Noida International Airport to become a significant MRO hub in India

The Noida International airport in Jewar will look to etch its place on the country’s aviation map as a major MRO hub, acronym for maintenance, repair and overhaul, after it crosses its first landmark of launching commercial operations by December 2024.

With the UP Cabinet passing the MRO policy, the decks have been cleared for concessionaire Zurich AG to develop the first of the two MROs planned on 40 acres of land.

On Wednesday, June 29 Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) CEO Arun Vir Singh said Zurich AG is in talks with top companies to set up this MRO at the airport.

Noida Airport to become a significant MRO hub in India

The second and larger MRO will come up on 1,365 acres of land along with a runway and the facility could see a cluster of companies operate there. It has a 2025 completion timeline. Singh heads the UP government's special purpose vehicle for the airport, Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL).

The two MROs, pegged at INR 80,000 crore, are eventually expected to give employment to over 60,000 people and bring in investments of INR 30,000 crore over the years, officials said.

“There is an immense opportunity in this field given the upcoming Noida International Airport. Since the first phase of the airport is coming up over 1,334 hectares, it was compulsory to build an MRO facility simultaneously,” the YEIDA CEO said.

The second and larger MRO will come up on 1,365 acres of land along with a runway and the facility could see a cluster of companies operate there.

The central government had in 2021 introduced an MRO policy that aims to turn India into a global hub for aircraft maintenance and overhaul, which now largely happens abroad.

ALSO READ - GST rate on domestic MRO services for the aviation industry reduced to 5%

Some of the proposed changes included leasing land through open tenders, allocating land for MRO for 30 years instead of the current 3 to 5 years, and removing the 13% turnover royalty charged by the Airports Authority of India.

The Indian MRO industry is worth USD 2 billion annually. Of this, only 16% of the business is handled locally. Within the MRO services, the engine and aircraft component maintenance, in particular, is quite lucrative, and the government wants to develop these facilities in the country.

There is an immense opportunity in this field given the upcoming Noida International Airport.

ALSO READ - 8 airports identified by AAI for promoting Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul activities

Indian carriers currently send their aircraft offshore for MRO, though some work has begun at the Bengaluru and Hyderabad airports, where the country’s only two smaller MROs are located, officials said.

Singh said India has over 650 commercial aircraft and this figure is expected to increase by 1,000 in the next four years.

“For now, aircraft are taken to Singapore, Dubai, Paris, Seattle and Colombo for major overhauls, and airlines spend around INR 15,000 crore on repairs every year. The Indian aviation industry is expanding fast and that’s why there was a need to develop MRO facilities to cater to these new planes.Before approval of the MRO policy, several rounds of talks took place in Noida and Lucknow with the international companies. The companies gave their presentations and apprised us about incentives in the policy that can boost investment opportunities. We studied the MRO policies of other states and adopted the best practices."Arun Vir Singh, CEO, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA)

Under the MRO policy passed by the cabinet, companies will be entitled to subsidies for setting up operations at the Noida airport. These will be – 5% capital subsidy for those spending INR 500 crore, 8% for investments of INR 1,000 crore and 12% for over INR 1,000 crore.

The UP government has also asked the concessionaire developing the airport to develop it as a transit hub for Asia-Pacific, with a focus on connecting countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia among others.

Under the MRO policy passed by the cabinet, companies will be entitled to subsidies for setting up operations at the Noida airport.

The Noida airport lies southeast of central Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida and is almost at the halfway point to Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal. The new development is around 90 kilometres from the current Delhi Airport and 85 kilometres from the city centre.

The project is being worked upon in phases. The first phase, set to open in September 2024, will see the construction of two runways and a terminal for 12 million travellers. By the fourth phase, the airport is hoping to gain 70 million yearly passengers and six active runways, the most in the country.

Construction of the runway begins at Noida International Airport

Construction of the runway at the proposed largest international airport has started in Jewar. Tata Projects, which was awarded the tender for the runway construction, has begun measuring and marking the runway. Temporary offices have also been established at the site, with civilian access to the area restricted.

https://twitter.com/NIAirport/status/1540371122792714240

ALSO READ - Noida International Airport to be built by Tata Projects

ALSO READ - Work on Noida International Airport’s runway, terminal building and ATC to begin soon

Aside from these, an aeroplane maintenance centre is proposed for the airport site. The centre will be India's first and only aircraft servicing facility, saving crores of Indian rupees that are currently paid to foreign nations for aircraft repair and maintenance.

The Indian Coast Guard had commissioned a squadron (its third) of made-in-India Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv Mark III at Porbandar in Gujarat. The helicopters were commissioned by ICG director-general VS Pathania.

Coast Guard officials told ANI the choppers could fulfil both reconnaissance and offensive roles as they have 12.7 mm heavy machine guns that can hit targets at a range of 1,800 metres.

The induction boosts the Coast Guard's maritime surveillance and recon capabilities and the country's 'aatmanirbhar defence' philosophy as the ALH Dhruv Mark III is fully made in India by Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1542015848600473601

In May the Coast Guard commissioned its second ALH Dhruv Mark III squadron - in Kerala. Four of these helicopters have been stationed in Kochi in the southern state. The coasts of Karnataka and Kerala, and the Lakshadweep islands, would now be covered.

According to a note on HAL's website, the ALH Dhruv is an 'indigenously designed and developed... twin-engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter'.

The Mark III designed for 'utility roles in defence services suited for high-altitude operations' comes with an electronic warfare suite and counter-measure system, among other features.

https://twitter.com/IndiaCoastGuard/status/1541654922491359235

The 'armed variant for the attack, close-air support and high altitude operations' comes with weapon systems and mission sensors that include a turret gun, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, a helmet-pointing system, and an infra-red jammer, a data link and an obstacle avoidance system.

The helicopters also have powerful Shakti engines, a full-glass cockpit and high-intensity searchlights to aid in search-and-rescue ops at sea, as well as a removable medical intensive care unit (MICU) to facilitate critically ill patients for medical evacuation, or med-evac.

An improved version equipped with Shakti-1H engines, new electronic warfare (EW) suite and warning systems, automatic chaff and flare dispensers, and an improved vibration control system. The first batch was inducted into service in 2012.

The helicopters also have powerful Shakti engines, a full-glass cockpit and high-intensity searchlights to aid in search-and-rescue ops at sea. (Image Courtesy - Shrey Chopra)

Indian Coast Guard Mk3 is the same in performance as the Mk.3 however, has additional equipment such as a cabin mountain MG, High-Intensity Search Light and a loud hailer.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh this week underlined the success of the armed forces' 'aatmanirbhar' push last week when he tweeted: "68% of procurement will be from purchase of products made in India. In this also, we have arranged to buy 25% only from private companies..."

The HAL Dhruv is a utility helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The development of HAL Dhruv was announced in November 1984. The helicopter first flew in 1992; however, its development was prolonged due to multiple factors including the Indian Army's requirement for design changes, budget restrictions, and sanctions placed on India following the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests.

Jet Airways is in discussions with aircraft manufacturers and lessors to lease 6-8 planes, including some of those which were to be delivered to Russian carriers before the Ukraine war, as it gets ready for the relaunch. The airline is also negotiating with airport operators to secure slots with "good" timings.

Once a major player in the Indian aviation space, the carrier has not flown since April 17, 2019, and is being revived under the ownership of the Jalan-Kalrock consortium. Last month it got its air operator certificate revalidated by the aviation safety regulator DGCA.

Jet Airways to lease 6-8 aircraft by December; in talks with aircraft manufacturers and lessors

"Aircraft availability is always an issue but now due to the Russia-Ukraine war, aircraft which were to be delivered to Russia are also available in the market along with those leased planes which were flying in Russia," a source told PTI.

He said the airline is negotiating with Boeing, Airbus and the lessors, adding that "discussions are at a very high level and an announcement is expected to be made very soon."According to the source, Jet Airways is looking to lease 6-8 aircraft by December. Jet Airways confirmed that the airline is in "advanced discussion "with the lessors and original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) but did not share specific details.

The A320 and A220 jets seem to be winning the race to woo Jet at the moment

"We have no comment to give other than we will share our fleet plans when they are finalized and we are ready to share. We are in advanced discussions with multiple lessors and all three OEMs," Jet Airways CEO, Sanjiv Kapoor told PTI.

"However, it will be the only single type of fleet either Airbus or Boeing. Both are in contention at this stage," the source said, adding that the airline can relaunch operations as early as September, once the aircraft deal is signed.

Talks have also been in the works with Boeing and Embraer, manufacturers of the 737 MAX and E2 family jets, respectively, though Airbus has appeared as the front-runner for the deal valued at a USD 5.5 billion list price.

Jet Airways is also negotiating with airport operators to secure slots with "good" timings.

The A320 and A220 jets seem to be winning the race to woo Jet at the moment, but reports suggest that a final decision has not been taken. For the longest time, it was assumed that Jet would continue with the 737 family of aircraft as it did in its first stint.

ALSO READ - Jet Airways places Airbus in the lead for USD 5.5 billion aircraft order

He said for the acquisition of a large number of aircraft, first an initial pact will have to be signed with the aircraft maker as the "competition" between Boeing and Airbus is very clear. "A decision on this is yet to be taken. But when it is taken, it will be quickly implemented," he said.

Jet Airways is mulling flying to Mumbai, Goa, and Bengaluru, among others, from its new base in Delhi

According to the source, the airline has also decided not to retain the aircraft currently in its fleet and instead dispose of them.

Stating that it will initially be domestic services only, the source said Jet Airways is mulling flying to Mumbai, Goa, and Bengaluru, among others, from its new base in Delhi, he said the network planning is yet to be finalised as the airline is looking for airport slots.

"We have got some slots but some fine-tuning such as appropriate timing is being done and the airline may announce this also. So everything is in a positive direction," as per the source.

In aviation parlance, a slot is an authorisation to either take off or land at a particular airport on a particular day during a specified period.

Technically known as vertical take-off and landing aircraft, Flying Cars are touted to take off vertically from the top of a building much like a helicopter, transition to cruise mode like a conventional plane and then land vertically.

Plugavel

Flying cars have always been a subject of interest and may seem like a futuristic or sci-fi movie invention, though the idea for the flying car has been around since the 18th century.

Founded in 2020 by Pete Bitar of Electric Jet Aircraft and Carlos Salaff of SALAFF Automotive, LEO Flight has unveiled the "LEO Coupe"- an all-electric jet turbine-propelled vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) with a three-seater car design.

How is it any different from other eVTOL models out there?

Bitar and Salaff have had a desire to create a unique design- something that wouldn't resemble a fixed-wing or a rotary-wing. Reportedly, the experimental prototype LX-1 is touted to be a personal automobile for the sky that science fiction has foreseen- a personal, creative project turned into a mission to manufacture it for public use.

The LEO Coupe

The prototype doesn't display the rather dashing looks shown in earlier variants of the final LEO Coupe. Basically designed to test the propulsion system at this stage, the flying aluminium airframe features large banks of small electric jets.

1.  DARPA-funded propulsion system by Electric Jet Aircraft

LX-1 manned alpha prototype | leoflight

LEO Coupe's fully electric propulsion system is comprised of clusters of powerful electric jets, allowing safety through redundancy. Additionally, the wings also feature non-exposed rotors, eliminating the danger to those around the vehicle.

2. Highly compact with an automotive familiarity

When compared with current eVTOL designs, LEO Coupe's compact size of 10' x 20' becomes immediately apparent. This feature enables it to be privately owned, used as an air taxi and as a vehicle in any place where space is the limited and ground infrastructure is underdeveloped or non-existent.

leoflight

With compatibility like no other, it is touted to fit in most 2-car garages.

3. Exhilarating interiors

leoflight

Gull-wing doors open from the side to an airy, comfy cabin designed for three adults including the pilot. Additionally, it also features a "floating seat" for the pilot, thereby enhancing the exhilaration of the flight.

leoflight

Reportedly, the easy-to-learn semi-autonomous controls also make the flight simple.

4. Seamless travel

The hypercar also features an integrated 5G connected system, wherein users can check into or book their hotel rooms, fill up forms and documents, or arrange any travel-related agendas while enjoying the landscapes and horizons through the generous, tall windows carpeting the vehicle.

Representative | leoflight

Reportedly, the LEO Coupe can fly with a 250-mph flight speed and over one hour of flight time per charge to rapidly commute between places. The aircraft will have an empty weight of 1,100 lb (499 kg) and be able to carry a 510 lb (231 kg) payload.

LEO's compact form also makes it ideal for fire rescue, medevac, Coast Guard, tourism, exploration and most any terrain without developed road infrastructure.

5. VERTISTOP-LEO Flight's charging network

leoflight

The VertiStop unit is a compact charging and landing pad, enabled by LEO's compact size. It provides a power grid connection and fast charging for the LEO Coupe. Integral solar arrays supplement energy needs. The mesh top will help absorb air currents from LEO's jet system. The simplicity and integrated design of the VertiStop unit make it easy to install and use, quickly making once-neglected rooftop spaces into a fast-charging network.

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

Dubbed as a "personal automobile" for the skies, it comes with a price tag of $459,900.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: eVTOL News

Botlab Dynamics, the IIT Delhi incubated drone startup that lit up Raisina Hill skies this Beating Retreat with a dazzling 1,000-drone light show, organised a similar event in Djibouti for the East African country’s 45th independence day on June 26.

Indian drone ecosystem companies have started beating their much bigger international counterparts by following the time-tested Indian IT industry model — offering a better service or service at highly competitive prices.

“We competed with a French company for the event. Our quotation for organising an event with 800 drones matched the price offered by the French firm for a light show with 300 drones.We are getting several inquiries for organising drone light shows in the UAE and Maldives. Globally it costs USD 4-5 lakh for organising such an event."Sarita Ahlawat, Co-Founder, Botlab Dynamics

The company says this was the largest drone light show to be held in Africa so far.

Apart from competitive costing, the Indian company could offer more formations (iterations as they are known technically) that the government of Djibouti liked. After emerging as the winning team, it sent 23 staffers from Delhi for the event.

https://twitter.com/BotLabDynamics/status/1541363367600095232

The Beating Retreat drone show in Delhi where almost 30 iterations were created was witnessed by diplomats in India who had subsequently tweeted about the same due to which governments abroad got to know about the quality of the same.

A startup of two young IIT Delhi techies, Botlab Dynamics had dazzled onlookers at the grounds of their alma mater in one of the first drone light shows in the capital in September 2021.

A startup of two young IIT Delhi techies, Botlab Dynamics had dazzled onlookers at the grounds of their alma mater in one of the first drone light shows in the capital in September 2021.

A single computer on the ground controls these autonomous drones as they changed their colours, shades and shapes to create formations like tricolours, human DNA and a vessel.

All the three critical components of a drone — flight control (its “brain”), GPS for precision position and motor control to determine rotor spin — are indigenously made by Botlab. Drone light shows are usually 8-10 minutes long during which they create 6-8 formations at an altitude of 50 metres.

https://twitter.com/indiaindjibouti/status/1541357577514237953

The recent Tokyo Olympics had a drone light show by Intel where our planet earth floated gently above through a formation of 1,824 premium drones.

Joe Biden-Kamal Harris victory was celebrated by a grand drone light show. Now Indian companies are getting on this bandwagon in a big way. Clearly, it’s time for lasers to make way for drone light shows as the new king of pyrotechnics.

(With Inputs from The Times of India)

Bangalore international airport has crossed the 250-million passenger mark in its 15th year of establishment in addition to handling 2-million aircraft movements during the period on June 25, BIAL said on Wednesday, June 29.

The airport, which is now managed and operated by the Canadian NRI Prem Watsa-owned Fairfax, commenced operations in May 2008.

https://twitter.com/BLRAirport/status/1542111087201775616

“Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru has achieved a significant milestone by crossing the 250 million passenger mark since the launch of its operations or Airport Opening Day (AOD), during the last weekend of June 2022,'' Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) said in a statement.

It said an additional 50 million passengers travelled from the airport in a span of nearly three years despite the pandemic and consequential slowdown.

Furthermore, the facility also achieved the milestone of 2 million Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) since AOD, making it the fastest Public-Private Partnership (PPP) airport in South India to achieve this milestone, as per BIAL.

Stating that the feat has been achieved on the back of the addition of new carriers in conjunction with the introduction of new routes and rising passenger numbers on existing, BIAL said that the pandemic has meant that traffic growth over the past two years has been slower than usual, Bangalore International Airport a has historically grown very fast.

''Reaching the 250 million milestones reassures us that our customer-centric approach, innovation and technically advanced infrastructure, in conjunction with the introduction of new routes and working closely with our airline partners and other stakeholders have led to consistent growth.”Hari Marar, MD & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL)

Meanwhile, the BIAL has opened an ultra-luxurious travellers lounge - 080 - to enhance the experience of both domestic and international travellers. The lounge is seen as a significant step by the airport operator to deliver the highest standards of traveller experience at the airport.

The airport has also installed 10 Emergency Oxygen Generators for passengers and airport staff, to provide life-saving support during medical emergencies.

BIAL has opened an ultra-luxurious travellers lounge - 080 - to enhance the experience of both domestic and international travellers.

The timely availability of emergency oxygen at the Departures and Arrivals area could help those experiencing heart attacks, breathlessness, or even fainting.

"This provides 99.7% pure medical-grade oxygen for up to 40 minutes, offering sufficient support until the affected person reaches the hospital," a BIAL release said.

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