Can we leverage proton exchange membrane technology to power zero-emission flights?

Instead of using combustion to produce electricity, fuel-cells—first developed by Sir William Grove in 1838—generate electricity very effectively using an electrochemical reaction. They differ from batteries in that they need a constant supply of fuel and oxygen, often from the air, whereas a battery gets its chemical energy from materials that are already in the cell. Therefore, fuel cells can constantly generate energy as long as fuel and oxygen are available.

Airbus

Proton Exchange Membrane is the most promising technology for mobile applications (PEM). Hydrogen is utilized as the "fuel" to produce power in this kind of fuel-cell. The sole byproducts of this kind of fuel cell are heat and water.

Since this technology doesn't produce CO2, NOx, or even very little contrails, having it on board an airplane is extremely appealing. An electric-powered aircraft is necessary to take full use of this benefit, hence there must be enough fuel cell capacity on board to produce enough power at an acceptable weight.

'Stacking' fuel cells to increase output

A "stack" of hundreds of these fuel cells must be electrically connected in series in order to achieve the necessary power levels for usage in an aircraft. Then, a number of similar stacks are joined to create a number of fuel cell "channels". This modular strategy makes it possible to generate the megawatts of electricity required for an electric airplane.

Elring Klinger- a key partner with expertise in automotive fuel-cell technology

Although fuel cells are already employed in some cars, they do not meet the strict specifications needed for use in aircraft.

Regardless, Airbus has partnered with Elring Klinger-  one of the leading providers of fuel cells in the automotive industry, to manufacture and industrialize custom fuel cell stacks for the aviation industry.

These two businesses established a joint venture called "Aerostack" in 2020.

The joint work has advanced significantly in the two years since Aerostack's founding. In Hamburg, where teams are designing, constructing, and testing fuel cell systems, the first prototype fuel cell stacks are already being reviewed by Airbus.

The design and test phase- an iterative process

It's time to test the fuel cell systems after the teams have customized them completely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG50OAJu190

We once experienced issues with the water management, so the drainage design is key.Even as these tests are progressing, the teams are also designing and developing the next-generation of fuel-cell stacks and systems. These will be more compact and more powerful, and which will lead to a version which can fly in Airbus’ planned ZEROe fuel-cell demonstrator. It’s an iterative process, and it doesn’t always go the way we expected, so it brings useful learning opportunities which enable us to improve the process so that it becomes even more stable and robust- Hauke Peer Lüdders, Head of Fuel-Cell propulsion systems for ZEROe Aircraft at Airbus

The test bed's auxiliary system, which includes hydrogen, nitrogen (for the tests only), coolant, and air supplies, as well as a drainage outlet, must first be properly linked (for the derived water by-product). The test bench's doors are shut, the electricity is turned on, and the procedure begins. The teams may then keep an eye on the reaction as it progresses, the production of byproducts, and of course the amount of electricity produced via specific screens.

SOURCE: AIRBUS

COVER: AIRBUS

A Royal Nepal Airlines plane makes an emergency landing at Chittagong International Airport on Wednesday, November 30 due to a technical glitch.

The Royal Nepal flight 401 was flying to the Thai capital of Bangkok from Kathmandu and had 159 people on board.

The Royal Nepal flight 401 was flying to the Thai capital of Bangkok from Kathmandu when it made an emergency landing in Bangaladesh due to some technical glitch

“The Royal Nepal flight 401 en route from Kathmandu to the Thai capital of Bangkok safely made the emergency landing at our Hazrat Shah Amanat International airport.”

–Farhad Hossain, Manager, Hazrat Shah Amanat International airport

According to Hossain, the airport staff made the necessary preparations as soon as the pilot of the aircraft requested an emergency landing in a message. Hossain claimed that the event happened at around 5 p.m. and that a Royal Nepal technical team responded right away to repair the problems. Nevertheless, after resolving the technical concerns and refuelling, the flight departed Chattogram for Bangkok at around 10:30 p.m.

However, Royal Nepal does not have a presence in Bangladesh, and no passengers on the trip were Bangladeshi. 

After sorting issues, the plane then left Bangaladesh at about 10.30 PM

There were numerous such incidents that happened this year, involving international airlines in India that forced them to stop in Indian airports. 

In July, according to Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), a major emergency was declared at Kochi airport after a hydraulic failure was reported from an arriving Air Arabia flight from Sharjah. The crew and passengers were all safe.

Another incident was an emergency landing at Kolkata Airport by an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa to Bangkok because of a pressurisation problem.

On July 15, a third occurrence identical to this occurred when a Srilankan Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing at Chennai airport because of a hydraulic problem. As it got closer to Chennai, the Colombo-Chennai flight (UL121) encountered a problem. Crash tenders were positioned at the side of the runway in accordance with protocol once a full emergency was declared.

According to a report from August 2022, Indian Airlines itself had to make a number of emergency landings in the previous two years. 

The Lok Sabha was informed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation that 18 emergency landings had been documented over the previous two years.

Also read: Pilot Suffers Heart Attack Mid-air, Plane Makes Emergency Landing

Also read: Bengaluru-Patna flight makes emergency landing at Nagpur airport

To stop this, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aviation regulator, issued the airline the Air Operator Permit (AOP) upon compliance with the Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs), which mandate that the airline have their own maintenance organisation approved or have a contract with an approved maintenance organisation for maintaining their aircraft in a continuous state of airworthiness.

18 emergency landings had been documented over the previous two years

DGCA ensures that corrective action is taken by the airlines/maintenance organisation, through a system of surveillance, audits, spot checks, night surveillance, etc. It ensures that the airline and the maintenance organisation continue to comply with the regulatory requirements against which they have been initially approved, and in the event of non-compliance. 

If infractions are discovered, the DGCA takes enforcement action against the organisation and its employees. This action may include warnings, the suspension or cancellation of approvals, authorizations, permits, or licences, as well as the imposition of financial penalties.

(With inputs from Dhaka Tribune)

Phase 2 survey for the acquisition of land at the future Noida International Airport (NIA) is anticipated to start in two weeks, officials said.

The first phase of the Greenfield airport in Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar, is now being built, and the Uttar Pradesh government recently approved the acquisition of land for the second phase.

The NIA is a public-private partnership initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government. Zurich International Airport AG (ZIAA), a Swiss firm, received the concession contract for the airport's 40-year construction, design, and operation. The Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a fully-owned subsidiary of the ZIAA, is the project's implementing organisation. 

The proposed Noida Airport will be located in the Gautam Buddh Nagar district of Western Uttar Pradesh, adjacent to the Jewar region, and around 75 kilometres from Delhi

Also read: Noida International Airport to be built by Tata Projects

The planned greenfield airport will be situated in Western Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar district, close to the Jewar region, and around 75 kilometres from Delhi. The National Capital Region's (NCR) enormous population, according to the NIA's chief operations officer Kiran Jain, will ensure the project's operational viability and success. Consequently, this area needs a second international airport. 

The NIA will then improve connectivity to and from the Western UP, Noida, and Delhi NCR.

In terms of customer service, exceptional efficiency, digital services, and a commitment to having a minimal impact on the environment, NIA—a fusion of Swiss efficiency and Indian hospitality—is expected to overtake other airports in India.

The NIA will improve connectivity to and from the Western UP, Noida, and Delhi NCR

The NIA will be completed in four phases and, when fully finished, is expected to be the largest airport in India. It would feature two terminal buildings totalling 500,000 square metres and a 7 crore passenger capacity annually.

By September 2024, the project's first phase should be finished, with one terminal building covering 100,000 square metres and having a 1.2 crore passenger capacity. By phase four, it should handle 7 crore passengers. 

Also read: AAI signs air traffic services agreement with Noida International Airport

According to an official, the second phase of the NIA is planned for a 1,365-acre area, of which 1,185 hectares are owned by farmers and other private individuals from the six villages of Ranhera, Kureb, Dayanatpur, Karauli Bangar, Mundrah, and Birampur.

The land is being acquired under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

“Consent of landowners has been taken already after which the proposal for land acquisition was sent to the government. The proposal has been accepted. Now the survey is expected to begin in the next two weeks in the six villages for the measurement of individual properties against which the compensation would be disbursed.”

“A requisition for additional manpower has been put in by us for proceedings with the detailed survey work. This time no external private agency is being involved in the survey for the valuation of properties.”

–Balram Singh, Additional District Magistrate (Land Acquisition) told PTI

Noida International Airport Model

In order to create a contemporary, user-friendly design with a focus on minimising environmental effects, the NIA will integrate Indian culture and hospitality with Swiss efficiency and technology. With the adoption of cutting-edge technology to offer a seamless and largely contactless movement through the airport, NIA will establish a new benchmark as a digital airport!

(With inputs from The Press Trust of India PTI)

Small aircraft services from Gauchar and Chinyalisaur in Uttarakhand will be included in the tender for UDAN 5.0 scheme, Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Nov 30.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Minister of Civil Aviation, stated that Pithoragarh would begin offering fixed-wing aircraft services in January of next year in a letter to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

With the addition of more than 50 additional locations near tourism hotspots, the UDAN 5.0 program's fifth phase includes Gauchar and Chinyalisaur in Uttarakhand's Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts, intends to transition from regional to rural air connectivity.

Also read: UDAN 5.0 to air connect 54 wildlife and tourism destinations

The Union minister stated in the letter that Fly Big Airline has already been requested to begin fixed-wing aircraft services out of Pithoragarh on January 31.

Regional carrier Fly Big is based in Indore. The airline's primary goal since starting operations in December 2020 has been to link tier-2 cities in India. 

Fly Big airline's primary goal since starting operations in December 2020 has been to link tier-2 cities in India

The company has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and as of December 14, 2020, it has also been granted an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC). It only had one ATR-72-500 when it first started flying.

The airline wants to establish a fleet of more ATR-72s and the HAL-produced Dornier 228 aircraft with the goal of eventually growing to a fleet of 20. The company's focus is on serving Tier-2 cities. The fleet of the airline as of November 2022, consists of three ATR 72-500/600. Along with this, it has given an order of 10 DHC-6-400 Twin Otters. 

The airline won its first route in a government tender to service Shillong from Delhi before it started any regular flights

Also read: FlyBig to receive 10 Twin Otter Series planes from De Havilland Canada

The airline won its first route in a government tender to service Shillong from Delhi before it started any regular flights. To fulfil its obligations, the airline wet-leased a Dash 8 Q400 from SpiceJet, and the flights began on December 21, 2020. The airline began test flights on December 4, 2020, and on January 3, 2021, it ran its first regular trip from Indore to Ahmedabad. 

On December 4, 2020, the airline started test flights, and on January 3, 2021, it operated its first regular flight from Indore to Ahmedabad

According to the agreement made, the company would provide fixed-wing flight operations between Pithoragarh-Pantnagar, Pantnagar-Pithoragarh, Pithoragarh-Hindon, Hindon-Pithoragarh, Pithoragarh-Dehradun, and Dehradun-Pithoragarh. 

The pre-feasibility report for converting Pantnagar Airport into an international airport has also been prepared, the Union Minister added in his statement. On November 27, the chief minister requested to meet with the Union minister to discuss improving the hill state's civil aviation infrastructure.

In August 2022, Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief minister of Uttarakhand, officially opened the helicopter service from Jolly Grant Airport between Dehradun and Almora-Pithoragarh.

The helicopter service between Dehradun and Almora-Pithoragarh from Jolly Grant Airport was formally inaugurated in August 2022 by the CM of Uttarakhand.

He said that the state's helicopter services, which are being handled under the UDAN programme, would be crucial to improving air connectivity in the region. These services will ease people's access to the transportation system. He claimed that the State Government makes an effort to offer all travel amenities to pilgrims and tourists. Shri Dhami stated that the state is increasing its air connection.

Air connectivity in the area will increase more with the introduction of fixed-wing aircraft services in Gauchar and Chinyalisaur, in Uttarakhand. Along with this, Pithoragarh would begin offering such services in January 2023, giving Uttrakhand a tourist boost. 

(With inputs from The Economic Times)

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) tripled in strength since 2007 and is expected to grow more as it seeks new helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

The force is currently aiming to replace its outdated Chetak helicopters with 10-tonne multi-role helicopters, as well as purchase up to 10 rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to operate from its ships, six offshore patrol vessels (OPV), and six C-295 cargo aircraft. All this will be done to enhance its surveillance and rescue operations. One official said that all of these will be procured indigenously through the Make-in-India route.

ICG to induct 10-tonne multi-role helicopters, as well as purchase up to 10 rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to operate from its ships

“The proposal for six Offshore Patrol Vessels is set to be taken up by the Defence Acquisition Council soon. There is also a proposal for acquiring C-295 transport aircraft.”

–An ICG official

The Tata Group and Airbus are planning to construct the C-295 in India as part of a 56-aircraft contract for the Indian Air Force.

The Coast Guard has seen a major expansion in terms of numbers and capabilities. In 2009, the Coast Guard had 50 ships and 30 aircraft. As of today, it has 159 ships and 77 aircraft. The aircraft include Chetak and ALH helicopters and Dornier surveillance aircraft. 

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which was contracted under a deal in March 2017 for a marine function, delivered the final one of 16 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)-MKIII to Director General, ICG, V. S. Pathania last week. On this occasion, a Letter of Intent for nine further ALH-MKIIIs was also released.

Mr Pathania also assessed the domestic Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) as a possible Chetak replacement for maritime duty.

The ICG announced the formation of a group made up of representatives from all interested parties, including HAL, to establish the standards for a maritime single-engine helicopter to replace its Chetak fleet.

“The LUH is designed to operate up to an altitude of 6 km as per the high-altitude requirements of the Army and the Indian Air Force. So the helicopter will have a lot of reserve power at sea level, which is very helpful in operations.”

–Another ICG official

ICG has assessed HAL's LUH as a possible Chetak replacement for maritime duty

The official stated that the ICG will soon send its requirements to HAL. For the Navy, HAL is already working on a modified version of the LUH.

A multi-role helicopter in the 10-tonne class is also needed by the ICG. For the Armed Forces, HAL is creating the 12-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH). According to officials, the Coast Guard and HAL are in discussions to modify the IMRH to satisfy the Coast Guard's needs.

In addition, the Coast Guard must induct at least ten UAVs (drones), which can be used from mobile platforms, such as ships. These will be rotary drones, to enhance its surveillance and rescue operations. All these will be indigenous. 

ICG must induct at least ten UAVs (drones), which can be used from mobile platforms, such as ships

Additionally, the Coast Guard will soon have access to two pollution control ships and 14 fast patrol boats. 

An official has stated that the fast patrolling boat needed by the Coast Guard will differ from the one the Army has for Pangong Lake in Eastern Ladakh. The coast guard must patrol the sea, while the army must patrol the lake. Because of this, the size and speed of the boat will differ.

All of this will be used by the Coast Guard for monitoring as well as for relief and rescue operations. In order to fulfil its expanding mandate, the ICG, which has tripled in strength over the past 15 years, is expected to grow much more.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

India would need 1000+ pilots annually in the next five years, given the expansion of the aviation industry but the nation lacks facilities for training them.

Additionally, they claimed that the quantity of Commercial Pilot Licences granted in the most recent few years is insufficient to fulfil the escalating demand.

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, a total of 744 Commercial Pilot Licences (CPL) were issued in 2019, and 578 CPL were awarded in 2020. However, in 2021, the number rose even more to 862.

“Demand for pilots is going to rise. Nearly 200 retirements are expected every year. But, we don't have adequate infrastructure for this. Currently, a large number of pilots get training in other countries. After coming here, they need to undergo 20 hours of flying, including day and night and cross country for the issue of CPL by the regulator. Issuance of CPLs also takes some time.”

"Government has taken initiatives, but, lack of proper infrastructure at flight training organisations has been observed. There should be monitoring and audit of FTOs."

–A Senior Pilot in India

Due to inadequate infrastructure, a large number of pilots get trained in foreign countries

While the government claims that there is no scarcity of pilots in India, it also acknowledges a slight lack of commanders for some types of aircraft. To address this, the government has issued Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorizations for foreign pilots (FATA). According to a Parliament reply on July 28, 2022, there were 82 FATA holders in India as of June 30, 2022, compared to more than 9,000 pilots working for Indian airlines.

Through a recruiting agency, Air India recently planned to hire foreign pilots to fill its needs for the Boeing 777 fleet. These pilots would receive better salaries, attractive terms, and excellent benefits. However, several senior Indian pilots criticised the proposal as a ridiculous idea given that India already has capable and knowledgeable Boeing 777 pilots.

Air India recently intended to cover its needs for the Boeing 777 fleet by hiring international pilots through a recruiting firm

Also read: Air India hits with Pilot & Cabin Crew shortage as it plans to expand internationally

Officials claimed that the government has undertaken numerous measures with the need for qualified pilots in mind. The Flight Training Organization (FTO) policy was liberalised by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in 2020.

Nine FTO slots were awarded in 2021 following a competitive bidding process at five airports: Belagavi (Karnataka), Jalgaon (Maharashtra), Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), and Lilabari (Assam). As of June 30, 2022, four of these FTOs were in use: two in Kalaburagi and one each in Jalgaon and Lilabari.

Six additional FTO slots were given by the AAI in June 2022 at five airports, including Bhavnagar (Gujarat), Hubballi (Karnataka), Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh), Kishangarh (Rajasthan), and Salem (Tamil Nadu).

In a recent report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport and Tourism made note of the new initiatives.

"The Committee supports the new initiatives of the Ministry as it is of the opinion that with the expected growth of the Civil Aviation Sector in the country, there would be increased demand for trained pilots. The Ministry should therefore gear up for the requirement of FTOs and set up FTOs in a time-bound manner."

"The Committee also recommends that keeping in view of the Atmanirbhar Bharat, sufficient FTOs may be established in various parts of the country to ensure that our boys and girls are not going to foreign countries to get pilot training.”

–the report said.

(With inputs from ET)