Boeing India collaborates with MIDHANI to develop aerospace raw materials

Boeing India on Tuesday, October 18 announced it would assess and collaborate with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) to develop raw materials for standard aerospace parts and components in India.

A press release from Boeing said indigenous availability of special aerospace materials and alloys has been identified as crucial for creating a self-reliant aerospace and defence industry in India. The availability of essential aerospace materials is the first step in securing the supply chain and aligning with the NDA government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

"Public sector units are an important part of Boeing's supply chain footprint in India. The potential collaboration with MIDHANI will strengthen Boeing's supply base and increase material sourcing options from India. This would be a key step in building Boeing India supply chain - from raw material sourcing to supplying a finished product and it will further the firm's commitment for bolstering India's growing aerospace and defence ecosystem."Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India

Boeing has always supported the development of indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities in India, and has through the years invested in partnerships with the Indian aerospace ecosystem in skilling, research and technology, and manufacturing, the release said.

Boeing is working closely with its suppliers in India to support supply chain health, identify new ways to drive innovation and deliver greater value to its customers.

https://twitter.com/Boeing_In/status/1582336023413264384

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

ALSO READ - Boeing calls F/A-18 Super Hornet “the best deck-based aircraft” for the Indian Navy

Boeing’s advanced aircraft and services play an important role in the mission readiness of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Boeing has strengthened its supply chain with more than 300 local companies in India and a joint venture to manufacture fuselages for Apache helicopters. Annual sourcing from India stands at USD 1 billion.

ALSO READ – Boeing highlights F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III capabilities to Indian Navy

ALSO READ - IAF to induct ‘Made in India’ light combat helicopter (LCH) in October

Boeing currently employs close to 4,000 people in India, and more than 7,000 people work with its supply chain partners. Boeing serves communities and citizenship programs to inspire change and make an impact on more than 500,000 lives in India, the release stated. 

ALSO READ - Boeing to outsource corporate jobs to India’s TCS; cuts 150 finance jobs in the US

"We are excited about the prospect of partnering with Boeing on raw materials for the aerospace industry. This sits well with our plans to collaborate with multinational institutions and companies to strengthen our capabilities for producing critically advanced technology products here in India."Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chairman and Managing Director, Midhani

As per the release, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) was established in the year 1973 under the Ministry of Defence as a Government of India Enterprise. The production unit of MIDHANI, located at Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, was commissioned in the year 1982.

It has been set up to achieve self-reliance in the production and supply of various super alloys, special steels, and materials to Defence, and other Strategic Sectors for Nuclear, aeronautical and Space applications.

The guiding factors for setting up MIDHANI were the demand for Defence oriented technologies, which come under the national priorities. Midhani is engaged in the business of manufacturing superalloys, titanium, special-purpose steel and other special metals.

Boeing India would assess and collaborate with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) to develop raw materials for standard aerospace parts and components in India.

The government is expected to invest close to INR 10 trillion (USD 130 billion) in military modernisation in the next 5-6 years. The Defence Acquisition Policy (DAP) 2020 emphasises >50% indigenous content for a majority of the procurement categories, Midhani said in its FY22 annual report.

The requirement of indigenous content in platforms and systems is likely to translate into demand for indigenous raw materials providing thrust to the Indian metals & alloys manufacturers. The demand in associated sectors including aerospace manufacturing, space, electric vehicles, and railways will be tapped to obtain economies of scale, the company said.

Midhani has been consistent in getting orders with defence, space, aeronautics, power and thermal power, electronics, telecommunications, engineering and other sectors. Its order inflow was at around INR 160 crore in Q1FY23 and the order booking position for FY23 (as of date) is around INR 470 crore.

Midhani has been consistent in getting orders with defence, space, aeronautics, power and thermal power, electronics, telecommunications, engineering and other sectors.

The open order position of Midhani as of date is around INR 1,535 crore. Besides, the company is also in a pact with the Indian Air Force for developing and indigenising various metal powders such as titanium alloys, aluminium alloys and special steel for additive manufacturing process for the production of aviation items.

The company could shortly receive an order of bulletproof jackets. Its order book stands at around INR 1,360 crore as of June 31, 2022, of which defence (including sale to PSUs) is 48%, space is 37% and the rest is others, HDFC Securities said in a report.

Shares of Mishra Dhatu Nigam (Midhani) rallied 7% to hit a new high of INR 258.65 on the BSE in Wednesday’s, October 19 intra-day trade after reports said that the company will work with Boeing India to develop raw materials for aerospace parts.

The stock of the state-run aerospace & defence company surpassed its previous high of INR 251.50, which it had touched on October 10, 2022. In the past three months, it has zoomed 55% as compared to an 8% rise in the S&P BSE Sensex.

Passengers of the newly-launched Akasa Air had to face hardship on Tuesday as their flight from Ahmedabad to Bengaluru was cancelled on technical grounds at the last moment.

This caused chaos at the airline's check-in counters with passengers demanding alternative flights to their destination.

Akasa Air QP 1332 was scheduled to depart at 9.55 pm, but the airline informed the passengers that it was rescheduled at 10.55 pm, the passenger told PTI. At 10.30 pm, they said that they have cancelled the flight due to some "technical" reasons, he said.

An airline spokesperson confirmed that the fight was cancelled on the technical ground.

"The airline said that we can fly on Wednesday at the same time. But it did not offer passengers food or hotel accommodation. It told us to take a refund or wait till tomorrow at the airport."The passenger alleged.

"The flight has been cancelled due to technical reasons. The aircraft is grounded and being inspected. The passengers have been given the option either to avail the full refund or make arrangements in a hotel on their own and the airline will disburse that amount."Said a spokesperson.

Akasa Air launched its services on August 7.

Akasa Air said it has also offered reimbursement on city travel to hotels. The flight has now been scheduled for 7.35 pm on Wednesday.

With inputs from business standard.

An Airbus A320 of IndiGo Airlines completed a test landing at the Donyi Polo Airport on Tuesday morning, makind it a significant milestone in Arunachal Pradesh’s aviation history.

Two water cannons sprayed water as a welcome gesture when the Airbus A320 flight of IndiGo Airlines test landed at the airport with crew members and a few officials on board.

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Sharing the news of the test landing, Chief Minister Pema Khandu posted in the social media, “It is a milestone moment for us as we’re making every possible effort to ensure ease of travel in our state. Gratitude to all for contributing their bit to improve our people’s ease of life!”

https://twitter.com/PemaKhanduBJP/status/1582268120588505088?s=20&t=uNeRfTlJd3RbTghmLk6-yg

The minister said the state’s tourism sector would highly benefit from the airport once it is operational as it would be easy for international and domestic tourists to reach Arunachal Pradesh.

Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) the much-awaited airport is said to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 645 crore, under the Central Government’s Capital Connectivity Scheme.

The airport once completed, would be able to accommodate narrow-body jets like the Airbus A321 in the first phase and the Boeing 747, one of the largest passenger aircraft later.

The new airport has a runway of 2,300 mtrs and is suitable for the landing and takeoff of Boeing 747s. With an area of 4,100 sq mtrs, it will be equipped with all modern facilities for passengers.

The Donyi Polo airport is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month, the officials said.

Air India aims to triple its fleet size in five years and increase its domestic and international market share to 30 percent in the next five years, the company's chief executive officer Campwell Wilson said on October 18.

Air India, along with Vistara, Air India Express and AirAsia India which are owned by the Tata Group, collectively has around 218 planes.

Also read - Air India preparing to compete with the leading airlines of the world

Tata Sons is working on an airline consolidation strategy.

Air India, which was taken over by Tata Group in January, has put in place its five-year revival plan called ‘Vihaan.AI'.

Wilson who took over as CEO of Air India in July said that his team is looking to turn Air India into a "world-class carrier" in three phases under Vihaan.AI.

The first phase, Campbell said, will be called the Taxi phase where Air India is looking to identify and address all the issues which have tarnished the brand image.

The second phase called the Takeoff phase will be when the airline increases investment in its operations, fleet, manpower and equipment including aircraft. Campbell said the second phase will take around three years.

The third and final phase will be called the Climb phase when Air India will look to improve its operations and customer experience.

Also read - The merger of Air India-Vistara to have clarity soon

Air India has lost almost three per cent of its market share in the past seven months.

To increase Air India's domestic market share to over 30 percent in the next 5 years, Tata group has unvieled a blueprint.

The company has prepared a detailed roadmap titled, ‘Vihaan.AI’ focusing on five key pillars including exceptional customer experience, robust operations, industry-best talent, industry leadership, and commercial efficiency and profitability.

As a part of its plan, it has proposed improvements and changes in customer service, on-time performance, technology, product, reliability, and hospitality segments which will take place over the next five years.

Also read - India on the verge of a mega aviation boom

“Over the next 5 years, Air India will strive to increase its market share to at least 30 per cent in the domestic market while significantly growing the international routes from the present market share. The plan is aimed at putting Air India on a path to sustained growth, profitability and market leadership.While the immediate focus of the airline remains on fixing the basics and readying itself for growth (taxiing phase), the more medium-to-long term focus will be on building for excellence and establishing scale to become a global industry leader (take off & climb phases)."The airline said in a statement.

The airline is working on getting grounded planes back in the air.

Air India also has an aggressive plan for its fleet expansion.The airline has signed up for lease 21 Airbus A320neos, four Airbus A321neos, and five Boeing B777-200LRs.

The airline has also been in discussion with aircraft makers to renew the Air India fleet. According to a Bloomberg report, Airbus is growing more confident it can secure a landmark purchase of about 50 A350 wide-body jets from Air India Ltd. this week, while Boeing Co. is working on a deal for as many as 150 B737 Max.

Also read - Boeing offers 737 MAX aircraft to Air India

There are 70 aircraft in Air India’s narrow-body fleet, of which 54 are in service. The rest, numbering 16, will progressively return to service by early 2023. The airline has 43 wide-body planes, of which 33 are in operation. The rest will return to service by early 2023, according to a company statement.

Billionaire Gautam Adani-led Adani Group's wholly owned subsidiary, Adani Defence & Aerospace, has signed definitive agreements to acquire Air Works, diversified independent maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) organisation with a pan-India network presence across 27 cities for an enterprise value of INR 400 crore.

ALSO READ – Air Works to get 462 cr offer from Adani Group

According to the statement, Air Works is the oldest MRO in India with six maintenance bays and over 900 maintenance experts. MRO refers to a range of activities that keep a company running on a day-to-day basis. Companies rely on their supply chains to provide the materials, tools and components they need for MRO activities.

From business and executive jets to airlines and defence platforms, Air Works provides aviation services to most domestic airlines such as IndiGo, GoAir, SpiceJet, and Vistara. It also provides services to international aviation companies such as Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, Etihad, and Virgin Atlantic.

Air Works is the oldest MRO in India with six maintenance bays and over 900 maintenance experts.

ALSO READ – Indian Navy receives sixth P-8I from Air Works

From the first P-8I aircraft Phase 32 checks to Phase 48 checks and MRO on the landing gear of the Indian Air Force’s 737 VVIP aircraft, Air Works undertakes base maintenance for ATR 42/72, A320 and B737 fleet of aircraft from its EASA and DGCA-certified facilities at Mumbai, Delhi, Hosur, and Kochi.

ALSO READ - Air Works receives EASA Part 145 approval for twin-hangar MRO facility at Cochin Airport

Currently, Air Works and Boeing are undertaking heavy maintenance checks on three P-8I long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft operated by the Indian Navy (IN) at Air Works, Hosur. Indian MRO market is expected to grow three times from USD 1.7 billion to USD 5.0 billion by 2030, the company highlighted.

ALSO READ – Boeing expands MRO capability for Indian Navy’s P8I fleet

"Air Works has impeccable proven capabilities and over its 70-year aviation legacy has successfully delivered several India-first and industry-first projects. Combine this with the Adani Group's capabilities and what we get is an entity that truly represents what an Atmanirbhar Bharat in a critical sector should look like."Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO, Adani Defence & Aerospace

Rajvanshi also pointed out that given India's growth trajectory and the government's focus to network the nation through a massive mesh of air connectivity, it is "inevitable that the primary growth of India's airline and airport sector lies ahead of it."

"It is a wonderful opportunity for Air Works and its employees to be subsumed under Adani Defence & Aerospace platform. The government’s policy measures and initiatives, including the convergence of civil and defence MRO would create economies of scale and huge employment opportunities."D Anand Bhaskar, MD & CEO, Air Works Group

In March 2020, the GST rate on domestic MRO services was brought down from 18% to 5% with full input-tax credit — a move that, the MRO industry said, was a huge relief. Because of the cost disadvantage in India due to higher taxes, domestic airlines used to send their aircraft to countries such as Sri Lanka, China, Singapore and the UAE to have them serviced.

Adani Defence & Aerospace is the defence manufacturing arm of the USD 250 billion worth Adani Group with a vision of playing an instrumental role in helping transform India into a destination for world-class high-tech defence manufacturing, the company added.

Adani Defence & Aerospace is the defence manufacturing arm of the USD 250 billion worth Adani Group

Adani Enterprises is the flagship company of Adani Group, one of India's largest business organisations. Over the years, Adani Enterprises has focused on building emerging infrastructure businesses. The next generation of its strategic business investments is centred around the green hydrogen ecosystem, airport management, roads, data centre and water infrastructure.

Adani Group operates the country’s second-largest airport in Mumbai, in addition to airports in Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur, Guwahati and Mangaluru.

The company's consolidated net profit jumped 72.9% to INR 469.46 crore in Q1 FY23 as against INR 271.46 crore in Q1 FY22. Revenue from operations in the first quarter stood at INR 40,844.25 crore, which surged 224.7% from INR 12,578.77 crore reported in the same period last year.

Air Works undertakes base maintenance for ATR 42/72, A320 and B737 fleet of aircraft from its EASA and DGCA-certified facilities at Mumbai, Delhi, Hosur, and Kochi

Air Works Group, with a pan-India presence across 27 cities, competes with 50 standalone Indian MRO players including Government-run AI Engineering Services Ltd and GMR Aero Technic. 

As of March 31, 2021, GTI Capital Group, an India-focused investment company, was the largest shareholder in Air Works Group with a 25.75% stake, followed by Punj Lloyd Aviation, a subsidiary of Punj Lloyd (23.24%), and the Menon family (15%), which founded the company in 1951.

Over the years, the Adani Group has signed a slew of deals in the defence sector including the acquisition of the Bengaluru-based Alpha Designs, a firm which also caters to the aerospace sector, and a joint venture with Israeli firm Elbit Systems. It also acquired a 51% stake in the small arms business of Gwalior-based PLR Systems in an all-cash transaction.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding is announced by AFI KLM E&M and Ascendance Flight Technologies (MOU). This agreement will give the two companies the chance to look into possible partnerships in the following four areas: line maintenance, component repair, mechanics training, and airworthiness management.

One of the most exciting vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (VTOL) projects in Europe is being worked on by Ascendance. The start-up's "Sterna" propulsion architecture, which is distributed hybrid electric motorization with a modular energy approach to accept conventional fuel, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), up to Hydrogen, gives the Atea, a five-seat aircraft with a 400 km range, its name. The certification processes for these technologies have begun, and an Atea prototype is anticipated to fly for the first time in 2023.

ATEA-The hybrid VTOL

This vertical take-off and landing aircraft with five seats will be unveiled in collaboration with ADP at the 2024 Summer Olympics as a safe, efficient, and silent substitute for the helicopter. It is appropriate for urban and regional applications thanks to its 400 km range, up to 80% decrease in carbon emissions, and fourfold reduction in noise emissions (passenger transport, tourism, medical emergencies, logistics, and surveillance)

Representative | CFNEWS

The whole aircraft has been built to adhere to EASA SC-VTOL standards and their corresponding Means of Compliance on the vehicle end. The aircraft also complies with the most recent Air Ops Regulation operating standards for flight paths and flight reserves.

STERNA- A unique hybrid propulsion technology

A hybrid propulsion system called STERNA makes it possible to fly more sustainably and with less pollution. The cutting-edge electric architecture and embedded intelligence of STERNA enable the utilization of multiple energy sources at once. Because STERNA is modular, it may incorporate a thermal module or cutting-edge hydrogen technologies, advancing the aviation industry's transition to renewable energy. The company has a number of patents on this technology.

We are honored to receive this signal of interest from a major player in the field of aircraft maintenance. In parallel with our efforts to develop a new type of aircraft, it is very important for us to prepare the future of its operations today, in conjunction with the best experts in our industry. Maintenance is obviously at the center of our customers’ concerns and this collaboration with AFI KLM E&M is a major step towards providing them reliable solutionsJean-Christophe LambertCo-founder and CEO of Ascendance

Jean-Christophe Lambert | Ascendance Flight Technologies

AFI KLM E&M will be able to respond to the new aircraft maker's concerns about the problems and difficulties involved in creating maintenance programs that are financially and operationally effective thanks to its expertise as an airline-MRO.

At AFI KLM E&M, we have always been on the lookout for the best innovations in aviation. In particular, we are very interested in electric and hydride electric propulsion technologies, which are set to be future business drivers over the next decade. I believe that this type of cooperation is in the general interest and is a further illustration of the general mobilization of our industry to decarbonize aviation - a collective effort in which AFI KLM E&M is of course fully involvedGéry MortreuxEVP Air France Industries

Ascendance Flight Technologies

Ascendance Flight Technologies is a start-up that was established in 2018 by Jean-Christophe Lambert, Thibault Baldivia, Clément Dinel, and Benoît Ferran. Its mission is to decarbonize aviation. The company was founded in 2020 in the center of Toulouse, the hub of European aeronautics, and is now working on the STERNA and ATEA vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VTOL) projects.

SOURCE: afiklmem.com

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