Market Intelligence: -General Aviation

Indian Aviation Passenger Traffic Recovers to 96% of 2019 Levels

India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has shared the following statistics:

  • Before Covid-19 pandemic, India was one of the fastest growing aviation market in the world.
  • During the six-year period i.e. 2014-15 to 2019-20, Indian airports witnessed robust double-digit Compound Annual Growth Rate of 12.4% in terms of total passenger traffic.
  • Post-Covid, Indian aviation industry is again on the growth trajectory and the total passenger traffic has recovered to the tune of 96% during 2022-23, as compared to pre-covid.
  • Before 2014, there were 74 scheduled operational airports in country and as on date there are 149 operational airports in the country.

Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation

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Pilot Assessment Solution Provider Symbiotics Discuss Pilot Aptitude Testing for the Advanced Air Mobility Sector

With an expanding and developing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, the ability to attract and retain relevant expertise will be vital. As eVTOL operations commence, it is important to ensure sufficient consideration is being given to not only the pilot, but all human elements within the process. As part of this, Symbiotics have recently released their thoughts in the form of a free eBook on people selection and the evolving role of the pilot in the AAM landscape.

Predictions for the number of eVTOL pilots required suggest as many as 60,000 more by 2028, and this is expected to drive a need to widen the pool for talent. Whilst the initial requirements will be filled by qualified and experienced pilots, as the industry advances with eVTOL pilot qualifications, power-lifted aircraft type ratings, and new training pathways developed, understanding the competencies required and existing capabilities across expected applicant pools along with personality differences will be vital.

With AAM, we will see an operating environment not yet seen before in terms of the aircraft variety, the need for additional airspace infrastructure, and the demands on the pilot. Just as with current Pilot Aptitude Testing, the selection of eVTOL pilots needs to be effective and consistent when focussing on the necessary aptitude and personality traits required to ensure competency standards are met.

Symbiotics Managing Director, Hannah Davies, says: “We adopt a collaborative approach in all that we do and this is a further opportunity for us to partner with the industry and AAM operators to ensure that we have an industry solution that is fit for purpose to support the most appropriate selection of AAM pilots. These are exciting times and we strive to ensure that people considerations are included in the discussions and agenda as the industry advances.”

Symbiotics Psychology Consultant, Caroline Creane, added: “As we head into a new era of aviation with the commencement of eVTOL operations, there is understandably lots of discussions around the development of equipment, systems, and operational infrastructure – we want to ensure that the human within the system is given equal attention. When selecting personnel, the assessment process must be specific to the requirements of the role, and we cannot assume that knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviours required to demonstrate the core pilot competencies will be the same, when the context in which they are deployed comes with its own unique challenges. We are heading into unchartered territory and while these developments are exciting for the industry, identifying the right people for the job is paramount to the success of the expanding AAM sector.”

Symbiotics free eBook on Pilot Aptitude Testing for the Advanced Mobility sector covers the following topics:

  • Discover what the evolving role of the pilot in the AAM landscape looks like
  • Find out what impact Advanced air Mobility will have on psychological requirements
  • Understand how Symbiotics can support AAM operators with their people selection

To download your free copy of the eBook today, click here.

Symbiotics are working to support the assessment needs for the emerging AAM marketing with their industry partners. They want to support those who are looking at the pilot/operator training requirements within Advanced Air Mobility, who Symbiotics can work with to further develop the assessment requirements and appropriate test batteries. If you’re interested in journeying with them to support best in class assessment for your future AAM operations, please get in touch here.

About Symbiotics Ltd

Symbiotics are expert providers of pre-screening and assessments for Pilots, Cabin Crew, Maintenance Engineer, Dispatchers and Airline Management. Symbiotics provides assessment & selection, training, and consultancy services in over 130 locations spread through 80 countries across five continents. We support the aviation industry including airlines, Flight Schools, OEMs, Business Jet operators and other aviation businesses.

Symbiotics fully believe that accurate assessment is the cornerstone of people success. We look to form long-lasting relationships with our clients and other industry stakeholders for the benefit of the sector. We use our skills and experience as a specialist aviation assessment provider to work continuously to improve assessments to ensure fair, relevant, and quality testing of candidates.

Source: Symbiotics
Photo Credit: Symbiotics

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Aircraft Manufacturer Piper Aircraft Announces New Model in its Line of High-Performance Aircraft

United States headquartered Piper Aircraft, Inc. announced a new model in its PA46 line of high-performance aircraft—the Piper M700 FURY—a single-engine, 700 shaft horsepower, cabin-class turboprop.

The Piper M700 FURY represents the first step towards a new generation of the M-Class family, outperforming past PA46 models and several competitive aircraft in performance, operational cost efficiencies, and overall value. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-52 engine, the M700 FURY boasts a maximum cruise speed of 301 ktas with a max range of 1,149 nm / 1,849 km (at max cruise speed, 1,424 nm at normal cruise speed) while maintaining its Basic Med compliant 6,000-pound MGTOW limit.

At a 301-knot max cruise speed, the M700 FURY stands alone as the fastest single-engine aircraft in Piper’s enviable 87-year, 134,000 unit production history, and it’s the second fastest model of all time. Only the mighty Piper Cheyenne 400LS turbine twin is faster.

Key performance highlights in different phases of flight include:

  • Take-off Performance – TOFL distance over a 50’ obstacle at SL, STD day MGTOW is a classleading 1,994 ft., representing a 641 ft., 24 percent improvement when compared to the M600 SLS that it replaces. That TOFL performance is also 1,198 ft. (38 percent) shorter than a competing single-engine jet.
  • Initial Climb – after a MGTOW departure, the M700 enjoys a class-leading 2,048 fpm climb rate, 32 percent better than the M600.
  • Climb to Altitude – settled into the climb, the M700 FURY reaches a comfortable FL250 in 13.9 minutes (34 percent quicker than the M600) after covering a short 34-mile distance (35 percent less distance than prior) while only burning 97 lbs. of fuel (25 percent less fuel than the M600 and nearly 50% less fuel than a single-engine jet competitor).
  • Cruise – 301-knot max cruise speed.
  • Landing Performance – Landing over a 50 ft. obstacle, the M700 FURY continues its classleading performance, achieving a 26 percent reduction versus the M600 and within half the ground roll distance of some competitors.

“The M700 FURY is a beautifully efficient, cross-country thoroughbred that gives our customers a performance-based flight experience with economics never seen before,” said Piper President and CEO John Calcagno. “We listened, and we delivered. The M700 FURY encompasses power, performance and the most advanced safety measures available today and an overall value proposition that is extremely compelling to individuals and corporate flight departments alike.”

Airframe changes to accommodate the more powerful engine include a redesigned, more efficient intake plenum that improves ram air recovery, new engine mount assemblies and an improved exhaust stack design that maximizes residual thrust.

The M700 FURY features Garmin’s G3000® avionics system—a touchscreen-controlled glass flight deck. The G3000 avionics suite is the most sophisticated Garmin technology available and offers the most comprehensive, intuitive and technologically advanced package in today’s market. It all comes standard in the M700 FURY along with the HALO Safety System (including Garmin’s Autoland technology) that was first certified in the M600/SLS.

The new model will retain Garmin’s PlaneSync™ technology, which includes a 4G LTE Cellular and WiFi® datalink that enables new avionics capabilities to streamline an aircraft owner’s pre-flight and post-flight activities. Piper is also first-to-market with Garmin’s remote aircraft status capability enabling owners to remotely check the fuel quantity, aircraft location, oil temperature, battery voltage, the current METAR at the aircraft’s location and more via the Garmin Pilot™ application. PlaneSync technology also automatically downloads databases wirelessly while the aircraft is powered down and the owner is away from the aircraft.

This new aircraft includes six (6) new interior schemes, featuring new leathers and aesthetically styled seats that have been thoughtfully crafted with the customer in mind.

FAA certification for the aircraft will be achieved before the end of Q1, 2024 with deliveries starting immediately thereafter. International validations for Canada, EASA, the UK, and Brazil will be achieved in the second half of 2024, with customer deliveries in those regions before the end of the year.

About Piper Aircraft

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, FL, offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series–the M700 FURY, M500, and M350–offers businesses and individuals elegant performance, value, and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston-powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, and Seminole aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. 

Source: Piper Aircraft
Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

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Hong Kong Airline, Cathay Pacific, Reinforces its Commitment to Youth Development by Supporting the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme for a Second Year

Cathay’s commitment to promoting youth development in Hong Kong was on full display on February 3, 2024 as more than 600 students and mentors took part in the Cathay Aviation Exploration Open Day, organised as part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Strive and Rise Programme.

This year’s event marked the second consecutive year that Cathay has participated in the Strive and Rise Programme, which aims to help young people broaden their horizons, reinforce their self-confidence, develop a positive outlook on life, and set goals for their future.

The Aviation Exploration Open Day began with a Kick-Off Ceremony at Cathay’s Hong Kong headquarters, Cathay City, which included a sharing session by alumni and mentors who participated in last year’s Strive and Rise Programme. This was followed by a career talk with one of the Star Mentors of this year’s programme, Cathay Director People Patricia Hwang, who shared her professional insights and experiences with the students, as well as visits to Cathay’s various facilities at Hong Kong International Airport, including Cathay City, the Cathay Cargo Terminal and the Cathay Pacific Catering Services flight kitchen.

Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam welcomed Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Chan Kwok-ki as the guest of honour at the Kick-Off Ceremony.

Mr Chan said: “The Government would like to sincerely thank Cathay for its staunch support of the Strive and Rise Programme. Today’s Cathay Aviation Exploration Open Day is the first large-scale event of the second cohort of the programme, helping to broaden the students’ horizons and provide them with a deeper understanding of the opportunities available in the aviation industry. I firmly believe that, with the joint efforts of the Government, the business sector and the community, we can support young people to stand tall and reach new heights. I also believe that Cathay will continue to work together with the Government to enhance the competitiveness of the Hong Kong aviation industry.”

Cathay’s Ronald Lam said: “Cathay is proud of its deep roots in Hong Kong and we are committed to making positive contributions to Hong Kong society, with our primary focus being on promoting youth development. This vision aligns with the principles of the Strive and Rise Programme, and we are delighted to once again be supporting this worthwhile initiative for the second consecutive year, reaffirming our commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting young people in pursuing their goals. We will continue to focus our efforts on developing initiatives to promote this worthy cause, aimed at providing opportunities for young Hong Kong people to explore a career in aviation while also strengthening Hong Kong international aviation hub status.”

Last year, Cathay invited over 1,700 students and mentors from the programme to participate in a series of inspiring aviation-related activities. This culminated in the popular Cathay Community Flight in May 2023, which gave students the opportunity to experience the joy of flying.

Cathay’s contribution to the Strive and Rise Programme aligns with its deep commitment to youth development, which includes various programmes aimed at providing opportunities for young Hong Kong people to explore a career in aviation. These include I Can Fly, the Cadet Pilot Training Programme, the Cathay Hackathon, collaboration with the Vocational Training Council, and various summer internship and graduate trainee programmes.

Over the years, Cathay has also organised a broad range of community initiatives to support local groups with special needs, including volunteer services to provide homework support and mentorship for children from underprivileged and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Source: Cathay Pacific
Photo Credit: Cathay Pacific

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Reno Air Racing Association Seeks Local Applicants for Flight Training Scholarships

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) is excited to announce the launch of its 3rd annual Flight Training Scholarships, aimed at supporting aspiring pilots aged 16 to 20 from the Reno-Sparks and surrounding areas in achieving their Private Pilot License. Committed to fostering aviation education, RARA will award 12 scholarships, each valued at up to $10,000. These scholarships help alleviate the financial barriers that many aspiring pilots face as they pursue their dreams of flight and careers in aviation. The application period for this year’s scholarships will be open from Thursday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, March 31.

“We are proud to continue our tradition of supporting young, ambitious individuals who aim to soar to new heights in the field of aviation,” said Fred Telling, RARA Chairman and CEO. “We’re proud to offer two additional scholarships this year, a new offering in our program, which allows a donor to honor an individual or organization as the named sponsor for one or more scholarships. These contributions represent a significant investment in the future of aviation while recognizing those whose impact continues to make a difference. We look forward to awarding many more scholarships as we discover and nurture the talents of the next generation of pilots.”

Applicants for the scholarships are evaluated based on their dedication, passion for aviation and commitment to obtaining a Private Pilot License. The scholarship selection committee is composed of experienced aviation professionals who understand the importance of diligence and mentorship throughout the training process.

The scholarships are made possible through the generous support of various organizations and individuals, including significant contributions from The Ray Foundation, The Ellsworth Hovey Getchel Foundation, Si Robins and numerous other philanthropic donations. The Ellsworth Hovey Getchel Foundation and Si Robins joined the Ray Foundation this year in adding two named awards as part of the scholarships’ ongoing expansion.

Chosen recipients will be announced on Wednesday, May 15. The scholarships apply toward the costs of flight training and also ensure mentors are available to provide guidance and support, addressing specific issues that may arise during students’ journey towards becoming licensed pilots.

For more information about the Reno Air Racing Association’s Flight Training Scholarships, eligibility criteria, and application details, please visit airrace.org

Source: Reno Air Racing Association
Photo Credit: Reno Air Racing Association

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