Final design of the Southern Hemisphere's largest unmanned aircraft is revealed - Here's what we know

According to Christchurch-based Kea Aerospace, the final design of New Zealand's first stratospheric aircraft has been completed, and production is well underway.

Keaaerospace

Test flights at high altitudes will be conducted using the solar-powered "Kea Atmos Mk 1." It weighs less than 40 kilogrammes and has a wingspan of 12.5 metres. The Kea Atmos is intended to fly test flights lasting up to 16 hours at a height of 65,000 feet (20 kilometres), which is almost twice that of commercial aircraft. Later versions will be created to operate constantly for several months at a time, according to Mark Rocket, CEO of Kea Aerospace.

Mark Rocket | Kea Aerospace

This is the first stratospheric aircraft built in New Zealand. We started construction in July, and we’re planning for the first stratospheric flight to take-off in early 2023. At that height it will be flying in extreme conditions – at about -65 degrees Celsius, and in less than 10% of the air density we have at sea level. The aircraft needs to be extremely light, but also be incredibly robust to operate successfully in those conditionsMark Rocket says

The Kea Atmos

Kea Aerospace

The Kea Atmos (UAV) falls under the category of a fixed-wing High Altitude Platform (HAP) and a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) airborne vehicle. It can also be referred to as an atmospheric satellite, an atmosat, a high altitude platform station, or a high altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS).

Apparently, satellites, crewed aircraft, and drones are currently unable to fill the existing significant aerial data gap. It is currently expensive and challenging to gather high-quality, regular aerial data to detect changes in our surroundings. Only manned planes and satellites can access large-scale imaging, yet both have major limits.

Aerospace Christchurch

The incorporation of onboard components like the power supply and telemetry options significantly increases the Kea Atmos's 10 kg cargo capacity. Thus, a 100-kilogramme payload for space hardware would be more appropriate for this weight. Furthermore, the aircraft's 20x closer altitude offers further weight, size, and power advantages, such as in the case of payloads for sensor systems.

Only low- to medium-resolution images can be obtained from satellites over specified orbits and developing, launching, and operating satellites is extremely expensive. High-resolution aerial photographs are available from crewed aircraft, but they are also more expensive to operate and can only provide patchy coverage.

Representative | Kea Aerospace

The Kea Atmos will function in a "sweet spot" for high-resolution, low-cost aerial imaging in the stratosphere. According to the company, they will oversee every step of the process, including data collection, storage, analysis, and distribution.

Commercial aircraft normally fly between 33,000 and 42,000 feet (10 to 14 kilometres) in the air, however, the Kea Atmos flies at 65,000 feet, above the weather, strong winds, and jet stream (20 kilometres).

The Kea Atmos can take 20 times better images with a similar camera since satellites operate at least 20 times higher above the Earth's surface at a distance of 400 kilometres. Furthermore, with significantly fewer technical difficulties, data flow to the ground is also considerably more effective.

Fostering Knowledge-Based Decision-Making

Massive data loads from the fleet of Kea Atmos aircraft are managed by a completely automated data pipeline, which also reduces resource waste, processing bottlenecks, and interference removal.

The company says:

Their antenna ground station network will guarantee successful real-time imagery transmission as well as effective mission operations.After being post-processed and combined, the downlinked imagery will be uploaded to the business' cloud infrastructure.Data will then be added to the pipeline for data analysis and distribution at Kea Aerospace, where it will be distributed to stakeholders.

Keaaerospace

Evidently, the customers will have amazing, quick access to the business analytics they need to make faster, more informed decisions thanks to customised subscriptions to Kea's data platform.

About Kea Aerospace

Kea Aerospace is on a mission to increase access to aerial images, led by industry visionaries with a history of world-leading innovation. It is an early member of the New Zealand Airspace Integration Trials programme operated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment.

The company was established in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2018. They are the founding members of the industry organisation Aerospace Christchurch and a research partner with the University of Canterbury.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE3DlVTNd64

SOURCE: Kea Aerospace

COVER: Otago Daily Times

Air traffic controllers will be allowed to work for only a specified number of hours at a stretch to avoid fatigue at work, similar to limitations applied to aircrew, India’s aviation regulator decided on Tuesday, September 6 to be in sync with international safety standards.

“We have issued a draft CAR (civil aviation requirement) as of now. The final regulation will be issued after extensive public consultation,” said Arun Kumar, director general of civil aviation. “We have tried to align it to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and have incorporated the global best practices.”

Section 9 of the draft CAR, which relates to airspace and air navigation services standards, puts stress on duty hour limitations and mandatory rest for air traffic controllers.

Air traffic controllers to strictly work in shifts to avoid fatigue at work

A controller’s night shift will start at 1:30 AM and end at 5:29 AM and no rostered shift will begin or end between midnight and 6 AM, the new rules said. No air traffic controller will perform any safety-related tasks when he or she is fatigued.

“The duty period shall not exceed 12 hours. No more than 6 consecutive days of duty shall be worked. A duty which covers all or part of the period of night duty shall not exceed 10 hours. No more than 2 consecutive duties shall be worked which cover all or part of the period of night duties,” the draft CAR said.

No operational duty should exceed two hours, without there being a break not less than 30 minutes taken during or at the end of that period, the directorate said.

A controller’s night shift will start at 1:30 AM and end at 5:29 AM and no rostered shift will begin or end between midnight and 6 AM

“Breaks shall include all measures necessary to ensure that ATCOs will not be suffering fatigue. Such measures include a certain detachment from the operation, e.g. rest areas, some of which shall afford the individual ‘quiet space’ and facilities for adequate refreshment.”

In unforeseen operational circumstances at an air traffic services station, the supervising officer may modify watch duty time limitations but must obtain approval later from higher authorities.

Such modifications may only be made to overcome unforeseen difficulties at the unit, provided that change only be made if the safety and effectiveness of air traffic control have to be maintained, according to the draft rules stipulated.

The regulator may conduct inspections and audits of air traffic services personnel at any time to ensure compliance.

Air traffic service providers must develop and maintain a fatigue management policy for controllers. It said that duty rosters have to prepare at least five days in advance for 30 days. The regulator may conduct inspections and audits of air traffic services personnel at any time to ensure compliance.

Some controllers were not entirely happy with the new draft rules. “If the DGCA (directorate general of civil aviation) wants to adopt global standards, then they should provide us facilities as per global standards,” one of them said on condition of anonymity.

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(With Inputs from The Hindustan Times)

German airline Lufthansa and pilots' union VC said on Tuesday, September 6 they had reached a deal in a wage dispute, averting a second strike that had been planned for later this week.

The agreement comes after a strike at Lufthansa last week forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights, further plaguing a summer of travel chaos.

The Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) pilots' union said it had agreed based on a comprehensive package of monetary and structural issues which would be fleshed out in the next few days. It gave no further details but said it was sufficient for a strike due to begin on Wednesday, September 7 to be called off.

Lufthansa and the pilots' union reach a deal in wage dispute; strike averted

"We are pleased that a result was reached at the negotiating table and that further disruption for customers, employees and companies could be avoided. Today important first steps have been taken towards long-term cooperation," said Marcel Groels, responsible for the union's collective bargaining policy.

Passenger plane pilots had been due on strike on Wednesday, September 7 and Thursday, September 8, and cargo pilots from Wednesday through Friday, according to the union, which groups more than 5,000 pilots.

Lufthansa, which had earlier said it would make an improved offer, said the agreement meant flights could take place as planned in the next few days.

VC had demanded a retroactive pay rise of 5.5% from July 1 as well as a pay increase of 8.2% in 2023 in response to inflation.

"We are pleased we were able to solve constructive talks with the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots' union," the national carrier said in a statement, giving no details of the deal.

VC had demanded a retroactive pay rise of 5.5% from July 1 as well as a pay increase of 8.2% in 2023 in response to inflation.

The airline says those measures would increase its staffing costs by about 40%, or around 900 million euros over two years. It has instead offered a one-off increase of 900 euros, amounting to a 5% increase for senior pilots and an 18% increase for those starting the profession.

A pilots’ strike by Lufthansa on September 2 had led to almost 800 flights being cancelled, affecting nearly 1.3 lakh passengers. Delhi Airport had witnessed protests from about 700 passengers - almost all Canada-bound students - who were to fly to Frankfurt and Munich that night.

Lufthansa says those measures would increase its staffing costs by about 40%, or around 900 million euros over two years.

ALSO READ - Lufthansa pilots strike impacts 700 passengers at Delhi airport

While they protested inside the terminal, their relatives and friends blocked the entrance at T3. The police had to intervene that night to restore traffic flow at the terminal. With outbound student travel season on in full swing in India, a two-day strike could lead to more such situations over the next 2-3 days.

Lufthansa has been among European carriers facing strike calls in the past few months by various sections of organised employee unions like ground staff, cabin crew and pilots.

European airports have been a mess this entire summer as they were unable to handle the sharp revival in travel due to reasons like employee shortage and then strikes.

(With Inputs from Reuters)

Aviation industry veteran Peiter Elbers assumed the charge of Indigo's chief executive officer on September 6, over three months after he was announced as the replacement for outgoing CEO Ronojoy Dutta.

"Petrus Johannes Theodorus Elbers has joined as chief executive officer of the company with effect from today, September 6, 2022," the private Indian carrier said in an exchange filing.

Elbers, who spent three decades at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, replaces Ronojoy Dutta at the top post. Elbers’ choice as CEO for IndiGo was strategic as a result of his experience in growing worldwide hubs at residence airports.

Peiter Elbers takes over as the new CEO of IndiGo

“Earlier, IndiGo communication summarised it all in just three words: ‘Towards new heights’ and-let me add here: ‘across new frontiers. With that vision in mind, you should feel assured that the coming years will be among the most exciting of your professional lives,” Elbers said.

ALSO READ - IndiGo appoints Pieter Elbers as new CEO after Ronojoy Dutta decides to retire by September

Elbers, the former chief executive of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, was named as the next CEO by IndiGo on May 18, 2022. He has been at the helm of KLM since 2014. The 52-year-old is also a member of the executive committee of the Air France – KLM Group.

ALSO READ - Air France-KLM and IndiGo officially launch their codeshare agreement

"What IndiGo’s employees and leadership have jointly built, since its start 16 years ago, is, by any standard, truly impressive. I am very honoured and do look forward to building upon this, working together with the entire IndiGo team. I am delighted to become a part of the next stage of IndiGo’s incredible journey, further fulfilling the vision of what the airline can do and will be for its customers and India."Peiter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo

Elbers had started his career in 1992 with KLM and, over the past three decades, held several managerial positions in the company in both the Netherlands and overseas in Japan, Greece and Italy.

With Elbers assuming the charge, the three-year stint of Dutta as IndiGo's CEO has formally concluded. The 71-year-old led the carrier through the turbulent period of COVID-19. In the post-pandemic period, the airline continues to maintain its dominating position in the Indian market.

ALSO READ - IndiGo CEO consents 2-year non-compete post his retirement in September

Ronojoy Dutta, the outgoing CEO of IndiGo, has agreed to an enhanced non-compete for two years as against one year earlier, the company had said on 30 August, against accelerated bonus and amount instead of stock options.

Elbers had started his career in 1992 with KLM and, over the past three decades, held several managerial positions in the company in both the Netherlands and overseas in Japan, Greece and Italy.

The non-compete clause says Dutta shall not engage with any business or allied business that is in any way similar, identical or competitive and will not engage in the Indian aviation sector or provide consultancy services to an entity engaged in Indian aviation.

Dutta was relieved of his duties on 5 September, and not on 30 September as informed by the airline earlier, a company official said. In fact, Dutta agreed to a shorter notice period as per the request of the management.

Elbers got here to India on 4 August and was a part of IndiGo’s 16th-anniversary celebration. Since then, he has been working with Dutta as a part of the hand-holding course.

Elbers got here to India on 4 August and was a part of IndiGo’s 16th-anniversary celebration.

At present, IndiGo commands over half of the domestic market share. With 276 aircraft and over 1,500 daily flights, it is also among the largest airlines in the world. As of March, IndiGo had over 26,000 employees.

The airline currently serves 74 domestic and 26 international destinations. It is flying approximately 1,600 flights a day at present, of which 150 are international. It operates international flights from 16 airports across India.

In July 2022, the airline carried 57.11 lakh passengers, amounting to a 58.8% share of the domestic market, as per the monthly numbers released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

ALSO READ - IndiGo reports net loss of INR 1,064 crore in Q1

The airline also narrowed its consolidated net loss to INR 1,064 crore for the quarter ended June 2022 from INR 3,174.2 crore in the year-ago period.

IndiGo currently serves 74 domestic and 26 international destinations. It is flying approximately 1,600 flights a day at present, of which 150 are international.

The airline is also facing supply chain constraints, which have resulted in delays in the delivery of aircraft and engines. Yet, the airline plans to deploy 13% higher capacity than pre-Covid time in the 2022-23 financial year.

The airline has considered opting for wide-body aircraft for long-haul international flight operations multiple times in the past. While the wide-body discussions have not been fructified in the past, the airline has created a strong network of medium to short-distance global routes using its narrow-body aircraft.

ALSO READ - IndiGo plans to have a business class on Airbus A321 XLR

The airline, which plans to induct Airbus’ lengthy vary slender physique plane A321 XLR ranging from mid-2024, has plans to function in several European cities like Barcelona, Rome, Moscow, and Milan from its hub airport at Delhi.

Flight operations at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, which were affected due to the heavy rainfall, have returned to complete normalcy since Monday, a spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Torrential overnight rain on Sunday severely impacted the normal life in the city, with overflowing lakes and stormwater drains inundating several low-lying areas.

"But from yesterday (Monday morning), it is all back to normal at the airport. There has been no disruption, no delays or diversion, whatsoever since Monday."A spokesperson told.

Low visibility and unfavourable weather conditions on Monday morning delayed as many as nine flights at KIA, while around six other flights were diverted to the Chennai airport, as per the Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL).

As many as six flights were diverted to Chennai airport because of low visibility, while another nine services were delayed for less than 20 minutes, as per the Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL).

Flight operations at Kempegowda International Airport return to normal

This all happened within two hours -- between 1 am and 3 am on Monday, the spokesperson said and added that none of the international flights got delayed. The airport reportedly received 109 mm of rainfall between 11.30 am and 4 pm on Sunday.

Bengaluru international airport, which is the largest aerodrome in the southern region, and which is managed and operated by the Canadian NRI Prem Watsa-owned Fairfax, crossed the 250-million passenger mark in its 15th year of establishment in addition to handling two million aircraft movements during the period in June this year.

ALSO READ - Bangalore International Airport surpasses 250 million passenger count

The business has been booming for some time for major private jets manufacturers, to the extent that firms have been unable to keep pace with skyrocketing demand since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Last year, private plane use soared to its highest level on record. Aviation data research firm Wingx recorded 3.3 million business jet take-offs in 2021, the most for a single year and 7% more than the previous high in 2019.

Private jets are, by far, the most inefficient way to travel, and many have pointed out the hypocrisy of turning up to a summit on climate change on something that is contributing to its very cause.

Private jets are responsible for around 4% of all aviation emissions, according to a 2016 study.

Private jet demand has boomed during the pandemic as the wealthy took control of their travel. Yet, the luxury flight could have a limited runway as some buyers spend beyond their means and the sector presents a prime target for climate critics.

"A huge amount of fuel is used during takeoff and landing of a plane, no matter how many people you have on board. So an already polluting mode of transport (commercial aviation) becomes even worse (with private jets)."Dr Debbie Hopkins, an expert in decarbonising transport at University of Oxford.

Private jets are unable to burn 100% sustainable fuels, which are normally made from biofuels. However, manufacturers, such as Boom Supersonic and Rolls Royce, are developing jet engines to burn 100% sustainable fuels.

This criticism around private jets comes as new research shows the luxury lifestyles of the wealthiest 1% could jeopardize targets to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

A single private jet can emit two metric tons of carbon dioxide in just one hour.

Per capita, the richest 80 million people in the world will account for 16% of total emissions globally by 2030, up from 13% in 1990.

The carbon emissions of an 11-minute space flight are estimated to be at least 75 tons. Private jets generally produce significantly more emissions per passenger than commercial flights.

The study, commissioned by Oxfam, says the wealthy would need to cut their emissions by 97% so the world can stay on track to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees, as pledged in the 2015 Paris Agreement.