Vistara and Air India to coexist, merger talks on hold

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)

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)

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)

Conducted from Airbus Defence & Space’s San Pablo final assembly site in Seville, Spain, the airplane manufacturer has performed the first flight of a modified C295 military transport aircraft.

Airbus Media Centre

What is striking about this modified version is that the aircraft boasts of a new and innovative high-efficiency "semi-morphing wing” and “dynamic winglets”, coupled with the addition of a new flight control system.

The aircraft is to now start a flight campaign to test the new semi-morphing wing, the new affordable flight control system, as well as a SatCom antenna embedded within the aircraft’s fuselage.

The first flight of the C295 FTB2 is a key milestone that represents an important step forward in the programme, following the successful integration of the new aero structures, power-on and ground tests. A few years ago this programme was just a dream of a more sustainable future for aviation. Today we are at the final stage and we finally made it flysaid Francisco Javier Sánchez Segura, Executive Vice President Engineering Airbus Defence and Space

Taking forward the European Clean Sky 2 (CS2) and the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, the modified Airbus C295 flight test-bed is, what can be called an in-flight demonstrator of the aforementioned programme.

Tech and Specs

The Airbus C295 is a new-generation tactical airlifter in the light and medium segment, with multi-role capabilities ranging from air-to-air refuelling, VIP transport, emergency medical transport to functioning as a water bomber as well.

The Drive

This modified C295 features state-of-the-art technology fused with advanced features that enable it to achieve 70% NOx reductions and up to 43% CO2 reductions.

The main modifications in the aircraft are a new high-efficiency semi-morphing wing, new dynamic winglets and a flat panel SATCOM antenna integrated within the top of the fuselage.  In addition, innovative flight controls for primary control surfaces, including ailerons, flaps and flap tabs with improved aerodynamics, are capable of adjusting in-flight and contribute to a more efficient high lift system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHXpBg-bjow

The Airbus C295 technology demonstrator of Clean Sky 2 makes its maiden flight | Youtube

The new flight control system leverages digital control systems to optimise the aerodynamic shape of the wing in flight, while a new multifunctional flap has been completely redesigned and includes flap tabs in the trailing edge controlled by electromechanical actuators.

Morphic wings- a brief history and why it could be the next gamechanger

Reportedly, commercial airlines spend about one-fourth of their operating expenses on fuel. Modern aircraft engines and aircraft design have already reached near-peak levels of efficiency, where could we focus to improve performance?

For over decades, aerospace engineers have been working on twistable aircraft wings that could be instantaneously and minutely adjusted to improve fuel efficiency. While this might sound something out of a sci-fi movie, the concept of a "morphic wing" has been around since the mid-1980s, when the U.S. Air Force tested Mission Adaptive Wings that were built by Boeing and installed on an F-111 aircraft. Although the technology was intended only for fighter jets, it soon faded away in the dark of the night.

F-111 Aardvark | Representative | Wikipedia

The flexible wing concept has advanced greatly from then to now. How does it work?

Technically, an aircraft’s wings are designed to produce minimum drag at only one particular flight condition. ''Morphic wings" with shape-changing control surfaces can minimize drag for a wide range of conditions—a feat that has never before been achieved in commercial flight.

Nanotube-based skins could make morphing wing technology soar | National Research Council Canada

The flexible surface adjusts the curvature of the wings’ trailing edges to deliver an optimal lift-to-drag ratio throughout the test flights, whereas flaps on today’s airplanes pivot to generate lift or drag only during takeoffs and landings. Additionally, an analysis by NASA has also shown that this surface could lead to quieter landings and possibly even less turbulent flights.

Did you know? India has formalised the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace the Indian Air Force (IAF) legacy AVRO fleet

SOURCE(s)

COVER: mediacentre.airbus.com

Vistara airline had cancelled several flights for February while many more were rescheduled due to low demand, sources in aviation disclosed on Sunday, January 30.

The cancellation and rescheduling of flights have led to several complaints from affected passengers. Taking to Twitter, a passenger also raised concern over the unavailability of Vistara's customer care.

"Dear Vistara airlines You have cancelled a ticket from New Delhi to Bhubaneswar on February 5. Your customer care number is a cheap gimmick I think. No one responds and It's been busy for 48 hours. Please refund the full amount ASAP," Shibashis Prusti, a scientist of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) tweeted.

Furnishing a reply on the same, Vistara Spokesperson on Monday, January 31 informed that they are offering a waiver of change fee for one-time rescheduling on all direct bookings with travel until March 31.

"After a sharp decline in demand for air travel, due to the surge in COVID-19 numbers and restrictions imposed by various state governments, we are observing a marginal increase in traffic in February compared to the previous month.However, because of volatility, we continue to closely monitor the situation and adjust capacity to demand. To minimise inconvenience to customers, we're offering a waiver of change fee for one-time rescheduling on all direct bookings with travel until 31 March."Spokesperson, Vistara

The airline further mentioned that they expect a marginal increase in traffic in February compared to January after a sharp decline in air travel given the surge in COVID-19 cases and restrictions imposed by state governments. The airline also said they will continue to closely monitor the coronavirus situation and will adjust passenger capacity to demand.

Vistara also said that they will be assisting the impacted customers with rescheduling, refunds etc., as applicable. Due to a surge in Covid Omicron cases, the demand for air travel was slashed, forcing airlines to rework their domestic schedules - and even cancel flights.

Recently, the country's largest airline IndiGo had announced the withdrawal of 20% of its scheduled flights due to low demand.

ALSO READ - IndiGo waives rescheduling fees and may slash flights by 20% due to Omicron

Full-service carrier Vistara had said it is adjusting capacity with changing demand, and, an Air India official said that some flights on routes with multiple daily services are being merged based on load factor.

Air travel and tourism are key drivers and an important link in world economics. That said, aviation and aerospace are significantly one of the heaviest industries worldwide. Technological advancements are key to remaining competitive in this industry where cut-throat competition is the norm. And this couldn't be further from the truth, especially at a time when the whole world is ravaged by the viral pandemic and its consequences. Nevertheless, aviation will always make a comeback, and this time, much stronger-we have a knack for that.

Aviation has had its share of ups and downs throughout these times as we've seen the unfortunate disappearance of mighty jets like the Airbus A380 and Boeing B747. Operators now prefer to use the much smaller, more fuel-efficient narrow-bodies like the B737 and A320 family, which does make sense now. And it might be some time before the jumbos make a come-back.

CAPA

To drive more profits, the focus has been on producing more economical engines and hence more research has been directed towards lighter structural materials, even more so than the ones in place currently. The goal now is to control fuel consumption and carbon emissions connected with air travel and transportation as awareness of climate change has advocated the need for higher fuel efficiency.

Representative | Open Access Government

Use(s) of nanotechnology

Nanotechnology, an ever-evolving discipline, finds several uses within the aerospace industry.

Now, nanotechnology, more precisely nanomaterials, allows creating almost perfect material. As an example, improvised steel enhances performance and passenger safety while saving notable money. These materials exhibit considerably enhanced properties matched to their counterparts with microscale or larger grain structures.

Nanomaterials are engineered particles made to have remarkably small dimensions to take advantage of unique physical and chemical properties that exist at the nanoscale.

ResearchGate

With dimensions between approximately 1 and 100 nanometers – about the size of a virus -nanomaterials have unusual physical, chemical and biological properties that can differ significantly from the properties of bulk materials, including single atoms or molecules. These differences enable the aerospace industry to do several things including engineering aircraft structures that are flexible and adaptive, developing innovative energy generation and storage systems for air travel and manufacturing sensors that monitor virtually every element of air travel.

Developments so far

Smart Intelligent Aircraft Structures (SARISTU)

 An EU-funded project is concerned with the challenges posed by the physical integration of smart intelligent structural concepts. Basically, It addresses aircraft weight and operational cost reductions as well as an improvement in the flight profile specific aerodynamic performance. It focuses on material concepts enabling a conformal, controlled distortion of aerodynamically important surfaces, material concepts enabling an active or passive status assessment of specific airframe areas for shape and potential damages and material concepts enabling further functionalities which to date have been unrealizable.

A "morphing wing" design which could revolutionize future air travel | Representative | Inhabitat

Reduction in drag, meaning that less fuel is needed to complete a flight. New aerodynamic designs are also lighter and generate less noise. This will help reduce the impact of overhead aircraft on neighbourhoods near airports.

Project ReSiSTant | Horizon 2020 EU NMBP-Pilot Project

ReSiSTant, an acronym for Large Riblet Surface with Super Hardness, Mechanical and Temperature Resistance by neofunctionalization, is focussed on developing new nanofunctionalized and optimised riblets’ surfaces to be applied in two real demonstrators related to aircraft turbofan engines and industrial compressors.

The four-year project ReSiSTant, launched in 2018, is optimising the performance of aircraft turbofan engines and industrial compressors while reducing environmental impact.

Representative | Live Science

ReSiSTant demonstrators are led by relevant industrial companies in aircraft and industrial compressors sectors, thus project improvements will notably impact Europe. It will be translated into environmental benefits thanks to the reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions as well as into economic growth.

Nanoparticles in aviation fuel

According to researchers in Canada, the simple addition of nanoparticles to a hydrocarbon fuel can drastically alter the characteristics of its combustion, into what is touted to boost aircraft efficiency.

Representative | NC State University

According to  Sepehr Mosadegh and colleagues at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus and Zentek in Thunder Bay Ontario, mixing liquid ethanol with tiny particles of graphene oxide under varying conditions could boost the breakdown of the fuel into tiny liquid droplets, which could one day, perhaps, lead to enhanced fuels for aircraft engines – making them both greener and more powerful.

If achieved on a commercial scale, this innovation could be a crucial step forward in urgently needed efforts to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by the aviation industry.

The warming effect of aeroplane contrails on Earth’s climate could increase threefold by 2050according to new research done by Lisa Bock and Ulrike Burkhardt at the German Aerospace Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen

Physics World

Hence it becomes imperative that better, more efficient combinations of fuel are used to mitigate carbon emissions from aircraft.

To summarize, the benefits of adopting nanotechnology in aviation has immense benefits with much of its potential yet to be tapped into.  The reduction of the total weight of the aircraft translates to a significant reduction in fuel consumption, which in turn leads to a reduction in costs-Profits being a major factor driving this industry.

SOURCE(s)

COVER: Air Liquide Advanced Technologies