CATEGORIES

Taking Off: The rise of personalised IFE

In-flight entertainment systems now play a big part in how airlines are perceived by passengers. Increasingly, these IFE systems are getting sophisticated and highly customised to cater to individual tastes,

NIA and NMIA— a giant leap for Indian aviation

Two landmark airports — Navi Mumbai and Noida International Airport in Greater Noida are scheduled to be inaugurated in the coming weeks with commercial operations later this year. Ameya Joshi reports on how transformative the new airports will be for Indian Aviation

Green Airports and Key Sustainability Initiatives

As the aviation industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, the transition to sustainable airports represents a significant step forward. These airports prioritise the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and energy-efficient technologies to optimize energy consumption, reports Rasheed Kappan

Offshore helicopter sector's rebound

From near collapse to a sudden boom, the offshore helicopter sector has experienced a dramatic turnaround. After years of struggling with overcapacity, low utilisation and pandemic-related pressures, the industry is now facing a new challenge meeting soaring demand.

What is in store for India's commercial aviation market?

2024 has been a difficult year for Aviation. A significant concern has been the persistent disruptions in the supply chain that are impacting aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers. Consequently, airlines have been compelled to either postpone their expansion plans or depend on older fleets, which are less fuel-efficient and entail higher maintenance costs.

General Aviation Fueling India's Growth!

India's aviation sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge, fueled by rapid economic growth, increasing wealth, and expanding aviation infrastructure. As the world's fastest-growing aviation market, India presents immense opportunities in the mobility and travel industry. Part of the larger aviation ecosystem is the lesser-known General Aviation industry, which is also playing a pivotal role as part of the aviation ecosystem. Some of the key stakeholders of the General Aviation Industry are Flying Training Organisations, Drone/EVTOL manufacturers, DAAS (Drone as a Service) providers, and of course, the blue-eyed Charter Operators (Private Aviation).

Expanding Horizons

Entering the Indian market in early 2024, Universal Vulkaan Aviation (UVA) has quickly adapted to the country's dynamic and diverse aviation sector. With a focus on regional strategies and value-driven solutions, the company has achieved significant milestones. KARAN SETHI, Managing Director, Universal Vulkaan Aviation (UVA), highlights their success with the AW169 and their commitment to enhancing MRO services to cater to India's unique market demands.

Boeing-A time-tested partner whose footprint continues to grow and expand

Boeing brings over 80 years of experience in India, making us a reliable partner for the nation's expanding aviation industry. The American aerospace giant's significant investments in supply chain partnerships, engineering, research and development, training, co-production, and co-development set us apart as a trusted ally in supporting this growth. An exclusive conversation with RYAN WEIR, Vice President, Commercial Sales and Marketing, India & South Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Excerpts

AI in Aviation Transforming India's Skies and Beyond

The accelerated adoption of technology and the integration of Artificial Intelligence are facilitating a significant transformative change that holds the potential to redefine the travel experience. PRASANNA SUBRAMANIAM, Chief Technology Officer, Fly91, outlines the potential and the possibilities.

Bringing our expertise to India

India represents a rapidly expanding market for airport logistics, propelled by significant increases in passenger traffic and ongoing infrastructural advancements. Alstef Group is actively seeking opportunities to leverage its expertise TENNYSON ANTHONY, Managing Director, Alstef Group, outlines the company's strategy.

Highway in the Sky

ATM automation is crucial for airspace management to cater to the fast-growing increase in air traffic movements in India. Writes, ATUL CHANDRA

Intumescent Coatings: The Unsung Heroes of Airport Fire Safety

Intumescent coatings are specifically designed to swell upon exposure to elevated temperatures, creating a protective char layer that insulates the steel and markedly diminishes heat transfer. These are critical for all Airport structures to protect them from the elements as well as fire. TARUN KUMAR, Head PFP – APEC, Hempel Paints, outlines the science and chemistry behind these paints and Hempel's contribution to this domain

Redefining India's Aviation Landscape

Kasstech Aerospace has been at the forefront of innovation in India's aviation sector, making significant strides in pilot training, advanced aircraft maintenance, and UAV technology. From obtaining critical certifications to addressing the growing demand for skilled pilots, the company's contributions are both timely and transformative. VIVEK SAXENA, Director, Kasstech Aerospace, shares insights into the company's journey, key milestones, and ambitious vision for the future.

An airport with a 400-metre runway

The smallest commercial airport in the world features a runway of such limited length that it can scarcely support the landing of an aircraft carrier.

Flying High

India’s business jet market is showing a growing preference for mid-size and large business jets, highlights ATUL CHANDRA

VIDARBHA INDIA'S NEXT AVIATION HUB?

With the modernisation process for Nagpur Airport moving ahead in full steam, Vidarbha, a long-overlooked region in Maharashtra, is gaining momentum as a potential aviation hub with significant infrastructure projects like Air India's aviation academy in Amravati and the ISHAN air traffic management scheme. But what will really give a film to the region is the development of Nagpur airport by the GMR Group, the creation of a second runway and a spanking new terminal.

BUSINESS AVIATION INDIA'S MISSED OPPORTUNITY?

India's Missed Opportunity?

INDIGO'S WET LEASE GAMBLEAN OPPORTUNITY OR A COST RISK?

IndiGo’s reliance on wet-leased aircraft, including six MAX 8 jets, highlights its efforts to tackle grounded planes and expand capacity. While offering flexibility, this approach poses cost and operational challenges, writes AMEYA JOSHI.

LAST-MILE DELIVERY, AI GOES THE DISTANCE

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising air cargo and last-mile delivery by optimising logistics, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency. Despite challenges, Al-driven solutions promise transformative growth for the cargo industry, writes R CHANDRAKANTH

TAMIL NADU'S REGIONAL AVIATION SURGE

Tamil Nadu is set for an aviation boom, with upgrades to key regional airports and plans for new facilities like the Hosur and Parandur airports. These developments aim to enhance connectivity, boost economic growth, and attract trade and tourism across the state, writes RASHEED KAPPAN

POTENTIAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Artificial Intelligence promises to transform Air Traffic Management (ATM), improving efficiency, safety, and decision-making. Despite its potential, challenges like regulatory complexities and integration barriers must be addressed, writes DR. S K SARASWATI

INSIGHTFUL MRO

Predictive maintenance is a clear digital priority for MROs. This transformative approach enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and minimises downtime, addressing evolving challenges in fleet management, writes ATUL CHANDRA

INDIAN AVIATION'S 2025 TAKEOFF

India's aviation sector soared to record-breaking domestic passenger traffic in 2024, highlighting robust growth despite challenges like supply chain disruptions and infrastructure constraints. As 2025 unfolds, transformative fleet expansions, new airports, and regional connectivity initiatives promise unprecedented growth, but questions about profitability and execution remain, analyses AMEYA JOSHI

HIGH ON HYDROGEN

Hydrogen fuel presents a transformative opportunity for sus-tainable aviation, offering zero-emission potential. With industry giants like Airbus and Embraer leading advancements, its deployment remains a decade away, observes ATUL CHANDRA

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL OF BUSINESS JETS IN AN ENCOURAGING MARKET

India's business jet market is witnessing growth, fueled by rising UHNWIS and increasing private jet demand. Yet, challenges like high operational costs, inadequate infrastructure, and unclear fractional ownership policies hinder its full potential, explains R. CHANDRAKANTH

Durable Solutions for Runway Construction

Durable runway and highway construction can be achieved by promoting advanced solutions like Performance Grade (PG) binders and leveraging NABL-accredited laboratories to design pavement that can withstand the challenges of aggressive climatic conditions and heavy traffic loads. This ensures long-lasting, climate-adaptable, ESG-compliant, and sustainable infrastructure while advocating for policy changes and innovation. In this interaction with SUBHENDU KUNDU, General Manager of Marketing & Branding of Hindustan Colas, these pressing issues and forward-looking solutions are discussed in detail.

BEYOND FUNCTIONALITY DESIGNING AIRPORTS FOR EXTENDED PASSENGER STAYS

Airports today are redefining functionality with immersive designs that blend green aesthetics, local culture, and retail-focused layouts. By encouraging extended passenger stays, they transform travel into an engaging experience, observes RASHEED KAPPAN

MERGER OF EQUALS

Vistara has flown into the sunset following its merger with Air India, marking a significant step in the Tata Group's ambitious aviation transformation. As MIKE RAJKUMAR notes, while the merger brings opportunities for growth with an expanded fleet and network, it also poses challenges in preserving Vistara's service ethos and navigating complex integration processes

WAITING TO TAKE OFF

India's coastline and waterways present immense potential for seaplane operations, particularly for regional connectivity and tourism, yet seaplane operations are yet to take-off despite many attempts. While challenges like infrastructure and commercial viability persist, strong government initiatives, including revised regulations and financial support, are required to establish a sustainable seaplane ecosystem, examines ATUL CHANDRA

TRANSFORMING ATM WITH REMOTE TOWERS AND SWIM

Remote-control towers and SWIM technology offer cost-effective solutions for managing small airports, enhancing data sharing, efficiency, and scalability while aligning with global aviation standards, explains DR. ARJUN SINGH