British Airways Celebrates a Century of Connecting the UK and India

In 2024, British Airways, one of the world's leading airlines, is set to commemorate a momentous milestone – a century of uninterrupted service to India. As the airline prepares to mark this incredible achievement, Hamish McVey, the Director of Marketing at British Airways, underlines the pivotal role that India plays in the airline's global operations.

A Century of Connecting Nations

"The Indian market has always been a huge, important market for us. Next year, we are celebrating 100 years of flying to India. So, yes, it is in our top three markets we are flying to, and we have 56 flights a week, making it an essential destination for us," McVey stated.

This century-long connection between the United Kingdom and India is a testament to the enduring relationship that the airline has fostered with the subcontinent. It highlights the commitment of British Airways to facilitate the movement of people and goods between the two nations, playing a significant role in connecting families, businesses, and cultures.

Overcoming Pandemic Disruptions

The aviation industry faced unprecedented challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a sharp decline in global travel and substantial disruptions to operations. However, in the last two to three years, the industry has experienced a remarkable resurgence in demand, and this demand has proven to be astonishingly sustained.

McVey attributes this resurgence to the enduring love and passion for travel, a sentiment that British Airways has sought to respond to. "For us, it has been about responding to that. To respond to the demand as it has been coming back into the market. India is a very good example of that," he remarked.

The revival of the aviation industry signifies the resilience and adaptability of airlines like British Airways, which have consistently adapted to changing circumstances to meet passenger needs.

India's Significance in British Airways' Operations

Sean Doyle, the Chief Executive Officer of British Airways, further emphasizes India's crucial role in the airline's global strategy. India stands as the biggest market for employment for British Airways outside the UK, and the country's vast human capital presents immense potential.

"India has huge potential in terms of human capital; we want British Airways to take advantage of that," Doyle stated. This strategic focus on India underscores the airline's commitment not only to serving Indian passengers but also to harnessing the diverse talents and skills that India's workforce has to offer.

Conclusion

As British Airways approaches its centenary of connecting the United Kingdom and India, it is evident that the airline's longstanding presence in India has been instrumental in shaping its global operations. The airline's resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and its recognition of India as a vital market for both passengers and human capital highlight the enduring relationship between British Airways and India. This centenary celebration is not only a testament to the past but also a sign of a promising future as the airline continues to connect these two nations for generations to come.

With Inputs from CNBC TV18

Tata-owned Air India has deployed its newly inducted Boeing 777 aircraft to all three US destinations it serves non-stop, Mumbai-New York JFK Airport, Newark Liberty Airport (New Jersey), and San Francisco.

The airline spokesperson said that for the first time, all North American cities served by Air India from Mumbai have been upgraded to aircraft with modern-generation seats and in-flight entertainment systems in all classes. "In addition, one of the two daily Air India flights between Mumbai and London Heathrow (AI130/AI131) will now also operate on the new B777 aircraft offering modern generation interiors, as well as introducing First Class cabins," said the spokesperson.

The B777-200LR aircraft serving San Francisco and New York-JFK comes with 28 Business, 48 Premium Economy and 212 Economy Class seats, whilst the B777-300ER serving Newark-Liberty and London offers 8 First Class, 40 Business and 280 Economy Class seats.

"We are delighted to now offer an elevated experience on all routes from Mumbai to the United States and to upgrade one of our London services. This is part of the ongoing product transformation underway at Air India, with 7 new B777s inducted over the last year to be followed by 4 more, along with 6 new Airbus A350s, over the coming months," said Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO, Air India. "All of these aircraft feature much-improved interiors and pave the way for the full interior upgrade of our entire widebody fleet commencing in the middle of 2024," Wilson added.

The Boeing 777-300ER is a long-range wide-body aircraft that is capable of flying non-stop from India to the US. It offers passengers a comfortable and spacious cabin with a variety of amenities, including in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and a premium economy class. Air India recently added seven Boeing 777s to its fleet and four more aircraft are expected to join the fleet in the coming months.

Among the Big Three US carriers, United and Delta Airlines are currently not flying to Mumbai. And American Airlines’ sole India route is currently only flying between Delhi and New York JFK. Delhi has the maximum nonstops to the US with AI — the biggest operator of direct flights between the two countries, — United and American operating. A team of Delta officials was in Delhi recently but the airline is yet to announce its India plans.

The Tata Group-owned airline is set to embark on a USD 400 million programme to refurbish its entire widebody fleet, starting in 2024, including the installation of new seats in every cabin, new inflight entertainment systems, and inflight Wi-Fi connectivity. A third of the fleet will have been upgraded by March 2024, with the full programme due to be complete by the end of 2026.

In February, the airline also announced a record order of 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing in deals worth USD 70 billion (at list prices), with deliveries of the new aircraft due to start in November this year.

Given India's expanding influence in the global aviation sector, aircraft and engine manufacturers are becoming more receptive to the prospect of establishing domestic facilities.

While upcoming airport infrastructure, like Noida International Airport, is actively creating MRO facilities to handle the anticipated surge in new aircraft, Engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce is also closely monitoring the aviation landscape in India and is open to the possibility of establishing an MRO facility in the country.

MRO refers to the activities involved in maintaining, repairing, and overhauling aircraft, aircraft components, and systems to ensure their airworthiness and safe operations. It is an essential part of the aviation industry.

According to a Financial Express report, Kishore Jayaraman, president of Rolls-Royce India, expressed the company's openness to the idea of MRO but emphasised the importance of considering volume and scale. “These are very expensive propositions and it is not like you put up an MRO in every country,” he said.

Rolls Royce Trent XWB Engines for Air India's A350

In February, the engine maker announced an order from Air India for 68 Trent XWB-97 engines, plus options for 20 more. Rolls-Royce added that it was the “biggest ever order for the Trent XWB-97, which exclusively powers the Airbus A350-1000.” Additionally, Air India ordered 12 Trent XWB-84 engines, the sole engine option for the Airbus A350-900.

The airline recently showed off its first A350 in the new livery and expects to start operations with the type in the coming months. Air India has placed orders for 34 A350-1000 and 6 A350-900 wide-body jets with Airbus. This will be the first time that an A350 commercial jet will be operated by an Indian airline. While Airbus was earlier tipped to deliver six A350s to Air India by December, only the first one is set to join the carrier’s fleet by then, while the rest will follow in early 2024.

Rolls-Royce has MROs in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, the UK and the US. The company will deliver a total of 100 engines to Air India, as part of the Airbus deal and directly. In February, Rolls-Royce recently secured a significant order from Air India for 68 Trent XWB-97 engines, with the potential for an additional 20 engines. These engines will power the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

“The 100-engine order is sizable. It is just the beginning. We believe the India wide-body market has a lot of headroom to grow,” Jayaraman said.

This is the first time that an Indian airline has ordered the Trent XWB and the deal will make Air India the largest operator of the Trent XWB-97 in the world. “We are working closely with Air India to fully support the arrival of their new A350-900 aircraft. We will of course support the airline on the ground in Delhi, providing engine monitoring support,” Jayaraman said.

India's MRO Facilities

India’s aviation boom in the last decade and a half has seen hundreds of airplanes being inducted into the fleets of several national-level airlines. But with Air India in the process of receiving a massive makeover and IndiGo scaling up massively, discussions about local aerospace facilities in India have gained momentum.

Aircraft engines typically require maintenance over their 20-year lifespan. Currently, Indian airlines often send their planes abroad for maintenance. India’s Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, has expressed interest in setting up more MRO facilities in the country. In 2021, Scindia introduced policy changes to attract investments. These included increasing the allotment of land for such projects and having open tenders for land allotment, among other things.

(With Inputs from Financial Express)

The U.S. Navy recently awarded Lockheed Martin a significant contract to produce six multi-mission MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopters for the Norwegian government, marking another milestone in the long-standing partnership between Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and the U.S. Navy. These versatile aircraft, designed for maritime excellence, are set to enhance Norway's capabilities in various maritime missions, including search and rescue, coastal and offshore patrol.

A Proven Partnership

"Sikorsky and the U.S. Navy have 40 years of experience designing, building, and improving SEAHAWK helicopters for operations in extreme maritime environments, and preparing militaries worldwide for ever-evolving threats," remarked Hamid Salim, Vice President of Sikorsky Maritime Systems. The experience garnered over decades has established a solid foundation for the continued development and deployment of these cutting-edge helicopters.

Delivering Reliability and Advanced Capabilities

Norway, like other nations, can rely on the SEAHAWK aircraft for their high reliability, advanced mission systems and sensors, low flight hour costs, and cost-effective maintenance and sustainment. These attributes make the MH-60R a valuable addition to any nation's maritime capabilities, and Norway's decision to invest in these helicopters reaffirms their trust in this platform.

Expanding Global Reach

Norway's order represents the second MH-60R contract award in less than a month for Lockheed Martin. On October 12, the U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for eight MH-60R aircraft destined for the Spanish Navy. The global reach of these helicopters is expanding rapidly, with Sikorsky having already delivered 330 MH-60R aircraft to five different countries. Additionally, 64 more are on order or currently in production for India, Greece, South Korea, Australia, Spain, and now, Norway.

Meeting Norway's Unique Requirements

Brigadier General Jarle Nergård, head of the Air Systems Division of the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency, emphasized, "This platform has a long and proven track record of reliability and flexibility in operational environments similar to those faced by the Norwegian Air Force and Coast Guard.

This is why we believe the MH-60R is the solution that best meets Norway's current requirements, and why we are very pleased to see this contract moving forward." Norway's choice of the MH-60R underscores its suitability for operating in the challenging maritime environments that Norway frequently faces.

First-Time Operator

Notably, Norway is a first-time operator of SEAHAWK helicopters. The country is anticipated to receive all six MH-60R aircraft by 2027. This marks an exciting venture for Norway, as they introduce these advanced helicopters into their military and coast guard operations.

Versatility in Land and Maritime Operations

"The MH-60R is designed for all aspects of land and maritime operations from the vast majority of air-capable ships," stated Capt. William Hargreaves, program manager of the H-60 Multi-mission Helicopter Program Office. This versatility positions the MH-60R as an invaluable asset for Norway's coast guard, enabling them to respond effectively to a wide range of situations and scenarios.

Conclusion

Lockheed Martin's latest contract to supply MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopters to Norway demonstrates the continued growth and importance of this advanced maritime platform. The enduring partnership between Sikorsky and the U.S. Navy, coupled with the platform's track record of success, assures that Norway is making a sound investment in enhancing its maritime capabilities.

As the helicopters are delivered and integrated into Norway's forces, the country can look forward to even greater effectiveness in their maritime missions, underscoring the enduring relevance of the MH-60R SEAHAWK in modern naval operations.

French engine manufacturer Safran, in partnership with GE Aerospace, has called for a criminal investigation into allegations that a London-based firm, AOG Technics, distributed falsely documented aircraft engine parts. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, raising concerns about the presence of uncertified parts inside high-tech jet engines and exposing regulatory gaps in the distribution of aviation components.

The Allegations

Safran and GE Aerospace, in collaboration under the joint venture CFM International, have accused AOG Technics of selling thousands of parts for the CFM56 jet engine with falsified certification documents. These engines are widely used in aircraft produced by Boeing and Airbus.

Regulatory Concerns

The allegations have prompted investigations by aviation regulators in various regions. Britain's Civil Aviation Authority initiated an investigation into the supply of suspect, unapproved parts through AOG Technics in August. Additionally, both EU and U.S. regulators have issued warnings regarding parts supplied by the London-based firm.

AOG Technics' Response

While AOG Technics has not publicly responded to the allegations, the company informed a British court last month that it was cooperating fully with investigations conducted by aviation companies and regulators.

Safran CEO's Statement

Safran CEO Olivier Andries expressed his belief and hope for a criminal investigation into this matter, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations. He made these comments while discussing the company's quarterly results.

CFM's Response

CFM International, responsible for designing and manufacturing the CFM56 engines, took legal action against AOG Technics in the UK in September to obtain documents related to their transactions. After analyzing the documents provided by AOG Technics, CFM identified 180 falsified documents, covering 124 part numbers. Approximately half of the 145 affected engines have been repaired, with the remaining half set for treatment in the near future.

Lessons Learned

Andries noted that CFM had already taken steps to tighten its own procedures after it was revealed in court documents that the engine company had directly or indirectly purchased some of the suspect parts. This situation has highlighted the need for enhanced diligence in sourcing and verifying aircraft components.

Impact on the Industry

The distribution of counterfeit or uncertified aircraft parts has been a persistent issue in the aviation industry. However, the presence of these parts within high-tech jet engines has raised significant concerns. It has also revealed a regulatory gap, as parts distributors are not subject to the same level of control imposed on other segments of the industry.

Conclusion

The allegations against AOG Technics and the subsequent call for a criminal investigation by Safran and GE Aerospace underscore the critical importance of maintaining the integrity and authenticity of aircraft components.

The aviation industry is facing a pivotal moment as it grapples with the challenge of preventing the distribution of falsified or uncertified parts within jet engines, all while emphasizing the need for enhanced regulatory oversight in the distribution of aviation components. As the investigation unfolds, the industry will closely watch for developments and potential reforms to address these issues, ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft engines.

With Inputs from Reuters

In a promising sign for the global aviation industry, China's major airlines - China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Air China - have reported their first quarterly profits in over three years. This positive development is attributed to the recovery of both domestic and international markets.

China Southern Airlines: A Turnaround Story

China Southern Airlines, headquartered in Guangzhou, emerged from the pandemic's challenging times to report a third-quarter profit of 4.2 billion yuan, which is equivalent to approximately $573.89 million.

This achievement marks a significant reversal from the 1.0 billion yuan loss reported in the previous quarter and the massive 6.1 billion yuan loss in the year-earlier period. The substantial improvement in the airline's financial health highlights the resilience and adaptability of the Chinese aviation industry.

China Eastern Airlines: Soaring to Profits

Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines also posted an impressive comeback by reporting a quarterly net profit of 3.6 billion yuan. This remarkable achievement follows a loss of 2.4 billion yuan in the previous three months and an even more substantial loss of 9.4 billion yuan in the year-earlier period. The surge in profits for China Eastern Airlines underlines the industry's ability to recover and thrive in challenging circumstances.

Air China's Milestone Recovery

Flagship carrier Air China has made a significant leap towards financial recovery, with their first quarterly profit in nearly four years. Air China's third-quarter net profit stood at 4.24 billion yuan, a stark contrast to the 600 million yuan loss reported in the previous quarter and the massive 8.67 billion yuan loss in the same period the previous year. This remarkable turnaround has rekindled hope for the revival of one of China's leading airlines.

Industry-Wide Hope for Recovery

The positive results from these three major Chinese carriers are reverberating throughout the aviation industry. The Aviation regulator in China disclosed that air passenger numbers in the third quarter reached 180 million, a 2.6% increase compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. This milestone not only signifies the recovery of the domestic market but also underscores the international market's resurgence.

Conclusion

The recent financial successes of China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Air China serve as a beacon of hope for the entire global aviation industry. The ability of these major carriers to bounce back after a prolonged pandemic-induced slump is indicative of the industry's resilience and adaptability.

With a record-breaking performance in the third quarter of 2023, it appears that the Chinese aviation sector is well on its way to leaving the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic behind. This is not only a positive development for the industry but also a testament to the gradual recovery of the global economy. As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic's challenges, the successes of these airlines provide inspiration for the broader aviation community to strive for a brighter future.

With Inputs from Reuters