Market Intelligence: Indian Subcontinent

New Indian Full Flight Simulator Training Center Orbit Flight Training Center Places Order for 3 Full Flight Simulators

Hyderabad/Nieuw-Vennep, January 2024 – In a significant move to bolster India’s aviation training infrastructure, Orbit Flight Training Center, based in Hyderabad and AMST have achieved an agreement for 3 state-of-the-art AIRFOX Full Flight Simulators, comprising 2 A320 NEO and 1 B737 MAX simulators. This significant project has been announced during the prestigious Wings India 2024 exhibition.

The agreement was concluded by Koushik Manepalli, Director of Orbit Flight Training Center, and Rainer Schluesselberger, AMST Managing Director. This collaboration signifies a major advancement in Orbit’s mission to enhance its training facilities with the latest in simulation technology.

Koushik Manepalli commented on the partnership: “Our collaboration with AMST at Orbit Flight Training Center marks a transformative leap amidst India’s dynamic aviation landscape. Acquiring three state-of-the-art AIRFOX Full Flight Simulators highlights our commitment to pioneering excellence in pilot training. This endeavour is fuelled by the strategic aviation importance of Hyderabad and its convenient location. Our partnership with AMST establishes us as key contributors in shaping the future of aviation training, reflecting our dedication to better standards in the skies and beyond.”

“The Indian aviation market is exceptionally vibrant and holds great potential. We are thrilled to collaborate with Orbit Flight Training Center in this venture and proud of Orbit´s trust in us. Supplying these advanced Full Flight Simulators is a testament to our commitment to enhancing pilot training in India.”, says Rainer Schluesselberger.

This project strengthens the partnership between Orbit Flight Training Center and AMST, reflecting the growing importance of the Indian aviation sector on the global stage. The introduction of these advanced simulators is expected to significantly elevate Orbit’s training capabilities, preparing pilots to excel in an increasingly complex and dynamic industry.

Capt. Mukesh Sharan, Orbit’s Head of Training, on the collaboration: “We are very excited to partner with AMST. Their expertise in simulator manufacturing is unmatched and their commitment to innovation aligns perfectly with our own. Together, we will be able to offer pilots in India the most advanced and realistic training experience available anywhere in the world. The centerpiece of this collaboration is the acquisition of two state-of-the-art Airbus A320 FFS and one Boeing 737 MAX FFS. These simulators boast unparalleled fidelity, replicating every aspect of a flight with precision and accuracy. From the feel of real flying performance to the dynamic visuals of the surrounding environment, the simulators will provide pilots with an immersive and challenging training experience. Having tested and selected AMST from among many international manufacturers, we are feeling confident of meeting our objective of creating an Aviation Training Organisation which is second to none.”

Source: AMST

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Indian Airline Akasa Air Places Order for Additional 150 Boeing B737MAX

18 January 2024: Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced a firm order of 150 fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at WINGS India 2024, Asia’s largest civil aviation event being held at Hyderabad this week.

The latest order, comprising of 737 MAX 10 and 737 MAX 8-200 jets will provide the airline a steady aircraft delivery stream through 2032, cementing the company’s domestic and international expansion plans.

With this milestone announcement, the first of its kind made at an airshow in India, Akasa Air becomes the only Indian airline in the history of civil aviation to reach an order book of over 200 aircraft within a span of 17 months of commencing operations. This landmark aircraft order is a testimony of the airline’s solid financial foundation and showcases Boeing’s confidence in Akasa Air’s future.

Speaking from the WINGS 2024 airshow at Hyderabad, Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air said “This large and historic aircraft order puts Akasa on a path of becoming one of the top 30 leading airlines in the world, by the turn of this decade. Akasa’s remarkable growth testifies the sheer promise that India holds as an aviation market, and we are thrilled to be a part of this journey.

These additions to our fleet will help us bolster the strength of our operations as we expand our footprint and foray into international skies in the very near future. Each addition to our fleet brings us closer to our purpose of connecting people, places, and cultures. We are confident in our ability to be able to serve millions of satisfied travellers across the globe, as we step into the next phase of our growth”, he added.

“We are at a cusp where it is natural for our ecosystem to celebrate our financial stability, growth potential and market share. However, I am most proud of what Akasa and its employees have been able to achieve in terms of reliability and service excellence while pursuing the highest standards of safety in global aviation. This underscores our growth philosophy of expanding in step with the laser focussed delivery of industry leading customer experience”, Vinay concluded.

In 2021, Akasa Air had placed its initial order of 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which was followed up with an order of 4 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in June 2023. This new deal in January 2024, takes the airline’s order book to an impressive total of 226 aircraft. Akasa Air currently operates a fleet of 22 aircraft and will receive deliveries of a total of 204 aircraft over the course of eight years.

Reaffirms commitment to sustainability and customer experience

Aligning with the airline’s commitment to sustainability, the 737 MAX family provides greater range and fuel efficiency, reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to those it replaces. In addition, the 737 MAX is a quieter airplane with a 50% lower noise footprint than replacement airplanes. The 737 MAX family also provides the lowest seat-mile costs for a single-aisle airplane as well as high dispatch reliability and enhanced passenger experience. The seats provide enhanced comfort and ample legroom and will come with USB ports, allowing passengers to charge their devices on the go. Further, in keeping with Akasa Air’s commitment to be India’s most dependable airline, a homogenous fleet will allow the airline to reduce operational complexities and offer reliable operations.

Since inception, Akasa Air has received immense appreciation for its distinguished offerings including its inflight meal service – Café Akasa, pet carriage policy – Pets on Akasa, as well as the signature warm service delivered on ground and inflight. The airline’s category-defining product, service, on time leadership and operational efficiencies have resulted in consistent passenger load factors and extremely positive customer feedback.

Akasa Air has established a strong presence connecting metros with tier 2 and 3 cities across the country. Since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air has served over 6.3 million passengers and connects with 18 cities across India, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair and Ayodhya. Bookings for flights on Akasa Air are available on its website – www.akasaair.com, Android & IOS app as well as through travel agents and several OTAs across the country

As the airline plans to expand its footprint in India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, this latest order will support Akasa Air’s ambitions and cater to the country’s burgeoning air travel demand, on way to becoming the largest aviation market by 2047.

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 will make 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. With a commitment to being socially responsible, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient, LEAP-1B engines. The 737 MAX family aircraft deliver superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions, fulfilling the airline’s promise of being an environmentally progressive company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.

Source: Akasa Air

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New Full Flight Simulator Training Center Announced Between Air India and Airbus

Hyderabad, 18 January 2024: Delivering on its commitment to ‘Skill India’, Airbus has entered into a 50:50 joint venture with the Tata-owned Air India to launch a world-class pilot training centre in Gurugram, Haryana.

The Tata Airbus Training Centre will offer A320 and A350 flight training to some 5,000 new pilots over 10 years. The sprawling 3,300 sq.mt. centre will be equipped with 10 Full Flight Simulators (FFS), flight training classrooms and briefing and debriefing rooms as part of the complete Airbus Flight Training Device setup.

The training centre is due to be operational starting early 2025 with the initial installation of four A320 FFS. The Tata Airbus Training Centre will offer courses approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Airbus has also partnered with GMR Aero Technic to offer Aircraft Maintenance Engineering training courses at the latter’s facility in Hyderabad. Airbus will provide training material such as trainee handbooks, examination database, online access to Airbus customised training modules and Airbus Competence Training (ACT) for Academy media package. Airbus will also train GMR instructors and provide continual assessment of the training centre.

“As the fastest expanding aviation market in the world, India will need 41,000 pilots and 47,000 technicians in the next 20 years to support this growth. The pilot training centre with Air India and the maintenance training partnership with GMR are a testament to Airbus’ commitment to developing human capital. Airbus is directly investing and operating training capabilities to ensure that the growth of the India aviation industry is accompanied by adequate skilled manpower that is readily available,” said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia.

The latest announcements are part of Airbus’ ambition to develop a holistic ecosystem in India, where the company is expanding its industrial footprint with aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering design and development, MRO support, pilot and maintenance training as well as academic collaboration to foster human capital.

Airbus is also collaborating with the Vadodara-based Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to groom talent for the Indian aerospace sector.

Source: Airbus

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Aircraft Manufacturer Delivers 65 Agricultural Aircraft in 2023

Embraer’s Agricultural Aviation Division delivered 65 Ipanema airplanes in 2023, an increase of 18% compared to the previous year. As a result, in December, the company reached the milestone of 1,600 units produced and delivered over the aircraft’s five decades of uninterrupted production.

Since the launch of the new version of the EMB-203 model in 2020, the company has seen continuous growth in sales and plans to increase production to 70 planes this year.

“Agribusiness has a significant positive impact on Brazil’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and we are very pleased to see how the Ipanema has contributed to the sector’s high productivity, efficiency, and sustainability,” says Sany Onofre, Manager of Embraer’s Ipanema Program.

As the leader in the Brazilian aerial applications market, the Ipanema brings innovations and improvements that increase robustness with low operating costs and carbon emissions. The Ipanema is the only agricultural airplane certified and produced in series to fly on ethanol, a renewable energy source that provides increased power to the aircraft’s engine.

 About Embraer

A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services and Support to customers after-sales.

Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 8,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 145 million passengers a year.

Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high- value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service, and parts distribution centers, among other activities, across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Source: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer

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Flight School Management Software Flight Schedule Pro and LogTen Pilot Logbook Share Remarkable Journey in 2023

Flight Schedule Pro’s team takes a moment to reflect on the incredible journey that the said company and LogTen Pilot Logbook have undertaken throughout the year. With a rich history spanning over 40+ years combined, both organizations have consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the aviation industry. The past year has been particularly transformative, marked by significant milestones and a relentless focus on innovation. Join Flight Schedule Pro as they dive into key highlights of 2023 and provide a glimpse of the exciting developments poised to unfold in 2024.

The 2023 Year in Review

Customer Success Stories

At the heart of Flight Schedule Pro and LogTen are the compelling narratives of success from their users. Flight schools, instructors, and pilots alike have shared stories of how these platforms have not merely streamlined their operations but have become integral to their aviation journeys. From improved scheduling efficiency to enhanced record-keeping, the impact of their solutions was noticed throughout the aviation community.

“The trajectory Flight Schedule Pro is on is a bright one and we can’t wait to see what you all produce next…Most importantly, thank you for all the time you are giving to us. We appreciate that you and the FSP team are taking the time to listen to your customer base to see the types of problems that we are experiencing and finding solutions to those issues.” – Flight Schedule Pro User and Project Manager at 50+ Aircraft Flight Operation

“Very user-friendly, accurate, and specific when needed. Love the reports (8710) and the map. DEFINITELY the route map.” – LogTen Pilot

“Best app to log your hours and certificates, easy to use and simple.” – LogTen Pilot

Product Enhancements

The dynamic nature of the aviation industry demands continuous evolution. Throughout 2023, both teams worked tirelessly to introduce a suite of enhancements that redefined user experiences. Flight Schedule Pro and LogTen spent a year building new infrastructure and setting the foundation to accelerate value to their users. These improvements illustrate Flight Schedule Pro’s commitment to providing tools that not only meet, but exceed the expectations of their user base.

Their Customer Advisory Board and beta feedback allow the product and engineering teams to deploy features solving problems facing operators today and preparing for the next 5 years. To further enhance the advanced capabilities of Flight Schedule Pro, 2023 saw releases that included: Find a Time, Schedule Availability, and many improvements (check them out here). Within LogTen, further enhancements have been made to reports (access the full functionality on the LogTen blog) allowing career-minded pilots to better prepare for the next stop in their career journey. Also, at the end of the year, LogTen Lightning was released, which includes seamless sync and enhanced backup means your irreplaceable flying life will be backed up automatically.

Connecting the Skies

This past year, Flight Schedule Pro’s reach extended far beyond flight schools and pilots. They’ve begun to deploy strategic relationships that will further solidify their position as a global force in the aviation landscape. Their platforms are not just tools; they serve as the interwoven framework binding aviators and aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

To better support their partners Flight Schedule Pro continue to take security and compliance seriously. At the end of 2023, FSP received SOC 2 Type II attestation. Flight Schedule Pro is always continuing to work to improve the environments for their customers and partners. The SOC 2 attestation is an example of that commitment. Johanson Group LLP completed the examination of Flight Schedule Pro’s software platform and the SOC 2 Controls were found to be suitably designed and operating effectively throughout the test period. Learn more and access the documentation here.

“Data security is core to our business at Flight Schedule Pro. Achieving SOC 2 compliance underscores our commitment to building and maintaining a culture dedicated to safeguarding our customer data.” – Nick Wegner, Flight Schedule Pro CEO

Milestones and Achievements: By the Numbers

Numbers tell a compelling story of growth and impact. In 2023, both Flight Schedule Pro and LogTen achieved remarkable milestones. The user base experienced significant growth, and the cumulative number of flights logged reached unprecedented heights. These achievements are not merely statistics; they represent the value their platforms bring to the lives of pilots, instructors, flight schools, and the overall aviation industry. Here’s a glimpse of the numbers to show the impact.

  • 8 conferences and many miles flown, including FSANA, Women in Aviation, WATS, UAA, and ATAC
  • 37+ new airline partners, affiliates, or cadet programs are now part of the LogTen Channel Partner Program, including Delta, Republic Airways, and Allegiant Air with 1,771 new pilot subscribers
  • 1,100 flight schools internationally utilizing Flight Schedule Pro to increase operational efficiency and aircraft utilization while decreasing unnecessary admin work. One dedicated platform helping flight schools achieve their growth goals not just today, but in the future.
  • 12,400 active flight instructors onboard with Flight Schedule Pro
  • 45,000 pilots actively logging flights using LogTen
  • 17 new employees added to the Flight Schedule Pro and LogTen teams

Looking Forward to 2024

Upcoming Features: A Glimpse into the Future

The journey doesn’t end; it evolves. In 2024, brace yourself for an array of exciting features set to redefine the aviation experience. Flight Schedule Pro and LogTen are not static products; they are evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the aviation community. The ongoing pilot shortage continues to apply pressure on flight schools while also opening up new opportunities for them. The product roadmaps at Flight Schedule Pro and LogTen will allow operations to scale their business, optimize aircraft capacity, boost revenue, and provide a pathway for student pilots to manage their flight hours effectively and stay on track to graduation. The releases in 2024 will reshape how you interact with their platforms, ensuring an enriched user experience.

Where Connections Take Flight at Events and Conferences

2024 is not just another year; it’s a year of connection and collaboration. Catch Flight Schedule Pro at industry events and conferences, where they’ll share insights, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with their vibrant community. Your journey is their journey, and Flight Schedule Pro excited to walk it together. These events are not just opportunities to showcase their products but also to learn from and engage with you, the voices that make up the fabric of the aviation industry. If there’s a conference or airshow where you want to connect, let Flight Schedule Pro know. If Flight Schedule Pro can’t meet in person, reach out to their Customer Experience Team. Flight Schedule Pro would love to set up a call to learn more about your operation and share what we have coming in 2024 to further serve you.

Join Us on This Exciting Journey

As Flight Schedule Pro turned the pages of their calendar to 2024, Flight Schedule Pro extends a heartfelt invitation to both their current and prospective customers to join them on this thrilling journey. Explore the enhanced features, stay updated on announcements, and connect with Flight Schedule Pro at industry events. Together with Flight Schedule Pro, continue to push the boundaries, reach new altitudes, and make 2024 a year of remarkable achievements in aviation. Here’s to a year filled with innovation, collaboration, and countless soaring moments!

Source: Flight Schedule Pro
Photo Credit: Flight Schedule Pro

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Global Pilot Training Solution Provider CAE Announces Participation of Flight Training Operations Panel at Wings India 2024

Global pilot training solution provider CAE is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming Wings India 2024 event at Hyderabad, India on January 18-21, 2024.

Join CAE at Hall A, 26B at Begumpet Airport between 18th Jan. and 21st Jan. CAE teammates will be contributing to civil aviation thought leadership through insightful panel discussions on 19th of January:

Guylaine Audet (Director, Operations) will be speaking at the panel discussion on Women in Aviation with the theme ‘Fostering Gender-Neutral Opportunities in Aviation: Stories of Progress, Potential and Empowerment’

Chuck Pulakhandam (Country Leader, India) will be participating in roundtable discussions for Flight Training Operations

Source: CAE
Photo Credit: CAE (shown as meta image)

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