A350F Pushed Back from Late 2025 to Early 2026

Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer, recently announced a postponement of the A350 Freighter delivery from late 2025 to early 2026. This delay has disappointed both Airbus and its customers, who had been looking forward to the arrival of the new aircraft.

Reasons for the Delay

There are various causes for the A350 Freighter's delivery delay. To begin, Airbus had various technological issues throughout the aircraft's development phase, which caused some delays in the testing and certification procedures. Furthermore, the ongoing epidemic has produced severe delays in the worldwide supply chain, affecting aircraft component manufacture and delivery. Finally, the regulatory licencing and certification procedures for new aircraft can be lengthy and unpredictable, adding to the delay.

Present Situation

The Airbus A350 Freighter is a new aircraft in the A350 family, developed to meet the increasing need for air freight transportation. The A350 Freighter was originally slated to be delivered to clients by the end of 2025; however, Airbus has revealed a few-month delay in delivery. This delay has generated consternation in the aviation sector, with many questioning what caused it and how it would affect the industry. Since Airbus has delayed the entry-to-service of the A350F by a few months owing to "industrial planning adjustments." Following a disappointing first quarter, the manufacturer announced that the A350F's end-of-2025 date will be pushed out to early 2026.

"We are in the execution phase of the programme, we are in the development phase, and we are starting the initialization of the product, so we are constantly updating the planning, and what we have said today reflects a slight slippage of the overall planning," said Xavier Tardy, Airbus' interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), during the company's Q1 2023 results presentation. Tardy, on the other hand, stated that there would be no change "in the program's thinking, just that the entry into service is now slightly pushed into the beginning of 2026." The first A350 freighter part was manufactured at the program's Nantes, France, plant in early April. Over the two years since its debut in 2021, the freighter has received a decent number of purchasers, with noteworthy clients including Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Air Lease Corporation (ALC), each with seven.

The planemaker stated that it was on track with its other programme milestones, while the A321XLR's mid-2024 launch date remains unchanged. Nonetheless, it observed difficulties in the supply chain without "specifically putting it on the shoulders of one or more suppliers." According to AirInsightGroup, Faury stated during the results conference, "A lot is on the components side." We still have a lot of challenges with equipment vendors and the availability of microelectronic components. We have them with aerostructures and engines. Although things appear to be improving significantly, we have yet to witness changes where critical conditions exist." While the company's CFO refused to comment on the program's specific cost or whether the delay will increase expenses related to the development of the A350F, Tardy stated that the new entry-in-service date would not affect the company's Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) and Free Cash Flow (FCF) guidance for 2023.

The Effect on Airbus and Its Customers

The A350 Freighter delivery delay has a substantial impact on both Airbus and its clients. Airbus will incur additional expenditures as a result of the delay, including increased development costs and potential fines for late deliveries. Furthermore, the delay would have an impact on the air cargo market, as many companies were anxiously anticipating the new aircraft to meet their expanding cargo transportation demands. This delay may result in a scarcity of available cargo planes, raising the cost of air freight transportation. Customers who have already ordered the A350 Freighter may need to look at other solutions to suit their transportation needs.

Conclusion

To summarise, Airbus's delay in delivering the A350 Freighter is a big setback for the aviation sector, which is already experiencing several hurdles as a result of the ongoing epidemic. The reasons for the delay are numerous, ranging from technological difficulties to supply chain delays to regulatory clearances. Airbus, its clients, and the air freight sector as a whole will all suffer as a result of the delay. Nonetheless, Airbus is working nonstop to overcome these obstacles and deliver the new plane as soon as feasible.

With Inputs from AeroTime

According to the International Aviation Transport Association (IATA), worldwide aviation traffic is presently 88% of what it was in 2019. This is a major improvement over the depths of the COVID-19 epidemic, when aviation traffic came to a halt. While the epidemic is not yet over, the aviation sector has demonstrated tremendous resilience, adaptation, and drive to recover.

The Road to Recovery

The COVID-19 epidemic has had a severe effect on the aviation sector, resulting in enormous income and employment losses. At the height of the epidemic, governments closed their borders, imposed travel restrictions, and grounded planes, bringing air traffic to a near standstill. The aviation sector, on the other hand, has demonstrated amazing resilience, adaptation, and resolve to revive. With the introduction of vaccinations, the relaxation of restrictions, and the reopening of borders, air travel has resumed.

Current Scenario

It's been a long three years, but if returning to pre-pandemic levels is the goal, the finish line is in sight. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), worldwide passenger traffic in March was 88% of what it had been in 2019. IATA issued its March 2023 Air Passenger Market Report yesterday, revealing that March traffic climbed by 52% year on year. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) tracks passenger traffic using revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), which are computed by multiplying the number of revenue-paying passengers aboard an aircraft by the distance travelled. Domestic traffic increased by 34% year on year and accounted for 42% of worldwide traffic in March, while overseas traffic increased by 69% and accounts for 58% of global RPKs. Domestic traffic in March 2023 reached 99% of what it was in March 2019, while foreign traffic returned to 82%. 

Global traffic is at 88% of what it was in March 2019. IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated in yesterday's report that the calendar year's first quarter finished positively for air travel demand and that domestic markets had been around pre-pandemic levels for months, but two critical milestones for international travel were fulfilled in March. "First, demand increased by 3.5 percentage points over the previous month to 81.6% of pre-COVID levels." As China's reopening took root, demand for Asia-Pacific carriers nearly tripled. International load factors have reached 81.3%, indicating that efficiency is improving.

"More importantly, domestic and international ticket sales indicate that strong growth will continue into the peak Northern Hemisphere summer travel season." However, Walsh also stated that due to a shortage of capacity in comparison to demand, some travellers may be unable to obtain a seat during the summer season. He attributed "a portion of that" to labor shortages affecting various sectors of the supply chain, creating delays in aircraft deliveries in particular. Unsurprisingly, he also criticized cancellations caused by the acts of air traffic controllers and others, mainly in Europe, as "unacceptable and should not be tolerated by authorities."

Factors Influencing the Recovery

Several reasons are propelling global air traffic recovery. The distribution of vaccinations, first and foremost, has given people the confidence to travel again. As more people are immunized, the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission and severe disease diminishes, making air travel safer. Second, the relaxation of travel restrictions and the reopening of borders have made it easier to resume air travel. Third, the pent-up demand for travel, particularly leisure travel, has resulted in an increase in reservations. Fourth, the widespread use of digital health cards, such as the IATA Travel Pass, has made it simpler for travellers to meet entrance criteria and health regulations.

Implications for the Aviation Industry

The revival of global air traffic has profound implications for the aviation sector. For starters, it boosts airline earnings, which have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Second, it generates job possibilities for thousands of individuals employed in the aviation business, ranging from pilots and flight attendants to ground crew and maintenance personnel. Third, it aids the revival of other sectors that rely on air travel, such as tourism and hospitality. Fourth, it highlights the aviation industry's tenacity and adaptation, which have demonstrated its capacity to withstand even the most severe problems.

Future Obstacles

While the resurgence of global aviation travel is encouraging, it is not without complications. The pandemic's continued impact, including the introduction of novel strains, unequal vaccination delivery, and the possibility of additional outbreaks, remains a major worry. Furthermore, the aviation sector is confronted with structural issues such as rising fuel prices, environmental concerns, and the need to invest in new technologies and infrastructure.

Conclusion

The return of global air traffic is a great omen for the aviation sector, which has demonstrated amazing resilience, adaptation, and tenacity in overcoming the COVID-19 epidemic. While there are certainly hurdles ahead, the overall trend is good, driven by vaccine deployment, relaxation of travel restrictions, and pent-up demand for travel. The recovery of global air traffic boosts airline profits, offers employment opportunities, aids the recovery of other industries, and reflects the aviation industry's tenacity, adaptability, and drive. To tackle the challenges ahead and develop a sustainable and resilient future, the sector must continue to adapt and innovate.

With Inputs form Business Traveller

Himalaya Jet, a new British long-haul airline, met with Boeing recently to discuss their future intentions. This conference was regarded as an important step forward in Himalaya Jet's ambitions to establish itself as a key participant in the aviation market.

Himalaya Jet and Boeing Overview

Himalaya Jet is a new British airline that began operations in 2022. It intends to offer premium long-haul service to Asia, the Middle East, and North America. The airline will be situated at London's Heathrow airport and will begin operations in late 2023. Boeing, on the other hand, is a world-class aircraft manufacturer. The corporation has a lengthy history of manufacturing commercial jets, military planes, and space technologies. Boeing's commercial aeroplane division designed and manufactured some of the most successful aeroplanes in history, including the 747 and the 787 Dreamliner.

Current Scenario

The Gurung family, which owns the controlling share in Himalaya Jet, a brand-new UK-based startup airline, recently visited the Boeing headquarters. Boeing is supporting Himalaya Jet's aviation journey, which is set to begin operations later this year. The airline plans to be a premium supplier of long-haul flights to Nepal and India from Europe and eventually from the United States and Australia. Himalaya Jet is a new startup airline based in the United Kingdom that wants to launch premium long-haul flights to India and Nepal in the Himalayan area. The Gurung Family of Nepalese heritage is the largest stakeholder in the airline, which is supported by Boeing. 

On April 26th, the Gurung Family, which controls luxury enterprises throughout the world and just became a co-owner of the Miss World pageant, paid a visit to Boeing headquarters to discuss the airline's future. Miss Shree Saini (Miss America) and M. AC Sherpa (Honorary Consular General of Nepal for Washington, Seattle) supported the Gurung Family throughout their visit. The tour, according to the airline, provided a simulated personalized experience centred around the Himalayas. Following some progressive conversations, Boeing arranged a dinner.

Himalaya Jet is marketing itself as a premium long-haul point-to-point operator, connecting Europe (London and Paris) to the Himalayan Region, which includes India (Delhi and Mumbai) and Nepal (Kathmandu). In the next few years, the airline hopes to increase its flights to the United States and potentially Australia, particularly from Kathmandu. Himalaya Jet aims to make it easier to fly to the Himalayan regions by providing greater direct connectivity. Himalaya Jet plans to begin operations in September of this year. The airline's fleet specifics are unknown, but it will begin by linking India and Nepal to European cities. Nepal is home to some of the world's tallest mountain peaks, including Mount Everest. It attracts a good number of tourists from all over the world, particularly those interested in mountain excursions and other adventurous activities.

Why Did Himalaya Jet Select Boeing

Several considerations influenced Himalaya Jet's choice to cooperate with Boeing. First and foremost, the airline was pleased by Boeing's track record of safety and dedication to sustainability. Because of its superior composite materials and unique design, the company's new 787 Dreamliner aircraft, for example, is one of the most fuel-efficient planes in the world. Second, Himalaya Jet was drawn to Boeing because of its reputation for dependability and customer service. The airline's goal is to deliver a premium service to its passengers, and collaborating with a corporation recognised for its high standards was viewed as a critical aspect in accomplishing this goal. Finally, Himalaya Jet was thrilled with Boeing's innovation commitment. The business is actively developing various novel aircraft concepts, including a supersonic commercial jet and an electric-powered plane. Himalaya Jet aspires to be one of the first airlines to make use of this new technology and give its clients an even more sophisticated service.

Himalaya Jet and Boeing's Future Collaboration

Himalaya Jet and Boeing met to discuss the airline's future ambitions and how Boeing might assist in achieving them. The two corporations talked about everything from aircraft purchases to finance and maintenance. One of the most important outcomes of the conference was Boeing's pledge to equip Himalaya Jet with a fleet of new 787 Dreamliner aircraft. These planes, which are slated to arrive in early 2022, will serve as the backbone of Himalaya Jet's long-haul service. Boeing has promised to offer continuing maintenance and support for the airline's fleet, ensuring that the planes stay in excellent shape at all times.

Himalaya Jet and Boeing's Future Collaboration

Himalaya Jet and Boeing met to discuss the airline's future ambitions and how Boeing might assist in achieving them. The two corporations talked about everything from aircraft purchases to finance and maintenance. One of the most important outcomes of the conference was Boeing's pledge to equip Himalaya Jet with a fleet of new 787 Dreamliner aircraft. These planes, which are slated to arrive in late 2023, will serve as the backbone of Himalaya Jet's long-haul service. Boeing has promised to offer continuing maintenance and support for the airline's fleet, ensuring that the planes stay in excellent shape at all times.

Analysis of the Collaboration's Impact on the Airline Industry

Himalaya Jet and Boeing's collaboration is likely to have a substantial influence on the aviation sector. For starters, it will give Himalaya Jet access to some of the world's most modern planes, allowing the airline to deliver a premium service to its clients. This will most likely appeal to high-end travellers ready to pay a premium for luxury and comfort. Second, the agreement will help Himalaya Jet establish itself as a prominent participant in the airline market. Boeing is a well-known and well-respected firm with a solid reputation, and working with them will provide Himalaya Jet with credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of potential consumers and investors. Finally, the partnership may contribute to increased innovation and competitiveness in the aviation business. Himalaya Jet and Boeing will be able to share information and experience, resulting in fresh ideas and techniques that will benefit the industry as a whole.

Himalaya Jet's Potential Market Competitive Advantage

Himalaya Jet's collaboration with Boeing may provide the airline with a substantial competitive advantage in the industry. The 787 Dreamliner is one of the most modern and inventive planes in the world, and Himalaya Jet will be able to separate itself from other airlines that provide less advanced jets by adopting this aircraft. Furthermore, the Dreamliner's fuel economy will allow Himalaya Jet to offer lower rates than competitors without jeopardizing service quality. This might assist in attracting price-conscious travellers searching for a high-quality vacation experience at a low cost.

The Economic Impact of the Countries Involved

Himalaya Jet and Boeing's collaboration is also intended to benefit the economies of the countries involved. Boeing's aircraft orders and continuing maintenance will create employment and produce cash in both the UK and the US. Furthermore, increasing competition and innovation in the aviation sector may contribute to economic growth and the creation of new possibilities for firms and entrepreneurs.

Himalaya Jet and Boeing Face Difficulties

Despite the potential benefits of the relationship, Himalaya Jet and Boeing will face a number of hurdles. One of the most significant difficulties is the present aviation business slowdown caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. This has resulted in a dramatic decrease in air travel, putting several airlines and aircraft manufacturers in financial jeopardy. Another problem is the continuing trade dispute between the United States and the United Kingdom, which might affect Himalaya Jet's collaboration with Boeing. The two nations are presently negotiating a new trade deal, and any modifications to the accord's parameters might have an influence on the aviation sector.

Considerations for Safety and Sustainability

Himalaya Jet and Boeing will prioritize safety and sustainability in their collaboration. Both organisations have a solid reputation for safety and are devoted to sustainability, and their cooperation must reflect these principles. Furthermore, the aviation sector is under growing pressure to decrease its carbon footprint and alleviate the environmental effects of air travel. Himalaya Jet and Boeing must collaborate to minimize emissions and promote sustainability in the aviation business.

Conclusion

The Himalaya Jet and Boeing meeting is a big breakthrough in the aviation business. The collaboration between these two organisations has the potential to have a significant influence on the industry, pushing innovation and competitiveness while also offering new prospects for growth and development. Despite the obstacles, Himalaya Jet and Boeing are well positioned to succeed. They may form a cooperation that benefits both the airline sector and the larger economy by concentrating on safety, sustainability, and innovation.

With Inputs from AeroTime

A recent letter from Pratt & Whitney (P&W) to Indian airline Go First reveals more detail about the tight supply of PW1100G spare engines and related equipment. Signed by P&W commercial engines president Rick Deurloo, the 3 April letter says P&W and its leasing partners globally had a total pool of “295 spare leased engines”. The letter relates to the availability of PW1100G turbofans, which power Airbus A320neo-family jets.

However, all of those 295 powerplants are either spoken for by airlines or unavailable because they need maintenance. “As of this letter, 193 of these spare leased engines are either under lease to or in possession of customers,” says Deurloo’s letter. “The remaining 102 spare leased engines are currently unserviceable and either undergoing or in the queue for maintenance.”

The letter also notes that P&W does not have enough engine “stands” to fulfil a request from financially struggling to Go First, which on 2 May temporarily halted flights and reportedly filed for bankruptcy protection. “Due to demand, Pratt & Whitney does not currently have 20 available engine stands… to dispatch to Go First but will take reasonable steps to locate engine stands,” Deurloo’s letter says.

The airline included the letter, addressed to Go First chief executive Kaushik Khona, as part of its 28 April lawsuit filed against P&W in the US District Court for the District of Delaware. Go First is asking a US judge to force P&W to comply with provisions in a March arbitration decision. The arbitrator called for P&W to repair 64 of Go First’s PW1100Gs and “take all reasonable steps” to deliver to Go First some 80 spare engines Go First es this year. Go First filed the arbitration claim on grounds its PW1100Gs were suffering widespread failures and that P&W was not fulfilling maintenance obligations. P&W declines to comment about the suit.

The dispute comes amid broad supply chain shortages that have left engine makers – including P&W competitor CFM International – struggling to ramp production. Deurloo’s letter reveals a lack of slack in the supply chain, citing the unavailability of both spare engines and heavy engine maintenance capacity. “Unfortunately… no spare leased engines are presently available from Pratt & Whitney or its affiliates,” the letter says.

More spare engines will become available following the completion of maintenance, but those are “already committed to other customers”, Deurloo tells Go First. “Although Pratt & Whitney does not yet have a spare leased engines delivery schedule for Go First, it is working diligently to develop one as it receives more information concerning the readiness and availability of spare leased engines,” Deurloo adds.

Of Go First’s 64 PW1100Gs needing repair, the airline said it held 44 and P&W had 20. In his letter, Deurloo says P&W ended a maintenance “hold” on Go First engines in P&W’s possession. That hold had resulted from Go First’s “default for failure to pay”, the letter says.

Now, P&W must find available maintenance slots. It “is developing an induction schedule for remaining Go First engines, with inductions scheduled beginning with the first such available induction slots that have not been previously committed to other customers,” Deurloo writes. As for the other 44 PW1100Gs needing maintenance, Go First had asked P&W to send engine stands required for shipping the turbofans to maintenance shops, court papers say. But Deurloo’s letter says not enough stands are available. Go First did not respond to a request for comment.

P&W says it “is complying with the March 2023 arbitration ruling”, adding that Go First ”has a lengthy history of missing its financial obligations to Pratt.” P&W declines to comment about the litigation in US court and says it is working on PW1100G durability improvements.

With growing air passenger traffic, India’s demand for aircraft is predicted to reach 2,100 in the next 20 years, as per a report by Primus Partners, an advisory firm. The report titled, “Aircraft Leasing Industry: Has India Nailed the Landing?” said that around 80 per cent of India’s total commercial fleet is leased compared to 53% globally. 

"Recognising that the industry holds immense potential, it is vital that the right ‘ecosystem’ is built for the sector to flourish and for India to be deemed as a leasing hub," it stated.  An enabling and conducive aviation ecosystem with ample focus on the domestic leasing industry can propel India’s capability to tap into the USD 100 billion financing opportunity in the next 20 years.

It also stated that currently, Indian airlines are compelled to finance their leases through other countries such as Ireland, Singapore and Hong Kong which provide an ecosystem which fulfils their needs such as strong financing, faster aircraft repossession and redeployment and provision of maintenance and operations activities.  "Leasing internationally implies Indian funds are redirected abroad which is another factor that should drive the Government to take the necessary steps to establish a thriving leasing eco-system in India," it mentioned. 

According to the report, there is a dire need to streamline processes and the regulatory environment, with Gujarat International Finance Tec-City International Financial Services Centre (GIFT IFSC) possessing sufficient potential to become the face of aircraft leasing in India. Several tax and leasing reforms have ensured a strong foundation which is brimming with opportunity. 

Nilaya Varma, Co-founder and CEO, of Primus Partners said “Airlines based in India provide one of the biggest markets for international leasing hubs. Despite possessing a competitive tax regime and liberalized policies at GIFT IFSC, there is still a lack of a conducive regulatory and operational eco-system to transform it into a hub." Varma also added that it is a combination of different factors, which hampers the ease of doing business for airlines. "Our report deep dives into the prevalent issues that are impeding the growth of the aviation sector in India," he stated.

The report further recommends strategic and definitive measures to propel this sector, worth USD 150 billion, into a new era. Also, ripple effect on India’s maintenance, repair and operations ecosystem. In India, airlines spend around 12 to 15% of their overall revenues on maintenance, which becomes the second most expensive item after fuel.  The right aviation leasing ecosystem will help address key bottlenecks such as infrastructural issues, lack of access to credit, a licensing and certification framework and tax, duty and royalty issues, as per the report.

IATA Calls India An Emerging Key Aviation Market

A revival in domestic travel to the pre-pandemic level has propelled India to the big league of major aviation markets, the trade body International Air Transport Association (IATA) has found. Domestic travel in India missed the pre-Covid level by 2.2% in February 2023 in terms of passenger revenue kilometres (PRK), the study said.

The growth in domestic travel is also seen in the Passenger Load Factor(PLF), which studies how efficiently an airline fills seats and generates revenue. India is the top domestic market in terms of PLF when compared to countries such as the US, China and Japan, it said.

India recorded PLFs of 81.6% in February, 85.2% in January, 88.9% in December 2022, and 87.9% in November 2022. Domestic air passenger traffic for all markets measured for February surged 25.2% over the year-ago period. Total February 2023 domestic traffic was at 97.2% of the February 2019 level.

The report estimated that nearly 35 to 40 million Indians travel by air every year. According to World Bank, pre-Covid India had about 168 million air transport passengers, with many of them repeat flyers. Airline companies anticipate that a rapid rise in middle-class incomes and a corresponding change in spending habits mated with lucrative offers from airlines could make India the fastest-growing aviation market for years to come.

Globally, traffic is now at 84.9% of February 2019 levels. Total traffic in February 2023, based on RPKs, rose 55.5% compared to February 2022. The report added, “Asia-Pacific airlines had a 378.7% increase in February 2023 traffic compared to February 2022, maintaining the very positive momentum of the past few months since the lifting of travel restrictions in the region. Capacity rose 176.4% and the load factor increased 34.9 percentage points to 82.5%, the second highest among the regions.”

About Primus Partners

Primus Partners Pvt. Ltd. is a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organization. Great Place to Work® Certification is recognized the world over by employees and employers alike and is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ in identifying and recognizing Great Workplace Cultures. Primus Partners Pvt. Ltd. has created a Great Place to Work FOR ALL their employees by excelling on the 5 dimensions of a High-Trust, High-Performance Culture™ – Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride and Camaraderie. Primus Partners is a Management Consultancy firm with a unique concept of 'Idea Realization'. Primus Partners works with clients in the private and Government clients, offering services around multiple domains and solutions.

In Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, an army helicopter with two people on board crashed in a forested area due to a technical fault on Thursday, May 4. Two pilots on board were injured and a technician was killed in the incident. The officials said the crash occurred in the hill district’s Marwah area.

"At about 1115 hours on 04 May 2023, an Army Aviation ALH Dhruv helicopter on an operational mission made a precautionary landing on the banks of Marua river in the Kishtwar region of Jammu and Kashmir," the Udhampur-based Northern Command said in a statement. The pilots had reported a technical fault to the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) and proceeded for a precautionary landing, it said.

"Due to the undulating ground, undergrowth and unprepared landing area, the helicopter apparently made a hard landing. Immediate rescue operations were launched and Army rescue teams reached the site," the statement said. The Army said the injured were evacuated to the command hospital in Udhampur. The Army identified the deceased as Craftsman (Avn Tech) Pabballa Anil.  Craftsman Pabballa Anil later succumbed to his injuries. The 30-year-old was a native of Malkapur village in Telangana’s Rajanna Sircilla district.

Defence sources said the technician succumbed to his injuries, while the pilots were "stable". The wreckage of the helicopter was found on the banks of the river, said Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Khalil Ahmad Poswal.

HAL's ALH Dhruv was recently cleared

The aircraft was an advanced light helicopter called ALH Dhruv – a twin-engine utility aircraft indigenously developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Another ALH Dhruv – of the Indian Coast Guard – had crashed in Kochi in March after making a forced landing during a test flight. All three on board were safe.

The fleet of ALH Dhruv helicopters has started flying operations again, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) said in a release on Monday, May 1. This comes less than a month after the operations of the helicopters were halted by the Indian Navy following an accident off the Mumbai coast.

"In the wake of the ALH Dhruv accident off the Mumbai coast, the Navy halted the operations of ALH Dhruv Helicopters until investigators find the reason for the incident and precautionary checks are carried out," the company had then said.

The ALH choppers are flown by all three defence forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Indian Coast Guard. Advanced Light Helicopter or ALH-Dhruv is an indigenously developed utility aircraft by HAL with a twin-engine.

Even though its development was started in 1984, and was initially designed with Germany's assistance Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB), the helicopter was first flown in 1992 but entered service after certification in 2002. According to HAL, the aircraft is "type –Certified" for military operations by the Centre for Military Airworthiness Certification and civil operations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III, and Mk-IV.

Previous Crashes

Last October, another Indian Army ALH, known as the Rudra crashed in Arunachal Pradesh, killing five personnel. The Rudra is an armed version of the ALH Dhruv. It brought to focus the series of crashes of the indigenous helicopter, which is the backbone of the Indian Army.

Earlier this March, two pilots were killed after an Indian Army Aviation Cheetah helicopter crashed near the Mandala hills area in Arunachal Pradesh. A search operation was carried out by the Indian Army, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and police after the crash. According to officials, Army's Cheetah helicopter was on an operational sortie when it lost contact with the Air Traffic Controller. It was reported to have crashed near Mandala, West of Bomdila.’

In March 2022, the government told Parliament that 42 Indian armed forces personnel were killed in 45 aircraft and helicopter crashes in the last five years.