De Havilland Canada Introduces the New Variant of DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G

De Havilland Canada has announced the launch of its newest aircraft, the DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G, at the Paris International Air Show. The aircraft manufacturer also confirmed that it already has combined purchase agreements and letters of intent for 45 aircraft in place. The Classc 300-G is the fifth generation of the Twin Otter aircraft, joining the current Series 400.  

Throughout the Paris International Air Show, which opened on June 19, De Havilland Canada plans to announce the purchase agreements with its newest customers. The launch of the DHC-6 Classic 300-G marks the latest milestone in the momentous life story of one of commercial aviation's truly great aircraft. The Classic 300-G is the fifth generation of the Twin Otter aircraft and joins the current Series 400 currently in production by the company through its parent, Viking Air.

“For over 50 years, the DHC-6 Twin Otter has stood alone as the most reliable and versatile aircraft in its class,” said Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada. “After extensive consultation with our customers, we are poised and proud to take this iconic aircraft to new heights with the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G. With the same rugged airframe, propelled by Pratt & Whitney technology, the lighter weight Classic 300-G will deliver increased payload range and decreased operating costs for our customers,” added Chafe. “Along with an all-new cabin interior and flight deck featuring the Garmin G1000 NXi fully integrated avionics suite, De Havilland Canada is once again driving the utility transport aircraft market forward.” 

Features of the new aircraft

All DHC-6 Twin Otters can carry passengers, transport VIPs, move cargo, conduct medivac operations and perform special missions.  The aircraft can also be mounted on amphibious floats to allow take-off and landing from water.  

“De Havilland Canada continues to shape aviation with innovative utility aircraft, and we are proud to offer our G1000 NXi integrated flight deck with the latest version of the iconic DHC-6 Twin Otter,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of Aviation Sales and Marketing. “The G1000 NXi will bring wireless cockpit connectivity, enhanced situational awareness, visual approach capability, and our fully integrated GFC™ 700 autopilot with envelope protection to the Classic 300-G aircraft.” 
 The plane will still be capable of STOL operations, taking off from runways just 1,200ft (366m) in length and landing in just 1,050 ft (306m). Despite its upgraded performance, the new aircraft would still be capable of landing on the world's shortest commercial runways, such as that located at Saba Airport in the Caribbean, into which its older sisterships operate regularly.

Over its nearly 100-year history, De Havilland Canada has delivered more than 5,000 aircraft. With the Twin Otter set for something of a renaissance with today's launch of the DHC-6 Classic 300-G, it will be interesting to see how the market unfolds for the latest version of this veritable workhorse of world aviation.

The Twin Otter is a popular choice for conducting medevac, passenger and cargo transport, as well as other special missions, particularly due to its ability to operate in remote areas. A feature on the benefits of using turboprop aircraft to deliver emergency medical services (EMS) will appear in AirMed&Rescue’s August 2023 edition.

New Aircraft Orders

Following on from the reveal of the new airplane, De Havilland shared that the first customer for the new Twin Otter will be Jetcraft Commercial. The sales and leasing specialist signed a purchase agreement at the air show today for 10 new models. Deliveries will begin in 2024, but the value of the contract has not been disclosed.

India’s flybig has also placed a firm order with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada for two DHC-6-400s and signed a Letter of Intent for another up to ten newly announced DHC-6-300-G aircraft during the ongoing 2023 Paris Air Show.

"Twin Otters are the perfect aircraft for India's UDAN regional airport development program, part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for improving underserviced air routes and connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 communities. Our two -400 aircraft will help realise our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to connect India's hinterland, and we are looking forward to working with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada on potential future acquisitions of the new Classic 300-Gs," Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Mandavia said. "With the addition of this new aircraft the DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300-G, looking ahead we are excited to announce our plans for further expansion of our services now to North India by offering connectivity to Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. Our plans include adding Dehra Dun, Pithorgarh, Pantnagar, Hindon, Ludhiana, and Bathinda to our network."

The Indian regional specialist will become the first operator of the DHC-6-400 in India. The airline’s fleet currently comprises one ATR72-500 and two ATR72-600s. The carrier recently secured an undisclosed strategic investment from Florida-based Royal Bengal Holding Inc. The only current operator of Twin Otters in India is Saarthi Airways, which operates a single -300 on behalf of the Geological Survey of India.

flybig signed a Letter of Intent for five firm DHC-6-400 orders and five options in 2022. The deal has not been finalised. flybig did not respond to ch-aviation's request for comment if the new commitment that would replace last year's LOI.

According to a report by research agency CRISIL Ratings, the revenues of domestic maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services providers in the aviation sector are expected to triple from around INR 1,800 crore currently to INR 5,500-6,000 crore by fiscal 2028. This increase in revenue will be driven by factors such as the expansion of airplane fleets, favourable policies and ongoing investment in airports, says CRISIL.

According to the report, the demand for MRO services, which correlates highly with the size of the aircraft fleet, will get a shot in the arm from substantial orders that airline operators have placed to purchase aircraft. It added that the domestic fleet — around 700 units as of March 2023 — is expected to be more than 1,000 units by 2027.

Strong growth in domestic civil aviation, government support, and ongoing MRO capex at airports should help lower costs and improve utilisation, as per the study based on three MRO services providers, accounting for more than 90% of the industry’s revenue, indicates. MRO services will be in high demand as it correlates with the aircraft fleet size. From around 684 aircraft by the end of FY23, Indian carriers are likely to have 1,400 aircraft by the end of FY30, as per estimates made by CAPA India.

“Consequently, the overall amount spent by Indian airlines on MRO services (both domestic and global) is projected to surpass INR 25,000 crore by 2028 from around INR 14,000 crore levels last fiscal,” the report said. It added that opting for domestic MRO services is generally considered cost-effective in terms of fuel and logistics and saves time as well.

MRO services comprise activities such as inspection and maintenance of aircraft and its components, including engine and airframe, to ensure the availability and airworthiness of aircraft. These play an important role in ensuring airworthiness and availability of aircraft. In India, airlines spend around 12-15% of their overall revenues on maintenance, which becomes the second most expensive item after fuel (45% of operating expenses).

Most of India’s MRO players, including Air Works, Deccan Charters and GMR Aero Technic, are privately owned. Air India Engineering Services, which is the only state-owned MRO company and also the largest in the country, is in the process of being privatised. CRISIL’s report is based on the study of three MRO services providers which account for more than 90% of the industry’s revenue, the agency said.

“The domestic MRO industry’s penetration rate is expected to reach 22-24% by fiscal 2028 from 12% at present, piloted by the less-complex line-maintenance services,” said Ankit Hakhu, Director, CRISIL Ratings, in a press statement. “The engine and component maintenance segment, where global technology companies are investing to develop local capability, should also see penetration improve.”

Noting that the revenue of domestic MRO providers has been minuscule so far, the research agency added that revenue per domestic aircraft for Indian operators is less than INR 5 crore against more than INR 400 crore in Singapore, which caters to demand from other countries, including for aircraft from India.

“The government has introduced several policies over the past year to realise its vision of making the country a global MRO hub,” said Varun Marwaha, Associate Director, CRISIL Ratings, in a press statement. “The upshot of these will be a 10-20% reduction in the overall cost of MRO services.”

The government has introduced several initiatives to boost the domestic MRO business. These include reducing the goods and services tax on MRO services from 18% to 5%; land lease via open tenders instead of predetermined rates, abolishing the 13% royalty charged by government authorities on revenue and allotting land to MRO service providers for 30 years instead of the current 3-5 years.

Delhi and Bengaluru airports have set up dedicated MRO facilities for select private airlines, with more underway. Two MRO facilities near the upcoming Jewar Airport (UP), Belagavi (Karnataka), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) and Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) airports are planned.

Tata Sons owned Air India has approached civil aviation regulator DGCA for a waiver on merger laws for Air India Express and AirAsia India. It wants approval to cross-utilise pilots and cabin crew and sell tickets as a single brand before the merger process is approved by the NCLT.

Such clearance would expedite economic synergy between the two airlines, allowing them to plan routes, market, and sell tickets as a single business. It will also reduce operational costs by leveraging each other’s workforce. This is significant since AirAsia India does not fly international routes, while Air India Express exclusively serves Middle Eastern destinations from towns in Kerala.

“While the two airlines now have a common booking engine and website, if a passenger searches for an international flight from cities like Mumbai or Delhi to Gulf, there are no flights available. The company is not able to take advantage of a common network yet,” a company official said.

The Tata group is in the process of integrating all four airlines into becoming two airlines: a low-cost carrier by combining AirAsia India and Air India Express, and a full-service carrier by integrating Air India and Vistara.

While the merger of Air Asia India and Air India Express has been permitted by the Competition Commission of India, the Registrar of Companies and the NCLT have yet to sanction it. Internally, the airline has implemented a single CEO, a centralized booking system, a website, social media, and customer service channels.

Once the merger is finalized, the new company is expected to bring revenue, cost, and operational benefits through broader adoption of each airline’s best practices, systems, and routes, and conferring greater economies of scale. The new Air India Express will focus on leisure-oriented and price-sensitive markets while improving connectivity between key domestic cities and Air India's fast-expanding international network.

Witing for Regulatory Approvls

“The group wants to fast-track the process so that it can take better advantage of the synergy and start common branding. The low-cost airline needs to capture the minds of customers for whom these are two separate entities with different service standards.”

Government insiders, however, said that the DGCA is unlikely to comply and would instead wait for the two airlines to integrate their air operators. “Currently AirAsia India and Air India Express operate on two air operator’s permits (AOP) which can happen only after NCLT and ROC’s approval. Cross utilization of each other’s crew and operating as a single brand will only be possible after the merger of the two AOP and forming common operating manuals,” a government official said.

According to the company official stated above, if the DGCA does not grant the waiver request, AirAsia India and Air India Express will enter into a code-sharing agreement, which is a standard practice throughout the world but is unusual in this situation since it is between two airlines from the same group. “In the absence of DGCA approval, the two airlines cannot be branded as a single one, but code sharing will allow AirAsia India’s domestic network for sale under the Air India Express code for tickets purchased in all international points where the airline operates.”

AirAsia India will become the world’s second-biggest low-cost carrier by the end of fiscal year 24 after adding 50 new Boeing 737 Max aircraft to its current fleet of 54 aircraft. Cambodia, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, and Vietnam are among the countries where the airline aims to grow.

Cabin Crew & Pilot Hiring

Air India Express and AirAsia India together have recruited more than 800 trainee cabin crew members in the last year. Besides, Air India Express, which is the international budget arm of Air India, has added over 280 pilots during the one year from June 2022. The induction process, which started in June last year attracted a diverse pool of candidates, through joint walk-in recruitment drives conducted across various metro cities and small towns.

Last year, Tata Group acquired Air India along with Air India Express and a 50% stake in ground handling firm Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd (AISATS). The Group currently fully owns three airlines -- Air India, Air India Express and AirAsia India while it holds 51% ownership in its joint venture airline with Singapore Airlines, Vistara, which is also being merged with Air India.

The large-scale recruitment is a significant milestone in the ongoing process of merging AirAsia India with Air India Express, as per the release. Following the selection process, a significant number of trainees underwent comprehensive training at Air India Express' Mumbai facility, leveraging the combined expertise of both airlines, it added.

(With Inputs from The Economic Times)

Akasa Air is in talks with Boeing to place a small follow-on order for 737 Max single-aisle jets if it can lock down financing, according to people familiar with the matter. The US planemaker is working to finalize negotiations as soon as this week at the Paris Air Show, according to a report by Bloomberg.

The report further mentioned that funding is one obstacle, after the death of Akasa’s billionaire founder and the failure of India’s Go Airlines, they said, adding there’s no certainty an accord will fall into place. If an agreement comes together, Akasa may order 10 or fewer aircraft, one of the people said.

Akasa, India’s newest airline, began flying just last year. The carrier has received 20 of the 72 Max jets it’s already ordered. Akasa Air now flies to 17 destinations across India, with Kolkata being its second in West Bengal after Bagdogra, which launched in March. The addition of the capital is significant since Akasa now flies to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata, all four major metro cities in the country.

In March, Chief Executive Officer Vinay Dube said the low-cost carrier would place a three-digit order for more aircraft by year-end. Since then, Go Airlines’ insolvency has made aircraft lessors wary of further exposure to the market. Akasa has said that, by March 2024, its fleet will grow to 28 aircraft.

Akasa Air mentioned the following in a tweet -

• No airline in the history of global aviation in 150 years has seen this rate of growth
• Akasa is one of the top 2 OTP players in India till Feb'23
• We'll place a 3-digit aircraft order by the end of 2023
• We'll hire 300 pilots in the next 12 months.”

India’s famously cutthroat aviation industry is seeing blockbuster orders from newly-privatized Air India, and market leader IndiGo is expected to double its jet backlog with a 500-plane order at the show. Akasa’s Founder, billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, died in August, raising questions about the airline’s future funding.

Akasa Air Plans to Raise USD 75-100 Million

Akasa Air is looking to raise USD 75-100 million by offering fresh shares to expand its business, a report has said. The airline, founded in December 2021, wants the money to make pre-delivery payments for aircraft, the Economic Times quoted sources as saying. The Mumbai-based airline ordered 72 Boeing 737 Max, of which 19 have been delivered. The move to raise funds will dilute the Jhunjhunwala family’s 46% stake in the airline. The family holds this stake through a trust and despite the potential dilution, it will remain the largest shareholder.

The airline, which commenced operations less than a year ago, has reached out to potential investors, including PE firms and high-net-worth individuals, for raising capital. Any infusion of capital will be based on a USD 650-million valuation. US-based hedge fund PAR Capital Management is one of the names doing the rounds and may subscribe to the shares to add to its existing 6% stake in the low-cost airline. Brokerage firm ICICI Securities said on June 12 the outlook for airlines remained strong due to healthy traffic growth, declining jet fuel prices and ticking ticket values.

A source said the Jhunjhunwala family has the right of first refusal on any equity fundraising the airline plans. A spokesperson for Akasa Air called this speculation and refused to comment. The report said that Utpal Seth, senior partner and CEO of Rare Enterprise, Jhunjhunwala’s investment outfit, and PAR Capital didn’t respond to queries.

"Think of the airline as a startup and look at this as its next round of fundraising. The kind of ambitions the airline has, would money from the Jhunjhunwalas be enough to sustain them?" a source was quoted as saying in the report. "The answer is no. Also remember the Jhunjhunwalas are financial investors and not promoters, as is the case with several airline ventures in India."

Akasa’s first commercial flight was on August 7, 2022, between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Jhunjhunwala passed away a week later. Starting its operations last year, Akasa Air has leveraged its startup advantage to design a low-cost structure with reduced lease rents. The easy availability of pilots after the pandemic also helped Akasa.

"The trust is unlikely to participate in this round of funding but even after the dilution will retain a substantial stake. The aviation sector is on a boom and the value of Akasa with strong financials and led by professionals will only rise," the report quoted a source as saying.

As per the report, the airline initially received a startup capital injection of USD 50 million from the Jhunjhunwala family, and with additional gains from aircraft sale and leaseback arrangements, the venture secured a capital base of USD 300-350 million, enabling its successful launch.

(With Inputs from Bloomberg)

flybig has placed a firm order with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada for two DHC-6-400s and signed a Letter of Intent for another up to ten newly announced DHC-6-300-G aircraft during the ongoing 2023 Paris Air Show.

"Twin Otters are the perfect aircraft for India's UDAN regional airport development program, part of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) for improving underserviced air routes and connecting Tier 2 and Tier 3 communities. Our two -400 aircraft will help realise our Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to connect India's hinterland, and we are looking forward to working with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada on potential future acquisitions of the new Classic 300-Gs," Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Mandavia said. "With the addition of this new aircraft the DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300-G, looking ahead we are excited to announce our plans for further expansion of our services now to North India by offering connectivity to Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. Our plans include adding Dehra Dun, Pithorgarh, Pantnagar, Hindon, Ludhiana, and Bathinda to our network."

The Indian regional specialist will become the first operator of the DHC-6-400 in India. The airline’s fleet currently comprises one ATR72-500 and two ATR72-600s. The carrier recently secured an undisclosed strategic investment from Florida-based Royal Bengal Holding Inc. The only current operator of Twin Otters in India is Saarthi Airways, which operates a single -300 on behalf of the Geological Survey of India.

flybig signed a Letter of Intent for five firm DHC-6-400 orders and five options in 2022. The deal has not been finalised. flybig did not respond to ch-aviation's request for comment if the new commitment that would replace last year's LOI.

Commenting on the IndiGo Airlines’ order of 500 planes to Airbus, Flybig India’s President said, “It’s a historical event for our country. We are proud that Indigo is one of the best and finest airlines we know in the world. I congratulate them. This is a great moment for all Indians. India is not the third largest I think we are one of the largest, fastest-moving aviation industries with 1.4 billion population. I think it’s just the beginning, I would say and more to come.”

Mandavia said that the aviation industry creates a lot of jobs. “Every aircraft creates hundreds of jobs. So if India is getting 500 more planes that will create more jobs, and we are getting 10 more aircraft which create more jobs,” Mandavia added. 

The DHC-6-300-G is a newly announced variant of the Twin Otter with updated avionics, redesigned cabin interior, increased payload and range, and other improvements. Joining the current DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400, the new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G is the fifth generation of the Twin Otter aircraft. All DHC-6 Twin Otters carry passengers, transport VIPs, move cargo, conduct medivac operations, and perform special missions in the world's most unforgiving environments. When mounted on amphibious floats, these aircraft move seamlessly between paved surfaces and water-landing areas.

About De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited

With more than 5,000 aircraft delivered, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) is well-established globally. The talented aviation professionals are dedicated to advancing a near-100-year reputation for excellence in innovation, production, and customer support. Their aircraft operate reliably in some of the world's harshest climates and provide vital connections between rural communities and urban centres – transporting essential cargo and millions of passengers annually. De Havilland aircraft also support a wide variety of special mission operations including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and coastal surveillance.

About flybig

flybig is promoted by Gurugram-based Big Charter Private Limited, led by Capt. Sanjay Mandavia who is the airline's Chairman and Managing Director. flybig, the leading regional airline in India continues to support the vision of our Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, of giving a major economic boost to the hinterland regions of our nation by providing air connectivity to tier-2 & 3 cities through the UDAN scheme. flybig has expanded its operations to 11 stations by operating 24 flights daily. We take great pride in our accomplishments of becoming one of the most trusted airlines in India. With the addition of this new aircraft the DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300-G, looking ahead we are excited to announce our plans for further expansion of our services now to North India by offering connectivity to Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. Our plans include adding Dehradun, Pithoragarh, Pantnagar, Hindon, Ludhiana, and Bathinda to our network.

Air Mauritius has established itself as a regional leader in the ever-changing aviation industry. The airline's recent order for three more Airbus A350-900 aircraft reflects its forward-thinking attitude and commitment to satisfying travelers' expanding needs.

Air Mauritius' Commitment to Expansion

Air Mauritius has always prioritized expansion and improvement to better serve its customers. By acquiring three more Airbus A350-900 planes, the airline aims to bolster its operations, open new routes, and offer greater connectivity to passengers worldwide. This investment solidifies Air Mauritius' position as a key player in the competitive global aviation market. The recent order for three Airbus A350-900 aircraft marks a significant milestone in Air Mauritius' fleet expansion plans. With a total of seven A350 planes, the airline strengthens its capacity to cater to increasing passenger demand, expand its route network, and maintain a competitive edge in the industry. Air Mauritius continues to prioritize fleet modernization to provide the best possible travel experience to its customers. The delivery of these three additional widebody aircraft is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the third quarter of 2026.

The Airbus A350-900: A Technological Marvel

The Airbus A350-900 is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, advanced features, and exceptional performance. Equipped with the latest innovations in aviation, these aircraft boast state-of-the-art systems that ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers. From its aerodynamic design to its sophisticated avionics, the A350-900 is a testament to Airbus' commitment to excellence. The A350 is the most contemporary and efficient widebody aircraft in the world, as well as the long-distance leader in the 300–410-seater category. With a nonstop range of up to 9,700nm, the A350 has the greatest range capability of any commercial aircraft family in production today.  The A350's clean sheet design incorporates cutting-edge technology and aerodynamics to achieve unrivalled levels of economy and comfort. It is the most fuel-efficient large widebody aircraft due to its latest generation engines and use of lightweight materials. The A350 is the quietest plane in its class, with a 50% reduction in noise footprint compared to prior generation aircraft.

The Benefits of the Airbus A350-900

The Airbus A350-900 offers several significant advantages that make it an ideal choice for Air Mauritius.

Improved Passenger Experience

Passengers traveling on the A350-900 can expect a superior level of comfort, with spacious cabins, ergonomic seating, and reduced noise levels. The aircraft's advanced air filtration systems also ensure a refreshing and pleasant in-flight atmosphere.

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

The A350-900 incorporates cutting-edge aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and highly efficient engines, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. Air Mauritius' investment in these aircraft demonstrates their commitment to sustainable aviation and minimizing their environmental footprint. By expanding its A350 fleet, Air Mauritius reaffirms its commitment to sustainable aviation and contributes to global efforts to combat climate change.

Technological Advancements and Safety Features

Equipped with the latest technological innovations, the A350-900 offers enhanced safety features, advanced avionics, and improved navigation systems. Passengers can rest assured knowing that Air Mauritius prioritizes their well-being and safety throughout their journey.

Comments

"Air Mauritius is proud to renew its trust in Airbus and its products, thus extending a three-decade partnership." The extra A350-900 aircraft will help us improve our European network and gain significant market growth. "We are excited to work with Airbus to achieve our ambitious goals," stated Mr. Kresimir Kucko, CEO of Air Mauritius. 

"We applaud Air Mauritius for putting the A350 at the centre of its long-haul fleet modernization programme." "With its increased range capability, improved economics, passenger capacity, and comfort, the A350 is the ideal platform for connecting the beautiful island of Mauritius to the rest of the world," said Christian Scherer, Airbus' Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International.

Conclusion

Air Mauritius' announcement of the acquisition of three Airbus A350-900 aircraft marks a significant milestone for the airline. This expansion reinforces its commitment to providing top-notch service, improving passenger experience, and embracing sustainable practices. With the addition of these modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, Air Mauritius is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of the aviation industry while remaining a symbol of excellence in the Republic of Mauritius.

With Inputs from Airbus, Air Mauritius