Centre has approved the construction of 21 new greenfield airports

Radhika Bansal

01 Feb 2022

The Narendra Modi government has accorded approval for the construction of 21 greenfield airports in the country, President Ram Nath Kovind said on Monday, February 1.

Among them, the country's biggest airport is coming up at Gautam Buddha Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh, he said his address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament at the start of the Budget Session.

Ram Nath Kovind, President of India

Minister of State for Civil Aviation V K Singh had in December 2021 told Parliament that the Civil Aviation Ministry has so far accorded 'in-principle' approval for setting up of 21 greenfield airports across the country in places such as Mopa (Goa), Navi Mumbai, Shirdi and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, Kalaburagi, Bijapur, Hassan and Shimoga in Karnataka.

The greenfield airports will also come up in Datia (Gwalior) in Madhya Pradesh, Kushinagar and Noida (Jewar) in Uttar Pradesh, Dholera and Hirasar in Gujarat, Karaikal in Puducherry, Dagadarthi, Bhogapuram and Oravackal in Andhra Pradesh, Durgapur in West Bengal, Pakyong in Sikkim, Kannur in Kerala and Hollongi (Itanagar) in Arunachal Pradesh, Singh had noted.

PM Modi laid the foundation stone of Noida International Airport on November 25

"A new airport is being set up at Hollongi, Itanagar. A modern new terminal has recently been opened at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Tripura. This development of the North East will prove to be a golden chapter in India's growth story." Ram Nath Kovind, President of India

The president also said that a new era of development in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Ladakh region has begun and the commencement of international flights on the Srinagar-Sharjah route is a part of this.

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Aviation Turbine Fuel prices rise by a whopping 8.5% to new highs

Radhika Bansal

01 Feb 2022

Jet fuel price on Tuesday, February 1 rose to record levels across the country following a steep 8.5% hike necessitated due to a spike in international oil prices.

While the jet fuel or Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price has been hiked for the third time in a month, petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged for a record 88th day in a row.

ATF price was hiked by INR 6,743.25 per kilolitre or 8.5% to INR 86,038.16 per kl in the national capital, according to a price notification of state-owned fuel retailers.

Aviation Turbine Fuel prices rise by a whopping 8.5% to new highs

This is the highest ever price touched by ATF. The rate is higher than INR 71,028.26 per kl reached in August 2008 when international crude oil prices touched USD 147 per barrel. Brent crude oil on Tuesday, February 1 was trading at USD 91.21 per barrel.

The price increase will put pressure on the already strained balance sheets of airlines.

Tuesday’s price hike is the third increase in a month. Rates were hiked by INR 2,039.63 per kl or 2.75% to INR 76,062.04 per kl on January 1 and then again by INR 3,232.87 per kl or 4.25% to INR 79,294.91 per kl on January 16.

These increases in the rate came on the back of two rounds of price cuts seen in December that reflected a drop in international oil prices during the second half of November and mid-December.

ALSO READ - IndiGo and SpiceJet shares experience turbulence as ATF price rises

Thereafter, international rates have firmed up, leading to the hike in ATF prices.

ATF price had last peaked at INR 80,835.04 per kl in mid-November 2021 before it was cut on December 1 and 15 by a total of INR 6,812.25 per kl or 8.4%. Jet fuel prices are revised on the 1st and 16th of every month based on the average price of the international benchmark in the preceding fortnight.

ALSO READ - ATF prices increase by 13.8% in a month, expected to hurt the aviation sector

This is despite a wild swing in international oil prices. Brent crude oil, the best-known international benchmark, was at USD 82.74 per barrel on November 5, 2021, before it started to fall and touch USD 68.87 a barrel on December 1.

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Radian Aerospace to unveil a spaceplane that can take-off from a runway and fly into space

Prashant-prabhakar

01 Feb 2022

" TAKE-OFF, LAND, REPEAT"- is how Radian Aerospace would like to put it.

Radian Aerospace, a Washington based firm, claims to have come out with an innovative design- " Radian One"-a spaceplane that can apparently launch and land horizontally on a runway- a stark contrast from NASA's old space shuttle orbiters, which landed horizontally but lifted off vertically with the help of solid rocket boosters.

Representative | TV9 Bharatvarsh

We believe that widespread access to space means limitless opportunities for humankindRadian CEO and co-founder Richard Humphrey said in a statement

Let's delve a little into what really ticks this concept spaceplane.

Radian One- Combining the best of aircraft and spacecraft features

Radian One is the world’s first crewed, single-stage to orbit vehicle with runway-like take-off and landing, although it will still get a start-up boost from a sled that will accelerate the vehicle on the runway.

According to the information given on the specifications page, Radian One will be fully reusable and capable of spending up to five days in orbit. It stands apart in the fact that it is a fully reusable design with aircraft-like configuration requiring far less infrastructure than vertical launch systems and can be reflown within 48 hours after touchdown.

Although not much is known about the concept design at the moment, here's what we currently know:

In addition to carrying people and payloads to and from orbit, Radian One will be equally capable of performing aircraft-like operations on earth. Like for instance, the plane will be able to deliver up to 5,000 pounds (2,270 kilograms) anywhere on the planet in less than an hour- according to representatives at the firmMinimal training required to take Radian to orbit, thereby eliminating the need for lengthy times-to-result and increasing accessibility to space.Payload recovery, refuelling, servicing, inspection and other services are included.High cadence, short notice low "G" operations from facilities around the worldFeatures containerized cargo bay and 10,000lbs down mass of pressurized/unpressurized cargo support in-space industry

What we are doing is hard, but it’s no longer impossible thanks to significant advancements in materials science, miniaturization and manufacturing technologiesLivingston Holder, Radian’s co-founder and chief technology officer said in a news release

Although the company has managed to rake in a $27.5 million seed funding round to support its plans to build this innovative orbital space plane, it takes cognizance of the fact that it’ll take much more than $27.5 million to grab the grail: In the late 1990s, NASA spent nearly a billion dollars on Lockheed MARTIN'S X-33 single-stage-to-orbit concept before the project was cancelled in 2001. With advancements in technology, the company directors are optimistic that their vision is well within reach.

Lockheed Martin X-33 | NASA

Over time, we intend to make space travel nearly as simple and convenient as airliner travel. We are not focused on tourism, we are dedicated to missions that make life better on our own planet, like research, in-space manufacturing and terrestrial observation, as well as critical new missions like rapid global delivery right here on Earth.Richard Humphrey, Radian’s CEO and co-founder

Although the company hasn't zeroed in on a definite timeline for the development and operations of the project, it is hopeful to have the plane available to service commercial space stations that could be in the orbit by the 2030s.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Space.com

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Vistara and Air India to coexist, merger talks on hold

Radhika Bansal

31 Jan 2022

The Tata Group goals to show Air India round without hurting the operations of Vistara and any speak of an eventual merger of the carriers is untimely.

Tata formally took over Air India final week, finishing the privatisation course. Tata owns 51 per cent of Vistara and Singapore Airways (SIA) holds the remainder.

Bhaskar Bhat, Chairman of Tata SIA Airways, which owns Vistara

The Tata Group is concentrated on making Air India successful however not at the price of Vistara and vice versa, he stated. Air India’s revival will likely be a matter of celebration for the aviation sector since meaning development alternatives for everybody, he stated. A profitable trade attracts good expertise and high buyers apart from influencing coverage, he stated.

Whereas Air India as construction will likely be untouched for a year, the Tata Group is claimed to have a long-term plan to create a unified aviation entity that will likely be environment friendly by way of operational construction to compete nicely within the market.

Talace Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TATA Sons has now obtained 100 per cent shares of Air India together with full administration management.

The federal government transferred Air India final week to wholly-owned Tata subsidiary Talace Pvt Ltd together with administration management. Bhat can be a director of the group holding firm Tata Sons. “We now have to run Vistara effectively and coexist with Air India like some other airline,” Bhat stated. “We too will seize alternatives and proceed to do what we now have to do. We can’t get confused in our focus until we’re a separate entity.”

The Tata Group has maintained that it can’t have several value constructions within the aggressive aviation sector, which has skinny margins. For starters, the group is planning to member its AirAsia India unit beneath Air India’s price range unit Air India Specific. Efforts are stated to be on to persuade SIA to combine Vistara’s community with that of Air India to make sure synergies and get rid of duplication.

“Vistara will proceed to concentrate on good buyer experiences and to say something passed that will likely be a hypothesis. To say something past that will likely be a hypothesis. Ought to Air India and Vistara merge is just not a solution I can provide. The merger is a strategic topic and finest resolved between JV companions. Everyone seems to be joyful about Air India and there could also be a possibility for Vistara sooner or later. We now have 5,000 workers and 51 planes and Vistara and Air India will function inside the framework of legal guidelines. However, we can’t take our eye off the ball as a result of Air India has occurred. For now, all are involved in profitability and our on a regular basis focus continues to be money conservation. We see Air India as an enormous alternative for the sector and (the acquisition) has been one of many greatest occasions within the trade.Air India with the Tatas is an efficiency improvement for the aviation sector,” Bhat stated. “Air India is just not a brand new participant in aviation, it has at all times been there for the longest interval and relatively Vistara is a brand new child on the block."Bhaskar Bhat, Chairman, Tata SIA Airways (Owner of Vistara)

Air India has 12,000 workers. The Tata Group is giving SIA time to heat as much as the concept of a single aviation entity technique sooner or later, stated folks with information of the matter.

The Singapore service had waived the no-compete clause, permitting Tata to go forward with a solo bid for the stricken service. Nevertheless, its reluctance to contemplate a unified entity is the long-term funding that will likely be wanted for Air India. SIA had posted a document USD 1.86 billion working loss final yr, battered by the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On the other hand, a merger between Air India Express and Air Asia India is looking more likely. Tata Group owns an 84% stake in AirAsia India and given its international troubles, AirAsia is not in a position to invest more in the budget carrier.

It was even eyeing to exit India, leaving the business entirely to Tata. In December 2020 AirAsia had announced the disposal of a 32.67% stake to Tata Sons for $37.7 million, with a provision to sell the remaining 16.33% for $18.8 million.

In November 2021, it was reported that Tata has commenced work on the merger of AirAsia India with Air India Express.

ALSO READ - Tata Sons working on a merger between AirAsia India and Air India Express

(With Inputs from The Economic Times)

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Qatar Airways signs a deal for 737 Max and new 777X freighters with Boeing

Radhika Bansal

01 Feb 2022

Qatar Airways handed Boeing Co a record launch order for 34 new 777X freighters and a surprise purchase of 737 MAX passenger jets on Monday, January 31 in a USD 30 billion-plus package as President Joe Biden hailed the Gulf state as a major U.S. ally.

The deal, signed at the White House during a visit to Washington by Qatar's ruling emir, boosted Boeing at a time when the U.S. planemaker faces chronic industrial and financial constraints. The order drove Boeing shares up to close to 5.1% higher.

The deal for 25 of the largest version of the MAX, the 737-10, plus 25 further options, widened the fallout from a dispute between Qatar Airways and Airbus.

ALSO READ - Qatar airways sue Airbus for USD 618mn over A350 paint issue

The European planemaker earlier this month revoked a contract with Qatar Airways for 50 competing A321neo jets as part of a spiralling dispute that began with disagreements over the severity of flaws on long-haul A350 jets. 

ALSO READ - Airbus responds to Qatar Airways’s A350 dispute by cancelling A321 Order

“Qatar Airways very much looks forward to adding the 737-10 to its fleet, with this new variant of the 737 being ideally suited to our short haul network, allowing us an opportunity to further enhance our product offering for our customers, modernize our fleet and operate the most efficient aircraft in its category."Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said Qatari and U.S. aircraft and engine negotiators had "lost a lot of sleep" in the intervening two weeks to shape an alternative deal, and contrasted that with a recent plunge in relations with Airbus.

“The largest member of the 737 family, the 737-10 is an airplane that offers more capacity, greater fuel efficiency and the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane. We are proud of our partnership with Qatar Airways and honored that this world-class airline continues to put its trust in our Boeing team.”Stan Deal, President and CEO (Commercial Airplanes), Boeing

"We like to build long-term relationships with trusted partners where both parties work together towards a common purpose," he told a White House signing ceremony attended by leaders from Boeing and engine maker General Electric Co.

The total order included 34 of a newly launched freighter version of the 777X passenger plane, plus 16 options, and two more of the current-generation freighter, the 777F.

The freight part of the deal represents the first order for a cargo spin-off of the 777X, the world's largest twin-engine passenger plane whose entry to service has been delayed more than three years too late 2023 or beyond.

(Image Courtesy - Twitter - Qatar Airways)

Boeing said the freighter would enter service in 2027. It is banking on sales of the new twin-engined juggernaut to defend its dominance of the cargo market and head off a challenge from a new Airbus A350 freighter.

"(The 777X) will be an absolute world-beater," Boeing Chief Executive Dave Calhoun said.

To win the freighter order, Boeing agreed to convert a third of Qatar's existing order for 60 777X passenger planes, for which there is currently less demand, to the cargo version.

Al Baker played up support for the U.S. economy from Qatar Airways, which has faced trade complaints in the past from U.S. carriers over alleged subsidies - a practise it denies.

For Boeing, the deal marks a respite from a recent safety crisis over the MAX and delays with the 777X passenger jet and 787 Dreamliner, and a chance to win points for its economic contribution after intense regulatory and political scrutiny.

ALSO READ - Boeing incurs a third annual loss in a row as 787 Dreamliner deliveries delay

Qatar Airways had criticized the MAX and urged Boeing to design an all-new jet after crashes led to a lengthy grounding, but sales have rebounded since it was re-cleared in late 2020.

The Airbus A321neo continues to dominate sales in the part of the market served by the largest MAX variant, however.

The paint flaw in Qatar Airways’ A350 (Image Courtesy – Reuters)

Boeing said the freighter order would sustain more than 35,000 U.S. jobs with an annual economic impact of USD 2.6 billion.

Boeing has dominated air freight for years through its 767, 777 and 747 cargo jets, though it will be urgently pressing for more orders for the new freighter flagship.

About half of global cargo by value travels by air, and in turn, half of that usually goes in the belly of passenger planes.

During the pandemic, many airlines have been forced to park unused passenger jets, driving up demand for cargo space at a time when e-commerce has been a lifeline for many.

(With Inputs from Reuters)

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Pilot body asks PM to mark October 15 as National Aviation Day and name an airport after JRD Tata

Radhika Bansal

31 Jan 2022

As Air India takes to the skies again as a 'Tata enterprise', many are recalling the contributions of the man who heralded civil aviation in the country.

Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata or JRD Tata was India's first licensed pilot and the founder of India's first commercial airline in 1932 -- Tata Airlines, which became Air India in 1946.

Today, the airline JRD Tata had founded is back in his company's fold and some want to pay tribute to the "father of civil aviation" in India.

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), a body of commercial pilots, has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to declare the anniversary of JRD Tata's first flight as National Aviation Day and the name of the next major airport in honour of India's first commercial aviator.

"The Late Bharat Ratna Air Vice Marshal JRD Tata is considered the father of civil aviation in India as it was his first flight on October 15, 1932, which heralded the dawn of airmail services in our country. Sir, it would be only appropriate that October 15 be declared as the National Aviation Day of India.All over the world it is common practice to name airports after famous aviators and other aviation pioneers. These include Wilbur Wright Field in Dayton, the USA after Wilbur Wright and Sabiha Gocken International Airport in Istanbul named after Sabiha Gocken, the first Turkish female combat pilot, among others."(Rtd) Capt Surinder Mehta, President, The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP)

The letter cites the United States of America, which celebrates August 19 as National Aviation Day every year. August 19 is the birthday of Orville Wright, the first person to accomplish powered flight.

The Federation of Indian Pilots hopes October 15 this year itself can be declared National Aviation Day, as it will be the 90th anniversary of JRD Tata's first flight.

On October 8, 2021, the government announced Tata Sons as the successful bidder for Air India. (Image Courtesy - EastMojo)

On October 8, 2021, when the government announced Tata Sons as the successful bidder for Air India, Tata Son's chairman emeritus Ratan Tata tweeted a photo of JRD Tata disembarking from an Air India flight, when it was still within the Tata fold, saying "Welcome back, Air India."

In the note attached, Ratan Tata wrote, "On an emotional note, Air India, under the leadership of Mr JRD Tata had, at one time, gained the reputation of being one of the most prestigious airlines in the world. Tatas will have the opportunity of regaining the image and reputation enjoyed in earlier years."

He added, "Mr JRD Tata would have been overjoyed if he was in our midst today."

Some facts about the aviator Tata

JRD Tata is known as the "Father of Indian civil aviation".

When Tata was on tour, he was inspired by his friend's father, aviation pioneer Louis Blériot, the first man to fly across the English Channel, and took to flying. On 10 February 1929, Tata obtained the first license issued in India. He later came to be known as the "Father of Indian civil aviation".

He founded India's first commercial airline, Tata Airlines in 1932, which became Air India in 1946, now India's national airline. He and Nevill Vintcent worked together in building Tata Airlines. They were also good friends.

In 1929, J. R. D became one of the first Indians to be granted a commercial license. In 1932 Tata Aviation Service, the forerunner to Tata Airline and Air India took to the skies. That same year he flew the first commercial mail flight to Juhu, in a de Havilland Puss Moth.

Initially, JRD Tata was upset with the government’s nationalisation drive

In 1953, the then Nehru-led government nationalised Air India — the new name for Tata Airlines — even though JRD vehemently opposed the move.

Though initially JRD was upset with the government’s nationalisation drive, later he reconciled with the policy decision. He became the state carrier’s chairman — a job he did pro bono — and held the position for the next 25 years till 1978 when JRD was asked to step down as the carrier’s chairman by the then Morarji Desai-led government.

(With Inputs from India Today)

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