Boeing Projects 7 Per Cent Annual Passenger Growth in India Till 2041
On February 14, Boeing unveiled its 2022 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for India, forecasting long-term passenger growth rate of nearly seven per cent annually through 2041.
Largely driven by the strength of the domestic market, which has recovered to 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, India’s traffic has transitioned from recovery to growth. As a result, Indian airlines will add 7 per cent more supply in the first half of 2023, compared to 2019. Due to the rapid growth of its domestic traffic, Boeing forecasts that 90 per cent of new airplane deliveries to India will be for single-aisle airplanes like the 737 MAX over the next 20 years. India will require approximately 2,210 new airplanes over the next two decades of which 1,983 units will be for single-aisle jets, while 227 units or 10 per cent of new airplane deliveries will be for widebody airplanes.
“The Indian market is recovery rapidly and its domestic capacity has exceeded 2019 levels, with domestic traffic expected to double by the end of this decade,” said Dave Schulte, Boeing Commercial Marketing managing director for Asia Pacific. “Indian carriers will outpace global growth at nearly 7 per cent and more than 80 per cent of new airplane deliveries to this market will be for growth, while 20 per cent of new airplanes will be for replacement of aging jets. This trend exemplifies India’s commitment to modernizing its fleet with more sustainable and fuel-efficient next-generation airplanes.”
In addition, the India cargo market will also continue to expand over the next two decades to meet demand. The cargo fleet will grow from about 15 airplanes today to about 80 airplanes by 2041. These will predominantly be the converted narrow-body sized aircraft to support domestic and regional growth, as well as a number of production and conversion widebody freighters to support global operations.
The 2022 India and South Asia CMO includes these projections through 2041:
- Demand for 1,983 single-aisle and 227 widebody airplanes to support robust domestic growth as well as long-haul traffic demand.
- Demand for commercial services to support fleet replacement valued at USD135 billion.
| Commercial airplanes deliveries to South Asia (2022-2041) | |
| Regional Jet | 0 |
| Single Aisle | 1,983 |
| Widebody | 227 |
| Freighter | 80 |
| Total (excluding freighters) | 2,210 |
B-1B Lancer Heavy Bombers Return to Aero India, Underscoring US-India Strategic Partnership
On February 14, the United States Air Force (USAF) expanded its lineup for Aero India 2023 with the arrival of two B-1B Lancers after a journey to India from their temporary duty location at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
The B-1B Lancer, a supersonic heavy bomber, is capable of carrying out missions worldwide from its bases in the United States, as well as from forward deployed locations. It carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the USAF and is considered the backbone of America’s long-range bomber force.
The B-1B landed in India for the first time on 3 February 2021 and conducted a fly-by on the inaugural day of Aero India 2021, escorted by an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter. Commonly called the ‘Bone’ (for ‘B-one’), the return of the long-range, supersonic, heavy bomber to India to participate in Aero India 2023 underscores the importance the United States places on the growing strategic partnership with India.
Major General Julian C. Cheater, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, said, “The B-1 offers flexible options to senior leaders and combatant commanders. Greater integration with our Allies and partners throughout the region is a positive step towards greater interoperability.”
Rear Admiral Michael Baker, Senior Defence Official and Defence Attaché at the US Embassy in New Delhi, said, “We are happy to have the B1 in India for the second time. These bombers made the journey from South Dakota to Guam and then to India just to add another exciting dimension to Aero India ‘23. It’s a long mission to travel from the continental US to the Indian Ocean; but it was worth it to be part of the biggest air show in the region hosted by our major defence partner, India. The US and India continue to deepen defence cooperation. We have two great militaries that are even better when we work together.”
List of US Military Aircraft at Aero India 2023
- B-1B Lancer, long-range, multi-role, heavy bomber from the Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota base (demo)
- F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, Hill Air Force Base, Utah (Aerial Demo)
- F-35A Lightning II, 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska (Static)
- F-16 Fighting Falcon, 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea (Static)
- Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team, Misawa Air Base, Japan (Aerial Demo)
- F/A-18E Super Hornet, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan (Static)
Rolls-Royce Inks Agreement with Aaran 1 Engineering for Making Adour Engine Parts in India
Rolls-Royce has signed an agreement with Aaran 1 Engineering Pvt. Ltd. to manufacture Adour engine components in India with a view to support Rolls-Royce’s global defence customer base. This partnership with Aaran 1 Engineering, an MSME, is part of the company’s focus on expanding the Adour supply chain, in partnership with Indian players.
Senior vice president, Defence, India and South East Asia, Rolls-Royce, Abhishek Singh said: “We have long-standing partnerships in India, particularly for our Adour engines, that have been powering Indian military aircraft for several decades. This new partnership with Aaran 1 is a recognition of the growing potential of MSMEs in India to contribute to the global defence supply chain. We look forward to building on these capabilities and expanding our defence sourcing footprint in India.”
Adour engines power several platforms including the Hawk and Jaguar, that are in service with different military forces across the world. Rolls-Royce’s supply chain for Adour engines in India supports global markets, while also serving the mission-readiness of the defence forces in the country.
Managing director, Aaran 1 Engineering, Gavin Price said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a trusted supplier to work on such legendary engine programmes. Being the first MSME to support Rolls Royce directly is a major achievement for the team, and we look forward to supporting on many more future programmes.”
Rolls-Royce has a strong ecosystem in India encompassing strategic local partnerships, joint ventures, robust supply chain, rich talent pool, engineering capability, digital solutions and service delivery capabilities.
Garuda Aerospace and Narayana Health to Transport Biomedical Supplies Using Sanjeevani Drone
Garuda Aerospace signed an agreement with Narayana Health, one of India’s leading healthcare providers for transporting bio-medical supplies using its newly-launched Sanjeevani drone. The partnership between the two aims to revolutionize the delivery of critical and emergency medical supplies including samples for diagnosis in times of high traffic and other challenging conditions.
The use of drones in the healthcare industry has proven to be a game changer by saving valuable time and improving outcomes. With the help of Garuda Aerospace’s Sanjeevani drone, Narayana Health will be able to transport bio-medical supplies quickly, ensuring that patients receive timely diagnoses and treatments. The drones will also help to provide emergency healthcare to the ones in remote and underserved areas as well.
Speaking on the partnership, founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace, Agnishwar Jayaprakash said, “Our aim is to improve access to critical medical supplies and support the delivery to patients in need and in times of emergency. With this partnership, we are confident that we will be able to make a real difference in the lives of patients and communities across India. We are proud to be a part of this exciting journey.”
Chairman and Executive Director, Narayana Health, Dr Devi Shetty, said, “We are committed to delivering the best possible care to our patients. The use of drones to transport bio medical samples is a critical step in achieving that goal… In the first phase, drones will be deployed in Bengaluru to transfer bio medical samples from Narayana Health City and HSR Layout on a daily basis. In the next one year, our network of 21 hospitals will have these services.”
ARTPARK, I-Hub @ IISc Showcases UAVs With Capabilities to Take Off and Land in Water & Land
ARTPARK, I-Hub @ IISc showcased a number of UAVs at Aero India, including India’s first low power AI-Driven Autopilot. The others included XTOL-15, a safer and reliable UAV to foster air cargo; Sisumara, a UAV that can take off and land in the water and AlgoFET, the UAV Charging systems.
One of the most attractive showcases at the show was Sisumara, an amphibian UAV that can take off and land on any terrain be it water or land. This vehicle operates like any other quadcopter, but also drops below the surface of water or emerges out of it. The UAV takes a hull shape design that offers minimal hydrodynamic drag, thus enabling better takeoff performance on the water. The UAV is also equipped with a semi-automated mechanism that helps it collect different water samples from different water bodies. This makes it helpful for monitoring water pollution as well.
ARTPARK @IISc showcased three other UAVs developed by their team in association with IISc. These were:
XTOL-15 Cargo UAV: It is a multi-role VTOL capable UAV with a payload capacity of 2.5+ kg and delivers to a range of 30 km. The system’s primary application is low-weight cargo transport, which is to deliver medicine, blood samples, and other time-sensitive and high-value items. However, the system can be in-field configured for surveillance, mapping, and SaR applications by installing the required payload. The vertical takeoff and landing capability eliminate the need for runways. To be able to launch and recover in constrained environments, the UAV has an electronically controlled foldable wing that reduces the vehicle span to 1.5m only. The navigation system comprises a jamming resilient multi-constellation GNSS receiver able to work with IRNSS. There are built-in redundancies in the system, viz. VTOL rotor redundancy, triple redundant IMU, and redundant actuators.
Omnipilot: It is India’s first low-power AI-Driven autopilot for UAVs, which offers a complete solution for autonomous navigation with hardware accelerated onboard AI, supported by features like secure cryptographic hardware, reliable connectivity, and dual redundant system recovery. Omnipilot has a triple redundant inertial sensor stack and other critical peripherals supporting precision navigation. According to the team, Omnipilot is a breakthrough innovation that can have a significant impact on the UAV ecospace and promote the indigenization of UAVs in the country.
AlgoFet: AlgoFET, a part of Startup@ ARTPARK, I-Hub@ IISc, brings true autonomy to drone operations by developing a Charging Management Infrastructure to manage energy storage for unmanned vehicles. AlgoFET’s solutions are cost-effective, retrofittable, scalable, and reliable; and foster the possibility of 24X7 operations of unmanned vehicles. AlgoFET’s portfolio of solutions includes Drone smart BMS, Battery Packs, Chargers, and Autonomous Charging Docks.
Astra Microwave Commences Manufacturing of ‘Drishti’ Counter Drone Radar
Astra Microwave has manufactured ‘Drishti’ Counter Drone Radar with ToT from DRDO. It is the first private industry to manufacture and launch the radar. This radar has a range of 4 km for 0.001 sqm target like micro drones. It can track at least 100 drones simultaneously. Drishti Radar has an azimuth coverage of 360 degree and elevation coverage of 50 deg.
At Aero India, Astra Microwave signed an MoU with Eldis Pardubice (Czech Republic) for exclusive manufacturing, assembly integration, testing, installation and commissioning of the Primary Surveillance Radar and Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar for opportunities in Indian Navy. Another MoU is for exclusive manufacturing, assembly integration, testing, installation and commissioning of the Precision Approach Radars for all the opportunities in India.
Astra Microwave also signed an MoU with Raytheon Technologies Corporation for jointly pursuing opportunities of all Raytheon’s Hughes Integrated Synthetic Aperture Radar variants including manufacturing of critical radar subsystems and modules for these airborne radars at its facility.
HAL and Safran Move Forward in their Partnership for the IMRH Engine
Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have signed a workshare agreement for the joint development of the engine intended for the future 13-ton IMRH (Indian Multi-Role Helicopter) and its naval version DBMRH (Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter).
This agreement follows the MoU signed on 8 July 2022 and stipulates the sharing of activities within the joint venture where both parties have agreed on an equivalent repartition. In particular, HAL will take part in the design, development, and production of some of the core engine components, which is a breakthrough achievement in terms of expertise and know-how in the country.
This workshare agreement was signed by Florent Chauvancy, Safran Helicopter Engines EVP Sales and Marketing, and K. Ramesh, General Manager, HAL Aero Engine Research and Design Centre, in presence of C.B. Ananthakrishnan, CMD, HAL and Franck Saudo, CEO, Safran Helicopter Engines.
The development of the IMRH helicopter continues, and a 1/3 scale model was displayed by HAL at Aero India 2023. Discussions are also continuing with the Indian armed forces on the operational requirements for this new helicopter. Availability of an indigenous engine will enhance the self-reliance content on the platform and demonstrates the commitment of both Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL to the Indian government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Ananthakrishnan stated that, “The joint development of high power engine is a new milestone in HALs ever-growing capabilities in the sector with a competent partner like Safran Helicopter Engines. We are confident of making the engine meet the highly stringent and demanding requirements of Indian Defence customers”.
According to Franck Saudo, “We are very proud to be associated with such an important programme of HAL and very happy to once again support HAL, our partner for decades. While this programme will bring many advanced technologies to the Indian aerospace ecosystem and to HAL, it will also provide the Indian armed forces with state-of-the-art solutions”.
Safran and HAL will continue to work on the development of this joint venture in the coming months, which is intended not only to develop an engine for the IMRH, but also for other helicopters.
Safran Helicopter Engine and HAL also agreed on the condition for the transfer right to HAL for manufacturing of seven critical Forging and Casting raw parts, for further enhancement of indigenous content in Shakti Engine of ALH/ LCH.
HAL and Argentinian Air Force Sign Contract For Support of Legacy Helicopters
HAL signed a contract with Argentinian Air Force (AAF) for supply of spares and engine repair of legacy two tonne class helicopters. The contract was signed by Chief of Air Force, AAF, Brigadier General Xavier Issac and CMD, HAL, C.B. Ananthakrishnan.
Brigadier General Xavier Issac said the contract for support service is a stepping-stone for the future engagements and defence cooperation between India and Argentina. Ananthakrishnan said this contract will further pave the way for giving new impetus for defence exports in the Latin American region. HAL has been supporting the Indian defence services and will extend all the support to the AAF too.
Air India Orders 68 Trent XWB-97 and 12 Trent XWB-84 Engines
Rolls-Royce has received an order from Air India for 68 Trent XWB-97 engines, plus options for 20 more. This is the biggest ever order for the Trent XWB-97, which exclusively powers the Airbus A350-1000. Air India has also ordered 12 Trent XWB-84, engines, the sole engine option for the Airbus A350-900.
This is the first time that an Indian airline has ordered the Trent XWB. The deal will make Air India the largest operator of the Trent XWB-97 in the world. Financial details of the order are not being disclosed.
CEO, Rolls-Royce plc Tufan Erginbilgic said, “Today’s announcement marks an exciting and truly remarkable occasion for Tata Group and Air India; the size and magnitude of this order reflects the level of their ambition for the future. I congratulate them on taking this bold step towards becoming one of the world’s greatest airlines and I would like to thank them for putting their trust in Rolls-Royce to power them on this journey.”
The Trent XWB will support Tata Group and Air India’s ambitious growth plans for the airline, providing reliability, flexibility and efficiency to its fleet as it takes on ultra-long-range routes between India and the US. As the world’s most efficient aero engine in service, the Trent XWB will also allow Air India passengers to travel in the knowledge they have chosen the most sustainable long-haul aviation option available. With a 15 per cent fuel consumption advantage over the first generation of Trent engine, the Trent XWB goes further on less fuel, and offers leading performance and noise levels. It is also ready to operate on a 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel blend.
CEO, Air India Campbell Wilson said, “We are delighted to commence this partnership with Rolls-Royce, and to have their Trent XWB engines power our new fleet of A350 aircraft. We are confident that they will provide us with the reliability and efficiency consumers expect of today’s leading airlines, and thereby play an important part in Vihaan.AI, Air India’s comprehensive transformation and growth strategy.”
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Visits Collins Aerospace India Operations Centre
Union minister of civil aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia visited Collins India Operations Centre (CIOC) at KIADB Aerospace Park on 13 February 2023. During his visit, the minister met with the Collins’ leadership team and toured the Industry 4.0 designed manufacturing facility.
The CIOC-KIADB Aerospace Park site was inaugurated in December 2022 together with Collins’ Global Engineering and Technology Center (GETC) in Bangalore as part of a long-term growth strategy for Raytheon Technologies in India and globally to maximize collaboration and innovation providing cutting edge solutions for customers and provide additional STEM-based opportunities in the country.
The new CIOC site spans 26 acres across the Hitech Defence and Aerospace Park and will help Collins bring operational synergy and economies of scale, as well as support future growth opportunities and customer requirements. Its Building Management System (BMS) is a connected ecosystem which helps monitor and control air, water, temperature and humidity at critical process points to help maintain product quality with quick issue resolution. The site has also received USGBC Silver and IGBC Gold building certification. The campus is energy efficient with best practices in line with BEE-India and Global Best Management Practices. Collins Aerospace recently commemorated its 25th anniversary of operations in India.
“It was a pleasure to be at Collins India, a wonderful facility that is in many ways pushing forward on the new paradigm of aerospace manufacturing in India. In its 25 years of journey, Collins Aerospace is amalgamated across multiple verticals of aerospace manufacturing. It is indeed an honour to be here with the Collins team. I wish Collins all the very best in its endeavour to grow and also contribute to India’s growth in the area of aerospace manufacturing.” said Scindia.
HAL to Provide MRO Support for Turbo-prop Engines of MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft
On February 14, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated (GA-ASI) jointly announced that turbo-propeller engines which power the state-of-art MQ-9B Guardian High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) will be supported by the HAL Engine Division at Bengaluru for the Indian market.
“HAL has been manufacturing and providing MRO support for TPE 331-5 engines for the last 40 years. We are also establishing facilities for manufacturing TPE 331-12B engines for HTT-40 project. The engine used on the MQ-9B RPAS belongs to the same family of engines with upgraded configuration to adapt to the RPAS technology. I am glad, that HAL Engine Division, Bangalore would be providing MRO support to the engine for MQ-9B RPAS, one of the most sophisticated equipment in the world” said Chairman and Managing Director, HAL, C.B. Ananthakrishnan.
“GA-ASI is proud to collaborate with HAL on this prestigious project,” added Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation, Vivek Lall. “HAL is the foremost Indian public sector Aerospace and Defence agency, and its vast experience in the domain of aero-engine technology makes it our natural partner in India.”
Though the turboprop engine fitted onboard the MQ-9B HALE RPAS looks similar to other commercial engines in its category, it is unique in its configuration and operation, requiring special training and equipment to maintain, repair and overhaul. The Expression of Interest was exchanged between Vivek Lall and Executive Director (Engines & IMGT), B. Krishna Kumar, in the presence of CEO (Bangalore Complex), HAL, Mihir Kanti Mishra.
GA-ASI and HAL will formulate a comprehensive engine MRO programme for upcoming HALE RPAS projects.