AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE
Rafale’s India operations get a strategic push; Dassault establishes maintenance facility near Jewar Airport
Dassault Aviation is advancing plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility near Jewar International Airport for India’s Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighters. This move supports India's aspiration to locally manufacture the latest Rafale versions under the "Make in India" initiative. Engine maker Safran SA also intends to set up an MRO facility for Rafale engines in Hyderabad, aiming for operations by 2025 and potential local production of M-88 engines. These developments are crucial as India seeks to bolster its defense capabilities amidst regional security challenges, including from China's expanding military presence.
Air India to set up pilot training school at Amravati
The aviation landscape in India is witnessing a transformative phase with major players like IndiGo, Akasa, Air India, and the GMR group investing in extensive training programs to meet the surging demand for skilled pilots and engineers. Air India's Amravati pilot training school is set to be operational by Q1 FY26.
Canadian airline WestJet cancels at least 150 flights following a surprise strike by mechanics union
The strike came after the federal government issued a ministerial order for binding arbitration on Thursday. That followed two weeks of turbulent discussions with the union on a new deal. On Thursday, WestJet said the union "confirmed they will abide by the direction. Given this, a strike or lockout will not occur, and the airline will no longer proceed in cancelling flights".
GST clarification to make Indian MRO industry competitive
The GST Council's recent decision to implement a uniform 5% tax rate on imports of aircraft parts and components is set to benefit India's aircraft maintenance and repair industry. This move aims to resolve customs classification ambiguities that previously hindered the industry's growth.
Aircraft lessor DAE sees China's COMAC breaking Airbus, Boeing duopoly
Airbus and Boeing are the main suppliers of aircraft to airlines, but the European planemaker is struggling to boost production amid record orders and Boeing is under scrutiny from regulators after a mid-air panel blowout on a new plane in January.
IAF's Rafale aircraft participate in Red Flag exercise in Alaska
Indian Air Force's Rafale jets participated in Red Flag exercise in Alaska, showcasing interoperability with international partners. The IL-78 refuellers and C-17 aircraft played crucial roles in transportation and air-to-air refuelling during the exercise.
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A Southwest Airlines plane that did a 'Dutch roll' suffered structural damage, investigators say
A Boeing 737 Max suffered structural damage during a Southwest Airlines flight due to a Dutch roll. The NTSB disclosed the incident on May 25 from Phoenix to Oakland. Southwest notified the damage on June 7, leading to maintenance. Dutch roll involves yaw and rocking motions resembling ice skating.
Air India utilising group airlines' engineering skills for improved aircraft maintenance works
After the takeover by the Tata Group in 2022, loss-making Air India has been making efforts for improvement and has embarked on a five-year transformation plan.
Delhi Airport plans to raise capacity by 30% in 3 years
Delhi International Airport (DIAL) plans to expand capacity by 30% due to increased aircraft orders. CEO Videh Kumar Jaipuriar discussed the expansion at the CAPA India Aviation Summit.
Saudia Group keen to offer MRO services for Indian airlines
Saudia Group is focused on increasing flights between Saudi Arabia and India and offering MRO services to Indian carriers. They have already set up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Saudi Arabia, which will be fully operational next year. The group aims to boost tourism from India to Saudi Arabia, with expectations of 7.5 million Indian tourists by 2030. This was discussed at the CAPA India Aviation Summit 2024.
India's helicopters being flown with Maldives defence personnel onboard: media report
Weeks after India withdrew its military personnel from the Maldives, the two helicopters gifted by New Delhi are still operational, flown with a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) soldier on board. President Mohamed Muizzu, who pledged to remove Indian military presence, saw the repatriation of the last personnel by May 10. India replaced its military staff with civilians to continue operating the donated helicopters and Dornier aircraft, used for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions, maintaining defense ties despite local political changes.
Old planes, lack of engineering capacity test Tata’s mettle to turnaround Air India
Customers flying on Air India flights to North America and Europe have been raising issues about frequent delays, broken seats or non-functional in-flight entertainment screens as the Tata group struggles to revamp the airline's fleet, some of which are 15 years old. The original aircraft for the delayed flight to San Francisco, had developed a technical snag. So, the airline had to tow a Boeing 777 which was parked under hot sun in Delhi’s 49 degree temperature. Air conditioning system in plane work.
India, France to begin contract talks for marine Rafale fighters
The jets will be manufactured to India-specific standards and will have several indigenous systems as well, including weapons and communication. The acquisition is being seen as a stop-gap solution till the development of an indigenous carrier-borne fighter jet. The development of a Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter is currently underway but is expected to take close to a decade to be operational.
Pieter Elbers explains what is driving up IndiGo profitability and double-digit capacity guidance for FY25
Pieter Elbers, CEO of InterGlobe Aviation, highlights IndiGo's unique position with over 50 planes delivered annually. Q4 revenue drivers include Indian market growth and strategic initiatives. He discusses the seasonally weak Q4 yields and predicts similar revenue environment for Q1 FY25. Elbers says their strategy is starting to take shape and resonating very well for all the different initiatives.
Indian Army sets up one of world's highest tank repair facilities near China border
The Indian Army has established two of the world's highest tank repair facilities in Eastern Ladakh, near the China border, at altitudes over 14,500 feet. These facilities, located in Nyoma and the DBO Sector, support over 500 tanks and infantry combat vehicles deployed following the 2020 India-China standoff. These new Medium Maintenance (Reset) Facilities ensure the operational readiness of armoured vehicles in extreme conditions, with temperatures plummeting to minus 40 degrees. This strategic infrastructure enhances serviceability and mission reliability in the world's highest battlefield.
China's third aircraft carrier heads to sea for the first time
China's third aircraft carrier, Fujian, showcases advanced technology with catapults for aircraft, aiming for a fleet of six carriers for operational maturity. Collin Koh highlights the strategic plan for China's carrier fleet expansion, emphasizing the significance of Type 003 carriers.
Mumbai duststorm: Nine dead, 70 injured as 100-ft tall billboard falls at petrol pump; high-level inquiry ordered
Following a severe dust storm that struck the financial capital of India, BMC officials reported that a large billboard collapsed in Ghatkopar, injuring 70 people, while approximately 100 others remain trapped. On Monday evening, Mumbai encountered a combination of a dust storm and rain showers. Subsequent to the initial dust storm, precipitation was observed in Thane and Navi Mumbai. Additionally, a dust storm occurred near Mantralay. Train services between Thane and Mulund were suspended after tree branches fell onto the overhead equipment.
GoFirst engine lessors to wait further; NCLT says it will study Delhi HC order
National Company Law Tribunal to decide on engine lessors for Go First after studying Delhi High Court order allowing lessors to repossess aircraft. Ministry of Corporate Affairs claims aircraft not under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Tribunal grants 10 days for written arguments in land lease dispute with Mack Star Marketing Pvt Ltd.
Air Vanuatu files for bankruptcy protection after cancelling all international flights
Ernst & Young Australia's Morgan Kelly, Justin Walsh and Andrew Hanson were appointed liquidators in an equivalent of a US Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the firm said in a statement. The liquidators said safety and maintenance checks would be made before normal operations resumed.
Section of AIESL's permanent engineers plans to go on strike on May 24
1,700 AIESL engineers threaten strike from May 24 for immediate implementation of revised salary payments, citing discrimination issues and unfair labor practices.
Commercial jet maker Airbus is staying humble even as Boeing flounders. There's a reason for that
In the ongoing competition between Airbus and Boeing for dominance in the commercial aircraft market, Airbus has been consistently outperforming Boeing in both orders and deliveries for the past five years. This trend has been fueled by Airbus's development of fuel-efficient aircraft and its ability to meet demand faster than Boeing.
Lessors to repossess all 54 Go First aircraft as DGCA deregisters them
The Delhi High Court had on April 26 directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to process the deregistration applications of aircraft leased by the airline within five working days.
Air India dealt blow as aircraft technicians plan strike
Technicians at AI Engineering Services Ltd. — a state-run maintenance, repair and overhaul firm and an erstwhile Air India unit — will strike on April 23 due to various issues affecting their “well-being” and “professional growth,” All India Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Union wrote in a letter dated April 8 to the chief executive officer.
HC issues show-cause notice to Go First resolution professional on non-maintenance of aircraft
The high court said the RP (Resolution Professional) cannot plead difficulties in the implementation of the October 12, 2023, judgment after contempt proceedings have been filed by a lessor seeking to enforce court orders.
Delhi HC issues contempt notice to Go First RP
Delhi HC issued showcause notice to Go First RP Shailendra Ajmera for non-compliance of orders regarding maintenance of aircraft leased to bankrupt airline. Lessors allege wilful defiance of HC orders. Justice Tata Vitasta Ganju asks lessors to work out solution. HC orders from October 12 and July.
DGCA issues stricter breath analyser norms for air traffic controllers, others
India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has increased the mandatory percentage of air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance engineers, and safety-sensitive personnel at airports undergoing breath analyser tests from 10% to 25%. The revised Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) will come into effect after three months, according to the DGCA
Alaska Airlines has begun flying Boeing Max 9 jetliners again for the first time Friday
Alaska Airlines has resumed flying Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners after a panel blew out of one of its planes. The Federal Aviation Administration approved the inspection and maintenance process to return the planes to flying. Technicians at Alaska began inspections that night and expect to complete them by the end of next week.
Air India gets DGCA approval for engineering line maintenance of A350 & A320 aircraft
Air India has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the engineering line maintenance of its A350 and A320 aircraft. This approval ensures smooth operation and maintenance of the six A350 aircraft set to join the Air India fleet soon. The first A350 is expected to land by the end of December. The DGCA has also certified Air India's engineers for maintenance work related to A350 aircraft.
Contempt plea on non-maintenance of aircraft: HC asks Go First RP to file affidavit
The HC noted that there were eight other lessors also facing similar issues with regard to inspection, maintenance and access of documents. However, the other lessors did not move separate applications for early disposal of the case, it said. “The order passed by this court is required to be complied with letter and spirit,” she observed, while posting the matter for further hearing on Tuesday (December 12).
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