Cruisingheights

LOW COST CARRIER INDIGO ASKS FOR MORE PLANES

www.cruisingheights.in

In its efforts to accommodate burgeoning air traffic in the region, Airports Authority of India is ushering in cutting edge technology for its Air Navigation System

Bombardier gives the jitters The CS300 spells trouble for the

Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families

Women pilots shape dreams

Ninety-Niners take steps to encourage young girls to join the aviation industry

April 2013 I `90

editor-in-chief's note

Liberating Aviation

O

n March 8, the Cabinet Committee for Security (CCS) cleared Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA) by civil K Srinivasan and military users. It was an issue that had been unresolved for years on end — when India was limping along with few flights and later through the Nineties when the Open Sky policy was first enunciated and through the first decade of this century when the growth was a staggering 30 per cent yearon-year.

The Press Information Bureau release put out by the Ministry of Civil Aviation was typical in throwing in numbers: “With the implementation of Flexible Use of Airspace, there will be a fuel saving of 20,29,380-kg per annum and reduction of carbon dioxide emission by 63,93,600-kg per annum by direct routing between seven city pairs of Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Kolkata, Delhi–Chennai, Delhi–Hyderabad, Delhi–Bengaluru, Kolkata–Chennai and Chennai–Mumbai…” Without a doubt in rupee terms the carbon footprint savings would be huge. More important it will shave off minutes from, for example, a Hyderabad–Delhi flight first veering off towards Bengaluru and then taking a deep arch to get back to the national capital. It is a waste of fuel, waste of time and completely bereft of logic (see the incisive Cover Story in this issue, page 24).

At the moment, the military controls close to two-thirds of the airspace with the rest free for civil operations. But as aviation has grown, there has been plenty of give-and-take, albeit with some reluctance on the part of the Air Force. But this institutional arrangement is a real step forward to free airspace for a holistic and comprehensive use by all parties concerned.

As a first step for implementation of the FUA in India, a National High Level Airspace Policy Body (NHLAPB) for airspace use will be set up, to take up the job of strategic planning and assess/reassess the national airspace requirements of various stakeholders. It will establish flexible airspace use structure and introduce procedures for allocation of these airspace structures. The NHLAPB will be chaired Cruising Heights April 2013

by Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, with representation from Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Space Research Organisation, Airports Authority of India and Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

It can co-opt new members in future depending upon requirement.

It has taken us 65 years to acknowledge that “the airspace of the nation is a finite sovereign asset, which is used by civil, military and aerospace authorities. Flexible utilisation of airspace is important from the viewpoint of efficiency of operation, viability of airlines and minimising damage to environment. This can be achieved by the introduction of the concept of Flexible Use of Airspace”.

Coupled with this, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh’s dramatic decision on March 21 this year to do away with the “control over acquisition of aircraft by scheduled and nonscheduled operators, private operators and flying training institutes” is a real shot in the arm for the industry to say the least.

What the decision means is that the permission for actual induction of aircraft will no longer be required from Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). Henceforth, only the initial No Objection Certificate for operating scheduled air transport services and non-scheduled air transport services including regional air transport services, and the in-principle approval for acquisition of aircraft by scheduled operators will be required from the MoCA.The release delightfully stated that “the Minister has also abolished the Aircraft Acquisition Committee (AAC) as it is no more relevant”.

For close to three months now there was a sense of drift in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

With this one stroke, Ajit Singh has reinvigorated the sector and given hope that decisive decisions are not beyond his reach. We shall wait for some more in the coming weeks.

srini@newsline.in

3

contents

Cyber terror aboard Growing cyber threats are looming large in aircraft of the latest generation due to data networks and the internet.

In the recently-concluded AVSEC Aviation Security Conference in New York, US, experts deliberated that the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, had more data transmissions and downlinks, and were often outfitted with passenger wi-fi systems, that create possible opportunities for cyber terrorists.

“What worries me is the challenge that I'm not too sure that we've got the right handle on the catastrophic end of what we could be facing,” said Steve Jackson, Group Head-Security and Facilitation, Qantas Airways, at the conference. He stated that someone could potentially hack into an aircraft network over the internet from their home.

hemant Rawat

SETTING HIGH HOPES p24 On the sidelines of the conference, Michael Garrett, Director of Aviation Security in the commercial airplanes division of Boeing, said that the airframer was chalking out plans to shield both the 787 and 747-8 from cyber threats. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had approved these plans. Garrett added that Boeing provided assistance to airlines on how to protect against cyber threats but he agreed that it was up to the airline on how they carried out this guidance.

“The airline has to certify with the regulator that they're doing the training and maintaining the aircraft,” he said.

Qantas‘ Jackson said that turning on wi-fi and internet services opened everything up in regard to aircraft systems. “This is where the intersection of customer experience and flight safety all need to come together and blend,” he said.

4

One of the innovative technologies that Indian airports are going to see in the next few years is the new Ground based Augmentation System (GBAS). The technology once leveraged will boost air traffic capacity in all the major airports in India managed by Airports Authority of India. Plus exclusive interview of AAI Chairman, VP Agrawal.

bombardier

Off the cuff

cover story

news digest

p16

AirAsia-Tata JV to launch a new low-cost carrier in India has raised eyebrows for inexplicable reasons.

While AI once again sets hopes on the Dreamliners — to be flown again after getting the FAA nod.

Cruising Heights April 2013

Special REPORT

p22

Bombardier, which recently introduced Bombardier CSeries CS300 aircraft, is being touted as a game changer for the aviation industry.

Bombardier endeavours to give rise to a new successful class of aircraft.

contents

cover story

articles news views edits interviews clippings profiles news digest

The recently concluded seventh World Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Doha ended on a right note debating long-term strategies and investment for a sustainable development in air cargo. Plus excerpts of the speech of Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO at the World Cargo Symposium.

GENERAL AVIATION

Cruising Heights

p53

p37

Nextant Aerospace, plans major business venture in India to woo Indian entrepreneurs with their remanufactured business jets, Nextant 400XTs. At the IACC and ACP’s recent seminar on the business aviation Industry, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh spells out a new course of action for the development of business aviation in India

Volume VII n No 11

Editor-in-Chief

K SRINIVASAN Managing Editor

TIRTHANKAR GHOSH

hemant Rawat

CARGO

Group Consulting Editor

R KRISHNAN

net express

p47

SITA in its latest report unveils that IT will significantly define the way of air travel worldwide by empowering customers.

Plus exclusive interview of Maneesh Jaikrishna, VicePresident, India and Sub-continent, SITA in which he talks about how the company is gearing up to leverage passengers systems in the country.

SNIPPETS

p68

Consulting Editor

Nandu manjeshwar Senior Sub-Editor-cum-Reporter

punit mishra Correspondent

trishit rai Chief Visualiser

ajay negi Designers

modassar nehal, Mohit kansal nagender dubey, chanderjeet Design Consultant

artworks Picture Editor

Pradeep chandra Photo Editor

HC Tiwari Staff Photographer

hemant rawat Director (Admin & Corporate Affairs)

Rajiv Singh Director (Marketing)

Rakesh gera Manager (PR) hemant Rawat

Ashutosh Mishra Sr. Executive (Coordination)

Alka goswami

back page

p74

Read an interesting story on Singapore’s Changi where an American artist Kurt Wenner, has put up a three-dimensional (3-D) pavement art where travellers can actually walk on it, sit on it and take pictures with it.

IndiGo launches eight new flights on its domestic network and Korean launches direct Sri Lanka, Maldives flights. Malaysia Airlines increases global capacity and AirAsia introduces travel guides.

LOW COST CARRIER INDIGO ASKS FOR MORE PLANES

www.cruisingheights.in

In its efforts to accommodate burgeoning air traffic in the region, Airports Authority of India is ushering in cutting edge technology for its Air Navigation System

BOMBARDIER GIVES THE JITTERS The CS300 spells trouble for the

Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families

WOMEN PILOTS SHAPE DREAMS

Ninety-Niners take steps to encourage young girls to join the aviation industry

April 2013 I `90

Cover photo shows the ATC Tower of Hyderabad International Airport

cover

design: artworks photo : VIJAY SETH

The total number of pages in this issue: 72+4

6

Cruising Heights April 2013

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+91-9810030533, 9810159332 Editorial & Marketing office: Newsline Publications Pvt. Ltd., D–11 Basement, Nizamuddin (East), New Delhi –110 013, Tel: +91-11-41033381-82 All information in Cruising Heights is derived from sources we consider reliable. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. Opinions/ views expressed by third parties in abstract or in interviews are not necessarily shared by us. Material appearing in the magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part(s) without prior permission. The publisher assumes no responsibility for material lost or damaged in transit.

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“ periscope

Serious lapses “The rapid deterioration in safety in the past one year is of serious concern.

Several lives were lost, it didn’t wake them up.”

Mohan Ranganathan, Member, Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Committee on the latest UN report raising air safety concerns in India

Upping the ante “A series of measures are on the anvil to promote non-scheduled air operations and safety.” arun mishra, DGCA on the plans to promote nonscheduled air operations and safety in India

letters to editor

I liked reading the cover story, Ready, Willing and Able (Cruising Heights, March 2013). There has WHIRLWIND been a sharp rise in helicopter sales in the Indian market. The civil helicopter market is going through a major transformation ahead of challenging times. The demand too, is on the + upward swing. Even though the first civil helicopter took flight in India in November 1953, the development of the civil helicopter market in the country has been more or less humble and slow-paced until the past four or five years. That’s why Aero India 2013 saw the world’s top chopper manufacturers jostling to tap into Indian market.

Kamal Sodhi, Ranchi CONNECTING INDIA: TOP PRIORITY FOR AVIATION MINISTER AJIT SINGH

CRUISING HEIGHTS www.cruisingheights.in

MARCH 2013 I `90

Despite hurdles, helicopter manufacturers look forward to high growth and brighter future

NO TAILWIND TO TAKE JET DEAL THRU

Is Etihad having second thoughts about the 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways?

Bright future “This isn’t an industry that’s ever been able to meet its return on capital. Investors are demanding that and we need to go do it. We are committed to doing that.”

MOTHER OF ALL MERGERS

AA-US Airways tie-up creates a behemoth in the US, but will it deliver?

No Ta-ta this time (Cruising Heights, March 2013) provided fresh insights on the AirAsia-Tata deal. No doubt, the deal has raised eyebrows. India is certainly not an easy market for a fresh airline to enter and it does not provide smooth rides. But the Tatas have the grit and determination to sail through as they are the ones who pioneered civil aviation in India when they set up Tata Airlines in 1932. It is not surprising that the former Tata enterprises chief Ratan Tata met Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh to discuss the plan which only speaks how serious the Tatas are about the deal. Surely, they will leave no stone unturned to clinch the deal.

Sudheer Singh, Rewa

Air India turnaround blues (Cruising Heights, March 2013) presented the true picture behind Air India’s turmoil. Air India, which grounded six Boeing-made 787 Dreamliners on January 16 after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directive, was banking on those planes for its revival. Indeed, Air India has suffered a huge setback due to the grounding of Dreamliners. But that is not the end of the road for Air India. According to the latest reports, the Dreamliner planes of Air India may fly again by mid-April.

Once the Dreamliners are back in the service, I am sure Air India will surely be able to better its future.

Shrey Agnihotri, Ludhiana

Doug Parker, US Airways CEO on his thoughts on pricing after his company's merger with American Airlines

No holds barred “We’re one of the first airlines that’s looking to take advantage of the changes to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules, to invest in Jet.” James Hogan, Etihad CEO on the FDI regulations in aviation in India

A joyous start “I have selected the CEO for AirAsia India. A very smart boy from the south, Madras (Chennai). An amazing CV. Will impress all.”

Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO expressing joy after finalising CEO for his new start-up airline

All correspondence may be addressed to Editor, Cruising Heights, D-11 Basement, Nizamuddin (East), New Delhi -13, OR mail to cruisingheights@newsline.in

8

Cruising Heights April 2013

A twist in the tale "Everybody accepts that the balance of global economic power is shifting to the east. The geographic position of the Gulf hubs makes them much more relevant today."

Willie Walsh, CEO, International Airlines Group on the dominance of Gulf carriers

Travel experts at I Fly First Class (IFFC) collated the list of the best airport lounges recently. Though they were not ranked, the lounges were picked out for its unique eccentricity and top-notch conveniences spreading across all over the world. Qantas' First Lounge at the Sydney Airport was recognised for its awe-inspiring 98-foot vertical garden along with other amenities like complimentary spa treatments, culinary delights, shower and library.

While Lufthansa's First Class Terminal in the Frankfurt airport was discerned for its own security checkpoints, a cigar lounge, soaking baths and a chauffeur escort to the tarmac. The retro vibes of Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse at JFK International Airport in New York, US and British Airways' Concorde Room at London's Heathrow Airport, UK also earned spots on the IFFC list. Swiss Air lounge at the Basel-Mulhouse EuroAirport earned the spot for its glass-domed structure.

The List: Qantas' First Lounge at the Sydney Airport, Australia Lufthansa's First Class Terminal in the Frankfurt Airport, France Virgin Atlantic's Clubhouse at JFK International Airport in New York, US British Airways' Concorde Room at Heathrow Airport, UK Swiss Air lounge at the Basel-Mulhouse EuroAirport, Switzerland Cathay Pacific's The Pier and The Wing at the Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Qatar Airways Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport, Qatar Finnair's lounge at the Helsinki Airport, Finland Singapore Airlines' SilverKris Lounges Thai Airways' lounge in Bangkok, Hong Kong

cold stats

Top airport lounges

Looking glass A gym membership...to be fit for flying. That's not much we are asking of the Maharaja

Doling out freebies “The MRO sector is at a nascent stage.

Encouraging the industry will generate employment besides other benefits.

Hence, I propose to provide certain concessions to the MRO industry.”

P Chidambaram, Finance Minister on the concessions given to the MRO in the budget

Just a hogwash “The extension of the concession period for MROs is inadequate. Granting this small concession won't solve the structural issues the industry is mired in.”

Rohit Kapur, President, Business Aircraft Operators Association not appreciating the concessions given to the MRO industry in the budget

Cruising Heights April 2013

9

news digest

LATAM-oneworld: Big blow for Star and SkyTeam LATAM, joining oneworld has made life difficult for Star Alliance and SkyTeam. The move, according to aviation industry experts, secures oneworld’s dominance over one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets: Latin America.

Reports indicate that oneworld’s victory in Latin America means its share of capacity in the region will now increase to more than 30 per cent; providing the alliance a significant edge over Star Alliance and SkyTeam. Star will see its share of Latin America capacity dwindling to about 17 per cent while oneworld will surge to about 27 per cent and SkyTeam will stay at least for now at 12 per cent.

Hogan touts ‘equity alliance’ Etihad’s James Hogan is especially proud of his ‘global alliance’ with partner airlines.

He calls it the airline world’s first ‘equity alliance’. His strategy has seen Etihad pick up equity stakes in four airlines: 29.9 per cent in Air Berlin, 3 per cent in Aer Lingus, 10 per cent in Virgin Australia and 40 per cent in Air Seychelles.

For Hogan, the equity alliance is far better than joining one of the big three. He said that the “one thing we’ve been able to do is we move fast, we don’t have the bureaucracy of an alliance. Because we have ‘skin in the game’ of our equity partners, we’re as focussed on their profitability as our own profitability.”

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Following the LATAMoneworld tie-up, the pressure has mounted on Star and SkyTeam to break the stranglehold of oneworld as Brazil has the sixth largest economy in the world and has the fourth

biggest domestic passenger market. Any global alliance would do well to tap into the burgeoning market. An upbeat oneworld's CEO Bruce Ashby acknowledged the alliance’s dominance Latin America

when he said, “This solidifies oneworld's long-standing position as the alliance leader in Latin America and provides an even more attractive proposition for frequent international travellers the world over. We look forward to working with LATAM to ensure a smooth transition to oneworld.”

Echoing the same sentiments, oneworld Governing Board Chairman Tom Horton, Chairman and CEO of American Airlines, said, “Membership of LATAM in oneworld represents a major landmark in our journey towards establishing oneworld firmly as the first choice airline alliance for travellers not just across the Americas, but the world over.”

Codeshare JetBlue announces ties with Qatar

SAS-Thai in pact

JetBlue Airways and Qatar Airways recently announced a one-way codeDave Barger share to connect the carriers' networks via New York's John F Kennedy International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, subject to receipt of government approval. The two

Scandinavian Airlines and Thai Airways will expand their present codeshare agreement to also cover Stockholm-Bangkok, Oslo-Bangkok and Copenhagen-Bangkok. This will be in addition to the present codeshare destinations on Thai's regional destinations in Asia, and SAS' Scandinavian and European destinations.

“We are very pleased that we are now able to take the next step in our cooperation together with Thai Airways. Bangkok and Thailand is a very important destination both for Scandinavian business and leisure travellers. We now look forward to offer our customers more and better options to reach Bangkok from all of Scandinavia,” said Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO, SAS.

airlines have been interline partners since 2011, enabling customers to enjoy the convenience of a single combined ticket for Qatar and JetBlueoperated flights, plus other benefits including one-stop check-in and baggage transfer.

Qatar CEO, Akbar Al Baker said, “We are delighted to further expand our partnership with JetBlue.”

Air Astana and Turkish unveils codeshare

Peter Foster

Temel Kotil

Air Astana and Turkish Airlines recently entered into a codeshare agreement on routes operated by both carriers between Kazakhstan and Turkey. Codesharing on flights between Istanbul-Almaty and

Istanbul-Astana will also rope in a special prorate agreement to destinations beyond their respective hubs in Almaty, Astana and Istanbul. “The strength of the extensive and rapidly growing network of Turkish Airlines from its hub at Istanbul Ataturk Airport will allow us to offer a much wider range of destinations to our customers,” said Peter Foster, President, Air Astana.

Cruising Heights April 2013

Best alliance for on-time flights oneworld is the best alliance for on-time flights. Its members collectively maintained a more punctual operation in 2012 than their counterparts in the other global airline groups, according to the independent FlightStats organisation, which presented oneworld with Airline Alliance On-Time Performance Award for 2012. JAL subsidiary J-Air, an affiliate member of oneworld, was the

most punctual Asian Regional Airline with its stablemates JAL Express and Japan Transocean Air, also affiliate members of oneworld, runners-up. The awards were based on FlightStats' tracking of the performance of nearly 150,000 flights a day operated by airlines worldwide. It analyses that data by airline, by route and by airport to identify those with the best punctuality records.

Star launches Asia Airpass Star Alliance recently launched an enhanced Asia Airpass for travel across the Asian conMark Schwab tinent, which in addition to the 15 countries and territories already offered, now includes Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Its scope has further been extended to include all Star Alliance destinations in Japan and additional flights to India. “The new Asia Airpass, with its extended routing possibilities, reflects the

Qatar-SriLankan in

Global Explorer

time, Qatar Airways' entire global network, covering 125 destinations in 71 countries worldwide from its Doha hub, and SriLankan's entire global schedule serving 32 airports in 22 countries will both now feature as part of Global Explorer.

The Gulf carrier added four countries to the map served

by Global Explorer — Iran, Mozambique, Rwanda and the Seychelles — and 17 more destinations across the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East and Africa, including India's Amritsar.

oneworld members Qatar Airways and SriLankan Airlines recently participated in the Global Explorer roundthe-world fare offered by all the alliance's members and selected other carriers — Qatar Airways and SriLankan. The move represents a first step by both airlines towards their implementation into oneworld, which is on track for the year ahead — when they will start participating in the full range of the alliance's fares and offering all its other services and benefits. Mean-

growing desire for travellers to explore the full Asian continent on an Airpass journey, a need which was not fully met in the past,” said Horst Findeisen, VP, Commercial and Business Development, Star Alliance.

The Asia Airpass is valid for a minimum of three flights and a maximum of 10, with a choice of over 235 destinations.

Further countries that may be visited on an Asia Airpass trip are Cambodia, China including Hong Kong SAR , Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Brazilian Portuguese on SkyTeam site Brazilians who speak Brazilian Portuguese will not have to grope around looking for flights on skyteam. com as SkyTeam recently added Brazilian Portuguese to the selection of languages offered on skyteam.com. Brazilian Portuguese-speaking customers now benefit from easily available information about flights, airports and lounges throughout SkyTeam’s worldwide network of 1,000 destinations. Brazilian Portuguese

language is widely used by millions of inhabitants of Brazil and by a few million Brazilian emigrants, mainly in the United States, Paraguay, Japan, Portugal and Argentina.

The website features details of all 19 SkyTeam member airlines and their frequent flyer programmes, as well as a number of handy online tools.

“SkyTeam members offer service from 30 cities in Brazil, as well as to a further 10 destina-

tions in Portuguese-speaking nations worldwide, and we’re delighted that these customers can now use skyteam.com in their preferred language,” said Fatima da Gloria, SkyTeam’s Director, Brand and Communications. “Adding Brazilian Portuguese will increase the user-friendliness of our website for thousands more travellers and is one of a number of ways we are working to offer a superior level of service whenever our customers interact with SkyTeam.”

Gateways in Brazil served

Cruising Heights April 2013

directly by SkyTeam airlines are Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Porto Alegre and Salvador da Bahia. Additionally, a number of SkyTeam members have commercial agreements which allow them to offer customers access to a further 25 destinations throughout Brazil.

SkyTeam’s website now features a choice of 15 languages which includes: Arabic, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Czech, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese.

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news digest

Larry does it again!

Island Air that was in the news last year for its expansion plans has been sold to Larry Ellison, CEO, Oracle. Ellison bought Island Air that flies to his

Hawaiian island less than a year after he bought most of the Hawaiian island of Lanai. “We are excited Mr. Ellison has acquired Island Air. He has the vision and resources to literally take Island Air to new heights,” exulted Island Air President Les Murashige.

Paul Marinelli, Vice-president of Lawrence Investments, LLC, the Ellison-owned holding company said that the investment was another major commitment to Hawaii. “We understand the critical importance of transportation in an island state and we will ensure that Island Air strengthens its role, capacity and service to the people of Hawaii,” he said. Island Air operates some 224 weekly flights between the islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kauai and offers code-sharing with United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

Larry Ellison

AF unveils eco-products From inspiring passengers to go environment friendly like fuel conservation, on-board recycling programmes and carbon off-setting, Air France (AF) has gone a step ahead by selling products made from its own giant billboards. The products made from such billboards are wallets, travel bags, laptop bags and cabin bags. For this, Air France has partnered with environmentally friendly bag maker, Bilum Paris, to make the products.

Bilum Paris has already created 9 cabin bags, 23 laptop bags and 30 travel cases and that too for as little as €69. All one has to do is go online and buy the products.

Coming: Cooking oil-powered flights

TSA policy draws ire The new Transportation Security Administration policy that allows passenger to carry small knives and sports equipment like souvenir baseball bats and golf clubs onto planes has been criticised by flight attendants, pilots, federal air marshal and even insurance companies.

In view of the new policy adopted by Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Flight Attendants Union Coalition comprising nearly 90,000 flight attendants is all set to go on a nationwide legislative and public campaign to challenge the policy.

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The Airbus A350 XWB programme has achieved yet another important milestone with the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) award of the Engine Type Certification of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB turbofan. EASA presented the certificate to Rolls-Royce at EASA’s headquarters in Cologne, Germany. This certification covers Trent XWB engines that will power the A350-800 and A350-900 variants.

A higher thrust version of the Trent XWB is currently under development for the A350-1000.Eric Schulz, President, Civil Large Engines, Rolls-Royce, said: “We are very proud to have achieved this significant milestone on the road to the A350 XWB’s entry into service. I would like to thank Airbus for their support and all of our partners and employees who contributed to the design and certification of the engine.”

Didier Evrard, Airbus’ Executive Vice President, Head of A350 XWB Programme said: “We congratulate our colleagues at Rolls-Royce on achieving this important Cruising Heights April 2013

milestone for the A350 XWB programme with the EASA certification of the Trent XWB engine.” He adds: “These new engines together with the aircraft’s advanced aerodynamics and airframe technologies will bring our airline customers a 25 per cent step-improvement in fuel efficiency.”

Certification confirms the engine has fulfilled EASA’s airworthiness requirements for flight and is the last major engine milestone prior to the first flight of A350900 ‘MSN001’ later this year.

Boeing gets nod to revive 787 batteries

Providing a major relief to 787 Dreamliner plans, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently gave the nod to rework the lithium-ion batteries. Although, flight tests of two 787s with prototypes of the new battery design have been approved, FAA said, the Dreamliner will have to go through a

In a quest to maintain its Islamic principles, Egypt’s Civil Aviation ministry is planning to ban the sale of alcohol in airport duty free stores. The proposal was made by the ministry after complaints that suggested the sale of alcohol went against the country’s Islamic law.

The idea of putting a ban on alcohol in the country comes from Civil Aviation Minister Wael el-Maadawi. According to the reports, the sale of alcohol and cigarettes accounts for more than half of total profits of duty-free stores in Egypt. Duty Free Egypt operates 67 retail outlets in all major Egyptian airports as well as space in a Cairo mall and two Red Sea resort towns.

series of tests before getting fully operational. The 787 has two identical lithium-ion batteries, one of which is towards the front of the plane and powers cockpit electrical systems, while the other, toward the rear, is used to start an auxiliary power unit while the plane is on the ground, among other functions. The FAA will go through all security checks to certify the 787 is ready for flying. The 787 fleet, since January 16, has been grounded following a battery fire in Boston and a smoking battery that led to the emergency landing of another 787 in Japan.

“This comprehensive series of tests will show us whether the proposed battery improvements will work as designed,” Transportation Secretary of US Ray LaHood said.

No alcohol, please!

Yann Barbaux

Under a new package of the European Union’s consumer measures, airlines that cancel flights will have to provide passengers with flights by competing carriers if they are unable to offer one of their own within 12 hours. This is a major reform to the European Union Aviation rules since they were introduced eight years ago. The new rules will come into force in early 2015 with conditions as it is passed by the member states and European Parliament. Earlier, the passengers would go to courts to claim compensation for cancelled flights. The new regulations, if and when they come into force, will benefit the passengers.

Under the changes, airlines will have to pay for a maximum of three night’s hotel accommodation.

Ushering new heights Korean duty free stores have recorded a staggering growth of 17.8 per cent totalling $5.3 billion. Lotte Duty Free remained the leading force with a market share of 55 per cent, followed by the Shilla Duty Free with 33 per cent, according to official statistics. Last year, Lotte recorded a 16.6 per cent increase in sales within South Korea. The Shilla Duty Free turned in a stellar performance

Airbus focus on innovation Airbus has appointed Yann Barbaux as Chief Innovation Officer and will take the charge on May 1, 2013.

Yann will work to speed up a strong innovation culture throughout Airbus and will directly report to Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. The newly appointed Yan will lead a team of agile innovators to manage the operation throughout the Airbus. Yan was earlier working to create and develop the new Corporate

EU for passenger

Research organisation of the group, EADS Innovation Works, which he has been leading since 2006.

“Innovation is at the heart of Airbus, it is part of our DNA and a fundamental ingredient in ensuring our long-term growth and profitability,” said Fabrice Bregier.

“This new network will instill and spread a more open innovation mindset across Airbus also taking on board the numerous ideas generated outside.”

Cruising Heights April 2013

in 2012 with sales surging by 26.5 per cent. Incheon airport’s sales came from Lotte Duty Free, The Shilla Duty Free and Korea Tourism Organisation. Lotte Duty Free is Korea’s largest duty free shop and has a 20-year long history. It carries luxury goods from over 500 companies.

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news digest

$13

bn needed for Aussie airports

Airports in Australia needs a huge sum of atleast $13 billion to cope with increased demand from Asia.

Federal Transport MinAnthony Albanese ister Anthony Albanese said the money is needed to expand airports over the next decade to handle growing demand from Asia's flourishing middle class.

Speaking at the Asia Pacific Aviation/Aerospace Leaders Summit in Melbourne, Albanese said that by 2020 almost half of all inbound arrivals would be from the Asia-Pacific region.

“Here, just to our north, lies the fastest growing market on the planet. It is already, of course, the most populous

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`423

cr MRO facility

Sharjah International Airport is gearing up to get a `4,236,318,184 facility for aircraft engine maintenance and repairing. The Sharjah MRO Facility is a joint venture between Midex Airlines and Alitalia Maintenance Systems (AMS) and is expected to be finished in six months’ time. The facility is likely to start with 15 engines and three Auxiliary Power Units (APU) and will reach a total of 100 engines and 50 Auxiliary Power Units (APU) by 2017 in addition to other services such as on/off wing inspection and servicing.

region but before long it will also become home to the world's largest middle class,” he said. Albanese said 10 years ago there were 11 flights a week between China and Asia. Now there were 82. “As aviation demand grows, so Ad does the need for better road/ di rail links connecting to our ng airports,” he said.

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US control towers to down shutters

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of US will close down 173 air traffic control towers, beginning April 7 owing to budget cuts. Spenser Dickerson, who heads the Contract Tower Association, said the FAA initially said it was going to close towers — and then changed its tune and said it wasn’t. The FAA could change its mind yet again. “We’re extremely discouraged and disappointed that the FAA is taking this action,” Dickerson said.

“The rest of the FAA’s budget is getting a 5 per cent haircut. The contract towers are getting a 75 per cent cut because the FAA is cutting 189 of the 251 contract towers. It's hard for us to see the fairness in the budget cuts. It seems the contract tower programme is taking a high, disproportionate cut. We have serious concerns about the safety, efficiency and loss of jobs in almost 150 communities across the country.”

Cruising Heights March 2013

500+

leave Kingfisher

Employee retrenchment is on the massive rise in the grounded Kingfisher Airlines. As many as 500-550 people have quit the airline which includes managerial staff, ground staff, engineers and pilots. “There is no guarantee the airline will resume flying, so a lot of us have left for other opportunities,” said a former managerial level employee.

“Me and some former colleagues will get the full and final settlement from the airline. The good thing is, we have found jobs in other industries.”

“They (Kingfisher Airlines) have to satisfy a lot of conditions before they can fly again,” said Arun Mishra, Director General of Civil Aviation. “Salaries haven't been paid and there are dues to lessors and banks.”

`322

cr

facelift

$663

million private offering A whopping $663 million private bidding was announced by American Airlines. The offering will enable the carrier to finance aircraft at the Fort Worth-based carrier, including four new Boeing 777300ERs scheduled for delivery this summer. The company received the nod for the financing from the bankruptcy court last month so it could pay for the new aircraft and re-finance nine existing aircraft in American's fleet. The new equipment certificates will be protected by eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft and one Boeing 777-200ER aircraft that American presently possesses and which are either clear or have private mortgage financing.

During the 12th Five Year Plan period, six major airports in Gujarat — Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara — will undergo major modernisation with a total expenditure of `322 crores.

Rajya Sabha was informed by the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation K C Venugopal.

At Ahmedabad airport, construction of a new control tower-cum-technical block will be accomplished at an expected cost of `25

15

crore. There is also a stipulation to begin the work for new domestic terminal building at an estimated cost of `200 crore. However, only `15 crore outlay is provided in 12th plan for the same.

Apron adjoining the new terminal building at an estimated cost of `10 crore, construction of a new cargo complex at an estimated cost of `14 crore and strengthening and widening of runway for A380 at a cost of `50 crore are some other major works to be done.

more AIE aircraft

Air India Express (AIE), the subsidiary of the national carrier, will get 15 more aircraft to expand its reach and compete with low-cost airlines flying to foreign locales, according to Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh. “The turnaround plan of Air India of which AIE is a subsidiary, envisages increase in the fleet strength of AIE from the present 21 to 36 aircraft by March 2018,” the Minister told the Rajya Sabha.

$10

bn aviation industry

Cruising Heights April 2013

AIE has a fleet of 21 Boeing 737800 aircraft, of which 17 are owned and the rest leased. It has its headquarters in Kochi.

The airline operates flights to West Asia and Southeast Asia.

Berlin's much-delayed new airport has been stalled due to rather unusual problems. Inspectors have numbered some 20,000 construction flaws in the new Berlin Airport. The flaws range from small items such as broken tiles up to more-serious issues such as faulty ventilation.

According to a local newspaper, tens of thousands of issues have so far been discovered, ranging from faulty exhaust ventilation systems to broken tiles.

Rainer Bomba of the Federal Transport Ministry, Germany was quoted as saying that his priority was absolute transparency and that he wanted not just disasters but the construction process.

15

news digest

Trampled egos over Air Asia-Tata JV

A

n unnecessary controversy is being the MoCA that it came out with all kinds of meant only for existing carriers needed to raised over the entry of the Tatareasons to suggest that the final okay from be reframed. If the Tata-Air Asia JV had to Air Asia joint venture to launch it would not happen so easily. This, be approved, then the nodal Minisa new low-cost carrier in India. Initially, even as Civil Aviation Ministry of Commerce and the Dethere were reports that the Ministry of Civil ter Ajit Singh held forth that partment of Industrial Policy Air Asia had Aviation (MoCA) was miffed because there was no issue if the JV and Promotion (DIPP) announced that none of its promoters — either Ratan Tata, was formed after or before should issue a clarificaChairman Emeritus of the Tata Group or the clearance by the FIPB, tion to the original press it would set up a Tony Fernandes, co-founder of Air Asia etc. The Minister told note stating in unambiguor Arun Bhatia of Telestra Tradeplace and the press that there were ous terms that the avia49:30:21 JV with a leading realtor from Delhi — gave adsome procedural problems tion FDI policy would Tata and Telestra vance information about their plans to start because the Cabinet took a also be applicable to new an airline in India. So, when the proposal decision following which the airlines. The Ministry of Tradeplace was revealed by Tony Fernandes from Commerce Ministry and the Commerce and the DIPP has Kuala Lumpur, it met with varied reaction DIPP issued the notification. refused saying that this was the and most of the strategically silent and unAir Asia had announced that it would normal policy and if there had to be any named sources from Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan set up a 49:30:21 JV with Tata Sons and exception it would be stated as had been (the Civil Aviation Ministry) tried to pick Telestra Tradeplace with an initial investdone in the case of the pharma sector. Othholes in it. Later, when Ratan Tata met with ment of `80 crore. However, the fact reerwise, it could open up a Pandora’s box Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh in Delhi mained that Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan felt it and create confusion. it was seen as an effort to had been robbed off the limelight.

In a way, the Comassuage the ruffled feelbeing rejected by the United merce Ministry and the air asia-tata jv DIPP stood its ground FrontAfter ings of the Minister and Government in 1996 and later by the the babus. One thought all was well after BJP-led NDA government in 1998-99, the and said there was no need to change anythat meeting.

Tatas thought that with the new policy in thing in the line that had been accepted by This, however, was not to be as it beplace it would be the right time to apply and the Finance Ministry as well. So upset was came evident when the JV proposal was get clearance. Whether it will be a bumpy approved by the Foreign Investment flight and whether it will land where Promotion Board (FIPB) on March 6, it is intended to or gets diverted 2013. The Chairman of the FIPB, Aronly time and the political weather vind Mayaram, who is Secretary, Dewill tell. Gauging from the mood partment of Economic Affairs told in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, newspersons that the Tata-Air the Deputy Chairman of Planning Asia-Telestra JV proposal to Commission Montek Singh Ahlustart a domestic airline had been walia expressed the hope that the approved. The approval news inter-ministerial differences would came amidst reports that the be sorted out to pave the way for representative of the MinTata-Air Asia joint venture (chrisistry of Civil Aviation had tened Air Asia-India). He told objected to the clearance on newsmen: “I don’t know what the the grounds that the new detailed differences are. I am sure FDI (Foreign Direct Investthey will be sorted out. If Tatas and ment) policy allowing foran international airline want to set eign carriers to invest up up an Indian airline as long as the to 49 per cent equity in international fellows hold up to 49 Indian carriers was meant per cent they should be allowed to only for existing carriers and do so.” not new carriers. They said the It may be recalled that soon afwording of Press Note No: 6 ister the March 6 FIPB clearance, Ajit sued to notify the Union Cabinet’s approval of the FDI policy of SepFLYING HIGH: Flight attendants of AirAsia in a jubilant mood tember 2012 that was originally

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Cruising Heights April 2013

HIGH EXPECTATION: Tony Fernandes Head, AirAsia group cutting the ribbon while inaugurating one of the AirAsia offices

Singh had stated that in principle the Ministry of Civil Aviation had no issues. Its only concern was that the JV complied with the requirements of FDI. The Commerce Ministry would have to change the press note to bring more clarity on FDI, he emphasized.

He did not see big hurdles whether the JV was formed before or after. When asked how long it would take for the ministry to give clearance to the JV, he said, “I don’t know. I have not done it before. But that is not the concern as they (JV) themselves are saying that they will be ready to fly by the end of the year 2013”.

MoCA would then see and check the procedures of taking a No Objection CerMeanwhile, there tificate (NOC) and subseis new speculation that quently an application would MoCA would like the have to be filed with the JV to apply and get a DGCA to get an Air OperaRegional Airlines pertor’s Permit or Certificate. mit and then graduate In between, the proposed into a scheduled doairline would have to submit mestic carrier with a “FIPB approval of all kinds of details regarding national foot print. This the airline project the number of aircraft, type new doubt was planted reflects the true of aircraft, fitness, pilots, in newspapers by the engineers, tie-up for MRO, same faceless babus in investor-friendly Operating Manual, finanthe ministry stating that policies of the govcial strength, business plan, Tony Fernandes had said ernment. This and staffing, etc. The earliest an that the airline would approval or NOC could be be Chennai-based and other similar action given when an application is would connect Tier-2 will without doubt filed with the MoCA is two and Tier-3 cities. If that reinforce invesmonths and then it goes to is the case, why a nationthe DGCA. Moreover, all al permit? tor confidence in the board members of the Notwithstanding all India.” airline will have to get secuthis confusion, Comrity clearance which means merce Minister Anand Ratan Tata go through the Intelligence Sharma who also heads Tata Group Chairman Bureau (IB) drill in India the DIPP said about the Emeritus tweeted after and the RAW drill abroad FIPB decision, “I am FIPB approval on the JV depending on the number of sure the decision was foreigners who could be on made after very careful the board (the stipulation is that two-thirds scrutiny of the policy and its understanding of the airline board will have Indian direcby the FIPB.” Virtually brushing aside the tors and the Chairman will have to be an contention of Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan and his Indian). ministerial colleague Ajit Singh, Sharma A day before the FIPB clearance, the said, “I don’t want to get into who or what DGCA notified new rules for top positions their view is. But on Press Note 6, the inin domestic airlines. It said that governtent of the Government of India is clear. We ment would permit foreigners to hold the want to allow foreign airlines to invest in positions of CEO, CFO and COO in Indian civil aviation be it in existing air transport carriers. However, all would be subject to services company or the capital of an Indisecurity clearance by the Ministry of Home an company. We are not talking Greenfield Affairs. What is interesting to note in all this or Brownfield here. It is FDI by foreign airis that initially there were reports ascribed line in the civil aviation sector”. to Tony Fernades that the airline could well At the end of his firm rejection of any start by July-August 2013. Now, the Minisconfusion or need for issuing clarificatry has indicated that the JV itself is saying tion, Anand Sharma said “it was up to the it would start by the end of the year.

Ministry of Civil Aviation to grant licence Cruising Heights April 2013

to the JV. It is normal in many cases to get a licence post-approval. It happens in industrial units and even in telecom. FIPB has given its approval. Now it is up to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to provide the license”.

What has not been answered is the splitting of hair by the mandarins in Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan. According to news reports in the media, the babus have raised yet another bogey. They said that majority ownership in the JV was Air Asia’s, a foreign airline, while the Indian partners have minority ownership. This would raise the issue of effective control over the airline which cannot be with foreigners. Moreover even the plan to use the Air Asia brand name created an impression that effective ownership would be with a foreign partner. So, all this would be subject matter of scrutiny by MoCA. Seen in this context, the tweet of Ratan Tata seems to have come a little early in the day. After the FIPB clearance, Tata tweeted: “FIPB approval of the airline project reflects the true investorfriendly policies of the government. This and other similar action will without doubt reinforce investor confidence in India. I applaud the government for its transparency and its principled implementation of the stated policy”.

To our readers we may point out that Air Asia which is about a decade old flew 33.8 million passengers in 2012 as against 16.12 million Air India proposes to fly in 2013. Further AirAsia reported a 23.8 per cent surge in profits at $606.55 million helped by growth in passenger numbers and also the share sale of its Thai business.

Air Asia co-founder and deputy chief executive of Air Asia based in Kuala Lumpur Kamarudin Meranum said optimistically that Air Asia had not received any negative response from Indian authorities since its investment proposal was cleared.” n

17

news digest

ABOVE GROUND LEVEL 

COMFORT AT ITS BEST: Passengers inside the Air India's brand new Dreamliner

Bhubaneswar gets new terminal

high growth: AAI officials during the inauguration of the terminal

CIAL to commission new radar

brighter future: An outside view of Cochin airport

Cochin International Airport (CIAL) will soon usher a new radar system once it is approved by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The trial run of the radar has already begun.

CIAL Director A C K Nair said that the system would augment “the safety of aircraft operations and reduce the holding time of aircraft landing at the airport. The radar would reduce the landing time from the current six to nine minutes to approximately three minutes. Besides aiding the airport to optimally utilise the runway, the system would also help in slashing fuel costs”.

18

h c tiwari

Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh recently inaugurated a new `145 crore domestic terminal at the Biju Patnaik airport, Odisha. Capable of handling 800 passengers at a time (400 arrivals and 400 departures, the new domestic terminal building is spread over an area of 18240 sq mt. With its modern glass and steel structure, the terminal’s interiors depict the culture of Odisha in the form of stone sculptures, murals, paintings, textile hangings, patchitra, etc. Centrally air-conditioned, the building has a modular design to facilitate future expansion. It has modern passenger amenities that include in-line compatible baggage handling system, escalators, elevators, PA System, Flight Information Display System (FIDS), CCTV for surveillance and CUTE.

Good news — at last!

A ir India is expecting to emerge as a cash surplus company in fiscal 2013-14 riding on the back of high passenger revenue and likely inflows from sale and lease back of its Boeing 787, the Dreamliners. The Maharaja is optimistic that it will be EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation) positive in the fiscal beginning April 1, 2013 by `1040 crore. Increase in operating revenue could be as much as `3235 crore which is a result of an increase of 24 per cent in capacity deployed. The Air India Board met in mid-March to approve the airline’s budget for 2013-14. As per that total revenue in fiscal 2013-13, has been budgeted at `19,393 crore — an increase of 20 per cent over 2012-13 revenues even as the outgoing fiscal is expected to end with a EBITDA positive of `65 crore. The Board also approved the sale and lease back of the Boeing 787 fleet — 27 will be acquired of which six have arrived so far. However, these planes are grounded since January 2013 following the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) raising safety issues relating to its lithium-ion battery.

Air India’s Dreamliners are part of the 50 such aircraft grounded worldwide by FAA. As per reports, these planes may be back in business by the middle of April 2013 giving rise to new optimism in Air India. Obviously, Air India will also get compensated by Boeing for the three month period when the 787s were not allowed to fly.

Besides the sale and lease back of the 787s, the Board also approved the sale of five Boeing 777-200 LRs which were pressed into Air India’s first non-stop Cruising Heights April 2013

India-US flights in July 2006. Air India, however, made huge losses on these routes using these aircraft of which it had acquired eight. Five of these are likely to be acquired

by Air Canada or a leasing company. Once these decisions take effect, the overall cost platform of Air India could see a fall — that is what the airline is desperately trying to do. According to Air India insiders, during the financial year 2013-14 the seat load factor of the carrier is expected to go up to 72.5 per cent on its entire network which is better than what had been projected in the Union Cabinet approved Turn Around Plan (TAP) last year. The Maharaja expects to carry 16.12 million passengers in 2013-14 which is 14.7 per cent more than in 201213. As part of this, the airline is planning to operate new links covering both domestic and international destinations and also increase connectivity between Delhi and more Tier-2 and Tier-3 destinations. As for international connections, Air India proposes to connect Australia and some more European cities besides South-East Asia.

A part of the optimism in Air India is also due to the reduction in its interest cost which is likely to reduce by `200 crore in

2013-14 following the debt restructuring, particularly of its working capital and long term loans. However, there is a little disappointment that the government did not fully translate its intention in terms of boosting its equity. For instance, the Union Budget for 2013-14 failed to meet Air India’s expectation as it was allocated only `5000 crore by Finance Minister P Chidambaram as part of the airline’s equity expansion against a demand of `8574 crore. The airline management feels this might hit timely payment of dues to vendors as well as the revival plan.

The Union Cabinet had approved a plan to infuse `30,000 crores in Air India over a 8-year-period starting financial year 2012-13 (soon after the merger of IA and AI, the government had infused fresh funds into the merged airline’s equity which was outside the TAP. Overall, between 2009-10 and 2012-13 the government had already infused `9000 crore as equity support). But in the very first year (2012-13) against Air India’s request for `11,014 crore, it was allocated only `6000 crore. As a result of this, Air India sought an additional `3564 crore in the new financial year 2013-14 but was provided only `5000 crore. However, with improvement in performance parameters, Air India feels it will try and do its best with whatever money that has been allocated to it in the Union Budget. Between April 2012 and January 2013, Air India’s revenue from passengers rose by 8.3 per cent, load factor to 71.8 per cent from 68.5 per cent earlier, yield rose by 19.2 per cent and the number of passengers carried increased by 3.4 per cent. According to Air India CMD Rohit Nandan, despite the grounding of the Dreamliners in the fourth quarter and earlier two month strike by pilots belonging to the IPG Air India is turning EBITDA positive. If all goes well, Air India will be declaring net profits before 2018 the last year of TAP. An Air India official said the carrier receiving `5000 crore will help stabilise its financial restructuring and TAP.

The carrier’s performance parameters have improved like loads, on-time performance, etc. He said the new equity infusion among others would be used to pay oil companies, airports, vendors besides interest on loans. Air India currently has debts exceeding `43,000 crore. It owes oil marketing companies (OMCs) `4277 crore and airports — mainly AAI — `1300 crore. Air India has made salary payments to its staff till January 2013 and allowances till November 2012. The carrier has also signed a new agreement with OMCs that will extend concessional rates for ATF sold like it does for Jet Airways, etc. This step alone may save Air India `480 crore in a year.

Notwithstanding all these, Air India has been facing a cash shortfall of around `404 crore per month from October 2012 and is expected to have been so till March 31, 2013. During April-December 2012, Air India managed to earn an additional passenger revenue of `680.13 crore and cut its cash losses by `1125.50 crore. During these nine months Air India logged an operating revenue of `11400 crore and operating expenditure of `13954.47 crore resulting in an operating loss of `2554.02 crore.

Of the 202 routes it is operating, Air India is meeting the total cost of operations on 14 routes only. Services on 74 routes were meeting only the fuel cost and not cash cost and on 12 routes they were not even meeting the fuel costs. On 102 routes, Air India was meeting only part of the cash cost. As part of its strategy to further cut costs and increase existing capacity, Air India has decided to increase economy class seats in 24 of its Airbus aircraft. To do this, it is removing two rows of business class seats in its 20 Airbus A 321s and four A 320s. This will give three more rows of economy class seats taking the total number of economy class seats to 168. Air India has already reconfigured 14 of its 18 Airbus A 320s. Responding to questions of likely compensa-

ABOVE GROUND LEVEL  Of the total `25 crore project cost, AAI has pumped in `20 crore, the cost of equipment imported from ELDIS Radar Systems of Czech Republic. The system is a combination of approach surveillance radar and Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR), capable of tracking approaching aircraft within a range of 20 nautical miles.

Juhu airport upgrade on the anvil

The Ministry for Civil Aviation is gearing up to expand the Juhu Airport to enable it to reduce the burden of traffic from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. “Juhu Airport will be very important in view of the delay in the construction of the new airport at Navi Mumbai. There are constraints at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and it will not be able to handle additional traffic,” said Minister for Civil Aviation Ajit Singh.

Plans include extending Juhu Airport's main runway into the sea to enable it to handle ATR turbo prop planes and even Airbus A320 planes.

However, the runway extension work will require environment clearance and could run into rough weather.

Mangalore gets cargo complex

fuelling growth: Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh, M Veerappa Moily, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, K C Venugopal, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Oscar Fernandez, MP, V P Agrawal, Chairman, AAI and other dignitaries during the inauguration of air cargo complex at Mangalore airport

One more chapter added to the growing air cargo infrastructure in the country when Ajit Singh, Civil Aviation Minister recently inaugurated the international air cargo complex at the old terminal of the Mangalore Airport.

On the occasion, Ajit Singh said, “The total area covered by the cargo complex is 1400 sq mts. The complex's annual holding capacity is 5000 metric tonnes of international import cargo, 13,000 metric tonnes of export cargo, 18,000 metric tonnes of domestic tin

Cruising Heights April 2013

19

news digest

ABOVE GROUND LEVEL  bound cargo and 21,000 metric tonnes of domestic outbound cargo. It can handle valuable and sensitive cargo and has standard storage facilities including cold storage.”

“The cargo complex was electronically linked with the centralised cargo server at Kolkata thereby further enhancing the utilisation and effectiveness of the available infrastructure.

I am sure that over a period of time business will evolve and exclusive cargo flights will operate to and from Mangalore,” he added.

CSIA: Top performing global airport

GVK-managed Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) emerged as one of the top performing airports in the annual ACI Airport Service Quality Awards for 2012. It has been rated the third best airport worldwide for airports in the 25-40 million passengers per annum (mppa) category as announced by Airports Council International (ACI). The survey was conducted at 275 airports across the globe.

Reflecting on the achievement, G V Sanjay Reddy, Managing Director, MIAL, said, “We have always worked towards the goal of quality service and strived to cultivate a Sanjay Reddy customer-oriented service culture at CSIA. This award is a reaffirmation of our vision to transform CSIA into one of the world’s best airports that consistently delights customers and be the pride of Mumbai.

We truly appreciate the strong support and encouragement shown by CSIA passengers.”

AAI unveils user friendly initiatives

Airports Authority of India (AAI) not only provides passenger facilities but also is equally sensitive towards the need of physically challenged persons.

Following facilities are provided to the physically challenged persons at airports managed by AAI: Free wheel chairs and ramps in the terminal building on city-side and airside at the airports; toilets for physically challenged in each of the facilitation are with appropriate signage and lifts for free

20

tion Air India may get from Boeing on the grounding of the Boeing 787s, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said “there will be some compensation. Let’s wait a while. We will discuss with Boeing only when things settle down. After the problems are fixed FAA has to certify and then DGCA will have to certify”.

Air India CMD Rohit Nandan said that Air India had an understanding with Boeing “that we will be compensated”. Air India is already operating Boeing 777s on the routes where 787s were deployed.

Whatever the difference in operating costs could figure in the compensation he said.

The new battery kit for the 787 would take three to four weeks to complete, said Boeing. Once it is approved and the re-certification by FAA is completed, a Boeing team will arrive in India to refit the batteries in the six grounded Dreamliners in India. Air India should be in a position to re-induct the Boeing 787s in its fleet from the middle of April 2013.

Ajit Singh stated that as per the TAP, the fleet size of Air India Express is expected to be increased from 21 to 36 with the acquisition of 15 more narrowbody jets. Air India Express’ plan to aggressively foray into the Gulf and South East Asian markets has been stuck due to shortage of both aircraft and commanders. As for regional operations, Air India domestic is planning to float tenders to acquire either ATR 72s, Q400 Bombardiers or CRJs to replace its existing fleet of 11 ATR-42s and some CRJs. The lease on existing planes is expiring in September 2013. These will be operated by Alliance Air, which will expand its regional fleet to 15 aircraft in 2014.

Even as all these steps are being taken by the Government and Air India management, a new step which seeks to cut the pay packet of licenced category staff like pilots and engineers besides cabin crew with effect from April 2013 may create new problems for the maharaja. The new payment rule approved by the Cabinet seeks to

IndiGo asks for more planes

I

ndiGo has submitted an application seeking approval from the Reserve Bank of India to raise US$ 849 million (approximately `4600 crore on the date of application which was early March 2013) as loan for purchase of Airbus A 320 aircraft. As per the details, the loan in the form of ECB (External Commercial Borrowing) will have a 14-year term mentioning an end-use as “import of capital goods”. IndiGo had earlier applied in February 2013 to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the import of 16 A320s. However, the now disbanded Aircraft Acquisition Committee with powers of granting final approval vested in the Minister for Civil Aviation, Ajit Singh, gave clearance for only five aircraft. Some of the reasons

advanced were that the ministry was still working out the details of the new route dispersal guidelines which could be made mandatory for all domestic carriers to follow. With that in mind, it felt that there should be no over-capacity in terms of narrowbodies like either Airbus A 320s or Boeing 737 NGs. This put IndiGo in a spot as it found that it would not be easy to plan orderly recruitment and induction of critical personnel like pilots, engineers, cabin crew, etc much in advance as is the global practice. IndiGo approached the Ministry subsequently explaining that the five planes would be inducted in fiscal 2012-13 and the remaining 11 in the new financial year, 2013.14. Following this, the Ministry gave the approval for the import of the 11 aircraft.

formidable line-up: IndiGo fleet at one of the airports

Cruising Heights April 2013

reduce 15 per cent of the salary of the licenced category personnel. The maximum cut will be faced by executive pilots who fly much less than other non-executive category pilots. There is also a provision for paying more to pilots who fly more. The problem is that executive pilots do not fly as much as other pilots. But they are nevertheless compensated even for hours not flown. The new rule will make it mandatory not to compensate anyone for not flying.

The old system was a legacy of “shortfall allowance” which was introduced in the mid-90s. At present, Air India Domestic pilots are supposed to fly 72 hours a week while Air India International, 80 hours a week. The hours are fixed and the pilots get paid even if they do not fly these number of hours. It was in early 2012 that Air India Domestic pilots went on strike on these and other related issues. After that there has been regular exit of pilots from both Air India Domestic and Air India International to airlines in the Gulf. Already, all the three

leading Gulf stars namely Emirates, Etihad and Qatar have been inducting these departing pilots from Air India. Besides the licenced category, it is also proposed to introduce a new salary structure for nonlicenced category of airline staff who will also not receive the Productivity Linked Incentive (PLI) any more. Instead, they will get some incentives which are to be in line with the guidelines issued by the Department of Public Enterprises. All these steps will save AI annually `260 crore. As for the allowances to be paid to the pilots it will no longer be fixed but will depend on the actual number of hours flown by a pilot. AI has in all 1400 pilots flying domestic and international flights. Of these, 350 are executive pilots. One hopes there is no industrial unrest in the airline because of these measures and the employees — be it from the flying or non-flying categories — need to understand that the government has indeed taken a big gamble by staking `30,000 crore as part of its turnaround plan. n

Incidentally, import of these 16 aircraft in 2013 is part of the earlier ordered lot of 280 aircraft from Airbus Industrie that included 150 A 320neos expected to be delivered by 2024.

The ECB application to RBI comes nearly nine months after the ariline’s promoter Rahul Bhatia told a meeting of the Indian Chambers of Commerce in July 2012 that his airline was debt-free. IndiGo has a ratio of 96 employees to an aircraft and it registered a profit of `650 crore in 2011-12. The decision to go the debt route has come at a time when the markets must be offering attractive rates considering that the European economy is in the dumps and various financial institutions, investors and banks are waiting for bankable customers.

There is also another view why the airline has followed the debt route. Earlier, it was easy for the airline to follow the sale and lease back route. Against the backdrop of the continued economic slowdown in the West, high fuel prices and financial problems engulfing many carriers worldwide including the likes of Qantas that have made losses, the aviation industry is not attractive today. In the aviation business, airlines normally acquire aircraft on financial lease (an aircraft is bought by the airline and hypothecated to a lender till repayment is completed). Or, it could be on an operating lease from a lessor. In the case of financial lease, an airline pays the entire contracted price to the manufacturer. In the case of sale and lease back which many carriers do all

over including in India, an airline orders the aircraft and makes a pre-delivery payment as a commitment to the manufacturer. But at the time of delivery, the lessor makes the final payment -- that is the balance payment which is often three times or more of the initial commitment fee or payment by the airline concerned.

The lessor makes the payment on behalf of the airline and leases the plane to that airline for periods ranging from five to seven years. During the boom period, sale and lease back was the norm whether the airline was Airbus A320 or Boeing 737-800 driven. In the sale and lease back process, the airline concerned not only makes a premium on surrendering its ownership of the aircraft in favour of the lessor but also manages to get attractive tenures. In fact, any risk whatsoever is transferred to the lessor. The latter also gets an immediate customer for its newly-acquired aircraft.

So, the question is: Will IndiGo be satisfied with raising of funds through the ECB route or will it also go for a reverse sale and lease back agreement with its financiers as it has been doing all along? According to industry watchers, of the 64 A320s, it now owns only four while the remaining 60 are reportedly on sale and lease back terms. The lease period is six to seven years. Following the sale and lease back route has limited IndiGo’s exposure to debt and maintenance costs. n

Cruising Heights April 2013

ABOVE GROUND LEVEL  movements of wheel chairs; a separate ramp and a loading dock on the airside for wheel chairs movement into the commissary truck and to remote parked aircraft; allocated manned PCO booths for persons with disabilities and parking slots in the car parking area at airports, for passengers driving their own vehicles; barrier free booking facilities and security check enclosures are designed to permit movement of wheel chairs in the security check at the airports and disabled friendly immigration counters at international airports are being designed to provide the facility.

International Safety Award for DIAL

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) recently won the prestigious ‘International Safety Award’ from British Safety Council, one of the largest independent occupational health, safety and environmental organisations in the world. This makes Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) the first and the only airport in India to win the award.

The International Safety Awards are open to all companies across industries globally and the applicants are adjudged across 12 parameters related to health and safety management.

DIAL secured this award with an overall score of 57 (on a 60-point scale) for the year 2013. The criterion included not only safety risk management, but also employee welfare, health and well-being. Additionally, it evaluates the health and safety arrangements for customers, stakeholders, safety promotion, emergency arrangements, including special arrangements for vulnerable people.

Commenting on the recognition, I Prabhakara Rao, CEO, DIAL, said: “We are glad that DIAL’s commitment towards health and safety has been acknowledged I Prabhakara Rao globally. Apart from being an internationally-renowned airport operator, we have also set a benchmark to provide a safe environment for our present and future customers, stakeholders and employees.”

21

special report

Bombardier shoots to

hurt

O

n March 7, Bombardier finally launched the CSeries. This ultrafuel efficient, partial-composite/ advanced aluminum construction, ducted turbofan line of aircraft is the first ‘clean sheet design’ in close to a dozen years. Not just that, its interiors are akin to the 787 Dreamliner and a specs that could easily give a run to the duopoly of the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families.

It’s no surprise, Bombardier has actually done it earlier. Twenty years ago, the company revolutionised the industry by creating the first ‘Regional Jet’, with the CRJ100/200 series. The Bombardier RJs became a byword for efficiency and were a runaway success. By the time Bombardier closed the line in 2006, close to a 1000 aircraft were in operation.

The CSeries was first announced in March 2005. It was the next big thing: composites and new lightweight lithium aluminum for its wings and fuselage, and very fuel-efficient high-bypass geared turbofan engines under the wing. There are several variants:

Will the new CSeries' CS300 be a game changer?

With its specifications and “clean sheet design”, the aircraft spells trouble for the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families. A report

• The smaller CS100, with up to 125 seats, would compete directly with the E-195 with 122 max passenger capacity.

• The CS300, with up to 135-145 seats would compete with the Boeing 737700s 148 seats and Airbus A319s 142 seats.

It would feature larger windows than any other airliner except the 787 Dreamliner measuring 11x 16 inches.

With both the 737MAX and the A320 Neo not attracting any new major orders, the CS300 extended version (still in the works) isn’t yet a direct competitor to the A320/737 family. The larger CSeries meeting and — in many cases — exceeding its competition, Bombardier is determined to take on Boeing and Airbus and, of course, its closest competitor, Embraer.

Interestingly like the Dreamliner, the CSeries has several major suppliers including Sheyyang Aircraft of China that contributes the rear barrel, Italian 787 contractor Alenia supplies the horizontal and vertical stabilizers, Zodiac provides the seating,

bins, and cabin furnishings; and Rockwell Collins supplies the avionics suite. All of them are believed to have some equity and risk-sharing stakes in the programme.

Lease Corporation International became the launch customer ordering 20 aircraft: 17 CS300s and three CS100s.

Over the next five years, orders from 13 customers totalling 66 for the CS100 and 114 for the larger CS300 will make up a total of 180 orders. But Bombardier says they have orders and commitments for 382 CSeries. It is nowhere near their target but good enough to get it going. Additional orders have come from Republic Airways Holdings, Korean Air, Braathens Leasing, AtlasJet, Latvia’s airBaltic, and ironically Ilyushin Finance. But there are no orders from major Canadian carriers, Air Canada or WestJet, as of yet.

Bombardier claims a 15 per cent cash operating cost advantage and 20 per cent fuel burn advantage over the E-jets and other competition. Further, they claim a 25 per cent direct maintenance cost savings.

Environmental benefits run a close second.

WITH A BANG: (Right) Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft and Rob Dewar, Vice President and General Manager, CSeries Aircraft Programme while unveiling the CS300 aircraft of Bombardier; and (below) the CS300 aircraft being officially unveiled at Mirabel, Quebec at Canada on March 7, 2013

Bombardier promises the CSeries produces 50 per cent fewer NOx emissions relative to its competition and has a four times quieter noise footprint. Bombardier achieves these gains via 70 per cent of the airframe being constructed of advanced materials such as composites and carbon-fiber (though not to the extent of the 787 or A350XWB) and the next generation engines. These technologies allow for greatly reduced weight and maintenance.

The CSeries aircraft will be up to 12,000 lbs lighter than other aircraft in the same seat category. Importantly, the CSeries doesn’t rely on the extensive electrical architecture as the 787 and uses traditional nickel-cadmium batteries as opposed to the problem-plagued lithium-ion batteries that have bedeviled the Dreamliner.

Key to this gained efficiency is obviously the selection of the engines. Bombardier selected the Pratt & Whitney PW1500G PurePower engine as the exclusive power plant for the CSeries. Competing aircraft, such as the upcoming A320 Neo, Embraer’s next generation E-Jets, and

the Mitsubishi Regional Jet have jumped on the ‘fanwagon’ by ordering the PW1500G. This high-bypass geared turbofan develops 23,300 pounds of thrust through the use of advanced combustion technology, what P&W calls a Fan Drive Gear System, an ultra-high 12:1 bypass ratio (highest in class), fewer stages and airfoils and advanced nacelle technologies. These engines contribute to give the CSeries a maximum range of 2,950 miles, a ceiling of 41,000 feet, and a maximum take-off weight of 128,200 pounds for the CS100 and 139,600 pounds for the CS130.

The spacious and very visible flight deck is also very advanced, and in fact features Bombardier’s first use of sidestick three-axis full fly-by-wire controls and a new auto-throttle system. The Rockwell Collins Avionics Suite features the now compulsory large LCD displays, dual FMS (Flight Management System) with optimised control and display functions Airbus in particular is known to take the CSeries as a serious threat. It is reportedly being particularly aggressive at trying

to inflict serious injury on the programme with aggressive pricing to dissuade customers away from the CSeries. In a nod to not wanting history to repeat itself, Airbus is said to believe Boeing wasn’t aggressive enough in warding off the Airbus A320 at its birth and doesn’t want to be in the same position vis-à-vis Bombardier.

How smoothly the manufacturing will ramp up will reflect on how quickly the CSeries begins its deliveries (mid-2014).

Perhaps, most importantly, how reliable it is once it enters service will determine whether this aircraft is not only a game changer for Bombardier but for the entire industry.

Bombardier has changed the game before, however, and the industry knows better than to bet against them. As President Mike Arcamone in a not thinly veiled reference to the upcoming Max and Neo, said: “This is a real airplane not a paper airplane. This is not a re-engined aircraft but a new aircraft with a proven mix of new and proven technology. We will be there and we will win.” n

23

cover story

Job with a view They spend most of their waking hours perched above runways, physically cut off from the world yet completely connected, as Tirthankar Ghosh found out. Their job: ensuring the safety of planes and fliers in the sky and on the ground. We would point fingers at them if they did a bad job. In fact, the better they are the more invisible they become “Air India… Tower, Touchdown at one three, vacate runway via Romeo continue to gate Four Three via Papa November Charlie.”

A

cy, paying attention to the minutest detail.

In a virtually windowless room, almost dark as night, these controllers sit with their headsets barking orders while watching moving figures on glowing monitors.

They make sure that million-dollar planes are at a safe distance from each other on the ground and in the air. These men and women are choreographers, always with an eye on the big-picture. Like the pilots up in the sky, they make split-second decisions based on “physics, geometry, aerodynamics” and intuition.

It is a responsibility like no other. Aviation enthusiasts often refer to ATC personnel as those with a God-complex — after all, they hold millions of lives in their hands even if it is for a few minutes — but,

hemant rawat

s the plane docks in the bay at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and the passengers start moving out, it is the end of a journey. But, at the AAI’s (Airports Authority of India) Air Traffic Control (ATC) — virtually a stone’s throw from the airport — the Air India flight was only one of the 850-odd flights that the controllers would safely guide in and out through the day.

From the time the door of the aircraft are closed, till the last passenger goes out

of the plane at his destination, the movement of the aircraft is continuously monitored by the Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) who ensure that there is no threat to the safety of the flight.

It is a strenuous job — not only in India but all over the world — but one that the controllers look forward to everyday.

Perhaps, it is the high that the 5000-odd Air Navigation System (ANS) officials of the country get every time they step into the more than 125 ATC centres around the country that keeps them glued to their posts. It takes a certain kind of personality to handle the job and it is one that you or I would not touch with a bargepole. These people take on long hours and work on holidays and perform at 110 per cent efficien-

AAI Chairman V P Agrawal emphasised the expertise of those manning the Air Navigation System: “Our acceptability in the region is very high — whether it is the Arabic world or South-East Asia.”

(

cially airlines and passengers. We are working to provide safe travel and timely operations across the country and also to ensure the safe international flow in the country.” To achieve that vision is a tightrope walk but it is being done with finesse and what is more important, it is carried out 24x7x365.

The work has come in for praise from Ken McLean, Regional Director, International Air Transport Association (IATA), who lauded the AAI “for the significant progress made in transforming the ATM systems to meet the challenges of aviation growth in India. Through the concept of Operational Safety and Capacity Enhancement

Teams (OSCET) and through the collaborative efforts of airport users and air traffic control, we have achieved a on-time performance of more than 80 per cent aircraft movements in Delhi with movements per hour increasing to a recent high of 73. Similarly, ontime performance at Mumbai airport has gone up to 80 per cent and the movements per hour have risen to 45.”

Vijay Seth

maybe it is more than that. V P Agrawal, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman, brushed aside the God-complex comparison with a disarming smile, repeating an oft-quoted line, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

The AAI is keen to make the going easier for the Air Navigation System department that is under it for the time being (even as we go to press, the AAI is looking at a study to hive off the Air Navigation Services to enable it to focus on its crucial operations to tackle the rising air traffic in the country). With more than 125 airports under its control, the vision of the ANS is clear. V Somasundaram, Member (ANS) summed it up rather aptly: “Our vision is to take the Air Navigation System of India to the global level as far as the US and European countries stand and to provide world class service to the users espe-

KEEPING IN TOUCH: (Main photo) The ATC tower at Bengaluru International Airport; (Left) ATC centre at Chennai with the Harmonised Upper Air Space on display and, (bottom, left - Page 24) AAI Chairman VP Agrawal in a meeting with engineers at the new ATC tower construction site at Delhi Airport

cover story Speaking about the work of the ANS, Chairman V P Agrawal emphasised the high quality of expertise. Said he: “Our acceptability in the region is high, very high — whether it is the Arabic world or SouthEast Asia. Our MoU serviceability in terms of delivery is 99.85 per cent. That is the MoU parameter for us.” The Memorandum of Understanding that Agrawal spoke about was the one AAI signs every year with the Ministry of Civil Aviation spelling out the targets to be achieved on key performance areas during the year.

The Chairman also pointed out that “we are trying to work out an arrangement because in GAGAN, there is a requirement of a very high degree of availability of communication links because the whole thing is dependent on communication”. There is automation but that needs high grade communication and AAI was going in for a

strong communication backbone. “That is going to ensure 99.999998 per cent availability of communication backbone. That is the high level of benchmark that we have set for ourselves.”

And with each passing day, the responsibilities keep multiplying. While the number of aircraft is expected to rise from the 320+ today to a whopping 1000 in the next ten years, the growth rate of passengers could touch 15 per cent per annum. It is a virtual cat-and-mouse game: infrastructure and technology has to keep not one step ahead but race ahead to be on top of the game.

That race has transformed the AAI into a quietly efficient organisation — quite unlike the archetypal government bodies that move at their own pace — keen to modernise, innovate and upgrade ANS and airport infrastructure. Chairman Agrawal

was forthright when he said that “we recognise the importance of investing today in order to prepare our airports for passenger growth of tomorrow”. Over the years, the transformation has brought in results: enhanced safety and operational efficiency.

Of course, international recognition has come as well — proof enough to declare to the world that we are not only good but the very best: in 2012 there was the Janes’ATC Award and just a few days ago, two ATC Excellence Awards in the category of Excellence in ANSP (Air Navigation Service Provider) Management (outside Europe and North America) and another award in the category of Strategic Advancement in Air Transport. These awards were won after contesting with multiple global ANSP leaders.

Continued on Page 28

“We are our own competitors” V Somasundaram, Member (ANS), speaks about new initiatives, the pursuit for high quality deliverance and the push to improve services On ANS’ vision Our vision is to take Air Navigation System of India to the global level — as far as the US and European countries stand — and to provide world class service to the users, especially airlines and passengers.

We are working to provide safe travel and timely operations across the country and also to ensure safe international flow in the country.

On measures adopted As far as the improvement in the Air Navigation Services are concerned, we have adopted a multi-pronged approach. We have to bring advanced enhancements in service level, technological advancement and advanced procedures with greater human skills at the optimal level.

In each sphere of activity, we are working to improve advanced technologies like international acclaim: V Somasundaram with the recent awards

Ground Based Navigation System, data link applications. As far as airspace management is concerned, we are going ahead with the concept of flexible use of airspace and standardised application of separation minima. Along with these advancements, we are going with route optimisation and more direct routing so that flying time is reduced, fuel efficiency is achieved and emissions reduced.

We are also working to upgrade our skill with advanced training and regular refresher training and have established new equipment to upgrade skills. That is our priority.

Comparisons with other ANSs We are not concentrating on any particular airport. Comparison is very difficult but what we have done in Chennai will be a benchmark for us. We have our own parameters for measuring our success. We are our own competitors.

hemant rawat

On future investment We will attract significant investment in the coming years and we are moving towards satellite based systems and also significant augmentation of manpower skills and research based development activities.

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Cruising Heights April 2013

“Flexible use of air space coming” V P Agrawal, Chairman, AAI, on the initiatives to take the country into the big leagues

In the last four years, what is the level of sophistication that has come into the ATC? When I took over four years back, we had Auto Track 3 system at Delhi and Mumbai and the automation at Chennai and Kolkata were not good. Our control stations were also not sophisticated. Then, we had taken up a plan for modernising Chennai. So, Chennai has Auto Track system installed and qualitatively it is much superior and fine. We got a proposal to create another tower for Delhi airport. So, in Delhi airport a new tower is under construction. There we are going in for an altogether new automation system. Probably, that is going to be the world’s best.

In around 38 other stations, we have gone in for automation. So, 38 airports are automated and the quality of input that they are getting are as good as Delhi. That has seen qualitative improvement at all the stations.

We are getting an integrated picture of any aircraft fitted with a transponder (in our ATC Centres). The technology will be installed at most of the airports. Then there is the project called GAGAN that is the satellite based navigation system. Concept-wise it was done. Then there was the unveiling phase. We have gone in for full-scale implementation and its certification.

We have been taking steps all along in the improvement. There was also a shortage of air traffic manpower — ATC and communication officers — so I had gone in for large-scale appointments to address that issue as well. The ATCs had all the stress because of the working hours and we have to cope up with the increasing demand in the sector.

Now, we are in a fairly good condition from the manpower and equipment points of view and we are participating in various forums and participating in various schemes which are taking place in the neighbourhood. We have brought in equipment at various airports. We are helping other countries that seek our help. In terms of what we have done and what they want, we have been giving them in terms of equipment.

HI-TECH: AAI Chairman V P Agrawal taking a look at the systems that have been introduced, to make controllers' jobs less strenuous, at the Delhi ATC

We have been acknowledged in qualitative terms — and we are at par with the best in the world. In a recent ICAO survey, India has been acknowledged. It is an honour and with the efforts that we are putting in now, I am sure we will exceed our expectations.

hemant rawat

Cruising Heights caught up with an upbeat V P Agrawal, during one of his inspections to the new ATC Tower under construction at Delhi. Excerpts from the interview:

I remember earlier when we flew from Delhi to Mumbai, there were a couple of blind spots as nobody knew where the aircraft was going. Now the situation is if you are flying to Bhopal, the controller at Hyderabad will know where you are. The situation has improved but how has it helped in the efficiency of the system from the airline point of view?

I would like to highlight that is we are in the process of bringing about flexible use of air space. There will be optimal use of air space: that is civilian air space and defence air space will be merged. For that, we are establishing a complete centre in Delhi where defence officers and our officers will be sitting along with other stakeholders related to airlines. We will be adopting new strategies so that delays (if any) will occur only on the ground not by the traffic in the air. Apart from this, GAGAN will also enable point-to-point flights. Otherwise, we had reference stations for the flights. So, every time flights aligned to these reference stations, they proceeded along these curved routes. Now, that is going to be straight, point-to-point and the optimal flight level will be allowed.

How did you manage to convince the defence people?

The issue is that everybody has taken it as grandfather rights without realising that national well-being and prosperity is above Cruising Heights April 2013

all. It is a national asset and we have no optimal utilisation.

Change in technology and upgradation is rapid in ANA and ATC. Unfortunately, in the Indian context, when you buy something, you don’t junk it. It continues till perpetuity.

But what do you do when there is a need to buy something?

We keep on sending our people to various conferences and exhibitions to see the products which are displayed there. (You can) See the qualitative improvement that is coming. Once you want to be the technology leader, then reaching that place and staying there is very difficult. If you want to stay at the top you have to go for innovations.

So, I am setting a R&D centre at Hyderabad airport where systems would be set up. So, whatever systems we will be acquiring, we will be taking up there and then bring in further improvements. We will bring in whatever we conceive — then implement it, test it and validate it. We will be doing that with any procedural equipment. For that we have tied up with MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit organisation and we have done a MoU with them. We are also working out MoUs with some software companies where we will start perfecting the software. Once the software is perfected, we will be marketing it to other countries.

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india’s eye in the sky

cover story

GEO In-orbit Spare

GPS Const.

PRN 128

Bengaluru INLUS-1 SG

RF

PRN 127

Backup to INLUS 1/2

Delhi INLUS-2 SG

INLUS-3

RF

SG

RF

DATA Communication Network-1 DATA Communication Network-2

INMCC-1

NRES#1-15

INMCC-2

Bengaluru

Bengaluru

Continued from Page 26 It has been a slow and steady progress to reach the top and guiding it all along has been the dynamic vision of Chairman Agrawal. Ably assisted by V Somasundaram, the AAI has taken literally a “giant leap” forward. The showpiece — if one may refer to it as that — is the Chennai ATC that Somasundaram was quick to point out was at the top. Chennai then would be the benchmark for the other airports in the country. That would not mean AAI and its ANS team will sit back. Far from it. “We are our own competitors,” said Somasundaram, emphasizing that quality delivery was a constant process.

Matching the spanking new Chennai International Airport terminal — the coun-

N Ganesh ED (ASM)

K V Murali, GM (ATM), Chennai

P K Mishra, GM (ATM), Delhi

try’s third busiest airport handling more than 10.5 million passengers each year — that was inaugurated barely two months ago, the Chennai ATC will be the first in the country to boast of a Ground-based Augmentation System (GBAS) that will enable pilots to do precision approach and landing.

The satellite-based system — Honeywell’s SmartPath — will improve the capacity to handle more planes by providing multiple approaches but also help airlines save fuel cost. Unlike traditional Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), that can only support one

NOT MERE NUMBERS The Airports Authority of India’s Air Navigation Services manages: • 9th largest civil aviation sector in the world • 1.o4 million sq. nautical miles of continental airspace • 1.74 million sq. nautical miles of oceanic airspace • 4 FIRs (Flight Information Region), 11 ACCs (Area Control Centre) and

12 neighbouring states* • ATS (Air Traffic Services) between Himalayas up to Mauritius • 90 International routes and 126 domestic routes • 1.6 million movements per annum • Projected traffic growth 11 per cent * ACC is a facility responsible for controlling aircraft en route in a particular volume of airspace (FIR)

approach at one end of a single runway, this one will handle up to 26 separate approaches across four runways simultaneously.

Along with this, the upper air space in Chennai FIR has been restructured with five upper ACC sectors and six lower ACCs. Said K V Murali GM (ATM), Chennai: “As a first step in the process of harmonization of the Upper Airspace, AAI undertook the harmonization of the Upper Airspace of Chennai FIR which was operationalized simultaneously with the automation of the ATM system at Chennai on October 1, 2011, creating one continuum of airspace of area 2.46 million sq. km.”

The highlights of the project include operating multiple sectors of Air Traffic Control from a single centre at Chennai covering the flights en route, integration of 10 radars, and complete ATS automation with various advanced controller-decision support tools. The integration of radars facilitates direct routing of flights thereby reducing flight distance/time and consequently saving fuel for the airlines. The minimum distance between the aircraft is reduced through application of Radar Separation Minima. With the enhanced surveillance coverage through integration of four radar surveillance feeds from Bhopal, Hyderabad, Jharsuguda and Nagpur, a reduced spacing of 40 nautical miles has been introduced on Route W20 — the busy domestic Delhi to Bengaluru/Chennai route.

Continued on Page 30

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Cruising Heights April 2013

Riders of the storm Pilots can now not only be forewarned about adverse weather conditions but also see storm build-ups in 3D, reports Pritam Bhavnani

F

lying through hazardous weather conditions remains a challenge for airlines and pilots, and causes frequent flight detours, cancellations and aircraft accidents.

Recent reports from the US show the impact that unfavourable weather conditions have on aircraft accidents globally.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that severe weather accounts for about 70 per cent of all aircraft delays, while the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics reveals that turbulence-related incidents cost airlines, on average, nearly $200,000 per incident.

In India, a study released in February this year pointed out that 21 per cent of all aircraft accidents from 1992-2008 were weather-related. This data reinforces how critical it is for airlines to address adverse weather conditions, not only to increase passenger comfort and achieve cost savings, but to ensure greater flight safety regardless of the weather.

The way in which a pilot uses weather information for flight-planning and decision-making has advanced immensely over the past five decades. All pilots flying in India, for example, are required to attend weather training with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to learn how to effectively combat climatic obstacles and ensure the safety of passengers and flight crews. Yet, challenges remain today for pilots tackling sudden and extreme head-

winds, fog, torrential rain and snow storms.

To combat these weather-related challenges, many airlines are turning to advanced weather radar systems to predict and avoid potentially damaging and even dangerous weather. For many years airlines have managed with systems that provide a 2D view on a cockpit display of potentially hazardous weather. Today, there are advancements in the form of 3D weather systems, such as Honeywell’s IntuVue 3-D Weather Radar, which provides pilots with a top-down ‘plan view’ image as well as a second ’side profile’ view of the storm cell, giving a complete view of the weather. With a 3D picture of the storm, pilots can more accurately assess the best route around or over it, increasing efficiency and safety.

With India’s variable climate and the country’s widening long-haul flight network, pilots frequently encounter adverse weather. The IntuVue system signficatly enhances pilots’ situational awareness by using 3D volumetric scanning and pulse compression technologies to create a vast store of data on the weather from 0 to 60,000 feet in altitudes and up to 320 nautical miles away. The pulse compression technology enables IntuVue system to achieve the greatest level of accuracy at longer ranges when compared to conventional radars by manipulating the wave form for improved resolution. With an accurate view of the weather ahead, pilots can then use the system’s analysis tools to betCruising Heights April 2013

ter understand weather hazards and calculate the best course of action.

Latest figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Airline Industry Forecast reveal that India is expected to add close to 50 million domestic air passengers by 2016, or approximately 12.5 million a year. This growth means that airlines are in a race to modernise fleets to keep pace with demand. Doing this costeffectively and with future efficiency savings in mind is of paramount importance.

IntuVue has been proven to reduce turbulence-related incidents by more than 45 per cent, and considering the potential financial impact of each turbulence-related incident, this quickly adds up to significant savings.

The slim, compact design of IntuVue also weighs up to 30 per cent less than legacy radar systems, and as per our calculations, this weight and space reduction can cut as much as $10,000 per year in fuel costs.

With both substantial cost savings and safety benefits, IntuVue is a compelling choice for airlines worldwide. Air India, Turkish Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, to name a few, currently take advantage of IntuVue, which is available for a wide range of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. IntuVue’s comprehensive features with its 3-D display and analysis tools provide pilots with meaningful information when it matters most. n (The writer is President, Honeywell Aerospace India)

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hemant rawat

sively taken at IGI airport in terms of new ATC procedures/ techniques, opening of new controller positions, optimum utilization of airport/ ATC infrastructure and Training.” The move has paid off: On February 2 this year, STRIKING EDIFICE: the Delhi tower’s Air The country's tallest Traffic Control OffiATC tower taking shape cers (ATCO) handled 75 flight movements, between 11 a m and noon, breaking their own record of 73 flights in an hour set on January 28, 2013.

The ATCOs used the two main runways — 28/10 and 29/11 — for arrivals and departures while the secondary runway 27/09 was only used for departures.

The move has also enhanced capacity and reduced delays of aircraft landings and takeoffs. The ripple effect of all this is the projected annual fuel savings of 1314000 kg and reduction in CO2 emission of 4148298 kg. When totaled, the projected annual savings for airlines would amount to a whopping `7 crores.

In its move to initiate infrastructure, the AAI is constructing the country’s tallest Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower — 102 meters — at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The present tower does not provide controllers uninterrupted view of the airport and its runways. Being built with Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) technology, that will prevent the building from swaying in strong wind, the tower will not only offer a 360 degree view of all the three operational runways at Delhi airport but provide a much larger working space to accommodate a larger number of controllers.

Chennai apart, the jewel in the ANS crown is GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) that is scheduled to start operations sometime in the middle of this year. GAGAN is part of the giant technological leap that the country has taken to redefine air navigation by transitioning from ground-based to satellite-based navigation. The project jointly undertaken by AAI and Indian Space Research

Continued from Page 28 Among the multi-pronged approach that AAI has adopted (see V Somasundaram interview), of crucial importance are the ATM procedures for optimum use of ground infrastructure. “Matching with our vision of enhancing safety, efficiency and cost effectiveness of aircraft operations on a sustainable basis, we have made substantial progress in the Indian Airspace Management,” said N Ganesh, ED (Air Space Management). “Our three-pronged strategy for Airspace Management includes Upper Airspace Harmonization, Flexible Use of Airspace and Route optimization.

The strategy facilitates application of uniform procedures, standardized and reduced separation minima between aircraft and direct routing leading to enhanced safety, efficiency and capacity of airspace.”

A part of this strategy is the simultaneous use of all the three runways in Delhi.

P K Mishra, GM (ATM), Delhi was more forthright. He said: “Keeping in view the need for handling the fast growing traffic safely, efficiently and without delay, a number of measures have been progres-

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Cruising Heights April 2013

Organisation (ISRO) in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) plan to achieve smooth transition to satellite based navigation and seamless air traffic management across continents, GAGAN is designed to provide improve accuracy, availability, and integrity necessary to enable users to rely on GPS for all phases of flight.

Incidentally, India is the fourth country in the world after the US, Japan and Europe, to develop regional SBAS that will redefine navigation in India and neighbouring countries. GAGAN will cover a huge area beyond the Indian landmass, Africa and even Australia. The GAGAN configuration includes 15 Indian Reference Stations (INRES), two Indian Master Control Centres (INMCC), three Indian Land Uplink Stations (INLUS) an d two GEO satellites (GSAT-8 and GSAT-10).

The first steps in a major move that aims to save fuel, reduce pollution and bring down delays for fliers have been taken.

Chairman Agrawal mentioned the breakthrough that had been achieved in the Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA): Air space, he said, was “a national asset and we have no optimal utilisation”. Simply put, the move will see civil and military aircraft sharing airspace. Today, the military controls 65 per cent of the airspace leaving only 35 per cent for civil aircraft often leading to much wrangling between the civil aviation authorities and the Indian Air Force though, of late, civil aircraft have been allowed to use military airspace. Once the National High Level Airspace Policy Body (NHLAPB) is created for FUA, there will be a fuel saving of 20,29,380 kg per annum and reduction of carbon dioxide emission by 63,93,600 kg per annum with the direct routing between seven city pairs of DelhiMumbai, Delhi-Kolkata, Delhi-Chennai, Delhi-Hyderabad, Delhi- Bengaluru, Kolkata-Chennai and Chennai-Mumbai, according to a statement from the civil aviation ministry. The NHLAPB will be chaired

by Secretary, Civil Aviation and will have representatives from the Defence Ministry, IAF, Navy, Indian Space Research Organisation, AAI and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

For all these moves, the AAI will need skilled manpower in the coming years. Chairman Agrawal has chalked out his plans: every year the Civil Aviation Training College at Allahabad and the new one in Gondia, churns out men and women ready to take on the challenges of a high-tech air navigation system. They will take their place among the unseen choreographers to take India’s aviation to the top. n

Focus on ‘Copters P35

P36

RUSSIA's PRIDE

New design

Serving customers around the world to support diverse missions

The X3, which is based on a Eurocopter Dauphin model, is something of a hybrid

Choppers and planes for Jharkhand?

in.com

mil

I

n the past 12 years since the formation of a separate Jharkhand State, three aircraft, 2 HE(T) and 1 HE(P) — that had been taken on wet lease have met with accidents in the State while carrying VIPs. The VIPs who had narrow escapes include the former President of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, prior to his elevation to the highest constitutional post, the then HRD Minister in the State, Bandhu Tirkey; and the then Chief Minister of the State, Arjun Munda. Subsequent findings suggested that the mishaps occurred due to technical snags that developed due to the faulty maintenance of the aircraft.

Nothing, however, could be done to prevent the recurrence of such lapses except to terminate the contracts with the aircraft providers and replace them with others.

Proposals to purchase planes by the State Government remained a far cry either for want of financial resources for the purpose or interest evinced by the authorities concerned. Interestingly, the Government pre-

ferred to continue with an unrealistic assortment of a set of obsolete aircraft instead that are not meant for VIP operations.

The redundant and obsolete aircraft that are in possession of the State Government at present include the 37-year-old Barron B-55 six-seater twin engine, ZLIN 143L four seater single engine, STEEME S6RT two seater Single Engine motor glider, IS28M2/GR two seater single engine motor glider, L-32 Super Blanik two seater sailplane, SINUS 912 Single Motor glider and IS28B2 Sailplane.

Prompted by the view that the aircraft hired on wet lease were unsafe and financially unviable — costing around `1 lakh per hour with pilots who have little idea of the topography of the region — the State Aviation Department has recently stressed upon the need to purchase its own aircraft on loan from export financing funds at the rate of 7 per cent interest only. The Secretary to the State Civil Aviation department, Sajal Chakravarty said “there is a provision Cruising Heights April 2013

to purchase aircraft on soft loan from international airlines companies having tie-ups with the banks in the countries they belong to. If Axis Bank provides soft loans for purchase of aircraft from USA-based manufacturers, EDF Bank advances soft lending for purchase of aircraft from Canada-based airlines companies. Likewise, Japan arranges soft loans too, for the purchase of aircraft”.

Chakravarty further said that he had asked the Government to lend only the margin money of the loan and his department would repay the rest in due course by developing its own resources. In order to develop financial resources, the aviation department aims to charge for the use of motor gliders. They can be used for aerial reconnaissance in cooperation with the Jharkhand Space Application Centre. These planes can be used for aerial seeding, commercial advertising, aerial photography, aero sports meets and training, lend support Continued on Page 34

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World full of choppers World wide deliveries of new civil helicopters will total between 4,900 and 5,600 units over the next five years, according to the results of Honeywell's 15 annual Turbine-powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook Survey, which was released at Heli-Expo 2013. The forecast showed strong demand focussed in the first three years of the period and reflected in every region of the world. The five-year share of demand from the United States and Canada was 27 per cent, and combined with the western hemisphere represented 47 per cent of total global demand. Europe's share of five-year demand closely matched that of North America with 28 per cent. Demand in Asia/Oceania accounted for 19 per cent over the next five years, and the Africa/Middle East share was a little over 6 per cent.

Who is buying?

Purchase plans were found across the board in all regions this year. In major US and European centres, demand rose this year by 3 and 7 points, respectively. All other regions also improved moderately compared with 2012, and the purchase plans remained above the world average rate. Specific purchase plans just for 2013 remain strong and improved over levels reported in the 2012 survey. The expectation for new aircraft orders in 2013 is up over 30 per cent compared with 2012 levels, suggesting that the recovery will maintain momentum this year. Global five-year demand for new turbine-powered helicopters was split almost 50-50 between the Americas and the rest of the world. Latin America and Asia will continue to have the highest fleet replacement and expansion expectations among the regions. In terms of projected regional demand for new helicopters, Latin America and Asia remained in close competition to claim the world's third largest regional market, following North America and Europe.

Bell-429

A Light Twin-engine Helicopter

US & CANADA 27%

49

ROSOBORNEXPORT MI-172 B Twin-engine Helicopter

3

South America 20%

FUTURE OF CHOPPERS

4,900-5,600 4,300

SIKORSKY S-76C

• Looking ahead for the next 12 months, plans for increased helicopter fleet utilisation in 2013 were reported by operators in all regions. Planned increases in each region were as follows: • North America: 10 per cent of operators plan increases, and only three per cent plan decreases.

• Europe: 16 per cent of operators plan increases, and seven per cent plan decreases.

• Latin America: 27 per cent of operators plan increases and only five per cent plan decreases.

• Middle East/Africa: 33 per cent of operators plan increases and only 15 per cent plan decreases.

• Asia: 35 per cent of operators plan increases, and six per cent plan decreases.

2008-2012

32

2013-2017

C Midium Twin-engine Helicopter

Heavy Multi-engine Helicopters Declined slightly from 2012 levels.

This class of helicopter typically garners a small share of overall purchase plans due to the cost and specialised nature of the aircraft.

2013 saw a one point decline in interest for this category of aircraft.

Within the Heavy helicopter class the most frequently mentioned models were the EC225, the Mi-171 and the S-92.

Uses: Law Enforcement, EMS, VIP/ CORPORATE and Search and Rescue crews

1 Intermediate/Medium: Twinengine Helicopters Tied for the second most popular product class mentioned for purchase during the next five years, holding roughly the same market share as in the 2012 Outlook. The most frequently mentioned models were AW139, AW169, Bell 412, EC145 and Sikorsky S-76 series helicopters.

Uses: Corporate/VIP, EMS, Harbour Pilot Shuttle, Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue Crews

EUROCOPTER DAUPHIN

H Twin-engine Helicopter

Light Twin-engine Helicopter Garnered 25 per cent total operator purchase plans in the 2013 survey. The EC135, Bell 429 and AW109 series helicopters were most frequently mentioned for five-year purchase in this class.

Light Twins appear to be most popular in Europe and to a lesser extent in Asia and the Americas.

In Europe, Light Twin models accounted for 37 per cent of total mentions.

54

AGUSTAWESTLAND

G Light Single-engine Helicopter

31

Uses: Law Enforcement, EMS and Fire Fighting

Europe 28% Asia 19%

5

ROBINSON R44

Light Single-engine Helicopter F

Africa 6%

4

2

ENSTROM TH480B Single-engine Helicopter D

Heavy Multi-engine Helicopters Declined slightly from 2012 levels.

This class of helicopter typically garners a small share of overall purchase plans due to the cost and specialised nature of the aircraft.

2013 saw a one point decline in interest for this category of aircraft.

Within the Heavy helicopter class the most frequently mentioned models were the EC225, the Mi-171 and the S-92.

Uses: Law Enforcement, EMS, VIP/ CORPORATE and Search and Rescue Crews

Russian Models Accounted for more than half of the purchase plans in this class. The vast majority of global civil helicopter mentions were concentrated in products manufactured by three OEMs: Eurocopter, Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland. Less than 15 per cent of mentions were for helicopters manufactured by all remaining OEMs. Uses: Government VVIP, Offshore Passenger Transport, Search and Rescue, Utility Transport and Medical Evacuation

hal dhruv (alH) Twin-engine Helicopter E

Light Single-engine Helicopters Continued to be the most popular product class for five-year fleet replacement and expansion. The most frequently mentioned lightsingle models were Eurocopter EC130/AS350 series, Bell 407 and Robinson R66. Light Single-Engine helicopters had the highest concentration of regional purchase interest in the North America, while purchase interest was lower in Europe, Latin America and Asia. The Middle East and Africa showed a noticeable surge in interest in the Light Single-engine class in 2013 versus earlier surveys.

Uses: Law Enforcement, EMS and Fire Fighting

LEGEND a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h:

The type of Helicopter in use in India.

49, 3, 1, 2, 4, 5, 31, 54: The nos. of Helicopters registered with the DGCA. Source: DGCA and Honeywell graphic: ajay negi

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Focus on ‘Copters Continued from Page 31 to local administration for aerial observation of development efforts and also for law and order purposes.

Apart from arranging events and lending support to government departments and private parties on payment, the department has come out with a proposal for public utility and facilitation. It is aimed to extend air connectivity beyond the main airport to the whole State, launch air ambulance from anywhere to the metro, use a single engine chopper — that could be converted into EMS Ambulance as and when required — for ‘Air Lift’ at Parasnath and Deoghar during special seasons on lines similar to the services at Amarnath and Kedarnath.

Under an incentive policy to woo

private operators for Tier-3 city services, the proposal is to have an uniform incentive policy with Bihar and Madhya Pradesh and underwrite the costs in the Gujarat model of seat mile subsidy and have other facilities like VAT reimbursement, free parking and security. As per the proposal for VIP operations, two fixed wing planes and two helicopters are needed. The fixed wing aircraft are claimed to have benefits of long distance operations i.e. Ranchi-Delhi. The choppers would have rear clam shell door preferably to load or unload stretchers or very wide opening side doors. As per the plan outlay for 2012-13, the State Government has earmarked only `50 crore for helicopter purchases.

In fact, the State Civil Aviation depart-

ment aims to develop a corporate approach to ensure self-reliant support system by going in for commercial deal with key players. The State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jindals and Airports Authority of India to develop its six aerodromes — three asphalt and three unpaved — across the State. While Jindals have started work at Dumka, the AAI has been entrusted with the task of modernisation of the Deoghar aerodrome. The MoU with AAI for the expansion work at Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi is pending, though `100 crore have been released for the purpose of land acquisition at Ranchi and `80 crore for land acquisition at Deoghar. n — D P Sharan

Chopper on electric power

The rotor that gives helicopters the unique ability to take off and land vertically, actually create trouble while manoeuvring. According to Anthony Gardner, “during rapid forward flight or manoeuvring, airflow stalls the main rotor blade as if the rotor has been hit with a sledgehammer”, which leads to the restricted manoeuvring capability of helicopters, especially at high altitudes, so researchers at the German Aerospace Centre in Göttingen have found new ways to make helicopters more manoeuvrable by conducting several experiments, where one of the experiments showed that by infusing air through holes in the main rotor blades would actively influence airflow.

The research has pointed to a new concept of aerodynamic damper on helicopter rotors. The performance which is affected due to the pitching movements exerted on the rotor blades can be substantially reduced and hence provide better manoeuvring of helicopters.

The Research Centre, incidentally, is also working on a project that will reduce the helicopter engine noise to a great extent. Some 19 European partners, including eight European engine manufacturers are working on the project.

AgustaWestland has launched a programme — internally called ‘Project Zero’ — for an all-electric chopper with a pair of tiltrotors incorporated within the flying wing structure. In fact, the chopper manufacturer has filed a patent of the project in January 2013.

The patent filing, assigned to James Wang, VP of research and development, shows a V-tailed vehicle identified as

dlr

Next-gen rotor blades

34

AgustaWestland

the ‘Convertiplane’, with a top speed of 270kt (500km/h) and a cruising height of 24,600 ft (7,500 m). Unlike conventional aeroplanes, a convertiplane has the advantages of being able to hover and to take off and land in confined spaces. The launch of ‘Project Zero’ shows that AW will extend the tiltrotor technology to AW609, which is now owned by AW after it acquired Bell Helicopter's market share of the project.

EADS appoints Faury as Eurocopter CEO The EADS Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Lutz Bertling as Chief Executive Officer of Eurocopter and Member of the EADS Group Guillaume Faury Executive Committee, effective April 30, 2013.

Bertling has been at the helm of the Group’s helicopter Division since November 2006 and had recently expressed his desire to depart the group in pursuit of another professional opportunity in Germany.

The EADS Board of Directors has appointed Guillaume Faury to succeed Lutz Bertling. Effective May 1, 2013, Faury with join Eurocopter from Peugeot SA, where he Cruising Heights April 2013

has served as Executive Vice President for Research & Development since 2010 and as Member of the Managing Board since 2009.

Faury, a licenced flight test engineer, served in various senior management functions at Eurocopter from 1998 to 2008 before joining Peugeot SA. He was also was a member of the Eurocopter Executive Committee. He started his professional career with the French Defence Procurement Agency DGA, where he was in charge of Tiger helicopter flight test activities at the Istres Flight Test Centre. Faury holds an engineering degree from the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris as well as an aeronautics and engineering degree from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Aeronautique et de l’Espace in Toulouse.

Focus on ‘Copters

Sikorsky

S-92 helicopter fleet surpasses 500,000 hours

ROLLING HIGH: (Top) Sikorsky's S-92 chopper and (below) luxurious interior of S-92 chopper

S

erving customers around the world in missions as diverse as the countries flying it, the S-92 global helicopter fleet has surpassed 500,000 flight hours. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp celebrated the milestone at the 2013 Heli-Expo Industry Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“The S-92 helicopter was conceived as a commercial aircraft with the heart of a Black Hawk and designed to meet the needs of the North Sea offshore market, and today, the S-92 helicopter is a well established, versatile aircraft that has become known for its reliability, comfort and safety features,” said Mick Maurer, Sikorsky President.

More than 90 per cent of all S-92 hours today are flown in the offshore configuration, with 54 per cent being flown in harsh North Sea conditions. Designers mandated FAR/JAR safety margins, on-condition maintenance and revenue-producing operating costs for commercial customers.

“In the nine years that the S-92 helicopter has been steadily carving its place in the large helicopter market segment, it has grown from the ‘new kid on the block’ proving its potential to a super performer in a variety of missions,” said Carey Bond, President of Sikorsky Global Helicopters.

“Sikorsky is proud of this fleet hour achievement by our S-92 for many reasons — among them are the lives it has saved through search and rescue, the countries that entrust it with the transport of their heads of state, and the service to the offshore oil industry in getting workers to their jobs and home again. Five hundred thousand flight hours is a testament to the

reliability of the S-92 aircraft and to the loyalty, trust and commitment of our customers; and for all of that, Sikorsky is both proud and appreciative.”

The S-92 helicopter was introduced in mockup form in 1992 with an unveiling at the Heli-Expo industry show that year in Las Vegas, Nevada. It ultimately made its first flight in 1998 at Sikorsky’s Development Flight Centre in Florida. PHI Inc. became its first commercial operator when it purchased the S-92 helicopter in 2004 to perform the offshore oil transport mission.

Today, PHI continues to operate a strong fleet of 24 S-92 helicopters. Al Gonsoulin, PHI Chief Executive Officer, said, “The S-92 is the deepwater aircraft of choice in the Gulf of Mexico; its range, payload and, most importantly, its reliability have greatly supported the expansion of drilling and exploration to some of the farthest points in the Gulf and Alaska. It is a solid performer, day in and day out.”

CHC Helicopter’s S-92 helicopters, now numbering 37 in the company’s worldwide fleet, have logged more than 150,000 hours of flight time — since 2005 for offshore transportation to the oil-and-gas industry, and since 2007 for search-and-rescue missions. “Every day in places around the globe, CHC is taking customers further, enabling them to do more and bringing them home safely,” said William Amelio, CHC’s President and Chief Executive OffiCruising Heights April 2013

cer. “Sikorsky and its S-92s are important to fulfilling that purpose.”

Bristow Group’s global fleet includes 49 S-92 helicopters that operate in the North Sea, Canada, Brazil, U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Nigeria. Additionally, Bristow has 18 S-92 helicopters on order and options for 16 more. Bristow’s S-92 fleet has logged over 155,000 hours in its operations in the North Sea, US Gulf of Mexico and Nigeria. William Chiles, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Bristow is the leading provider of helicopter services with an outstanding record in safety performance. We strive to provide operational excellence to our clients by providing the safest, most reliable and efficient service.

The S-92 embodies these features as part of our global fleet.”

Sikorsky is marking the milestone by conducting celebrations with its customers.

Events are planned in the coming months in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea region, Brazil, and China.

35

Focus on ‘Copters

racing ahead: Eurocopter and Sikorsky are gearing up to built the fastest helicopter design

The race to build the fastest helicopter is gearing up as test flights have been carried out for the experimental Eurocopter X3 (pronounced ‘X cubed’) and Sikorsky X2. This puts Eurocopter on the heels of Sikorsky’s experimental X2, which has zoomed over 460 kph, while EurocopterX3 reached a maximum speed of 430kph (267mph). The X2 is capable of flying at over 500 kph, and Eurocopter, a division of EADS, will try to increase the speed in future to compare with Sikorsky’s X2.

Building faster helicopters is the need of the hour as the present helicopters have limited forward speed by the spinning of rotor blades that make hovering possible.

The EC-X3 and the S-X2 will use different designs to overcome these limitations.

The X3, which is based on a Eurocopter Dauphin model, is something of a hybrid.

It is powered by two jet-turbine engines which will operate the five-bladed main rotor. This means it can hover like a helicopter, but while flying forward it will experience reduction in the speed of the main rotor hence reducing its speed limit.

eurocopter

Bernd Brincken/wikipedia

Eurocopter X3

Kazakhstan to produce armed helicopters Kazakhstan is set to expand its production of military helicopters, with the ambition of becoming “one of the world flagships in the production of light attack helicopters,” the state defence company Kazakhstan Engineering has announced. The Kazakhs signed a memorandum of cooperation with European defence giant Eurocopter (a division of EADS) to build the EC 645 T2, an armed version of the EC 145 that is already being built in Kazakhstan. A press release from Kazakhstan Engineering stated: “According to the document [signed by Kazakhstan Engineering President Bolat Smagulov and Eurocopter Senior Vice President Olivier Lambert] the Joint Stock Company Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering, the only manufacturer of the EC 145 in the CIS, will assemble and service military helicopters EC 645 T2.

“The agreements... will allow the joint enterprise to move to a new step of its development, to establish assembly (with the production of some components) of a higher level of technology. The EC 645 T2 helicopter is one of the newest designs available on the world market. At the moment, serial production has not started in any country in the world. In the case of the successful realisation of the signed document, Kazakhstan will become one of the world flagships in the production of light attack helicopters.”

The EC 645 T2 isn’t currently in use with any military in the world, but it's a candidate for the US Army’s new Armed Aerial Scout helicopter and Kazakhstan’s leadership is too careful to say this out loud.

A legend turns 40

36

Dvurekov/wikimedia

This year marks the 40th anniversary of production of the Mi-24, the first purposebuilt Russian combat helicopter, at Rostov Helicopter Plant, known as Rosvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. The design of the Mi-24, a strike and transport helicopter was so successful that versions are still in use and are being produced till date — some 1,500 Mi-24s serve with the armed forces of 60 countries worldwide.

The Mi-35M is equipped with advanced high-precision weapons and can be used day and night to destroy armoured targets or to provide close air support for ground operations. The key

advantage of the Mi-35M is its round-the-clock combat capability. It comes with advanced navigation equipment and multifunctional colour displays, surveillance and targeting systems that include thermal imaging and television channel, a laser range finder and a location finder.

Cruising Heights April 2013

business aviation

“GA can provide last mile connectivity” India is one of the most important markets for business aviation with tremendous promise of growth. At the IACC and ACP’s recent seminar on the business aviation Industry, experts and stakeholders were unanimous in their view that there is need to rise above the mediocrity in standards hampering the industry, and requirement for active involvement by the government to achieve goals within a specified timeframe

I

hemant rawat

f India wants to be one of the top destinations for business aviation worldwide, there is need to establish new standards with state-of-the-art technology, infrastructure and facilities to usher in a new age of growth for business aviation.

“There is a quantum role of General Aviation (GA) in providing last mile connectivity,” said Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh.

Along with experts and industry stakeholders, the Minister was unanimous that there was a need to address the issues hindering the growth of business aviation.

“The 49 per cent FDI has been the most important recent development in business aviation,” said Singh, while trying to present a picture about the government’s efforts to provide the momentum. He was speaking at the seminar on general aviation organised by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) and US-India Aviation Cooperation Programme (ACP). The Minister went on to point out that there was need for “the low cost model for development of airports. `67000 crore will be invested in business aviation in the next five years. India can undoubtedly be a MRO hub in near future with the right efforts.

There is growing demand for sourcing of aviation components from India.” Positively, Singh held that setting up a specialised GA airport could showing the path: Civil be possible in the near future and Aviation Minister opined that there did not seem Ajit Singh at the much problems in the realisation seminar on of this dream.

Business Aviation: Similar hopes were expressed The Next Steps

by K Narayana Rao, Chairman, Civil Aviation Committee, PHDCCI, and Director, GMR Infrastructure Ltd. In a country that is two per cent in the world level in the GA field, he was optimistic, “in the coming times, we will have separate hangers for BA.” Cruising Heights April 2013

37

hemant rawat

business aviation

the businessmakers: (L-R) Raman Kapoor, Associate VP, Business Development, LIGARE Voyages; Judy Reinki, Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs, US Embassay; Arun Mishra, Director General, DGCA; Lalit Bhasin, Regional President, IACC; Todd Hattaway, Country Director, Beechcraft; Dr Vivek Lall, Chairman, Aviation and Aerospace Commitee and President and Ceo, new venture, Reliance industries Limited; CJ Collins, Senior Representative, Federal Aviation Administration and K Narayana Rao, Chairman, Civil Aviation Commitee, PHDCCI and Director, GMR Infrastructure Ltd.

Similarly, Todd Hattaway, Country Director, Beechcraft, echoed the need to reinvent if the sector had to survive and do well. “I agree that there are detractors, but it is not that only India has problems and we have to go beyond them and provide the right infrastructure.” He, like other industry experts, was of the view that this year’s Budget had not been helpful for the growth of the industry, but was positive that the future holds a lot of promise.

More stumbling blocks such as lack of specialised lounges and night landing facilities for business aviation were pointed out by Raman Kapoor, Associate VicePresident, Business Development, Ligare Voyages, who emphasised that the development of GA had attracted investment from foreign countries.

Even in these trying times, India could hit the top spot. Comparing the US with India, Judy Reinki, Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs, US Embassy, informed that the General Aviation sector had contributed $100 billion to the US economy and created many jobs. In addition, $90 billion was put in business aircraft in the US despite the economic downturn. India was one of the best penetrated GA markets, so the sector could play a major role in the progress of India’s economy.

This progress, however, could not be at the cost of safety, as Arun Mishra, Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, held out. He stressed that regulation of safety was very important for GA. “We have not been able to have a separate wing on GA in DGCA”, he said and added that there were certain safety-related issues in business aviation that could not be compromised upon and that standards had to be maintained, even if it required large investments, time and training.

38

In addition to safety, transparency was Environmental Affairs, General Aviation also seen as an important point for workManufacturers Association (GAMA) also ing towards business aviation’s accelerated explained GA to be one of the ladder’s for a growth and Lex Den Herder, Vice Presicountry’s progress: “General and business dent, Government and Industry Affairs, aviation can be an integral part of a naUniversal Weather and Aviation Inc., said tion’s transportation infrastructure and they that Quality audit should be done periodican contribute to regional development, cally and the outcome of the audit should economic prosperity and job creation both be monitored by higher authorities. He directly and through the network of indusmade another important point by informing tries that support a strong general aviation that the APIS — Advance Passenger Inforindustry.” mation System was currently not utilised This, he said was supported by figures for BA in India. which point out that if business aviation One of the major reasons that these hinwas provided the right stimulation, 640 drances have been affecting the growth of districts of India would be connected with business aviation is the fact that “although each other, 3000 towns and villages would BA is very different from commerbe accessible conveniently, 9000 cial aviation, yet this sector has new airports would be develIt is so far operated largely under oped physically and privately, important the shadow of scheduled creating five lakh new jobs. commercial aviation. GA In addition, tourism would to develop Terminals in metro cities boom and aircraft manusupporting inneed an upgrade in terms facturing would develop. frastructure at of separate terminal, parkExpressing the same airports in Tier ing space, etc. It is imporpositivity, Rohit Kapur, tant to develop supporting President, BAOA said: 2/3 cities infrastructure at airports in Tier “Surely there is realisation that 2/3 cities including night landing we need to take concrete steps facilities, enhancement of passenger amewith a targeted deadline to achieve the renities and state support in statutory services quired growth. However, it is time that not to boost the GA industry,” said Rajan Mehjust business jet service providers, but also ra, MD, Universal Weather and Aviation — other government bodies and concerned India. “These problems are despite the fact authorities such as FICCI, etc. should come that the GA industry’s revenue is expected up to provide the support that is required.” to grow more than $270 million by the end There was definitely a need to speed of 2013 and cross $320 million by 2017.” up in every which way and the industry He pointed out that ‘similar restrictions experts took pains to emphasise that fact. that affect international business aviation It remains to be seen when the sector will to India also limits Indian business aviation achieve the breakthrough that will shorten from having easier and more timely access the long time that is taken to set up a private to international markets!” jet facility due to the legalities involved.  In the same fashion, Ed Smith, Se— Nidhi Sharma nior Vice President — International and Cruising Heights April 2013

Nextant: Huge growth potential in India Nextant Aerospace, which describes itself as ‘the world’s only business jet remanufacturer’, is here to woo Indian entrepreneurs with their remanufactured business jets, Nextant 400XTs, that cost roughly half the price of comparable new jets and fly more

A

major venture in the Indian market is being planned by Nextant Aerospace, the American company that restores worn-out jets and represents the most comprehensive evolution of any civilian turbine aircraft available today: a Hawker Beechcraft 400A/XP totally remanufactured in accordance with strict FAA and Nextant Aerospace standards.

To explain the technicality of the company’s functioning, Nextant works only on one brand of jets — the Hawker Beechjet 400A/XPs, and remanufactures it as the Nextant 400XTs that are equipped with Williams FJ44-3AP engines and Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated avionics suite. These new aircraft have the advantage of aerodynamic enhancements, including newly designed nacelles (streamlined enclosures for engines), pylons and an improved engine-mounting configuration.

The 400XT is delivered as a new aircraft with a two-year, full aircraft warranty and is equivalent to a new aircraft in all mate-

rial respects with a single exception: value.

The company describes itself as ‘the world’s only business jet remanufacturer’ and at $4.5 million apiece, the ‘remanufactured’ jets are roughly half the price of comparable new jets.

For Nextant Aerospace launched in 2007, the proposition is proving hugely attractive. It has secured sales of over $100 million since late 2011 and it currently has a sales backlog valued in excess of $175 million.

The 400XT’s 50 per cent extended range means that it can carry four passengers up to 2,000 nautical miles. This range was demonstrated recently when the aircraft flew non-stop from Dubai to Bengaluru; a journey that also marked its maiden voyage to India.

Speaking about their massive India venture, Sean McGeough, President of Nextant Aerospace said: “The remanufacturing process results in a fundamentally new aircraft at prices closer to that of a Cruising Heights April 2013

taking right steps ● The Nextant 400XT has a base price that is half the price of a comparable aircraft. ● Focus on advanced technology means the jet can boast a 30 per cent improvement in operating costs compared to other similar jets ● Nextant announces maiden flight of the 400XT into International Airport, Bengaluru ● New research estimates that the Indian entry-level jet market is worth more than $285 million ● New analysis reveals that there are 87 entry level jets in India

39

business aviation

“Indian market is larger than China and Dubai” Sean McGeough, President of Nextant Aerospace, says that the company provides its customers with the same aircraft purchase experience expected from a major business jet manufacturer After the recession, where does India stand vis-à-vis giants such as China and Dubai?

The market in India is larger than both China and Dubai. There are Sean McGeough far too many examples of how business aircraft are used in India and abroad as a competitive advantage to win business.

Is the company marketing its products to prospective customers in India?

The Nextant 400XT will be back in India in early April performing demo flights for prospective owners and flight departments. We believe that Nextant’s proposition will be extremely attractive to both corporates and individuals looking for their first business jet or those looking to increase performance whilst

pre-owned aircraft, creating value for purchasers of light jets. In addition, Nextant provides customers with the same new aircraft purchase experience they expect from a major aircraft manufacturer. Customers also have control of the interior completion of their 400XT, and are able to visit our design centre to collaborate on every detail.”

The time is right According to industry experts and stakeholders, this is a very good time to venture into the India market. According to a report published by global consultancy firm PwC, which was commissioned by FICCI, the business jet market in the country is poised flying high on jets: The interiors of a Nextant 400XT corporate jet built to customers' specifications

40

cutting overhead costs. Our strategy is to engage with our key clientele across India and highlight the 400XT’s unparalleled range, efficiency and value.

Are customers interested in buying second hand business aircraft?

We prefer to describe the aircraft as remanufactured 400XT. All the life-limited components of the aircraft are zerotimed, as a matter of fact, as a result of the remanufacturing process you end up with an aircraft that is 88 per cent new by value. That means an aircraft that looks and feels brand new, with the latest engines, avionics and aerodynamic enhancement at 50 per cent of the cost of comparable aircraft and up to 30 per cent lower operating costs.

Will the aircraft get servicing and spares easily? In case of requirement, will they

to nearly double in the next five years. The Business Aircraft Operators Association is also optimistic as far as growth figures are concerned. Incidentally, only China, with 220, boasts more such aircraft in the region.

McGeough informed: “The Indian market is showing a huge potential for growth.

Our research reveals that 17 per cent of Asian entry-level jets, or 87 aircraft, are based in India, with an estimated value of around $285 million.” Furthermore, around 40 per cent of the Indian fleet is more than 10 years old, a proposition in that aircraft makers smell business.

It may be mentioned that in this promising scenario after the recession of the past two years, Nextant research points that the Indian jet market is not only growing in the long term, but there are also a number of jets up for sale.

A large number of corporates are trimming their fleet to cut costs. How does a company capture a market that is cutting costs by trimming themselves of jets? Nextant beCruising Heights April 2013

contact Nextant Aerospace or the manufacturers?

The aircraft is produced in a factory environment and the company provide its customers with the same new aircraft purchase experience expected from any of the major business jet manufacturers.

As a result, Nextant offers a two-year full warranty for the airframe, systems and components, avionics, paint and interior items and a three-year warranty for the engines.

Nextant also has a global support network of service and overhaul centres, comprising of 9 in the US and another seven international, in London, Germany, Dubai, South Africa, Singapore, New Zeeland and Australia, respectively. The company has also invested in a world-class parts distribution network to speed parts quickly and efficiently to owners anywhere in the world.

lieves many of these owners will still want a private jet. What matters to them is more value for money (in other words, cheaper options) and lower operational costs. The company sees a huge opportunity in India because entrepreneurs who may not have been able to buy a new aircraft might go for a plane that will not depreciate in value during the time it is with the owner. Also, the company claims that their technological creations, that improve operating costs by 30 per cent, could have a strong impact on the region’s business aviation market.

“The 400XT will be able to fly four passengers and their luggage from Delhi to destinations like Riyadh and Beijing on a single tank of fuel. The company sees a huge opportunity in India because entrepreneurs who may not have been able to buy a new aircraft might warm up to the idea of buying one that cannot take further hits in depreciation,” McGeough elaborated.

For the past year or so, Nextant has hit the sweet spot in terms of sales, delivering planes to customers in markets as diverse as West Asia and Europe. “Despite government and financing regulations remaining a challenge for the growth of business aviation in India, the country has seen a continued demand for entry-level jets over the past decade,” he said.  — Nidhi Sharma

business aviation

City-pair speed record by G650 Once more, a city-pair speed record has been set by the Gulfstream G650, in a flight between Melbourne and Abu Dhabi. The record is the flagship aircraft’s sixth potential record this year.

The speed record was set as the demonstration aircraft departed Avalon 2013 for the Abu Dhabi Air Expo.

The G650, carrying five crew and two passengers, took off from Melbourne International Airport and landed 13 hours and five minutes later at Abu Dhabi Al Bateen Executive Airport. The G650 cruised at an average speed of Mach 0.87 for the 6,329nmi (11,721km) flight.

The Melbourne-Abu Dhabi trip is the demonstration aircraft’s longest duration nonstop flight since it entered service in late 2012.

Jetairfly starts E190 operations

The first of the two Embraer 190 leased by Jetairfly, the Belgian subsidiary of leisure travel group TUI Travel PLC (‘TUI Travel’), from BOC Aviation, the Singapore-based aircraft leasing company, have been received. The aircraft was delivered during a recent ceremony at Embraer’s headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The second E190 is due to follow during the first semester of 2013.

Jetairfly’s E190s are configured with 112 slim line seats in a single-class layout.

The company plans to operate the aircraft from Brussels airport to various destinations in its European network including Faro in Portugal, Málaga in Spain, and Zakynthos in Greece.

“Not only are we welcoming a new customer to our portfolio of E-Jet operators, the airline’s selection is yet another endorsement of the versatility of the E-Jets product line”, said Paulo Cesar Silva, President and CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation.

EBACE Symposium prep gain momentum As the symposium of the European Corporate Flight Attendant Committee (ECFAC) fast approaches in May at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, interest in the dedicated Flight Attendant event is gathering momentum as major sponsors and distinguished speakers confirm their participation.

2000S, 2000LXS get certified EASA certification has been received by the 2000S and 2000LXS. FAA approval is expected to follow shortly.

Unveiled in May 2011, the Falcon 2000S is Equipped with a full slate of standard features and will begin deliveries in the second quarter of 2013. The Falcon 2000LXS will replace the 2000LX by the end of 2013.

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With the full backing of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and

European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), the newly

formed committee’s symposium has attracted major sponsors from the business aviation community. Companies that have confirmed their involvement include global aviation company, TAG Aviation; worldwide FBO and leading ground support organisation, Universal Aviation and leading business aviation services company, Gama Aviation.

Falcon 2000 completes 20 yrs Dassault marked the Falcon 2000 business jet’s 20th anniversary at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013, where the company presented its range of business jets including the next generation Falcon 2000LXS. It was in March 1993 in Bordeaux-Mérignac (France) that the Dassault Falcon 2000 business jet’s first flight. Since its certification, Dassault has delivered nearly 500

Falcon 2000s worldwide and the global fleet has achieved close to two million flying hours, making it one of the world’s most popular and widely used business jets in operation.

“The Falcon 2000 family of business jets has been a long-lasting success because of its cabin amenities, superior fuel efficiency and high retained value,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon.

Embraer Jets participate at Abu Dhabi Air Expo Embraer Executive Jets participated at the recent Abu Dhabi Air Expo at Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE. For the second time, the company promoted its seven-

aircraft portfolio as well as its customer services and solutions. The ultra-large Lineage 1000 was accompanied on the static display by the large Legacy 650 and the Phenom

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300 light jet.

“Embraer Executive Jets’ participation at Abu Dhabi Air Expo is an opportunity to promote our product portfolio in the Middle-East, one of the most promising markets for corporate aviation,” said Colin Steven, Vice President, Marketing and Sales — Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Embraer Executive Jets. “With our extensive product line, Embraer Executive Jets can meet all market expectations.”

aero engines

GE begins assembly of first Passport E Aviation is assembling the first Passport development engine for the Bombardier Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft. Testing of the engine is scheduled for the second quarter of this year.

The Passport engine for the Global 7000 and Global 8000 business jets will produce 16,500 pounds of thrust and will incorporate advanced technologies and materials to provide up to 11 per cent lower specific fuel consumption than engines in its class. Some of the highlights of this engine include: • A composite fan case to reduce weight; • A unique 52-inch front fan blisk for lower cabin noise and vibration; • Technologies from GE’s eCore suite to

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LATEST DEVELOPMENT: GE Aviation is assembling the first Passport development engine, as the testing of the engine is scheduled in the second quarter of 2013

lower emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

The Passport’s integrated propulsion system from Nexcelle, a joint venture between GE and Safran, will feature a slim-line nacelle with outward opening cowl to reduce weight and drag while allowing for easy maintenance access and high dispatch availability.

Since launching the engine in 2010, GE has conducted validation tests on the fan blisk design, including two fan bladeout rig tests, ingestion tests and a fan aero rig test to demonstrate fan efficiency. Testing was completed on two eCore demonstrators, which accumulated 150 hours.

Another eCore demonstrator is scheduled to run this year.

PW206B3 to power EC135 P3

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olls-Royce has launched the latest variant of its M250 engine: the M250-C47E. The US Navy has committed as the first military customer to incorporate the M250-C47E into the Northrop Grumman MQ-8C Fire Scout. Rolls-Royce has delivered a development engine to Northrop Grumman for a demonstrator aircraft for the Rapid Deployment Capability programme. The M250-C47E takes the outstanding performance of the -C47B/M and joins it with a Value Improvement Package (VIP) and a new, dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). The engine design includes a similar mounting configuration to the -C47B/M models.

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urocopter will use PW206B3 engines to power the next EC135 helicopter, the EC135 P 3 .

“The PW200 family was created to respond to demand for a new-generation engine for the light single- and twin-engine helicopter market,” said Richard Dussault, Vice President, Marketing, P&WC. “The engine has filled its role flawlessly over the years and it now powers more light twin helicopters than any other engine in the market. The en-

gine continues to be highly regarded because of its high power-to-weight ratio, its reliability and solid environmental performance.”

“Through Pratt & Whitney’s ongoing investment in product improvements and industry partnerships the engine continuously surpasses established goals of time on-wing and support turnaround time,” said Deachin.

“The F117 engine can remain onwing for up to eight years between servicing visits, which lowers maintenance costs and provides outstanding mission readiness for C-17 customers.”

The C-17 Globemaster III — the world’s premier heavy airlifter — is operated by four F117 engines, each rated at 40,440 pounds of thrust, enabling the C-17 transport to carry a payload of 164,900 pounds and fly 2,400 nautical miles without refueling. The F117-PW-100 first entered service in 1993.

With more than 10 million hours of proven military service and 50 million hours in commercial use, the F117/PW2040 has consistently proven itself as a world-class dependable engine.

Latest M250 variant by RR

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NEW GENERATION: (Above) Airbus-320neo will incorporate (below) Pratt & Whitney PW1100G Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine, which is under flight testing

GTF for A320NEO ready for flight tests

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Boeing 747SP flying hours of testing and 450 hours in flight. testbed in the second Following delivery of the first shipset of quarter of 2013, and PW1500Gs to Bombardier for the CSeries, is one of eight test Pratt is now building four production enengines in the progines in readiness for the start of flight tests gramme. The first of the aircraft later this year.The PW1200G flight-compliant profor the MRJ also is fully designed and duction engines are about to start certification tests. It will be set to begin assembly certificated in 2014. in late 2013 to supThe other engine on offer for the NEO port the Airbus flight is the CFM International LEAP-X engine. test and certification It is the only engine offered on rival 737 effort. This is schedMAX competing for the same space. For uled to include four CFM the issue really will be to make sure aircraft: two A320s, there is no real efficiency issue between the one A319 and an A321. two engines. Were that to be proved then The good news for customers is that CFM could well have a headache that it Pratt that had initially targeted a 12 per will have to contend with. cent reduction in fuel burn with the GTF General Electric has been selected as but now will achieve 15 the sole enginemaker per cent.

by Boeing for its just The robust perforannounced 777X. The mance of the engine is wide-bodied 777 airPratt currently reflected in the market recraft is a bestseller from has about 1,150 action: the announcement the Boeing stable and of the PW1700G/1900G one of its most profitPW1100G engines variants for Embraer’s able jets. Boeing is tryon firm order for the second-generation E-Jet ing to consolidate its A320NEO. The first series in January marked market in this segment the fifth application for with an updated verPratt-powered NEO the PW1000G series afsion that is more fuel is planned to enter ter Bombardier’s CSeries, efficient and carries service in 2015 the A320NEO, Mitsubishi more passengers. The Regional Jet (MRJ) and new breed of 777X jets Irkut’s MS-21 project. is expected to be operaPratt has over 3,000 tional by the end of this engines on order. Overall over 15 engines decade. have been tested and accumulated 4,500 “This decision to work with GE going

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he first Pratt & Whitney PW1100G Geared Turbofan (GTF) to be flight tested for the Airbus A320NEO is being prepared for installation on the Boeing 747SP testbed in Mirabel, Canada. Some 112 hours of ground tests have already been conducted at Pratt’s West Palm Beach site. Pratt has made minor design adjustments on the second engine before it began ground tests.

The PW1100G is due to be certified early in the third quarter of 2014, and should power the A320NEO for its initial test flight shortly afterward. Pratt currently has about 1,150 PW1100G engines on firm order for the A320NEO, or slightly under half the overall market that has so far selected an engine. The PW1100G competes with CFM International’s Leap-1A, which is due to run for the first time in the third quarter. The first Pratt-powered NEO is planned to enter service in October 2015.

The PW1100G is expected to fly on the

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Pratt reveals faulty testing I

t requires a huge dose of courage and determination to correct wrongs that’s seen Pratt & Whitney disclose it has demolished an alleged fake testing scheme by a sister United Technologies unit. The scam affected thousands of engine parts used on top of business jets and turboprop aircraft flown by airlines around the world.

The investigation officially discovered: • It was an intricate multi-year operation to fake metallurgical test results, so as to make particular engine forgings appear to meet extra-stringent standards when they were infact short.

• The scam was carried out from the mid-1990s to early 2011.

• The scheme was the brainchild of managers at UT’s Carmel Forge unit in Israel.

• Readings were systematically altered or manipulated for more than 40,000 disks.

• The metal parts under suspicion were used in various engines made by Pratt & Whitney’s Canadian operations.

• The parts don’t pose any safety hazard.

• The FAA considered the issue serious enough to launch a formal administra-

tive proceeding after being informed

by Pratt of its probe.

Reports quoting Jay DeFrank, Pratt & Whitney’s chief spokesman, quoted him as saying he wasn’t aware of another instance in which Pratt & Whitney qualitycontrol experts “have seen falsification of this magnitude”.

However, the spokesman declined to specify aircraft models that had been impacted by the Carmel Forge discs. “It would be inappropriate to provide a list of customers because we want to ensure all have been notified before they read their names in the media,” he said.

P&W has now put new procedures, policies and oversight structures in place.

Pratt & Whitney’s description amounts to one of the aerospace industry’s longest and most-pervasive examples of improper testing in recent years.

For the record it may be mentioned that nearly 50,000 Pratt & Whitney Canada engines are currently installed on roughly 28,000 aircraft — including helicopters — in 200 countries, with total operating time close to 600 million hours in the air. They are world leaders turboprop development and crafting engines for midsize business jets.

PW206 and 207 TBO increased T

he Time Between Overhaul (TBO) for the all new PW206 and PW207 engines has been extended to 4,000 hours. The time between overhaul (TBO) extensions will help operators derive more value from the engines and is the result of ongoing investments to enhance the product and reflect the outstanding reliability and dependability of the engine.

The TBO extension will be applicable to all new PW206 and PW207 engines along with all the engines currently in service that will meet specifications as per the company. The engine upgradation will be available to operators who want to take advantage of the Cruising Heights April 2013

increased TBO interval, that brings additional value to the operating cost.

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forward reflects the best match to the development programme, schedule and airplane performance,” Bob Feldmann, Vice President and General Manager of 777X development, said in a statement and added: “We are studying airplane improvements that will extend today’s 777 efficiencies and reliability for the next two decades or longer, and the engines are a significant part of that effort.”

“We have had strong and productive engagement with a broad set of customers in the marketplace to understand their future needs,” Feldmann said and added: “We are aggressively moving forward on our (development) plan and will continue to refine requirements with customers.”

Boeing has stated that part of the process of developing the 777X included consultations with present widebodied (777) customers globally. What is now left is for the company’s board to formally approve the programme and for the aircraft to be on offer to customers.

According to reports, what the Rolls was offering was the RB3025— an advanced three-shaft design with a 10 per cent fuel-burn improvement over the existing GE90 that will be the GE’s GE9X. GE has already announced that it will run the first version of a new core for the GE9X by the first half of 2014.

The first step is likely to lead to a design freeze in 2015 and engine testing in 2016. The 747-400 flying testbed testing is likely in 2017, with certification the following year.

Interestingly, in October last year, GE had announced that Mitsui & Co. had become the first strategic partner to join the GE9X engine development project.

Rolls’ RB3025 proposal was close in thrust to the Trent XWB-97 in development for the Airbus A350-1000.

Rolls is the exclusive engine for this aircraft. One reason why Boeing could have been reluctant to go with Rolls is the fear that Rolls could later, perhaps, use that as a base to develop an engine for a variant of the A350-1000 dubbed the A350-1200 that Airbus is likely to announce in the future.

GE Aviation said in a statement that its study of a prospective 777X engine, called the GE9X, “has been underway for several years. The study is focussed on an engine in the 100,000 lbs. thrust class and will offer a 10 per cent fuel burn improvement over today’s GE90 engines”.

RE-ENGINEERING: The time between overhaul (TBO) for the new PW206 and PW207 engines has been extended to 4,000 hours

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HTS900 to power Eagle 407HP

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RE-PROGRAMMING: (Above) Eagle 407HP has chosen (below) Honeywell HTS900 turbo-shaft engine for the re-engine programme

oneywell has announced that the latest HTS900 turbo-shaft engine had been chosen by Eagle Copters Ltd. for the re-engine programme for the Eagle 407HP. After the successful conclusion of integration and ground testing, the Eagle 407HP is in the final steps for the certification from Transport Canada and Federal Aviation Administration.

The Bell 407 helicopter is considered to be one of the most versatile helicopters in operation and operators are looking for better engines to enhance the performance. Eagle Copters will be replacing the incumbent turbine

engine with the HTS900 turbine engine to improve the 407’s performance at high altitudes and hot ambient temperatures (high/hot capabilities) which will reduce fuel consumption by 8 to 10 per cent.

The Honeywell HTS900 engine incorporates numerous next-generation technologies and produces an excess of 1,000 hp at the time of takeoff. This significant increase has improved the payload capability of the helicopter.

The Eagle 407HP with the new Honeywell HTS900 engine was on show at the recent Heli-Expo 2013 trade show in Las Vegas, US.

500,000 S-92 flight hours on GE’s CT7 Global service for RR300s S today are flown in the offshore configuration, with 54 per cent being flown in harsh North Sea conditions. Designers mandated FAR/JAR safety margins, on-condition maintenance and revenue-producing operating costs for commercial customers.

“GE congratulates Sikorsky and the S-92 fleet for this noteworthy achievement,” said Lisa Coroa Bockley, Director — CT7/ T700 Commercial and Advanced Programmes. “We are proud to power this terrific aircraft, and feel good knowing our engines help the S-92 save lives through search and rescue, transport heads of state, and service the offshore oil industry by getting workers to their jobs and home again.”

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olls-Royce has established a new global services network for maintenance, repair and overhaul of the growing RR300 engine fleet.

The RR300 powers the Robinson R66 helicopter, with approximately 300 fielded aircraft operating in 10 countries around the world. The new network will offer services to operators at regional MRO facilities as well as competitive options between the regions.

The new global service network is the latest example of Rolls-Royce delivering local support to customers across the globe. The new RR300 MRO network will provide efficient and economical service to the existing and growing R66 fleet. These MRO facilities were selected to provide the best services to the customers for the RR300 engine.

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vectoraerospace

erving customers around the world in missions as diverse as the countries flying it, the GE CT7-8A-powered S-92 global helicopter fleet has surpassed 500,000 flight hours. This translates into one million engine flight hours for the CT7-8A on this twin-engine aircraft.

“The S-92 helicopter was conceived as a commercial aircraft with the heart of a Black Hawk and designed to meet the needs of the North Sea offshore market, and today, the S-92 helicopter is a well-established, versatile aircraft that has become known for its reliability, comfort and safety features,” said Mick Maurer, Sikorsky President.

More than 90 per cent of all S-92 hours

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“IT to define air travel by 2015” Today, when consumer is king, a recent report by SITA claims how IT will significantly define the way we travel — by empowering customers by 2015

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hanks to acceleration provided

by IT innovation — made use by airlines, airports and passengers — the way we travel will change significantly by 2015, claims a recent report published by IT specialist SITA. The report, Flying into the Future, further states that over the next three years, the industry will see a major transformation in the way passengers buy travel services and use self-service along their journey. In addition, these journeys will take place in a fully mobile and social environment with airlines and airports intelligently using vast quantities of data to deliver real service and operational improvements. Speaking in the context, Nigel Pickford, Director Market Insight, SITA, said: “IT has already had

a major influence on air travel. And with the number of global travellers expected to double by 2030, it will continue to lead the way for the industry. Our survey analysis shows four major IT trends which will shape the entire travel experience, from how we book flights to how we interact with airlines and airports during the journey, to the kinds of services we expect.”

SITA’s survey of airlines, airports and passengers worldwide claims about the trends following trends that will lead the way: • The way passengers buy travel will change. By 2015, both airlines and airports expect the web and the mobile phone to be the top two sales channels.

Passengers are asking for a more perCruising Heights April 2013

sonalised buying experience, and the industry is responding.

• Passengers will take more control. By 2015, 90 per cent of airlines will offer mobile check-in — up from 50 per cent today. Passengers will use 2D boarding passes or contactless technology such as Near Field Communications (NFC) on their phones, at different stages of their journey, such as at boarding gates, fast-track security zones and to access premium passenger lounges.

• Customer services will become more mobile and social. By 2015, nine out of ten airlines and airports will provide flight updates using smartphone apps.

The industry is also exploring apps to improve the customer experience.

• The passenger experience will improve thanks to better business intelligence.

By 2015, more than 80 per cent of airports and airlines will invest in business intelligence (BI) solutions. Most will focus on improving customer service and satisfaction, often through personalised services.

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interview Manish Jaikrishna, VP, India and Sub-continent, SITA, talks about future proof IT infrastructure

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Abacus, jetstar sign distribution system Asia Pacific's revenue partner continues tie-up with Jetstar

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STATE-OF-THE-ART boarding gates Three hi-tech boarding gates have been unveiled at LAX

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“We aspire for a future proof IT infrastructure” In a scenario where India is predicted to be among the top three aviation markets in the world by 2020, Maneesh Jaikrishna, Vice-President, India and Sub-continent, SITA, talks to Nidhi Shama about how technology needs to be utilised as a strategic tool for development, and not just an operational issue to be in the top slot As an aviation market, what do you have to say about India?

India is definitely one of the strongest and progressive markets worldwide. Today, it is the ninth largest civil aviation market in the world and ranks fourth in domestic passenger volumes with a market worth of $12billion. With 450 million passengers by 2020, India is slated to become the third largest aviation market in the world. So we have very high hopes and want to nurture this market to be at the top slot.

India is a resource based talent pool and not just a market. Since Indian minds have helped technological progress at airports worldwide, we should not be lagging behind anybody.

What are the kinds of challenges faced in this process of growth?

Speaking from a technological perspecpective, technology is still not regarded as a strategic tool for development, but more of an operational issue. Not very innovative

“ We aspire for equitable growth and a future proof infrastructure, which has not been achieved yet. For policymakers, upgradation and technological advancement are the major challenges. ” Maneesh Jaikrishna VP, India and Sub-continent, SITA

steps have been taken in India. However, the positive picture is that with only three per cent of the country’s population flying by plane, there is tremendous potential for growth of India as an aviation market. We want to make IT scalable and affordable for all.

We aspire for equitable growth and a future proof infrastructure, which has not been achieved yet. For policymakers, upgradation and technological advancement are the major challenges.

The growth, as we know, is concentrated in metro cities. 80 per cent of activity happens at 20 per cent airports. So one of the plan of actions is to take the development and growth to regional airports and Tier II and III cities.

How do you see slow pace of red tapism and bureaucratic affect the pace of growth?

It is a fact that government processes and procedures take their own time, and we have realised and accepted this. So while making strategies and undertaking projects, we keep in mind a realistic timeframe.

hemant rawat

We would like to know more about the recent tie-up between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and SITA to improve passenger experience at 25 Indian airports by upgrading to SITA’s passenger management systems Yes, this was an important development.

As mentioned on previous occasions, passengers will begin to experience the benefits of this new technology at the integrated passenger terminals in 2013. This project by AAI includes the largest multiairport implementation of passenger systems in the country and will bring benefits to all stakeholders including airlines and passengers.

From the technology aspect, the AAISITA partnership will provide long term

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strategic engagement in various mission critical technology areas, fully outsourced services for the passenger processing solutions, best in class and future proof technology with transformational solutions, introduction of CUTE (CUPPS compliant), CUSS on APCO platform and AAI will be secured from technology obsolescence.

From the stakeholder management aspect, SITA will be managing all airlines expectations, contracts, billing, SLA etc. on AAI’s behalf for the aspect of passenger processing.

While the commercial aspect includes SITA being elevated from an IT vendor to a true partner of AAI and becoming one of the key concessionaires of AAI, in addition to the facelift of IT infrastructure at these 25 airports without any AAI capex outgo. Moreover, there will be a consistent revenue stream and no extra manpower deployed from AAI. The benefits of this partnership will be many. For the airlines, there will be no capex, pay per use for airlines, optimisation in network connectivity, ease in opening/ closing stations, outsourced model, minimum requirement of A/L IT staff , increase counters on demand and faster turnaround of aircraft.

For the airports, there will be upgrade of metro as well as regional airports, IT modernisation with revenue generation, capability to attract more airlines and no risk of passenger growth. Passengers will get standard service across 38 airports, there will be lower costs as per economies of scale, self - service facility with no congestion, reduced check in time, better information display and an overall improved travel experience.

The best part of the project is that revenue generation can happen simultaneously for AAI along with the modernisation.

I would like to mention that in the not too distant future, SITA is also contending strongly for AOCC project floated by AAI. The future — what do you think it will bring for India?

There are lots of plans for exploiting the untapped potential of India. This includes the Baggage Reconciliation System (BRS), which is the next logical IT initiative that will ensure passenger and bag fly together. Then there are self boarding gates to maximise the flow of passenger boarding and enable agents to provide additional customer service.

Also, Self Bag Drop, in line with the IATA fast travel initiatives the ability for passengers to control the acceptan ce of their baggage is required. n

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Self-service e-gates at Copenhagen I

n an initiative to enhance passenger experience by saving time and stress, new self-service boarding pass scanners have replaced manual boarding pass checks at Copenhagen Airport.

“Our passenger interviews show that self-service travellers are satisfied travellers,” said Johnnie Müller, Head of Security, at Copenhagen Airport. “Today, 75 per cent of passengers checkin online, at airport kiosks or by mobile phone. For this reason, we are convinced that passengers will welcome the new e-gates, which will make it even easier for them to make their way through the airport.”

Passengers are granted access to the security screening area after they selfscan their boarding passes at the e-gate, that are capable of reading both hardcopy boarding passes and digital copies on mobile phones. futuretravelexperience.com

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“The new e-gates will increase our capacity at security, as we will go from the four desks we have now to six e-gates, which will make it even faster and easier to get through the necessary security check,” said Müller. Two manned desks will remain open to assist passengers with children or reduced mobility, as well as the two express lanes used by CPH Express customers.

Abacus tie up with Jetstar continues

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bacus International, Asia Pacific’s leading revenue partner for airlines has announced the signing of a new longterm global distribution agreement with Jetstar Group and Jetstar Japan.

The new agreement will ensure that all Abacus-connected agencies across the region will have access to content from the Jetstar Group of Airlines, an increasingly important low-cost option for travellers in Asia Pacific. It will also help to strengthen the airline’s growth in its key bases such as Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam.

Abacus currently boasts the largest LCC, Hybrid and Regional portfolio in Asia Pacific and counts several airlines within the Jetstar Group such as Jetstar International (JQ), Valuair (VF) and Jetstar Asia (3K) as current partners. In fact, Abacus expects that Jetstar Group of airlines will more than double its bookings on Abacus platform this year with the inclusion of Jetstar Japan (GK) and Jetstar Hong Kong when it launches in Cruising Heights April 2013

2013.

Chief Commercial Officer of the Jetstar Group, David Koczkar said: “Jetstar prides itself on continuing to invest in partnerships which help us provide even more customers with the lowest fares.

As we continue to grow within the region through our new network in Japan and Jetstar Hong Kong later in the year, being able to tap on Abacus’ wide network of travel agencies across the Asia Pacific, will be invaluable and will provide us with great travel growth opportunities.”

Ho Hoong Mau, Division Head, Airline Distribution, Abacus International said: “With our extensive coverage of the Asia Pacific region as well as our indepth knowledge of the markets, we are confident that we will be able to best support the airline during this time of growth.

By facilitating Jetstar Group of airlines in their interline sales and code share with their multiple partners, we are seeing many interesting through traffic combinations emerging on our platforms.”

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Journey of the future trialled I

llustrating how services can be used to develop an airport journey that is personalised to individual passenger needs, a successful trial of the simulation of a passenger journey of the future was recently unveiled at Gatwick Airport by biometric technology developer Human Recognition Systems (HRS). The company’s move was facilitated by its development of a Gatwick Airport app.

Passengers were first biometrically identified at the airport’s car park barrier and automatically notified of the travel details unique to their specific journey via the mobile application. This process of feeding the passenger personalised information continued once within the proximity of certain airport waypoints, and the app acted as a constant source of information for the passenger, providing guidance and wayfinding assistance through the terminal.

he popularity of the free online access provided

by Finavia at Helsinki Airport has been increasing each year. “The number of users in the wireless network has increased massively in the last 12 months. In January 2013, the number of users was 168 per cent higher than in January 2012,” said Ville Haapasaari, Airport Director.

In fact, user volume is now almost 30 times higher than figures in January 2009. The user interfaces have also changed; a few years ago, Windows installed on a laptop was the main way of connecting to the airport’s wireless network, but now 67 per cent of visitors use the network with Android.

Last year, Finavia improved the WLAN connection at Helsinki by increasing the number of base stations to more than 80 and upgrading the speed rate.

Haapasaari commented: “Especially international pas-

passengerterminaltoday.com

futuretravelexperience.com

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Enhanced passenger experience at Helsinki sengers thank us continuously for the Helsinki Airport WiFi, because only few airports in the world are providing a well-functioning, fast wireless online connection, which is free of charge.”

State-of-the-art boarding gates at LAX

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s part of a multi-billion dollar development programme for LAX by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), three state-of-the-art aircraft boarding gates have been unveiled at Los Angeles International Airport’s New Tom Bradley International Terminal. The gates, which were presented by Los Angeles’ Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa recently, are the first of 18 to be built at the terminal.

ukintpress.com

The new gates will include cuttingedge, laser-based visual guidance docking systems, and computerised passenger boarding bridges, which will automate operations between the terminal and aircraft doors. Nine of the 18 gates have been designed to accommodate larger, new generation aircraft such as the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and Airbus A-380 super jumbo jets.

UK travellers want more inflight mobility

bizhappy

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ccording to a survey conducted for AeroMobile, the leading mobile phone operator for the aviation industry, British passengers want more connectivity and mobile services while onboard their flight. It claims that 70 per cent of UK travellers would use their mobile phones while on a plane if they had the option. The census also revealed that the majority of people questioned expect that inflight mobile services will become a standard facility on aircraft in the next few years.

The study of 2000 UK consumers showed that almost half would use inflight Cruising Heights April 2013

mobile services to send text messages and 44 per cent would like access to social networking apps like Facebook and Twitter while up in the air.

A third of travellers said they would use their phones to surf the internet, while a quarter would distract themselves by playing games on their mobile devices. Just 19 per cent wanted to use services to call from the air. The poll also identified an age gap associated with adopting inflight mobile technology; over 80 per cent of under-35 said they would use their phones inflight, but just over half of over-55 would.

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Cruising heights www.cruisingheights.in | April 2013

GREAT RECOGNITION: Qatar Airways CEO Akber Al Bakar being presented a memento by Tony Tyler, IATA's Director General and CEO at World Cargo Symposium, 2013 in Doha

PROMISE TO DELIVER

Focused on Action for Sustainability, the Seventh World Cargo Symposium looked at long-term strategies and partnerships between air cargo stakeholders for sustainable development.

Tyler's cargo priorities

Time to start AFSs

IBS scores - yet again

IATA Chief Tony Tyler exhorted air cargo stakeholders to unite and speak in one voice

Air cargo at airports would move faster if Air Freight Stations start operations

IBS has signed a 10-year contract with Turkish Cargo for its iCargo solution

Last in/first out

Firm air cargo growth: AAPA

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he traffic figures for January 2013 released recently by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed that demand for air cargo strengthened in advance of the Chinese New Year holiday period which fell in February this year compared to January last year.

Asia Pacific international air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), saw firm growth of 4.3

per cent compared to the same month in 2012. The average Asia Pacific international air cargo load factor was 2.9 percentage points higher at 62.8 per cent for the month, on a 0.4 per cent contraction in available freight capacity.

Commenting on the results, Andrew Herdman, AAPA Director General said, “Comparisons with last year are somewhat distorted by the difference in timing of the Chinese

New Year holidays, affecting both passenger and cargo traffic flows. We will have to wait for the February traffic data to get a better sense of the underlying trends for passenger and cargo demand.”

Looking ahead, Herdman added, “In line with the projected growth in the global economy, the outlook for passenger travel remains positive, underpinned by sustained growth in the Asian markets and other developing economies. Hopefully we could also see some signs of recovery in the air cargo market this year, but even so, cargo rates are likely to remain depressed due to considerable excess capacity in the industry.”

‘Overall,’ Herdman pointed out, “airlines still face a very challenging operating environment, and are focussed on disciplined capacity management whilst responding to new market development opportunities.”

Breather for European shippers

E “We are expecting demand to recover in the second half-year, but the question marks are still there. So we will also adhere to our successful policy of steering capacity flexibly in accordance with the dictates of demand, with which we are keeping load factors at a high level.”



Dr Andreas Otto

Board Member, Product and Sales Lufthansa Cargo

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uropean Commission’s Vice President in charge of transport, Siim Kallas, recently announced the postponement of the starting date of anti-terrorism rules for companies that ship goods by plane. Shipping companies will soon have to apply tougher rules, known as the ‘Known-Consigner’ — status, and the implementation of those new rules will now be postponed from March 25 to April 29, 2013. Together with European companies, the European Shippers’ Council (ESC) protested against the original starting date of these stricter antiterrorism measures.

European shippers that ship their goods using airfreight will have to obey the new security rules. When shipping companies do so, they can apply for the ‘Known consignor’ — status at a domestic agency. To

receive that status they are required to take specific measures to secure their companies and train their employees. If shipping companies do not apply these tougher rules, their freight cannot be loaded on an airplane without prior extensive screening measures.

For a long time there has been uncertainty about the particular date upon which the ‘Known Consignor’ — status would come into force.

Commissioner Kallas, after talking to companies and EU Member States, agreed to move the starting date to April 29, 2013. This delay means European companies have over a month longer to ensure they satisfy the ‘Known Consignor’ rules.

ESC, however, remained concerned about the implementation of the ‘Known Consignor’ — status among shipping companies.

Cruising Heights April 2013

TRENDS Jonathan Cobb, MD of Notbox, was recently interviewed about the Notbox by Lloyd’s Loading List.com. Notboxes are recyclable boxes designed to replace traditional singleuse cardboard containers in the supply chain. Cobb mentioned that there were “three types of Notboxes: standard, for anything that can ship as ambient; insulated, which will maintain between 15-25 degrees for 12 hours, and one with freezer block compartments that will achieve a temperature of 2-8 degrees for 12 hours”. Apparently, an ambient Notbox can do 15 ocean round-trips between China and the UK. From the distribution centre to the store it’s can be 20 or more.

These boxes are produced in Shenzhen, China and sent to customers’ suppliers. Cobb also said that “at some point, we might have to start manufacturing in Sri Lanka and India.

Our customers are having products made in those countries, so this would reduce the costs of getting the Notbox to their suppliers”. Once a box reaches its destination it is flattened and sent back to the supplier’s factory in China to be filled again. Cobb also said that sending the boxes back to China for re-use cost little since “most of the shipping containers moving west to east are empty”.

In Shenzhen, the boxes are inspected, repaired or replaced if they are damaged.

According to Cobb, “if customers are using cardboard at the moment, we almost certainly save them money. A UK operation using a million cardboard boxes a year will save £200,000. What’s more, that company will save 14,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions”.

cargo

T Move to boost air

cargo competitiveness

The recently-concluded World Cargo Symposium in Doha focussed on Action for Sustainability. Prompted by the feedback received from industry leaders, the symposium debated long-term strategies and investment for a sustainable development. A report.

air cargo in action: (Top) Tony Tyler and Akbar al Baker (second and third from left) at the start of the WFS in Doha; and (above left) Tyler handing over a memento to Qatar Airways chief Akbar al Baker and (above right) Akbar al Baker delivering the key note address at the conference

Cruising Heights April 2013

he seventh World Cargo Symposium (WCS) concluded in Doha with a renewed commitment to improve air cargo competitiveness across the supply chain. This included industry consensus on moving e-freight forward and on pursuing a risk-based approach to supply chain security.

A major milestone was reached on e-freight with the approval by the Cargo Services Conference of the Multilateral e-Air Waybill (e-AWB). This removed the need for individual bilateral e-AWB agreements between airlines and freight forwarders and will be a major boost to e-AWB penetration.

“The most important thing that we can do to improve the competitiveness of the air cargo industry is e-freight. It is a top focus for the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG) which produced a roadmap to coordinate industry efforts.

The IATA Board of Governors recognised the importance of the e-AWB to achieving e-freight and set ambitious targets. At the end of 2012 e-AWB penetration was 6.8 per cent. By the end of 2013 the target is 20 per cent. And the big challenge is to reach 100 per cent by the end of 2015,” said Des Vertannes, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo.

The creation of the multilateral e-AWB means that airlines will have a single agreement with IATA that enables them to accept e-AWBs from all participating freight forwarders. Freight forwarders will have a one-stop shop agreement that will allow them to tender e-AWB shipments to multiple airlines at numerous airports around the globe. The agreement will be filed for government approval shortly, with the aim to go live before June 2013.

“The approval of the Multilateral e-AWB is the most important new cargo standard developed in the last two decades.

It gives us critical momentum to achieving the e-freight vision,” said Vertannes.

In addition, to e-freight, moves were taken on security. Industry-government cooperation on security initiatives was vital for the long-term sustainability of air cargo as governments looked to ensure the security of the supply chain. WCS saw progress in three key areas: • EU Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport (ACC3) regulation - the Netherlands and the UK endorsed the training course content for Independent Validators which will be taught at the new IATA Centre of Excellence in Geneva. Under this regulation some 14,000 suppliers in countries deemed Continued on Page 56

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cargo

“We will be more successful when we speak with one voice” Tony Tyler

Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO, at the World Cargo Symposium in Doha. Excerpts from his speech:

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t is no secret that our industry faces many challenges — including financial. Since 2003 we have generated about $5 trillion in revenues. And yet we struggled just to cover our costs and barely broke even.

Air cargo accounts on average for about 12 per cent of industry revenues — much more in some airlines. That’s not far off the 14 per cent that is generated by business class sales.

Improving the competitiveness of air cargo has the potential to impact positively our very thin margins. I would like to share some thoughts on five priorities to strengthen the air cargo industry:

Transitioning to e-cargo

IATA is committed to implementing the e-Air Waybill (e-AWB). We are targeting 20 per cent penetration by the end of this year and 100 per cent by the end of 2015. Our targets are ambitious considering that e-AWB penetration was 6.8 per cent at the end of 2012 54

Let’s start with e-cargo. We first launched e-freight in June 2004 — nearly a decade ago.

And we still have not realised the paperless air freight system that I believe we all know is needed. There have been some false starts and dead ends. But I believe that we are on the cusp of taking some major steps forward.

Most importantly, the supply chain is aligned. The Global Air Cargo Advisory Group (GACAG) endorsed an e-freight roadmap that reflects agreement on roles and responsibilities for pushing this critical project forward.

IATA is committed to implementing the e-Air Waybill (e-AWB). We are targeting 20 per cent penetration by the end of this year and 100 per cent by the end of 2015. Our targets are ambitious considering that e-AWB penetration was 6.8 per cent at the end of 2012. But Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Singapore Airlines Cargo and Korean Air have pursued policies that will lead to 100 per cent e-AWB from their hubs by the end of 2013.

Of course, I also recognise that we still have some regulatory hurdles. Many states have not yet signed the Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99) which provides the legal framework for electronic documentation. And even in states where MC99 is in force, we have some customs agencies reluctant to move to a paperless environment. This will need a collective push by the whole supply chain — to convince governments of the benefits provided by a more efficient air cargo industry.

Cruising Heights April 2013

Securing the supply chain

The supply chain also plays a critical role in security. It is more efficient and more effective to secure freight as it enters the supply chain than focussing all of our efforts at the airport — where time and space are limited. IATA worked with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to develop a framework for supply chain security for states to implement. In parallel, IATA developed Secure Freight as a ready-made template for states to use. It has been successfully trialled in eight countries. The first pilot scheme in Malaysia proved that it is an effective way to manage cargo security. And analysis of the trial provided the basic data to estimate that implementing Secure Freight principles in Malaysia would result in a $1-2 billion boost to its economy over five years.

Air cargo is a global network. So the greatest benefit of security initiatives will be derived when states mutually recognise their security regimes. That is why progress on the US Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) programme, the EU’s Air Cargo or Mail Carrier operating into the Union from a Third Country Airport (ACC3) security directive and the e-Cargo Security Declaration are particularly important developments.

Handling dangerous goods

When it comes to cargo, the focus is on dangerous goods. We have well developed dangerous goods regulations. Of course, most things can be safely shipped by air—provided the regulations are followed. And the industry has a good track record of compliance. But over the last year we have had two reminders that we cannot take our eye off the ball.

We don’t need more regulation. But we need to ensure that the regulations are concise and, most importantly, followed. With over 50 million tonnes of cargo transported by air annually, it is a big challenge. And this is being made even bigger as the number of shippers proliferates — particularly with the growth of e-commerce.

The environmental challenge

Alongside all of this, we must keep in mind our commitments on environmental sustainability.

It’s one of the major themes of this conference for good reason. The ability to manage our carbon emissions is our licence to grow. That is why we are committed to improving fuel efficiency by 1.5 per cent annually to 2020, capping emissions from 2020 with carbon-neutral growth (CNG2020) and cutting net emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005. No other global industry has made such commitments. And the strategy to achieve these is agreed and clear — focussing on technology, operations, infrastructure and positive economic measures.

The threat of including international aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) focussed much attention on economic measures — more specifically halting this extraterritorial action. In November, the EU ‘stopped the clock’ on implementation. And that has created the space for governments to move forward positively, through the ICAO process, in developing the global approach and framework that is needed. We should not underestimate the challenge that this represents. A framework for positive economic measures is one pillar of our strategy. They will be needed — at least temporarily — in order to meet our commitments. And so we are working hard to support the success of the process.

Advocating for air cargo

On all of these issues, we are more successful when we are aligned and speaking with one voice and a common goal. The basic cargo agenda of efficiency and business sustainability is one shared across the whole freight value chain. That’s why GACAG was created.

From the challenges of e-cargo, to our approach on improving safety, securing the industry or ensuring sustainability, we are stronger if we stand together.

GACAG is still in its infancy. It has been successful at developing joint positions on some key issues. This must evolve to joint actions.

One area where it would be natural to further develop cooperation is raising awareness of the benefits of air cargo. At the last World Cargo Symposium (WCS) we launched the “Air Cargo Makes It Happen” campaign. It dovetails with the Benefits of Aviation campaign which has quantified the impact of our industry in jobs and economic activity. Globally aviation supports 57 million jobs and $2.2 trillion in economic activity. That’s impressive. The goal of the cargo and benefits of aviation campaigns is to raise awareness of our current contributions and future potential to be a catalyst for growth, jobs and prosperity.

We have a good story to tell. This industry facilitate trade links that helps nations to develop, delivers vital medicines, enables global supply chains that support employment opportunities and brings products to markets, carries artworks, stage sets, sporting equipment and historical artifacts that allow us to share our cul-

tural heritage. I have said it many times…and I will say it again. Aviation is a force for good in our world that generates wealth both material and of the human spirit. That is true for the passengers we carry and the cargo we deliver.

And raising awareness of that is a good thing.

The objective is not to seek praise. We want to build the understanding that policies and actions to provide the basis for aviation’s success have broad economic and social benefits.

Moreover, we also need advocacy within the industry. For example, airports could focus more on developing efficient cargo facilities.

Often they regard 120 passengers as more important than 120 tonnes of cargo. That may be understandable to the airport and a Unit Load Device is less of a source of income as it doesn’t buy perfume at duty free shops. But there is a solid case to be made for the overall economic importance of improving air cargo facilities. And, of course, virtually every plane has an opportunity to carry cargo. And many routes are only viable with the combined cargo and passenger business.

Ensuring IATA is a force

I would like to comment on IATA’s commitment to deliver value to the industry. Since the last WCS, IATA has re-confirmed its mission to represent, lead and serve the airline industry. And we have developed a vision to be the force for value creation and innovation driving a safe, secure and profitable air transport industry that sustainably connects and enriches our world.

This ambitious vision, among other things, captures IATA’s commitment to be a solid industry partner.

These are not just words. An example of our focus on innovation and value is the work that we have been doing with FIATA to modernize the agency programme. We have developed a series of proposals which will be submitted to the Cargo Agency Conference later in the year.

These will help the programme to reflect the reality of the principal-to-principal relationship that exists in over 70 per cent of transactions performed between airlines and their forwarding partners. And it reflects the changing rules and obligations linked to liabilities between the partners. Let me conclude by expressing my optimism in air cargo. I believe that 2013 will see improvements in the industry’s prospects — including for cargo. But it will also present challenges. As I have outlined we have a clear agenda to improve safety, security, efficiency, sustainability and create a better understanding of our importance to the global economy. These are big issues. Success will positively impact all the players in the supply chain. And I hope that the discussions this week at WCS will provide the platform for a stimulating debate on how we can cooperate —on these and other areas — to make our industry stronger and more competitive. n Cruising Heights April 2013

I believe that 2013 will see improvements in the industry’s prospects — including for cargo.

But it will also present challenges.

We have a clear agenda to improve safety, security, efficiency, sustainability and create a better understanding of our importance to the global economy 55

cargo

Prizes for excellence

in air cargo

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ir Cargo World, the global news authority on airfreight logistics, unveiled the findings of its ninth annual Air Cargo Excellence (ACE) Survey, that measures carriers and airports on specific criteria and ranks them to identify above or below average performance. The findings were revealed at the Air Cargo Excellence Awards in Doha, Qatar.

Emirates SkyCargo, Thai Airways and Southwest Airlines won the Diamond Award, the top award given, in their respective air carrier categories at the ceremonies held at Doha. Cathay Pacific, Nippon Cargo Airlines and Swiss WorldCargo were the Platinum Award winners in their respective categories. Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines and Virgin Atlantic were the Gold Award winners.

Airports that were rated the highest by freight forwarders included Ted Stevens Anchorage International in North America, Frankfurt Airport in Europe and Singapore Changi Airport in Asia.

Arturo Merino Benitez Airport in Santiago received the Diamond for Latin America and Dubai International Airport garnered the award for the Middle East.

Airline winners were determined by freight forwarders who rated carriers on customer service, performance, value and information technology. Airports were rated by airlines on performance, value, facilities and regulatory operations. “The Air Cargo Excellence Awards ceremony gave us a great opportunity to honour the airlines and airports that strive to meet excellence and to exceed past performances,” said Steve Prince, publisher of Air Cargo World.

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Continued from Page 53 ‘red’ or ‘white’ will need to be audited in order to continue shipping goods to the EU. Validating the training course is a critical step to ensure that the industry has the trained personnel to meet the deadline.

• US Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS). Carriers participating in the ACAS pilots not yet transmitting data to the US Customs and Border Protection were urged to do so, and non-participating carriers were again invited to register. Industry engagement is critical to help shape the standards that will be imposed later in 2013.

• The IATA Cargo Committee agreed to adopt the e-Consignment Security Declaration (e-CSD) wherever it has been adopted by regulatory authorities. They also supported e-CSD pilots in Canada, South Africa and Singapore.

“Our vision is for a risk-based, multilayered secure supply chain approach. This will be bolstered by electronic data sent well in advance of flights and underpinned by improvements in technology. And we must remember that we are securing a global network that transports some 50 million tonnes of cargo annually. Harmonisation and mutual recognition of standards by governments is a critical element in ensuring both effectiveness and efficiency,” said Steve Gunning, Chairman of the IATA Cargo Committee and Managing Director, IAG Cargo.

“Our vision is for a riskbased, multi-layered secure supply chain approach. This will be bolstered by electronic data sent well in advance of flights and underpinned by improvements in technology.”

Steve Gunning

Chairman, IATA Cargo Committee

Cruising Heights April 2013

future ready: Photo from the presentation on implementation of e-Freight by Cathay Pacific Cargo Other outcomes at the Symposium included: • IATA Cargo Committee decisions to • Work with other agencies to develop a harmonised industry benchmark for measuring carbon emissions from the air cargo supply chain • Support progression toward cargo services liberalisation, assuming states embrace a level playing field and the principle of fair competition • The Symposium supported • Cargo agency modernisation with the potential introduction in 2014 of an Air Cargo Partner Programme that recognizes the changing trading environment between airlines and their customers.

This will supplement the existing Cargo Agency Programme • The extension of the Future Air Cargo Executive Summit (FACES) to target graduate students as the initiative continues its mission to attract, develop and retain new executives in the air cargo field • IATA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federation of Asia-Pacific Air Cargo Associations (FAPAA) for closer cooperation to promote industry initiatives, including e-freight, Secure Freight and other security solutions, as well as enhance safety awareness for the movement of dangerous goods “With nearly 1000 delegates, and senior representation from air cargo leaders across the supply chain, the World Cargo Symposium continues to be the forum where air cargo priorities are identified and solutions committed to. I warmly thank the 120 speakers who have contributed to the success of this event, and especially our hosts Qatar Airways for providing superb hospitality throughout the entire event. And I look forward to working with you all in Los Angeles next year (the venue of the 2014 World Cargo Symposium that will take place from March 11 to 13),” said Vertannes. n

Desperately seeking AFS With Cargo Villages nowhere in sight at the major airports, the time has come to push the case for Air Freight Stations. Their establishment and operation will go a long way to reduce precious time.

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ndia’s air cargo sector finds itself in a peculiar situation. While it has the potential to handle increased tonnages, it cannot do so because the infrastructure is still not up to it. On the other hand, those in the business cannot give it up. Stakeholders have been crying themselves hoarse for enhanced cargo infrastructure and when facilities are put up, the powers-that-be oppose it tooth and nail.

Such is the case with Air Freight Stations (AFS). Launched with great gusto quite some time ago in Chennai and Mumbai, they are dying slow deaths with hardly any takers for the facilities provided at these stations.

Built on the concept of the Container Freight Stations (CFSs) developed by the maritime industry — that incidentally are performing admirably — the AFSs were supposed to decongest the airports. A word about the CFSs. These are common user facilities and offer services for handling and temporary storage of import/export containers carried under Customs transit. All the activities related to clearance of goods like warehousing, temporary admissions, re-export, temporary storage for onward transit and outright export, transshipment,

take place from such stations. These CFSs have, according to the freight forwarding community, been the key enablers for rapid maritime cargo growth in the country.

The CFSs in Chennai are often cited as examples for the manner in which they have eased the processes of export and import. These off-port container facilities led to containerisation and standardisation of cargo. In turn, that has played a significant role in the smooth and seamless multi-modal connectivity of the sea port with other modes of transportation. The consolidation of cargo through containerisation has led to a reduction of transit time by more than two-thirds and brought down the cost of ocean freight by almost half.

The move to establish AFSs was prompted by the fact that the cargo sections of almost all airports in the country are severely congested. The major reason for the congestion is that traditionally almost all the activities related to the processing of air cargo (weighing, screening, Customs examination, ULD formation, etc.) have been done at cargo terminals in the airport area. The AFS — being off-site — were meant to reduce congestion at the airports, by carrying out the transfer of cargo to designated or Customs notified freight stations through bonded trucking operations. This brings in greater throughput efficiency, reduces dwell time, and maximises the utilisation of installed capacity.

A strong advocate of the AFS concept, G Raghu Sankar, member of the Managing Committee of the Air Cargo Agents Association of WRONG MOVE? The AAI's common user courier terminal that was India (ACAAI) and handed over to a private operator functions at a slow pace Chairman, LogisCruising Heights April 2013

tics Committee of Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is now certain that the concept of the off-airport freight station has not been understood at all.

Although, the AFS was set up in 2007 in Chennai, the civil aviation ministry, along with other stakeholders including the custodians of the air cargo terminals (many are held by the government-controlled Airports Authority of India or Air India), have not really found out the advantages of such facilities that would enable customers to get their goods to destinations on time.

Strangely, instead of the promised couple of days for delivery of goods, customers have to wait for a week.

The major hindrance to the AFS not taking off has come from those who control air cargo operations at the airports: they feel there will be a loss of revenue. The fears of the Airports Authority of India was recorded in the report from the Working Group (WG) — Air Cargo Logistics in India — set up by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. “A member of the WG representing Airports Authority of India is of the view that doubtlessly establishing AFS will reduce burden on Air Cargo terminals at airports but it will add to increase in dwell time as there are additional steps in shifting cargo to AFS. These additional steps according to him are: ‘Filing documents with Customs for approval; shifting import ULDs/individual packages to truck dock area; loading of ULDs and Individual packages of import cargo in trucks; bonding trucking from airport to AFS, documentation with customs and cargo custodian; offloading cargo from bonded trucks under customs of supervision and de-stuffing of cargo after tallying with documents’.

Whatever the reasons, the AFSs at Chennai would have set a trend that would have been taken up around the country and in the absence of cargo villages near major airports, these facilities would have helped reduced the congestion. Air cargo stakeholders hope that better sense will prevail and airport cargo custodians will encourage and start AFSs. n

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cargo jottings Roorkee gets Blue Dart support

Blue Dart announced the launch of its service centre in Roorkee, Uttarakhand. With this service centre, Blue Dart has strengthened its network in the state of Uttarakhand. The service centre located in Ram Nagar, was inaugurated by Sukhwinder Singh, Regional Head (North), Blue Dart.

to the e-retailers who are increasingly looking for processes and technology fine-tuned to enhance their customers’ shopping experience. DotZot will ensure constant visibility of shipments and real-time flow of information and offer superior value and reliability. Abhishek Chakraborty, Executive Director, DTDC Courier and Cargo, said, “We are excited about the launch of DotZot as it marks another new milestone in DTDC’s journey. With this initiative, DTDC has created a more direct and emotive link with the online shoppers looking for superior online shopping experience from e-commerce sites and to address the logistic demands of the growing e-commerce industry.”

AMI opens in India

BUSINESS AT ITS BEST: Sukhwinder Singh, Regional Head — North, Blue Dart Express Ltd. inaugurating the Roorkee service centre

Blue Dart has been present in Uttarakhand since the last 16 years. This service centre located in the heart of Roorkee is attached to its area office located in the district and holy city of Haridwar, a mere 30-kms away. Blue Dart will, through this launch, have a direct presence in the city, which is well-connected via road and rail. This strategic decision is in line with the company’s strong focus on Tier-II and III towns, which are emerging as important nodes of production, consumption and distribution.

IBS inks deal with Turkish Cargo

IBS Software recently signed a multi-million dollar, ten-year contract with Turkish Cargo, the cargo division of the Turkish Airlines, for the implementation of its iCargo solution.

This was announced in Istanbul. The solution will power the airlines’ entire air cargo movement worldwide while replacing the existing home grown legacy system that was in use so far.

Under the deal, the airline sales/inventory, terminal operations/handling, ULD management and revenue accounting systems will be integrated into a single, comprehensive solution.

“Coming close on the heels of the Lufthansa win, this deal with one of the fastest growing airlines in the world is another significant step for IBS to establish itself as the market leader for IT solutions to the air cargo industry. We are indeed delighted to partner with Turkish Cargo as they look for overhauling their IT systems in their quest for staying ahead of competition,” said Sankalp Saxena, President and Head of Aviation Operations Services, IBS Software Services.

DotZot ushers e-commerce logistics

DTDC Courier and Cargo Ltd recently launched its specialist logistic company for e-commerce — DotZot — the first pan-India delivery network with a reach of 8000-plus pincodes and 2300 cities focussing exclusively on the e-retail space. ‘DotZot’ will bridge the gap faced in logistics infrastructure by providing superior logistics solutions

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Air Menzies International (AMI) recently created a new regional division to spearhead its development in India, and launched its own operation in Mumbai. AMI India has introduced the company’s trade-only air cargo wholesaling concept to the Indian market for the first time. Air cargo consolidation and wholesale activity in India has previously been restricted to co-loading among freight agents.

AMI’s Mumbai operation, based near the city’s international airport, would initially focus on airport-airport traffic to the company’s existing stations in the UK, USA and Africa. AMI India will progressively introduce more destinations, and additional products such as airport-door, over the coming months.

AMI India will also work to stimulate import traffic to all key points in India, from its fellow AMI stations at 21 locations in the USA, UK, Europe, South Africa, Far East and Australasia.

Breakbulk of imports to cities other than Mumbai will continue to be handled by its existing network of service partners across the country. Once its Mumbai office is fully established, AMI India will open branches in Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.

Heading AMI India as Regional VP is Trevor Saldanha, whose 20 year career in transportation includes senior positions in airlines, freight forwarders, 3PLs and shippers.

Lufthansa extends cargo chief’s tenure

The Supervisory Board of Lufthansa Cargo AG recently prolonged the contract of Karl Ulrich Garnadt. At the company helm since January 2011, Karl Ulrich Garnadt has been re-appointed as Chairman and CEO for a further three years up to December 2016. In confirming his tenure, the Supervisory Board has ensured continuity at the head of the Lufthansa Cargo Executive Board at the earliest possible date. Karl Ulrich Garnadt has been at Lufthansa for more than 33 years. Since completing training as a commercial airline trainee, he has held a variety of posts in controlling, network and route planning and product management. In October 2004, Karl Ulrich Garnadt was appointed Group Representative and Head of Hub Management in Munich. In that position, he was responsible for station management, commercial management, ground services and processes as well as for the ongoing developKarl Ulrich Garnadt ment of the Munich hub.

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awards

Largest-ever horse charter by Hactl

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) recently handled the largest horse shipment on a single flight in its 37-year history.

The shipment of 63 show-jumpers, which touched down on February 24, were flown in from Liege as arranged by Lufthansa Cargo on a B747 chartered freighter to take part in the first Longines Hong Kong Masters at AsiaWorld-Expo from February 28 to March 2 — Hong Kong’s first international show jumping event, and the only five-star accredited competition on the equestrian calendar to take place in Asia.

Cathay is Air Cargo Carrier of the Year

Cathay Pacific Cargo recently won Air Cargo Carrier of the Year at the prestigious Indian Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence Award ceremony hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The annual award ceremony was graced by several dignitaries from the trade, government and the different industries. This annual award function, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, evaluated the nominees on the basis of their range of services, operational performance, customer satisfaction and adoption of information technology. Cathay Pacific Cargo was awarded on the basis of key parameters such as span of network, turnover, products and services, energy efficiency of the carrier, operational performance, customer feedback and being an all India player.

BUSY DAY: Horse in a container at Hactl Livestock Handling Centre

On arrival in Hong Kong, the horses were unloaded from the aircraft and transferred to Hactl’s Livestock Handling Centre, located to minimise exposure to potentially stressful ramp noise.

The horses were transferred in their air stalls to the centre, where they negotiated a gently-sloping ramp – essential to prevent leg injuries – onto waiting air-conditioned horse-boxes arranged by Hong Kong Jockey Club. Hactl deployed a team of highly-trained professionals to assist in handling the shipment.

NIIT powers Cathay Pacific Cargo

NIIT recently announced the successful implementation of WOS (Warehouse Operating System), an integrated cargo management solution, to manage cargo handling operations of Cathay Pacific Services Limited (CPSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific Airways, at their brand new Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal in Hong Kong SAR. Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal, specially designed for cargo hub operations, will provide an extensive range of cargo handling services to customers. A revolutionary ‘Just-in-Time’ operation philosophy has been adopted at the terminal, with advanced technology employed to reduce the waiting and processing time for cargo handling. Customers will benefit from extended cut off times, last-minute cargo acceptance, and a reduced connection handling time for transshipments.

On the occasion, Algernon Yau, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Pacific Services Limited, said, “I am very pleased with the successful implementation of WOS at Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal. The WOS deployed at the facility provides a total solution to facilitate cargo operations in our terminal and the transition of operations for the customers went smoothly.”

Commenting on the successful implementation, Arvind Mehrotra, President, Asia-Pacific, NIIT Technologies said that the successful implementation of WOS would enable CPSL to enhance its operational efficiency while setting new benchmarks in customer satisfaction.

ONE MORE IN THE KITTY: Ashish Kapur, Regional Cargo Manager, South Asia, Middle East & Africa (Centre), Cathay Pacific receives the Air Cargo Carrier of the Year award

Ashish Kapur, Cathay’s Regional Cargo Manager, South Asia, Middle East & Africa said, “It was a privilege to receive the award on behalf of Cathay Pacific Cargo India.

This award serves as a testimony for the quality of service delivered by the team.”

AISATS bags prestigious cargo award

Air India SATS Airport Services (AISATS) was awarded ‘Air Cargo Terminal Operator of the Year’ by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, for the second consecutive year, at the Indian Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence Award ceremony. The annual award ceremony was graced by several dignitaries such as Union Railway Minister, Pawan Kumar Bansal, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Dr Tushar A Chaudhury and Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, P K Sinha.

On receiving this award, Willy Ko, CEO, AISATS said, “We at AISATS constantly endeavour to set new benchmarks of excellence in every aspect of our operations. Being awarded with this honour for the second consecutive year is a testimony to our consistent and reliable services. We thank the Indian Chamber of Commerce and feel privileged to accept the award in recognition of our contribution to the industry. AISATS will continue to focus on delivering operational excellence, and adopting best practices to benefit our customers and the industry as a whole.”

Sunil Patel, Head-North India, Indian Chamber of Commerce said, “For AISATS to have won the award for the second time in a row, reflects the valuable and indispensable contribution it has been making to the air cargo industry.”

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globetrotting n  The party is over

n  Chinese torture

Believe it or not, a 28-year old Indian flight attendant was charged with fraud after he stole two credit cards of a traveller. The prosecution alleged that he went onto shop two smartphones worth more than `52,553 from the credit cards stolen from the traveller’s deposit locker room on a flight.

He also bought an Ipad worth `42,916 by faking the card owner’s signature. The attendant is also facing the charges of forgery and use of forged documents in the Court of First Instance.

The investigation exposed that he stole the credit cards only after the flight from Riyadh landed at Terminal 3 of the Dubai

The Chinese are known for their torture and this time around it so happened when two Chinese men created ruckus on an Air France flight. Chinese men snatched eight bottles of wine from the service cart, creating an online furore about Chinese people. Wen Fei, a Chinese woman who works in Paris, complained in weibo, China's Twitter-like service, about her encounter with the two men who sat near her on flight from Paris to China's central Wuhan city. Wen said she tried to stop them after they each took at least eight bottles of wine and stowed them in their bags—without asking the flight

International Airport, UAE. The Police also recovered the items in his flat which he shopped from stolen credit cards.

n  Eat up!

n  In the doghouse

Truth is stranger than fiction. Border force at Gatwick Airport, UK was taken aback after finding 94 kg of caterpillars draped in cellophane belonging to a 22-year old. He was transporting around 100,000 dried caterpillars while travelling to UK from Burkino Faso in West Africa.

The Border Force of UK revealed that he was planning g to eat the caterpillars which is believed to be a delicacy in some parts of the world. The Force said the discovery was 'among the largest of its kind' at the airport.

Ingrid Smith, from Border Force warned travellers not to attempt to bring any products of animal origin into the UK without a permit, as they may not have been inspected to appropriate standards and may contain diseases.

In a rather strange incident happened on flight, a major security goof-up at Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport shocked the world’s strictest anti-terror security check when a woman passenger was found carrying a pet onto a London-bound British Airways flight.

The woman managed to import a dog onto the Airbus A321 flight after going through the security check at Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport. The woman was taken into custody after one of the passengers alerted cabin crew about the presence of a dog on board.

After the incident, the American woman was questioned by the British Airways staff and thereafter removed from the flight along with dog and her luggage. Passengers were amazed after coming across such a bizarre security goof up.

One passenger who was surprised at the incident said, “People are concerned about the security implications. How on earth did she manage to get a dog through security at Ben Gurion?”

While British airways said, “We did not allow a female customer to travel on board our service from Tel Aviv to Heathrow today after it was discovered, shortly after boarding, that she was carrying a small dog in her handbag. We apologise to our customers who experienced a delay to the departure of their flight as a result of this incident.”

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n  A faux pas crew. The two men, apparently drunk, then shouted at Wen in the Wuhan dialect, she said. She also posted a picture she had secretly taken of one of the two men.

n 

An event took place on an Easyjet airline flight, when a drunken passenger Alexander Bolam sneaked life jackets from an aeroplane and hide them under the seats.

Bolam boarded EasyJet flight from Bristol to Newcastle International Airport after boozing 10 bottles of lager. The drunk man put the life of four at risks after he hide four life jackets under the seats when the plane came into land at Newcastle International Airport, UK. The alert air hostess located the jackets after

she was checking under the seats before the next flight. The New Castle Magistrate Court also found him guilty of putting lives of four at risk by stealing four life jackets.

Alexander Bolam took four life jackets from under the seats, stashed them in his backpack and left the plane and airport. Later on, Bolam was traced by police and arrested at his home address on Holystone Crescent, High Heaton, Newcastle, UK and the following day along with stolen life jackets.

Keep feet on the ground ?

If you think dancing in flight comes easy, then sample this: a group dance known as Harlem Shake has created a flutter in the corridors of US aviation ministry. Harlem Shake video that went viral on You Tube has put the US aviation officials on alert over security issues.

The sky-high video called ‘Harlem Shake Frontier flight 157’ saw the members of the ultimate Frisbee team from Colorado College recklessly dancing in the aisle and in front of seats on the packed Frontier Air-

lines flight from Colorado Springs to San Diego, California, US. Lambasting the dance moves, FAA Spokesman Allen Kenitzer said, “If we find any evidence of a violation of Federal Aviation regulations, then we would pursue it. The dance was initiated by one dancer before he was joined by others. The college students said that they had asked the flight staff for permission before beginning the dance and were shown how to use the public address system.”

n  Catch me later

n  Will never fly Now, this is really amazing! A missing female parrot was apparently found trying to board a plane at Dublin Airport, Ireland.

The parrot was found on an aircraft off-ramp. The intelligent bird escaped from Kinsealy Pet Store. The bird was renamed as Amelia after aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart for its endeavour.

The shop owner Alexander Fitzsimons was astonished after a missing female parrot from his Kinsealy Pet Store was returned back to him. “I wanted to get a replacement hen for the cock and ended up telling the owner what had happened. I was more than surprised to get the call that she’d been found a couple of days later. My wife was stunned and my 15 grandchildren are absolutely over the moon—it’s a lovely happy ending to the story for them.”

Alexander added, “I don’t know whether she didn’t go any further because she’d forgotten her passport or what but she’s home now safe and sound.”

In a funny incident, a man drove off in a stolen airport shuttle after firing at Atlanta Police, US. The man asked a taxi driver and an airport shuttle driver to drop him to College Park, US which they turned down. The jilted man then impulsively drove the shuttle by pulling a .22-caliber revolver on a female shuttle-driver while forcing her off her bus and ramming the bus into a taxi. The shuttle also hit a transformer, setting off a small brush fire. The chase ended on Central Avenue, US where the suspect was taken into custody.

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focus

How dreams take flight It was off to a flying start, literally, for 500 young girls, who, as part of the "Women of Aviation Worldwide Week" celebrations, organised by the India chapter of the NinetyNines Inc., were introduced to the various facets of flying. The move, the Ninety-Niners believe will encourage the young ladies to join the aviation industry

models of the future: Aero modelling activity at the week-long “Women in Aviation Worldwide Week� encouraging

I

t’s a familiar ritual of flying — that moment when you’re buckled into your seat and the cabin’s loudspeakers come to life with a voice that says, “Hello, this is your Captain speaking. Welcome aboard.” But how many times in your travels has that voice belonged to a woman? For most fliers, the answer is never or very few. These lines echo the truth in our country that the cockpit is still dominated by men.

To address this challenge and with a motivation to bring more women in the

focus charismatic profession of flying and its related careers, the India chapter of The Ninety-Nines Inc., the international organisation of women pilots — under its Governor, Captain Nivedita Bhasin, took a unique initiative to introduce young girls from the less priviledged society to what it takes to be commanders in the air and also to become captains of their lives. A special international celebration week titled “Women of Aviation Worldwide Week” was organised where around 500 girls between the ages of three to 25 years, from nine orphanages and schools run by Action India, Asha Kiran, Takshashila, Don Bosco Snehalaya, Deepalaya, Bal Kendras, Gairatpur Baas Panchayat School, Fundacja Aravindam Gurukul and Institute of the Hearing and Speech Impaired, were each day introduced to a new aspect of flying.

On the first day of the celebrations, chief guest Prof Kiran Walia, Minister of Education, Social Welfare and Women & Child Development, Delhi, delivered a speech encouraging girls to take up aviation-related careers. “Girls in our country are very able. They have it in them to

Commanders of the air

T

HOPING FOR THE BEST: Glimpses of the week-long celebrations of "Women of Aviation Worldwide Week" where underpriviledged young girls had a chance to experience the various facets of what goes into flying

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he Ninety-Nines Inc. is an international organisation of licenced women pilots from 35 countries that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honouring their unique history and sharing the passion for flight.

Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots, the members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organisation of Women Pilots, are represented in all areas of aviation today.

The international headquarters are located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA. Although there are other female pilot organisations in various states and nations, virtually all women of achievement in aviation have been or are members of The Ninety-Nines. Currently, it comprises thousands of members throughout the world.

The India section of The Ninety-Nines came into existence almost 45 years ago.

reaching for the skies: Hot Air ballooning activity for young girls taking place during the week-long celebrations of the “Women of Aviation Worldwide Week”

photos: hemant rawat

become whatever they want to,” she said.

Infused with enthusiasm, these girls sang songs with motivating lyrics like “Beti hu mai beti mai tara banungi” and “I have a vision for tomorrow”, expressing their desire to venture into territories that are daring and enigmatic.

What followed was an action-packed week for the girls comprising simulator flights — where they got to experience of flying — an aerial view of Delhi and also a chance to sit in small trainer aircraft at the Delhi Flying Club, a visit to the Air Traffic Control of Delhi Airport, an activity day at the National Bal Bhawan, a tour of the Air Force Museum, a cycling event for fitness, aero-modelling display, and also hot air ballooning.

Captain Bhasin explained: “I was inspired by the celebration of Women of Aviation Worldwide Week outside India and I thought why can’t we follow suit in India? The Ninety-Nines Inc. provided the perfect platform to do so.”

In order to make the occasion of Women’s Week more meaningful for the underprivileged girls, who ordinarily would never have the chance to experience these activities and who had never experienced the thrills of flying, “we decided to join hands with the Rotary and some other non-profit organisations”, said Capt Bhasin. “Initially, it seemed really daunting, but as the idea took shape, the Rotary, the Indian Air Force and many aviation institutions such as Aero Club of India, the Aero Modellers Association, the Airports Authority of India, the Air Traffic Control of Delhi, the Ballooning Club of India and also the National Bal Bhawan, East West Rescue and the Indian Women Pilots’ Association pledged their support to our so called ‘Movement’ and it turned out to be a celebration indeed!” members on a flight. India is estimated to Quite a few young lady pilots, who have 11 per cent woman pilots compared were part of the initiative and were an to the world average of 5 per cent. These example for the growing-up genfigures suggest that women in India are eration of girls, raised the indeed working hard to turn the question why there was a statistics in their favour. huge discrepancy in the Speaking on the ocQuite a few ratio of male and fecasion, Captain Anila young lady male pilots. Why this Bhatia, a senior caphas happened almost tain and Ninety-Nine pilots, who were 80 years after Helen member, said that one part of the initiative Richey became the of the major lacunae and were an examfirst woman to pilot in the development of ple for the growinga commercial airliner the children nowadays is a complex question. up generation is that there is a real lack According to a study of exemplaries in their of girls by the International Socilife. “More than real hard ety of Women Airline Pilots, work and substance, it is the only about 450 women worldmisleading glamour that the young wide are airline captains — pilots in comgeneration is getting attracted to. They mand who supervise all the other crew have to learn to make a mark in the real Cruising Heights April 2013

sense of the term,” she said.

“I wanted to show these girls a way.

Flying signifies freedom. I want these girls to learn to spread their wings and enjoy freedom which is the right of every girl. Each girl should be encouraged to follow her dream, like I was, and if girls are shown a path, they will surely strive to reach wider horizons. Notwithstanding the long working hours, stress and the pressures to deliver safely at all costs, it’s not a job that they would want exchanged for any other,” said Captain Bhasin.

Her oft repeated signature message “Where there’s a dream there’s a way”, is still reverberating in the corridors of schools and homes of the starry-eyed girls who were a part of the Women of Aviation Worldwide Week celebrations. n — Nidhi Sharma

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exuberant aviation landscape: Glimpses of VT registered planes in India

IT’S PLANE

LOVE T

Photos: Vijay Seth (From Victor Tango.

Published by Seth Communications)

his is the story of Vijay Seth, a man who breathes planes. His love affair began quite early — “at the age of eight, when I saw the small Gnat on public Vijay Seth display at Dum Dum airport, Kolkata” as he confessed. This was after the Indo-Pak war of 1971, when the small boy had the time of his life sitting in the cockpit of the Gnat. All he wanted to do was take a photo of the flying machine and frame it up for his room.

More than cricket bats and balls, it was cameras and film rolls that Vijay Seth grew up with. His idol was his father: Captain Harbans Lal Seth. Seth Senior was Senior Photo Officer with the Ministry of Defence. His job was to record the images of the ’71 war: the young Vijay grew up not only learning about silhouettes, shadows, timing but also about the heroic deeds of the Indian soldiers, captured tanks and aircraft and much more. When the war ended in December 1971, “my father’s name was there in the leading magazines of the day.

He was witness to the surrender ceremony at Dacca and documented the historic moment for generations.”

It was sometime in those early days that Vijay fell in love with planes. He got his first opportunity in 1985, when he saw the Air Force Day parade at Palam. By 1992, he made a documentary film on No.1 Squadron flying the Mirage 2000 aircraft.

Then came his first book, The Flying Machines, on the Indian Air Force.

The photographs of this story are from Vijay Seth’s latest volume, Victor Tango.

Shot over a year, the thought of the project was “on my mind since the world celebrated a hundred years of powered flight by the Wright Brothers in 2003”, says Vijay.

“I found there was no publication on VT registered aircraft for aviation enthusiasts.

This volume was conceived to highlight VT aircraft being flown in the country.” n

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snippets

domestic Airlines

In what can be seen as an attempt to strengthen the national carrier’s foothold in the leisure travel market, Air India recently launched a 60-day advance ticket purchase scheme, with prices close to airconditioned train fares. The advance purchase fare (Apex) scheme targets vacation travellers in the upcoming summer holiday season.

Under the scheme, an all-inclusive 60-day advance purchase fare on Delhi-Mumbai sector would cost `3,981 while on the Delhi-Lucknow route it would cost as low as `2,566. The tickets can be bought through travel agents, online travel agents, Air India website and booking offices for travel commencing around the middle of May onwards.

Takes steps to improve performance: The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, K C Venugopal recently informed the Lok Sabha about some of the steps being taken by Air India to improve its operational and financial performance (see News Digest in this issue). These include implementation of fuel efficiency and gap analysis conducted with the help of IATA; critical analysis of fuel consumption on all flights by setting up a Fuel Council and Fuel Manager; route rationalisation of erstwhile Air India and Indian Airlines routes and elimination of route network involving parallel operations; rationalisation of certain loss making routes; induction of brand new aircraft on sev-

AirAsia may avoid Mum-Delhi route The Tony Fernandes-run AirAsia that has ventured with the Tata Group in India, will focus on Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and northern cities such as Jaipur, Ahmedabad. The budget carrier, in a strategy to keep costs low, may avoid flying on the Mumbai-Delhi route and focus on smaller cities and the southern metros.

Fying to these airports is also expensive as landing and other charges are at least 25 per cent higher than other airports. The cities also don’t have low-cost airports. “We are going after a pan-India licence and not a regional one,” Suresh Nair, AirAsia Regional

static.flickr.com

60-day advance fare offer by AI

battle for the skies: With airfares getting competitive with each day, passengers are making thew most of it

eral domestic and international routes to increase passengers appeal; phasing out of old fleet and consequential reduction in maintenance cost; freezing of employment in non-operational areas; redeployment of staff to curb in fructuous expenditure, enhanced utilisation of new fleet resulting in production of higher ASKM; curtailment of overtime and certain staff perks and relocation of officers from abroad to India; closure of overseas offline offices at certain locations; leveraging the assets of the company to increase MRO revenue and revenue from company’s real estate properties.

Manager — India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, said.

“Avoiding Delhi and Mumbai doesn’t make us a regional carrier because India is much beyond that. If we fly, say, ChennaiAhmedabad or Chennai-Jaipur, that would mean national operations. We would fly wherever we can to keep cost of operations low,” he added.

AirAsia may also offer fares as low as `1,000 when it begins operations in India though a successful replication of its Southeast Asian model may be difficult due to the country’s high-cost structure.

IndiGo launches 8 new flights Establishing the growing importance of emerging domestic sectors including the metros, no-frills carrier IndiGo (6E) has launched eight new flights on its domestic network.

India’s largest carrier will now operate its fifth daily and direct flight between Delhi and Chennai and second daily and direct flight between Delhi and Kochi.

Additionally, 6E will operate its fourth daily and direct flight between Mumbai and Chennai and fourth daily and direct flight between Mumbai and Kolkata.

Speaking on the launch of new flights, Aditya Ghosh, President, IndiGo said, “Besides corporate travellers, these new flights will allow many students and leisure travellers to travel between these cities at low fares.” IndiGo, he said, would “continue to expand its network to meet the requirements of both business and leisure travellers wherever they demand it. It is our constant endeavour to provide more flexibility of choice for our customers as IndiGo continues to offer them on time, hassle free and always affordable flying experience.”

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IndiGo also recently launched fourth daily and direct flight between Bengaluru and Kolkata, a new daily and direct flight between Bengaluru and Goa, daily and direct flights between Bengaluru and Guwahati, sixth daily and direct flight between Bengaluru and Hyderabad, seventh daily and direct flight between Mumbai and Bengaluru and a new daily flight between Kolkata and Goa via Bengaluru.

Connects Mumbai to Kolkata, Nagpur and Jaipur:IndiGo has launched six new flights on its domestic network. India’s largest carrier will now operate its fifth daily and direct flight between Mumbai and Kolkata, third daily and direct flight between Mumbai and Nagpur and third daily and direct flight between Mumbai and Jaipur.

Cruising Heights April 2013

international airlines

IndiGo launches new flights

IndiGo has introduced new flights connecting Trivandrum with Dubai and second daily and non-stop flights between Mumbai and Dubai. IndiGo is offering an introductory all inclusive return fare of `11,699 on the new flight from Trivandrum to Dubai and also on the second daily flight from Mumbai to Dubai.

Elaborating on the new flights, Aditya Ghosh, President, IndiGo said, “There are strong trade and tourism ties between southern region of India and Dubai and travellers have requirements of low fares by an Indian airline. We are absolutely delighted to announce the new daily and non-stop flight between Trivandrum and Dubai and the second daily and non-stop flight between Mumbai and Dubai.”

Ghosh further added, “It is our constant endeavour to provide more flexibility of choice for our customers as IndiGo continues to offer them on time, hassle free and always affordable flying experience. We hope to provide the much needed avenue for countless Indians to explore wider horizons and at the same time open up the doors to more and more overseas travellers to experience India.”

Malaysia increases capacity

Malaysia Airlines has increased its capacity to many routes on its network through additional flights and bigger capacity aircraft for the Northern Summer operating pattern. Malaysia Airlines’ Group CEO Encik Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said, “The capacity increase is made possible as we take delivery of an average one 160-seater 737-800 aircraft per month, two more 494-seater A380 and four 283-seater A330-300 aircraft this year.”

Apart from the Kuala Lumpur-Paris return route that saw a weekly capacity increase of 1484 seats in each direction with the 494-seater A380 replacing the 282-seater B777-200, the upward capacity changes focus on matching air traffic volume in the Asia Pacific that is expected to see strong growth in 2013 as cargo recovers.

The Kuala Lumpur-Manila route weekly frequency has increased from 25 to 28 B737-800 services with the additional flights operating on Monday, Friday and Sunday. The daily Boeing 737800 return frequencies of the airline’s Kuala Lumpur-Yangon and Kuala Lumpur-Colombo routes have also be increased to ten weekly. A new daily B777-200 service has been introduced on the Kuala Lumpur-Dhaka route.

The present daily B777-200 and twice daily B737-800 return flights for Kuala Lumpur-Denpasar (Bali) have also had a daily capacity increase by 20 per cent after one of the daily B737-800 service was replaced by B777-200.

Offers mega airfare sale: As the holiday season approaches, Malaysia Airlines is back with its mega air fare sale for Indian travellers, looking for value deals and varied travel options across the globe. The offers covers discounts up to 30 per cent on air tickets to multiple international destinations in Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur and beyond in Australia and New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and many more from five Indian cities comprising Delhi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai. The deal is valid for travel till September 30, 2013.

Elaborating on these international return fare series, Azahar Bin Hamid, Regional Senior Vice President, South Asia and Middle East, Malaysia Airlines said, “India is one of the most significant source market and this is the reason Malaysia Airlines keeps on introducing value added services for avid Indian travellers. This (Continued on Page 70)

Cathay enhances summer services Cathay Pacific Airways has enhanced its services to Toronto, Los Angeles and Bangkok in its summer schedule, offering more options and convenience with increased connectivity for passengers travelling through the Hong Kong hub. The airline has added three flights a week each to Toronto and Los Angeles, leading to 10 flights a week and 20 flights a week to the two destinations. A further three flights a week to Bangkok with also be added with effect from June 28.

To improve connectivity and offer more convenience for transit passengers to and from long-haul markets, three flights a week between Hong Kong and Mumbai will become non-stop service, making the frequency of non-stop service on this route to 10 flights a week. The evening flights departing Mumbai with a morning arrival time enable smooth connections to flights for long-haul destinations.

Introduces premium economy to travel agents: Cathay Pacific Airways conducted a series of sales blitz and workshops in Ahmedabad, Pune and Mumbai to mark the launch of its Premium Economy Class and the increase of direct flights to Hong Kong from Mumbai.

increasing : Cathay Pacific Airways introduced Premium Economy to travel agents through sales Blitz and Workshops in Western India

Workshops were held for the travel trade fraternity in the three cities which comprised interactive sessions and covered a range of topics that include Cathay’s product and service, Cathay’s home— Hong Kong, hub—Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong as a destination etc. The sales blitz and workshops aim to reach out the travel agency frontline staff that sell and promote Cathay Pacific products.

Decline in Cathay profits: The Cathay Pacific Group reported a profit of $119 million for 2012 – an 83.3 per cent fall compared to the profit of $710 million reported for 2011. Turnover for the year increased by 1.0 per cent to $12, 810 million.

Passenger revenue for the year was $9035 million, an increase of 3.5 per cent compared to 2011. Capacity increased by 2.6 per cent. The two airlines carried a total of 29.0 million passengers in 2012, up 5.0 per cent on the previous year. The passenger load factor fell by 0.3 percentage points.

Cathay Pacific Chairman Christopher Pratt said: “The Cathay Pacific Group operates in a volatile and challenging industry, one that will always be highly susceptible to external factors that remain largely beyond our control. The cost of fuel remains the biggest challenge, particularly for an airline such as ours where longhaul operations form a significant part of our total operations.”

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snippets

(Continued from Page 69) particular offer is designed especially for the price conscious Indian consumers looking for value deals to great holiday destinations. When the domestic fares are at all time high we proudly offer the best for some of the most sought after international destinations like Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Indonesia, etc. We want more and more Indian passengers to experience our in-flight services like elaborate Indian cuisines and quality on- board entertainment like the latest blockbusters, popular TV shows, multi-player games and critically acclaimed album releases.”

AirAsia travel guides

AirAsia has introduced feature-rich, downloadable travel guides which feature various destinations around the region covered by AirAsia such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Indochina as well as a dedicated guide to the islands and beaches.

The first edition of the travel guide made its debut in April 2012 with Malaysia as its first destination to be featured, and the latest country added into the list of interactive guides is China, with 14 exciting destinations from Shanghai to Xi’an, amongst others and is available in English with more languages to come.

The travel guides offer quick and simple navigation through hotels, must-visit attractions, shopping, culture, transportation and accommodation options, best beach spots, outdoor adventures and other useful tips, apart from trivia and fun facts about the various destinations featured in the guide.

Direct to Phuket by Thai Smile

Thai Smile, a sub brand of Thai Airways, has recently started operating twice a week non-stop from Delhi-Phuket every Tuesday and Friday. The flight departs Delhi at 0155 hours and reaches Phuket at 0755 hours. During return, it departs Phuket every Mon-

Korean launches direct Sri Lanka, Maldives flights

With the launch of a direct service from Sri Lanka and the Maldives to Seoul Incheon, Korean Air has expanded its network to Southwest Asia. Korean Air's new three times weekly direct service flies from Male in the Maldives to Colombo in Sri Lanka first, and then onto Seoul/Incheon in Korea. The Male-Colombo-Seoul/ Incheon flights operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Flight KE 474 departs from Male at 1530 hours and arrives in Colombo at 1730 hours the flight then departs from Colombo at 1850 hours and arrives in Seoul/Incheon at 0610 hours the next day.

On the return flight, KE473 departs Seoul/Incheon at 2240 hours and arrives in Colombo at 0410 hours the next day. The flight then continues its journey departing from Colombo at 05:40, arriving in

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day and Thursday at 2205 hours and arrives into Delhi at 0055 hours. Similarly, Thai Smile operates non-stop twice weekly from Mumbai to Phuket every Thursday and Sunday, departing Mumbai at 0220 hours and arriving at phuket at 0820 hours. The return flight leaves Phuket every Wednesday and Saturday, departing at 2230 hours and arriving at Mumbai at 0110 hours.

The twice weekly is operate by the brand new airbus 320 with a capacity of 168 seats with 12 seats In smile plus and 156 seats in smile class.

"Thai Smile is being used as a product strategy for the first time in Indian market to refresh the existing brand and to bridge the gap between the full service carrier and the low cost carrier.

Its also a module whereby we may be able to explore new markets with right sixe capacity aircraft that are more fuel efficient and environment friendly. As a budget airline, Thai Smile is providing all the services of Thai Airways," said Korakot Chatasingha, General Manager, India.

Etihad launches new campaign

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched a new global brand advertising campaign with its New Television Commercial (TVC).

With the theme “The World Is Our Home, You Are Our Guest”, the airline’s first major campaign in three years will be supported by regional and international TV, print, outdoor, and digital media advertising.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This is our first brand advertising in many years. Having focussed on product innovation and service excellence, the time is now right to make a bold and confident brand statement to the world. This is not a rebranding exercise, but a continuation of our

Male at 0640 hours the same day.

Korean Air's new route is operated with an Airbus 330-300, seating 276 passengers and equipped with Korean Air's premium seats. First Class has six Sleeper Seats—the 180 degree full-flat beds with an 83-inch pitch and a 21-inch width, guaranteeing comfort and freedom during the flight. Prestige (Business) Class has 18 full-flat Prestige Sleeper Seats with a 78~80-inch pitch and extralarge seat partitions offering comfort and privacy. Passengers in all classes enjoy the new AVOD (Audio and Video On Demand) system that offers upgraded in-flight entertainment with high resolution and a high processing speed which ensures quick passenger access to entertainment services.

The new Korean Air route ensures travellers from the Maldives and Sri Lanka hassle-free journeys to Korea and convenient transit to destinations in the Americas, Japan, China and other Asian countries. In addition, travellers from South Indian cities such as Chennai can also enjoy air travel to Seoul Incheon and beyond via Colombo where airport transfer is comfortable and relaxing.

Seeing the trend in the Indian tourism market, Thai Airways is launching a new service Thai Smile with a brand new fleet of Airbus 320 wirth direct delhi-phuket conncectivity and Mumbai Phuket.

With the launch of Thai Smile service from Delhi-Phuket and Mumbai Phuket, it will save traveller time and cost to travel to Phuket.

Cruising Heights April 2013

brand story drawing from the values of our home in Abu Dhabi and our inspiration from around the world.”

BA launches A380 to LA

Jet inaugurates Kolkata’s T2

British Airways has announced that its first Airbus A380 will fly on the “Red Carpet Route” to Los Angeles, with tickets recently going on sale.

The home of Hollywood will be the inaugural destination for the first A380 to be operated by a UK airline. In celebration, British Airways has also announced an exclusive offer for its Indian customers between London Heathrow and Los Angeles.

Travellers from India will be able to experience A380 at return fares starting from `30,380 in World Traveller cabins and from the glam factor: `151,380 in Club World cabins Hollywood actress on flight tickets booked early for Gemma Arterton at the British Airways red travel till December 31, 2013. carpet The double-decker superjumbo is due to be delivered to British Airways in July and seats are now on sale for flights from October 15, 2013.

Keith Williams, British Airways’ Chief Executive, said: “This will be a very special premiere. The A380 is a great aircraft that has been developed with huge amounts of British engineering ingenuity. London and Los Angeles are two world-leading cities, and we are proud to be the first airline to connect them with the A380.”

London-based actress Gemma Arterton said: “It’s very exciting that the A380 will be flying to Los Angeles. I think the red carpet route will be very popular.”

The second A380 route will be to Hong Kong, from November 15,2013.

The all new state-of-the-art T2 integrated terminal at Kolkata’s NITB (New Integrated Terminal Building), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, recently commenced operations with an inaugural flight from Jet Airways. Jet Airways’ flight service 9W 66 (Kolkata-Bangkok) became the first international flight to take off from the terminal in the country.

In a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, Dr B P Sharma, Airport Director, flagged off Jet Airways’ Kolkata-Bangkok flight. Following this, the airline operated Kolkata/Dhaka/Kolkata and Kolkata / Bangkok/Kolkata flights.

Said Sudheer Raghavan, CCO, Jet Airways, “It is indeed a proud moment for the airline to be the first operator to start services from one of India’s finest terminals and will no doubt prove to be one of the top airports in the region. NITB’s T2 integrated terminal is at par with global standards in its use of technology, safety features, and an ambience offering a sense of space with a distinct regional feel in terms of aesthetics.”

Dragonair to operate from new terminal: Dragonair flights to and from Kolkata will now operate from the New Integrated Terminal Building of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

With the new and efficient operating systems at the new terminal, the whole process of checking in passengers for the flight is much more efficient and well organised.

Rakesh Raicar, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager, South Asia, said: “It is a spectacular airport and well equipped to provide our passengers with the comfort and ease of seamless check-in, emigration and security checks before they board the flight.” taking off: The inauguration of the T2 integrated terminal at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport

Sharjah-Lucknow by SpiceJet

Low cost Sharjah-Lucknow services that will fly four days a week between the two cities were recently launched by SpiceJet. “We are pleased to bring Lucknow on our international air travel network. Sharjah is one of the most sought after regions in the Middle-East and the connectivity from Lucknow and Varanasi

adds to the convenience of the flyers from the state", SpiceJet Chief Executive Officer Neil Mills said.

Delhi-Sharjah flight via Lucknow and (return flight) too will fly four days a week, Mills added.

AVIAREPS expands network

With the launch of new subsidiaries in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, AVIAREPS, the leading global airline and tourism management company, is continuing its expansion into South East Asia. The current AVIAREPS network in the Asia Pacific region covers Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and the UAE. The decision to set up organisations in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta is a part of the group’s global expansion policy, bringing the number of AVIAREPS worldwide to 46 in 38 countries.

With the European luxury retail outlet chain Chic Outlet Shopping, AVIAREPS has already won its first international account in the South East Asian markets supported by a strong team of Account Directors based in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. All three have a proven track record in the industry working for leading international brands before joining AVIAREPS.

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snippets

TRAVEL & TOURISM

South Africa is International Lifestyle Destination South Africa has won the prestigious International Lifestyle Destination of the Year Award at NDTV Good Times Lifestyle Awards 2013 held in New Delhi.

Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Jacqueline Fernandes, Maria Gorretti, Milind Soman, Suhel Seth, Vir Sanghvi were the celebrity guests at the event. One of the many highlights of the event was an exclusive fashion show by designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Hanneli Slabber, Country Manager of South African Tourism India, received the award from Shilpa Shetty Kundra. The nominations were adjudged by a panel of jury comprising some renowned names in the travel tourism and lifestyle industry.

Last year, South Africa had won Lonely Planet’s award for Best International Wildlife Destination and Today’s Travellers’ Best Publicity and Promotions Award. Speaking on the occasion, Hanneli Slabber, Country Manager, South African Tourism, said, “We are extremely pleased and excited to have gaining prestige: Hanneli received this award and we Slabber, Country Manager of would like to thank NDTV South African Tourism India for this recognition. Havand Shilpa Shetty Kundra ing received this award at the NDTV Good Times from Shilpa Shetty Kundra Lifestyle Awards 2013 makes it even more special since she has always voiced her love for the Rainbow Nation be it during the IPL or otherwise. This is an extremely special moment for us.”

RGIA bags National Tourism Award

recognition of the positive steps being undertaken by the state government for improving the image of Goa as a safe and attractive tourism destination by implementing the concept of tourist police, proper regulation of GREAT RECOGNITION: Goa beach shacks and waterTourism Minister Dilip Pasports, improvement of infrastructure ruleker receiving the PATWA on all beaches, formulation of tourism Award master plan and new tourism policy for the state, innovative marketing and promotion methods etc.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Hyderabad has bagged the prestigious National Tourism Award 2011-12 and for the third time in a row, adjudged the best airport in India for promoting tourism, not only in Andhra Pradesh but also at the Pan India awarded: (L-R) Minister of Tourism Chiranjeevi, President Pranab Mukherjee, GM Rao, level.

Founder Chairman of GMR Group and Vikram The award was preJaisinghani, the CEO of GMR Hyderabad Intersented by the President national Airport Limited (GHIAL) at the National of India Pranab Kumar Tourism Award 2011-12 Mukherjee to GM Rao, Group Chairman-GMR Group and Vikram Jaisinghani, CEO-GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., at a recently-held award ceremony in New Delhi. Also present on the occasion was K Chiranjeevi, Union Tourism Minister, Government of India.

RGIA is actively working with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, airlines, travel agents and other related bodies in promoting Andhra Pradesh Tourism on a global platform. Year after year, RGIA had consistently raised its standards and has made significant progress since its inception. Recently, the Airport has been placed No. 2 in the overall ranking with a score of 4.71 for the year 2012, and very close to No. 1 position, just by 0.004 points away.

Goa Tourism wins PATWA award

Goa Tourism recently won the prestigious PATWA award in the Best Beach Destination category at Berlin on the second day of the world’s biggest travel and tourism exhibition—ITB Berlin.

The award was given by Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) and was received by Dilip Paruleker, Tourism Minister. The award function was held at the International Congress Centre (ICC) on the sidelines of the ITB Berlin. The award was given in

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STIC is Europcar’s distributor

creating partnerships: (L-R) Subhash Goyal, Chairman- STIC Travel Group, Bernard Nassiri, Group Sales Director- Europcar, Arnd Rieken- Group Franchise Director for Europcar

STIC Travel Group has signed an exclusive distributor contract with Europcar, global leader in car rental. The deal was inked at the ITB Berlin.

As an exclusive distributor, STIC Travel Group will bring Europcar’s global products to India, which are

now being offered in over 130 countries.

Commenting on the partnership, Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel Group, said, “The tie-up with Europcar will allow us to add a unique offering to our existing product portfolio and further strengthen our commitment to bringing the best and finest travel solutions to customers. With the increasing usage of car rentals in India, the timing to offer such services to outbound tourists is ideal.

We are also considering advancing Europcar offerings directly to

Cruising Heights April 2013

consumers through retail and e-commerce outlets.”

Europcar serves both business and leisure customers and has over 10,000 car hire locations throughout the world. Indian travellers will now be able to book Europcar services in all these locations at local rates through STIC’s network of offices, travel agents and tour operators.

Top honours at TripAdvisor awards

Club Mediterranee, the French resort chain, which has 80 properties around the world and runs on an all inclusive concept, has recently has won laurels for three of its resorts; namely Club strengthening ties: The occasion of the Med Bali, Bintan Issigning of the Code of Best Practice between land and Cherating Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and Beach being ranked Tourist Guides Federation of India (TGFI) number one, three and 10 respectively in the ‘Top 10 Hotels for Families—Asia’ category by TripAdvisor in its 2013 Travelers’ Choice awards. Club Med, has emerged a winner among a numerous other hotels nominated in the category.

“TripAdvisor is once again thrilled to recognise the world’s most outstanding hotels with the help of more than 75 million reviews and opinions from travellers around the globe,” said Christine Petersen, President, TripAdvisor for Business. He added, “From the best bargain hotels to top luxury properties, outstanding service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travellers’ Choice winners.”

‘Code of Best Practice’ by IATO, TGFI

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and Tour-

ist Guides Federation of India (TGFI) have signed a Code of Best Practice for strengthening professional relations.

“We have signed a new agreement for 2013-2015 with the Tourist Guides Federation of India (TGFI). This has taken months of intense negotiations and deliberations and we feel that we have arrived with is now fair and acceptable. The new fees will start from August 1, 2013 and not April, 2013. We are also attempting to change the rate cycle to match the contracting cycle similar to hotels, so that our pricing can be more consistent”, said Subhash Goyal, President, IATO. “We aimed at moving away from only talking about rates to also talking about TGFI members treat our members and vice versa. Both associations will instruct its members to adhere to these laid down principles in the spirit of cooperation mechanisms will set up to address any complaints based on this. Much in line with our existing Legal and Grievances Committee, a IATO-TGFI monitoring committee will be set up for close coordination and to ensure healthy relationships between guides and tour operators”, said Rajiv Kohli, Vice President, IATO.

Radisson Rudrapur recognised

Radisson Blu Hotel Metropolis Rudrapur has been ranked among the top five hotels of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in Asia Pacific. According to Guest Satisfaction Tracking System report Radisson Blu Metropolis Rudrapur of January 2013 released

by Medallia, US-based customer feedback management solution company, Radisson Blu Hotel Metropolis Rudrapur got third rank among all Carlson Hotel Group in Asia Pacific.

Sanjeev Srivastava MD of Assotech Limited, the promoting company of the hotel said, “This recognition sets new targets for our team and we will insure that our excellent work will carry on.”

Canada breaks visas and student permits record Maxime Bernier, Minister of “Attracting an increasing numState (Small Business and Tourber of visitors to Canada, including ism), Canada, and Jason Kenney, the best and brightest young minds, Minister of Citizenship, Immigrais part of our plan to grow the econtion and Multiculturalism, Canada omy and create jobs,” said Kenney. announced that 2012 was a record “We strive to issue visas and permits year for Indian travellers to Canada. as quickly as possible to facilitate The Minister of State hailed this travel for visitors and students and milestone as a demonstration of the to benefit from the economic spinoff increasingly close relationship bethey bring to Canada.” tween the two countries.

Bernier highlighted the fact that “Indian travellers are among our in 2012, Canada issued more than top ten international travellers to 130,000 visas and more than 13,000 visit Canada,” said Minister of State study permits to Indian citizens.

Bernier. “Our government is work- creating records: Amrit Kaur Kahon receives her Canadian This represents a 58 per cent increase visa from the Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business ing with industry to capitalise on this and Tourism) in visas and a 530-per cent increase in growth, to welcome even more Indian student permits since 2004, which retravellers and to create jobs and growth in Canada, while strengthaffirms the fact that Canada continues to be a destination of choice ening our relationship with our Indian visitors.” for Indian travellers and students.

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Back page

Optical illusion personified: (Above) the artist Kurt Wenner; and glimpses of 3D pavement art at the Changi airport

Live a millionaire’s life — at Changi R

ush! Rush! Rush! That is what airports all around the world are.

It is almost as if the flyers are in a mad scramble to take the last flight to anywhere. But, right next door to us, Singapore’s Changi wants its flyers to take it easy and enter a dreamland — even though it might be for a few minutes!

Welcome to your own millionaire’s mansion. There are dollar bills and gold bars under your feet, huge reclining chairs for you to curl up on, fancy cars and all the bells and whistles that you could ask for. Courtesy Kurt Wenner, an American artist who is credited with the invention and mastery of three-dimensional (3-D) pavement art, ‘A Millionaire’s Life’ makes the rush to connect flights a happy move.

The art piece is part of the airport's ‘Be a Changi Millionaire’ retail promotion, and is currently spread out on a digitallyscanned canvas across the marble floor of the Terminal 3 Departure Hall.

While the nine-by-nine-metre image

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appears to have a chalk texture, travellers can actually walk on it, sit on it and take pictures with it. A photo booth allows visitors to pose with the image and have pictures e-mailed to them.

Wenner, 52, is self-taught and later studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and at the Art Centre College of Design. His skills developed further as an advanced scientific space illustrator at the US space agency NASA. Wenner has drawn

Wenner, 52, is selftaught and later studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and at the Art Centre College of Design Cruising Heights April 2013

on pavements of nearly 30 countries and gets commissions from around the world to practise his pavement drawings that gives the illusion of depth.

Wenner’s illusions aren’t immediately apparent and if one walks past ‘The Millionaire Life’, it appears like a disproportionate image. To make the image pop, viewers stand at the bottom of the mural, make an ‘O’ with their thumb and forefinger, close one eye and look through the ‘O’ with the other. Immediately the ‘hole’ in the floor opens up, the currency begins to float and the full impact of the 3D image is revealed.

Sadly, the digital canvas can’t be transported and Wenner is not bothered by the fact that once the piece is dismantled, it will exist only in photographs. “The very nature of this art form keeps you from being attached to it as a product,” he said.

“That people interact with my work and it doesn’t get locked up in some millionaire’s villa is important to me.” 