A Supplement to SP’s Aviation 8/2016
Plight of Small Aircraft Operators p19
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Way Forward for Effective and Sustainable RCS
From 10 to 180: The RCS Canvas Across 2026 p5
‘Gulfstream Aircraft are Time Machines’ p 16
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Contents Volume 2 • issue 3
On the cover: With participation of smaller aircraft like KingAir 350ER, the Regional Connectivity Scheme (as depicted in the illustration above) can become a success. Cover photograph by Textron Aviation
regional 13 A Concept Yet to Take-off connectivity interview scheme ‘Gulfstream Aircraft are 16 Way Forward for Effective 4 Time Machines’
and Sustainable RCS
regional connectivity From 10 to 180: The RCS 5 Canvas across 2026
12 Matches Operational
Aspiration of Regional Connectivity: Rohit Kapur
Airport Operations Plight of Small Aircraft 19
News news at a glance 23 regular departments from the editor’s desk 2
Operators
general aviation GA Shipments Declining, 21
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Cause of Worry
BizAvIndia • ISSUE 3 • 2016
1
from the editor-in-chief Publisher And Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal Assistant Group editor R. Chandrakanth Advisory Board Jayant Nadkarni, President, BAOA Group Captain R.K. Bali (Retd), Managing Director, BAOA Chairman & Managing Director Jayant Baranwal Planning & Business Development Executive Vice President: Rohit Goel ADMINstration & COORDINATION Bharti Sharma Asst – Admin, HR & Infra Pooja Tehlani design Creative Director: Anoop Kamath Designers: Vimlesh Kumar Yadav, Sonu Singh Bisht Research Assistant: Graphics Survi Massey SALES & MARKETING Director: Neetu Dhulia General Manager Sales: Rajeev Chugh SP’s websites Sr Web Developer: Shailendra P. Ashish Web Developer: Ugrashen Vishwakarma © SP Guide Publications, 2016 Advertising neetu@spguidepublications.com rajeev.chugh@spguidepublications.com SP GUIDE PUBLICATIONS PVT LTD A-133 Arjun Nagar, (Opposite Defence Colony) New Delhi 110003, India. Tel: +91 (11) 24644693, 24644763, 24620130 Fax: +91 (11) 24647093 E-mail: info@spguidepublications.com Owned, published and printed by Jayant Baranwal, printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd and published at A-133, Arjun Nagar (Opposite Defence Colony), New Delhi 110 003, India. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, photocopying, recording, electronic, or otherwise without prior written permission of the Publishers.
Dear Readers, Kudos to the present government which is trying to fulfil its promise of enhancing regional and remote air connectivity in India, albeit happening a bit too late. Like they say, better late than never. After the announcement of the National Civil Aviation Policy, the government has come up with a draft Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) which is expected to get the green signal soon. The aviation industry is excited about it, though there could be niggling aspects that would have to be dealt with. In this issue, we have a comprehensive article by the Vice President of the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) Col. Sanjay Jhulka (Retd) who makes a case for business aviation to be part of the RCS and has illustrated with examples how they could be part of the scheme. Undoubtedly, the scheme, he states, will have a multiplier or an exponential effect on two fronts – development of small towns and integration of these citizens with those living in metros. And small aircraft, he says, is going to play a crucial role in this and hopes that the policy will include them in the scheme of things. Similarly, the Managing Director of BAOA, Group Captain R.K. Bali (Retd) opines that what the new RCS would need is the demonstrated desire through effective implementation. Yes, implementation is going to be key to the success of the scheme. With government policies becoming liberal, the original equipment manufacturers are studying the opportunities as explained by the Gulfstream Vice President for Asia-Pacific Jason Akovenko who believes that the scheme will have a positive effect if not in the near term, but subsequently. Accordingly, Gulfstream is working out its strategy as India, along with China, remains ‘consistent markets’ for them. On the other hand, Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) discusses the concern of business aviation community, as small aircraft operators continue to face persisting problems with airport operators. The new policy is going to spur a lot of activity in the coming months and it is believed that ‘air taxis’ may finally hit the skies. In an interview the Chairman of Baron Group, Rajeev Wadhwa, points out that air taxis which are prevalent in mature markets may find their way soon in India, considering that many destinations remain unconnected by air and can be served by small aircraft. All this and more as BizAvIndia awaits the final RCS after having taken industry inputs. Happy reading !
J. Baranwal Editor-in-Chief
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BizAvIndia • ISSUE 3 • 2016
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REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY scheme
Way Forward for Effective and Sustainable RCS What the new RCS would need for success is the demonstrated ‘desire’, through effective implementation By Group Captain Rajesh K. Bali (Retd) Managing Director, Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA)
T
he draft Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) was issued on July 1, 2016, and the finalised RCS is expected to come out anytime. It is for the first time that a very robust collaborative approach has been followed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) before issue of the final policy. Never before all the stakeholders got invited to discuss each page of RCS in the presence of the media. The open-discussion session, that was conducted by the Civil Aviation Secretary himself, showed a genuine collaborative approach adopted by MoCA before finalisation of RCS. This should have greatly encouraged operators and warmed the hearts of aviation experts in the country. This is the time to remember that all great policies need very close monitoring and implementation to achieve the desired results. The challenges that lie ahead for effective implementation of RCS would demand diligence and dedication from all – operators, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), AAI (Airports Authority of India) and MoCA. Identification and Development of RCS Routes. Keeping in mind the unsuccessful attempts by some state governments in the past to develop regional routes, there is a need to exercise prudence and learn from earlier experiences. RCS is a 10-year plan with estimation that each route would become self-sustainable within three years. Therefore, any RCS operator would have to prepare business plans for achieving ‘nil VGF’ (Viability Gap Funding) requirement starting from second year of operation on a route. The RCS provides for tapering of VGF from second year onwards, if passenger load exceeds 90 per cent during the first year. DGCA, on its part, has to soon come out with compatible and proportionate regulations to facilitate small aircraft operations. It has to completely overhaul the existing big aircraft and ‘airline-specific regulations’ and ‘approval/ certification processes’ to facilitate Scheduled Commuter Airlines (SCA) and Non-scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) operators to maximise utilisation of their aircraft and spend minimum time on ground to meet some of the existing cumbersome and irrelevant processes. AAI should no longer accept the position of a sleeping partner at big airports being run by private airport operators under
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BizAvIndia • ISSUE 3 • 2016
PPP (public-private partnership) model. In the beginning, most of the RCS routes are going to be operated between metros and remote RCS airports. AAI, being the Implementing agency for RCS, has to make sure that SCA and NSOP operations are facilitated in terms of slot timings and self-ground handling/self-maintenance at all major airports. The responsibilities and liabilities being the same for all public air transportation operators – airlines, SCA and NSOP – there is no reason to deny freedom of managing own operations, at all airports, to SCA and NSOP, being part of same public air transportation system as the airlines. MoCA has the major role in implementation of RCS. It needs to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG), comprising all stakeholders, as part of finalised RCS to closely monitor implementation phase and simultaneously address all pending issues regarding regulatory regime governing small aircraft operations and, ambiguity in deciding aeronautical charges at major airports, as referred to it by the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA). Most importantly, it needs to be ensured that eGCA project get implemented as per the target date of December 31, 2016, as envisaged in the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016. Role of NSOP in RCS. As is the case world over, non-scheduled operations are precursor to any scheduled flights on a route. This is not going to be any different in case of RCS flights through small aircraft. Thus, there is a need to treat NSOP operations in India at par with SCA, with the only exception of ‘no VGF’ eligibility. The role of NSOP in connecting remote areas and conducting regular flights to support medical emergencies/disaster-relief/tourism, can never be understated. Many existing NSOPs are likely to opt for SCA operations and actively participate in RCS. Indian emerging economy would usher in entrepreneurs who would make India an aviation hub during the coming years. As our Prime Minister often mentions, India has “democracy, demographics and demand” to ensure robust economic growth. What the new RCS would need for success is the demonstrated ‘desire’, through effective implementation. BAI
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regional connectivity policy
RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964
From 10 to 180: The RCS Canvas across 2026 At present, India has only 75 operational airfields with scheduled operations. To put this into perspective, India has fewer airports than the United Kingdom, a country 13 times smaller in area.
illustration: Anoop Kamath
By Col Sanjay Julka Vice President BAOA and CEO India Flysafe Aviation Limited
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BizAvIndia • ISSUE 3 • 2016
5
regional connectivity policy India is a vast country being the seventh largest and the second most populous in the world. An endeavour to grapple with its vastness was made a few decades back by the British and then by the Indian military in terms of advanced landing grounds (ALGs) during the many wars the country has seen. Out of the 450 airstrips, that dot India’s geography, only a few were developed, almost all in major cities. At present, India has only 75 operational airfields with scheduled operations. To put this into perspective, India has fewer operationalised airports than the United Kingdom, a country 13 times smaller in area. Another important statistic is that India’s 75 airports are mainly in urban locations servicing only its urban population that is at about 32 per cent. What about the remaining 68 per cent? This is the question that the government has tried to answer with its soon to be operationalised, Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), a dream project which waits in the corridors of the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, ready to roll, and bring with it, hope for the unconnected 68 per cent citizens of India. These citizens have hithertofore either re-purposed these airstrips into ad hoc cricket grounds, or grazing fields for the local cattle. At times they are hurriedly shooed away by the police on the rare occasion that small aircraft or helicopters bring in state dignitaries or VIPs. These citizens are aware of the potential that air connectivity can bring to their region, and are waiting for the chance that this accessibility be brought within their reach as well. Undoubtedly, the scheme will have a multiplier or an exponential effect on two fronts, viz, ‘development of small towns’ and ‘integration of these citizens’ with the population living in metros in India. An existing proof of this multiplier effect is seen in Gaya developing into a tourist town and Raigarh into an industrial hub. The decision to develop Gaya airport was made in 1998, and the town hasn’t stopped growing since. It is the only international airport in Bihar and rolls in big revenue with the foreign tourists and pilgrims who fly in. The BAOA’s forthcoming study on business aviation in India, chapter two, depicts how the presence of an airfield and air transport operations changed the life of people in the remote town of Raigarh. However, doubts do exist since a foolproof plan of action is yet to be charted. For a scheme this large and ambitious to be successfully realised, a seamless execution is imperative. While the ministry has taken the first step and laid out a policy, it is up to the entire industry to participate, by giving inputs for shaping its next stage – implementation. In this article, an attempt has been made to unfold the canvas on how the scheme is perceived to roll out. Thereafter, some of the major hurdles to successful implementation have been listed. Canvas: Regional connectivity scheme
In the absence of government’s projections, a very detailed assessment of how the scheme could roll out in the next 10 years is attempted and depicted in Tables 1 and 2 below. Some of the assumptions made are as under: l Approximately 400 RCS airports would be brought into the RCS map over the next 10 years. Every year, the government would aim to commence operations at approximately 80 airports. In this manner, by the fifth year, RCS operations would have commenced on all 400 airports (Refer Table 2). l Passenger traffic will vary at these airports. It has been assumed that out of the 80 airports every year, one-fourth or 20 airports will witness pax load from any destination, of 20 or 10 each way, demanding employment of 10-seater aircraft. Likewise, in Table 2 and 3, similar assumptions have been made for balance of the 80 airports. Again, each of these airports will have flights arriv-
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BizAvIndia • ISSUE 3 • 2016
ing from more than one destination every day. Number of destinations in the first year have also been assumed in the tables. l Self-sustaining mode is assumed when the pax load from any destination at an airport reaches a figure which can be serviced by a 180-seater aircraft. As seen from the table, by the end of 10th year all 400 airports should be in a position to offer a commercially self-sustaining mode of operations, thereby calling for the RCS to a close or, depending upon the extent of its success, the government may perhaps extend the scheme to other potential locations. l On the 80 airports selected every year, following distribution and growth pattern in the pax load has been assumed:
Table 1: Distribution and Growth Pattern 20 airports
20 airports
20 airports
20 airports
No. of destinations in first year (considered constant thereafter)
2 (From each destination, one route flown to the RCS airport and one route from the RCS airport to the same destination. ie total of four routes a day from each RCS airport)
2 (four routes)
3 (six routes)
3 (six routes)
Pax load assumed at each destination
20 (10 on each route)
50
80
120
Pax load from all destinations
40
100
240
360
Assumed Growth in pax (either from same destinations or additional destinations) Second year
100%
100%
75%
75%
Third year
75%
75%
50%
50%
Fourth year
75%
75%
50%
50%
Fifth Year
50%
50%
25%
25%
Sixth year
50%
50%
25%
25%
Seventh year
25%
25%
10%
10%
Eighth year
25%
25%
10%
10%
Ninth year
10%
10%
10%
10%
Tenth year
10%
10%
10%
10%
A detailed analysis with an aim to analyse requirement of various capacity aircraft, every year, is carried out in Table 2. In addition to aircraft, requirement of some of the technical manpower has also
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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964
regional connectivity policy Table 2: RCS Canvas: 2016 to 2026
Growth Pattern Across Next 10 Years and Employment Pattern of Different Capacities of Aircraft (ac) No of destinations connected to each RCS airport (growth in No of destinations not considAirports ered )
Year 1: 2016, Total Pax Pax load, Pax load RCS load, to and airdestination port to from desti- each “A” to nation RCS RCS airport Year 2 airport “A” C
D
E=B* (C+D)
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10: 2026
A
B
For growth rate, refer Table 1
20
2
10
10
40
80
140
245
368
551
689
861
947
1042
20
2
25
25
100
200
350
613
919
1378
1723
2153
2369
2606
20
3
40
40
240
420
630
945
1181
1477
1624
1787
1965
2162
20
3
60
60
360
630
945
1418
1772
2215
2436
2680
2948
3243
20
2
10
10
40
80
140
245
368
551
689
861
947
20
2
25
25
100
200
350
613
919
1378
1723
2153
2369
20
3
40
40
240
420
630
945
1181
1477
1624
1787
1965
20
3
60
60
360
630
945
1418
1772
2215
2436
2680
2948
20
2
10
10
40
80
140
245
368
551
689
861
20
2
25
25
100
200
350
613
919
1378
1723
2153
20
3
40
40
240
420
630
945
1181
1477
1624
1787
20
3
60
60
360
630
945
1418
1772
2215
2436
2680
20
2
10
10
40
80
140
245
368
551
689
20
2
25
25
100
200
350
613
919
1378
1723
20
3
40
40
240
420
630
945
1181
1477
1624
20
3
60
60
360
630
945
1418
1772
2215
2436
20
2
10
10
40
80
140
245
368
551
20
2
25
25
100
200
350
613
919
1378
20
3
40
40
240
420
630
945
1181
1477
20
3
60
60
360
630
945
1418
1772
2215
14800
41400
82700
147100
231888
10
40
72
120
180
Pax load in one to three flights on a 10 to 25 route
35 to 60
70 to 92
105 to 137
172 to 540
Notes
Aircraft (ac) of approx capacity
329503 432348
540673 640861 737120
For example, in the first year, on 20 airports, pax load will be 40 at each airport, and on another 20 airports, it wil be 100 at each airport, from two destinations each. This load can be serviced by an ac of approx 10-seater capacity. For 40 pax, it will fly from two destinations with 10 pax each to the RCS airport and return to these destinations again with 10 pax, totally to 40. For airports with 100 pax load, it will fly two flights from each destination or one flight from four destinations. For this analysis, please consider destinations as constant and pax load increasing every year from the same destinations. In actual, pax load will increase as a combination of increase in number of destinations and load on existing destinations. Likewise calculations have been done for other aircrafts. Again, in actual, the 100 pax load will have a combination of 10-seater and 40-seater aircraft but for the purpose of analysis, all airports with pax load of 20 or 50, for any one destination, has been considered to be serviced by a 10-seater aircraft and similarly for other pax loads. Corelate with the shading, given for each type of aircraft. Table Continued on Page 8...
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BizAvIndia • ISSUE 3 • 2016
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regional connectivity policy ...Table Continued from Page 7 Requirement of Aircraft each route of one hr duration
Assumptions
each ac flying six hours a day
Capacity of ac (F) 10
Requirement of aircraft
40 72 120 180
[No. of airports (A) x total pax load at each airport (E)]/ [capacity of aircraft (F) x routes flown in a day by one aircraft (6)]
47
73
73
73
73
27
50
67
78
99
99
40
32
97
Total aircraft (F)
20
19
36
36
53
47
33
17
17
18
35
35
35
50
33
15
15
18
73
139
225
334
469
563
670
177
240
315
399
389
432
522
595
685
15
Requirement of Manpower Requirement of pilots
Each aircraft, 2.5 crew
Requirement of AMEs
Each aircraft 2.5 AMEs
Each AME servicing three aircrafts
Requirement of cabin crew
Each aircraft, 1.5 requirement of minimum crew
minimum crew - 01 for 50 pax or less
Requirement of Dispatchers
One dispatcher for three aircraft
242
442
600
788
998
972
1080
1304
1488
1713
F*2.5/3
81
147
200
263
333
324
360
435
496
571
F*1.5* minimum crew
75
237
487
848
1300
1777
2299
2964
3498
4087
F/3
32
59
80
105
133
130
144
174
198
228
Fx2.5
been analysed. There will be many such manpower issues which will need to be addressed. Some suggestions have been given in the section ‘Training and Infrastructure’. ROLE OF SMALL AIRCRAFT
Enhanced VGF support By structuring the government support, i.e. Viability Gap Funding (VGF) around the 72 to 100 seater aircraft like the ATR 72s or Q 400s, government has failed to appreciate the role of small aircraft in the success of the scheme. It is a well known fact that a higher capacity aircraft will always be more economical to operate but, plying a 72-seater aircraft on a route with passenger load of 40 or plying a 40-seater aircraft on a route with passenger load of 10, can prove commercially disastrous. Therefore, for the RCS to be successful, the government should also be looking at the participation of smaller aircraft. Many of the routes would commence with small nine-seater aircraft and thereafter transit to 40-seater to 80-seater – 120-seater to 180-seater aircraft, in that order. Once the route is well served, the small aircraft will need to either be re-utilized for charters or look to initiate another unserved/underserved RCS airport. From the Table 2, it is also evident that as the scheme stabilises, almost all of these airports would be served by 180-seater jet aircraft. Apart from small aircraft facing instability by frequent and regular vacation of routes to higher capacity aircraft, another discouraging reason for the small aircraft operators to shy away from participating in the RCS is that the VGF does not manage to cover the gap
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BizAvIndia • ISSUE 3 • 2016
in the costs vis-à-vis revenue earned. For instance, a cost analysis on a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft, based on actual figures of a NSOP aircraft in India is placed as in Table 3 (this cost is lower than that listed in the internationally acclaimed aircraft cost evaluator book, ‘Conklin and Decker’): Therefore, the government needs to have a progressive VGF model by keeping the VGF that has been announced, applicable only for the 72 to 100-seater capacity aircraft and progressively increasing the same, for example, 25 per cent additional VGF for 40-seater aircraft and 50 per cent additional VGF for 10 to 19-seater aircraft. Underwriting of Seats by State Governments Even with 50 per cent additional VGF, state government support in the form of underwriting of seats would be required to ensure minimum 80 per cent seat utilisation. Additional support as described in succeeding paras would also be required. Enhance Capacity of Aircraft There were some attempts made to increase the seating capacity of small aircraft like Cessna Caravans. World over, there are some countries which permit nine-seat operations on a Cessna Caravan (including India) and then there are countries which permit 12-seat operations on the same aircraft. The government would help the cause of RCS, if it permits capacity enhancement of small aircraft, especially if the solutions already exist in the world. Again, permission of single-pilot operations on small aircraft (like permitted in many countries) could also encourage the small aircraft operators to participate.
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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964
regional connectivity policy
Table 3: Cessna Caravan Revenue Model (80% Occupancy) in ` days per month
20
hours in a year (6x20x12)
1440
Revenue in ` per hr with `3,125 VGF and `3,125 RCS Cap (`6,250*7.2)
Revenue in ` per hr with `3,750 VGF and `3,750 RCS Cap (`7,500*7.2)
Profit with current VGF
Profit with 25% addl VGF
Profit with 50% VGF
F
G
E-D
F-D
G-D
Average hours flown
hours per day
6
No. of seats
9
80% occupancy
7.2
` per hr
Revenue in ` per hr with `2,500 VGF and `2,500 RCS Cap (`5,000*7.2)
A+B+C =D
E
Cost
53,729
36,000
45,000
54,000
-17,729
-8,729
271
Cost per hr for 1440 hours flown in a year Direct Operating Cost
Fixed Cost
Ownership Cost (India)
Fuel
7,000
Salaries Crew (5)
8,333
Blue Book Cost of pre-owned Caravan (year 2004)
7,50,00,000
Spares/ corporate care programme
5,000
Salaries Ground Staff
1,667
Interest @ 12 % per annum
90,00,000
Additional maint
1,000
Insurance
Landing Handling Provision for refurbishment Provision for major servicing
650 4,500 500 1,000
Provision for engine OH
10,000
Total per hr
29,650
Training Admin Fixed Maint Modernisation
Total per hr
A
Ownership Costs In European countries, where the bank rates of interest (ROI) are as low as 2 per cent (sometimes even negative), the operators need to fly approx 400 hours a year to break even. In India, because of the interest costs and increased depreciation (aircraft are generally parked outside because of inhibitive exorbitant rentals), the operators need to fly approximately 1,500 hours to break even. Therefore, just the ownership costs alone, discourage investment in aviation sector. Due to high rates of interest, majority of the aircraft operators especially scheduled operators, bring aircraft on foreign lease rentals. They are willing to take the risk of dollar appreciation by bringing in aircraft on lease rather than outright purchase by taking a loan at 12 to 14 per cent ROI. However, for small aircraft, the lease options all over the world are restricted. Moreover, the leasing companies are hesitant to invest in India because of the inexplicable move by the government to not recognise the legal ownership right of these companies over the aircraft being leased out by them. There
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225 1,528 694 2,083
Depreciation @ 5% Total (Interest +Depreciation)
37,50,000 1,27,50,000
Hrs
1440
Ownership Cost per hr
1,27,50,000/ 1440
Total per hr
8,854
694
15,225 B
C
have been few cases where, during the bankruptcy filing, the government viewed the planes as assets of the core business and not permitted the leasing companies to claim their aircraft back. These moves are against standard practices and scare the leasing companies who invariably shy away from leasing in India. The government needs to review and amend their policies to reassure foreign leasing companies and win their trust in bringing their business to India without any fears. Being an ‘essential service’ in its true sense, this status needs to be acknowledged and granted to the aviation industry. Special government loans at a maximum 5 per cent ROI need to be sanctioned especially for RCS aircraft. Permit RCS Operations with Current NSOP Licences Due to the instability in the RCS canvas for small aircraft operators, it is best to encourage the existing NSOP-holders to field their small aircraft into the RCS, provided financial viability can
BizAvIndia • ISSUE 3 • 2016
9
regional connectivity policy
For the RCS to be successful, the government should be looking at the participation of smaller aircraft
be maintained as explained above. A major drawback to the announced scheme is the requirement for all current commercial licence holders (scheduled and NSOP) to obtain an additional licence under the RCS category. Current small aircraft operators own max two to three aircraft or maintain mixed fleet of aircraft (mixed with business jets which cannot be fielded in the RCS). Therefore, they need to be permitted to carry out RCS operations under their current NSOP licences thereby reducing the costs associated with setting up of ground support organisations. In fact, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows small aircraft under Part 135 (NSOP equivalent) operations as scheduled commuter passenger flights. This has worked very well for US for providing last-mile remote connectivity with NSOP equivalent operators (with mixed fleets: business aircraft and commuter aircraft). Therefore, there should not be any safety consideration for Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to insist on separate licences for current NSOP-holders. The only reason for the insistence could be the disparity in rights given to RCS operators vis-à-vis the NSOP operators, viz, “right to self-handling and self-maintenance”, “import duty exemptions” and “government concessions” being offered in the RCS. As has been the case of business aviation strongly representing in all forums against these disparities, it is about time that these are totally removed from all types of commercial operations. Till then, notwithstanding these disparities, by a mere issue of a RCS certificate to a particular tail number, exclusive provisions for RCS aircraft can be ensured. This allows for a more efficient fleet utilisation. We must remember, as would be highlighted in the next paragraph, the RCS brings with it a huge demand of aviation professionals, and by insisting on separate RCS licences, we are accentuating the problem further. TRAINING AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Please refer to Table 2 for the growth envisaged in regional aviation. For successful implementation of the scheme, availability of trained manpower and an infrastructure to support these operations is a must. Presently, we have only plain airstrips and a kitty of few surplus copilots. Trained manpower in terms of pilots in command, endorsed AMEs, ATC controllers, cabin crew, operations dispatchers, security and handling staff, etc., are all in acute shortage. Current fast paced expansion of scheduled airlines is only adding to the problem. It is pertinent to mention that the table only depicts the growth of aircraft on the proposed RCS routes. To absorb such travel, there will be a corresponding increase in air travel in the current scheduled airline routes as well. Though the government has announced an aviation university, the project will take time and until that happens, the government needs to have an interim plan on how it is going to address this shortage. We cannot keep depending upon foreign TRTOs for hand holding; firstly they may not be as passionate as us to ensure that the RCS becomes successful, and secondly, going to foreign TRTOs increases training costs. ‘Make in India’ programmes in ‘Skill Development’ is the only economical manner to address the issue of training. Opening up of private training institutes and arranging ‘Train the Trainers’ programmes by even inviting instructors from abroad will ensure that
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we have adequate trainers in India to train budding aviation professionals. There is a huge pool of retired and talented defence aviation professionals who could not only fill this shortage but also assume the role of trainers. The government would do well by encouraging some of these training institutes by ensuring that provisions are made for such institutes to be established by the private sector and then quick processing of approval letters takes place at DGCA. Experience states that it does not take much time for the physical development of infrastructure. Again, like training, it is the time taken for obtaining various approvals from government ministries, including Aviation, Home, Defence, Communication, External Affairs and some times even town planning departments, which discourages the investors from participating in this activity. It is time that the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) develops an all-ministerial council. This should be true for all ministries where there is heavy dependence on each other. Aviation is one such industry whose function depends on the cohesive support of six to seven other ministries. A representative from each of these ministries needs to be onboard the inter ministerial council at MoCA to coordinate and reduce red-tapism. For in-house regulations and policies whether these are meant for opening up of new MROs or airport handling or an ATF facility at a RCS airport or anything related to aviation training, infrastructure and support, there needs to be a cultural shift in making rules and procedures; simple, encouraging and implementable. More on this topic follows in the paragraph on ‘Regulatory Approach’. Separately, the success of these operations would depend upon majority of the RCS airports to be instrument flight rules (IFR) enabled so that seamless, 24x7 operations can be ensured. A quick implementation of GAGAN enabled approach procedures would ensure that the IFR approval of these airfields is hastened. REGULATORY APPROACH AND EASE OF DOING BUSINESS
Tax, DGCA regulations and ease of doing business are the three most important areas to address, not only for RCS but also for the future expansion of other aviation assets on the horizon. Tax is not covered in this article but as a guideline, simple and liberal tax regime should always be adopted in the case of aviation industry, if only because of the maximum exponential effect that will be created by the industry for nation building. On regulation approach and ease of doing business, much has already been said over past so many years. While a few suggestions have been considered, many still need to be acted upon. It is extremely unfortunate that despite the industry’s constant emphasis, most of these suggestions remain unheard or if heard, dismissed as mere hazards of doing business. l Institutionalised interaction with all stakeholders. One of the most heartening part of the RCS was the willingness of MoCA to involve all stakeholders in decision making. By excluding them from decision-making, the government cannot encourage participation simply because they will not be able to convince private players to participate. It works to nobody’s advantage to not have any interaction or to limit interaction to the bare minimum just for satisfying the records. Unless these interactions are not institutionalised and monitored at highest levels, little will
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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964
regional connectivity policy be achieved. Recently constituted, national committee of experts with representations from all stakeholders, under the chairmanship of Director General at DGCA, is a welcome step and the industry will be heavily relying on the committee to resolve some of their operational issues. l Follow world standard practices and avoid imposing additional and unnecessary restrictions. Either FAA or EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) is recommended. Between the two, FAA is recommended because of amount of progress made by them in the field of aviation. If not, the industry should know what Indian standard conditions preclude adoption so that those could be addressed. Otherwise, shortage of experienced and trained manpower including pilots in command would never end. We would never be able to expand unless we exploit the technology that is meant to help us expand. We need to be pragmatic and have a balanced approach without compromising safety but also without undue conservatism and cautiousness. l Ease of doing business. Following critical initiatives would help the industry immensely. – Online, i.e: eGCA System. The project should be given utmost importance and momentum with top leadership monitoring it. – Review of standards of service and strict implementation. In India, CAP 3100 takes six months as most of the procedures require aircraft to be grounded. Process can be easily modified to ensure that the aircraft gets grounded only for physical inspections, demonstrations and proving flight. China realised that procedural bureaucratic delays were causing hindrance to the growth and after they took measures to ease their regulations, time period for grant of licences was drastically reduced from two years to less than a month (refer China. http://www. ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2016-05-25/ china-embraces-general-aviation). – O utsourcing work. World over, regulators have been negotiating manpower issues by outsourcing some of their basic functions. FAA has gone a step further by outsourcing even the audit and certification functions to DARs/DERs, etc. In India, for instance, first stage of scrutiny of CAP 3100 certification can easily be considered for outsourcing. Likewise, some of the basic analysis and studies can be outsourced. Currently we are already outsourcing our medicals to various institutions, our examiner functions are also outsourced including those approved from other ICAO states/it could always be applied to other functions, as well. An improper work assessment is least efficient and is the main cause of government desks being quintessentially overburdened with paper work. Once outsourced or seconded, establishing faith in that manpower is essential to decentralising authority. For instance, the newly appointed FOIs could be progressively given authorities for decision making and signing. This would immensely contribute to the ease of doing business. Additionally, the government’s stance towards clamping down on incompetency needs to be emulated with appropriate powers given to the DG to place accountability and fire non-performers with ease. There are many such examples when during unofficial interactions; the DGCA officers have acknowledged the role played by few non-performers with a poor attitude. They are responsible for hindering and stunting growth of a vertical that they head and as a fall out, the aviation business as a whole is at the losing end.
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Summary of Recommendations 50 per cent additional VGF support to 10-19-seater aircraft.
25 per cent additional VGF support to 40-seater aircraft.
Underwriting of seats by state governments. Enhance
capacity of small aircraft and permit single-pilot operations in single-engine commercial aircraft.
Remove disparity within three categories of commercial air
transport operators.
Facilitate opening of private training institutes. Utilise retired defence aviation professionals. All-ministerial
council in the ministry to process cases for approvals by other ministries.
Rules
and procedures to be made simple, encouraging and implementable.
Quick implementation of GAGAN. Simple and liberal tax regime. Institutionalised interaction with all stakeholders. Follow
world standard practices and avoid imposing additional and unnecessary restrictions.
Early implementation of eGCA System. Review of standards of service and strict implementation. Outsourcing work. Decentralising authority. Follow the principle: Keep aircraft in the air.
l P rinciple:
Keep aircraft in the air. An aircraft only brings in revenue when it flies, hence any action by the regulator must uphold this thought, if it hopes to see its multiplier effect on the economy. Woking as a business and not on government time frames for passing of approvals, regulator liability for an aircraft being grounded due to delays, handling emergent requests for permission to fly are some of the examples which follow this ideology. In the past, we have witnessed this principle being followed in letter and spirit with express approvals being accorded by DGCA, sometimes even during weekends. Presently, DGCA seems to have lost sight of this principle. Having an aircraft grounded has now become a matter of routine, not exception. The level of insensitivity towards grounding of aircraft due to procedural delays can be evidently seen in DGCA’s instructions given in its CAP 3100 manual. See the highlighted portion: “The required form and content of the Formal Application and its attachment – The application and its attachments must be submitted at least 90 days before the date of intended revenue operation. Ninety (90) days will only provide adequate time to handle the application if all aspects are correct and complete at the time of submission. This does not mean that the DGCA will be able to complete the certification process within this time span. The completion of the certification process would not only depend on the completeness of the application, and the willingness of the applicant to satisfy the DGCA requirements but also the workload already undertaken by the DGCA inspectors under its annual work programme.” BAI
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regional connectivity
Matches Operational Aspiration of Regional Connectivity: Rohit Kapur Founded in 2009, Arrow is a significant provider of business aviation services, including sales, charters and operational management programmes. Headquartered in New Delhi with additional offices in Mumbai, Kolkata and in Sharjah, UAE, Arrow is well positioned to meet with prospective operators in the region. The Managing Director of Arrow Aircraft, Rohit Kapur, tells BizAvIndia about the market potential of the Twin Otter series in the region. BizAvIndia: You recently partnered with JetHQ for Twin Otter promotion in India and Sri Lanka. What is the market potential in these two countries for an aircraft such as Twin Otter? Rohit Kapur (Rohit): The potential is substantial considering that regional connectivity is skeletal and there is need to connect Islands of Andaman and Nicobar. There is a push for regional connectivity as per the National Civil Aviation Policy which is welcome. The draft Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for scheduled commuter airlines envisages only multi-engine aircraft to be used and there is a distinct advantage in using aircraft under MTOW (maximum take-off weight) of 5,700 kg as it eases the operations and makes its cost-effective. Also, presently, only one-fourth of the existing airstrips are being utilised today and there is impetus to make the balance airstrips operational. Twin Otter is the most versatile aircraft that matches the operational aspiration of regional connectivity in India as it is the only aircraft which can carry 19 passengers and is under MTOW 5,700 kg. The aircraft can be used from airstrip and waterdrome. It has an amphibious configuration option. It has easy convertibility from a passenger configuration to a cargo carrier configuration. Besides, it has an option of an air stair door and a baggage compartment door side by side, effectively making it a very wide door. The aircraft’s STOL capability to land at airstrips as short as 1,200 to 1,500 feet is a plus point. BizAvIndia: What markets will you be mainly addressing— will it be tourism, charter operations, search and rescue, or cargo? Rohit: Twin Otter can be used for remote connectivity; short haul cargo, especially for perishable items, FMCG; cargo connectivity to remote inaccessible regions like Arunachal, Mizoram, Nagaland, remote islands like Andaman and Lakshwadeep; short haul emergency medical services operations; island hopping amphibious operations; special mission operations for Coast Gaurd (surveillance, oil spillage, search and rescue) and also special mission operations for the Airports Authority of India (AAI). BizAvIndia: Seaplanes have been excluded from the draft Regional Connectivity Scheme as of now. Will that be a hindering factor?
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Rohit: No, it should not be a hindering factor as this is only one of the roles of Twin Otter, however it is understood that a separate policy/ scheme is being worked out for seaplane connectivity. BizAvIndia: What are the advantages of a seaplane over a fixed-wing or rotary that you would be promoting in the Indian market? Rohit: The importance of connecting Indian islands (Island Hopping) both in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea cannot be undermined. Presently, the same is being executed by helicopters which have their own limitations in terms of passenger capacity, avionics and range. Normally the helicopters do not perform night operations, whereas the seaplane equipped with appropriate avionics would be able to land even in night conditions. The other major advantage would be that the seaplane can be deployed for search and rescue and causality evacuation at sea from distressed vessels as also transfer of stretcher borne patients from island to island/mainland. BizAvIndia: The Twin Otter is said to be a cost-effective aircraft, also having high residual value. Could you substantiate? Rohit: The Twin Otter series 400 by virtue of its weight category and its passenger carrying capacity is the leader in terms of cost of operation, hence cost per seat is reasonable. The operating costs are less than $850 per hour. The operating costs per hour/passenger work out competitively at $45. Twin Otter Series 400, the current one in production, is relatively new in the market and hence it would be premature to work out the residual value. Its predecessor Series 300 is much in demand and commands a good residual value. BizAvIndia: One of the key issues will be availability of pilots to fly such an aircraft. How is this issue being addressed? Rohit: As the aircraft MTOW is below 5,700 kg, even a CPL holder can be type converted as P1. Given the numbers of pilots in the country today CPL holders far outnumber the ATPL holders. Also this category of aircraft can be flown by Open Rated pilots with just a familiarisation flight. Such pilots are generally experienced ex-military pilots. BAI
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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964
regional connectivity
Small is Big: King Air 350I
A Concept Yet to Take-off Unlike a charter, where one has to charter the entire aircraft with accoutrements that comes with it, air taxi runs on ‘pay per seat’ basis and not ‘pay per aircraft’
Photograph: Textron Aviation
By R. Chandrakanth
O
n and off, we hear in the media that some players intend to start ‘air taxi’ operations in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, etc. In February this year, the Uttar Pradesh Government was contemplating allowing private players to start air taxi operations to boost tourism. This topic comes up often in the media but we have not seen anything materialise. However, the first question that comes to mind is – what is ‘air taxi’? The US Federal Aviation Administration sees no difference between ‘air taxi’ and ‘air charter’ (a term said to have been popularised by Fred Gevalt at the Air Charter Guide). According to Glenn
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Phillips of Air Charter Services, UK, “Air taxis are on-demand flights from point A to point B in a small aircraft. Most times the aircraft is so small that if you stand in the aircraft, your head will be touching the ceiling.” The Air Charter Services India website mentions private charter air taxi services but Phillips clarified that the India operations do not ply air taxis. Air taxi operations in developed countries are similar to ‘shared cab’ services wherein a customer pays for either a one-way or round trip fare to his or her destination and that flight may have other customers too. Unlike a charter, where one has to charter the entire aircraft with accoutrements that comes with it, air taxi runs on ‘pay
BizAvIndia • ISSUE 3 • 2016
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regional connectivity per seat’ basis and not ‘pay per aircraft’. Air taxis are planned to run regular routes and the preferred aircraft size is small or very light jets, considering the nature of ‘shared services’ business. Very light jets are ‘manageable’ as the number of passengers is below 10 and it seems probably easier to get some seats filled up. DGCA lists out air taxi category
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has stated that air taxi operators shall be air carriers engaged in air transportation of persons, their baggage and of cargo within the territory of the Indian Union. Operations by the air taxi operators shall be charter and/or non-scheduled operations. It shall be necessary to obtain authorisation from the DGCA for each individual flight, and tickets will not be sold to individual passengers. However, on routes not covered by any scheduled operator, an air taxi operator has the option to sell tickets to individual passengers, and it shall also not be necessary to take prior permission of the DGCA for each flight. DGCA states that air
taxi operations shall not be permitted to destinations outside India. For air taxi operations, it could be a multi-engined fixed-wing aircraft and single or multi-engined helicopters. The DGCA states that the pressurised aircraft to be imported for air taxi operations for passenger services shall not be more than 15 years in age or have completed 75 per cent of its design economic cycles or 45,000 pressurisation cycles, whichever is less. For unpressurised aircraft, and for aircraft to be used solely for freighter services, the decision will be taken on a case to case basis depending on a complete examination of the records of the aircraft being procured. The eligible applicants can import aircraft from their own foreign exchange resources through arranging/buying foreign exchange from the open market as per the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Finance and/or the Reserve Bank of India. Permission for import of specific aircraft suitable for air taxi operations will have to be obtained from the competent authority prior to import. An air taxi operator may, with prior approval of the competent authority,
RCS will Drive Air Taxi Operations: Rajeev Wadhwa BookMyCharters is India’s online platform for booking private jets and has in its reach a wide array of general/business aviation aircraft. Rajeev Wadhwa of BookMyCharters talks about the air taxi scenario in India.
Photograph: Baron Group
BizAvIndia: How different is air taxi from air charter? Rajeev Wadhwa (Rajeev): Air taxi operations are very common in mature markets like the US and Europe where most air taxi operations are sector/route specific and frequency is extremely high. Taking example of New York to Boston route where an operator may have set operations to shuttle between five times a day. Air charter means a customer books an entire aircraft to travel to any destination of his choice whereas air taxi in most cases is a fixed route shuttle service. Air taxi operates on a per seat model whereas air charters are comparatively an expensive proposition. Thus the profile of customer largely differs in both the cases. BizAvIndia: Are air taxis running in India? Rajeev: Currently no major operators have taken the initiative to run this service, but with the Regional Connectivity Scheme in place, you will see a surge of air taxi operations in India on popular routes. BizAvIndia: What are the challenges for air taxi operations? Rajeev: Air taxi operations work effectively in FBO (fixed-based
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operator) environment with the presence of dedicated airport infrastructure and low cost of operations. Most of air taxi operators buy fuel at competitive rates and have one type of fleet. The operations are backed by owned FBOs and MROs at less commercial locations for reasons of viability. This infrastructure gap in the Indian aviation industry has discouraged various attempts to commence such services in the past. However, the latest aviation policy which focuses on the Regional Connectivity Scheme and encourages the ‘Make in India’ Initiatives brings a new ray of hope for operators and aviation investors to set up such services along specific routes in the country. BizAvIndia: Is Baron Group involved in air taxi bookings/ operations? Rajeev: Baron Group has an online platform called bookmycharters.com which currently aggregates 40 aircraft from seven aircraft bases, facilitating air charter bookings to 149 locations in India via 22,000 different routes. The platform is geared to support air taxi operations when it comes to online bookings. —By R. Chandrakanth
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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964
regional connectivity
Multi-engined Fixed-wing Aircraft: Embraer Phenom 300
obtain suitable aircraft in the country on lease for air taxi operation. All aircraft, before being used for operations, will be endorsed on the Air Taxi Operators’ Permit.
Photograph: Embraer
States contemplating air taxis
These regulations have been in place for quite some time and there has been growing interest to start full-fledged air taxi business. Now with Regional Connectivity Scheme to be introduced, the segment will get enormous boost. In February this year, the Government of Madhya Pradesh was thinking of allowing 20-seater private air taxis. The government was planning to connect by small towns, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, Allahabad, Meerut, etc. The service was being launched under the existing ‘Open Sky policy’. The concept of air taxi is not new in foreign countries though it is a fairly new concept in India. Air taxi service in India started first in 2011 in Madhya Pradesh but was closed down in 2014. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated India’s first air taxi service at Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal, on September 7, 2011. The main objective was to promote tourism in Madhya Pradesh. However, due to some reasons, the air taxi service was closed down last year. About 18 companies, including Jet Serve Aviation, Indus Airways, Aryan, Northeast Shuttles, CD Aviation, Fairwinds Aviation, etc, had earlier submitted proposals evincing interest in the service. Some companies had even given presentation before the state tourism department. But, no air service could be launched. Subsequently it was announced by Supreme Transport Aviation that it would resume air taxi services connecting 11 cities of Madhya Pradesh, using Cessna Grand Caravan
aircraft. It was announced then that the fares on these taxis would vary between `3,500 and `5,000 and the company announced benefits of air taxi – same day travel; reduction in driving time; reduction in time taken for airport check-in and security checks; cost-effective and connecting remote places. The first test flight was between Indore-Jabalpur-Indore. Supreme Aviation said it would provide air taxi service on the following sectors: Indore-Jabalpur-Indore, Jabalpur-Bhopal-Jabalpur, Bhopal-Satna/Rewa-Bhopal, Satna/Rewa-Varanasi, Bhopal-Nagpur-Bhopal, Nagpur-Kanha, Kanha-Bandhavgarh, Bandhavgarh-Khajuraho, Khajuraho-Agra and Indore-Ahmedabad-Indore. In December 2015, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation cancelled its contract providing subsidy to flights operated by Supreme Transport Aviation. Supreme Airways had planned to connect 12 cities with Indore and Bhopal. It had also planned inter-state operations on Nagpur and Agra routes. The contract was cancelled following inordinate delay in getting the DGCA approval. The Supreme Airways website says it is under construction. Similarly, Air Odisha Aviation Private Ltd had plans to launch air taxi services from Indore to Jaipur and Ahmedabad. Air Odisha had tied up with Gujarat-based GSEC for air taxi services. The company had earlier planned to launch flights but the launch was postponed. Meanwhile, Air Odisha has landed in trouble with investors in the company claiming that they had been defrauded. Efforts to contact these companies to find out their status of operation proved futile as none of them responded either to telephonic calls or e-mails, thus indicating that there is nothing much happening in the realm of air taxis. BAI
Air taxis are planned to run regular routes and the preferred aircraft size is small or very light jets, considering the nature of ‘shared services’ business.
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BizAvIndia • ISSUE 3 • 2016
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interview
‘Gulfstream Aircraft are Time Machines’
PHOTOGRAPHS: Gulfstream Aerospace
There is excitement in the air in India, thanks to the many government initiatives. The National Civil Aviation Policy and the proposed Regional Connectivity Scheme are going to prop up the aviation sector in an unprecedented manner, if not in the near term but medium term for sure. The creation of airport infrastructure across the country is going to have widespread benefits, touching all segments of aviation. The general aviation/ business aviation segment sees new opportunities opening up in India and the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are positioning themselves to benefit from this. In the forefront is Gulfstream for which India is a ‘consistent’ market. Explaining this in an interview to BizAvIndia is Jason Akovenko, Regional Vice President (Asia-Pacific), Gulfstream Aerospace.
BizAvIndia: The recent policy announcements by the Indian Government with emphasis on enhancing ‘regional and remote area connectivity’ is expected to boost business aircraft movement? Can we expect a spurt of business aircraft activity in the short and medium term? Jason Akovenko (Jason): We believe that in the long-term private aviation will benefit from the recent changes to the country’s civil aviation policy. The changes, which include eliminating the 5/20 rule in favour of the 0/20 rule and reviving older airstrips and airports, will contribute to the country’s overall aviation growth and support increased economic growth. This, in turn, should increase the aviation infrastructure and resources within the country, which would benefit not just commercial aviation but general/private aviation as well. We do not anticipate that these changes will have an immediate effect on business aviation; however, as the number of airline passengers within India grows, so too will the appeal of private aviation, which eliminates
many of the challenges commercial travellers experience, including: long security lines, rigid schedules and a complicated and lengthy baggage collection process. Likewise, as Indian businesses continue to expand globally, the competitive advantages of business and private aviation will become increasingly apparent in the success of those Indian companies that have pioneered the use of aircraft in their operations.
“Both India and China are influential players in the worldwide economy, and the need for private aviation becomes ever so important to enhance business efficiency and increased productivity”
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BizAvIndia: In such a scenario, where business aircraft can be deployed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, is there any strategy of Gulfstream to help operators address this market, develop this market? Jason: Gulfstream will continue to focus on its core business of making state-of-the-art aircraft available to end users, most of whom are public, private and Fortune 500 companies but also to individuals whose businesses necessitate reliabile and efficient on-demand transportation. While charter and fractional services are a small portion of our overall customer base, they are growing and we could see
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interview
Optimal Balance of Speed, Manoeuvrability and Comfort: G500 – the first to be outfitted with a full interior – recently had its first flight, taking to the sky for 4 hours and 5 minutes
additional opportunities in this area as a result of the regional connectivity plan. BizAvIndia: What is your current market share in India and in which category (small, medium or large) do you command market leadership? Jason: Over the past several decades, Gulfstream has established itself as the preeminent worldwide brand in private and business aviation with products that were traditionally in the large-cabin category. We expanded into the mid-size category in 2001 through product line additions. In every market space in which we compete, Gulfstream brings a premium product and superior service. Buyers have responded positively to this by granting us a leading position. Now, as always, every team member at Gulfstream is focused every day on our customers in order to maintain that leadership. BizAvIndia: How do you perceive the market for in the Asia-Pacific region to be in the next 20 years with specific reference to India and China? Jason: Asia-Pacific is Gulfstream’s largest international market, with 11 per cent of Gulfstream’s more than 2,500 worldwide fleet of aircraft based there. Both China and India have been consistent markets for Gulfstream. The company looks to these
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countries for sustained long-term growth because of their expanding economies, business interests and renewed confidence by business leaders. Both India and China are influential players in the worldwide economy, and the need for private aviation becomes ever so important to enhance business efficiency and increased productivity. BizAvIndia: Can you elaborate on the differences between G600 and G650 and when is the former going to have its first flight? Jason: The Gulfstream G500 and G600 share some similarities with the Gulfstream G650, specifically, the windows (size and location), the cabin altitude and the top speed of Mach 0.925. In the case of the G600, the cabin living area length is the same as the G650, as well. In terms of differences among the three, the G500 and G600 have a different wing, tail, fuselage, engine and avionics from the G650. The G600 is slated to have its first flight later this year or early next year.
“Gulfstream aircraft are time machines, providing safe, reliable, flexible transportation anywhere in the world. In fact, flying at Mach 0.90 vs. Mach 0.80 saves passengers more than 50 hours of time annually.”
BizAvIndia: The mid-cabin market seems to have been hit where your products G150 and G280 are, understandably, positioned. What has been the marketing strategy for this segment? Jason: We continue to focus on the strengths of these aircraft. The G280, for example, offers large-cabin features in a super mid-size package (and price point).
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interview These features include excellent range, a vacuum lavatory, auto throttles, auto braking and enhanced vision. In addition to having best-in-class fuel efficiency, the G280 is also the only super mid-sized aircraft capable of flying from London to New York at any time during the year. It can also travel from Mumbai to Moscow non-stop at Mach 0.80.
“Gulfstream continues to maintain the largest companyowned product support network for business jets, with approximately 4,000 professionals operating a 24-hour-perday/365-day-a-year Customer Contact Centre, a repair centre exclusively for components, and 11 company-owned service centres worldwide with a combined area of more than 5 million square feet”
BizAvIndia: Which type of aircraft that Gulfstream is currently focused on and why? Jason: We are focused on our full range of aircraft, because each one offers a unique performance and price point for our customers. That said, the flight-test programme for the Gulfstream G500 and the development programme for the G600 are extremely important to us. The first G500 production aircraft – the first to be outfitted with a full interior – recently had its first flight, taking to the sky for 4 hours and 5 minutes. The aircraft is testing the complete passenger experience for form, fit, function, noise and comfort, as well as the passenger interface with various cabin elements. Tests will include repetitive operations of all systems during many different phases of flight. The test aircraft will also be taken through a variety of missions, including overnight trips, hot and cold weather scenarios and turbulence. Overall, the G500 flight test programme has accomplished more than 1,300 hours of testing on more than 320 flights. The G600 flight-test aircraft are in production, with the first flight-test article being turned over to Flight Test for instrumentation. Laboratory testing for both programmes has surpassed a cumulative 50,000 hours, with the G600 integration test facility and iron bird now operational.
BizAvIndia: What are the significant efforts being undertaken by Gulfstream in the use of biofuels or alternative fuels? Jason: In 2015, Gulfstream established a three-year agreement with its fuel supplier, World Fuel Services, for a consistent supply of renewable fuels for daily flight operations in Savannah. The fuel, produced by AltAir, is a blend of low-carbon, drop-in renewable fuel and Jet-A. It provides the same performance as conventional, petroleumbased jet fuel and does not require any changes to factory-standard engines or aircraft. Each gallon of renewable fuel burned is expected to achieve a more than 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum-based jet fuel, on a life-cycle basis. Our Savannah-based demonstration aircraft, the G500 test fleet and our Airborne Product Support aircraft have all flown on the renewable fuel blend. BizAvIndia: If we speak about return on investment (ROI), how would you advocate your aircraft on this front for your potential clients? Jason: Gulfstream aircraft are time machines, providing safe, reli-
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able, flexible transportation anywhere in the world. In fact, flying at Mach 0.90 vs. Mach 0.80 saves passengers more than 50 hours of time annually. Now, add in the time you don’t have to spend waiting in long security lines, or waiting to pick up your luggage, or waiting for the designated time that the aircraft is scheduled to depart and you’ll see how significant the time savings can be. In a world where time is of the essence, Gulfstream aircraft are essential.
BizAvIndia: What kind of after-sales support network is being ensured by Gulfstream these days? Can you elaborate on the same? Jason: Gulfstream continues to maintain the largest company-owned product support network for business jets, with approximately 4,000 professionals operating a 24-hour-per-day/365-day-a-year Customer Contact Centre, a repair centre exclusively for components, and 11 company-owned service centres worldwide with a combined area of more than 5 million square feet. In concert with businessaviation services companies such as Jet Aviation and ExecuJet, Gulfstream has more than 20 factory-authorised service centres and authorised warranty facilities on six continents, including Air Works in India. Gulfstream also has more than $1.6 billion worth of parts and materials available through distribution points around the world. Its team of more than 50 field service representatives – including a dedicated field service representative in India – provides technical support to operators and serves as their liaison to Gulfstream at strategic locations worldwide. BizAvIndia: Which aircraft is the best-selling aircraft in the world from the kitty of Gulfstream? And why? Jason: Throughout 2015, Gulfstream received orders for all in-production aircraft. In fact, there were more orders for in-production aircraft in 2015 than there were in 2014. That said, we have seen particularly strong demand for the Gulfstream G650 and G650ER, which offer unsurpassed speed and range. BizAvIndia: There is the usual perception in the government that the business aircraft is a rich man’s toy not just here but also in the US which is the largest business aircraft market in the world. This factor clearly reflects on the slogan being pushed by NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) which is: “No plane, no gain”. How do you at Gulfstream perceive this? Jason: Gulfstream has always viewed its aircraft as vital business tools. In fact, the majority of Gulfstream customers are publicly/ privately held and Fortune 500 companies, because their needs align with the capabilities business aviation provides: safe, reliable, flexible transportation almost anywhere in the world. So, we fully support the efforts of the NBAA to promote the strategic value of business aviation. BAI
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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964
Airport Operations
Plight of Small Aircraft Operators The management of the aviation company can accept no deviation or compromise of any kind in areas of maintenance and operations of the company’s aircraft By Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)
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here is growing concern in some segments of the Indian civil aviation industry about the impediments being created on account of the non-cooperative and obstructionist approach adopted by the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) towards the agencies operating small aircraft. Most adversely affected by this obduracy on the part of DIAL are the Non-scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) holders who generally have business jets or turboprop that are smaller aircraft with much lower passenger capacity compared to aircraft operated by the regional carriers. Some of the NSOP holders have their aircraft based at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) at Delhi. DIAL is the private operator which is a part of the public-private partnership (PPP) model adopted for the management of IGIA. In February this year, the NSOP holders based at Delhi airport were in for a shock at a decision by DIAL to limit aircraft maintenance firms to the two sponsored by them and considered hangar services as non-aeronautical activity. The aviation companies affected adversely by this decision include Club One Air, SRC Aviation and Shaurya Aviation. Over the years, these aviation companies had invested heavily both in infrastructure and manpower to build up the capability to carry out day to day routine airworthiness checks and base maintenance of aircraft being operated by them. Also, treatment of hangar services as non-aeronautical activities would result in an increase in costs for operators of business aircraft as the rates of levy in this segment are higher. Apart from these impositions, the NSOP holders were required to pay 24 per cent additional royalty charges. The Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA), however, stood by the affected NSOP holders and decided to even take the issue to court to support their cause and in principle resist any move by DIAL at monopolisation of services.
On June 15 this year, the NDA Government released the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016. One of the areas of major focus of NCAP 2016 is regional aviation and to provide impetus to this segment of the industry, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has crafted and built into the policy document what is called the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). The policy on RCS essentially aims at expanding the network of aerial connectivity to regional airfields by making it financially viable and even lucrative for regional carriers as well as the NSOP holders operating small aircraft to undertake flights to regional airports. Thus the NSOP holders operating small aircraft can make a substantial contribution to the ambitious scheme of the government by providing connectivity to Tier-II, Tier-III and Tier-IV cities especially in remote and inaccessible areas of the country. These operators are extremely useful to society and provide services beyond the purview of the scheduled airlines such as for medical emergencies, disaster relief, tourism and movement of industrial workers for industries set up in remote areas. The NSOP holders operating small aircraft can thus play a significant role and help exploit the immense potential of regional aviation. Unfortunately, the impediments that DIAL has been creating for the operators of smaller aircraft militates against the objectives of RCS as enshrined in the NCAP 2016. In fact, the obstructionist approach of DIAL is likely to not only seriously impair the chances of success of the ambitious scheme to enhance regional connectivity; but in turn, adversely affect the contribution of the Indian aviation industry to the growth of the national economy. The BAOA approached the Delhi High Court for making DIAL agree to permit small aircraft operators to carry out maintenance of aircraft on their inventory. As per the NCAP 2016, para 18 Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), “Airport royalty and additional charges will not be levied on MRO service pro-
Maintenance of aircraft as well as ground handling are activities that are squarely the responsibility of the management of the aviation company
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Airport Operations
Photograph: Textron Aviation
Cessna Grand Caravan
viders for a period of five years from the date of approval of the policy”. While DIAL may have relented in respect of maintenance of aircraft by small operators by themselves or by agencies of their choice, if DIAL continues to levy charges of around 20 per cent as royalty for MRO services provided by third parties to the NSOP holder operating small aircraft, it would be in clear violation of the policy laid down in para 18 of NCAP 2016 as quoted above. More recently, in July this year, DIAL dropped another bombshell when they stopped small aircraft operators from undertaking self-handling. The DIAL achieved this by refusing to renew security passes for vehicles for air side movement. In the absence of vehicle passes, operators are being forced to depend on outsourced vehicles whereby compromising with safety, security and on-time performance of their aircraft. Here again, DIAL has adopted a course of action that is in direct contravention to the NCAP 2016, Para 4, Regional Connectivity which states, “Self-ground handling by airlines will be allowed for operations under Regional Connectivity Scheme at all airports”. DIAL is once again at fault as it continues to charge more than 20 per cent royalty on all ground handling activities carried out by third party operators.
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Maintenance of aircraft as well as ground handling are squarely the responsibility of the management of the aviation company. Any lapse or inadequacy in these areas can have serious implications for the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. It goes without saying that the management of the aviation company can accept no deviation or compromise of any kind in these two areas related to both maintenance and operations of the aircraft. It would only be logical to assume that DIAL ought to have no business to interfere in these two areas that are extremely sensitive in nature. It is also evident that DIAL’s actions are driven by brute commercial interests with no consideration of the perspective of the operator. But what is more disturbing is the callous disregard that DIAL has exhibited for the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 that ought to be the guiding light for all connected with the Indian civil aviation industry. BAOA should initiate dialogue with all stakeholders including representatives of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. However, if DIAL does not alter its position and becomes more amenable to reason, the affected parties can always adopt the legal option to resolve the dispute between the DIAL and NSOP holders which will only be in national interest. BAI
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RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964
general aviation
GA Shipments Declining, Cause of Worry Reports indicate that demand for business jets is likely to move north from 2018. However, there are encouraging reports in the light and medium jet segment which seem to be gaining ground, compared to last year.
Photograph: SP Guide Pubns
By R. Chandrakanth
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he General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has released the 2015 worldwide year-end aircraft shipment and billing numbers and also the first quarter and first half of 2016 shipments, all of which indicate a decline but are hopeful that the situation would improve soon. GAMA is an international trade association representing over 80 of the world’s leading manufacturers of general aviation airplanes and rotorcraft, engines, avionics, components and related services. Similarly, Honeywell Aerospace, Embraer and JetNetiQ in their respective forecasts affirmed that 2016 would be a period of sluggish growth. In its 18th annual Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook, Honeywell forecasts 4,300 to 4,800 civilian-use heli-
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copters will be delivered from 2016 to 2020, roughly 400 helicopters lower than the 2015 five-year forecast. Demand projections by Bombardier indicate towards a 10 per cent decline in aircraft deliveries this year. Reports indicate that demand for business jets is likely to move north from 2018. However, there were encouraging reports in the light and medium jet segment which seem to be gaining ground, compared to last year. It was Bombardier which witnessed a 40 per cent drop in aircraft billings which weighed down the industry. GAMA Chairman Aaron Hilkemann, President and CEO of Duncan Aviation, announced that total worldwide general aviation (GA) airplane shipments fell 4.6 per cent, from 2,376 units in 2014 to 2,267 units in 2015. Billings for GA airplanes also dropped to $20.9 billion,
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general aviation down 4 per cent from $21.8 billion in 2014. Worldwide rotorcraft shipments fell 4.4 per cent, from 998 units in 2014 to 954 units in 2015, while billings dipped 21.9 per cent, from $4.9 billion to $3.8 billion. Piston-engine, turboprop, business jet shipments
Shipments of piston-engine airplanes fell for the first time since 2010, down 6.5 per cent, from 1,129 units in 2014 to 1,056 units in 2015. Turboprop airplane shipments also declined, from 603 units in 2014 to 557 units in 2015, a 7.6 per cent drop. Preliminary business jet shipments were relatively flat, up 1.6 per cent, from 644 units in 2014 to 654 units in 2015. Shipments of piston helicopters rose 8.6 per cent, from 257 units in 2014 to 279 units in 2015. Turbine helicopter shipments, based on initial data, softened from 741 units in 2014 to 675 units last year. “The mixed 2015 year-end numbers among the various sectors reflect a market characterised by plummeting energy sector revenue, economic uncertainty, and currency fluctuations in key GA markets such as Brazil, Europe, Russia and China,” GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce said. “Given the relative strength of the North American GA market, it is particularly important that the US Congress proceed quickly to pass an FAA reauthorisation bill that contains certification streamlining and other regulatory reforms that allow manufacturers and repair/overhaul organisations to deliver products more efficiently and make the FAA workforce more productive.” Regulatory hindrances
“In fact, with both the US and Europe looking to revise the rules governing their leading safety authorities, we are at a unique moment that brings with it opportunities and challenges in areas such as leveraging resources, certification efficiency, and better regulation for GA,” Bunce continued. “As a global association, GAMA will continue to work for more effective and efficient regulatory systems worldwide that improve safety and ensure manufacturers, repair and overhaul centres, and our supply chain can get their products into customers’ hands without delay.” Trend continues in 2016
In the first quarter of 2016, GAMA announced that the general aviation industry shipped 614 aircraft in the first three months of the year for a total value of $4.5 billion. “The entire industry is feeling the impact of retrenchment in the energy sector as well as global geopolitical and economic insecurity,” Bunce said. “Despite these headwinds, our industry continues to invest in research, development and certification of more efficient and safe products. Therefore, actions taken by elected officials to stimulate R&D and improve regulator efficiency have a far-reaching impact on the economy.” Shipments of general aviation aircraft were soft across the board with only a handful of bright spots. Piston airplane and rotorcraft shipments were stable at 191 and 60 units respectively in the first quarter compared to last year. Business jet deliveries declined by 4.7 per cent from 128 in first quarter 2015 to 122 in first quarter 2016. The turboprop airplane segment’s deliveries slowed by 6.8 per cent to 109 units. Turbine rotorcraft also declined from 141 to 103 units. Bunce continued, “This is why the certification and consistency in regulatory inter-
pretation reforms contained in both the US Senate and House FAA reauthorisation bills are so critical to our manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies in terms of getting innovations and new technologies to market. We are also pleased that language contained in the Senate Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill highlights the importance of these reforms. Both the authorisers and appropriators also recognise the importance of improving validation activities between global regulatory authorities to reduce duplicative review.” GAMA Board members were in Capitol Hill pressing home the need for these changes with members of the US Congress. They called on the Congress to move forward on bipartisan FAA reauthorisation and appropriations legislation that expedites delivery of new products to market, better leverages industry and regulatory resources, and reduces costs to customers. First half of 2016 no good
The Association subsequently released the worldwide aircraft shipment and billing figures for the first half of 2016. Industry airplane shipments declined 4.5 per cent to 970 units, and airplane billings fell 11 per cent from $10.4 billion to $9.3 billion. Rotorcraft shipments also dropped 16.1 per cent, from 467 units during the same period a year ago to 392 units in 2016. Billings for rotorcraft fell 32.5 per cent, from $2.1 billion to $1.4 billion. “In a challenging global climate, every segment of the fixed-wing and rotorcraft market showed declines for the first half of 2016,” Bunce said. “As we saw at AirVenture last week, general aviation manufacturers are working hard to regain momentum by delivering innovative new products and technologies that enhance safety and provide substantial improvement in capability. “Unfortunately, the US Congress has not done its part to support aircraft manufacturers or maintenance, repair and overhaul companies through its collective failure to include reforms of the outdated and overly prescriptive certification processes in the recently passed FAA extension. As US Senator Jerry Moran noted, excluding certification reform was “a sorely missed opportunity for Congress, where meaningful bipartisan accomplishments so often remain elusive.” Additionally, US Representative Peter DeFazio, the Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said that overhauling the FAA’s certification processes “would have created jobs.” “As these members of Congress and others recognise, general aviation manufacturers and MRO companies, along with their employees, deserve better. We hope to see greater commitment by policymakers around the globe to give manufacturers the regulatory environment they need to succeed and allow our industry to continue to move forward,” Bunce concluded. Piston airplane deliveries were down 4.5 per cent, from 464 units to 443 units. Turboprop shipments declined 4.9 per cent, from 247 units to 235 units. Additionally, 292 business jet airplanes were shipped in the first half of 2016, a 4.3 per cent dip from the 305 units shipped during the same period last year. Piston rotorcraft fell 10.1 per cent, from 129 units to 116 units, and turbine shipments were down 18.3 per cent, from 338 units in 2015 to 276 units in the first six months of this year. BAI
In a challenging global climate, every segment of the fixed-wing and rotorcraft market showed declines for the first half of 2016
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news at a glance
RELENTLESS JOURNEY OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1964
Embraer’s Legacy 450 certified for 2,904 nm range
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mbraer Executive Jets announced that its Legacy 450 has received certification for an extended range of 2,904 nm (5,378 km). The improvement was approved by Brazil’s ANAC (Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), the FAA (US Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency). The new range with four passengers onboard plus reserves is 329 nm (609 km) more than the current certified range. “With this range that surpassed our original targets, the Legacy 450 is definitely the best-in-class business jet. The aircraft already offers better speed and field performance than originally planned, with the roomiest cabin in its category,” said Marco Tulio Pellegrini, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The
new range, the longest in its class, will enable nonstop flights from San Francisco to Hawaii, New York to Los Angeles.” The Legacy 450’s increased range was certified after minor modifications to the wing to accommodate more fuel, along with updates to the Fuel Control Unit (FCU) and avionics. The extra fuel tank capacity is retrofittable at no cost for the first aircraft serial numbers. The first aircraft with the increased range will be delivered this month. The Legacy 450 is a mid-light business jet with a best-in-class 6-foot-tall flat-floor cabin. Four fully reclining club seats may be berthed into two beds for complete rest in a 6,000-ft. cabin altitude. The optional in-flight entertainment system consists of a high-definition video system, surround sound, and multiple audio and video input options. Voice and data communications options are also available. The cabin includes a refreshment center at the entrance, a rear private lavatory with a vacuum toilet and an in-flight-accessible baggage area. The total baggage space is the largest in the aircraft’s category. The Legacy 450 is the first business aircraft in its segment with full fly-by-wire technology, featuring side-stick flight controls, the state-of-the-art Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite with four 15.1-inch high-resolution LCD displays, and paperless operations capability, with graphical flight planning, Jeppesen charts and maps and a synthetic vision system. The optional Embraer Enhanced Vision System (E2VS) features a Head-up Display (HUD) and an EVS. The Legacy 450 is powered by two advanced, fuel-efficient Honeywell HTF 7500E turbofan engines, the greenest in their class. BAI
Falcon 8X receives FAA approval
PhotographS: Embraer, Dassault Falcon
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assault Aviation’s new Falcon 8X has received approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration. FAA certification, just after receipt of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certificate, brings the big new trijet’s certification and flight test campaign to a successful conclusion. The Falcon 8X is now preparing for entry-into-service which is scheduled for early fourth quarter. The 6,450 nm (11,945 km) Falcon 8X will provide the greatest range and longest cabin of any Falcon and the same exceptional short-field performance, operating economy and quietness as the Falcon 7X from which it is derived. It will also offer the largest selection of standard cabin configurations on any large business jet. BAI
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news at a glance
Gulfstream G500 production test aircraft makes first flight
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ulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced that the fifth Gulfstream G500 test aircraft has completed its first flight. The aircraft is the first production test aircraft to be outfitted with a full interior and serves as the test bed for the cabin. The G500 departed from Savannah-Hilton Head International airport with flight test pilots Brian Dickerson and Andy Martin and flight test engineer Dustin Johnson on board. The aircraft climbed to a maximum altitude of 48,000 feet (14,630 metres),
and reached a speed of Mach 0.84 during the 4-hour and 5-minute flight. “This first flight of our G500 production test aircraft marks another significant event for the G500 programme and Gulfstream’s history of delivering on our promises,” said Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream. “This fully completed aircraft focuses on the passenger experience and ensures that we deliver the most reliable, comfortable and functional cabin environment on both the G500 and G600.” The G500 seats up to 19 passengers in three living areas. The aircraft has forward and aft lavatories and a fullsize galley that can be located either forward or aft. The G500 and G600 also feature an industry-leading cabin altitude and 100 per cent fresh air that boost mental awareness and reduce fatigue. Gulfstream’s large oval windows, the same size as those on Gulfstream’s G650 and G650ER, allow for an abundance of natural light. The G500 is slated to receive type certification in 2017 and deliver in 2018. The G600 is projected to enter service in 2019. The G500 can fly 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 km) at Mach 0.85 or 3,800 nm (7,038 km) at Mach 0.90, while the G600 can carry passengers 6,200 nm (11,482 km) at Mach 0.85 and 4,800 nm (8,890 km) at Mach 0.90. The maximum operating speed for both aircraft is Mach 0.925, the same maximum speed as the G650 and G650ER. BAI
Honda Aircraft Company receives FAA Production Certificate
PhotographS: Gulfstream Aerospace, Hondajet
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he Honda Aircraft Company announced that it has earned a Production Certificate from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Honda Aircraft Company is building the HA-420 HondaJet, an advanced light jet, at its world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina. “This is a great achievement for our company as an aircraft manufacturer, and it is a very important milestone for ramping up production. Honda Aircraft has demonstrated our commitment to build aircraft of the highest quality and that meet stringent safety requirements,” said Honda Aircraft Company President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “We also want to recognise the strong collaboration with the FAA during this rigorous approval process.” The Production Certificate grants Honda Aircraft the authorisation to produce, flight test and issue airworthiness certificates for the HondaJet for customer deliveries. The HondaJet is the fastest, highest-flying, quietest, and most fuel-efficient jet in its class. The HondaJet incorporates many technological innovations in aviation design, including the unique Overthe-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration that dramatically improves performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. The OTWEM design also reduces cabin sound, minimises ground-detected noise, and allows for the roomiest cabin in its class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private aft lava-
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tory. The HondaJet is equipped with the most sophisticated glass flight deck available in any light business jet, a Honda-customised Garmin® G3000 The HondaJet is Honda’s first commercial aircraft and lives up to the company’s reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality and value. BAI
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“In a country like India with limited support from the industry and market, initiating 50 years ago (in 1964) publishing magazines relating to Army, Navy and Aviation sectors without any interruption is a commendable job on the part of SP Guide “ Publications. By this, SP Guide Publications has established the fact that continuing quality work in any field would result in success.” Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India (*message received in 2014)
IMPOSSIBLE IS JUST A DARE. At Embraer, we find inspiration in the greatest of challenges. The creation of entirely new aircraft, and categories. And the inclusion of technology previously unavailable in aircraft this size. The better way. The efficient way. The unconventional way. You see, we’ve never been ones to settle for the status quo. And we’re looking for those who share a similar mindset and are willing to act upon it. Because we believe for those who do — doing the impossible is just the beginning.
Rethink Convention.
EmbraerExecutiveJets.com