Why GAGAN is the Future of Vertically Guided Approaches in India

The GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation System (GAGAN) is a remarkable achievement of Indian aerospace technology, ushering in a new era of precise navigation and safety in aviation.

A Journey Through Time: GAGAN's History

GAGAN's inception can be traced back to 2002, when it was conceived as a joint initiative between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). GAGAN has steadily evolved since its inception, providing correction messages to enhance GPS signals, while the system has undergone iterative development in phases, culminating in its certification and operationalization.

Certification Milestones

GAGAN achieved significant milestones in its journey to becoming fully operational. On December 30, 2013, it received certification for RNP (Required Navigation Performance) 0.1 operations. This certification marked a crucial step in making GAGAN's services accessible for aviation purposes. Subsequently, on April 21, 2015, GAGAN received certification for APV-I (Approach with Vertical Guidance) services, further expanding its operational capabilities.

LPV Procedures Approval

One of the key advantages of GAGAN is its support for LPV procedures, which stands for Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance. LPV procedures are instrumental in enhancing aviation safety and accessibility. Unlike traditional ground-based systems, LPV approaches do not rely on expensive infrastructure. Instead, they offer precise vertical guidance akin to Category-I Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), improving access to airports and enabling safer landings, even at airports without elaborate Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).

Flight Trials

Indigo Airlines performed ATR72-600 flight trials of new approach procedures utilizing the GPS-aided GEO augmented navigations (GAGAN) system at the regional airport of Kishangarh in India towards the end of April 2022. As part of the licensing process for localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) procedures, the flight trials were organized in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the DGCA.

System Performance

Since its APV 1 certification in 2015, AAI has diligently monitored GAGAN's performance. Parameters like Accuracy, Integrity, Availability, and Continuity have been assessed using various tools and systems, such as the Service Monitoring Sub System (SMSS) and Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) tools, ensuring that GAGAN consistently meets stringent aviation requirements.

Types of SBAS

GAGAN is not alone in the realm of SBAS; there are other noteworthy regional systems across the world.

• WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System): The United States Federal Aviation Administration leads the development of WAAS, covering the US and Canada, ensuring precise navigation over vast areas.
• MSAS (MTSAT Satellite-Based Augmentation System): Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau is implementing MSAS, enhancing flight instrument rules in Japan's airspace and contributing to safer aviation.
• EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service): Europe introduced EGNOS, augmenting GPS signals to meet safety-critical navigation requirements, a pivotal step in aviation safety.

NOTAM: Navigating the Skies Safely

GAGAN's Flight System Predictor (FSP) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of aviation operations. It predicts and manages navigation service outages, issuing NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions) for the benefit of pilots and air traffic control.

FSP identifies existing and expected future navigation service availability failures within defined geographic regions of interest, and it offers displays and controls to facilitate the generation and administration of NOTAMs for predicted navigation service availability outages.

Due to the anomalous behavior of the ionosphere, the number of NOTAMs generated/cancelled automatically by FSP grows, and hence the automated NOTAM generation feature is not implemented. NOTAMs are being issued manually when GAGAN RNP 0.1/APV I services are unavailable due to System Maintenance/Testing.

Challenges and Initiatives

GAGAN implementation and operationalization have not been without challenges. AAI has proactively addressed these challenges through various initiatives.

Anomalous Ionosphere Behavior

The equatorial region's unique ionosphere behavior posed a challenge. AAI responded with the development of specialized algorithms, 24TEC monitoring stations, and a GNSS R&D center to enhance GAGAN's performance.

Data Link Reliability

Ensuring a 99.999% availability of data links between SBAS sub-systems demanded redundancy and technological solutions, which AAI has effectively implemented.

LPV procedures validation

Aircraft Equipage Mandate

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has mandated GAGAN equipage for all new Indian-registered aircraft since June 30, 2020, ensuring the widespread adoption of this technology.

Technological Upgradation

Obsolescence and technological advancements necessitated upgrades to GNSS reference receivers, processors, and routers. AAI is planning phased upgrades to keep GAGAN at the forefront of technology.

Data Links Technology

AAI is exploring the feasibility of upgrading data links from TDM to IP-based technology under the AAI-FTI project.

GAGAN's Global Reach

GAGAN's GSAT 8/10/15 footprint covers a vast expanse from Africa to Australia. As the GAGAN service provider, AAI offers support to interested countries within this coverage area, facilitating the efficient implementation of RNP 0.1/APV I service.

GAGAN system has the capability to cater to 45 reference stations, as of yet, 15 reference stations are connected. AAI can also train personnel, integrate reference station data with Indian Master Control center, uplink the same via GSAT 8/10/15 for SBAS services over the selected country, and support in testing, SIS validation, documentation, certification etc. activities.

Future Applications: Beyond Navigation

GAGAN's impact transcends aviation. AAI has introduced the "GAGAN Message Service" (GMS), utilizing SBAS message type 63 to broadcast crucial information via GAGAN's GEO satellites. This service serves as a lifeline for broadcasting oceanic and meteorological data, early warnings for natural disasters, search and rescue operations, and humanitarian messages within GAGAN's coverage area.

Conclusion

The GPS-Aided Geo-Augmented Navigation System (GAGAN) represents a significant milestone in India's aerospace achievements. With its rich history, rigorous certification process, exceptional system performance, and global outreach, GAGAN has revolutionized navigation and safety, making the skies safer for all. Its innovative applications, including the GAGAN Message Service, demonstrate the technology's potential beyond aviation. As GAGAN continues to evolve, it promises a brighter, safer future for aviation and beyond.

With Inputs from ICAO, Navipedia, AAI, Uniting Aviation

In recent updates, both Turkish Airlines and Air New Zealand have addressed the ramifications of the Pratt & Whitney engine recall, shedding light on their strategies to mitigate the disruptions caused by this unexpected issue. Pratt & Whitney, a prominent aerospace manufacturer, issued a recall that affected the engines powering various Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft.

Air New Zealand's Response

Leasing Additional Boeing 777-300

Air New Zealand, under the leadership of CEO Greg Foran, has made significant decisions to navigate through the challenges posed by the Pratt & Whitney engine recall. Mr. Foran revealed that the airline intends to lease an extra Boeing 777-300 aircraft to compensate for the grounding of its Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft. These Airbus planes have been grounded to undergo thorough assessments and maintenance due to reported issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.

Dry Leasing and Prior Order Delivery

During the airline's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 26, 2023, CEO Greg Foran unveiled their plan to dry lease the Boeing 777-300. Simultaneously, they are eagerly anticipating the delivery of an identical aircraft from a prior order. This dual approach underscores Air New Zealand's commitment to minimizing disruptions and maintaining a robust fleet to serve its passengers efficiently.

Turkish Airlines' Grounding of Aircraft

Turkish Airlines is also grappling with the implications of the Pratt & Whitney engine recall, with a spokesperson for the airline stating on September 25, 2023, that approximately 11 to 12 Airbus A320 and A321neo aircraft will be grounded. This decision is in response to the uncertainties surrounding the engine issues, which may necessitate further grounding of aircraft.

MarketWatch reported that Turkish Airlines had already grounded nine of its Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft in August, underscoring the seriousness of the engine-related concerns and the airline's commitment to passenger safety.

Conclusion

The Pratt & Whitney engine recall has sent ripples through the aviation industry, affecting major carriers like Air New Zealand and Turkish Airlines. These airlines are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of their passengers and the continuity of their operations. Air New Zealand's decision to lease an additional Boeing 777-300 and await a prior order delivery demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a robust fleet.

Similarly, Turkish Airlines' grounding of a dozen aircraft highlights their dedication to addressing engine-related uncertainties and prioritizing passenger safety. As both airlines navigate these challenges, the aviation industry will closely watch their strategies and outcomes, keeping the safety and convenience of travelers at the forefront of their priorities.

With Inputs from Business Desk, Market Watch

As India gears up for the much-awaited festival season and the Cricket World Cup, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted approval for airlines like IndiGo (6E) and SpiceJet (SG) to bolster their fleets through wet leasing arrangements. With the anticipation of a surge in air travel demand, airlines are taking proactive measures to accommodate passengers and avoid steep fare increases.

Wet Leasing to the Rescue

In a bid to meet the increased demand during this year's festival season, airlines are turning to wet leasing. This approach involves leasing both aircraft and accompanying crew, providing a flexible solution to swiftly expand their capacity. A total of 20 aircraft will be acquired through wet leasing arrangements, with IndiGo and SpiceJet being the primary beneficiaries.

IndiGo's Expansion: IndiGo is set to wet-lease 11 Airbus A320 aircraft from SmartLynx Airlines, a move that demonstrates their commitment to catering to their customers' needs. Currently operating a fleet of more than 320 aircraft and running over 1,900 daily flights, IndiGo is making a significant investment to ensure a seamless travel experience during the festive season.

SpiceJet's Strategy: SpiceJet, on the other hand, plans to introduce 9 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from Corendon Airlines in Turkey. This strategic move aligns well with the airline industry's outlook for the upcoming quarter, which features several significant festivals, including Durga Puja and Dusshera in October, followed by Diwali in November, and concluding with Christmas in December. SpiceJet is positioning itself to capitalize on the expected surge in passenger numbers.

Anticipating the Cricket World Cup Craze

This year, the festival season coincides with the Cricket World Cup, making it a double bonanza for travelers and sports enthusiasts. The DGCA anticipates a substantial increase in air traffic compared to previous festival seasons, driven not only by the festivities but also by the fervor surrounding the cricket tournament.

Fare Increases: A Looming Concern

Without the fleet expansion, airlines could face the risky prospect of substantial fare increases due to the heightened demand. Industry estimates suggest that airfares are likely to rise by over 30% from October to November compared to the same period last year. Fares for the upcoming festival season in October and November are projected to increase by approximately 30%, whereas fares for the same period compared to the summer season (May-June) are expected to rise by around 20%.

Airline Responses

In response to the DGCA's approval and the growing travel demand, spokespeople from both IndiGo and SpiceJet have expressed their commitment to meeting customer demands.

An IndiGo spokesperson stated, “We continuously assess all possible measures to meet the demands of our customers,” acknowledging the ongoing growth in travel demand. This highlights the airline's dedication to ensuring passenger satisfaction during the festival season.

A SpiceJet official emphasized that this year’s festive season aligns well with the airline industry, with significant festivals occurring throughout the upcoming quarter. SpiceJet is gearing up to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience to passengers during this festive period.

Conclusion

As India gets ready to celebrate its festivals and cheer for its favorite cricket teams, airlines are working diligently to ensure that passengers can travel comfortably and affordably. The wet leasing agreements between IndiGo, SpiceJet, and their international partners showcase their commitment to meeting the surge in demand and minimizing fare hikes. With these strategic measures in place, travelers can look forward to a festive season filled with joy, festivities, and cricket excitement without breaking the bank.

With Inputs from Aviation A2Z

In a strategic move to bolster their presence in Southeast Asia's aviation market, Capital A, the parent company of budget airline AirAsia, is joining forces with Cambodian partner Sivilai Asia to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) venture in Cambodia. This significant endeavor is set to be undertaken by Capital A's wholly-owned subsidiary, Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), and holds pivotal importance in Capital A's future commercial aviation strategy.

The Partnership

As outlined in a disclosure filed with Malaysia's stock exchange on September 20, ADE will take the lead in this collaborative MRO venture, holding a majority ownership stake of 60%, while Sivilai Asia will retain the remaining 40%. The capital injection for this ambitious project will amount to $1.2 million, split into two installments, with the first installment preceding incorporation and the second following it.

Asia Digital Engineering's Strategic Expansion

Asia Digital Engineering (ADE) is poised to capitalize on this strategic partnership by expanding its footprint in Cambodia. ADE's involvement in the joint MRO venture aligns perfectly with the broader objectives of Capital A and AirAsia, further solidifying their position in the regional aviation landscape.

AirAsia Cambodia: A Key Component

This joint MRO venture is not Capital A and Sivilai Asia's first collaboration. In December 2022, the two entities came together to sign an agreement to launch AirAsia Cambodia. Under this arrangement, Capital A holds a majority 51 percent stake in AirAsia Cambodia, while Sivilai owns a 49 percent share.

AirAsia Cambodia is geared towards serving routes within a four-hour radius of Cambodia, with a primary focus on connecting to existing AirAsia hubs in Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Phnom Penh. This strategic move to strengthen the AirAsia brand in Cambodia provides a solid foundation for the subsequent MRO venture.

Opportunities in Cambodia's Aviation Sector

The establishment of the MRO unit in Cambodia by Capital A and Sivilai Asia presents a multitude of opportunities for Asia Digital Engineering (ADE). Beyond servicing AirAsia Cambodia's growing fleet, ADE can tap into the broader Cambodian aviation market by offering its expertise and services to third-party airlines operating at major Cambodian airports.

Conclusion

Capital A's partnership with Sivilai Asia to launch an MRO venture in Cambodia, spearheaded by Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), underscores their commitment to expanding their presence in Southeast Asia's aviation sector. With the strategic foundation laid by AirAsia Cambodia, this venture not only enhances AirAsia's position in Cambodia but also opens doors for ADE to establish itself as a key player in the Cambodian aviation maintenance industry. As the project progresses, it promises to bring growth and innovation to the region's aviation landscape.

With Inputs from Aviation A2Z

A global aviation leasing watchdog has for the second time cut India's compliance rating with international leasing laws and kept the country on a watchlist with a negative outlook amid a dispute between local airline Go First and its aircraft lessors. The move by the Aviation Working Group (AWG), a UK-based entity that monitors leasing and financing laws, comes as bankrupt budget carrier Go First is locked in a legal tussle with aircraft lessors seeking to repossess jets.

The courtroom battle started after Go First was granted bankruptcy protection in May. Under Indian law, that prevented lessors from recovering 50-plus grounded Airbus planes. The lessors have complained that critical plane parts are now corroding or getting "robbed". The AWG said 130 days had passed since the lessors' request to repossess their aircraft, more than double the maximum waiting period of 60 days according to India's obligations under the Cape Town Convention, an international treaty protecting the repossession rights of lessors.

India has ratified the Cape Town Convention but has yet to pass a law resolving conflicts with the country's insolvency and bankruptcy code, which is backed by parliament. "The prolonged failure to make remedies, including repossession and deregistration, available to creditors ... and provide for asset maintenance and value preservation ... negatively impact scoring," the AWG's notice said, warning of further rating downgrades. The AWG, a not-for-profit entity co-chaired by Airbus and Boeing, has reduced India's score to 2 from 3.5 out of 5.

Impact of the Negative Outlook

The negative outlook from AWG is under what it calls the compliance index, which addresses whether requirements under the Cape Town Convention are met in practice. This is the second such downgrade by AWG, which first placed India on a watchlist in May and assigned the country a negative outlook for its failure to process lessors' plane repossession applications before the freeze on Go First's assets.

The move could further hurt lessor confidence in the world's third-largest aviation market, warned AWG, whose members include major lessors and financial institutions such as Aircastle, BOC Aviation, SMBC Aviation Capital, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. SMBC, the world's second-largest aircraft lessor, which also has some planes leased to Go First, warned in May that India's decision to block leasing firms from reclaiming the airline's jets would hit lessors' confidence in that market.

Meanwhile, Go First told a court that its revival could be derailed if it agreed to the demands of aircraft lessors who are seeking certain records after jet parts went missing or faced deterioration. Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Capital and ACG Aircraft Leasing recently sought a Delhi court's intervention alleging the robbery or corroding of certain jet parts. 

In response, Go First said that it could be a time-consuming process that could impact its revival.  Such requests "have far-reaching implications on the day-to-day affairs of Go Air and will have a direct bearing on the going concern status of Go Air," said bankruptcy officer Shailendra Ajmera in court filings. He said that such “time-consuming exercises” would divert the resources of Go First.

Previous Outlook

The aircraft leasing watchdog, Aviation Working Group (AWG), has deemed that India has failed to comply with international aircraft repossession norms, and put the country on a watchlist with a "negative outlook." The issue arose following the bankruptcy of the ultra-low-cost carrier Go First, which ceased operations on May 3rd.

Part of the study by AWG focuses on compliance, addressing whether requirements under the Cape Town Convention, an international treaty on plane repossessions, have been met in practice. Following Go First's bankruptcy protection, India's score on the compliance index was downgraded from 3.5 to 3.

India is the world's third-largest aviation market, with the country's airlines undergoing significant expansion. Aircraft leasing will undoubtedly play a significant part in that expansion, but the rating by AWG could increase leasing costs for Indian carriers in the future, making further growth more challenging.

(With Inputs from Reuters)

Tata Group-owned Air India has entered into a codeshare pact with its subsidiary AIX Connect and initially, the pact will cover more than 100 flights a day on 21 routes. Codesharing allows an airline to book its passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless travel to destinations.

"The codeshare implementation enables Air India guests to connect seamlessly on AIX Connect's route network to and from over 80 points across Air India's extensive domestic and international network," a statement said on Monday, September 25.

AIX Connect is in the process of being merged with Air India Express to create a single low-cost carrier within the Tata Group’s airline business. According to the statement, Air India will add its 'AI' designator code to over 100 flights a day operated by AIX Connect on 21 routes.

The agreement between the two airlines enables guests to receive their boarding passes at the first point of departure for all the travel sectors on a single ticket and have their baggage checked in through to their final destinations. Guests connecting from international to domestic flights will, however, need to clear customs at the first point of entry in India, in line with government regulations.

AIX Connect will honour the free baggage allowance mentioned on tickets issued by Air India. Air India guests connecting to flights operated by AIX Connect will also be able to enjoy complimentary meals on board.

"More routes under the codeshare agreement will be added progressively. Bookings for the codeshare flights are being opened across points of sale, for travel starting 27 September 2023," it said. With the latest codeshare pact, Air India has expanded its domestic route network to four new domestic destinations — Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, and Surat — in addition to the common destinations between the two airlines' route networks. Customers from these originating cities will be able to connect to Air India’s international network over hubs in Delhi and Mumbai.

The codeshare agreement also enables AIX Connect to leverage Air India’s global distribution network via the airline’s direct channels as well as its global travel agency network. AIX Connect is a 100% subsidiary of Air India, which is in the process of being integrated with Air India Express (another 100% subsidiary of Air India) to ultimately form a single low-cost carrier within the Tata group’s airline business.

Interline Agreement with Vistara

Vistara has announced a bilateral interline partnership with Air India in May 2023. The partnership offers customers a seamless, end-to-end experience across the combined network of both airlines. With this partnership, customers will be able to book mixed itineraries on a single ticket across both airlines. They also receive their boarding passes for all the sectors booked on a single ticket at the start of their journeys and travel hassle-free as their luggage gets checked in through to their final destinations.

The airline already has an interline cooperation with Air India for irregular operations (IROPs) enabling both airlines to offer alternative first available options to their customers on each other’s flights to minimise inconvenience in case of any operational disruptions. Additionally, Vistara has interline through check-in agreements with 43 other airlines, of which it has Codeshare with Air Canada, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Swiss and United Airlines.