Cruising Heights Magazine - February 2025

In this issue

February 2025

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.

8 mins

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.

6 mins

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

6 mins

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).

4 mins

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.

3 mins

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.

4 mins

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

8 mins

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.

3 mins

Flying High

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

7 mins

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

3 mins

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.

10+ mins

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.

1 min

Read all stories from Cruising Heights

Cruising Heights Magazine Description:

CRUISING HEIGHTS is India's best known monthly aviation magazine with equal interests in air cargo, travel and tourism. In its four years of existence, Cruising Heights has received accolades from the Minister of Civil Aviation, Aviation CEOs, Airport Developers, Travel Agents Associations and others for its path-breaking stories.One of the first true aviation magazines of the country, Cruising Heights was started with the idea of supporting professionals in the airline business to make informed choices on a variety of subjects from ground handling to cargo to airport development-all of which are transforming the Indian aviation scene in mind-boggling ways. Later, due to the interest it generated and in response to demands from the travel and tourism industry stakeholders we have targeted the general reader-the educated Indian who is keen to be an informed Indian-to know what's happening in the business.