Alliance Air announced the resumption of flights on the Delhi-Shimla route

The government-owned regional airline, Alliance Air, announced the resumption of flights on the Delhi-Shimla route from September 26. With this recommencement, the airline will expand its network in Himachal Pradesh so that commuters can fly to Delhi-Shimla-Delhi daily.

The airline will restart daily flights on its brand new 48-seater ATR 42-600. The resumption was earlier planned for September 6, but was postponed due to "bad weather conditions".

Before resuming scheduled services, Alliance Air wanted to do a trial run at Shimla airport using its new ATR 42 plane. However, bad weather and turbulence have proven difficult for the aircraft to take off at full capacity from the table-top airport.

Alliance Air is expanding air connectivity in North India by recommencing Delhi-Shimla-Delhi with a daily flight.

The flight will operate with a load penalty (restricted number of passengers) as the Jubbarhatti airport in Shimla has a table-top runway, which is also short (1189 metres). The huge cost involving land acquisition and diversion of rivers to pave way for the expansion of the airports are the major reasons for the runway extension plans not materializing for the last 15 years.

"The last flight on the route was on March 21, 2020, but was discontinued due to COVID-19 and the expiry of lease for the ATR 42 aircraft. Now we have acquired a brand new ATR 42-600 plane." Airline official said.

The Delhi-Shimla flight will accommodate 35 passengers, and the Shimla-Delhi service will see a maximum of 25 passengers. In the past, the airline had also written to the Himachal Pradesh government for additional financial support to be able to mitigate losses on the route due to the penalty.

This will offer better connectivity between Tier-II and Tier-III towns.

Five years ago, on April 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the regional connectivity scheme (RCS), also known as UDAN, by flagging off the first flight from Shimla to Delhi. Until July 2022, a total of 425 routes have been opened by the government, but not all are operational at present.

Under the RCS or UDAN scheme, an airline is required to sell 50% of its seats at a subsidised rate of ? 2,500 per hour of flight in lieu of which it gets financial support from the government.

ALSO READ - Singapore Airshow 2022 | Alliance Air inks deal with TrueNoord for 2 ATR 42 aircraft

Alliance Air and ATR signed a deal at this year’s Singapore Airshow for two ATR 42-600 aircraft with Amsterdam-based lessor TrueNoord. The smaller ATR-42s will help the carrier expand its network to less accessible regions.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has been performing strongly in terms of revenue and since the financial year 2015, the public sector undertaking (PSU) has only recorded an uptrend in revenue. For FY22, HAL recorded the highest ever revenue of over Rs 24,000 crore.

ALSO READ - HAL reaches a new high with earnings over INR 24,000 crore in FY22

In the current financial year, the company’s target is around Rs 26,500 crore, which would give the company growth of around 8% compared to the previous financial year 2021.

HAL's order book stands at around Rs 85,000 crore. There is attrition of another Rs 3,000 crore during the current financial year and the executable timeframe is from 2023-2024 onwards for the next five years.

HAL expects an 8% rise in revenue growth to Rs 26,500 crore in FY23.

"HAL’s order book stands at around Rs 85,000 crore. With this, HAL’s order book looks quite healthy.We will be able to sustain our growth which we have been showing in the past. The growth could also be getting into a double-digit phase by FY24-FY25 onwards.By FY24 onwards, we should be able to achieve the double-digit growth and it will be sustainable. In FY24-FY25 it will be about 11-12 percent and after that, we hope to achieve 15 percent growth.CB Ananthakrishnan, Director — Finance and CFO with Additional Charge of CMD; Director-Engineering and R&D at HAL.

The entire order book as of today will be executed in the next five-six year timeframe. Apart from the existing order book of Rs 82,000 crore, the company has got visibility of around another Rs 60,000 crore orders in the next three-five years timeframe on various platforms. In the next one-two year, around INR 42,000 crore of orders are likely to get concluded.

Ananthakrishnan expects to maintain the margins of 24-25% in the years to come.

Last month, the government published a new list of 780 components and sub-systems that will come under a phased import ban between December 2023 and December 2028.

This is the third such "positive indigenisation" list comprising line replacement units, sub-systems and components used for various military platforms, equipment and weapons to minimise imports by the defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs). The other two similar lists were published in December 2021 and March 2022.

(With Inputs from CNBC TV18)

Engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney is working on a hybrid electric engine and sees a market for it in India in the regional aviation sector.

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), a business unit of Pratt & Whitney recently announced plans to advance its hybrid-electric propulsion technology and flight demonstrator program supported by the governments of Canada and Quebec.

P&WC is working with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) to integrate this hybrid-electric technology into a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-100 flight demonstrator.

Canada and Quebec are investing in the new hybrid-electric propulsion technology.

"Pratt & Whitney Canada is proud to be a leader toward ever more sustainable aircraft propulsion technologies and be an integral part of Canada’s green recovery plan."Maria Della Posta, President, Pratt & Whitney Canada

Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), an organisation designing, manufacturing and servicing aircraft and helicopter engines, will be advancing its hybrid-electric propulsion technology and flight demonstrator programme.

"We see hybrid-electric propulsion systems as one of the key routes to making aircraft of the future even more fuel efficient. We expect that smaller aircraft, including regional airliners, will be the first to benefit from this technology, creating a clear opportunity for India to grow these segments in a sustainable manner.India has one of the newest and most fuel efficient aircraft fleets in the world, powered by our GTF, V2500, PT6 and PW100 engine families. So India’s aviation sector is superbly positioned to lead a sustainable flying roadmap in the future.The hybrid-electric propulsion technology would enhance the performance of different phases of flight, and it would allow a 30 per cent reduction in fuel burn and carbon dioxide emissions."Ashmita Sethi, President and Country Head (India), Pratt & Whitney

P&WC targets ground testing of the technology in 2022 and flight testing of the Dash 8-100 demonstrators in 2024. In India, low-cost carrier SpiceJet is the operator of the de Havilland-8 airplane. It has more than 30 such aircraft in its fleet.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is any fuel that has the potential to generate lower carbon emissions than conventional kerosene on a life cycle basis.

The American aerospace company is also optimistic about its new engine product GTF (Gear Turbofan) advantage engine developed for the A320neo aircraft, a famous aeroplane in India with airlines such as IndiGo and GO FIRST airlines.

ALSO READ - Pratt and Whitney conducts a successful engine test on 100% sustainable aviation fuel

The previous generation GTF engine by Pratt & Whitney was launched in 2016 and has powered around 200 aircraft of IndiGo and GO FIRST so far.

ALSO READ - Go First grounds over a fifth of its fleet due to delayed deliveries of engines by Pratt & Whitney

“We are also working on a hybrid electric engine, so half the power will come from the battery and half from the engine itself. We will do flight tests in two years and it could be a test flight on the de Havilland-8 airplane which is a normal airplane here. So, finally in the future, can I predict hybrid electric regional jets flying in India? Absolutely!The new product will enter service in the 2024 time frame and we expect it to last for 10-15 years of service. We expect significant orders for the new version and for the engine. Looking for potential customers in India for other opportunities.It seems that the Indian aviation industry has adopted some of the rules of ICAO and CORSIA, where starting 2027, 1% of fuel should be SAF, with some costly targets to avoid spending on ticket prices and fuel prices or government regulations. Whether the support can be passed through. Operator or a combination of the three remains to be seen, but it is true, the cost is a challenge.”Paul Finklestein, Director-Marketing, Pratt & Whitney

Airlines and countries are looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions and although this approach can be costly, stakeholders are inclined to find a way to adapt to sustainability in the aviation sector.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), sustainable aviation fuel is any fuel that has the potential to generate fewer carbon emissions than conventional kerosene on a life-cycle basis.

Pratt & Whitney is working on the hybrid electric engine market in India

The concept of sustainable aviation fuel among Indian airlines is still in its infancy. So far, a handful of demonstration flights have been done by SpiceJet and IndiGo on blended fuels for low carbon emissions.

ALSO READ – IndiGo joins sustainable initiative spearheaded by the World Economic Forum

IndiGo had additionally taken delivery of an aircraft which ran on sustainable aviation fuel in February 2022. In December’s final 12 months, the airline signed a settlement with the Dehradun-based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Petroleum to manufacture and deploy sustainable aviation gas globally.

(With Inputs from Mint)

An instrument Landing System (ILS) is defined as a precision runway approach aid based on two radio beams which together provide pilots with both vertical and horizontal guidance during an approach to land.

It uses a combination of radio signals to enable a safe landing even during challenging conditions such as low visibility.

The ILS system provides both course and altitude guidance to a specific runway. This system is used to execute a precision instrument approach procedure or precision approach. An instrument landing system (ILS) facility is a highly accurate and dependable means of navigating to the runway in IFR conditions.

The first ILS system tests began in the U.S.A. in 1929.

In weather conditions where the cloud ceiling is low and the visibility factors are bad, it enables the aircraft to approach the runway low and land safely with electronic devices.

It is the system that greatly facilitates the landing of pilots when visibility is very low, especially in foggy and snowy weather. This system is not required for airports established in flat and fog-free areas.

The airport where the ILS system will be located should have a geographical location that does not affect the broadcast performance of the system. The Signal generation area needs corrected terrain. The environmental terrain conditions of the location of the airport must be suitable.

The Instrument Landing System provides an approach path for the exact alignment and descent of an aircraft on the final approach to a runway. The pilot receives guidance information through a ground-based directional transmitter which is the localizer, providing horizontal guidance, and the glide-slope, providing vertical guidance.

ILSs are referred to as ‘Precision Approaches’ because it guides the aircraft both vertically and laterally.

How ILS Operates?

ILS works by beaming two radio transmissions of different frequencies up from the landing runway, one of 90 Hz and one of 150 Hz. A radio beacon called a localiser is normally built at the end of the runway with multiple pairs of directional antennas.

Localisers are responsible for the horizontal guidance of the aircraft. On the aircraft, an ILS receiver interprets the information and reports which side the aeroplane is situated on to allow the pilot to adjust accordingly. When both signals are overlapping, the aeroplane is flying perfectly down the centre of the course to the runway.

A glideslope antenna provides vertical guidance and operates the same as a localiser which is turned on its side. It also uses 90 Hz and 150 Hz frequencies which are interpreted by the ILS receiver on an aircraft.

ILS is a navigation assistance system that allows the aircraft to approach the runway with precision.

This is approximately 3 degrees to the horizon which gives the aircraft a descent rate of approximately 500 feet per minute. To align the aircraft to the runway centerline, the difference in depth of modulation is considered.

If all the Instrument Landing System components are available together with an approved approach mechanism, then the precision approach is executed by the pilot.

Advantages

This type of system approach is very accurate.It is used to help the pilot during the landing and approach of the aircraft.It helps the pilot to watch the runway and the airports when there is finite visibility.It helps to increase situational awareness and safety measures.It guides to the aircraft runway in both vertical and horizontal planes.

Disadvantages

Due to the localized, glide slope beams moving objects, vehicles, and other big reflecting objects produces interference, this generated interference reduces the directional signal’s strength.

ILS technology has been around for a long time. It remains the most common system used today, but there have been (and are) alternatives.

Aviation technologies are developing day by day and air transport is becoming the rapidly rising star of the transportation industry. Navigation and approach systems play a significant role in the safe flight and landing of the aircraft.

Satellite technology and GPS today provide a viable alternative, and several systems have been implemented. GPS-based systems are available in several regions as support for ILS navigation.

The Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted planned international services, caused Air India Express, which flies primarily between India and the Gulf states, to post a net loss for the first time in seven years.

According to the documents it submitted to the Registrar of Companies, the airline reported a net loss of Rs 72.33 crore in FY22 compared to a net profit of Rs 98.21 crore in FY21 (ROC).

On January 27 this year, Tata Group took control of Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express. A merger between Air India and AirAsia India, another airline owned by the Tata group, is currently taking place.

Before FY22, Air India Express was in the red in FY15, when it posted a net loss of Rs 61 crore.

The second and third waves of the pandemic hampered market recovery, especially in the regional international markets—Air India Express’s mainstay—the airline claimed in its documents submitted to the RoC to explain the FY22 results.

Countries continued to have varying levels of travel restrictions during FY22, and the budget carrier mentioned that international flights continued to be conducted under VBM (Vande Bharat Mission) and air bubble arrangements.

"The airline, as such, continued with its business continuity measures, by shifting capacity in alignment with demand patterns, keeping a close watch on route profitability, continuing with cutbacks in employee salaries, and focusing on cargo.The quantum increase in cargo this fiscal year (FY22) is attributed primarily to the 300 plus cargo-in-cabin flights (P2C) that were operated during the lockdown period. Each P2C flight could carry a cargo payload of approximately 15 Tons."Air India Express

The pandemic forced India to suspend international flights from March 2020 to March 2022. As a result of Covid restrictions, the airline formed bilateral air bubble arrangements with several nations during these two years.

According to the carrier, these measures allowed the company to contain its net loss in FY22. During FY21, its parent company Air India, which has been losing money for many years, reported a net loss of Rs 9,556 crore.

Air India Express posts a net loss for the first time in 7 years

Due to travel restrictions and bans imposed by many countries during the second wave of the pandemic, Air India Express said that its passenger load factor of 59.9% in FY22 is "notable".

The company was able to contain its net loss to Rs 72.33 crore in FY22, the carrier mentioned. Its parent company Air India — which has been making losses for many years — reported a net loss of Rs 9,556 crore in FY21.

ALSO READ - Air India Express plans to add 4 Boeing 737 to keep up with rising demand

Air India Express operated 10,172 flights in FY22, of which only 190 were domestic services. There are 24 Boeing 737 planes in Air India Express' fleet. 

Air India Express has 24 Boeing 737 planes in its fleet.

ALSO READ - Air India Express plans massive international expansion in the next 5 years

It operates flights from India to 15 foreign cities: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras-Al-Khaimah, Al Ain, Muscat, Salalah, Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

Its total income and total expenses were Rs 3,522 crore and Rs 3,251 crore, respectively, in FY22. With 2.29 million passengers transported by Air India Express in FY22 compared to 1.47 million in FY21, there was a 56% increase in passenger volume. During FY22, revenue from cargo carriage went up by about 58%, taking the net revenue to Rs 209 crore against Rs 132 crore for FY21.

(With Inputs from Business Standard)

In a major boost to 'Make in India' in defence, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to induct the indigenous light combat helicopter (LCH) at Jodhpur on October 3.

The new chopper getting inducted into the force is capable of aerial combat and will help the force combat slow-moving aircraft, drones and armoured columns during conflicts.

The induction ceremony will be led by Defence minister Rajnath Singh who has played a crucial role in progressing cases for buying indigenous platforms for forces.

LCH is on its maiden flight at the HAL Airport, Bangalore.

The helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is suited to perform the roles of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (DEAD), Counter Insurgency (CI) operations, taking on slow-moving aircraft, and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), high altitude bunker busting operations.

LCH has a narrow fuselage because of the tandem cockpit configuration for the pilot and co-pilot gunner. It has several stealth features, armour protection, night attack capability and crash-worthy landing gear for better survivability. LCH is a 5.5-tonne class combat helicopter designed and developed by the Defence public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

It is also an effective asset to counter slow-moving aircraft and Remotely-Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) and can be deployed in high-altitude bunker busting operations, and counter-insurgency operations both in the jungle and urban environments. It can effectively support ground forces in various combat scenarios.

IAF to induct 'Made in India' light combat helicopter (LCH) in October

Army Technology information indicates that this LCH made by HAL has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,500kg. It has a 2,600kg cargo capacity. The RWS-300 radar warning sensor, MAW-300 missile approach warning sensor, and LWS-310 laser warning sensor are all installed on the helicopter.

Up to eight Helina (Helicopter-launched Nag missiles) anti-tank guided missiles, four French MBDA Mistral short-range air-to-air missiles, or four rocket pods for 68mm/70mm rockets can be carried on its stub wings.

The automated cannon of this LCH can fire 750 rounds per minute across a useful range of 2,000 metres. Such features make it a formidable attack helicopter.

Army Technology information indicates that this LCH made by HAL has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,500kg. It has a 2,600kg cargo capacity.

Two HAL/ Turbomeca Ardiden 1H1 (Shakti) turboshaft engines power the HAL LCH. A maximum continuous power output of 1,067kW is claimed. Its 20-mm turret guns, mounted on its nose can rotate 110 degrees.

It also has self-sealing fuel tanks and bulletproof windshields, along with built-in crashworthiness of bottom structures, crew seats, fuel tanks, and landing gear. It is equipped with infrared suppression systems and flare and chaff dispensers.

Out of the 15, the Indian Air Force will get 10, and the Indian Army 5. The LCH is a dedicated combat helicopter designed and developed indigenously for the first time in India. It can land and take off from an altitude of 5,000 metres with weapons and fuel, the officials said.

https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1509218738272292866

The choppers have been flown extensively in Ladakh and the desert sector to meet the requirements of the armed forces.

ALSO READ - In what can be termed a first, women pilots to fly Chinook supply sorties

The IAF has inducted multiple helicopters to its fleet in the last three-four years with the induction of the Chinooks, Apache attack helicopters and now the LCHs. The IAF is now also deploying women pilots in Chinook choppers carrying routine supply missions to the northern and eastern borders.

The defence ministry says that 45% of the value of LCH is made in India, and that number will rise over time to more than 55%. IAF and the army are expected to need a total of 160 LCHs, so HAL is likely to get more orders.

The helicopter will be deployed near the Pakistan border in Rajasthan in its first adventure.

LCH is on the government’s “positive indigenisation list,” which aims to ban the import of different types of weapons, systems, and ammunition over the next five to seven years to increase self-reliance in defence. In the last two years, the government has banned the import of 310 defence items by putting them on three different lists.

ALSO READ - Indian Army to get 6 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters

IAF has recently gotten 22 American heavy-duty Apache attack helicopters which are loaded with Hellfire and Stinger missiles. Apart from that we also employ the Russian Mi-17 V5 equipped with Israeli NLOS (non-line of sight) missiles.