EMERGING OPPORTUNITY
Cruising Heights|July 2024
IndiGo is looking for more regional transport aircraft, will it continue with ATR or opt for jet powered alternatives. A special report by ATUL CHANDRA.
ATUL CHANDRA
EMERGING OPPORTUNITY

India’s commercial aviation market is nowadays the cynosure of all eyes, with domestic carriers having placed triple-digit aircraft orders that together total over a thousand aircraft. IndiGo is now expected to soon add to these orders with the Low Cost Carrier (LCC) said to be in discussions with airframers such as ATR, Embraer and Airbus for up to 100 regional transport aircraft. ATR is a joint partnership between Airbus and Leonardo, two major European aeronautics players and hence the former will remain the winner if IndiGo opts for more ATRs.

It is possible that Airbus could offer its A220 single-aisle jetliner to meet IndiGo’s requirement as the aircraft is promoted by the airframer as being the only aircraft purpose-built for the 100-150 seat market. The A220 has been well received by passengers due to its roomy cabin, large windows and spacious overhead bins, as well as the availability of In-Flight Entertainment systems and Wi-Fi.

ATR’s most dynamic market still remains Asia, however the airframer is also securing growing orders from Latin American and European customers for both fleet growth and replacement. IndiGo is already an ATR customer, and the latter has stated that it expects further demand in the next years, with expected fleet growth mainly in South Asia (India), South East Asia (Indonesia, Philippines) and Brazil.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CRUISING HEIGHTSView all
Jets, Tech, And Green Goals
Cruising Heights

Jets, Tech, And Green Goals

The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.

time-read
10 mins  |
August 2024
FREIGHT IN FLIGHT
Cruising Heights

FREIGHT IN FLIGHT

In 2023, Indian airports handled over 3.15 million metric tonnes of cargo, with international freight dominating. As the sector aims to meet the government's ambitious annual target of 10 million metric tonnes (MMT) by 2030, this goal will require dedicated freighter aircraft, technological integration, infrastructure development, and regulatory improvements, among other things. By JAIDEEP MIRCHANDANI, Chairman, Sky One

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES
Cruising Heights

ELEVATING PASSENGER EXPERIENCES

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is setting new standards in in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) with the launch of its state-of-the-art software design and development facility in Pune, highlights

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM
Cruising Heights

CAUGHT IN PAPER JAM

Despite rapid digital advancements in passenger air travel with the airline market expected to surpass $35 billion by end of this decade, the air cargo industry remains bogged down by outdated legacy systems, impeding progress in efficiency and real-time tracking. A special report by

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
Cruising Heights

PITCHING FOR SUPPORT

India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports

time-read
8 mins  |
August 2024
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
Cruising Heights

BATTLE FOR THE SKIES

As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses

time-read
7 mins  |
August 2024
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
Cruising Heights

"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"

In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
POWERING UP
Cruising Heights

POWERING UP

Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
Cruising Heights

Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach

In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
Cruising Heights

POWERING A GREEN FUTURE

FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.

time-read
10 mins  |
August 2024