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r414r*ččďþŉrņńńŌ G đđđčĉčúĂČûďĔćþĎ Earlier, Buffet had admitted it was one of his few indulgences. Subse- quently, what elevated the business jet from a luxury toy to what is increasingly seen as a vital corporate tool? In the US, hundreds of Fortune 500 companies now flaunt their own aircraft, with companies arguing that this vital conveyance saves time and boosts pro- ductivity.News A recentB CNNriefs report quoted offer luxurious comfort and Appointments : BUSINESS AVIATION outstanding performance. Besides, Embraer is committed M7 Aerospace names Jay W. Trees Director of Dassault Falcon jets to delivering to its customers Sales & Marketing for MRO in the Middle East the highest level of comfort and M7 Aerospace has named Jay W. Trees Director of Sales and premium service. Marketing for Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO), with responsibility for growing business and the customer base for the Twinjet Aviation opens company’s MRO operations. Jay Trees has previously held senior Middle East business positions with Avchem, Aerospace Products International, Inc. Twinjet Aviation, the execu- and ERIKS Aerospace, Inc. tive jet operator, is opening a ACI names new Director for Global Training Hub Middle East business with the Airports Council International (ACI) has appointed Victor de appointment of its first ever Barrena Director of the Global Training Hub at ACI World in representative in the region. Geneva. De Barrena joins ACI from IATA where he was Assistant During the last one year, Das- Neil Turnbull joined Twinjet on Director of Human Resources, Leadership and Learning. sault remained on target deliv- November 1 and will represent Alaska Air Group elects Vice President of Safety ering one new Falcon business the operator and its sister The Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and jet every month in the Middle firm, The Charter Company, Horizon Air, has announced the election of Thomas Nunn as Vice East. The current fleet size is 41. throughout the Middle East. He President of Safety. Nunn will oversee all aspects of the safety Deliveries included the first two will be based in the UAE. The programmes at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. of the largest and longest-range appointment comes as Twinjet TransPac appoints new Chief Executive Officer triple-engine Falcon 7X. World- marks a successful first nine TransPac Aviation Academy (formerly known as Pan Am Avia- wide, there are 18 Falcon 7Xs in months in the Middle East, tion Academy), has announced the appointment of Stephen God- service and over 100 in various having operated a Challenger dard as its new Chief Executive Officer and President. TransPac stages of production. The first C604 aircraft from the region Aviation Academy develops and provides education and training of the 20 Falcon 2000LX twin- since February 2008. to those with no prior aviation experience, using classroom, jets ordered by Saudi Arabia Turnbull was previously small airplane and simulator training to help students earn a in 2007, will be delivered in owner of Flight Management, an Commercial Pilot Certificate. the first quarter of 2009. These air charter broker which was re- Kevin McGarr appointed CATSA’s President airplanes will join the NetJets cently acquired by The Charter and Chief Executive Officer Middle East fractional aircraft Company and has over 20 years The Board of Directors of the Canadian Air Transport Security programme. experience in executive aviation. Authority has announced the appointment of Kevin McGarr to Keith McMann, Chief Executive the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Falcon Aviation Services Officer of Twinjet, said: “The Jason Liao named Bombardier Business Aircraft orders Embraer executive jets Middle East is a key growth Director of Sales in China Embraer signed a contract with market for Twinjet and Neil’s ex- Jason Liao has been appointed Director of Sales for Bombardier Falcon Aviation Services of Abu tensive experience will be vital Business Aircraft. Liao is responsible for all Learjet, Challenger Dhabi to supply two Legacy 500 as we develop our operations in and Global aircraft sales in China. He is the Vice Chairman and jets. The total value of the order the region. We are currently in a founding member of the Asian Business Aviation Association is $36.8 million (Rs 1,822 crore) negotiations to open an aircraft and is the Co-Chairman of the Aerospace Forum, the American and first delivery is scheduled base in the region in the next Chamber of Commerce of China. for the second quarter of 2014. few months, and plan to intro- The first agreement between duce additional aircraft to our Embraer and Falcon Aviation Middle East fleet.” an agreement to establish one of The JV will capitalise on Services was signed just a year the foremost executive business Al-Futtaim group’s strong ago during the Dubai Air Show Al-Futtaim Group & jet companies in the region. fundamentals and presence in 2007. The company received DC Aviation join hands Expected to commence opera- in the Middle East and DC its first Legacy 600 in August tions in 2009, this professionally Aviation’s global reputation as this year. Its order for aircraft managed company will serve a premium provider of aircraft of the Embraer family now the rapidly changing high-end management, executive charter stands at 11 executive jets. This Middle East market with an operations, business jet mainte- includes four Phenom 300, two advanced fleet of aircraft. The nance and consultancy services. Legacy 500, three Legacy 600 joint venture (JV) raises the bar Germany’s largest operator of and two Lineage 1000. Falcon on premium business jet ser- business jets, DC Aviation plans Aviation Services continue to vices, aircraft management and to upgrade its fleet with four expand and adapt its fleet and maintenance in a market that Airbus Corporate Jets, Gulf- services to meet the dynamic Germany’s leading operator of is currently witnessing an expo- stream 550 and 450, Embraer needs of the Middle East business jets DC Aviation and nential increase in executives Legacy 600 and Citation XLS. In market The Embraer family Al-Futtaim Group, one of the opting for privacy, time savings, October this year, the company of executive jets such as the largest regional business houses convenience and superior per- took delivery of the seventh Leg- Phenom, Legacy and Lineage in the Middle East, have signed sonalised services. acy 600 and the fifth Gulfstream

Issue 5 • 2008 • SP’S • 3 Earlier, Buffet had admitted it was one of his few indulgences. Subse- quently, what elevated the business jet from a luxury toy to what is increasingly seen as a vital corporate tool? In the US, hundreds of Fortune 500 companies now flaunt their own aircraft, with companies arguing that this vital conveyance saves time and boosts pro- ductivity.News A recentB CNNriefs report quoted to the needs of the Middle East : ENGINEERING cabin and avionic upgrades. Air Event Calendar and are the only aircraft in their & MAINTENANCE Works will also be offering com- class to offer stand-up cabins. ponent repairs and spare parts FAA 5th Annual The Phenom 100 VLJ is due to Cessna announces new sourcing. So far, airlines of India International Aviation Safety Forum enter service by end 2008 and service centres have had to either establish in- December 1–3 the Phenom 300 in the second house maintenance capabilities Washington, D.C. half of 2009. or send their aircraft abroad for Web: www.faa.gov servicing. Grupo Marsans orders Air Works MRO in Hosur at Indian Business 61 Airbus aircraft present has one hangar capable Aviation Expo Spain’s largest tourism and of housing two ATR 72 size December 1–3 transport group Grupo Marsans aircraft or one narrow body air- Intercontinental, has placed a firm order with craft. It also has 13,000 sq. ft of The Grand Mumbai, India Airbus for a total of 61 aircraft, office and back shop space. The Web: www.miuevents.com including four A380, 10 A350 Hosur airport has a newly ex- Aircraft Acquisition -900, five A330-200 and 42 The customer services team tended 7,000 ft runway, capable Planning Seminar A320 family aircraft. These new at Cessna Aircraft Company of accepting all commercial December 3–4 aircraft, which will be operated has appointed Wallan Aviation aircraft types. The company will Scottsdale, Arizona by Grupo Marsans’ subsidiary or in Riyadh as an Authorized soon build two more hangars at Web: www.conklindd.com related airlines, will add to the Citation Service Centre for the cost of $40 million (Rs 195 company’s previous order for 12 the Middle East. The Saudi crore) to be ready by end 2009. AAAE Annual Aviation A330-200 and will bring Grupo company has high Citation Air Works’ General Aviation Issues Conference Marsans’ total orders with Air- expertise and will undoubtedly MRO is already the largest in January 11–15 bus to 73 aircraft. be a key partner in this very India with over 60 per cent Kona, Hawaii Announcing the mega order, important region of the world. market share. Starting with Web: www.aaae.org President of Grupo Marsans Customers Gulf States will the maintenance and overhaul 20th Annual Schedulers & Gonzalo Pascual said, “This benefit immensely through easy work on a few DC-3s in the Dispatchers Conference important order allows Grupo access to quality service from a early 1950s, Air Works currently January 14–16 Marsans to put into action it’s top aviation company locally. does DGCA approved main- Long Beach, California mid- and long-term develop- This revelation follows on tenance on over 75 aircraft, Web: www.nbaa.org ment plan, to enhance our the heels of other key customer including Gulfstream, Bombar- position on the short and long service announcements made dier, Dassault, Hawker, Cessna haul sector by incorporating the recently at the National Busi- and Beech. aircraft. In total the company most efficient aircraft available ness Aviation Association an- The company recently an- operates 36 modern private jets in the market today and in the nual convention in Orlando. The nounced an authorised service of various sizes with an average future. In addition to the overall company also named TANEJA center agreement with Honey- age of 2.37 years. fleet enhancement, with the Aerospace & Aviation Ltd in well under which Air Works will A380, we will become the first Bangalore and Kinch Aviation in offer maintenance, repair and Business jets from A380 operator in Spain and Nottinghamshire, UK as autho- service facilities for Honeywell Embraer Latin America” rised service stations. Cessna engines TFE 731 and CFE 738 Embraer will soon deliver the Airbus Chief Operat- also made public its plans to series. In addition, Air Works first of its Lineage 1000 busi- ing Officer Customers John open a new company-owned will also service Honeywell’s ness jets to the Dubai-based Al Leahy said, “This order, which Citation service centre in Spain. navigation and communication Fahim group. This new model basically covers all our prod- equipment. is based on the 98 to 114 seat uct range, including the most Air Works MRO receives E190 regional jet. It offers five recent ones such as the A380 DGCA approval Flight with bio-fuel spacious cabin compartments, and A350, represents a major Air Works, an India-based Air New Zealand and Boeing a feature preferred by Middle vote of confidence. It will allow provider of aviation services have set December 3 as the date Eastern customers. However, Grupo Marsans to benefit from since 1951, announced that for the airline’s sustainable bio- Embraer believes that the busi- the operational commonality it has received approval from fuels flight from Auckland using ness aviation market in the of the Airbus product range Director General of Civil Avia- a 747-400 jetliner. Conducted in Middle East has place for its in the best way possible. With tion (DGCA) for its commercial partnership with Rolls-Royce and smaller Legacy 450, 500, the this purchase, Grupo Marsans, MRO operations in Hosur, south UOP, a Honeywell company, one Phenom 100 and 300 who control various airlines of Bangalore. of the airplane’s four Rolls-Royce executive jets. in Europe and Latin America, With the announcement, RB211 engines will be powered in The midsize 500, range will have the most efficient and Air Works has become India’s part using advanced generation 3,000 nm and the mid-light modern aircraft fleet avail- first DGCA approved inde- bio-fuel derived from Jatropha. Legacy 450, range 2300 nm will able to further strengthen and pendent airline MRO and will Air New Zealand now becomes enter service in 2012 and 2013, develop their operations both perform services such as Line the first airline to use a com- respectively. The range offered within Spain, regionally and and Base maintenance, aircraft mercially viable bio-fuel sourced by these aircraft are well suited internationally.” painting, structural repairs, using sustainable practices.

4 • SP’S • Issue 5 • 2008 G www.spsairbuz.net Earlier, Buffet had admitted it was one of his few indulgences. Subse- quently, what elevated the business jet from a luxury toy to what is increasingly seen as a vital corporate tool? In the US, hundreds of Fortune 500 companies now flaunt their own aircraft, with companies arguing that this vital conveyance saves time and boosts pro- ductivity.News A recentB CNNriefs report quoted

Boeing, Air New Zealand piece measures approximately 18 Drastic reduction in price of ATF and UOP have worked dili- ft at its widest point. The upper Amid falling international crude oil prices, state-run oil market- gently with growers and project and lower surface panels and the ing companies announced slashing of Aviation Turbine Fuel developer Terasol Energy to spars of the wing are made of the (ATF) prices by over 12 per cent or Rs 5,580 per kilolitre (KL). identify sustainable Jatropha in same composite material being With this reduction, the price of ATF is now on a par with levels adequate quantities to conduct used on the fuselage. The wing that prevailed in September 2007. However, there was little cheer thorough pre-flight testing. Using ribs are monolithic aluminium for air travellers as airlines gave little indication of passing on the proprietary UOP fuel processing structures, each machined from a benefit to the travellers. technology, the Jatropha crude single piece of aluminium plate. ATF price in Delhi was cut by Rs 5,585.19 to Rs 39,380.51 per oil was successfully converted to To meet certification KL with effect from November 15 midnight. This is the fifth cut bio-jet fuel, marking the world’s requirements, the wings must in ATF prices since August when the prices was at an all-time first large-scale production run withstand loads up to 1.5 times high of Rs 71,028.26 per KL. This is the third cut this month, the of a commercially viable and sus- the highest aerodynamic load first was the monthly reduction, which followed abolition of tainable bio-fuel for aviation use. that the aircraft could ever be customs duty on ATF. As part of the fuel verifica- expected to experience in the Oil companies now fix rates every 15 days instead of the tion process, UK-based engine entire lifetime of the fleet. The earlier practice of revising the prices based on average oil price maker Rolls-Royce’s technical test wing box weighs 55,000 lbs, in the preceding month. The ATF price in Mumbai will come down from Rs 46,518.85 per KL to Rs 40,687.42. On November 1, team conducted extensive including a great deal of test-only ATF prices had been reduced to Rs 48,656.59 per KL and then to laboratory testing to ensure hardware and instrumentation. Rs 46,518.85 per KL on November 4. The airlines are maintaining compatibility with today’s jet It was designed and built by a they are studying the situation and will take a decision later. engine components and to joint team of Boeing, Mitsubishi The Finance Ministry recently abolished the 5 per cent validate the fuel meets stringent Heavy Industries and Fuji Heavy import duty on ATF. On the same day, Indian Oil Corporation, performance criteria for avia- Industries. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petro- tion fuel. Structural testing will leum Corporation Limited cut jet fuel prices in Delhi by Rs continue on two full-scale 9,429.87 per KL to Rs 47,017.93 per KL, in line with the falling Destructive testing of 787 airframes as part of the international oil prices. Cumulatively, prices are down close to 40 787 Dreamliner wing box certification process for the per cent from the peak reached in August 2008. airplane. Those tests will further demonstrate the performance of the structure through multiple lose $2 billion (Rs 9,900 crore) in latest global market forecast has lifetimes of normal operational this financial year. India’s private said India would average an an- loads and test the structure low-cost carriers are scrambling nual passenger growth of 7.7 per beyond the points expected to for cash to help them cope cent until the year 2025 against be seen in service. with the squeeze stemming a world average of 4.8 per cent. from rising costs and declining According to the company, this volume of traffic. After growing rate of growth in passenger Boeing has completed destructive : AIRLINES FINANCE at about 25 per cent a year for traffic would translate into a testing on a full-scale composite three years, passenger traffic has demand for about 1,000 aircraft wing box of the 787 Dreamliner, Foreign investment in dropped sharply since June 2008 from Indian carriers worth $105 the first all-composite wing box India’s airlines when surging oil prices pushed billion (Rs 5,19,750 crore) over ever built for a Boeing commer- Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines up fares. From July to Septem- the next 17 years. Out of these, cial airplane. This test is part of Dr Vijay Mallya has urged the ber, passenger traffic was down Indian carriers would need the certification process and is a Indian government to ease by about 15 per cent. about 40 very large aircraft, like major step forward in the inno- restrictions and permit foreign The CEO of India’s Centre the A380. vation on the Dreamliner. Apart airlines to purchase stakes of for Asia Pacific Aviation, Kapil Airbus has a market share from ascertaining the strength of up to 25 per cent in Indian car- Kaul, said allowing foreign air- in India of about 70 per cent of the structure, the test helps verify riers to help the ailing aviation lines to invest in Indian carriers all commercial aircraft with an the analytical methods used to industry survive the present would help the Indian industry approximate delivery in the past calculate loads the structure will financial crisis. He has been ride out its current difficulties. of one aircraft per week. have to carry. frequently approached by In Taipei, Chew Choon-seng, The best year for orders The wing box is a cantile- foreign carriers seeking tie-ups the chief executive of Singapore placed by Indian carriers was vered beam that carries the wing with Kingfisher which is one Airlines, said that the global 2005, when Airbus recorded 229 to the fuselage and supports lead- of India’s two largest private downturn could encourage orders. The company has not ing and trailing edge devices, con- airlines and renowned for its Asian governments to liberalise indicated the current situation trol surfaces, engines and landing world class service. Mallya said foreign ownership of airlines in the context of the downturn gear. The test piece represents he expected the government to and create opportunities for being witnessed by the Indian a portion of the wing section give serious consideration to industry consolidation. aviation industry and whether it that begins at the centre of the easing investment restrictions has impacted its order book or airplane and stops at approxi- because of the “gravity of the Airbus market forecast led to any cancellations. As per mately one-half of the span of the situation” confronting Indian hoists India to a high rung Airbus, the last few years have wing, approximately 50 ft. The carriers, which is predicted to Aircraft manufacturer Airbus’ seen a booming aviation sector

Issue 5 • 2008 • SP’S • 5 Earlier, Buffet had admitted it was one of his few indulgences. Subse- quently, what elevated the business jet from a luxury toy to what is increasingly seen as a vital corporate tool? In the US, hundreds of Fortune 500 companies now flaunt their own aircraft, with companies arguing that this vital conveyance saves time and boosts pro- ductivity.News A recentB CNNriefs report quoted

and there is still some way to leasing aircraft to fill gaps in Uzbekistan Airways order airport is likely to be built on go before passenger air travel in its existing delivery schedules. four Boeing 767s a Public-Private Partnership India reaches the levels seen in In the meantime, the airline is basis. Rajkot District Collec- mature aviation markets in the scheduled to begin operations tor H.S. Patel said, “The three developed world. from its second hub in Morocco sites surveyed are Parapipaliya, in early 2009 with the launch of Nakarwadi and a location near : AIRLINES NEWS a new airline called Air Arabia National Highway 8B.” Maroc. The carrier’s new hub is The plan for a new airport Airbus A330-200 for aimed at providing the airline has been proposed in view of Hawaiian Airlines with a platform from which to the future development of the Hawaiian Airlines is acquiring reach the wider Europe, Middle city, as the existing airport on a third new widebody Airbus East and Africa markets. the Jamnagar Road can handle A330-200 aircraft to join two Air Arabia is currently operat- Tashkent-based Uzbekistan only one Airbus at a time. others announced two weeks ing 16 leased and owned A320 Airways have finalised an order Expansion of the existing ago. The company negoti- aircraft to serve a network of 44 for four Boeing 767-300ER airport has also been consid- ated delivery of two of the new destinations across the Middle airplanes valued at $597 million ered. For this purpose, the aircraft in the second quarter East, North Africa, Indian Sub- (Rs 2,955 crore). With this order, Civil Aviation Department will of 2010, an event that would continent, Eastern Europe and Uzbekistan Airways will have have to acquire land from the mark the airline’s transition to a Central Asia. The Dubai Financial a total of six Boeing jetliners, Indian Railways, which has its new long-range fleet two years Market-listed low-cost carrier including two 787-8 on order. staff quarters there. The Indian earlier than originally planned. posted a 30 per cent rise in its net The airline currently operates Railways has shown willingness President and Chief Execu- profits for the third quarter over six Boeing 757-200s and five to transfer 21 acres provided it tive BuzzMark Dunkerley said the same period last year. 767-300ERs. gets land for quarters at some increasing the size of the fleet “We are eager to strengthen other place. and bringing the new aircraft two Lufthansa to take over our Boeing fleet with 767s to At present, three flights, two years earlier than planned deepen Austrian Airlines continue competing success- by Jet Airways and one by Air Hawaiian’s investment in its home On November 14, the Austrian fully and meet the demand for India operate between Rajkot state and its economy. Dunkerley state holding company OeIAG air travel in our region,” said and Mumbai. called it “great news” for the future announced that Austrian Air- Valeri Tyan, General Director of of the airline, its employees and lines would be sold to German Uzbekistan Airways. “Today’s Jet Airways undertake Hawaii’s tourism industry. The carrier Lufthansa. The deal is order is yet another step for- performance based three new planes are in addition expected to be finalised by the ward in our strong relationship navigation to the agreement Hawaiian an- end of the year. Since Air France- with Boeing. We look forward to Jet Airways has become the first nounced in February to purchase KLM and Russian carrier S7 did operating the 787 and benefit- airline in India to have obtained up to 24 new Airbus aircraft. not submits offers conforming to ing from its advanced perfor- regulatory approval for the use the specifications of the bidding mance features. Until then, the of RNAV1 (Area Navigation) Ten Airbus aircraft process, OeIAG said it would 767-300ER is the economical across its entire jet aircraft fleet. for Air Arabia now enter into exclusive “closing and logical choice to fulfil our This is subsequent to the re- talks” with Lufthansa. Lufthan- interim capacity targets and our cently introduced Performance sa’s reported demands that the growth plans.” Based Navigation procedures in Austrian government take over “Boeing and Uzbekistan India. Additionally, Jet Airways 500 million euros ($638 million; Airways have a very special has also become the first airline Rs 3,138 crore) of Austrian Air- relationship, based on long- in India to have obtained regula- lines’ debt of more than a billion standing mutual knowledge and tory approval for the conduct of euros, is among the main issues trust,” said Craig Jones, Boeing RNP 0.3 approaches at appli- to be negotiated before the take- Commercial Airplanes Vice cable airfields. over is final. Lufthansa is offering President of Sales for Russia & With this advanced tech- only a nominal price for OeIAG’s Central Asia. “These 767 models nology, a very high level of Sharjah-based budget carrier, 41.6 per cent stake, just 0.01 euro provide excellent efficiency, navigational accuracy is achieved, Air Arabia has signed a contract per share or 360,000 euros (Rs 2 reliability and outstanding pas- thus enabling better airspace with Airbus for 10 additional crore) in all, according to media senger comfort for Uzbekistan utilisation. This method allows A320 aircraft worth about $770 reports. Lufthansa refused to Airways’ international routes.” aircraft to operate on any station million (Rs 3,800 crore) to serve comment on OeIAG’s decision. referenced navigation aids or its new hub in Morocco. This Austrian Airlines is the most : INFRASTRUCTURE self contained aids or both, thus deal follows an earlier agree- recent in a series of Lufthansa enabling optimisation of airspace, ment for 34 Airbus A320 aircraft takeovers. The German car- New airport for Rajkot reducing dependency on routes signed at the Dubai Air Show in rier announced it would buy A team from the Ministry of based on ground navigation November 2007. a majority stake in BMI and Civil Aviation conducted a aids and permitting reduced Air Arabia’s Chief Executive Eurowings in late October and a survey of three selected places separation between two airborne Adel Ali had also said recently month earlier took a controlling for the proposed international aircrafts, without compromising that the airline was considering stake in Brussels Airlines. standard airport at Rajkot. The safety standards. SP

6 • SP’S • Issue 5 • 2008 G www.spsairbuz.net OPERATIONS / WEATHER

Rules for Rainy Days The Federation of Indian Airlines recently drew up a wishlist of safety measures that the Ministry of Civil Aviation could incorporate towards safer monsoon operations

ERIVED FROM ‘MAUSAM’, By A.K. Sachdev, India. The North East Monsoon is relatively be- ARABIC FOR season, mon- Mumbai nign and for the purpose of this article, the term soons embody an unique ‘monsoon’ refers to the South West Monsoon. climatic phenomenon of the Indian subcontinent. The word ‘monsoon’ DGCA INITIATIVES conjures up images of torrential rainfall. In hy- Although it is possible to define this season in terms of time, it drology, the term ‘monsoon rainfall’ has now would be appropriate to mention here that at most times of the come to denote precipitation in an area that receives the major year, monsoon-like conditions prevail in one part of the country Dportion of its rainfall during that particular season referred to as or another. Thus, to classify a particular period of the year as be- the ‘monsoon season’. By that logic, North America, South Ameri- ing monsoon-season and hence deserving reverence by aviators ca, Sub-Saharan Africa, Australia and East Asia can also be called is tantamount to being unmindful of the rest of the year when monsoon regions. However, the Indian pre-occupation with mon- the unwary aviator may encounter monsoon-type weather condi- soon is complete. Financial planning, markets, budget exercise, tions. However, it is customary for the DGCA to issue, before the indeed all commercial, agricultural and industrial activities re- onset of the monsoon, a circular reiterating a few oft repeated lated to the economy are inextricably linked to the monsoons. precautions, some of which were originally issued as far back as Aviation is affected too in a major way. 1991. These relate essentially to operations and engineering with A Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) (Section 7, Series B, Part some general points. Some of them have already been in prac- V, Issue 1) issued in 1995 by the Director General Civil Aviation tice—monsoon or no monsoon. For example, an exhortation to (DGCA) lays down the syllabus for Senior Commercial Pilots’ Li- follow the route approved in the flight plan meticulously is per- cense examination. In Para 2.1.18, under the heading ‘Indian Cli- haps unnecessary. However, others, like having two alternative matology’, it lists three seasons—Pre-Monsoon, South West Mon- airfields in the flight plan as ‘diversions’ instead of one, are likely soon and Post-Monsoon Seasons. The DGCA’s fixation with the to be beneficial during the monsoon season. monsoon is obvious from these terminologies. Being responsible Similarly, there are instructions in these circulars requiring for a majority of aviation accidents or incidents that take place in that the serviceability of wind shield wipers, weather radar sys-

PHOTOGRAPHS: AIRLINERS.NET this season, the South West Monsoon is hazardous to aviation in tems, thrust reversers, brakes, flap systems and anti-skid systems

Issue 5 • 2008 • SP’S • 7 OPERATIONS / WEATHER

meetings and circulars serve the purpose of a discrete warning for the airlines and others affected by the monsoons. Scheduled airlines bear the brunt of DGCA’s regulatory mechanisms as these are focused primarily on the airlines. While the DGCA has regulations in place in the form of CARs and circulars, it does not have regulatory inspectors in the numbers required to ensure foolproof CAUTION PAYS: When an aircraft is on the compliance. An airline’s ap- ground, a minimum of six chocks are required proach to the regulations, to be positioned against the tyres, both ahead therefore, is more subjective and behind, so that it is not displaced from its than objective—the opera- position in adverse weather conditions tional management deciding the tenor and texture of the airline’s response to monsoon flying restrictions. By way of be checked thoroughly. If an illustration, take the regulation about placing a minimum of any ‘snag’ is reported on six chocks to immobilise an aircraft after it comes to a stop. The In addition these systems, the conces- next time you travel by air, just observe how well this regulation to the DGCA sion under the Minimum is followed; you will be surprised by the variations in practice. Equipment List is not to be This simple, objective and easily measurable data collection ex- circulars invoked. As per DGCA in- ercise will illustrate the difference that exists in the attitude and structions, no equipment approach of airlines to regulatory provisions. That aside, it will cautioning on the ground is to be left also validate the DGCA’s limited ability to ensure submission to every operator unsecured or unattended. its statutory regulatory authority. When an aircraft is on the about ground, a minimum of six REGULATORY MECHANISMS chocks are required to be Nonetheless it would be incorrect to presume that airlines are monsoon positioned against the unsafe during the monsoon period. In addition to the DGCA cir- flying, every tyres, both ahead and be- culars cautioning every operator about monsoon flying, every hind, so that the aircraft is airline has its own system of regulatory mechanisms in place to airline has its not displaced from its po- ensure due caution and care that monsoon flying deserves. Be- sition in adverse weather fore the onset of the monsoon, every pilot is checked out by the own system conditions. As far as the instructors and examiners in the airline’s employ. Pilots have to of regulatory cockpit crew is concerned, be individually cleared for monsoon operations by actually flying the instructions are to al- through monsoon weather and not merely flying during the mon- mechanisms low only those pilots who soon period. There is a prescribed monsoon operations clearance have been specifically syllabus to be completed and a check on the level of awareness in place to screened to fly during the and skill of the pilot in command to be carried out. The figures ensure due monsoons. for fuel to be carried onboard are carefully gone over to cater for There are several such weather enforced diversions. In case of monsoon operations, two caution instructions as, over a pe- diversions are catered for in fuel planning. The current high price riod of time, some circu- of aviation fuel is a cause for divergence of views between pilots and care lars have been issued to who would like to err on the safer side and carry extra fuel on highlight issues thrown board for higher level of assurance and the management which up by investigations into would like to keep the figure to one that balances safety and cost. accidents or incidents. The DGCA is in the process of collating Every extra litre of fuel carried onboard adds to the weight of the all circulars into one comprehensive checklist for the benefit of aircraft and results in a proportionately higher fuel burn when operators. Prior to the onset of monsoons it is also customary the aircraft is airborne. While expenditure on fuel remains a ma- to have a meeting of the Heads of Safety of all airlines. However, jor consideration, the airlines are conscious of the fact that safety as the meeting takes place at the headquarters of the DGCA in is important, too, and that the pilot must have the final say in the Delhi, it is usually scheduled just before the monsoon hits Delhi. fuel he orders to be uplifted at the airport of departure. By this time most stations in south India would have already been The Federation of Indian Airlines recently consulted all its under monsoon conditions for over a month. All the same, the members and drew up a wishlist of safety measures that the Min-

8 • SP’S • Issue 5 • 2008 G www.spsairbuz.net OPERATIONS / WEATHER istry of Civil Aviation could incorporate towards safer monsoon Chances are that there would be several other aircraft diverting operations. These suggestions included steps to enhance safety in to the same airfield at the same time. In-flight turbulence could operations, render monsoon operations less disruptive and make also lead to some queasy stomachs, some spilt coffee and frayed diversions easier. Cleaning the runway surface of rubber deposits tempers. There may be anxious moments too when the aircraft left behind by aircraft tyres in the touchdown zone was also sug- lands on a wet runway and one’s synaptic functions make mor- gested. Rubber deposits reduce the coefficient of friction of the bid associations between wet surfaces and skidding tyres. Not- runway surface, degrade braking performance and accentuate the withstanding all these factors, while monsoon conditions may tendency of the aircraft to delay flights and therefore skid on landing. A sugges- put off passengers, they tion was made that pilots are unlikely to deter the air be informed of the runway traveler from attempting surface condition in order to reach his destination by to take into account the the mode he is so used to. performance penalties before landing. Other re- IN CONCLUSION quests included weather Interestingly as man gets radars for enhancing air more and more proactive traffic control, dynamic in his efforts to counter the departure and arrival pro- additional risks that mon- cedures to avoid intense soon aviation entails, his precipitation areas, in- deeds in another area alto- stallation of precision ap- gether threaten to render proach radars, provision of monsoons more perilous for RVR at every international flying in the future. By the airport, more conservative early 1900s, two large-scale minimas for application phenomena had been iden- during monsoons and in- tified as being significant crease in the number of for predicting monsoons. parking bays at airports The first was the Himala- used for diversions. yan/Eurasian snow extent Jaipur is one airfield which is generally believed where normal traffic in not to provide an indication of heavy but is a preferred pre-monsoon thermal con- diversion necessitating ditions over the Asian land the need for additional mass. Warmer conditions parking bays. The list also are seen as aiding the build included issues such as up of a strong land-sea effective runway drainage thermal gradient during the systems, priority start up summer. The second fac- clearance to aircraft that tor is the El-Nino Southern have diverted and are on Oscillation (ENSO) cycle the ground, increased which affects inter-annual number of radio/telepho- monsoon variability. ny channels and enhanced Studies have shown a bird hazard control mea- PLANNING WISELY: Before the onset of significant association be- sures during monsoons. the monsoon, it is customary for the DGCA tween the monsoon rainfall Hopefully, these measures to issue a circular reiterating a few oft repeated over India and ENSO indi- would make the task of precautions, some of which were originally ces. Research conducted flying easier for the opera- issued as far back as 1991 by Pune’s Indian Institute tors and at the same time, of Tropical Meteorology render air travel safer for the most impor- indicates that after 2050, temperatures tant stakeholder—the passenger. would rise by three to four degrees over The average passenger does not perceive air travel during current levels and rainfall would become both heavier and less monsoons as being more hazardous or dangerous than outside regular. On a similar note, new mathematical models indicate of the monsoon period. However, one can be put to a lot of in- that global warming will lead to more intense activities related to convenience due to delays on account of bad weather at the thermal gradients in the years to come. Unless of course, the ef- departure or the arrival airport. Moreover should the aircraft forts of mankind at preserving the environment succeed against divert to an airport other than the original destination, the pas- the ills of short term commercial avarice and long term survival sengers could have to suffer delays compounded with the incon- instinct prevail. Meanwhile, every year the monsoon comes and venience of spending painful waiting hours at an airport that goes with its bounty for the nation and with anxious moments is not geared for the onslaught of unplanned passenger loads. for the aviator. SP

Issue 5 • 2008 • SP’S • 9 OPERATIONS / ENVIRONMENT Walk the

TALK

Only when green initiatives are pursued for themselves, with cost being just one of several criteria, albeit an important one, meaningful progress can be expected

URING THE LATTER By Joseph Noronha, where in the distant future, with plenty of time HALF OF the last century, Goa to prepare and adapt. However, there is increas- nightmares of a nuclear ho- ing evidence that two degrees of warming is all it locaust troubled people in might take to reach a ‘tipping point’. The world many parts of the world. However, over the past urgently needs to take the key decisions that will impact its collec- decade or two, nuclear threat has been replaced tive future. Most thinking people are, therefore, veering round to the by worries over climate change, particularly hu- view that reducing GHG emissions and stopping runaway climate man-induced climate change. Extreme opinions have generally been change must take precedence over other priorities. Dvoiced. Climate change, according to one debate, should be dismissed as an over-hyped possibility and people should get on with business EMISSIONS CLOUD THE SKY as usual. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the contention that Aviation, in some parts of the world, is the fastest-growing source of climate change is the greatest danger ever to confront humankind GHG emissions. The sustained high growth rate of commercial traf- and, therefore, should be tackled with all the resources at the com- fic, attributable largely to the impressive success of budget airlines, mand of humanity. The truth, as is often the case, lies in between. nullifies any improvement in fuel burn figures. Aircraft mainly emit The only certainty is the broad scientific consensus that human CO2, water vapour and nitrogen oxides. They also generate noise and activity is, beyond reasonable doubt, the main cause of the current burn non-renewable fuel. Burning a tonne of fuel produces around and rapidly accelerating changes in the world’s climate. While the in- 3.2 tonnes of CO2. In addition, the harmful effects of aviation-related crease in carbon dioxide (CO2 ) levels in the atmosphere due to fossil emissions are intensified because these are released at high altitudes. fuel combustion—so-called Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG)—are It has been calculated that the noxious mix of gases in a jet exhaust at of major concern, other factors like aerosols, cement manufacture, height is 2.7 times more deadly than its CO2 content alone. some types of land use, ozone depletion, animal agriculture and Sadly, it appears that much of the aviation industry is stuck in a deforestation also adversely affect the climate. It would be rather time warp. Environment-friendly steps taken so far are modest and

PHOTOGRAPHS: AIRLINERS.NET/PRATT & WHITNEY PHOTOGRAPHS: AIRLINERS.NET/PRATT convenient if the consequences of climate change threatened some- seem aimed mainly at deflecting criticism rather than taking sub-

10 • SP’S • Issue 5 • 2008 G www.spsairbuz.net OPERATIONS / ENVIRONMENT stantive action. An unrefined yet pithy way of describing such an ap- reduce carbon emissions. General Electric, along with its French part- proach would be, “Look busy, take it easy”. At Farnborough 2008, for ner, Safran, is developing a new fuel-efficient engine which should be instance, there was plenty of talk of ‘sustainable aviation’, but at the ready by 2016. Separately, Pratt & Whitney is working on the Pure- end of the day it added up to little more than posturing and promises Power PW1000G—a geared-turbo fan engine—the first of a new of action somewhere in the distant future... so long as the bottom- family of next-generation commercial and business jet engines that line was not adversely affected. While dramatic improvements in jet offer double-digit improvements in fuel burn, environmental emis- engine fuel efficiency are routinely cited as evidence of action, the sions, engine noise and operating costs. Aviation companies are also truth is that such improvements are driven by hard economic fac- pursuing radical new designs, developing software, materials and tors, mainly the price of oil. No problem with that, except that there manufacturing processes as well as other technologies to increase seems to be insufficient long-term commitment to foot the green bill efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions from aircraft. and practically none if the price of fuel should crash. Fuel cells provide ‘clean’ power to aircraft on the ground when the Most stakeholders seem intent on passing the buck. The airlines main engines are not running. Electric motors fitted to the under- industry, led by IATA, proposes better Air Traffic Management (ATM) carriage wheels enable taxiing without the engines; refined aero- measures, like the Single European Sky, as a panacea to reduce avia- dynamics help reduce drag to the inescapable minimum. Aircraft tion-related GHG emissions. Governments, however, would rather manufacturers are also switching from traditional heavy materials, not permit aircraft from not-so-friendly foreign countries to enter like aluminium and steel, to light plastic composites made from car- their airspace freely. They prefer to lean on the airlines by imposing bon fibre and metals like titanium. But demand for these materials additional taxes or penalising high emissions. Military restrictions may well outstrip supplies and they do not come cheap. Many more also make extended detours necessary. This prickly attitude makes such measures are required in order to achieve a significant impact less and less sense as detailed satellite pictures of practically every on overall emission levels. square metre of the earth’s surface is now available off-the-shelf. Rather than wait sev- Major aircraft manufacturers have been promising fuel-efficient eral years for new tech- passenger planes for a decade or more but there are significant slip- Major nologies to fructify, it is pages. While Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is over a year and a half late aircraft imperative for airlines to and counting, the delivery schedule of the Airbus A380 has been set tape up operations. Ev- back by around two years. Such delays cause planning problems manufacturers erything the aircraft does for those airlines that sincerely intend to shift to more fuel efficient from switching on its en- planes. Strangely enough, the manufacturers seem to be hedging have been gines at the departure gate their bets and persisting with older, less fuel-efficient aircraft. Why? promising to shutting them down at They rightly suspect that if the price of oil should crash and remain the arrival gate has to be low the airlines would be far less keen on expensive fuel-efficient fuel-efficient streamlined and moni- replacements than they are today. tored. IATA has proposed Indeed, many seemingly green decisions are actually dictated passenger a list of best practices that by cold, practical business sense. Right now fuel burn eats up airline planes for include fitting small verti- money. A reprehensible yet widespread practice says it all: to save cal winglets to the end of money some aircraft refuel much in excess of their need in countries a decade or the wings to reduce drag where fuel is less expensive. Described as ‘tankering’, this practice in the air and refitting weighs the plane down and burns 2 to 4 per cent more fuel with con- more but aircraft with lighter seats sequently higher emissions. The planet suffers in silence. there are as well as equipment. In- At the macro level, the airlines industry supports a global ap- stead of burning fuel for proach to emission reductions. IATA has called for a voluntary but significant air-conditioning and light- global emissions trading scheme. ICAO was charged with coming up ing while on the ground, with a scheme but has not so far managed to persuade its member slippages power could be used from states on the issue. Its lack of progress has resulted in Europe going the airport instead. Using it alone. In July 2008, the European Union (EU) voted to include avia- only one engine to get to tion emissions in its own Emissions Trading Scheme, enforceable the runway helps. Other engines can be started up just before take- from 2012, that will include all carriers, foreign and European, flying off. After landing, all engines except the one needed for taxiing can in and out of Europe. The scheme requires carriers to pay penalties be shut down. Alternatively, planes could be towed like a ship leaving for emissions in excess of the average level in 2004-06. Predictably, harbour. Wherever feasible, using ‘as the crow flies’ routes culminat- many in the aviation industry have sharply criticised the EU’s pro- ing in straight-in Continuous Descent Approaches saves significant posed scheme claiming it will drive airlines to financial ruin. amounts of fuel and correspondingly reduces GHG emissions. The main problem is so long as profit continues to be the over- ALTERNATIVE ROUTES riding motive, the response of the aviation community to the im- Some believe alternative fuels are a good way to cap future emissions. pending global warming crisis is likely to be half-hearted. Only when However, most airlines see alternative fuels as a green option, not green initiatives are pursued for themselves, with cost being just one necessarily a cheap one, hence, the reluctance. Environmental group of several criteria albeit an important one, meaningful progress can Greenpeace is frankly sceptical and feels that talk of alternative fuels be expected. Most of the options to improve aviation’s environmental somewhere in the future is a dangerous distraction. There is a need performance require heavy investment. There are no cheap or easy to make determined efforts to reduce GHG emissions immediately. solutions. Lighter materials, new fuels and other innovations that New fuels are just part of the effort. Engines are another impor- promise to make planes more environment-friendly mean more ex- tant element since they can yield improvements in fuel economy and pense and development time. Someone has to foot the bill.

Issue 5 • 2008 • SP’S • 11 OPERATIONS / ENVIRONMENT

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE get to and from the airport. Wherever possible, high-speed rail could In the short term, airlines need to modernise their fleets or at least in- be resorted to instead of air or the two could be used in convenient stall winglets and take whatever operational measures possible to re- combination. Airlines with more fuel-efficient planes and green prac- duce fuel burn. ‘Tankering’ should be avoided like the plague. Carbon tices should be given preference over others. Passengers whose green offsets would help keep the laggards focussed on the goal of steadily conscience is strong could even buy carbon offsets thus contributing greening aviation. More efficient air traffic management by improv- towards an offset project to mitigate CO2 emissions from their flights. ing traffic flow and reducing delays would certainly help conserve Many airlines and travel agencies now offer carbon offsets—a useful fuel and reduce way of mitigating green guilt. GHG emissions. This is where JUST DO IT ATM authorities, Reducing GHG emissions is a national govern- global challenge. The contribu- ments and inter- tion air travel is making to cli- national agencies mate change cannot and should need to get their not be ignored. Environmental act together. issues will increasingly act as a In the medium constraint to aviation growth so term, reliance on there is good commercial sense in alternative fuels dealing with them. Airlines lost a should be in- valuable opportunity to clean up creased manifold, their act in the 1970s when the oil beginning with shock drove up the price of fuel. blends. Here it is Sadly, the intervening decades up to researchers have seen little or no progress. to develop fuels The key point is that there that are cheap yet is no single solution to climate emit low GHG change. Every possible option during combus- needs to be explored. It also pays tion. For instance, to be determined, it is now recog- DISMAL RECORD: Airlines lost a even ruthless. In nised that if land valuable opportunity to clean up their act the mid-1990s for clearance is taken in the 1970s when the oil shock drove up instance, Delhi’s into account, most the price of fuel. Sadly, the intervening air was becoming biofuels currently decades have seen little or no progress. increasingly pol- produced cause a luted but the gov- massive increase ernment seemed in GHG emissions. reluctant to act They should be discarded. ‘Gate-to-gate’ comprehensive for fear of antago- traffic flow management and 4D Trajectories, where time nising voters. Fol- is the fourth dimension, need to be implemented. Contrails lowing a series of and contrail cirrus, significant contributors to warming, Supreme Court can be substantially reduced by ATM action such as reduc- directives which ing traffic through cold, humid air by routing it under, over the government or around supersaturated regions. This could increase fuel fought tooth-and- burn and should be used only after cost-benefit analysis is nail on the plea carried out. Once again, it is unlikely to happen without that it would be government backed regulatory action. ‘uneconomical’ or In the long term, a complete switch to ‘clean’ alternative fuels would ‘hurt the common man’, all buses, three-wheelers and taxis like hydrogen and solar power is required. A global gate-to-gate were compulsorily converted to CNG. It appeared to be a draconian system would need to be implemented. Regional Upper Air Space measure to many at the time but as a result Delhi’s air is much clean- management control centres to encourage countries without bor- er today. None of the predicted economic fallout occurred. ders (at least in the air) would need to be established. There should Measures that help the environment also increase efficiency be ruthless insistence on energy efficiency in all operations. Grant- and reduce costs. The best approaches are those that benefit air- ed that the aviation industry by itself should not have to foot the lines, passengers and the environment. Aviation is not alone in entire bill nor should the airlines alone have to do so. Governments contributing to climate change, far from it—other modes of trans- can play a vital role by funding research into green fuels, providing port cause even more damage. But it must be acknowledged that tax incentives to green airlines and taking the necessary initiatives the aviation industry has to be far more socially responsible. Tough to smooth the traffic flow and reduce fuel burn. business decisions need to be made and they need to be made now. What of the humble passenger? There is plenty that passengers This can be done in sensible ways which ensure that aviation genu- can do to reduce the impact of air travel on climate change. Passen- inely becomes sustainable and does not meet an untimely end or gers can travel light. Public transport may be used instead of cars to itself become the reason for the slow death of the planet. SP

12 • SP’S • Issue 5 • 2008 G www.spsairbuz.net 4)083&1035*/%*""7*"5*0/

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*ččďþŉrņńńŌr414r SHOW REPORT / INDIA AVIATION ’08 sional air-conditioned hangars. The limited flying display includ- media and representatives of practically all leading companies of ed an aerial aerobatic show by the veritable Surya Kiran team of the civil aviation industry and PSUs. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minis- the IAF on the inaugural day. In addition, there was static display ter Y.S.R. Reddy was the Chief Guest at the event that was also at- of civil aircraft, media briefings and an international conference tended by Captain Satish Sharma, the President of the Aero Club at Hotel Taj Krishna on October 16. Commercially Important of India and an aviator of repute. Persons were hosted in half a dozen chalets even as a photo Conceived at a time when the Indian aviation industry was on exhibition covering the 75-year history of civil aviation was or- a high growth trajectory, India Aviation 2008 was held against the ganised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) in the terminal backdrop of a drastically changed scenario, overshadowed by the building. At the ministry’s invitation, Jeet Aerospace Institute of turmoil and distress in the industry wherein even leading airlines Pune displayed India’s first indigenously developed mobile Flight are struggling for survival. The crisis in the industry is serious Simulator. enough as, on the eve of the air show, the senior management of all the airlines came together to take stock of the grave situation and find solutions for the problems affecting the industry. The basic issues addressed were the high cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), high tax rates and fierce competition vis-à-vis significant reduction in the growth of passenger traffic. Possible solutions included bailout packages from the government, reduction in taxes on ATF, withdrawal of duty on aircraft spares, reduction in landing, navigation and airport service charges.

THE HELICOPTER OUT IN FULL FORCE: Captain INDUSTRY Satish Sharma (second from right) While outlook for the airline with Robert Vadra; (below) Editor industry appeared somewhat Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey (centre) with Editor-in-Chief bleak, the rotary wing segment of Jayant Baranwal and the team the industry presented a brighter from SP’s at the company stall picture. As per the Chairman & Managing Director of Pawan Hans, R.K.Tyagi, the demand for As per the MOCA, civil helicopters henceforth, India Aviation is rising rapidly is to be held once every in the country. two years at Hyderabad. This accentu- The venue has been de- ates the need for clared as permanent since the development both Begumpet airport of infrastructure and the city of Hyderabad such as heliports have the necessary infra- for helicopter op- structure, as also, the lat- erations as also ter is rapidly emerging as changes in regula- the new hub for aerospace tory provisions to and technology. facilitate greater Organised jointly by efficiency in op- the MOCA and Federa- erations. Minister tion of Indian Chamber of Civil Aviation, of Commerce and Indus- Praful Patel had try (FICCI) with Farnbor- earlier raised ough International for promotion abroad and the US as a part- hopes of the rotary wing segment of the industry by his rather ner, the air show provided an ideal venue for aviation companies optimistic assessment of demand in the next few years and decla- the world over to showcase their profiles and products as well as ration of the year 2008 being the ‘Year of the Helicopter’. exploit opportunities in the aviation sector in India. Despite the Of the 200-odd helicopters flying in the country, Bell Helicop- recent downturn in the industry, this sector is generally perceived ter of the US has a 50 per cent market share. Having delivered the to have excellent potential in the long term. 17th machine this year, this brings the total number of Bell heli- The exhibitors included airlines and airliners, business air- copters in India to 100. Bell Helicopter was present at the show as craft, machinery and equipment, aircraft interiors, airline ser- a part of the Textron pavilion and showcased its latest model, the vices, air cargo, training and skill development in aviation related Bell 429, eminently suitable for long-range off-shore operations. disciplines, airport infrastructure and airport city side developers. Bell’s assessment of the annual demand growth of the helicopter Minister of Civil Aviation Praful Patel inaugurated the show in the market in India is pegged at around 15 per cent. In the order for 40 presence of more than 200 dignitaries, including senior function- helicopters over the next three years, there is a clear bias towards aries of the central and state governments, foreign delegations, corporate aviation. Bell also has plans to establish a school to

14 • SP’S • Issue 5 • 2008 G www.spsairbuz.net SHOW REPORT / INDIA AVIATION ’08 train helicopter pilots as well as a heliport design and operations centre. Commanding a dominating presence in the market for military helicopters in In- dia, Eurocopter, a leading manufacturer of rotary wing aircraft was present in strength showcasing mock-ups of its range of machines—the EC 135 145, and 155 for civilian use. With 64 machines flying in India at present, Eurocopter enjoys a market share of 32 per cent overall, nearly 50 per cent of which is in the oil and gas sector. Eurocop- ter’s machines are also operating in other segments, such as air charters, religious tourism, corporate aviation and VIP travel. Anticipating considerable potential for business in the market for civil helicopters in India, Eurocopter has set its target sales figure at 500. In its perception, the high growth sectors are internal security, law SP’s was one of the key enforcement, emergency medical services, sponsors of the event and oil and gas exploration for which there would be demand for long range machines like the EC 225. In addition, the company is actively exploring opportunities for the establishment of a training facility for helicopter pilots as also for see the present crisis in the industry as merely a passing phase maintenance, repair and overhaul. and believe that there is immense potential in this segment in the Despite stiff competition from western companies, Russian next two years. Bjets, Asia’s largest operator of business jets, has helicopter manufacturers are also gearing up to grab a slice of placed an order of 50 aircraft, a mix of various models of Cessna the Indian pie. Apart from a potential market for 40 machines, and Hawker, with the delivery spread out over the next five years. there are plans to set up a helicopter MRO facility jointly with the Cessna, the largest maker of business jets, was present as a part Vectra Group in Chandigarh. Meanwhile, Sikorsky, which did not of the Textron pavilion and had the Citation on static display. The have a significant presence in the Indian market, has bagged an Hawker 850XP was also parked alongside. order of 10 helicopters, including four VVIP version of the S 76C Canada-based leading manufacturer of business jets Bombar- ++ and six S76 D. dier appeared optimistic about business opportunities in India in this market segment. The company had all the frontline mod- BUSINESS JETS els, such as the Learjet 60 XR, the Challenger 605 and the Global Another segment wherein the mood was perceptibly buoyant was Express XRS, on static display. Competing with the Bombardier represented by manufacturers of business jets. With about 180 were the Gulfstream and the Beechcraft of the business jet family business jets flying in the Indian skies already, there appears to be on show. an upsurge in demand. However, this is merely one sixtieth of the Reputed to be the fastest turboprop business aircraft in the number in the US and one seventeenth of that in Europe. Analysts world, the Piaggio Aero P-180 ‘Avanti II’ is expected to be certi- fied by the DGCA in the near future. This aircraft, with a canard and pusher prop configuration, was another attraction at the show. An agreement was signed between Piaggio and Tata’s Taj Air, a distributor in the region for the aircraft, for the latter to function as the sole MRO for the aircraft in India.

THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY Distinctly bifurcated into two segments—long haul operators and regional aviation—major attractions in the former were the Boeing 777-300 ER and ‘Green Giant’ Airbus A380, which returned to France before the general public had an opportunity to view this graceful bird on the last day. Normally, air shows are char- COME ONE, acterised by deals and orders for COME ALL: Some aircraft even running into hun- unlikely visitors dreds occasionally. Both Airbus and Boeing peg the requirement

Issue 5 • 2008 • SP’S • 15 SHOW REPORT / INDIA AVIATION ’08

FIRST AMONG EQUALS: Both Airbus and Boeing peg the requirement of airliners in India at around 1,000 over the next two of airliners in India at around 1,000, worth over decades (Seen here are their stalls indeed real and urgent steps were needed to re- $100 billion (Rs 4,87,500 crore) over the next two at the event) deem the situation. decades. However, despite the highly optimistic assessment of the long term market potential for REGIONAL AVIATION airliners in India, not a single order was booked Even with the pall of gloom looming over the air- for aircraft at the Begumpet air show, purportedly due to the ab- line industry, there is a high degree of confidence about the mar- sence of international airlines, the big buyers who chose to stay ket potential in India amongst the manufacturers of regional jets. away given the turbulence buffeting the airline industry across the Their optimism stems from the fact that the government is mov- world. On the contrary, Kingfisher cancelled orders for three Air- ing ahead to upgrade 35 non-metro airports in the rapidly grow- bus 340 aircraft. Optimistic forecasts notwithstanding, Airbus has ing tier two cities. Special provisions have been made for regional slowed down production of the Airbus 320 family of aircraft. Boe- airlines to provide connectivity in the north eastern regions of the ing is of the view that aviation business is cyclical in nature and country. On static display was the latest and most successful from there will soon be Bombardier, the 90-seat CRJ 900NextGen. Bombardier is of the an upswing. Hence view that the future of the regional aviation market lies in bet- it contemplates no ter technology which can ensure greater fuel efficiency and lower changes in the pro- emission levels. Bombardier aims to achieve this through its Q400 duction schedule es- Turboprop and the new C-Series regional airliners. pecially as there has Another regional airliner to appear at the show was the 64- been no cancellation seat Russian IL 114 turboprop aircraft to be marketed in India so far. In view of the through Hindavia Aeronautical Services Limited. The Russian obvious downturn in company expected to book a few orders soon enough and esti- the industry, profes- mates the market for this short haul aircraft to be in the region sionals in the indus- of 500 in the next three years. However, fuel efficiency may be an try are of the opinion issue with airliners of purely Russian design. that there is clearly a need to carry out a ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS fresh assessment of For a debut attempt, the air show could be described as eminently the market. The ten- successful. The next such air show, scheduled for 2010, is to be held in the month of March, when the weather could be warmer than that in October. The air-conditioning at the display hangars OWNER’S PRIDE: would, therefore, need to be improved. To ease movement of visi- Air India formally tors and afford better viewing, even the positioning of the han- receives the Airbus gars on the tarmac needs to be reconfigured. It may be desirable to have a lot more aerial activity on days when the show is open to the public, who would generally be less interested in the con- tents of the stalls. Other services such as car parks, entry gates, dency to wait and watch was also evident. food courts and toilet facilities also need better management and Focus on the airline industry in India was deflected on ac- ought to be more spacious and user friendly. count of two events: the announcement by Kingfisher and Jet Management of the show on days, when it is open to the Airways to join hands to improve revenue and the somewhat ugly public, needs to be given serious thought. This time around, the episode of large scale retrenchment and re-induction of employ- arrangement both on the city side and the air side proved to ees by Jet Airways. However, these events did serve to drive home be inadequate, possibly due to the overwhelming response from the point that the threat to survival of the airline industry was the denizens of Hyderabad. SP

16 • SP’S • Issue 5 • 2008 G www.spsairbuz.net $&04QFBLT

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r414r*ččďþŉrņńńŌ G đđđčĉčúĂČûďĔćþĎ BUSINESS / HELICOPTER to meet the requirements of the army, navy, air force and the coast NUMBER CRUNCHING guard, Dhruv can fly at altitudes, has high lift capability at sea-level and performs at great speed. It is also an armed gunship, a utility General Characteristics transport, an anti-submarine warfare/anti-surface vessel warfare he- Crew: 1 or 2 pilots licopter and a platform for search and rescue as also casualty evacu- Capacity: 4-12 passengers ation. The naval version of the Dhruv boasts of a retractable under- carriage, foldable main rotor blades, ASW, ASV, sonar/sonics, radar, Length: 52 ft 0.8 in (15.87 m) ESM, torpedoes, depth charges and anti-ship missiles. Equipped with Rotor diameter: 43 ft 3.7 in (13.20 m) these, it is arguably one of the most effective—if not the most effective—platform in the world. Height: 12 ft 4 in (4.05 m) The Indian Air Force received its first two machines in 2002. Disc area: 1,472 ft2 (137 m2) Since then, the service has taken delivery of several more and has the Empty weight: 5,515 lb (2,502 kg) distinction of forming India’s first helicopter formation display team. Aptly named Sarang (Peacock) after India’s national bird, the team, Max takeoff weight: 12,125 lb (5,500 kg) which flies a four Dhruv formation, has performed with precision at Powerplant: 2x Shakti turboshafts, 1,200 shp several locations including at prestigious air shows such as Farnbor- (900 kW) ough, Paris, Aero India and Singapore. In its armed avatar, Dhruv—with the turret gun, rockets, air-to- Alternative engine: 2x Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshafts air missiles and third generation anti-tank missiles—has the teeth of 1,000 shp (746 kW) each for attack, together with self-defence and protection systems. For the Performance army, the Weapons System Integrated version of Dhruv will feature a Maximum speed: 175 mph (280 km/h) Forward Looking Infra Red camera, a Charge Coupled Device camera and a separate target acquisition system consisting of a thermal Combat radius: 200 mi (320 km) sight and a laser rangefinder. Ferry range: 516 mi (827 km) Basically designed to meet the robust requirements of the armed Service ceiling: 21,680 ft (6500 m) forces, Dhruv also incorporates all the prerequisites of a good civilian passenger helicopter. It has a wide body, spacious and quiet cabin, Rate of climb: 1,771 ft/min (8.9 m/s) sliding doors, emergency exits, large clamshell doors and smooth, Power/mass: 0.20 hp/lb (329.73 W/kg) vibration-free flying characteristics. Added to this, the modern glass cockpit, state-of-the-art instrumentation, avionics and all-weather Armament capability make Dhruv a 8 Anti-tank guided missiles clear winner, even with the 4 Air-to-air missiles most discerning operator. It can carry 12 passengers Relatively 4 x 68 mm Rocket Pods (Air-Force & Army) in air- conditioned comfort 2 Torpedoes, Depth charges or Anti-ship missiles (Navy) in its normal configuration low cost, and six passengers in the coupled executive version. the Government of Jharkhand and the Government of Karnataka. with high Orders are also in hand from the Geological Survey of India and the THE ROAD AHEAD National Disaster Management Agency. Besides orders from the performance, Relatively low cost, coupled with high performance, is one of Indian military, Dhruv is is one of Dhruv’s greatest USPs in the international helicopter market. With a already flying with several price tag around 15 per cent lower than its rivals, the helicopter is be- civilian agencies in India, Dhruv’s ing marketed aggressively by HAL, which is showing off the machine notably Oil and Natural at all major air shows around the world. The strategy seems to have Gas Commission, the Gov- greatest USPs paid off. Several countries, mostly from Latin America, Africa, West ernment of Chhattisgarh, Asia, South East Asia and Pacific Rim nations have evinced considerable interest as is evident from the flood of enquiries and requests for demonstrations. HAL has a sales target of 120 machines in the next eight years. Within the short time that it has been in the market, Dhruv has made an impact as a world-class helicopter to emerge from the HAL stables. It is now up to the manufacturer to provide efficient and reliable product support to customers, especially its foreign clientele. This will not only put India and HAL firmly on the map in the field of aviation manufacturing, but also to ensure that BATTLE READY: In its Dhruv builds credibility as the truly armed avatar, Dhruv has the ‘Advanced’ Light Helicopter. SP teeth for attack, as also self- defence and protection systems —The writer is a retired helicopter pilot of the IAF.

Issue 5 • 2008 • SP’S • 19 #64*/&44"7*"5*0/4)083&1035

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r414r*ččďþŉrņńńŌ G đđđčĉčúĂČûďĔćþĎ BUSINESS AVIATION / SHOW REPORT show, the UAE’s Minister of the Economy and Chairman of its General nificantly better prices.” He reports heavy order books are tapering off Civil Aviation Authority HE Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri was there as orders “fall by the wayside or are being deferred”. However, he says and warned that the biggest threat to business aviation is not the most change is in the used market. A BBJ sold for $40 million (Rs 200 global recession but, in fact, a shortage of skilled labour. The minister crore) in 2006 was selling at $75 million (Rs 374 crore) earlier this year. warned that while the industry con- Today, that price has dropped. tinues to expand, the human resourc- Managing Director of British es base is diminishing. “While I am charter operator Ocean Sky Avia- most confident of continued growth, I tion Niki Rokni agrees: “Aircraft urge the business aviation community prices have fallen noticeably over to be aware of the fact that the current the last two months. In the second pool of aviation human resources will quarter of 2008 if you could get hold shrink. This is a significant challenge of a new Challenger 605 it would and may impact growth,” he said. cost between $34.5 million (Rs 172 However, the minister remained crore) to $35 million (Rs 175 crore) up-beat about the state of the indus- from a reseller, whereas today the try in the UAE and the wider Middle same aircraft would cost you nearer East. He stressed that the ‘open skies’ 1 $31 million (Rs 155 crore).” Rokni at- policy of the UAE, tributes this to or- combined with the der cancellations. country’s massive “We have recently investment in avia- had three offers of tion-related infra- aircraft at reduced structure, has deliv- prices,” and esti- ered “many benefits” mates that prices to business aviation have gone down $1 and provided a plat- million (Rs 5 crore) form for it to grow to $2 million (Rs 10 further. “The Middle 2 3 crore) on average East, in general, and on mid-size jets the Gulf States, in and $0.5 million particular, resemble (Rs 2.5 crore) to a healthy market for $0.7 million (Rs 3.5 business aviation air- crore) on light jets. craft.” Chief Operating Officer of Aero Toy ‘QUALITY Store Ben Shirazi AIRCRAFT AT reckons the price BETTER PRICES’ of a resale Bom- But on the static 4 5 bardier Challenger park there were also 605 is at $33 mil- some signs that the lion (Rs 165 crore) turbulence in the today, although world’s financial markets is beginning he concedes that the same aircraft to hit business aviation. While the would cost “substantially less” in Middle East market is still buoyant, 2009. “People are not upgrading at aircraft prices are falling as orders are the moment.” cancelled or deferred due to difficulty in raising finance, allowing opportunis- ‘CONSTANT DEMAND FOR tic purchasers with available finance HIGH-END AIRCRAFT’ the chance to pick up bargains. Manufacturers remain bullish, President and CEO of Royal Jet however, saying that customers Shane O’Hare said: “Because of the are eager to take delivery positions economic downturn many corporates 6 when they come available. Hawker are rethinking their expenditure. This Beechcraft’s Sean McGeough says is part and parcel of any cyclical mar- POWER & PRIDE: 1. No fewer than three that the OEM had no cancellations ket where overheating is followed by Piaggio Avanti IIs were on display; 2. Falcon in the last quarter and Embraer’s a period of correction.” He adds that this had Aviation Services’ EC130; 3. Dassault’s Falcon Luis Carlos Affonso agrees that the level of affected the amount of corporate business 7X; 4. Royal Jet BBJ; 5. Cessna’s Citation cancellations or deferrals has been “neg- jets available in future. “We will avoid buying Sovereign; 6. Royal Jet’s Shane O’Hare and ligible”. Despite the tail off in orders, Both larger aircraft until there are more slots avail- Arab Wings’ Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh Shirazi and O’Hare believe the market will able so we can acquire quality aircraft at sig- remain stable for new aircraft, particularly

Issue 5 • 2008 • SP’S • 21 BUSINESS AVIATION / SHOW REPORT

Before, it would have taken years. The civil aviation people are going out to their way to move from one of the most regulated markets in the world to one that is deregulated. We would not have embarked on this venture if it had not been deregulated.” The three companies in the group are: PLUSH • Ajwaa Alalam Aviation Services (AJWA SERV) specialising in INTERIORS: providing aircraft and fleet management services. Flying Colours’ Eric • Ajwaa Alalam Technical Company (AJWA TECH) specialising Gillespie shows off in providing aircraft maintenance services. the ExecLiner’s • Ajwaa Alalam Logistics (AJWA LOGISTICS) which provides cabin spare parts and logistics. Al-Zeer says Riyadh was chosen as the new firm’s base because it is the centre of the Middle East’s private aviation business. The kingdom not only has the biggest private aviation market, but the longest-established and “most stable”. The Riyadh facility will be able to handle all types of aircraft up to Boeing 777s and Airbus A340s and will become operational in the first quarter of 2011. in the Middle East and India. “There is a constant demand for high- end aircraft, such as BBJ and Gulfstream products,” said O’Hare. ‘A SIZEABLE BUSINESS AVIATION MARKET’ Yet, for regionally-based operations there were no issues of a Maintenance was big on the agenda at MEBA with Cessna announc- downturn. Saudi Arabia’s MAZ Aviation kicked off the show with the ing that Saudi Arabia’s Wallan Aviation is to be the first Citation Au- launch of a $300 million (Rs 1,495 crore) company to deliver “world thorised Service Facility in the Middle East. Although initially the class” maintenance and support services to private aviation in the Mid- facility can only handle all 500-series Citations, company chief Saad dle East—and Saudi Arabia’s drive to deregulate its aviation industry Wallan says he plans to add the full line of Citations as soon as he gets played a critical role. The new company called Ajwaa Alalam Group is the required equipment. He also says he is “looking to set up another to be the holding company for a trio of subsidiaries to deliver aircraft maintenance base somewhere in the UAE”. and fleet Piaggio Aero, meanwhile, m a n a g e - announced that Abu Dhabi ment servic- Aircraft Technologies would es, aircraft become the first Avanti ser- m a i n t e - vice facility in the region with nance and a maintenance base at Abu l o g i s t i c s Dhabi international airport. support. Monday at the show kicked At its off with the first day’s orders heart is a $70 equalling the 2007 show to- million (Rs tals. Abu Dhabi’s Al Jaber 349 crore), Group announced the cre- 10,000 sq m ation of AJA, its new VIP char- MRO facility ter company with an invest- being built ment worth $1.2 billion (Rs at Riyadh’s 5,988 crore). King Khalid Chief Executive Moham- Internation- med Al Jaber revealed the al Airport. “Globally, the Middle East is one of the most im- company has ordered a fleet of Airbus and portant markets for business and private aviation, yet it is ON A DREAM RUN: AJA’s Embraer VIP aircraft. The investment in- one of the most underserved in terms of services and sup- Chief Executive Mohammed cludes four Airbus A318 Elite jets and two port,” says Mohammed Al-Zeer, Chairman Ajwaa Alalam. Al Jaber and Wallan ACJs alongside eight of Embraer’s new Lega- “We will provide the aviation community in the Middle Aviation’s Saad Wallan cy 450/500s to work in conjunction with five East with the same level of service people experience in the Lineage 1000s and two Legacy 600s that Al United States or Europe. Jaber ordered from the Brazilian manufac- “Our aim is to change the current status by establish- turer at last year’s Dubai Airshow. The coming world class services which will ensure that the Middle East busi- pany is also the launch customer for the Lineage and is set to take ness and private aviation community receives the highest degree of delivery of the first aircraft by the end of the year. reliability and dependability.” Al-Zeer paid tribute to the Kingdom’s “The breathtaking economic growth over the past decade in civil aviation authorities, currently at the heart of a strategy to de- the Middle East has created a sizeable business aviation market. regulate many areas of the aviation industry. The region VIP market is expected to be worth about $1.2 billion by “Deregulation is now playing a tremendous role in making invest- 2010 and grow at a rate of 25 per cent per year,” said Al Jaber at the ment opportunities that much better by reducing the administration show. He adds that the company intends to be one of the market side of approvals,” he says. “From the day we submitted the initial ap- leaders in the region. plication to the day we received approval, it took just three weeks. AJA’s operations are set to commence in February with orders

22 • SP’S • Issue 5 • 2008 G www.spsairbuz.net BUSINESS AVIATION / SHOW REPORT timed for delivery over the next five years. The first base will be in “The market for VIP and business Abu Dhabi, followed a year later with a facility in Dubai. Hinting at jets has developed very positively the company’s future Al Jaber says: “Central to our business plan is since 2003/2004. Especially for the having a base in each of the UAE’s international cities.” Chief Operat- widebodies and the highly ing Officer Dr Mark Pierotti adds: “AJA will offer a suite of comple- individualised narrowbodies there mentary services and facilities that will see the UAE become a global is at present a higher demand as hub for VIP aviation.” qualified capacity on the market... Another hive of activity at MEBA and a market that is gaining real pre-used aircraft will change momentum is airliner conversions. One of the most popular donor ownership, creating a secondary airframes seems to be the Bombardier CRJ regional jet. There were market for modifications.” no fewer than three companies offering their services at the show. —Walter Heerdt, Project Phoenix, which launched at last year’s Dubai Airshow, Senior Vice President Marketing announced that Egyptian martial arts actor Yousef Mansour had & Sales, Lufthansa Technik purchased an aircraft at the show. Mansour’s Cairo-headquar- (Full interview: www.spsaviation. tered production and distribution company Action Film Interna- net, www.spsairbuz.net & next tional will take delivery of the 12-seat aircraft next September. To issues of SP’s Aviation, SP’s Airbuz) be based in the Egyptian capital and managed by ExecuJet Middle East, it will be used to fly Mansour and his film crews on location, as well as being made available on charter to a number of Royal Jet says this new deal could signal the start of further co- his business associates. The aircraft is also set for a starring role operation in the future between the two companies, Royal Jet’s Chief in Mansour’s new film Sooner or Later, which will be shot in Cairo, Executive Shane O’Hare said he was delighted that two prominent around the Red Sea, and in Phoenix, Arizona, from next March. “It names in the industry should be working together. His counterpart will be a great showcase for a very special jet,” says Mansour. at Arab Wings Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh says: “Royal Jet is widely recog- Canadian company Flying Colours was displaying its second nised for its expertise and attention to detail. We have great confi- completed CRJ-200 conversion and received an order to complete a dence in their abilities and look forward to a profitable and close re- new Challenger 850 as well as breaking new ground on an additional lationship with them into the future. At the same time, the benefits to facility next year which will be large enough to accommodate eight the owner of this aircraft are enormous as two companies in different Challenger 850s or its CRJ ExecLiner size aircraft. Sales and Market- geographical areas will be marketing its chartering. In this case, two ing Manager Eric Gillespie said: “There are many companies offering managing companies really are better than one.” CRJ conversions, but we’re the only ones delivering. With order records being broken, one exhibitor on the static “This aircraft is the second to be delivered. We currently have six display also jetted in with a new speed record. Emivest Aerospace’s more ‘in-house’ with two more due to be delivered before the year SJ30 Middle East distributor Action Aviation set a new record as the end,” he adds. Gillespie says that the turnaround time is around seven aircraft roared into Dubai from London in seven hours and seven and a half months “and with OEM backlogs so long, it’s cost effective. minutes with a single stop. Action Aviation’s Chairman Hamish Har- Compared to a Challenger 850 that will cost between $28 million (Rs ding captained the aircraft and says: “Breaking records has become 140 crore) and $30 million (Rs 150 crore), you can get an ExecLiner almost a habit with the SJ30. On this attempt, ATC were very helpful for between $18 million (Rs 90 crore) and $20 million (Rs 100 crore). and coming into Dubai cleared us in without a speed limit to help A Global Express size cabin for the cost of a Challenger 604.” One of beat the record.” The flight had a single stop over in Istanbul lasting the ExecLiner’s strong points is the soundproofing. Gillespie says 41 minutes to allow for refuelling. that the aim is for 54dB noise levels. “We’re using the Global Express Seems the aircraft is on the way up. Although the aircraft has had sound proofing kit. It’s really quiet in the cabin.” It isn’t, however, just a well-documented and frequently bumpy path through the develop- the owner appeal that Gillespie sees as being key to marketing the ment process, Action Aviation Managing Director Mike Creed is bull- aircraft successfully. “This is a great aircraft for chartering. You can ish about the aircraft’s future. “The factory now has very strong new really make money with it.” Dubai-based owners in Emivest Aerospace and they’re doing all the The third competitor at MEBA was Hemisphere 200XR which right things in ramping up production,” he says. “They’re not going to is a joint venture from Tailwind Capital and Global Principal Fi- just build 100 aircraft in six months. They have a philosophy of mak- nance Company. “We believe the Hemisphere 200XR represents a ing sure they get it right. It’s not like turning a light switch, it will take unique combination of ultra-large cabin luxury, attractive pricing time and they are doing the right thing to deliver the product.” Creed and early delivery slots that other manufacturers cannot offer,” is upbeat about the aircraft’s prospects in the region. “The perceived says Tailwind President Joel Hussey. “Our aircraft are available recession isn’t being seen. MEBA has expanded by two thirds since for customer delivery in the first quarter of 2009 with the ame- the last show. There are more than 80 aircraft on the static display. nities of new aircraft, but at a fraction of the price. This makes We just have to be here,” he said. the Hemisphere a highly attractive opportunity that really makes On the other end of the size spectrum, Airbus received an sense for discerning customers.” order from Comlux Aviation for a second A320 Prestige for the Swiss operator’s VVIP fleet, while Hawker Beechcraft signed an ‘TWO MANAGING COMPANIES BETTER THAN ONE’ order with Saudi Arabian Airlines for six Hawker 400XP light This year’s show also marked a significant milestone in coopera- jets for the airline’s Saudia Private Aviation. Cessna closed the tion. Jordanian operator Arab Wings and Abu Dhabi-based Royal show with an announcement that Wallan Aviation had closed Jet signed an agreement that sees the two companies cooperate sales worth $90 million (Rs 448 crore) covering three Citation on aircraft management, initially for a new Bombardier Challenger Columbus jets, a Cessna Citation, a Cessna Caravan and two 605. The aircraft is set to join Royal Jet’s fleet in February next year. used Cessna CJs. SP

Issue 5 • 2008 • SP’S • 23 INDUSTRY / HELICOPTER

SOARING HIGH: European leader Eurocopter’s AS365N3 is part of Pawan Hans Helicopters’ ﬂeet of about 37 machines

CHOPPERS Make a Mark Despite slow growth of civil helicopter industry worldwide, optimism about increasing usage of the rotary wing runs high in India

ELICOPTER MARKETS By G.S. Chaudhry widening search for energy reserves could THE WORLD OVER consist Chandigarh propel growth in the civil helicopter fleet in of two components: the mili- the next few years. tary and the civil. The military There has also been and continues to be component has always been a constant evolution in the vertical-lift tech- dominant as it is driven by ever increasing de- nology. Technological barriers in the form of physical limits on fence budgets and the need for mobility, fire- forward speed and the helicopter’s broader acceptance as a safe, power and logistic support for the ground forces in a battlefield. The affordable and efficient means of transport remain till date. Hmain criterion is operational efficiency, not cost. On the other hand, Piasecki Aircraft was recently onto testing its XH-49A Speed the civil component, weighed down by high cost of acquisition and Hawk compound helicopter aimed at solving the speed question. operations, has generally grown at a much slower pace. The current Similarly, Sikorsky was working on its X-2 technology demonstra- size of the civil market for helicopters is estimated to be one-fourth tor. Likewise, the combination of fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight to one-seventh of the military market. capabilities promised by the NASA/US Army/Bell Helicopter XV-15 The story is somewhat similar in the Indian context. Although programme and the subsequent Bell/Boeing V-22 and Bell/Agusta the first helicopter flew in India in November 1953, nearly 55 years BA609, are yet to be fully exploited. Limitations notwithstanding, a ago, the rate of growth of the civil helicopter fleet has been rather lot has been achieved. Widespread use of turbine engines and instru- modest. It is only since 2004 that the fleet registered a double digit ment flight capability are examples of major breakthroughs. Others growth. In 1999, there were 106 civil registered helicopters in India. are avionics systems, full-authority digital engine controls, simulation The number has now gone up to 200. Against a global average of one and flight training devices to improve rotorcraft safety and the in- helicopter per half million people, in India the ratio is one helicopter creasing use of composites in rotorcraft structures and components. for five million. Interestingly, even the Rotary Wing Society of India (RWSI), the only such body in the country, came into being in 1998 INDIA—A HELICOPTER COUNTRY and that too as a result of the single-handed efforts of Air Vice Mar- Despite the slow growth of the civil helicopter industry world-wide, shal (Retd) K. Sridharan, an accomplished helicopter pilot. there is growing optimism about its growing clout in India. Air Vice Notwithstanding the late start, the prospects for growth in Marshal Sridharan, during a presentation at HELI-EXPO 2006, said, the civil helicopter fleet in India are bright. Factors such as rapidly “India is truly a helicopter country on account of its diverse topog- growing economy with activities spreading to remote and hitherto raphy”. The nation is crisscrossed with ranges of hills interlaced

PHOTOGRAPHS: EUROCOPTER/BELL inaccessible areas, increased dependence on air travel and the ever- with large rivers that impede the development of unified rail and

24 • SP’S • Issue 5 • 2008 G www.spsairbuz.net INDUSTRY / HELICOPTER road system. Population centres in major parts of north India are deals struck earlier this year by key rotorcraft players. In February, not effectively connected by road network and helicopters are rou- Sikorsky Aircraft signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a tinely employed by the civil administration in support of government unit of India’s Tata Group on the production of cabins for the S-92. operations. India is also prone to natural disasters and helicopters This was followed by Eurocopter’s expansion of its manufacturing have to be deployed to provide relief. Considering the ever increasing capability in India in collaboration with a key long-time supplier, demand for oil, it is this sector that will drive growth in the civilian Mach Aero. Realising the potential shown by civilian helicopter op- helicopter industry in the immediate future. RWSI estimates that, erations across the country, the civil aviation ministry is reportedly between 60 and 70 per cent of civilian helicopter flight time is dedi- setting up a ‘helicopter mission’ to coordinate helicopter operations cated to the energy sector. and deliberate on relevant issues. Major rotorcraft manufacturers are optimistic about the markets. Honeywell has TRAINING PILOTS & THE GROWING ROLE OF RWSI projected deliveries of A related area is the increased demand for helicopter pilots. Pro- roughly 4,450 new civil jections say India would need 300 more helicopter pilots every use helicopters from year till 2013. To meet this demand, the government recently 2008 to 2012. Near- decided to permit 100 per cent ownership of flight schools by term increase in de- foreign entities. It mand is supported by has also allowed expanding economies 100 per cent for- in emerging regions, eign ownership of ongoing strong world- helicopter opera- wide demand for cor- tors. The French porate aviation, Emer- government re- gency Medical Services, cently indicated law enforcement and that it is working oil exploration. Simi- on setting up a larly, Rolls-Royce flight academy expects a total in India in part- of 6,095 civil he- nership with licopters to be Eurocopter. Bell delivered in the Helicopter is also, period 2007 to among many 2016. others, considering such a move. SIGNS OF With the growing GROWTH EYEING INDIA: Bell Helicopter is demand for heli- There are distinct reportedly considering setting up a ﬂight copter pilots and signs of growth academy in India (Clockwise from top left: an increasingly in the Indian Bell 412, Bell 407 and Bell 206L4) competitive en- market. Ernst & Young has estimated India’s demand for private air vironment, there services to grow by 50 per cent a year, driven by rising prosperity and are concerns that low investment in surface transport infrastructure. Taking this seri- there may be dilu- ously, India’s pioneer of low-cost air travel, Air Deccan, has launched tion in the training standards in some flight schools. This may have a helicopter shuttle service to Bangalore’s new international airport. serious air safety implications. Deccan Aviation started its Katra-Sanji Chhat Helipad opera- To improve safety, among other steps, the Ministry of Civil Avia- tions in November 2002 to ferry devotees to the Sri Mata Vaishno tion have asked RWSI to develop special Visual Flight Rules training Devi Shrine. Coimbatore-based JB Aviation is planning scheduled he- courses and ground tests for unrated pilot licenses. The government licopter service in southern India. The company is awaiting DGCA is also in the process of accrediting RWSI to conduct third party safe- approval to start service to Kodaikanal as well as to Madurai and Ud- ty audits of helicopter operators in India. RWSI is also coordinating hagamandalam (Ooty). It has acquired land in Ooty for a heliport and efforts with the Helicopter Association International by participating plans to lease helicopters from Pawan Hans for the service. in its safety initiative, the International Helicopter Safety Team. Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd has opened a new maintenance han- All in all, a fair amount of money and effort is being invested gar at Juhu Airport in Mumbai. The offshore support operator, with by helicopter manufacturers, their Indian counterparts, the civil India’s largest fleet of Bell 412s, has introduced Eurocopter’s EC155B1 operators, the government as well as the RWSI. These efforts are in its offshore missions. As per Global Vectra CEO, Allan Brown, the sure to bear fruit. India may not aim for the unrealised one time $2.75 million (Rs 14 crore) facility will “provide excellent support or American rotorcraft company’s dream of ‘a helicopter in every ga- our growing helicopter fleet”. The government is also considering rage’, but one can surely hope that soon every Indian would be limited disinvestment in state-owned companies, reportedly includ- forced to look up once in a while, aroused by the sound of a civil- ing Pawan Hans Helicopters. This national helicopter company has ian helicopter flying overhead. SP a fleet of about 37 machines which consists of Eurocopter AS365Ns/ AS365N3, Bell 206L4s/407s and Russian-built Mi-172s. —The writer is a retired Air Marshal, India’s attraction for helicopter makers is reaffirmed by strategic former AOC–in-C Training Command of the IAF.

Issue 5 • 2008 • SP’S • 25 'BDU'JMF (P"JS

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*ččďþŉrņńńŌr414r RETROSPECTION / DISASTER ANALYSIS

Why did this Boeing 747—reputed to be one of the safest pas- 10,000 pressurisation cycles. The aircraft had completed senger aircraft ever built—crash so catastrophically? 12,319 takeoffs and as many pressurisation cycles between • The most important piece of material evidence was found the installation of the flawed plate and the final accident. the morning after the crash, floating on the waves of Sagami When the weakened bulkhead finally gave way, it set off the Bay. It was a 4-m section of the 747’s 10-m high vertical tail chain of events that culminated in the disaster. fin. Later, a 3-m long portion of the rudder was also found. • The 747 flew unpressurised at altitudes of more than 6,000 Most aircraft, and the Boeing 747 is no exception, cannot be m for about 18 minutes after the explosive decompression, flown for long without the tail fin, which as stated earlier, possibly without the crew donning their emergency oxygen provides directional stability to the aircraft. Consequently, masks. Analysis of the CVR reveals that their responses once the vertical tail fin and rudder were severed by the were slowed and judgment impaired, probably from hypox- explosive decompression, the crew were almost completely ia (oxygen deprivation). Had the crew acted more system- deprived of control of the giant aircraft. This was borne out atically from the very onset of the emergency it is possible by the other piece of evidence—over half an hour of tape that they might have headed seaward and later attempted transcript from the CVR that several times included the to ditch the aircraft rather than tarry in the vicinity of the ominous transmission from the crew of the crippled air- mountains. Ironically, the passengers did use the emergency craft: “Uncontrollable!” masks which automatically dangled in front of them follow- • According to the official report of the Japanese Aircraft and ing the explosive decompression. Railway Accidents Investigation Commission the cause of • An US Air Force helicopter spotted the crash site within 20 the failure of the pressure bulkhead could be traced to an minutes after the plane hit the mountain and requested event that occurred seven years earlier when the aircraft the Yokota Air Base to despatch rescue teams immediately. was involved in a ‘tail-strike’ incident. A tail-strike is said However, as so often happens when ‘national pride’ is in- to take place when the under surface of the tail scrapes the volved, the Japanese government declined assistance for hard runway if the nose is raised too early and too much on search and rescue by US crew and despatched their own the takeoff roll or if the aircraft flares too aggressively and teams. This delayed matters by 14 hours. Rescue opera- the nose is raised too high during landing. On June 2, 1978, tions were rendered more difficult due to the inhospitable this particular Boeing 747 experienced a tail-strike while terrain and onset of darkness. One of the survivors—an off- landing at Osaka with its nose high. The rear part of the duty JAL flight attendant—later reported hearing moans fuselage scraped across the runway surface, ripped alumin- and cries for help soon after the crash, which gradually died ium skin panels from the under belly of the plane, result- down, then ceased during the night. Medical staff found ing in damage to the rear pressure bulkhead of the aircraft. many bodies whose injuries indicated they had survived Repairs carried out by the engineers may have been flawed. the crash but died from shock or exposure to extreme cold. Boeing’s procedures called for one doubler plate with two If only rescue teams had reached the spot earlier, a few more rows of rivets to cover the damaged bulkhead, but appar- lives may have been saved. ently it did not fit perfectly and the engineers then decided The crash of JAL Flight 123 made 1985 the most lethal year to use two doubler plates with a single row of rivets. It was in aviation history—over 1,400 fatalities. At least three accidents later estimated that this reduced the part’s resistance to that year involved wide-bodied airliners. There is, therefore, defi- metal fatigue by 70 per cent. Over the years, this must have nitely a need to debate the issue of the numbers that ought to be led to initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks. Further- packed in a single aircraft. more, because of the geometry of the repair, and the use of No matter how safe or economically efficient an aircraft is, an fillet sealant to fill the gap, correct and incorrect configura- accident involving a huge plane becomes potentially catastroph- tions would appear identical; hence, the error went unde- ic from the point of view of loss of life. Even a minor ground inci- tected during subsequent routine visual inspections. Dur- dent requiring the immediate evacuation of 500 or more anxious ing the accident investigation, Boeing had calculated that human beings could prove a major challenge to the crew and this incorrect installation would fail after approximately rescue teams. SP

CAUSE: Procedure stipulated by the OEM for repair of the damage to the rear pressure bulkhead was not followed meticulously thereby introducing the possibility of sudden and catastrophic failure of the structure in question. LESSON: Deviation from laid down procedures not authorised by the competent authority can lead to failure which, even if minor in nature, can trigger a chain of events that could culminate in a disaster. Air safety lies in the strict adherence to the laid down instructions, directives and standard procedures, both in the regime of operations and maintenance. n PHOTOGRAPH: AIRLINERS.NET

28 • SP’S • Issue 5 • 2008 G www.spsairbuz.net

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SP.CIV.AVI_267x210_Eyetest.indd 1 4/9/08 11:57:57