples, Italy, for the B737-700/800 aircraft. IAI has recently opened new cargo conversion lines worldwide for other models, including B767-300 in Ethiopia and B777-300 in South Korea and Abu Dhabi. Boaz Levy, IAI President and CEO, said, “Receiving the EASA STC for the B737-800 will allow us to provide a solution to the increased market demand, in Europe and worldwide, for the freighter aircraft of this model. As the global leader in passenger-to-freighter conversions, IAI has a number of conversion sites globally, and will now be able to providepotential customers with increased access to our world-class conversions.” Shmuel Kuzi, EVP and GM of IAI’s Aviation Group, said, “We are excited to expand our B737-800BDSF conversions to Europe and bring the most cost-effective solution to the rising demand for conversions of this aircraft. Receiving the EASA STC is a major milestone for IAI and for the aviation industry, especially for the European market. We will continue expanding our operations and conversions of other aircraft models to provide the best solution to customers worldwide.” IAI’s Aviation Group, the home of aviation in Israel, unites all activity in human-powered aircraft: maintenance (MRO), business jets, converting passenger to freighters, hangars and aviation arrays, upgrading aircraft and more. With knowledge and accumulated experience in aviation spanning almost 70 years of the company’s existence, excellent human capital and groundbreaking technologies, the group is in line with the world’s leading aviation companies. Among its clients are major market companies, such as Amazon, DHL, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Gulf Stream, and others.

Farnborough AirShow,18th July 2022: Pratt & Whitney announces the establishment of a state-of-the-art India Engineering Center (IEC) in Bengaluru, India which is slated to commence operation in January 2023. The new center will focus on providing contract engineering services. The IEC is expected to employ 500 engineers and professionals when fully staffed. “Pratt & Whitney’s India Engineering Center will be a first-of-its-kind investment for our company in India,” said Geoff Hunt, Senior Vice President, Engineering, Pratt & Whitney. “The IEC will help Pratt & Whitney leverage the engineering skills our future Indian workforce will deliver, as Pratt & Whitney continues to advance the world’s only fielded geared turbofan and develop sustainable propulsion for the next generation of propulsion.” As part of Pratt & Whitney’s integrated global engineering operations, the IEC will work closely with centers in United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Poland. The IEC has begun recruiting its first tranche of engineers and professionals. “The IEC will allow us to synergize with existing Pratt & Whitney Operations’ capabilities in India,” said Paul Weedon, executive director, Engineering, Pratt & Whitney Canada. The center will be co-located in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, with the existing Pratt & Whitney India Capability Center (ICC). The ICC is a world-class global supply chain support and operations center, established in 2022 as part of United Technologies Corporation India Pvt Ltd (UTCIPL), employing nearly 200. “Pratt & Whitney’s growth in the country represents our strong ties and deep respect for the skills India offers, skills needed for the future of aviation,” said Ashmita Sethi, managing director of UTCIPL. DJ Dalal and Rema Ravindran have been named as Pratt and Whitney’s North American project director and general manager of the IEC, respectively. The significant investments made in-country include Pratt & Whitney’s state-of-the-art India Customer Training Center in Hyderabad; the R&D collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; as well as the ICC in Bengaluru.  

Farnborough International Airshow, 18 July 2022: Satair, an Airbus Services company, and All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, have signed an agreement under which Satair expands its Integrated Material Services (IMS) solution to deliver expendable material used on ANA’s non-Airbus fleet. In addition, the agreement extends the existing long-term IMS contract for ANA’s A320 and A380 fleet for a multi-year period. Paul Lochab, CCO, Satair, said: “We are thrilled to be taking our IMS solution to the next level with a multi-fleet coverage beyond the Airbus type and we remain grateful for the trust that ANA continues to show Satair.” “The new agreement is the result of a truly collaborative solution and highlights how Satair’s approach with IMS exceeds a traditional customer-supplier relationship,” Paul adds. Satair is the exclusive supplier of expendable material to ANA and has delivered Integrated Material Services for the airline’s A320 fleet since 2017 and A380 fleet since 2019. With this new agreement, ANA becomes the first customer to use Satair’s IMS solution on a multi-fleet scale. Kenshi Hamada, Vice President of Engineering & Maintenance Center Material Management, ANA, stated: “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Satair and we are pleased with the flexibility their IMS solution has provided us. With the new agreement, we have collaborated to adapt the solution to meet our needs in a dynamic market.” Stéphane Ginoux, Head of North Asia region for Airbus and President of Airbus Japan commented, “ANA is a long-standing and valuable customer for Airbus in Japan, and we are delighted to further grow our partnership, together with Satair, through this latest extension of the IMS solution for ANA.”

Farnborough Airshow, UK,18th July 2022: At the Farnborough International Air Show 2022, CAE announced the launch of its newest advancement in pilot training, the CAE 700MXR Flight Simulator. Initially targeted to the eVTOL market, the CAE 700MXR will revolutionize flight training for complex urban settings with a compact mini-motion platform and 360⁰ field of view visuals that deliver high-fidelity, physics-based simulation tailored to single-pilot operations. CAE’s next-generation Immersive synthetic out-the-window environment combined with a mixed reality head mounted display and real cockpit controls and instrumentation, will enable pilots to take advantage of enhanced 3D perception and AI-based digital capabilities to fully engage in realistic, low-level flying scenarios. “The CAE 700MXR’s ultra-realistic simulation bridges the gap between the physical and virtual worlds to deliver an unrivalled training experience for future eVTOL pilots,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Civil Group President. “CAE is leading the way, developing advanced technologies and setting the training standard for the eVTOL market, and our innovative approach will ensure faster, more efficient training for pilots.” As previously announced, Volocopter and CAE are working together on developing, certifying and deploying a pilot training program for operating Volocopter’s electric air taxi leveraging mixed reality, in support of the launch of Volocopter’s anticipated urban air mobility (UAM) services for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, France. “Pilots will play a pivotal role in launching electric air taxi services,” says Christian Bauer, Volocopter’s Chief Commercial Officer. “We must ensure that the simulators for this new aircraft conform with the highest-quality pilot training in aviation.” “We look forward to working with the Volocopter team to ensure their pilots receive industry-leading training in the classroom and on the CAE700MXR simulator,” added Mr. Leontidis. “Volocopter is a valued partner, and CAE will be there every step of the way to support their entry into service.” During the Farnborough International Air Show 2022, CAE will deliver an augmented reality demonstration of the CAE 700MXR that will allow attendees to visualize the 3D perspective of the new flight simulator and explore the innovative features and functionalities of this novel training device.

Farnborough Air Show, England, July 17, 2022: As per the report published in Reuters, at the Farnborough Airshow 2022, Boeing will close the aircraft orders worth over $15 billion from Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa seek for 737 MAX 10 and 777X jetliners. Reuters also mentioned that Boeing would try to make its upper hand in its competition with Airbus as its talk with Delta for 737 Max is closed and official announcement will be made on Day 1 at FAS 22. It is also under talks that Delta can announce deal up to for 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10 Aircrafts alongwith firm order around 12 more Airbus A220s. In addition, Lufthansa is to firm up deal for 10 Boeing freighters. At the FAS 22, it is expected that announcements for EasyJet winning the shareholder approval for a recent deal for 56 Airbus A320neos would be made public while Etihad’s firmed up order for seven A350 freighters will be also made.

(Bengaluru, July 14, 2022) – Following its new international routes connecting key Indian cities to Vietnam, Vietjet now reveals a bigger network growth and implementation plan for the India market. The new flight services are planned to link Bengaluru to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), three of Vietnam’s most well-known business and tourism cities. The new routes are set to operate within the fourth quarter of 2022. The airline also plans to open new direct services to other major Indian cities by the year-end. The announcement comes on the heels of the airline’s recent launch of direct routes connecting New Delhi, Mumbai to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and its soon-to-launch routes linking Mumbai and New Delhi with Phu Quoc islands, Southeast Asia’s favored beach destination in early September. The new direct flights from Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) will make it easier and more affordable for Indian visitors to travel not only to Vietnam but also connect to other Southeast Asia’s destinations of Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore or further to Northeast Asian cities of Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Taipei, etc. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia and home to a rich culture, diverse natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and friendly local people, Vietnam has been a rising destination in recent years, drawing more and more world travelers, and routinely receiving praise from leading global travel magazines, including its attraction to Indian travelers. Being the country’s capital, Hanoi with over a thousand years of history, is home to enchanting lakes, unique urban areas such as the bustling Old Quarter and an array of fascinating heritage buildings. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s largest economic, financial and tourism hub, is a vibrant destination with incredible restaurants, shopping, nightlife and historical landmarks. Located in central Vietnam, Da Nang has been the world’s famous coastal destination and appealed world tourists in recent years thanks to its iconic landma.rks of Golden Bridge and Dragon Bridge. The city also serves as a gateway to Vietnam’s other tourist attractions, including the ancient town of Hoi An, the former imperial citadel in Hue city, and Quang Binh, home of the spectacular caves. Vietnam has lifted all arrival regulations relating to Covid-19 and travelers can enjoy a complete pre-pandemic fashion arriving in the country. Travelers from India can easily apply for e-visa and enjoy their coming trips to Vietnam.

Gurugram, 13 July 2022: The Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC) has strengthened its management team for Jet Airways with the appointments of Srihari Venugopal as Vice President – Network Planning, and Tanay Palshetkar as Assistant Vice President – Pricing and Revenue Management. Srihari is responsible for developing and overseeing Jet Airways’ network strategy through route planning and development. Tanay will work collaboratively across the business to drive revenues and shape Jet Airways’ commercial proposition. They will report to the Chief Executive Officer, Sanjiv Kapoor. Before joining Jet Airways, Srihari served Go First as VP – Network Planning. He started his career in aviation as a revenue management analyst at Air Deccan and subsequently worked in various capacities across the MENA and ASEAN regions in addition to the domestic market. His previous employers include Bengaluru International Airport, SpiceJet, Saudi Arabian carrier Flynas, Air Pegasus, and AirAsia. Tanay also joins Jet Airways from Go First, where he was General Manager – Revenue Management. He started his career with Jet Airways over 22 years ago in the carrier’s reservations team, and then transitioned to take on roles in revenue management, pricing, and similar domains within the commercial functions of various airlines. He was part of Kingfisher Airlines’ start-up team, and later worked with UAE-based RAK Airways and FlyDubai, and AirAsia. Jet Airways, CEO, Sanjiv Kapoor said: “Both, Srihari and Tanay, bring great abilities and the right experience to help us relaunch Jet Airways. We welcome both of them to the Jet Airways family, and we are delighted that our entire senior management team is now almost fully in place, as we get closer to creating history together.” Several senior industry professionals have joined the re-start team of Jet Airways. On 23 May 2022, the Consortium announced the appointments of Prabh Sharan Singh as Chief Digital Officer, HR Jagannath as VP – Engineering, Mark Turner as VP – Inflight Product and Services, and Vishesh Khanna – VP Sales, Distribution, and Customer Engagement. Previously, Sanjiv Kapoor joined as CEO, Vipula Gunatilleka as CFO, Capt. PP Singh as Vice President – Flight Operations and Accountable Manager, Alphonso Dass as Vice President – Airports & Airport Training, Nakul Tuteja as Vice President – Human Resources & Administration, and Ronit Baugh as General Manager & Head of Corporate Communications. Jet Airways recently invited former Jet Airways cabin crew to ‘come back home’ and rejoin the airline. The airline will soon begin recruitment for other operational roles, such as pilots, engineers, technicians, etc. The airline intends to recommence commercial operations in the current quarter ending September 2022.

AW/Feature: On the occasion of “International Cabin Crew Day 2022,” Megha Singhania,Head of Cabin Crew Department with Air Asia has shared an authored article highlighting the role and contribution of cabin crew in successful operation of a flight and factors that makes her job so special and attractive. Working in the Air The Covid-19 pandemic triggered an ironic if not an unusual pattern amongst millennials and the Gen Z crowd. People across the world were quitting jobs by the dozen and were in search of newer spaces where communication, recognition and growth were in sync with their ability to maintain a personal life. Working as part of the Tata Group is nothing short of a privilege and an honor, owing to the brand’s distinction as one of the most employee-friendly conglomerates that evokes a sense of trust, credibility, and integrity worldwide. With the opportunities and work-life balance that the aviation industry brings with it, millennials and Generation Z are leaning towards being a part of the cabin crew. This is because being employed as a cabin crew member requires a collaborative effort where all members are working towards a single solid goal – to enhance guest experience. Each member clearly understands the duties assigned and is trained to assist their fellow crew in activities for a safe flight. This team-player environment enables the workforce of today to look forward to being cabin crew aspirants more than ever. Becoming an AirAsia India cabin crew member extends beyond a service role – the airline has the highest safety rating of 7/7 with a zero-incident report from airlineratings.com. It is a role and lifestyle that is inspirational and coveted across the world, with extensive travel and flying allowances for the crew and immediate family. Millennials and Generation Z want to feel connected to the people they work for. They are willing to stick with a company if they know they can grow, have authentic communication, receive recognition, and are free to be creative and autonomous. Unlike the desk job, being a cabin crew member does not require chasing deadlines to complete a project. Your work is structured as per your flying roster, and you can plan your personal life accordingly. Besides this, you have the most beautiful office at 35000 feet above sea level with an opportunity to work with different people every day. Traveling to beautiful destinations and exploring new cultures and cuisines is a bonus. Challenges Ahead The aviation industry is known to be dynamic. One of the major challenges that millennials will have to face is adapting to the nature of duty that the industry demands. To counter this, airline companies have provided schedules where one does get the sufficient rest needed. Time management and the ability to be agile is therefore a key solution to adapt to timelines not known to industries outside. Being in the best of your health is of paramount importance. This is because every individual takes to the problem of jetlag differently. While some are not affected as much, others require an extended amount of time to recover. As a cabin crew, millennials and Gen Z would encounter this concern and would have to train themselves in addition to the solutions provided by the airline. Patience and passion are the other two important factors that may get challenged from time to time. Flight delays and bad weather are some of the testing times. To be calm and composed in a crisis is a trait of being a cabin crew member. A passionate mindset that “I am not an individual when wearing my uniform but a brand ambassador” surely helps an individual to overcome these challenges and deliver excellent customer service, empathize with guest needs and find ways to go above and beyond to help our guests. Industry Trends 2022 With the recovery of the airline industry in full swing and governments across nations lifting travel restrictions, millennials are flocking towards being a part of the cabin crew journey. While the biggest lesson from the pandemic is that predictions can go wrong, experts have predicted that travel will see an upswing from this year onwards at a gradual pace. By integrating digitalization to minimize the need for physical interactions, airlines are now pushing for a touchless experience. Face to face interactions between airline members and passengers would eventually decrease, thereby improving safety and sanitization. Operations such as automated check-ins, biometric facial recognition, e-boarding information are some of the upcoming trends that people would experience in the coming years. ( Views expressed are personal)  

12th July 2022, Deoghar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various developmental projects worth more than Rs 16,800 crores in Deoghar today. Governor of Jharkhand, Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, State ministers and people’s representatives were among those present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that with the blessings of Baba Baidyanath, projects worth more than Rs 16,000 crore have been inaugurated and the foundation stone has been laid today. These are going to give a huge impetus to Jharkhand’s modern connectivity, energy, health, faith and tourism. The Prime Minister remarked that the country has been working with the thinking of development of the nation by the development of the states since last 8 year. In the last 8 years, in the efforts to connect Jharkhand by highways, railways, airways, waterways, in every way, the same thinking and spirit have been paramount. All these facilities will positively impact the economic development of the state. The Prime Minister said that today, Jharkhand is getting its second airport. This will lead to tremendous ease for devotees of Baba Baidyanath. In the context of making air travel affordable for the common man through the UDAN scheme, the Prime Minister noted that today the benefits of the efforts of the government are visible across the country. About 70 new locations have been added through airports, heliports and water aerodromes in the last 5-6 years under the UDAN scheme. Today, ordinary citizens are getting the facility of air travel on more than 400 new routes. More than 1 crore people have experienced very affordable air travel, many for the first time. The Prime Minister expressed happiness that the flight from Deoghar to Kolkata started today and flights for Ranchi, Delhi and Patna will start soon. Work is on for airports in Bokaro and Dumka, he said. The Prime Minister said along with connectivity, the central government is also focusing on the creation of facilities at important places related to faith and spirituality in the country. Modern facilities have also been expanded in Baba Baidyanath Dham under the PRASAD scheme. When a holistic approach guides the projects, new avenues of income come for various segments of the society and new facilities create new opportunities.

Delhi,7th July, 2022: Akasa Air, India’s newest airline, received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.The grant of the AOC is the final step of a comprehensive and rigorous process laid down by the DGCA and marks the satisfactory completion of all regulatory and compliance requirements for the airline’s operational readiness. Following the government’s initiative to usher in a new era of digitisation, Akasa Air is the first airline whose end-to-end AOC process was conducted using the government’s progressive eGCA digital platform. The process concluded with the airline having successfully conducted a number of proving flights under the supervision of the country’s aviation regulator. Vinay Dube, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air said “We are extremely thankful to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the DGCA for their constructive guidance, active support and the highest levels of efficiency throughout the AOC process. We now look forward to opening our flights for sale, leading to the start of commercial operations by late July. This will begin our journey towards building India’s greenest, most dependable, and most affordable airline”. “We also want to take this moment to thank and acknowledge the collective contributions of our employees and partners whose commitment, perseverance, optimism, meticulous planning and exemplary teamwork have helped achieve this milestone. This is not just a significant milestone for Akasa Air and Indian aviation, but also a testimony to the story of a vibrant and resilient India”. he added. Akasa Air, whose airline code is QP, received its first 737 MAX on June 21, 2022. Later this month, the airline will commence commercial operations with two aircraft, subsequently adding to its fleet, every month. By the end of the fiscal year 2022-23, the airline will have inducted 18 aircraft and thereafter 12-14 aircraft every 12 months, which will make up its order of 72 delivered over five years.