The introduction of France's new 4-FLIGHT air traffic control system

The implementation of 4-FLIGHT, France's brand-new cutting-edge air traffic management modernization project, is being closely coordinated by the EUROCONTROL Network Manager (NM) and France's air navigation service provider-DSNA.

Eurocontrol

The EUROCONTROL Network Manager strongly supports the implementation of France’s next generation air traffic management 4-FLIGHT system in full collaboration with all operational stakeholders. During the implementation period of this significant technological transformation, NM coordinates with air navigation service provides, aircraft operators and other partners to enable the implementation of network measures that facilitate the operational performance. There has been an excellent cooperation with DSNA and among many operational stakeholders in a true spirit of collegialityLacopo Prissinotti | DIRECTOR NETWORK MANAGEMENT, EUROCONTROL

Lacopo Prissinotti | Eurocontrol

The Reims Area Control Centre (ACC) formally deployed 4-FLIGHT on June 14th, 2022, after an operational consolidation phase that began in April 2022. By 2026, it will subsequently be implemented in turn in the other four French ACCs. Local and network expertise are crucial for the successful implementation of 4-FLIGHT; therefore, nine months before the implementation phase began, DSNA and NM began holding weekly coordination meetings to exchange detailed information about the transition and discuss ways to reduce its negative effects on the network.

The implementation of 4-FLIGHT represents a major step forward for air navigation in France. The operational performance of this new-generation ATM system will be of benefit not only to France but also the entire European network. I would like to highlight the remarkable work of the DSNA / Thales teams and the efficient coordination with the NM teams to integrate 4-FLIGHT in a global operational environmentFlorian Guillermet | DIRECTOR DSNA

Florian Guillermet | Source

In accordance with conversations with DSNA, NM completed a thorough impact assessment, including network steps to optimize capacity and demand balance throughout the transition with the help of all nearby service providers. Operational stakeholders from throughout Europe have been collaborating to lessen the transition's effect on the network, with a particular emphasis on minimizing the impact on the environment by limiting route extensions and level capping.

A better strategy, better human resource availability, and the actual physical presence of DSNA ATFM specialists in the NM operations' room during the crucial initial two weeks of implementation considerably decreased the impact on the network. Despite obstacles encountered, the 4-FLIGHT roll-out has been a resounding success for Reims ACC and the network as a whole, with sector capacities, continuously increasing during the first few weeks of operations.

Representative | Wikipedia

Restrictions have been maintained to a minimum due to ongoing monitoring of the traffic and demand balancing through the rolling Network Operations Plan (NOP) and weekly consultations with the relevant stakeholders. The network restrictions are being gradually lowered and will do so until the beginning of October.

Next on the cards

For the upcoming transition plans for the Marseille ACC in December 2022 and the Paris ACC in December 2023, DSNA and NM are already collaborating closely. ACCs in Brest and Bordeaux will come next. Through NM's coordination, all network operational stakeholders will take part in this process.

SOURCE: EUROCONTROL

COVER: KORIACTU

Embraer Executive Jets introduced a proposal for a future medium-size cabin aircraft at the National Business Aviation Association's "No Plane No Gain" Leadership Breakfast in Orlando, Florida, that radically rewrites the rules of aviation.

The Brazilian manufacturer unveiled a concept plane with a number of features it believes are crucial in the new market environment, including autonomous flight, environmentally friendly propulsion, extensive use of artificial intelligence (AI), and a new manufacturing process based on "Industry 4.0."

Representative | Air Data News

The executive jet of the future from Embraer is a mid-size design that resembles the Praetor family. It features solutions that have never been used before in the category, like a lounge with lots of windows in place of the cockpit.

The aircraft has several unusual characteristics, including a V-tail, which is uncommon for business jets, and an unusual engine layout with two turbofans in the tail.

Aerotime Hub

With three air intakes—one on top and two on either side of the fuselage—the engines appear to be positioned above one another rather than on either side of the back fuselage.

The airplane will also include three cabin zones, according to a tweet from Embraer. One of these areas is depicted in the images that were linked to the tweet and is a large lounge that is located at the front of the airplane. The cabin is also seen with touchscreens overlaying the windows.

Representative | Air Data News

As this is a concept, no performance numbers have been defined. There are no commitments from Embraer Executive Jets to develop and manufacture the presented airplane. Embraer will rather use it as an inspiration to investigate and develop new technologies and new solutions for the business aviation of the futureEmbraer’s statement explained

The announcement is a development of Embraer's earlier concept for a family of next-generation regional aircraft that will exclusively use sustainable fuel.

The design, which was presented at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in 2022, envisions a vehicle that uses only renewable fuel and makes considerable use of artificial intelligence (AI).

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Air Data News

The Tatas are in talks with Lockheed Martin for manufacturing a Sikorsky S-76 helicopter in India, according to reports. The S-76 is a medium-sized helicopter widely put to both civilian and military use in many countries.

The armed forces of Britain, Japan, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Argentina use (or used earlier) it. Among countries in the neighbourhood, Thailand uses it. Lockheed Martin, one of the world's biggest defence manufacturers, owns Sikorsky.

The Tatas have a contract to make 40 C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The Indian government is aware of the discussions between the two, according to sources cited in the media.

Tatas can collaborate with Lockheed Martin to manufacture Sikorsky S-76 helicopters in India

It is being seen as part of the Modi government's Make in India for the World plan. Lockheed Martin and Tatas already are in a contract. The Tatas manufacture the wings for the F-16 fighter aircraft and components for the Lockheed Martin C-130J transport aircraft.

ALSO READ - Airbus C295 Military Aircraft to be manufactured in India; gets DGAQA approval

If the deal goes through, it will be one of the biggest milestones for Indian aviation manufacturing. As per various reports, there are plans to sell Sikorsky helicopters not just in India but all over the world. Key aspects such as production numbers and project costs have yet to be worked out.

According to sources cited by Times Now, "there will be a considerable amount of indigenous content that will help smaller manufacturers of components." It is likely to be a multi-billion dollar deal, the sources added.

The Tatas have a contract to make 40 C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

Just how many will be made and what the cost of the project will need to be worked out. But there is no doubt that there will be a considerable amount of indigenous content that will help smaller manufacturers of components. Sources said it could be a multi-billion dollar deal.

It may be noted that PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for the much-hyped Tata plant on Sunday in Vadodara. It will make the C-295 transport aircraft.

ALSO READ - 6 Sikorsky S-76D helicopters to be leased by Pawan Hans

(With Inputs from Times Now)

An IndiGo plane declared emergency at the Delhi airport on Friday after one of its engines caught fire at the time of take off roll, according to sources.

The Bengaluru-bound A320 aircraft, which had 184 people on board, later returned to the bay. The people were safely deboarded, the sources said.

A video on Twitter showed one of the plane's engines on fire and sparks flying at the time of taxiing at the airport.The incident took place at around 10 pm.

https://twitter.com/ndtv/status/1586047577988173824?s=20&t=fUWMQxNz6fLNcNCbkbtHvg

Video credit: NDTV.

In a statement, IndiGo said the aircraft operating flight 6E2131 from Delhi to Bengaluru experienced an engine stall during take off roll.

The take off was aborted and the aircraft safely returned to the bay. All passengers are being accommodated on an alternate aircraft," the statement said.

Also read - DGCA allows IndiGo to wet lease Turkish Airlines planes

"The priority is to carry out a detailed investigation of the incident and ascertain the reasons for the fire in the engine. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished swiftly and the aircraft is now grounded.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will do a detailed study to check whether there have been any such incidents pertaining to these engines before. After the investigation, suitable follow-up action will be taken."Arun Kumar, DGCA Chief.

A DGCA source said the aircraft VT-IFM operating flight 6E-2131 from Delhi to Bengaluru.

The engine that caught fire was an IAEV2500. It is manufactured by IAE International Aero Engines AG.

Soon after the incident that took place around 10 pm on Friday, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said officials concerned of the DGCA have been directed to "look into this and furnish a report at the earliest".

All passengers and crew are safe and an alternate aircraft was arranged to operate the flight, which took off at 12.16 am on Saturday.

Also read - IndiGo to debut with widebody aircraft for international expansion

European aircraft maker Airbus on Friday announced a rise in net profits in the third quarter, saying it achieved a "solid" financial performance despite a "complex" environment.

The company's net profit increased year-on-year by 65 per cent between July and September to 667 million euros. Its turnover climbed by 27 per cent to 13.3 billion euros in the same period.

Despite difficulties with suppliers, which have been disrupted since the Covid-19 pandemic, Airbus still expects to deliver around 700 aircraft in 2022, including more than 260 in the last three months of the year.

Airbus On Track To Deliver 700 Aircraft In 2022; Airbus net profit up 65% in third quarter.

Deliveries of aircraft are a reliable indicator of profitability in the aerospace sector as clients pay most of their bill when they receive the planes.

Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury welcomed a "solid" financial performance in the first nine months of the year despite a "complex operating environment".

He highlighted the "fragile" nature of supply chains following the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, energy supply issues and constrained labour markets.

The firm will maintain its goal of achieving an adjusted operating profit of 5.5 billion euros in 2022 and expects a higher cash flow, reflecting the strength of the dollar against the euro.

(With inputs from DECCANHERALD)

The Thai government has decided to resume Thai Airways Hyderabad-Bangkok operations to pre-Covid level from October 30.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the daily Thai Airways flight link between Hyderabad and Bangkok was operated by a wide-body Boeing B777-200 aircraft with over 300 seats, including 30 business class seats and over 15 metric tonnes of commercial cargo in addition to passenger baggage.

The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) had represented to the Thai government in the month of April to resume passenger and cargo operations which were suspended during Covid.

Thai Airways to resume Hyderabad-Bangkok flight operations from October 30.

Telangana which houses many MNCs and is home to numerous industries and businesses is engaged actively in trade with Thailand and other nearby regions.

Telangana and surrounding regions are a massive source of tourist traffic into Thailand, which was primarily routed through Hyderabad Airport using a popular Hyderabad - Bangkok flight service operated by Thai Airways over the years which operated 7 days a week.

"Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the daily Thai Airways flight link between Hyderabad and Bangkok was operated by a wide-body Boeing B777-200 aircraft which offered ample capacity of over 300 seats, including 30 business class seats and over 15 metric tonnes of commercial cargo in addition to passenger baggage."Anil Agarwal, President FTCCI.

Hyderabad-Bangkok services to resume after 2 years.

Nitirooge Phoneprasert, Consul-General Royal Thai Consulate -General, Chennai, said: "It is a welcoming news that Thai Airways has finally decided to resume its flight operation between Hyderabad and Bangkok after an absence of more than two years. This will help boost the tourism and people-to-people connection between Thailand and Telangana."

(With inputs from ZEENEWS)