SP's Airbuz Feb-Mar 2010

India Aviation Special SP’s RS: 75.00 (INDIA-BASED BUYER ONLY) An Exclusive Magazine on Civil A viation from India www.spsairbuz.net February-March, 2010 Looking forwardto 2010

HOW SAFE ARE OUR AIRPORTS? BUSINESS AVIATION

AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION CRM TRAINING AUTOMATED ATM RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24198

SP's Airbuz 01-10 Cover.indd 1 2/25/10 11:28:11 PM �� India Aviation Special Table of Contents Cover: �� Although things are looking �� up for the airline industry, �� there is need for caution. �� Irresponsible planning could �� Cover Story again plunge it into gloom.

INDUSTRY � �� Photograph: � �� Looking Forward to 2010 �� 9 Abhishek Singh SP's Airbuz 01-10 Cover.indd 1 2/25/10 11:28:11 PM

AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION SP’s

An Exclusive Magazine on Civil A viation from India

India Aviation Special Civil 10 SHOW PREVIEW A Peek at India Aviation 2010 2010 PROMISES TO BE A YEAR OF GOOD HOPE FOR MROS AS AIRLINES NOW LOOK TO REBUILD THEIR CAPACITY AND REFIT/UPGRADE AIRCRAFT INTERIORS Infrastructure 16 SAFETY PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR: Ratan Sonal How Safe are our Airports? Jayant Baranwal GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Rajkumar Sharma, EDITOR Vimlesh Kumar Yadav OEM Air Marshal (Retd) B.K. Pandey SALES & MARKETING ASSISTANT EDITOR Director Sales & Marketing: Neetu Dhulia ROLLS-ROYCE Arundhati Das Head Vertical Sales: Rajeev Chugh 19 Sales Manager: Rajiv Ranjan Trent 700 by Rolls-Royce COPY-EDITOR Manager Ad-Sales: Tushar Verma Sucheta Das Mohapatra SP’S WEBSITES Operations SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT Senior Web Developer: Shailendra Prakash Ashish BUSINESS AVIATION Ruchika Chawla Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma 20 ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Slow but Steady Abhishek Singh © SP Guide Publications, 2010 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION SUB-EDITOR Technology Bipasha Roy Inland: Rs 800 • Foreign: US$180 Email: [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT LETTER TO EDITOR 25 Dr Mani Sishta, [email protected] Advent of the Automated B.N. Gokhale, R. Srinivasan, Dr M. Bish, FOR ADVERTISING DETAILS CONTACT: Group Captain Joseph Noronha, [email protected] Operations Dr Mani Sishta, Captain Ajit Agtey, [email protected] REW ESOURCE ANAGEMENT S.R. Swarup, Vasuki Prasad, [email protected] C R M [email protected] 28 J.T. Nayaham, Mahesh Acharya [email protected] New Mantra for Flight Safety Air Commodore (Retd) K.B. Menon Europe Alan Peaford, Phil Nasskau SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD A-133 Arjun Nagar (Opposite Defence Colony), Finally CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR New Delhi 110 003, India. Jayant Baranwal Cause for Cheer Tel: +91 (11) 24644693, 24644763, 24620130 32 ADMIN & COORDINATION Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 Bharti Sharma Email: [email protected] Survi Massey POSTAL ADDRESS Owned, published and printed by Jayant Baranwal, Post Box No 2525, New Delhi 110 005, India. printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd and Published at Regular Departments REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE A-133, Arjun Nagar (Opposite Defence Colony), New BANGALORE, INDIA Delhi 110 003, India. All rights reserved. No part of this 534, Jal Vayu Vihar, Kammanhalli Main Road publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval A Word from Editor Bangalore 560043, India. 4 system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, Tel: +91 (80) 23682534 photocopying, recording, electronic, or otherwise without NewsBriefs prior written permission of the Publishers. www.spguidepublications.com 5 Next Issue: Coping With Fog

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SPS.AVI_267X210_450MILLION.indd 1 14/01/2010 11:44 A Word from Editor

YEAR AND A HALF AGO, India Aviation of aircrew as will as air traffic controllers. Taking stock of 2008, the first air show to exclusively showcase professionalism in the aviation industry, Mahesh Acha- civil aviation, was held at Hyderabad amidst rya highlights the concept of Crew Resource Manage- the gloom and distress in the industry in the ment (CRM) training not only for airline operations but Awake of the global economic downturn. However, the for General Aviation as well. Acharya holds that CRM decision to hold a civil aviation air show—or more ap- training would help improve coordination amongst the propriately a ‘trade show’ in 2008—as a parallel exercise various elements responsible for the conduct of a flight, to Aero India, was taken at a time when the Indian civil enhance the probability of correct decision- making aviation industry was riding an unprecedented boom. and achieve better results through optimisation of in- This year, the decision to hold the air show was tak- dividual professional capabilities. In the context of per- en when the industry was still in crisis but event is be- petually heightening threat levels from terrorism, both ing hosted when it is on the threshold of revival. In this international and domestic, K.B. Menon, writing from special issue dedicated to India Aviation 2010, analysis Bangalore, directs focus on the issue of airport security. by SP’s Special Correspondent in the cover story indi- Indeed, all these issues will help enhance safety in air cates that prospects for the Indian airline industry in operations and in the final analysis, ensure well being of the year ahead are bright. Writing from Goa, Joseph No- the traveling public. ronha reinforces this view with a similar hypothesis on Welcome aboard India Aviation 2010 and wish you the prospects for business aviation, so far a badly ne- many happy landings! glected sector in India. There are, however, uncertain- ties and imponderables for both segments of the Indian civil aviation industry by way of instability in the price of aviation fuels and the agonisingly tardy pace of infrastructure development, factors over which the industry has little control. However, the industry is fighting hard to bounce back and we at SP’s offer support for and en- couragement in its endeavour. While the commercial segment of the industry strives to get back on track, Joseph Noronha delves on the imperative need for qualitative change in respect of B.K. Pandey Air Traffic Management systems through automation Editor that would significantly enhance situational awareness

4 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 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 productivity.News A recentB CNNriefs report quoted

: AIRLINE investment arm of the Emirate by way of industrial action by its tors, including transportation,” FINANCE divests most of its 13.4 per cent employees. Unions have threat- said chairman Hochberg at the stake in SpiceJet totaling to Rs ened to go on strike over changes signing ceremony. “Air India, Budget Airlines lead industry 170 crore. The off loaded stake is to employees’ contracts and a as one of Ex-Im Bank’s largest revival believed to have been picked up proposed two-year pay freeze. customers, plays a major role by domestic mutual funds and in this very important trade FII. The readiness with which Financial support to Air India relationship,” he added. “Air In- the shares have changed hands dia acknowledges Ex-Im Bank’s and the share value reflect the continuing support for the healthy state of the carrier which acquisition plan that Air India has been reporting profit. The has undertaken to rejuvenate its With low-cost airlines leading, the no-frills airline has consistently fleet. This support has enabled aviation industry emerged from a been in profit in the current Air India to raise finances for two-year bad patch in 2009. With financial year and by the end of According to the Minister of acquiring these latest state-of- a growth in air traffic over the this fiscal, it hopes to be out of Civil Aviation Praful Patel, in the the-art technology aircraft at previous calendar year was 7.8 per the red despite the uncertain forthcoming budget, the govern- competitive rates of interest cent. Directorate General of Civil state of the airline industry in ment may provide Rs 1,200 as compared to commercial Aviation statistics reveal that the country. The high level of crore for Air India. The Minister financing. We look forward to passengers carried by domestic investor confidence reinforces further stated that he expects a continued relationship with airlines in 2009 totalled 445.13 the viability of the Low Cost the government to pay another Ex-Im Bank on future Boeing lakh against 412.71 lakh in 2008. Business Model which is fast Rs 800 crore in the near future aircraft financing,” said Air India The revival dates from July, as gaining ground in the airlines in to enhance equity in the loss Chairman and Managing Direc- the first six months of 2009 wit- India. The other investors who making airline. He went on to say tor Arvind Jadhav. nessed a double-digit percentage may come forward with size- that even as equity infusion takes fall. December saw a whopping able investments are Tatas who place over the next few days, the : ENGINEERING 33 per cent increase with 44.8 are reported to be planning to government expected Air India lakh domestic fliers against 33.7 increase their stake in the airline to take extraordinary measures AirAsia X - Lufthansa lakh in December 2008. Jet and as also Wilbur Ross is believed as part of its restructuring exer- Technik Philippines MRO Kingfisher are operating over 70 to be contemplating picking up cise. His statement came after a AirAsia X has appointed per cent of their fleet with budget a stake in the budget carrier. meeting of an empowered group Lufthansa Technik Philippines airlines. The combined market of ministers headed by finance (LTP) as its maintenance, repair share of IndiGo, SpiceJet, JetLite British Airways reports first minister, Pranab Mukherjee, to and overhaul (MRO) services and Go Air was 38.5 per cent. This quarterly profit decide on further equity infusion provider for Malaysian carrier’s figure goes up to 60 per cent after Struggling carrier British Airways’ into the national carrier. fleet of eight Airbus aircraft adding the combined share of Jet appears to be adapting quickly to which consists of Airbus A330s Konnect and Kingfisher Red, the the new business realities created US Exim Bank loan to Air India and A340s for three years begin- budget brands of full service air- by the global recession as evident ning March 2010 at LTP’s facility lines. Jet Airways and JetLite have from the first quarterly operating in Manila. LTP is a subsidiary the largest chunk of the market, profit in over a year though mar- of Hamburg-based Lufthansa cornering over one-fourth of ginal, of $39 million (Rs 180 crore). Technik AG, the largest MRO the passenger traffic in 2009. The airline however still expects provider in the world and AirA- Together they accounted for 25.4 to report an annual loss even as sia X is an affiliate of short-haul per cent of the market, closely an industry-wide slump contin- The National Aviation Company carrier AirAsia, Asia’s leading followed by Kingfisher with 23.9 ues. British Airways undertook of India Ltd (NACIL), the hold- and largest low-cost airline. LTP per cent. Air India got 17.5 per a massive cost-cutting campaign ing company for national car- will provide for the first year cent, IndiGo had 13.9 per cent stressing on the values of austerity rier, Air India, has secured a $1.1 of the contract MRO services and SpiceJet 12.4 per cent of the and focus on permanent cost billion (Rs 5,000 crore) loan from including four C-checks and a market. reduction if the airline is to return the Export-Import Bank of the heavy maintenance check. LTP the business to profitability in the US against a sovereign guaran- will also carry out several cabin Istithmar Divests Stake in short term. Although the airline tee by the government of India retrofit tasks to comply with SpiceJet has been able to slash operating for financing sale of Boeing AirAsia X’s new premium and expenses by 10.5 per cent over the B777-200LRs and B777-300ERs economy seating specifications. past nine months, it is yet to see to be operated by Air India and In January 2010, an AirAsia X revenues improving from its usu- B737-800s to be operated by Air A340 successfully underwent a ally profitable first and business India Charters Ltd. These pur- 40-hour layover involving a main class service, a segment of busi- chases represent the third phase landing gear seal change at the ness that was literally crippled of Air India’s 68-aircraft fleet LTP facility in Manila. by global recession that led to renewal plan. “The fast-grow- slump in demand for air travel. ing Indian market continues to Boeing’s MRO facility at In the wake of the financial The airline is however bracing up offer enormous opportunities Nagpur crisis in Dubai, Istithmar, the to meet the emergent challenge for US exporters in many sec- Boeing Company will start

Issue 1 • 2010 • 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 productivity.News A recentB CNNriefs report quoted

construction of a $100 million (Rs like Airbus A 320 and Boeing 737, created an engine MRO brand Events Calendar 450 crore) aircraft maintenance, the B-737 Classic and B-737 next called `The A Team’, which has repair and overhaul (MRO) cen- generation aircraft. It will have a started providing engine repair AIR CHARTER SAFETY tre at Nagpur in a joint venture capacity to service between 60 and management solutions to SYMPOSIUM March 2 - 3 with state-run carrier, Air India, and 80 aircraft annually. Apart all airline operators of the Gulf Westfields Marriott, this year, according to Boeing In- from SpiceJet, MAE is also in region to begin with. “The A Ashburn, Va. dia president, Dinesh Keskar. “We talks with some other operators Team will utilise the existing www.acsf.aero had deferred the construction of in India, including Jet Airways engine overhaul facilities of Air the MRO since delivery of the 787 and Kingfisher Airlines, for its India at Mumbai and marketing INDIA AVIATION 2010 was being deferred,” Keskar said. MAS-GMR Hyderabad Engineer- set up of Aerostar in the Middle March 3 - 7 “Now, we are on track to deliver ing Company. Meanwhile, MAE is East. This alliance will sell repair Hyderabad, India the first 787 Dreamliner to Air reported to be in discussions with services for jet engines such as www.india-aviation.in India by the second quarter of the Transmile Group for acquir- GE CF6-50 & 80 series, P & W 2011.” Air India has ordered 27 of ing the latter’s engineering and 4000 series, GE - 90 series and FAA AVIATION FORECAST the twin-aisle, long-haul futuristic maintenance unit. CFM 56-7 series and will also CONFERENCE March 9 - 10 aircraft. First deliveries of the cover CFM 56-5 series engine in Walter E. Washington aircraft were originally scheduled Jet Airways to invest in MAS the near future,” the airlines said Convention Center, for late 2009. Keskar said that GMR Aero in a release. Besides the MRO, Washington, D.C. the MRO centre would primarily Air India is also banking on its www.faa.gov service Air India’s fleet of 787 and air transportation, cargo and 777 planes. According to Keskar, ground handling operations for EUROPEAN AVIATION Boeing would take about two to revenue generation. SAFETY SEMINAR two-and-a-half years to construct March 15 - 17 the centre. He said the centre : OPERATIONS Hotel Tivoli Liboa, Lisbon, would become operational only Jet Airways India’s largest private Portugal around 2013, when first mainte- airlines operator announced Asia-Pacific overtakes North www.flightsafety.org nance operations on the aircraft that its board has approved in America in air travel AVIATION INDUSTRY would be due. principle to acquire a stake of up According to International Air EXPO to 26 per cent in Hyderabad-based Transport Association (IATA), Air March 16 - 18 Malaysia’s MAE wins SpiceJet MAS GMR Aerospace Engineer- travel in the Asia-Pacific region Las Vegas Convention Center, maintenance contract ing Company Pvt Ltd subject to has overtaken that of North Las Vegas. receipt of all statutory and regula- America for the first time last www.aviationindustryexpo.com tory approvals. GMR Aerospace is year. China has now emerged as a joint venture between Malaysian the world’s strongest single nation SAFETY FIRST TRAINER Aerospace Engineering SDN BHD aviation market, The Director March 17 and GMR Hyderabad Internation- General of the International Air Las Vegas Convention Center, al Airport Ltd, set up to undertake Transport Association, Giovanni Las Vegas. airframe maintenance, repair and Bisignani, informed a conference www.nata.aero overhaul activities. Jet Airways in Singapore that the Asia-Pacific BA-MEETUP Malaysian Aerospace Engineer- had signed an exclusive 10-year region clocked 647 million pas- March 17 - 19 ing (MAE) Sdn Bhd, a unit of maintenance, repair and overhaul senger journeys last year which Northolt Airport, London, UK. Malaysia Airlines, has secured a agreement with MAS-GMR Aero- was seven million more than for www.ba-meetup.com three-year maintenance support space Engineering Company on the North America region, which contract from SpiceJet for the January 22, 2010. combines the US, Canada and FIDAE 2010 latter’s new generation Boeing Mexico. According to IATA, the March 23 - 28 737 series aircraft. The first of Air India’s Gulf MRO for Asia-Pacific region now com- Arturo Merino Benitez Air- SpiceJets’ B737 jet has arrived at engine overhaul facility mands more than 25 per cent of port, Santiago, Chile. MAE’s Subang hangar and would the world passenger aviation mar- www.fidae.cl go through a series of checks. In ket. The region includes Australia AVIONICS EUROPE 2009 MAE set up the airframe and New Zealand, but not the March 24 - 25 MRO in joint venture with GMR Middle East. Bisignani has cred- Passenger Terminal City Hyderabad International Airport ited the accelerated rise of the Centre, Amsterdam, Ltd on a 50:50 basis. In addition Asia-Pacific market to the global The Netherlands. to the maintenance contract with financial crisis, which prompted www.avionics-event.com SpiceJet, MAE has also secured substantial capacity cuts in the the first airline customer for the Air India has entered into a stra- US. Passenger and cargo traffic AERODROME INDIA 2010 MAS-GMR Hyderabad Engineer- tegic alliance with the Sharjah- have shown rapid recovery from April 8 - 10 ing Company Ltd. The Hyderabad based Aerostar Asset Manage- the global financial crisis. He has Bombay Exhibition Centre, facility will provide base mainte- ment for setting up a marketing also stressed that the Asia-Pacific Mumbai, India. nance services, starting with ‘C’ joint venture for engine over- region would retain its position as www.aerodromeindia.com checks for narrow bodied aircraft haul facility. The alliance has the world’s number one market

6 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 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 productivity.News A recentB CNNriefs report quoted Appointments because of its much higher rate of within a year. Air India admitted growth in gross domestic prod- that the action of foreign pilots Didier Lux appoints new Head of Customer Services uct, which is the main driver for had inconvenienced the airline Didier Lux has been appointed Executive Vice President (EVP) Cus- aviation passenger demand. and passengers. According to tomer Services and will take up this position on April 1, 2010. Lux is Air India director (engineering) currently EVP Quality. He will succeed Charles Champion who has Low Cost Carriers (LCC) in and board member, KM Unni, recently been chosen as EVP Engineering. the Middle East Air India Express services from Gulfstream appoints Jeff Hill Director of International Following Dubai’s launch of its Karipur were hamstrung as most Product Support Sales first budget carrier Flydubai, Abu of the pilots were foreigners away Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dhabi is expected to launch on leave during Christmas. They Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has named Jeff Hill as Director of Interna- its own in mid-2010, the third could not be substituted as flying tional Product Support Sales. Hill is based at the Gulfstream service low-cost carrier in the United to Karipur, which is an airport center at London Luton Airport, United Kingdom. Arab Emirates. The new carrier with a tabletop runway walled Hawker Beechcraft appoints Justin Firestone President of will compete with Sharjah’s Air in by several hills, requires pilots Sales for Asia-Pacific Arabia and Dubai’s Flydubai, be- with special licence from the Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) has announced the appoint- sides other budget carriers in the Director General of Civil Aviation. ment of Justin Firestone as President, Asia-Pacific Sales. In this role, Middle East. The eight LCCs es- Admitting that the Air India man- Firestone will oversee all commercial aircraft sales activities in the tablished over the past six years, agement failed to anticipate such Asia-Pacific region. are set to perform well in 2010, a crisis, he said that 44 pilots who Thomas Bommer appointed Director of Sales and given their robust performance went on Christmas leave did not Marketing , Safi Airways in 2009. Kuwaiti LCC Jazeera resume duty in time. He said the Safi Airways, the leading international carrier from Afghanistan, Airways has planned acquisitions airline would take up the issue has announced the appointment of Thomas Bommer as Director of in the first half of 2010, even as with the agency that provided Sales and Marketing for Afghanistan, UAE and overseas markets. it seeks to expand its network to pilots to Air India. Gulfstream appoints James Liang as International 82 routes over the next five years. Distribution Manager in Asia It has already displaced Kuwait : ROTARY WING Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Airways as the largest operator Dynamics named James Liang as international distribution manager from Kuwait Airport. F Air Arabia Pawan Hans Helicopters for parts and materials in Asia. He will be based in Hong Kong. has seen its net profit shoot up 21 signs MoU with India Posts Hawker Beechcraft names Justin Firestone President of per cent in the first half of 2009 Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd Sales for Asia-Pacific Region compared to the same period (PHLL), a central government Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) has appointed Justin Fires- a year earlier. Air Arabia’s joint undertaking under the ministry tone as President, Asia-Pacific Sales. In this role, Firestone will over- venture, Air Arabia Egypt is due of civil aviation, has signed on see all commercial aircraft sales activities in the Asia-Pacific region, for launch in March 2010. Fly- December 21, 2009 a memoran- reporting to Shawn Vick, HBC executive vice president. Firestone is dubai, which started operations dum of understanding (MoU) based in the company’s new regional headquarters in Hong Kong. in June 2009 with two Boeing with India Post of the Depart- Wataniya Airways appoints Lee Shave Chief Commercial 737-800 aircraft, has orders for ment of Posts under the ministry Officer another 48 Boeing 737-800s. It of communication and infor- Wataniya Airways, Kuwait’s premium service airline, has announced has launched its tenth destina- mation technology to provide the appointment of Lee Shave as Chief Commercial Officer. Lee has tion to Kathmandu and Baku, logistics solutions. The MoU will more than 20 years of expertise in the international aviation sector . the capital of Azerbaijan. Saudi be valid initially for a period of Chris Bodine named Vice President and General Manager Arabia’s two budget carriers, two years and is renewable on at StandardAero’s Augusta, Georgia (AGS) Facility Nas Air and Sama Airlines have mutually acceptable terms and StandardAero has appointed Chris Bodine as Vice President & ambitious expansion plans with conditions. The government, General Manager of its Augusta, Ga. (AGS) facility. Bodine has been Nas Air currently operating to 11 last week, approved purchase serving as the facility’s Acting Vice President & General Manager domestic and five international of seven ‘Dauphin’ helicopters since April 2009. destinations. By the end of the by Pawan Hans for Rs 392.50 Civil Aviation Authority appoints new board member year it plans to extend operations crore. Pawan Hans had on The Secretary of State for Transport has appointed Gretchen Burrett to 20 destinations and offer more March 4, 2009, signed an MoU as a member of the Board of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). She than 350 weekly services. with France-based Eurocopter will take over as Group Director, Safety Regulation in April 2010. for seven Dauphin AS- 365 N3 Star Alliance appoints new Vice President Information Foreign Pilots embarrass helicopters. The government Technology Air India panel on infrastructure has also Justin Erbacci has been appointed Vice President Information Tech- With the failure of foreign pilots approved additional orders by nology at Star Alliance. Justin is in charge of the planning, develop- to resume duty on time early Pawan Hans with Eurocopter as ment and operation of the Star Alliance IT environment, including January after the Christmas vaca- an option that can be exercised applications, infrastructure, networks and service management. tions and services from Calicut with the state-run firm. These His profile includes managing operations and service levels with International Airport being acquisitions will enable Pawan suppliers. As a member of the IT management board, Justin works disrupted because of this reason, Hans to augment capacity for with the CIOs of the member carriers to develop, coordinate and Air India has apparently decided growth and meet additional re- implement key IT strategies. to phase out all its foreign pilots quirement of offshore operations.

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 7 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 productivity.News A recentB CNNriefs report quoted

tion with the US and European Navigation Satellite System will Capacity enhancement at : INDUSTRY aviation corporations, including provide global service from 2010, Bengaluru Airport Boeing, Snecma, Thales, Messier two years behind the original After 20 months in operation, the Boeing Commercial Dowty, Liebherr Aerospace and schedule. This was disclosed by dreams of Bengaluru Internation- Airplanes on target Honeywell. Sukhoi is currently the Russian Premier Vladimir al Airport attaining the stature of Boeing recorded 481 commer- running Superjet 100 certification Putin after a Proton rocket put a mega world-class airport have cial airplane deliveries in 2009, tests in line with European, the three Glonass satellites in orbit taken wing. Over the next four matching the company guid- US and Russian standards, which on December 21, 2009. With to eight years, BIA would be ex- ance of 480 to 485 airplanes. The would allow the plane to operate this launch, 19 Glonass satellites panded to handle passenger traf- Commercial Airplanes backlog without restrictions anywhere will have become operational fic of 51 million per annum, from remains strong at 3,375 airplanes. in the world. According to previ- by the end of 2009. Glonass is its current capacity of a little over Boeing registered 263 gross and ously announced plans, Sukhoi the Russian equivalent of the 10 million. Global architectural 142 net commercial orders for intends to manufacture at least US Global Positioning System firm HOK has been appointed to the year as air travel and freight 700 Superjet 100s and expects to (GPS) and is designed for both design the expansion, the plan for declined and carriers worldwide sell 35 per cent of these to North military and civilian use. Glonass which will be executed in three experienced severe economic America, 25 per cent to Europe, allows users to identify their phases, with the third phase con- challenges. The Next-Genera- 10 per cent to Latin America and current location and direction. stituting the building of a second tion 737 continued its reign as 7 per cent o Russia and China. Another three triple launches are terminal T2. This will initially be the industry workhorse with It currently has at least 122 firm scheduled for February, August built to handle annual passen- 372 deliveries. The airplane also orders for the Superjet 100. The and November 2010. The aim is ger traffic of around 15 million, topped Boeing’s order book with launch customers for the aircraft to have 24 operational satellites which would be scaled up to 197 gross orders as carriers chose will be Armenia’s national airline in orbit. The Glonass programme 36 million. A comprehensive the 737’s efficiency and versatility Armavia and Russia’s flagship air was launched on September 24, landscaping master plan will be for future fleet needs. The 777 led carrier Aeroflot. 1993. In 2007, Russia and India undertaken on the city side lead- Boeing’s twin-aisle programmes signed two agreements during ing up to the airport to enhance as operators chose the most Boeing 787 Dreamliner the then President Putin’s visit passenger experience and do reliable and efficient twin-aisle jet programme to the country. New Delhi had justice to Bengaluru’s reputation flying today. The global recession agreed to launch Glonass-M of being a ‘Garden City’. presided as an oppressive market satellites with the help of Indian reality in 2009, driving many car- booster rockets and to create : AIR CARGO riers to re-evaluate their near and new-generation navigation medium term fleet requirements. satellites. Glonass service is Kingfisher Xpress Air Cargo The first flight of the 787 Dream- available to India, Kazakhstan, Kingfisher Airlines introduced liner took place on December 15, Brazil, Nicaragua, and Belarus. its same day door-to-door cargo 2009 with first delivery scheduled delivery service under the banner for fourth-quarter 2010. The 747- The second Boeing 787 Dream- ATC Systems at IGIA crash of Kingfisher Xpress on February 8 Freighter undertook first flight liner ZA002 completed its first Flight operations at the Indira 02, 2010. Shipments will be picked on February 8, 2010 with first flight last week with the aircraft Gandhi International (IGI) air- up from the customer’s doorstep delivery planned for fourth-quar- featuring the livery of the port in Delhi were completely and delivered at the recipient’s ter of the year. Delivery of the Dreamliner’s launch customer put out of gear on January 14, doorstep on the same day. Accord- 747-8 Intercontinental passenger All Nippon Airways. The aircraft 2010 following the crash of ing to Kingfisher, Kingfisher Xpress airplane is planned for fourth- took off from Everett completed the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Same Day service will be India’s quarter 2011. “Year 2009 was not a two-hour flight and landed at systems. Operations were held first and only same day delivery without its challenges but it also Boeing airfield in Seattle. The up for more than two hours by air service, with a money-back was a year of exciting achieve- aircraft was flown up to an in the evening as all systems, guarantee. This service will be ments for our company,” said Jim altitude of 13,000 feet and at including radars and backup available in the six metros - Mum- Albaugh, Boeing Commercial airspeed of 200 knots or 370 system, failed. All systems were bai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyder- Airplanes president and chief km per hour. Powered by two finally restored at around 2030 abad, Chennai and Kolkata with executive officer. Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, hours. Reports indicate that the guaranteed same-day delivery in this aircraft is the second of six software installed in the ATC up to 18 cities. These cities include Russian Superjet-100 to be 787s being used in the airplane’s systems had become corrupt. Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, delivered by mid 2010 flight-test programme. With The entire system was reloaded Delhi, Kochi, Goa, Guwahati, Hy- Russia’s Sukhoi Civil Aircraft will each of the airplanes being used and restarted, a process that derabad, Indore, Kolkata, Mumbai, commence deliveries of its new for a specific set of tests, ZA002 took about three hours. ATC Raipur, Ranchi, Lucknow, Nagpur, Superjet 100 regional airliner focuses on systems perfor- found it difficult to control Pune and Srinagar. Kingfisher in the middle of 2010. Training mance. aircraft after the systems crash Xpress will also offer a next-day for the crews for this plane is as the entire airspace from delivery service across 20 cities in expected to commence in the : INFRASTRUCTURE Udhampur to Pakistan-Afghani- India. The money back guarantee near future. The Superjet 100 is a stan border in the west, from reflects the level of confidence in medium-haul passenger aircraft Glonass global coverage Lucknow to Khajuraho became their capability to deliver on their developed by Sukhoi in coopera- The Russian Glonass or Global a blind spot. promise. •

8 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net INDUSTRY / ANALYSIS Cover Story

KINFISHER AIRLINES: Hoping for the return of good times in 2010

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2010 Trends that manifested themselves during the latter half of 2009 need to be studied so as to crystal gaze into 2010

HE YEAR 2009 By Our Staff Correspondent permanently lost 2.5 years of growth WAS ONE that the in passenger markets and 3.5 years of aviation industry growth in the freight business.” The lat- would like to wipe off ter part of his statement refers to the its memory. Direc- airlines and other aviation companies tor General and CEO that folded up, some that did not start of International Air at all, and the collateral delays in en- Transport Association (IATA) Giovanni Bisignani is on record terprises that would have been the infrastructure required to Tas having stated, “In terms of demand, 2009 goes into history support aviation.

PHOTOGRAPH: ABHISHEK / SP GUIDE PUBNS books as the worst year the industry has ever seen. We have So far as airlines are concerned, according to IATA, there Continued on page 12 Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 9 CIVIL / SHOW PREVIEW The best reason in the A PEEK at world for choosing a India Aviation 2010 window seat. Special

Experts on the civil aviation industry from across the globe will take part in the conference to be held in Hyderabad from March 3 to 7 India Aviation Aviation India

OLLOWING THE SUC- By Ruchika Chawla as an insight on addressing the current CESSFUL LAUNCH OF global economic challenges the civil India Aviation 2008, this aviation industry is facing. year’s bi-annual event aims India Aviation provides an ideal to cross new heights for venue for the civil aviation industry to India’s civil aviation indus- hold conferences, exhibitions, display try. Being held in Hyderabad, India Aviation products and share knowledge on ways India and its metro- 2010 will once again bring together aviation companies from politan airports can compete with its global counterparts. A Every day the Rolls-Royce name is a welcome sight to more than 650 airlines, including over 40 of the world’s Faround the world to showcase their products to fulfill the ris- highlight of India Aviation 2010 will be the CEO’s Forum—an millions of airline passengers all over the world. For our top 50. We also power 4,000 corporate and utility ing number in India’s air transportation. exclusive platform for chief executives of leading companies of Highlighting the event will be the Second International the aviation sector to engage in an interactive session with the customers we provide the most advanced engines aircraft and helicopter operators and 160 armed Conference on Civil Aviation, jointly organised by the Ministry Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel. available, powering the widest range of commercial forces. A truly global company that is built on reliability, of Civil Aviation and Federation of Indian Chambers of Com- India Aviation will be on from March 3 to 7, 10 am to 6 pm aircraft. The unparalleled performance and reliability integrity and innovation, the best reasons for choosing merce and Industry. Experts on the civil aviation industry from with public days on the concluding two days. The Minister for of our engines is key to our growing customer base of Rolls-Royce. Trusted to deliver excellence across the globe will take part in the conference which will Civil Aviation will inaugurate the event that will be attended provide a forum for all sectors to debate, discuss and network by senior ministry officers. Later, a dinner hosted by Patel will on ways to do business in India. The conference is aimed at provide an opportunity for participating aviation sector mem- SP PHOTOGRAPHS: SP GUIDE PUBNS providing an outlook for airport businesses worldwide, as well bers to meet and network.

10 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net

Window_SPAirBuz.indd 1 23/02/2010 16:53 The best reason in the world for choosing a window seat.

Every day the Rolls-Royce name is a welcome sight to more than 650 airlines, including over 40 of the world’s millions of airline passengers all over the world. For our top 50. We also power 4,000 corporate and utility customers we provide the most advanced engines aircraft and helicopter operators and 160 armed available, powering the widest range of commercial forces. A truly global company that is built on reliability, aircraft. The unparalleled performance and reliability integrity and innovation, the best reasons for choosing of our engines is key to our growing customer base of Rolls-Royce. Trusted to deliver excellence

Window_SPAirBuz.indd 1 23/02/2010 16:53 INDUSTRY / ANALYSIS Continued from page 9 was a 3.5 per cent decline in passenger traffic and a 10 per cent drop in freight carriage by airlines during the year 2009. It may be pertinent to note that IATA estimates a net loss of $11 billion (Rs 50,835 crore) for 2009. This figure is much higher than the average for the last decade which is about $4.91 billion (Rs 22,690 crore). Much as we would like to grant 2009 a decent burial here and cast an interroga- tive look at the portents that indicate what 2010 holds out for the airline industry in India, the trends that manifested themselves during the latter half of 2009 need to be studied so as to crystal gaze into 2010. According to the figures released by the Airports Au- thority of India (AAI), domestic air travel market showed a 20 per cent growth in the second half of 2009 over 2008. However, as the second half of 2008 itself had witnessed a sharp fall in demand, this 20 per cent growth actually repre- sents a rebound only to the 2007 levels. It is estimated that the Indian aviation industry lost around Rs 10,000 crore during 2009. However, the last quarter of 2009 brought forth some good cheer in the form of buoyant results from some airlines. Jet Airways and SpiceJet both declared hand- some profits for that quarter. GoAir’s balance sheet for the quarter is also said to have crossed the border between red and black. However, in the absence of published results, this it- eration cannot be confirmed. Considering that all three

Special airlines had heavy losses during the corresponding quarter the previous year, these profit lines coming as they did at in August 2010 but with only five aircraft, it is way below the the end of a terrible year, are definitely cause for cheer. But do minimum of 20. these figures truly presage a linear progression to prosperity for Apart from the fact that compared with domestic opera- the airline industry? As for the dynamics of domestic market tions, international routes are financially more lucrative for shares, Kingfisher lost its first position in the domestic mar- airlines, there are other advantages in flying abroad. Interna- ket to Jet Airways. Between the two, they continue to control tional routes have longer stage lengths, more liberal Flight Duty around half of the Indian market. Kingfisher’s losses increased Time/Flight Time Limitations and provide for higher daily util- during Q3 from Rs 413 crore in the corresponding period the isation rate of the aircraft. Typically, an aircraft being used for previous year to Rs 420 crore. Kingfisher plans to raise Rs 400 domestic sectors would be utilised for 12 to 13 hours a day. This crore from the market while loss-making Air India is likely to figure could go up by 15 per cent in international operations. get Rs 1,200 crore in the forthcoming Budget. In 2009, GoAir This factor is all the more important as the current regulatory saw its share of the domestic market double from 2.5 per cent framework in India is very generous to foreign airlines flying in January to over five per cent in December. IndiGo and Spice- into and out of India—at the cost of Indian airlines. This threat Jet also gained a little in the market share as MDLR ceased op- will remain around during the year.

India Aviation Aviation India erations in the beginning of October. Air Asia, after four years of struggle, has managed to break into the high potential Vietnam aviation market. This is the GOING INTERNATIONAL carrier’s fourth ASEAN venture after Malaysia, Thailand and SpiceJet has applied to the Directorate General of Civil Avia- Indonesia and sets it on course to tackle its next ASEAN am- tion for permission to fly abroad from June 2010, initially only bition, a venture in the Philippines. Market watchers feel that to South East Asian and South Asian countries. “We do not India would be their next target. A possible alliance between plan to fly to longer destinations. We plan to go slow on our Air Asia and Jetstar, which could happen in 2010, would be bad international plans,” CEO, SpiceJet, Sanjay Agarwal is quoted news for Indian airlines with foreign ambitions. to have stated. The current regulatory requirement is a fleet of 20 aircraft and five years of domestic operations. SpiceJet will AIRLINE RECRUITMENT be the country’s first Low Cost Carrier (LCC) to fly abroad. Air While 2008 and 2009 saw Indian airlines indulge in some ruth- India Express, the LCC component of Air India already operates less retrenchment and salary cuts, 2010 promises to be a year of international flights, but is not an independent airline in this resurgence in manpower recruitment. Last year, at the nadir of context. GoAir, another LCC, will complete five years of domes- the airline industry’s mercurial history, there were strikes, pub- tic operations in November 2010, but has no plans to fly abroad lic and media outcries, and mass protests by cockpit and cabin as it has only eight aircraft on its strength as of now. The airline crew in retaliation to airlines’ layoff initiatives. plans to add only two aircraft to its fleet by November 2010. It is All that appears set to change with some airlines, especial- highly unlikely that, during 2010, the regulatory framework will ly the LCCs, embarking on expansion. Moreover, airlines that become liberal and allow airlines with fleet size less than 20 to had trimmed capacity last year are now set to expand. This fly abroad. Should that come about, GoAir could consider go- has helped revitalise the job market. At least two airlines have ing international. Paramount Airways also completes five years advertised for and begun hiring captains, first officers, cabin 12 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net INDUSTRY / ANALYSIS

airlines are now trying to woo them back. Managing Director of Paramount Airways M. Thiaga- rajan has declared that his company plans to hire aggres- sively to fill vacancies that had arisen due to high attrition. According to Kapil Kaul, CEO for the Indian Subconti- nent and Middle East at the Centre for Asia Pacific Avia- tion, hiring has been initiated by LCCs like SpiceJet, In- diGo and GoAir as they have plans to add new aircraft and expand their services this year. In its latest quarterly business confidence survey of airline Chief Financial Officers (CFO), IATA states that though job cuts were still happen- ing in the fourth quarter of 2009, for the first time since April 2008, a majority of CFOs now expect to increase or hold employment steady in the year ahead. Kaul believes that mass hiring of the kind Indian airlines had seen in their best days, would happen around the third quarter of 2010.

AIR CARGO Internationally, air cargo yields are reported to be on the increase, riding on recovering demand and higher freight LARGER ROLE COMING UP: load factors. Asian airlines, with greater exposure to air LCCs in India such as Indigo and cargo markets and benefiting from relatively stronger Jetlite may contribute stronger regional economic recovery, report better than average roles in ferrying growing trafﬁc performance with just over half of the carriers from the region reporting air cargo yield increases. According to the IATA, “Freight load factors have risen crew and engineers. At the peak of the lay-off period, the Indian to pre-recession levels and, if maintained, should provide the industry had lost some local talent to foreign carriers. Indian market conditions for some improvement in yields during the

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 13 INDUSTRY / ANALYSIS

Special GOING INTERNATIONAL: Spice Jet is set to operate on international routes

year ahead.” Against this backdrop, 2010 promises to be munifi- tum of operations, in some cases grounding/storing or leasing cent for Indian cargo carriers. While Quik Jet is yet to take off, out aircraft. In addition, there was a general hold back on dis- Aryan Cargo Express is about to commence operations. Blue cretionary spending, inventories of consumables/spares, and Dart, in its own quiet and efficient style, marches on profitably. renegotiation of agreements with MROs and parts suppliers. In a bid to boost revenues, two of the country’s leading airlines Inevitably, the older aircraft were grounded and this affect- ¬Air India and Jet Airways plan to increase cargo operations ed MRO business that much more harshly as older aircraft re-

India Aviation Aviation India on international routes. Air India is banking on increasing the quire comparatively more maintenance activity than the new. belly cargo capacity of its passenger aircraft, while Jet plans to However, 2010 promises to be a year of good hope for MROs in further boost the business by deploying part of the capacity of general as airlines now look to rebuild their capacity and refit/ its around half-a-dozen leased aircraft which will be returned upgrade aircraft interiors as they adapt to some of the struc- over the next two years for the air cargo business. tural changes that have taken place over the past two years. As Air India will be hiving off its air cargo business into an auton- global economy recovers, so should the passenger loads, hence omous unit by April 1. Jet Airways, which does not have dedicated triggering the business that would come the MRO way from freighter aircraft, is working on optimising the belly space of its airlines. In an interesting aside, during the Singapore air show passenger aircraft. Air India Cargo contributes around 8 per cent in early February, majority of the $10 billion (Rs 46,215 crore) to the total revenues of National Aviation Company of India Lim- deals were not one of aircraft orders, but of MRO, engine and ited, while Jet Airways is looking at deriving around 9.5 per cent of avionics contracts. its consolidated revenue from air cargo operations, domestic and Currently, India has very little domestic third party MRO ca- international in two years time. Thus, 2010 promises to be a great pability, with aircraft either maintained in-house or sent out of year for air cargo operations for Indian airlines. the region to places like Malaysia and the Middle East. During 2009, Air Works became the first Indian company to receive Eu- MAINTENANCE, REPAIR & OVERHAUL ropean Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, covering air- 2009 was a hard year for aviation MROs and suppliers of parts frame and component maintenance for 737NGs and Classics and and components—essentially related to the Original Equip- the ATR family. It already held India’s Directorate General Civil ment Manufacturers and airlines experiencing fund flow prob- Aviation authority, but EASA certification makes it possible to at- lems. Almost every airline cut back significantly on the quan- tract aircraft that are on lease to Indian airlines, as lessors typi-

14 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net INDUSTRY / ANALYSIS cally require carriers to have such aircraft HINT OF A SILVER LINING maintained at US Federal Aviation Admin- So far as Boeing is all set to establish a $100 mil- istration or EASA certified stations. lion (Rs 460 crore) MRO in partnership In January, Air Works received Airbus airlines are with Air India at Nagpur. Construction is certification for the A320 up to A check concerned, to commence in 2010 and would be com- and is working toward C check authority. pleted end 2011. The plan is to build two Air Works is developing a maintenance according to aircraft hangars, which would be used to centre at Hosur, near Bangalore. The first IATA, there maintain Boeing 777s and Boeing 787s. hangar at Hosur is operational and can Dinesh Keskar, President, Boeing India, handle one 737/A320 and a turboprop. It was a 3.5 per is on record as having expressed satisfac- has carried out C checks on a pair of King- tion at the signs of recovery in the Indian fisher ATR72s and a 737 for SpiceJet. The cent decline aviation sector and has confirmed that second facility will be a paint hangar, with in passenger Boeing plans to deliver nine aircraft to In- construction set to start in 2010. dian carriers Air India, JetLite and Spice- An MRO hub is expected to come up traffic and Jet in 2010. He has also stated that there at Ropar, 45 km from Chandigarh, for the a 10 per is a backlog of 85 aircraft to be delivered civil aviation sector. The MRO will be de- to Indian carriers over the next five years. veloped over a 50-acre area at a cost of Rs cent drop Although there have been no new or- 30 crore. Work is expected to start during in freight ders placed with Boeing over the last 18 2010 as the Mohali airport is expected to months, the fact that there have been no be operational by June 2010. carriage by cancellations of orders during the bad The board of Jet Airways (India) Lim- airlines in year gone by, augurs well for 2010. ited has approved an investment of up to Although things are looking up for 26 per cent in MAS GMR Aerospace Engi- 2009 the airline industry in India, there is also neering Company Private Limited, which need for caution as irresponsible planning is a 50:50 joint venture between Malay- by the airlines could lead to a situation sian Aerospace Engineering SDN BHD, of overcapacity again with the inevitable Malaysia, and GMR Hyderabad Interna- fare war. If that happens, the airline indus- tional Airport Limited, set up to undertake MRO activities. try could be plunged into gloom—yet again. SP

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 15 INFRASTRUCTURE / SAFETY

VIGILANT PRACTICE: Singapore Airport makes all attempts to follow stringent security norms

Special How Safe Are Our Airports? Airports in India being under constant threat, security demands complete coordination between all agencies operating at the airport.

India Aviation Aviation India Security has to be all pervasive and a collectively committed affair.

By K.B. Menon Bangalore

RE INDIAN AIRPORTS SAFE? NOT ac- viduals presents a high value but soft target to terrorists. cording to the latest Air Advisory from the US Government despite India having very ATTACKS ON LAND AND IN AIR stringent security measures at all airports. The first known terrorist attack to destroy an aircraft in flight Airport security involves techniques, methods was against Cubana Flt 455 from Barbados to Jamaica on Octo- and procedures used to protect airports and ber 6, 1976. The deadliest terrorist attack was against Air India aircraft from terrorist attack. Airports house Flight 183 in which all 329 onboard perished. The other notable a large number of airline employees, operating agencies and attacks include an explosion engineered onboard that brought Afacilities that go into making travel experience a pleasure for down Pan Am Flight 103, a Boeing 747, over Lockerbie and the passengers. Passengers who constitute the majority of transient hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 by five Pakistani nationals occupants of airports and airplanes look forward to a safe jour- belonging to the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen on December 24, 1999

PHOTOGRAPHS: ABHISHEK / SP GUIDE PUBNS ney to their destinations. This congregation of anonymous indi- while flying from Kathmandu to Delhi. All these sensational

16 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net INFRASTRUCTURE / SAFETY acts of terrorism pale into insignificance before the events of methods that can be adopted to circumvent restrictions. The September 11, 2001, wherein a series of coordinated hijackings limits to which a determined terrorist can go to in the pursuit of four commercial airlines brought down the twin towers of the of his aim are difficult to fathom. In the case of Habib Hussain, World Trade Centre in New York and a part of the Pentagon in it is apparent that the procedures in Medina were grossly inad- Washington DC. In these attacks, allegedly carried out by the equate. He was a part of the support services that are necessary al-Qaeda, 2973 innocent lives were lost. Despite the stringent on any airport to turn around an airliner after landing. It is quite security measures that were introduced worldwide and billions obvious that there was no procedure in place to ensure that ev- of dollars spent on the enhancement of security in the wake of ery worker, who enters the airliner to prepare the aircraft for 9/11, airports practically all over the world continue to remain flight, disembarks prior to departure. vulnerable with frequent cases of successful breach of security. The Times of India on January 29, 2010 reported an incident On Christmas last year, a Nigerian national Farouk Abdul- of theft of a tractor at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, mutallab attempted to detonate plastic explosives hidden in his New Delhi amidst high alert. The loss of a tractor is insignificant underwear onboard North West Flight 253 from Amsterdam to when viewed against the implications of breach of airport secu- Detroit. He tried to activate the explosive device with a chemical rity with relative ease even when in a state of high alert. Support trigger injected by means of a hypodermic syringe as the aircraft agencies at airports are required to bring in men and material was approaching Detroit. Fellow passengers later stated that he into the airport on a daily basis and foolproof screening of every had spent about 20 minutes in the toilet and on returning to item that is brought in is well nigh impossible. In the airport his seat, covered himself with a blanket. Passengers reportedly security chain, support agencies - many of whom employ con- heard popping sounds and observed smoke and fire emanating tractual staff, are a weak link that can quite easily be subverted from the cabin wall near his seat. Few of the alert passengers by terrorist groups through coercion or ideology thus seriously immediately acted to put out the fire with the help of the extin- compromising the safety of airliners. guishers onboard and even succeeded in overpowering Farouk who had attempted to prevent them from doing so. On landing, AIRPORT OPERATIONS: THE WEAK LINK he was handed over to airport security. This was a unique case Private aircraft operators have access to aprons and in many wherein passengers foiled an attempt to blow up an aircraft in cases their aircraft are parked in the vicinity of commercial mid-air. planes. Passengers travelling by private aircraft are rarely sub- The device with Farouk consisted of a 15 cm tube containing jected to security checks as stringent as those applicable to fare- PETN sewn onto his underwear, which catalysed into a plastic paying passengers using the departure and arrival facilities. explosive when mixed with Triacetone Triperoxide TAPN. In This point was driven home when on February 18, 2010 his confession, claiming to have been directed by al-Qaeda, he when private pilot Robert Stack, a software engineer took off stated that he had obtained the device in Yemen. Subsequently, from Georgetown Municipal Airport and crashed his Piper PA- the al-Qaeda in Yemen claimed responsibility for the attack in 28 into the Internal Revenue Service office in Austin killing retaliation for the American role in the Yemeni military action himself and an IRS official. Pilots at this airport where over 240 against the organisation. planes are parked were not required to go through electronic security checks, baggage scans or body pat downs. Tough restric- SECURITY MEASURES tions had been considered on general aviation post 9/11 but the The US Transportation Security Administration (USTSA) issued general aviation lobby has spent $6 million (Rs 27 crore) lob- instructions on immediate security measures, stating that indi- bying to fend off new measures that would restrict unfettered viduals holding passports issued by or those travelling from or operations by private pilots through nations that are considered as state sponsors of terror- In India, there is perpetual threat to security at all airports. ism or other countries of interest, would be required to undergo Western intelligence agencies reported that the Lashkar-e-Toi- enhanced screening. This could include random screening of ba have made attempts to procure para gliders. Given that India passengers on US bound flights. In addition, passengers with has over 300 unmanned airfields in disuse, the threat is serious. bulky clothing or headwear may be subject to screening. For the Anticipating terrorist action on or close to Republic Day, on last one hour of the flight passengers would not be permitted January 22, 2010, all Indian airports were placed on high alert by access to carry-on baggage, leave their seats or to keep anything the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Western intelligence reports had on their laps. The measures, though bordering on the draconian, also warned of a possible hijack attempt. The Indian Air Force were unlikely to deter a committed terrorist as in due course, (IAF) was tasked to sanitise the skies around the capital. Whilst ways would be found to circumvent these. the IAF has the core competence to handle airborne threats, ter- Coincidently on the same day, Habib Hussain, a native of rorism is not limited to acts in the air. Terrorist action against Moradabad traveled as stowaway in the toilet of an Air India Air- terminal buildings and other airfield infrastructure can paralyse bus 330 from Medina to Jaipur. The cabin crew became aware of operations and jeopardise the lives of the travelling public with his presence about 30 minutes into the flight when he emerged equal effect. from hiding and occupied a seat. Being an employee of the bag- Vulnerabilities in airport operations stem from the fact that gage handling company, he had a valid security pass for the airlines are run by companies driven by the urge to provide cus- aircraft handling area at Medina but no travel documents. Hav- tomers on time departure/arrival, efficient baggage handling ing suffered extreme harassment at the hands of his employer and high quality onboard services. Delays on the ground and in in Medina, he was desperate to reach home. He was taken into the air are costly and impinge on the airlines’ image and more custody on landing at Jaipur. importantly on its finances. It is a common sight at airports Both the incidents on Christmas Day reveal the limitations worldwide to see airline staff hurry passengers through security of the security systems at airports and highlight the innovative lines in an effort to get the planes into the air on time. Behind

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 17 INFRASTRUCTURE / SAFETY

viewed and questioned intimately by highly trained security agents, the session lasting from five minutes to an hour. All luggage is X-rayed and checked baggage is passed through a pressure chamber to trigger TIME TO LEARN: any explosive device that Its high time that India may have escaped detec- needs to adopt the best tion. Passengers undergo means to secure its personal security checks airports and passport checks. Prior to boarding, passports and boarding passes of passengers are rechecked. Many of these processes are followed at Indian airports as well. Stringent security checks are necessary at the Ben Gurion airport on account of the prevailing threat environment, but it is pertinent to note that only about 11 million passengers pass through the airport annually as compared to the 47 million in JFK Airport, 67 million at Heathrow and 24 million

Special at IGI Airport in Delhi. It is neither necessary nor within the capability the scene on the apron, support crew are also under pressure to replicate the Ben Gurion model at Indian airports. to ready the aircraft to meet departure deadlines. The volume of traffic at airports in India has increased exponentially in the ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY last six years and the ancillary and support services are clearly Airport security measures are reviewed, modified and strength- over stretched. ened with every episode related to airport security. However, Under such conditions, laid down procedures tend to be screening technologies have generally lagged behind the tech- overlooked if the perception of threat is not reinforced from niques employed by terrorists. The nature of the threat is con- time to time. If a crew member forgets his security pass while stantly changing. Since 9/11, the USTSA has spent over $800 reporting for duty, will he/she be denied entry into the airport? million (Rs 3,700 crore) on high-tech screening technology. An easy way out for the airline under such circumstances The range of explosive devices that terrorists have access to, would be to issue a dummy boarding pass to get a crew mem- is outstripping detection capability. In August 2009, in a sui- ber onboard to ensure the flight operates as scheduled. cidal attack, a terrorist with implanted explosives in his body Airlines would do everything to enhance passenger revenue injured a Saudi prince.

India Aviation Aviation India despite the hassles of enhanced security procedures. While the The latest body scanners can enable security staff to detect objective of the airline to get the aircraft off the ground in time organic and inorganic materials hidden in clothing or inter- would be achieved through a short cut, the security system nally in body cavities. As the scan is initiated, the platform on would stand subverted in the process. which the passenger stands, moves through the gate. In a process which lasts about ten seconds, a collimated X-ray scans THE MOST SECURE AIRPORT the passenger’s body vertically and these images are transmit- The Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv is reputed to be the most ted to the operator to examine. The US has accelerated the secure airport in the world. Several attempts to hijack a depart- installation of full body scanners. There are, however, serious ing flight have been made but none has been successful as a objections to the concept as many believe that these violate multi-layered security system is in place. From the time that a individual privacy. The X-ray images are extremely intrusive vehicle enters the airport area it is under surveillance. All cars, and leave nothing undetected. While the EU is divided on this taxis, buses and trucks go through a preliminary security check issue, how the Government of India will address the concerns point. Armed guards carry out spot checks and exchange a few of passengers remains to be seen. words with the driver or passengers. Entry into the airport is Full body scanning may be acceptable to passengers if the monitored by armed security personnel. Anyone who arouses process is discreet and the operator, invisible to the individual. suspicion is questioned. Plain clothes armed personnel patrol It is bad enough to see operators at some airports peer over the the area outside the terminal and hidden cameras provide unin- security guard’s shoulder as he scans the contents of the hand terrupted surveillance. baggage. The process could be used as a secondary measure Inside, the terminal is monitored by uniformed and un- against a passenger who has triggered alarm or those randomly marked security personnel. All departing passengers are inter- selected for special screening.

18 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net OEM / ROLLS-ROYCE Trent 700 by ROLLS-ROYCE

he Trent 700 is the first engine the A330. The engine was designed for in the highly successful Trent growth capability of the A330 and in- Tfamily. It has established itself as corporates materials capable pressures the engine of choice on the A330 with and temperatures for 75,000lb. over 55% market share. The Rolls-Royce Trent family of Since Cathay Pacific launched it in aero engines are market leaders in the March 1995 the Trent 700 has logged widebody market. They have strong po- over 13 million hours (3 million cycles) in sitions on the Airbus A330 service and accumulates around 180,000 The Rolls-Royce – where they are the clear service hours every month. Trent 700 powers market leader, as well as The Trent 700 delivers the power re- the Airbus A330 on the A380, A350XWB and quirements for all weights of the A330 airliner the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

and in particular, for the higher weight PHOTOGRAPH: ROLLS-ROYCE In fact Rolls-Royce are the aircraft operating in harsh environ- launch engine on these ments. This has been demonstrated three new-generation wide body air- by over a third of all operational expe- craft. The first flight of the 787 Dream- rience being in the Middle East. With the highest in-service liner aircraft in December last year was powered by Trent 1000 thrust of 72,000 lb, the Trent 700 provides the best take-off engine. Similarly, the A350XWB is powered by the Trent XWB performance and revenue-earning potential for operators of which is scheduled for test in 2010. •

Airports around the world need to evolve innovative and Profiling has been touted as an effective method of narrow- varied security measures so that terrorists do not exploit coming down the surveillance process but profiling has its oppo- mon weaknesses. There should be no ‘cookie cutter’ approach nents. They claim that it can lead to racial profiling as had hap- to security as terrorists can work around them. Some measures pened to some Sikhs travelling in the US, who were offloaded such as screening of baggage by X-ray machines, CCTV cam- from a flight. Profiling can also lead to a witch-hunt and the op- eras in passenger areas and aprons, highly visible armed se- ponents claim that its effectiveness remains to be seen. It is also curity personnel, sniffer dogs to detect explosive and narcotic claimed that terrorists may be trained to go undetected by be- materials, are available at all airports. Every vehicle entering haviour recognition techniques. Terrorists such as David Cole- an airport should be captured on film for record. Airports may man Headley disguise their antecedents and transform them- have hundreds of surveillance cameras but the main problem selves into an acceptable mould. The al-Qaeda has reportedly is timely extraction of intelligence from the huge mass of infor- trained operatives from different countries so that they are not mation available. in conformity with any stereotype image of a terrorist.

THE HUMAN FACTOR SECURITY: THE INDIAN SCENARIO The key element in airport security is competence of security Any air traveler who has the experience of boarding a flight at personnel augmented by appropriate infrastructure. Some se- an airport abroad can carry out an audit of security procedures curity agencies work on the premise that everybody who comes at Indian airports—exactly what a potential terrorist would do to the airport is a terrorist unless proved otherwise. While this while planning his mission. The security systems at airports in is an unreasonable position, unfortunately junior level secu- India are reasonably strong but the emphasis is on procedures rity personnel posted at airports are trained along these lines. and equipment-based surveillance. At the final checkpoint pri- Success lies in identifying and neutralising the potential threat or to boarding, security personnel merely examine whether the before any damage is caused. Behavioural Profiling Techniques boarding pass is stamped, not establishing eye contact with the may provide some answers. Security agencies worldwide are passenger. This is the last hurdle for a potential terrorist and taking lessons from the Israeli model where security agents are should be toughest test but it isn’t. trained not to look at the face, colour or clothes. They are told Airports in India being under constant threat, security de- to look at the person behind the eyes. mands complete coordination between all agencies operating A classic instance is the Hindawi Affair. Purely on the ba- at the airport. Security has to be all pervasive and a collectively sis of a conversation with a pregnant Irish woman, Anne Mary committed affair. Failure of any component makes the task of Murphy, who was booked on an El Al flight from London, secu- the terrorist easy and can result in loss of innocent lives. rity personnel discovered three pounds of Semtex in her bag- In the final analysis, all the high-tech equipment in the arse- gage. Unknown to her, Nezar Hindawi, her fiancée, had placed nal of security forces is only designed to assist them in narrow- the explosive material in her baggage while he himself was ing down the search for terrorists. In the ongoing battle of wits booked on a different flight. He was arrested after a massive between the two adversaries, it is the human being handling the manhunt and sentenced to 45 years in prison. security apparatus that holds the key to airport security. SP

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 19 OPERATIONSOPERATIONS / BUSINESS/ BUSINESS AVIATION AVIATION

Slow But Special Steady Business aviation has long been the most neglected sector of the Indian aviation industry. While some constructive measures have been introduced over the last few years,

India Aviation Aviation India these are scarcely enough for the sector to flourish.

009 WAS assessment of a simple productivity tool, By Joseph Noronha, A YEAR as those in the industry know. Companies OF reck- Goa and individuals shamefacedly scrambled oning for to sell their planes but as finance dried business up, more and more jets began to chase aviation. fewer and fewer parsimonious buyers. S o m e Consequently, around mid-2009 practi- markets, especially the largest cally a third of the global business aircraft fleet was on sale. North American and European Even discounts of up to 30 per cent, especially in the light and ones, saw business jet orders medium jet categories, seemed insufficient to clinch deals. savagely slashed as individual Unlike in the West, business aviation in India did not take too and corporate wealth went up hard a hit. But upbeat sales estimates were belied as fewer aircraft in smoke. Overnight, private were bought. Financial services, real estate, automobiles, petro- jets were branded as wasteful chemicals, and more—all sectors seemed interested in cutting

PHOTOGRAPHS: WWW.HAWKERBEECHCRAFT.COM AND WWW.EMBRAER.COM PHOTOGRAPHS: WWW.HAWKERBEECHCRAFT.COM and inefficient—a rather unfair costs and conserving cash rather than splurging on ‘maybe’ jets. 202• SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net OPERATIONS / BUSINESS AVIATION OPERATIONS / BUSINESS AVIATION

cultural hurdles remain, and setbacks are only to be expected. For instance, two years ago BJETS ordered 50 business jets and announced ambitious plans to become the region’s first fractional ownership firm, operating from Singapore and India. But the company probably discovered that fractional ownership is a smaller business than it first thought and its growth plans have stalled. According to industry insiders, perhaps half the air taxi and charter operators in the country have fallen on hard times over the past year or so. The industry seems ripe for a stimulus.

TIME FOR A BOOSTER DOSE? Business aviation has long been the most neglected sector of the Indian aviation industry. While some constructive measures have been introduced over the last few years, these are scarcely enough for the sector to flourish. On the positive side, there’s the policy of opening up airfields for private aviation. However, on the negative side, the process of import- ing an aircraft is still tedious and long- winded and could take several months. Import regulations create an unequal playing field where Non-Scheduled Op- erator Permit (NSOP) holders are exempt from customs charges, but aircraft imported for private use attract around 25 per cent duty. Yet private aircraft worldwide, except those owned by a handful of the richest, are rarely private. They SILK SMOOTH: are generally contracted out to charter Phenom 300 (seen here) and companies—part time, as a way to offset Phenom 100, given the positive their steep carrying cost. Some experts conditions of market, should witness feel that fractional ownership is a failed some great level of sales model in India, because many owners are reluctant to allow their aircraft to be offered for charter. NSOP regulations that foster this inefficient attitude need a rethink. Else the aircraft ownership and management business will continue to Air charter and fractional ownership enterprises also suffered. grow while the charter and fractional segments are likely to stag- And many names on the long list of aspiring business aviation op- nate. erators realised that discretion was the better part of valour and The government’s stated intention to upgrade or revive bided their time. Will this year be better? some 300 dormant airfields across the country is highly laud- able. But to expect national or regional airlines to keep these GOOD NEWS, BUT... airports humming might just be wishful thinking. If, as is more The fortunes of business aviation are generally considered to be likely, business and general aviation aircraft emerge as the main closely linked with those of the wider economy. The recent predic- users, the airfields need to be conceptualised as Fixed-Base Op- tion by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy that economic erator (FBO) terminals, specifically designed for such aircraft. growth is likely to return to pre-crisis levels in the next fiscal is, Besides, there are clear advantages in separating commercial therefore, cause for cheer. GDP growth is expected to jump to 9.2 and business traffic. A general aviation culture, essential for a per cent in 2010-2011 from 6.9 per cent in 2009-2010. Clearly, the country’s aviation sector to thrive, cannot be created overnight. country’s expanding economy, demographic dividend, and need It will bloom only if the industry is unshackled from needless for time-saving travel are factors likely to create enormous de- import and other restrictions. mand for corporate aviation. However, numerous operational and Clearly, business aviation needs dependable Maintenance,

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 21 OPERATIONS / BUSINESS AVIATION Special

LUXURIOUSLY DESIRED: Falcon 7x, the latest in

DASSAULT AVIATION - P. BOWEN - P. AVIATION DASSAULT Dassault’s inventory has got considerable scope of sales in India

PHOTOGRAPH:

Repair and Overhaul facilities to expand safely. But the num- Valley City, the country’s first integrated hill city near Lonavala, ber of some types of aircraft can be counted on the fingertips, and Mumbai was inaugurated. The project developer, Sahara so type-rated expertise is in short supply. It is anyone’s guess if India, has set up a state-of-the-art private airport with a 1,200m maintenance is carried out as laid down or whether shortcuts are runway and an independent ATC. Sahara has tied up with avia-

India Aviation Aviation India the norm owing to the scarcity of pilots, engineers, operational tion provider Air One, which will deploy luxuriously-configured personnel and ground staff throughout the industry. Though the Super King Air B200 aircraft for the service. slowdown has masked the supply-demand gap to some extent, Air One’s service marks a welcome foray into the luxury travel the prospects for the next few years are grim. Present training ca- segment. However, business travel has long been seen as exclu- pacity is far below demand, and general aviation often attracts sively for the wealthy—an impression that the industry needs only those who cannot secure airline jobs—a phenomenon which to dispel. When Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) rule the airways and needs to change. many airlines have dispensed with business and first class seats, A prime advantage of business aviation is the ability it gives to a new model is necessary if business aviation is not to become plan a trip and be off, practically at a moment’s notice. Against the increasingly irrelevant. Air Car is, therefore, a worthy attempt widely held view that executives are hooked on luxury, research to take these services to the masses. It is the closest equivalent has shown that efficiency and opportunity for doing business— business aviation has to LCCs and fulfils the latent demand for the elusive quality of time—is the raison d’être for private avia- more understated modes of corporate transport. Launched in tion. Just as business class airline passengers pay more and are New Delhi in November with the first two of 12 Cirrus SR22 GTS entitled to better service, it should be appreciated that business turbocharged piston engine planes on order, Air Car claims to be travel merits different treatment. Quick processing of flight plans 50 per cent cheaper than any air charter currently available over and speedy transit through terminals are crucial to the success of similar distances. It is priced competitively even against business- the enterprise. class airline fares. There is, however, a caveat. There should be enough passengers to fill the three seats. In other words flights SIGNS OF HOPE will normally operate only at full seat load factor. Air Car will fly to Recently, the first non-scheduled air service between Aamby destinations either not connected by the airlines or with limited

22 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net OPERATIONS / BUSINESS AVIATION

BIGGER HOPES: The market in India does attract companies to sell large ABHISHEK / SP GUIDE PUBNS business jets like Bombardier Global 5000

PHOTOGRAPH:

connectivity—another good approach. seen enormous improvements over the last Air Car plans to add two or three aircraft five years. However, if industry keeps expect- per quarter and expand operations to all Long- ing the government to sort out its problems, state capitals and many major towns/ standing the wait is likely to be prolonged and tedious. cities by 2013. A few farsighted entrepreneurs seem to have Air charter rates in general, are due impediments grasped the point and are trying to become for a drop. Gone are the days when busi- include high part of the solution. For instance, the high ness customers meekly paid for empty import duty on private aircraft is certain- return legs or ‘deadheads’. The ‘point-to- import duty, ly irksome. But wait a minute. Can’t India point’ model, where aircraft reposition- delays in manufacture its own business aircraft? Some ing, overnight halts, and other extras, companies think they can. GMR Hyderabad are not added to the price of the trip, approving International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) is setting has created a major upheaval in US flying and up a small aircraft manufacturing unit in a business aviation economics. In India, joint venture with an unnamed European Invision Projects, which has 20 Embraer landing major. The European company is working on Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 jets on or- this deal as part of its offset obligation for de- der, plans to launch using the ‘per-seat permits, fence contracts. In fact, considering the sheer on-demand’ model later this year giving high fees and magnitude of Indian military acquisitions in established charter operators a run for the pipeline, defence contract offsets are a their money. restrictions huge emerging opportunity for the daring. on the use of Small aircraft and helicopters can easily be WHERE THERE’S A WILL manufactured in business avatars as well—an Owing to government initiative, the airspace essential part of survival strategy should the country’s aviation infrastructure has defence tap be suddenly turned off.

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 23 OPERATIONS / BUSINESS AVIATION

Mahindra Aerospace doesn’t see why an Indian company cannot have airports close by. Perhaps the schedules do not suit not emulate Embraer. It is seeking to establish itself as a leading them. Most likely, they have heard that fares on flights from the aircraft manufacturer and hopes to build up to 20-seat business metros are far cheaper than from outlying airports. If such is- jets and sell 25 to 30 of them per month. Lest anyone be scepti- sues are resolved, air travel will become affordable and aviation cal, the company has already built and delivered small executive could witness respectable growth rates. And business aviation aircraft to Seabird Aviation, Jordan. It recently secured majority could claim a decent slice of the cake. stakes in two Australian aerospace companies to give wings to Right now, most air charter operators merely duplicate the its ambitions. It has an impressive target for the next five years— services of scheduled airlines operating from the same congested to sell about 475 aircraft globally. Tata, one of the most trusted airports as well as teeming terminals. Often flying to the same names in Indian industry, may also be keen to move into full-scale destinations, they pay hefty fees for parking and navigation at assembly and production of aircraft in both the civil and military commercial rates. The situation is quite different in advanced markets. In a decade from now, there could be several indigenous economies, where business aircraft have their own small airports alternatives to imported aircraft. and FBOs, enabling flight services that are quick, efficient and Enhanced business aviation infrastructure is sorely needed relatively inexpensive; mainly to out-of-the way destinations un- as well—especially alternative airfields in and around congested touched by commercial airlines. cities. Airnetz Aviation aims to do something about it. Last year, Time is a vital resource, and few tools are as effective at it reportedly launched an initiative saving time as business aircraft. Business us- to reclaim some of the hundreds of ers and High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) airports that dot India’s landscape. seek ever faster and more efficient travel. Airnetz Aviation’s investment will be Their success and satisfaction depends on it. largely focused on the development There Recent heightened security measures intro- of existing airstrips and new airports are clear duced at airports, resulting in considerable in the radius of 200 to 250 km from delay and disturbance, will continue in the metros such as Mumbai and Chen- advantages foreseeable future. Indeed, these measures nai. InterGlobe General Aviation is in separating are likely to intensify. Airlines are advising also seeking to enter the FBO termi- travellers to come earlier to the airport be-

Special nals space and satisfy the continu- commercial and cause of lengthy security procedures. Experts ing demand for efficient business business traffic. feel this could help bring new customers to aircraft operations, safe parking the business aviation market. Passengers fly- and related facilities. According to A general ing private are neither subject to excessive InterGlobe, such terminals can be security checks nor do they need to show constructed at costs in the range of aviation culture, up at the airport long before departure. But half a million to eight million dollars essential for cost effectiveness is also a crucial ingredient. depending on the level of service and Cost sensitivity has, perhaps, been somewhat exclusivity required. a country’s lacking in Indian business aviation, where Another way to bypass the long aviation rates are much higher than in other parts of wait for infrastructure is by utilis- the world. It is time this changed. ing helicopters or seaplanes. Mum- sector to This year is likely to be one of consolida- bai-based shipping operator, SKS thrive, cannot tion for the industry since much of the interest Logistics, is planning to establish a appears to be in fleet renewal rather than fleet three-helicopter charter operation be created expansion. India’s business aviation market has

India Aviation Aviation India in March this year, focusing initially overnight. undoubted potential, but issues of infrastruc- on the tourism market in the East. ture, red tape, taxes and fees need to be re- InterGlobe thinks there’s consider- solved before rosy dreams can be transformed able scope for introducing seaplanes into robust reality. Some of the systemic prob- in the tourism sector. The company lems are being tackled by government and in- will be responsible for selling the world’s most advanced amphibi- dustry. However, growth will continue at a sedate pace unless the ous flying boat, the Dornier Seastar CD2, in an extended region government institutes measures to encourage general aviation. including India, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Long-standing impediments include high import duty, delays in approving flying and landing permits, high fees and restrictions TIME IS OF ESSENCE on the use of airspace. The abysmally low availability of air services in the country, The telecom and IT sectors reached where they are today coupled with growing prosperity, means there probably are mil- as a result of rational policies backed by determined action. As lions of people out there waiting to be rid of rail and wishing to long as business aviation is treated as a poor cousin to com- fly to freedom. At present, just 17 international airports in India mercial aviation, it would be unrealistic to expect dramatic handle around 86 per cent of passenger traffic. By 2020 an esti- growth. But if given a boost, aviation could be the next big mated 350 to 400 million air passengers will travel annually and thing. A proposal for formulating a comprehensive civil avia- airport/ terminal facilities will come under severe strain unless tion policy is understood to be under consideration by the gov- this traffic is spread out. A survey of travellers emplaning at ernment since 2007. It is time the policy saw the light of day. Delhi, for instance, would probably reveal that many come from And, by rights, it should include major measures to promote towns/cities several hours away by rail or road. Maybe they do business aviation. SP

24 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net TECHNOLOGY / AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Advent Of The AUTOMATED With ADS-B, a cooperative surveillance and management technique, pilots and controllers will have similar radar-like displays containing highly accurate traffic data relayed via satellite displays that update in real time

IR TRAFFIC MAN- By Joseph Noronha, pilots and controllers will have similar AGEMENT (ATM) IS radar-like displays containing highly ac- heading towards its most Goa curate traffic data relayed via satellite profound transformation displays that update in real time. The since the introduction of system will also provide pilots with ready radar surveillance over access to weather services, terrain maps half a century ago. A few and flight information services. The re- years hence an airliner getting airborne anywhere in the US sultant improved situational awareness will enable pilots to fly Awill be able to fly a straight line track from origin to destina- considerably closer to other aircraft, with vastly enhanced safety. tion, rather than the extended airway-based routeing it follows And Air Traffic Controllers—some of the most highly-stressed today. Throughout the journey, pilots will be fully aware of all professionals in the world—can heave a sigh of relief. aircraft operating in their vicinity and cross them without fear of collision. Unlike today’s detailed and repetitive voice-based POWERED BY GPS control system, the entire system will be automatic, with little Airliners are generally required to follow circuitous flight paths or no ground intervention. so as to maintain safe and orderly traffic patterns. While intermi- Is this the stuff dreams are made of? Welcome to the world nably awaiting requisite clearances, they waste much time and of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). With fuel as they fly holding patterns before landing and burn excess

PHOTOGRAPHS: ABHISHEK / SP GUIDE PUBNS, WWW.GPC.SE AND WWW.DYNAVTECH.COM WWW.GPC.SE PHOTOGRAPHS: ABHISHEK / SP GUIDE PUBNS, ADS-B, a cooperative surveillance and management technique, fuel on the ground. Such delays and inefficiencies are often due

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 25 TECHNOLOGY / AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

are updated every second (compared with once every 12 seconds or more for surveillance radars and once every four seconds for terminal radars) the technology will also be the basis for decreasing aircraft separation. As both pilots and controllers would have a constant view of the adjacent airspace, the safe distance between planes may be de- NERVE CENTRE creased with ease, both in transit and during FOR ATM: approach to land. With this system in place, ATC Tower a single runway may be able to handle an aircraft every 45 seconds, thus increasing capacity by about 25 per cent over current maxi- mum values. Two degrees of capability are envisaged—Out and In. ADS-B Out is the ability of the aircraft to transmit information to ground stations and to other aircraft. ADS-B In is the ability of the aircraft to receive information from other transmitting aircraft or ground stations. It is currently planned to make ADS-B Out mandatory only in specifically defined airspace, while ADS-B In, which adds greater functionality to the host aircraft, would be purely optional. Three types of airborne equipment are proposed as the physical means of relaying ADS-B position reports: • 1090 MHz Mode S Extended Squitter, • Universal Access Transceiver, and • VHF Data Link Mode 4.

BENEFITS ALL THROUGH Currently pilots are under the guidance of Air Traffic Controllers resulting in little or no situational awareness in the former. ADS-B will supply pilots with 3-D graphical maps and weather information, while broad- casting the aircraft’s position to Air Traffic Control via an extensive network of ground stations. Pilots can to outdated traffic management models that still rely on slow, then select and fly the shortest, most efficient route, not the cur- ground-based radar stations and repetitive voice communication rent wasteful routes via fixed reporting points and radar towers. which the US’ ambitious Next Generation Air Transportation Sys- Another problem at present is the lack of radar coverage while tem (NextGen), is designed to transform. Instead of radar, Next- flying over the ocean. Even the most sophisticated radar equip- Gen, an umbrella term for the comprehensive overhaul of the US ment cannot ‘see’ more than 550 km from land. Airliners on inter- air transportation system, will squarely rely on ADS-B. continental routes make scheduled radio contact with Air Traffic ADS-B is an acronym for Automatic (it is fully functional for Control stations every half an hour or so to report their position. 365 days of the year); Dependent (dependent on accurate Global This is the only procedure to fix their approximate location at any Navigation Satellite System [GNSS] signals for position data); given time. However, ADS-B will enable controllers to pinpoint Surveillance (it provides surveillance information, akin to radar); the location of each aircraft in real time thereby aiding and im- Broadcast (continuous broadcasts of aircraft position and rel- proving the operation of the Airborne Collision Avoidance System evant data to other aircraft and ground stations). Unlike the ac- (ACAS). In fact, the ACAS function may eventually be provided curacy of radar, ADS-B accuracy does not seriously degrade with based solely on ADS-B, without requiring active interrogation of range, atmospheric conditions, or altitude. ADS-B provides con- other aircraft transponders. stant surveillance even in remote and inhospitable areas that lack Among other practical advantages, ADS-B will allow for re- radar cover. And information update intervals do not depend on duced aircraft separation and greater predictability in departure the rotational speed or reliability of mechanical antennae. and arrival times. It will improve the ability of air traffic agencies In a typical application, an ADS-B enabled aircraft utilises an to plan arrivals and departures well in advance besides empower- ordinary GNSS receiver to derive its precise 3-D position from the ing airlines to manage their fleets more efficiently. GNSS constellation (GPS and Galileo) and then combines that position with a number of aircraft parameters, such as speed, MAKES GREEN SENSE, TOO heading, altitude and tail number. The combined data are then ADS-B has strong appeal as a means of mitigating aviation’s contri- broadcast automatically and relayed via satellite to all suitably- bution to climate change. After getting airborne, an aircraft need not equipped ground stations and other aircraft within a radius of be obliged to remain at a particular assigned flight level. It could be 240 km. This provides each aircraft 4-D awareness of all others permitted to climb dynamically as it burns fuel thus taking advantage (the fourth dimension being time). Since ADS-B position reports of its full potential or change its trajectory, if required, for a smoother

26 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net TECHNOLOGY / AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

The system will also provide pilots with ready access to weather services, terrain maps and flight information services.

ADS-B Graphical Representation

ride. On receipt of an automated tip that less turbulent conditions especially in rough weather. prevail at another altitude, the pilot could hit ‘Accept’ or ‘Reject’. The It may not be all smooth sailing, though. Although ADS-B is entire flight path can be optimized in this way to provide the great- suitable for surveillance of remote areas where the siting of radars est possible benefit to the operator, so as to burn minimum fuel and is difficult, some air traffic experts are not yet convinced that it is generate minimum Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. One minute suitable for use in high traffic volume areas. The ADS-B system of flight time saved on a Boeing 747 reduces its total fuel consump- does not include ground verification of the accuracy of information by approximately 250 litres. This reduces its GHG emissions by tion provided by aircraft. This could have adverse implications for approximately 750 kg. There will also be significant savings through reliability. There is also concern about the integrity and non-secure Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs). CDAs can save 150-250 nature of ADS-B transmissions. ADS-B messages can be intercept- litres per landing when compared to the traditional step-down landed and used to determine the precise location of specific aircraft. ings. They can also reduce noise emissions by 30 per cent and nitrous There is no way to prevent the inappropriate use of such informa- oxide emissions by 34 per cent. The overall savings multiplied over tion. Imitation ADS-B messages can be produced with simple low thousands of flights worldwide each day would be enormous. cost devices. They could be used to spoof the location of phantom aircraft in order to disrupt safe air travel and create panic. ADS-B is PROOF OF THE PUDDING dependent on other systems, most notably GPS. If they should fail, ADS-B equipment has already been installed at a few American what would happen to the entire ADS-B structure? There are also airports and user trials have taken place over Alaska and other privacy concerns, especially with general aviation operators. Every regions. The complete ADS-B network will consist of 794 ground single aircraft will be uniquely identifiable—as uniquely as a mobile stations and support equipment. It is hoped that the system will phone is identified by its International Mobile Equipment Identity be up and running by 2013. All aircraft operating in American air- number. And it can be continuously tracked. space should be fitted with ADS-B Out equipment by 2020. Im- Notwithstanding these and other concerns about safety and plementation will not come cheap. It is estimated that installing security, which the US authorities are in the process of analysing the ground infrastructure will cost around $20 billion (Rs 92,430 and remedying, ADS-B will enable an exponential increase in air crore), with a matching sum for airlines as they upgrade their traffic. Apart from its cost-effectiveness, it will probably gener- planes with new equipment. But there will be welcome savings ate significant fuel and emissions savings for airlines and other as well. ADS-B enables approaches to be made for any runway, users of US airspace. If it succeeds, it could become the model without requiring expensive ground-based equipment. Since it is for other air traffic management systems like the proposed Euro- far more accurate than the radar, it should be possible to decom- pean Single Sky. India’s own GPS Aided Geo Augmented Naviga- mission approximately half of America’s secondary surveillance tion System is currently designed to assist navigation but could radars, greatly reducing the cost of managing air traffic. And these conceivably be upgraded to ADS-B equivalence. The worldwide developments will enable enhanced use of airport infrastruc- deployment of ADS-B could thus greatly enhance the safety and ture—increasing capacity and efficiency, and improving safety, efficiency of the airways. SP

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 27 OPERATIONS / CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

New Mantra For Flight Safety

The concept of Crew Resource Management is to train aviation professionals to prioritise and take action in high-stress, high-risk environment

ENESIS IN 1979, accidents indicated that more often IN THE wake of By Mahesh Acharya, than not, the cause of the disaster lay, certain findings and Bangalore not in technical failure or poor piloting recommendations skills per se, but in the lack of correct, by the National Aero- coordinated and professional response nautics and Space by the crew to an extraordinary situa- Administration (NASA), the concept of Crew tion or unforeseen development. It was observed that lack of Resource Management (CRM) is widely used today by airlines proper communication amongst the crew generally had delete- Gthe world over to enhance air safety through improved per- rious effect on teamwork leading to degradation in the quality formance of and coordination amongst members of the flight of decisions by the commander—a sure recipe for disaster. crew. NASA research had suggested that human error played a critical role in air crashes and the contributory factors were EVOLUTION OF CRM inadequacy of interpersonal communication as well as leader- Based on this concept, in 1981, United Airlines initiated a train- ship and decision-making in the cockpit. ing programme for its pilots then described as Cockpit Re-

PHOTOGRAPHS: WWW.TODAYSSENIORSNETWORK.COM AND WWW.MONTEREYBAYAVIATION.COM PHOTOGRAPHS: WWW.TODAYSSENIORSNETWORK.COM Data milked from Cockpit Voice Recorders retrieved after source Management. Since then, CRM techniques have evolved

28 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net OPERATIONS / CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT considerably the world over to find wider application extend- ciplines involved in the operation of aircraft. ing to personnel beyond the cockpit to those engaged in the operation of the aircraft, with common rationale for air safety. The MULTI-CREW ENVIRONMENT changes came about after the realisation that in the conduct of A study of airline accidents in the last few decades reveals that flight operations, safety of the aircraft depended on pilots, air the majority of accidents take place during take off and landing. traffic controllers, flight dispatchers, cabin crew, maintenance In October 2009, a senior pilot of an airline was travelling as an personnel, push-back crew, ramp and aerobridge operators and Additional Crew Member (ACM) and was seated in the jump marshallers. In the early 1990s, as CRM training was progres- seat located behind the pilots’ seats. An ACM has the status sively extended to these groups, the nomenclature was modi- of a passenger and he or she is not expected to interfere with fied to Crew Resource Management. the operation of the aircraft. However, while on approach for In India, CRM training is an essential landing at Mumbai airport, without prior part of annual refresher training for pilots warning, the ACM pulled out a circuit and has been found to be useful. There is breaker to test the reaction and skills no absolutely standardised pattern of CRM of the commander of that flight. His ac- training and airlines usually customise the The tion led to sudden failure of critical sys- programme to suit their specific or unique concept of tems such as the Auto Pilot, Enhanced requirements. However, CRM is yet to find Ground Proximity Warning System and a niche in the operating philosophy of fly- CRM is not the Flight Director System, destabilising ing establishments other than those of restricted the approach profile. The episode re- airlines such as flying training institutions, vealed total lack of discipline as the se- business aviation, non-scheduled and pri- to only nior pilot in question was not expected vate operators. The concept of CRM is not to be in the cockpit in the first place or restricted to only multi-crew environment; multi-crew play pranks and that too, in the critical it is equally applicable to single pilot opera- environment; phase of flight. The commander of the tions that are required to mesh with other flight is equally responsible for the inci- air traffic as also with the different ground it is equally dent as he failed to exercise his author- support agencies while on a mission. applicable to ity and allowed unauthorised access to Analysis of investigation reports relat- the cockpit. Fortunately, the commander ing to accidents and incidents suggests single pilot was able to cope with the situation and that extending the concept of CRM to operations landed the aircraft safely. Lives of those non-airline flying environment can help on board were needlessly put to great prevent or reduce the possibility of mis- that are risk as the thoughtless and irresponsible hap. While accidents may occur in differ- required to act by a professional pilot led to a poten- ent environments and circumstances, the tially disastrous situation. The episode underlying cause factors that lead to acci- mesh with reflects complete disregard for CRM. dents often are strikingly similar to those other air The Tenerife Disaster of 1977, in occurring in scheduled airlines. which two Boeing 747s, one of KLM and traffic the other of Pan Am, collided on take off. THE CONCEPT DEFINED There were 583 fatalities making it the The concept of CRM is to train aviation worst disaster in the history of civil avia- professionals to prioritise and take action. The cause of the disaster was pri- tion in high-stress, high-risk environment marily faulty communication amongst based on span of responsibility, situational awareness, commu- the cockpit crew that led to the commander executing take-off nication skills, problem solving, decision making, self discipline without clearance from the ATC. The underlying cause behind and teamwork. However, as the possibility of human error can the flawed communication was the huge difference in the ex- never be totally eliminated, the thrust of CRM training is to de- perience and seniority level between the commander and the velop countermeasures to manage human error. rest of the cockpit crew. The demeanour of the Captain was This is achieved through improved synergy amongst the domineering and the First Officer as well as the flight engineer different agencies involved, bridging communication gaps, failed to forcefully tell the captain that he was making a serious eliminating the possibility of errors, containing the effect of in- mistake even as they were fully aware that the KLM aircraft was advertent errors as soon as they occur and controlling the ad- not cleared for take off. The relative status of the captain and verse outcome of errors whose effects could not be contained. crew is termed as Trans-Cockpit Authority Gradient (TCAG). A The objective is put a management system in place to opti- steep TCAG militates seriously against CRM as was the case in mise employment of human and material resources as also to this episode and hence is not conducive to air safety. harmonise procedures to enhance efficiency of flight operations with a positive impact on air safety. In the final analysis, FLYING TRAINING OPERATIONS the central theme of CRM is to raise assurance levels of get- CRM in a flying training environment, especially in flying train- ting high quality decisions in the management and conduct of ing schools, would need a different approach from the one ad- flight operations. opted for airlines. Although some flying schools have conducted Described in the succeeding paragraphs are episodes that seminars in CRM, practical application is yet to find wide ac- highlight the need for CRM amongst personnel of different dis- ceptance. Most of the young trainee pilots aspiring for a career

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 29 OPERATIONS / CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT in the airlines are eager to impress their peers by engaging in gramme the FMS of all operational aircraft with the routes and activities that risk their lives and that of others on the ground. holding point data. In October 2009, the PBN system was intro- For example in 2008, a trainee pilot, while flying a trainer air- duced in Chennai and when Chennai-Bangalore flight operated craft, violated a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and used by a domestic carrier took off, the ATC was under the impres- autopilot without functional knowledge. As per the accident sion that the aircraft would fly using the PBN system. How- report, he was flying solo and ventured over a lake without ever, the FMS on that particular aircraft was not programmed authorisation. Since he was flying at a very low altitude, the appropriately. Hence the controllers had to resort to the con- wheels of the aircraft grazed the surface of the water. Eventual- ventional method. This episode highlights the importance of ly he crash landed but was lucky to escape unhurt. The aircraft communication and situational awareness between AAI and was damaged beyond repair. The importance of self-discipline airlines as well as between pilots and ATC.

PROFESSIONALLY CHALLANGING: Need to take right decisions

in aviation cannot be underestimated. Through the concept of Communication and error avoidance was exemplified by CRM, the trainee pilot can be made aware of how omissions the ATC in Chennai when the ground-based PNB system failed can affect performance in a multi-crew environment. in November 2009. Controllers could not monitor aircraft beyond 60 miles. Information regarding the situation was dissem- AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS inated to other airports that delayed departures of subsequent In 2008, a Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedure flights thus obviating convergence and congestion of traffic in for Air Traffic Control (ATC) was introduced by the Airports Chennai controlled airspace. This synchronisation helped ease Authority of India (AAI) at Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad the load on the controllers until normalcy was restored. airports. The aim was to reduce workload for both pilots and controllers. To use this system, the Flight Management System FLIGHT DISPATCHERS (FMS) on board the aircraft should have data for airport of de- CRM training for Flight Dispatchers (FD) is as important as it parture, en route navigation and arrival airports preloaded. is for pilots. The syllabus for CRM training for FDs as of now is In the initial stages, AAI trained over 100 staff members on focused on human performance which includes aviation psy- the PBN system. AAI had also requested the airlines to pro- chology and interpersonal verbal and non-verbal communica-

30 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net OPERATIONS / CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT tion skills. An FD when on duty is expected to have awareness FAs might have acted with better professionalism and efficiency. of a wide range of disciplines and activities. He must know the CRM training for cabin crew ought to be mandatory as their role flight plan, details of cockpit and cabin crew, requirement of is critical to air safety. fuel onboard, alternative plan and other details relevant to operations and safety of flights. He needs to interact with pilots, GROUND PERSONNEL other FDs, load planners, aircraft maintenance engineers, man- On the ground, accidents and incidents due to omissions are agers and meteorological personnel. CRM training in his case not uncommon in a highly dynamic environment where ground will help organise and prioritise information relevant to his re- duty aviation personnel such as maintenance engineers, load gime of responsibilities and improve his capability to respond planners, aero-bridge operators, push-back tractor operators to unfamiliar or emergency situations. all work towards preparing a flight for departure. Following in- It is well known that any major operational decision by the cidents will indicate dereliction of duty that could have been management of airlines affects all the employees either directly avoided through proper CRM training. In December 2008, at or indirectly both at the occupational and personal level. This the IGI Airport, a passenger fell to the ground while crossing may have a direct impact on their performance as it did in the over from the aircraft onto the aerobridge, and was seriously following case. In June 2009, an Indian operator centralised injured. There could have been a lapse on the part of the differ- its flight dispatch operations for its international sector on an ent agencies involved such as FAs, the aerobridge operator or experimental basis. Workload for experienced dispatchers in- other ground personnel on site. creased as they had to also take care of flights of other opera- In another incident in 2004, the ground crew did not in- tional bases. Inexperienced dispatchers assigned dispatch du- form the pilot that they were experiencing problem in discon- ties were overloaded with inherent implications for air safety. necting the tow-bar of the push-back tractor. With the ground Centralised flight dispatch affected pilots adversely as some of crew out of sight, the commander assumed that the crew the dispatch related workload got transferred on to them. had left. He released the parking brakes and moved forward CRM stresses on the need for free and fair communication resulting in damage to the nose wheel. In this incident, the practices and this concept was applied in an extraordinary emer- SOP related to communication between pilot and ground crew gency situation by a flight dispatcher with United Airlines (UA). was disregarded. In another example, in 2008, at the Kolkata He was in charge of the UA Flight 175 that crashed into the World airport, lack of situational awareness led to serious injury to Trade Center (WTC) and Flight 93 which went down in an open the refueling crew. A loaded luggage tractor collided with the field in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. He was also in charge push-back tractor that hit the crew who were refueling the air- of 16 other flights that were either taking off or ready to take off craft. Recently, at the IGI Airport, the cargo door of a special that day. When he realised that the hijacked planes were deliber- aircraft that was to carry a VVIP was damaged when it was hit ately crashed into the WTC and the Pentagon, he contacted all his by a catering support vehicle. flights to “beware of intrusion”. He sent over 100 text messages to CRM aims at enhanced situational awareness. Incidents of all the aircraft through the Aircraft Communications Addressing the type described above are proof enough that ground crew and Reporting System, a digital data-link system for transmission ought to be imparted CRM training to enhance air safety. of simple text messages between aircraft and ground stations. His actions saved the lives of passengers and crew of UA flight 23 as PHILOSOPHY & PROFESSIONALISM take off was aborted and six passengers who would not initially CRM as a concept has been practiced by the airline industry for get off the plane, disappeared into the crowd when they alighted. three decades and has now become an integral part of its train- The authorities later found copies of incriminating documents in ing programmes. Over the years there has been strengthening the luggage left behind by these passengers. conviction that CRM which aims to combine a realistic management philosophy with professionalism, contributes positively to FLIGHT ATTENDANTS enhancement of air safety. CRM aims to nurture an operating en- In 1989, Air Ontario Flight 1363 crashed because the wings of the vironment wherein free and forthright communication especially aircraft could not generate enough lift to clear trees beyond the upwards is encouraged. This is particularly important when the end of the runway due to accumulation of ice on the wings. Both Trans Cockpit Authority Gradient is steep. pilots were killed along with some passengers. Several of the sur- The essence of CRM is enhanced situational awareness viving passengers informed the Flight Attendants (FA) about the supported by effective communication. Situational awareness ice accretion on the wings. Unfortunately, the FAs did not com- involves conscious recognition of all the factors and condi- municate to the flight crew this observation by the passengers. tions—operational, technical and human—which affect the Emergency evacuation procedures differ with aircraft type safe operations of an aircraft. It is incumbent on the part of the owing to differing positions of emergency exits. FAs are retrained crew to bring to the notice of the commander any dichotomy on this aspect as they transition from one aircraft type to an- between the desired situation and the actual situation as this other. In emergency situations, action expected by FAs can be is often the first symptom of en emergent problem. Delay in prioritised. This did not happen in September 2009, where FAs appreciation of the situation and dissemination of precise in- evacuated passengers in an emergency. While a Boeing 747-400 formation to the right quarters could spell trouble. was lined up for takeoff at Mumbai airport, engine number one It needs to be understood that CRM is no panacea for all caught fire due to fuel leak. As per reports, FAs deployed escape the ills that threaten air safety. While CRM has limitations, the chutes only on the left side where the fire occurred. They failed rationale for training continues to be relevant and gain impor- to open the exits on the right side. As only half the number of ex- tance as the concept evolves with galloping aviation technolo- its was activated, it was difficult for the FAs to ensure quick and gy and more is known about the dynamics of human behaviour, safe exit of passengers in panic. With proper CRM training, the especially in a group. SP

Issue 1 • 2010 • SP’S • 31 Finally... CAUSE Cheer for After nearly 15 months of distress, fortunes of the airline industry are once again beginning to soar. Since the last quarter of 2009, all airlines have been recording healthy load factors.

T WAS THE COURAGEOUS VENTURE in August crude and consequently of Aviation Turbine Fuel hitting $147 (Rs 2003 by Captain G.R. Gopinath that transformed the air- 6,700) per barrel, virtually delivered a coup de grace to the finances line industry in India and brought air travel within the of all airlines. Just when airlines in India and, in fact the world over, reach of the common man. Not only running a private were coming to terms with the ‘crude shock’ , the global economy airline was relatively a difficult proposition, Gopinath’s went into a tailspin. In response to the crisis, airlines resorted to low cost business model for Air Deccan ushered in a drastic measures such as reduction of capacity, deferred delivery completely new experience in India. Many veterans in of new aircraft, rationalisation of routes by withdrawal from un- the industry expressed reservations about its viability and, though profitable sectors and large scale retrenchment. All airlines were Ireasonably successful in the West, dismissed the concept as irrel- on the brink of collapse as financial institutions were no longer evant in the Indian context. The argument was based on the fact in a mood to support the industry that had lost credibility and that the government granted no tax concessions or relief in any had no collaterals to offer. Under pressure to act, the Federation form to Low Cost Carriers (LCCs). of Indian Airlines (FIA) even served a notice to the government About two years since the establishment of Air Deccan, four to suspend operations accompanied by a veiled threat to close more airlines—IndiGo, SpiceJet, GoAir and Indus Airways—en- down private airlines permanently if the government did not lend tered the fray as LCCs. With Kingfisher Airlines and Paramount a helping hand by way of a bailout package. Unperturbed and im- Airways emerging on the scene as high quality Full Service Car- pervious to the plight of the airlines, the government delivered a riers (FSCs), the number of airlines operating in the Indian skies counter threat of “dire consequences”. The demarche by the FIA rose from four to 11. soon fizzled out. The market was booming with average annual growth rate be- After nearly 15 months of distress, as signs of revival begin to tween 20 and 25 per cent. Steeped in optimism, airlines indulged appear in the Indian economy with consequent upsurge in busi- in unbridled expansion of capacity and network. IndiGo created a ness travel, hopes of upturn in the fortunes of the airline industry flutter when it placed a single order for 100 Airbus 320 aircraft to are once again beginning to soar. Since the last quarter of 2009, all be delivered by 2016. Other airlines, too, joined the race for the ac- airlines have been recording healthy load factors and improving quisition of new aircraft. Competition in the industry was intense yields. As per data from official sources, in December 2009, the and fares sank to unrealistic levels and FSCs were compelled to number of passengers carried was 33 per cent higher than in the drop fares to remain competitive. Finances of airlines were under corresponding month the previous year. The figure for January tremendous strain on account of the high cost of trained, qualified 2010 also has been 23 per cent higher than that for January 2009. and experienced human resource which was in short supply, high Transition from negative growth rate just a year ago to a healthy airport charges and high tax burden on fuel that constitutes 40 per positive double digit growth regime comes as a pleasant surprise cent of operating cost. Operating under these adverse conditions, both for the industry and the industry watchers. Quite under- losses continued to mount and airlines fiddled with their business standably there are apprehensions in the industry about the vola- models to improve yields hoping to break even within three years of tility of international price of crude and its effect on sustainability operations. Despite vigorous effort, profitability remained a distant of growth rates and on the long term prospects. However, at this dream. Upheavals followed as unable to sustain operations, Indus point in time there is cause for cheer as the tide is finally turning Airways downed shutters, Air Sahara was taken over by Jet Airways in favour of the industry. SP and Air Deccan was bought off by Kingfisher Airlines.

PHOTOGRAPH: ABHISHEK / SP GUIDE PUBNS In 2008, the sudden and steep rise in the international price of —By B.K. Pandey, Bangalore

32 • SP’S • Issue 1 • 2010 G www.spsairbuz.net See us at: INDIA AVIATION 2010 Hall No.: B Stand No.: 58 Date: March 3-7, 2010 Venue: Hyderabad