Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

Aircraft Manufacturer Airbus Helicopters Achieves Strong Sales Results in 2023 with 410 Gross Orders

In 2023, Airbus Helicopters logged 410 gross orders (net: 393), highlighting a steady market recovery with a strong performance this year for the light twin and medium twin helicopters. Orders came from 179 customers in 47 countries. The Company delivered 346 helicopters in 2023, resulting in a preliminary 54% share of the civil and parapublic market.

“Airbus Helicopters’ order intake in 2023, with an increase bordering 10 percent in units in  comparison to 2022, highlights its stable growth despite the ongoing global context of inflation and geopolitical instability,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “It’s also a testament to the versatility of our products on both the civil and military market and I’d like to thank our customers for continuing to entrust their critical missions to Airbus Helicopters,” he added.

2023 was a year of many firsts, with the first flight of the DisruptiveLab demonstrator featuring a new aerodynamic architecture aimed at reducing fuel consumption and the first flight of the NH90 Sea Tiger, the state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the German Navy. The Company also welcomed a new member to the Airbus family when the Spanish Navy took delivery of their first H135 helicopters.

“Defence and security is one of Airbus Helicopters’ strategic priorities and we continue to innovate and develop to increase mission capabilities for our customers. The German armed forces signing the largest H145M contract with up to 82 light attack helicopters at the end of 2023 is testimony to that. On the development side, the H175M successfully performed flight demonstrations in the extremely hot and high conditions of the desert in Saudi Arabia while the VSR700 demonstrated its performance during sea trials from a French Navy multi-mission frigate. We also continue to expand our UAS portfolio with the acquisition of Aerovel which will allow us to offer our customers additional mission capabilities with manned-unmanned teaming,” continued Even.

Global support contracts and the HCare offering continued to prove popular in 2023 both with civil and military customers. 140 new helicopters were covered by “by-the-hour” contracts bringing the total to 2760 helicopters.

Innovation and sustainability remained a strong focus for the Company as it continued to invest in demonstrators aimed at advancing its decarbonisation roadmap and enhancing aviation safety. Airbus Helicopters’ FlightLab successfully tested an electric flight control system that allowed for a single pilot stick to replace all three conventional pilot controls, a first in the helicopter industry. Following these successful FBW flight trials, Airbus Helicopters, in partnership with Airbus UpNext, was able to test advanced autonomous features in order to simplify mission preparation and management, reduce helicopter pilot workload, and further increase safety.

“In the same way as the DisruptiveLab will be used to test hybridisation for single-engine helicopters, we unveiled the PioneerLab with the aim of testing hybridisation for twin-engine aircraft as well as introducing bio-based materials. We also started assembling CityAirbus NextGen in Donauwörth and wrapped up the year by performing the power-on. We also ramped up the use of SAF for our own development test flights, training, deliveries and ferry flights in Marignane and Donauwörth to 10% and we will continue to roll this out to our other sites in 2024,” continued Even.

Airbus’ 2023 full year financial results will be disclosed on 15 February 2024.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Netherland’s Consul General in India Holds Talks with CEO of Pilot Training Center Gen24 Flybiz

Manoj Pandey, CEO of full flight simulator manufacturer and operator Avion Full Flight Simulators and Indian full flight simulator training center Gen24 Flybiz held discussions with Bart De Jong, Consul General of the Netherlands in Mumbai, India. This meeting marks a pivotal moment as Gen24flyBiz, a prominent flight training company, sealed an agreement with Avion to provide eight Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulators in India.

Source: Swati S.
Photo Credit: Swati S.

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India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation Announces Latest Appointment for Chief Flight Operations Inspector

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has appointed Shweta Singh as its new Chief Flight Operations Inspector.

“I am deeply humbled and thrilled to share that I have been selected to the esteemed position of Chief Flight Operations Inspector, the top pilot job in India at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. This landmark achievement fills me with immense pride, as it is a first in many ways and marks a significant milestone not only in my career growth journey but is also a resounding metaphor for the humongous strides made with respect to diversity and inclusivity within the aviation sector in India.

As the first lady pilot to hold this distinguished position, I am acutely conscious of the scale of my responsibilities and the attendant opportunity that it presents, at a time when the Indian aviation industry is poised at the cusp of phenomenal growth and associated challenges which makes my role at this juncture a fulcrum for aviation safety. I am truly inspired by the legacy of my late father, Brigadier HC Singh, whose constant guidance and unstinted support has fuelled my passion for leadership and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

My vision for this role extends far beyond individual professional accomplishment; it encompasses a profound commitment to fostering inclusivity and inspiring future generations of aviators. I am dedicated to representing the spirit of determination and resilience, breaking down legacy barriers and paving the way for others to chart out their exciting journey.

I am deeply committed to advocating substantive and meaningful diversity in industry leadership roles, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender or background, have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to the growth and excellence of the Indian aviation sector.

I am excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in shaping the future of aviation in India. Together, let us soar to newer heights and continue to champion inclusivity, excellence, and innovation in every aspect of our work.” shared Shweta Singh.

To know more about Indian DGCA, or Ms. Singh, connect with her through her LinkedIn Profile.

Source: Shweta Singh

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Global Pilot Training Solution Provider CAE Signs Long-Term Agreement with Akasa Air for Boeing 737MAX Pilot Training

CAE announced that it has signed a long-term agreement with Akasa Air, India’s fastest growing airline, to provide Boeing 737MAX pilot training at CAE’s facilities in India. Akasa Air will leverage CAE’s best-in-class training facilities, instructors, and latest generation full-flight simulators for the next 15 years, fulfilling the airline’s commitment to develop the world’s best-trained pilots who meet the highest training standards. The partnership is also a game changer for the Indian aviation industry which will require a strong force of highly skilled aviators to drive its growth.

CAE has trained Akasa Air pilots since the start of the airline’s operations in 2022, providing world-class infrastructure and a rigorous and immersive simulation training curriculum that enables them to meet superior levels of proficiency.

Commenting on the announcement, Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air said, “We are pleased to further cement our partnership with CAE, one of the world’s leading pilot training technology providers. Akasa Air is built on a strong foundation of reliability and practices the highest standards of safety and precision in global aviation. Our approach to learning and development is rooted in developing a future-ready workforce to gain a competitive advantage in the dynamic aviation landscape. As we receive a substantial influx of aircraft in the coming decade, this partnership will provide us access to the world’s best training facilities for the next 15 years and will help us build a team of highly experienced and skilled pilots, as we continue our commitment of becoming one of the world’s safest airlines.”

“This long-term agreement is a testament to the quality of the pilot training we deliver and the strong relationship we have built with Akasa in a relatively short time,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE’s Group President, Civil Aviation. “In the fast-growing Indian aviation sector, CAE has the infrastructure and resources to support the expansion of airline partners, like Akasa Air, in the region.”

CAE has a long and significant presence in India, operating 13 state-of-the-art simulators in three commercial aviation training centres and delivering essential pilot training and training services to airlines in India. Last year, CAE became a Boeing Authorized Training Provider for Boeing’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) curriculum in India.

CAE shares Akasa Air’s commitment to sustainable operations. In 2020, CAE became the first carbon-neutral Canadian aerospace company, reducing its emissions and investing in projects that offset residual annual carbon emissions for its global operations, including in India.

About Akasa Air

Akasa Air is India’s most dependable airline, offering warm and efficient customer service, reliable operations, and affordable fares – all in the Akasa Way. Akasa’s youthful personality, employee-centric philosophy, tech-led approach, and culture of service makes this commitment a reality for all Indians. The carrier launched its first commercial flight on 07 August 2022 to support the growing demand across India, currently operating 23 737 MAX aircraft connecting 20 cities across India.

Akasa Air makes its foray into international skies starting 28 March 2024, flying non-stop from Mumbai to Doha, becoming the first Indian airline to fly overseas in a record period of just 19 months since its inception.

With a clear focus on sustained, long-term growth, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient, LEAP-1B engines. It currently operates 23 737 MAX aircraft which delivers superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions. The aircraft also powers a quieter cabin with 40 percent lesser noise fulfilling the airline’s promise of being an environmentally progressive company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.

About CAE

At CAE, we equip people in critical roles with the expertise and solutions to create a safer world. As a technology company, we digitalize the physical world, deploying software-based simulation training and critical operations support solutions. Above all else, we empower pilots, cabin crew, airlines, and defence and security forces to perform at their best every day and when the stakes are the highest. Around the globe, we’re everywhere customers need us to be with more than 13,000 employees in approximately 250 sites and training locations in over 40 countries. CAE represents more than 75 years of industry firsts—the highest-fidelity flight and mission simulators as well as training programs powered by digital technologies. We embed sustainability in everything we do. Today and tomorrow, we’ll make sure our customers are ready for the moments that matter.

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE

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Global Aviation and Pilot Training Group Airways Aviation and International Institute of Aviation Announce Education Alliance in India

Global flight training group Airways Aviation, which operates pilot training academies across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and India has shared that Airways Aviation Group (AAG) and India based International Institute of Aviation (IIA) announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that lays the groundwork for a new education alliance aimed at delivering a series of courses and seminars across India. Designed to address the expanding needs of the industry, offerings will commence with Indian DGCA CPL Theory along with the Airways Aviation Foundation classes at the IIA Pune Academy from April 1st.

The new academic alliance will deliver its bespoke courses as part of the Airline Pilot Pathway Program developed by Airways Aviation, providing the perfect opportunity for aspiring aviators interested in beginning their studies close to home.

Indian students will benefit from a tailored curriculum developed and delivered by industry professionals, offering a meaningful introduction to both the theoretical and practical aspects of aviation. Students will be guided through those initial critical steps and will acquire the knowledge needed to confidently progress to the practical full-flight training phase, initially in Australia or Europe. There are also plans to establish practical flight training facilities in India.

India aims to adopt and foster the world’s best practices, higher standards, and quality to expand capability and improve industry outcomes through strategic domestic and international education and training collaborations. Emphasising quality and excellence, the goal is to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for a thriving aviation career. Both parties are committed to ensuring the success and impact of this initiative.

The recently signed MOU sets forth a framework that outlines the responsibilities of both parties which include the provision of necessary infrastructure, classrooms and facilities along with qualified instructors and study materials etc. Each will leverage their respective and joint market and industry presence to run campaigns to attract and inform prospective students from across India.

“This new collaboration with the Airways Aviation Group is a testament to a shared vision that will help anticipate and elevate the aviation education needs in India, with the aim of equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the aviation industry well into the future,” said Dr. Sumeet Suseelan – Chairman of the International Institute of Aviation.

“With the world’s largest population, India will continue to assert itself as an important market and we are pleased to expand and leverage the Airways Aviation Groups presence beyond our existing and growing global network. We currently operate in Europe, the Middle East, China, Africa, Australasia and now India providing experienced staff, courses, expertise and know-how to aspiring professionals in collaboration with partners like the International Institute of Aviation,” said Romy Hawatt – Airways Aviation Group – Founder and Chairman.

About Airways Aviation

Airways Aviation is the largest privately owned group of multidisciplinary aviation academies of its kind offering a range of aviation courses certified by EASA, CASA, ICAO, and IATA to the Civilian and Military markets. With over 45 years of aviation education & training experience the Airways Aviation Group offering ranges training from pilot to cabin crew passing from maintenance technicians, ground handlers, military programs up to higher education programs such as Bachelor’s Degrees in Business in English concurrently with their Commercial Pilot License in both Australia and Europe in conjunction with Griffith University  or  Southern Cross University  in Australia and Montpellier Business School (MBS)  in France. Airways Aviation owns and operates a fleet of over 70 aircraft and 12 simulators. It trained to date over 9.000 pilots and 26.000 cabin crew, maintenance technician and other aviation professionals.

About IIA

IIA is the only company started & operated by the world’s Best Cabin Crew & Well known Aviation Author Dr. Sumeet Suseelan also widely known as Aviation Guru, IIA is the only Institute / BBA & MBA Aviation College, that provides complete Training in Aviation Including Private Jet, Helicopter Operations, Commercial Operation, Drones, Airport Management from Aspect of Government as well as Private. IIA is a Pioneer in Designing Aviation Syllabus for Universities, International Charter Operations, Airline SetUp, and Quality Manpower Supply to Aviation Industry. IIA has been the official Training & Manpower partner to many Airlines & Universities & the Dealer of Luxury Private jet TBM for the past decade.

Source: Airways Aviation
Photo Credit: Airways Aviation

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