Market Intelligence: Asia Pacific

Airbus Helicopters Reports Strong Growth with 450 Net Orders and Innovations in 2024

France – Airbus Helicopters logged 455 gross orders (net: 450) and delivered 361 helicopters in 2024, marking another year of steady growth with a 57% preliminary share of the global civil and parapublic market. The company’s strong performance was driven by demand across its light, twin-engine, and heavy helicopter segments, with orders placed by 182 customers in 42 countries.

  • Market Growth Highlights:
    • Orders increased by nearly 10% for the second consecutive year.
    • Key contributors included the Super Puma programme with 58 orders from the German Bundespolizei, Japan Coast Guard, and the Ministries of Defence of the Netherlands and Romania.
    • The H145 and H145M attracted new defence customers, including Brunei Air Force, Belgian Ministry of Defence, and Bahraini Police Aviation Command.
  • Product Innovations:
    • The Racer compound helicopter exceeded 407 km/h in its initial flights.
    • The CityAirbus NextGen completed its maiden flight in Donauwörth.
    • The H175 concluded its de-icing flight tests in Canada and Norway, progressing toward certification, while the H160 saw over 30 units entering service worldwide.
  • Defence and Security Priorities:
    • Airbus supported humanitarian missions, including U.S. National Guard operations after Hurricane Helene and disaster relief in Valencia, Spain.
    • Expanded uncrewed systems (UAS) portfolio, showcasing crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities with the VSR700.
    • Initiated studies for the European Next Generation Rotorcraft programme.
  • Global Footprint Expansion:
    • Celebrated 40 years of operations in Fort Erie, Canada, which will deliver 19 H135 helicopters to the Canadian defence sector.
    • Opened a new facility in Oxford, UK, marking 50 years of Airbus presence in the country.
    • Announced an H125 final assembly line in India in partnership with TATA.
  • Sustainable Aviation Efforts:
    • Increased sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage to nearly 20% for test and training flights in Marignane, Albacete, Donauwörth, and Oxford.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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New Zealand Flight Training Organisation IAANZ to Visit India in January 2025 for Pilot Training Seminars

Christchurch, New Zealand – The International Aviation Academy of New Zealand (IAANZ) has announced its upcoming visit to India to meet aspiring pilots. The IAANZ Admissions Team will host events in three major Indian cities at the end of January and early February.

  • Event details:
    • Chennai: January 31, 2025 (Friday)
    • Bangalore: February 1, 2025 (Saturday)
    • Mumbai: February 2, 2025 (Sunday)

Source: IAANZ
Photo Credit: IAANZ

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Cirrus Approach Flight Training App Relaunches with Augmented Reality Pre-Flight

USA – Cirrus Aircraft has unveiled a significant update to its Cirrus Approach app, redefining flight training for its SR Series and Vision Jet models. The app, optimized for Apple iPads, provides pilots and instructors with access to advanced digital resources, interactive training tools, and a revolutionary Augmented Reality (AR) feature for pre-flight procedures.

Key Features of the Relaunch

  • Augmented Reality (AR) Pre-Flight Training:
    • Users can master pre-flight procedures and safety checks in a virtual, interactive environment.
    • Designed for SR Series and Vision Jet aircraft, AR enhances real-world readiness by replicating operational scenarios.
  • Cirrus Private Pilot Program:
    • Provides ground school training tailored for the SR Series aircraft.
    • Combined with Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIPs), the program supports earning a Private Pilot License in a Cirrus aircraft.
  • Extensive Course Library:
    • Over 50 training courses include transition training, specialty programs, and interactive modules.
    • Courses integrate engaging videos, quizzes, and simulations to simplify complex topics.
  • Enhanced Instructor Tools:
    • CSIPs can monitor student progress, manage flight logs, and tailor instruction.
    • Interactive materials and real-time feedback capabilities enhance training outcomes.

Industry Perspective

Cirrus CEO Zean Nielsen remarked on the transformative potential of the new features: “AR is set to revolutionize the flight training experience for Cirrus aircraft owners. This innovation ensures pilots are thoroughly prepared for real-world flying while making training more engaging and effective.”

Availability

The updated Cirrus Approach app, including the Private Pilot Program and complimentary AR pre-flight features, is available for download on the Apple iPad.

Cirrus Aircraft’s investment in augmented reality and comprehensive digital training reflects a broader industry trend toward adopting cutting-edge technology to improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility in pilot training.

About Cirrus
Cirrus is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet®, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet™, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®) – the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft is 18 million hours, and 265 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has seven locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida; Knoxville, Tennessee and Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Source: Cirrus
Photo Credit: Cirrus

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Australia’s RMIT Aviation Academy’s Lea Vesic Highlights Skills Crisis and Policy Gaps in Australian Aviation

 Australia – Lea Vesic, Director of RMIT’s Aviation Academy and an aviation advisor in the office of then-transport minister Michael McCormack, has emphasized the long-term challenges facing the aviation industry as it works to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a visible revival, Vesic highlights a “crisis of confidence” stemming from skill shortages and missed opportunities in federal aviation policy.

  • Vesic noted the significant skills deficit caused by the pandemic, which led to an exodus of expertise across various specializations in aviation.
  • Training and education in aviation require years of development, making the current talent gap a long-term challenge for the industry.
  • RMIT is ramping up its efforts to address these gaps but finds the Australian government’s aviation white paper inadequate in fostering a cohesive industry-wide approach.
  • Vesic criticized the white paper for over-relying on airlines to solve training and skills challenges, ignoring the broader ecosystem’s needs.
  • She called for bold, long-term leadership to define Australia’s aviation future toward 2050 and to guide the industry’s investment and growth.

Source: Lea Vesic (RMIT Aviation Academy)

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