Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

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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Indian Pilot Training Group FSTC Expands in 2025 – Opens Second Training Facility in Gurugram

Gurugram, India – FSTC, an Indian aviation training group operating both flight schools and full flight simulator training centers, has officially inaugurated its second aviation training facility / full flight simulator training center in Gurugram. The event was attended by Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation of India.

In June 2024 FSTC also added a brand new Boeing B737MAX full flight simulator to its Gurugram facility.

In April 2024 FSTC shared its 2024 Group Overview Corporate Video.

Source: FSTC
Photo Credit: FSTC

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Growing Flight Training Infrastructure within India – Chimes Aviation Academy

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series we speak with Dev Punj – Vice President of Chimes Aviation Academy – one of the largest flight training organisations in India operating over 20 aircraft from 2 bases.

The conversation covers:

  • History: Chimes Aviation Academy was established in 2008 to address India’s shortage of quality pilot training infrastructure. The academy began with 10 aircraft during the global financial crisis, which posed significant challenges. Over the years, the academy has grown significantly and now operates two bases with a fleet of 24 aircraft, training over150 cadets.
  • Fleet Expansion and Future Plans: In 2024, Chimes Aviation Academy expanded its fleet by adding new aircraft, including the Tecnam P2010, Cessna 172, and multi-engine DA42. The academy is also planning to further grow its capacity, with an ambitious goal of adding up to 70 more aircraft in the coming years. To accommodate increasing demand, they are actively scouting locations for a third base in India.
  • Addressing Industry Challenges: The academy has taken proactive measures to address key challenges in the Indian aviation training sector. One key initiative is the Chimes Fight Instructor Retention Program, which ensures a stable pipeline of flight instructors by offering cadets a pathway to join Indigo after serving as instructors for two years.
  • Demand for Pilots in India: The demand for pilots in India continues to grow, with the domestic training infrastructure currently training only 40% of its pilot needs. With record-breaking aircraft orders from airlines like Indigo and Air India, the industry is under pressure to meet increasing pilot requirements.
  • Global Collaborations: Chimes Aviation Academy has positioned itself as a global collaborator in the Indian pilot training sector – working with international flight schools to convert foreign pilot licenses for Indian cadets and maintain a reputation for high-quality, efficient training.

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

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Global Flight Training Group, AeroGuard Flight Training Center, Welcomes 3rd Class of Air India Cadets

Phoenix, United States headquartered global flight training group AeroGuard Flight Training Center, which operates a number of flight training bases in the United States, has welcomed its third class of Cadets from Air India to its Phoenix, Arizona, USA campus.

AeroGuard announced its selection by Air India to be a flight training provider for the airline in early 2024. Since this time, cadets have gone through a carefully structured screening process and have successfully completed the DGCA Ground School portion of their training in India. These Cadets are now at AeroGuard’s Arizona campus where they will complete their practical flight training, earning the certifications and ratings required for their careers with airline.

With its commitment to safety, student success, and its high-quality training curriculum, AeroGuard is providing initial pilot training for additional leading airlines including Cathay Pacific, China Airlines and Air New Zealand. AeroGuard has expanded its training capacity across all three U.S. campuses with 250+ experienced flight instructors and over 110 aircraft in its rapidly expanding fleet.

Source: AeroGuard Flight Training Center

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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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