A Supplement to SP’s Aviation 11/2017
fact file: gulfstream g600 p14
Volume 3 • issue 4 www.sps-aviation.com/bizavindiasupplement
PAGE 9
Business Aviation Contributes to National Economy – NEXA Study Benefits Businesses p6
A New Dawn for General Aviation p 13
A long wait p 16
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Contents Volume 3 • issue 4
On the cover: Business Aviation delivers extraordinary value for America’s top performing companies and contributes across the board, in both financial and non-financial measures, says NEXA. Cover Illustration by Anoop Kamath | Photograph (above) by Embraer
economic tool 6 Benefits Businesses
fact file 14 gulfstream g600
economic impact Business Aviation 9
operations a long wait 16
Contributes to National Economy – NEXA Study
interview ‘There is great scope of 17
developing helicopter utilities in Himalayas and other parts of India’
economic growth a new dawn for general 13 aviation
show report NBAA going strong on 70 19
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regular departments from the editor’s desk 2 3 message from president, baoa
22
news at a glance
Awards 2017
Special
Contribution to Business Aviation
BizAvIndia • ISSUE 4 • 2017
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from the editor-in-chief Publisher And Editor-in-Chief Jayant Baranwal deputy managing editor Neetu Dhulia Advisory Board Rohit Kapur, 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, 2017 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, It is about time the debate on the utility of business aviation and its contribution to national economy comes to an end! Since 2009, NBAA and GAMA have been promoting an advocacy campaign “No Plane, No Gain” which very soon went beyond the shores of US as the appeal of it was universal, whether in Asia or in Middle East or Latin America. Repeated studies over the years have confirmed that contributions of business aviation to a nation’s employment, commerce, competitiveness and health are profound. Also, businesses need all possible tools that will help them enhance productivity, maximise flexibility and maintain strong communications. This is further reinforced by the latest NEXA study on the relation of the use of business aircraft to the performance of the companies they serve. The study concludes that business aviation delivers extraordinary value for America’s top performing companies and contributes across the board, in both financial and non-financial measures. Even in India, where business aviation/general aviation was always considered to be rich people toys, things seem to be changing for the better with the Government recognising the possible benefits of BA/GA. This change in the thinking of the mandarins was clearly illustrated on December 12, 2017, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew in a seaplane from Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam in Mehsana district in Gujarat. This flight by the Prime Minister was projected as a part of the development agenda of the government and will surely give a fresh impetus to the RCS. Use of seaplanes can open up a new segment and enhance connectivity across the nation and boost economic growth. We have detailed reports on all of these in this issue of the magazine. Unfortunately, while it is two steps forward for GA/BA in India, it is one-step backward. Private aircraft remain on the list of “Sin Goods” in the revised list for GST and attract the highest level of 28 per cent GST on them. As Rohit Kapur, President, BAOA points out in his message, private jets are used by companies for the safe and efficient travel of their senior management, to destinations which are not covered effectively by scheduled airlines and it allows them to access remote areas for furtherance of their business, which they would never be able to do otherwise. Similarly, we have in this issue Group Captain R.K. Bali (Retd), Managing Director, BAOA, welcoming Delhi International Airport Limited announcement to construct a dedicated terminal for non-scheduled operators and small aircrafts as part of their capacity expansion plan but emphasizing that the regulatory framework has to change to support the growth. There is a lot more in this issue of BizAvIndia to keep you engaged. Also, we at SP’s wish the entire BA/GA community “Happy Holidays” and look forward to interacting with you again in the New Year. Have safe take offs and landings!
J. Baranwal Editor-in-Chief
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message from President, BAOA
president
Business Aircraft Operators Association
To Sin or Not to Sin As the debate on GST Impact goes on in the country, the Government has done well to reconsider the GST rates of several items and revise them from 28 per cent to lower brackets of 18 per cent, 12 per cent, or in some cases, even 5 per cent. A total of 178 Items have been removed from the 28 per cent bracket to lower rates, leaving only 50 items in the coveted list of “Sin Goods” which covers items meant for luxury, white goods, cement, paint, and private aircraft. Therefore, much to our disappointment, the users of private aviation continue to be deemed as “Sinners”, along with people who drive cars, buy yachts or smoke cigarettes and bidis! So here are some facts about the Sinners! Private Jets are used by companies for the safe and efficient travel of their senior management, to destinations which are not covered effectively by scheduled airlines, and where they have business interests. It allows them to access remote areas for furtherance of their business, and exploit opportunities in the interiors of the countries, which they would never be able to do otherwise. It allows the harried CEOs the luxury of utilizing their time effectively, thereby increasing the efficiency of their companies and generate better profits. This in turn adds to the GDP of the economy, affords employment opportunities to the local population of these regions, and adds to the overall development of the national economy. Unlike a yacht, the private aircraft is a tool to for business growth, employed by companies worldwide. If you think of the Prime Minster as the CEO of India, utilizing Air India One to transport him across several continents to enable him to bring investments into India, and project India’s image to the world, think of the CEO of a company in a similar way, who is trying to enhance the business of the company that he, or she, represents. Both require the same tools to do their jobs! I don’t see either one of them committing any sin in doing so! As per the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) study of 2017 where the financial performance of S&P 500 Companies was evaluated from 2013 to 2017, it was found that the “Users” of Private Aircraft outperformed the financial performance of Companies that did not use private aircraft (“Non-Users”). The most important measure of impact is the company’s enterprise value, by both share amount and share appreciation. Users out-performed the NonUsers by about 70 per cent over the past five years. Business aircraft leverage key employee productivity, accelerate transactional closings, and boost customer interaction. A study carried out by BAOA in 2016 on similar lines, established business aviation as a major enabler for productivity, employment generation and a boost to the national economy. If this is the result of sinning, I think it’s high time that the government realizes that not all sin is bad! We would request the Hon’ble Finance Minister to reconsider the 28 per cent GST on purchase of private aircraft, and bring it to the more reasonable level of 12 per cent, to allow business leaders of the country to travel seamlessly and enable their businesses. On another note, the crisis of airport infrastructure is staring at us in the face. Decades of poor planning has left us in a position where the growth in the industry cannot be managed till infrastructure catches up. While the Ministry of Civil Aviation is doing well to address the problem
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BizAvIndia • ISSUE 4 • 2017
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message from President, BAOA
for the growth of airlines, it still must address the issue for infrastructure development for GA & BA. With Mumbai being closed for the growth of GA & BA till Navi Mumbai is operational, and Delhi delaying the construction FBOs by another two years, a study needs to be carried out by the Ministry to address the infrastructure planning for GA & BA over the next 20 years. As per BAOA report of 2016, even if we take an average CAGR of 7 per cent growth for this industry, a total of 700 to 800 aircraft and helicopters belonging GA & BA will be added to by 2030. This is an acute problem which requires immediate attention. I hope you enjoy reading the present edition of BizAV India. Please feel free to contact me at rohitkapur@baoa.in with your feedback and suggestions. I look forward to getting your inputs on how to address the issues at hand. Till then, Happy Landings and Safe Flying!
Rohit Kapur President, Business Aircraft Operators Association
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economic tool
Benefits Businesses Business aviation is a tool that helps executives to remain connected with clients and allows them to utilise their travel time for work, thanks to the office in the sky
Illustration: Anoop Kamath
By R. Chandrakanth
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economic tool
T
ime is of essence in any business. In this internet age, time has got compressed further in unimaginable ways. However, businesses if they need to expand behind their boundaries, they need every tool possible to help them get there. The mode of travel is one such tool and we all know that air travel is the fastest of all. For multinational corporations, for companies with units in remote locations and for companies which do deals within or across borders, air travel, specifically in a private or a chartered business aircraft, jet or turboprop, is important. A business aircraft becomes a strategic asset that helps businesses to do more in less time. It is a business tool that helps executives to fulfill their meetings with clients and stay connected with their key clients in a face-to-face situation. It allows them to utilise their travel time as work time, thanks to the offices in the skies. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the premier world body from the United States (US) for business aviation, has been relentlessly working towards expanding the reach of business aviation through various channels. In February 2009, NBAA, along with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) launched a joint advocacy campaign with a familiar name ‘No Plane, No Gain.’ The campaign was to reinforce the value of business aviation to American workers, policymakers, companies and communities across the US, but in these eight years, it has gone beyond the US shores as ‘No Plane, No Gain’ is universal, whether one is in China, in India, in the Far East or in the Middle East. “The contributions of business aviation to our nation’s employment, commerce, competitiveness and health are profound, but not always well understood,” said Pete Bunce, President and CEOGAMA. “We are launching this new multi-media educational campaign to get the word out that business aviation is working for America. It is responsible for well over one million manufacturing and service jobs and is one of the few industries that contributes positively to our nation’s balance of trade. It is also serving as a lifeline for communities all across the country that are seeing scheduled airline service being reduced or eliminated.” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen agreed. “At a time when we are facing almost unprecedented economic challenges, US businesses need tools that will help them enhance productivity, maximise flexibility, and maintain strong communications. “No Plane No Gain” will underscore why business aviation is critical to tens of thousands of cost-conscious companies fighting to succeed in a difficult market. It will also remind people of the relief efforts and humanitarian assistance that is only possible through this mode of transportation.” A study commissioned by the NBAA finds companies that use business aviation, outperform those without aircraft. This study demonstrates business aviation alone is capable of accelerating strategic transactions. Though the study was limited to the US, it is quite relevant in other markets too. Benefits of business aviation ownership are as under: Experience mobility. Nothing puts you in charge of your schedule and your destination like owning your own business aircraft. Save time, gain efficiency. Spend less time at airports and find more time for business, even when you are in the air.
Reasons business executives give for using Business Aviation 77%
Save Time Ability to use airports that the airlines don’t serve
44%
More Comfortable flight Privacy Ability to work en route Security
69%
37% 34% 29%
Source: Business Jet Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Survey, 2011. The survey covered 1,000 executives.
Enjoy productivity. Time, space and privacy: these elusive ben-
efits put your team at the top of their game. tax benefits. Crunch the numbers and discover advantages that will even make your CFO smile The campaign has been working to optimise its reach and effectiveness and is using all kinds of communication tools, including the fast spreading social media. The campaign uses a hashtag #BizAvWorks which is used on its Twitter and Facebook platforms for promoting support for business aviation.
US
210,000 Aircraft in US Alone
If we look at how business aviation in the US, the biggest votary of this aviation segment, has grown and how it has positively impacted businesses, they are lessons to be emulated in different parts of the world. According to GAMA, there are over 416,000 general aviation aircraft flying worldwide today, ranging from two-seat training aircraft and utility helicopters to intercontinental business jets. Of these, over 210,000 aircraft are based in the US and over 140,000 aircraft are based in Europe. General aviation supports $219 billion in total economic output and 1.1 million total jobs in the US. In the US, over 24 million hours are flown of which two-thirds are for business purposes. General aviation flies to more than 5,000 US public airports, while scheduled airlines serve less than 400 airports. The European general aviation fleet can access over 4,200 airports. One can clearly see the advantages of general aviation, its far-reaching and with positive impact on the economies. Business aviation provides a critical transportation lifeline to thousands of communities all across the US that have little or no airline service. This means that when a company needs to reach clients, manage farflung facilities or seek out new opportunities, business aviation isn’t just the most prudent
Business aviation provides a critical transportation lifeline to thousands of communities all across the US that have little or no airline service
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economic tool
Need of the Hour: Private jet sector supports the need for rapid response that is a hallmark of the way business works today
option – it’s often the only option. Business aviation allows companies to safely transport tools and materials that cannot be carried aboard airlines, enabling them to solve urgent problems efficiently and quickly.
PHOTOGRAPH: Textron Aviation
Business Aviation Makes Sense
The NBAA President, Ed Bolen’s 2009 words of how business aviation is so intrinsic to businesses, is so true even to this day. He had said then that a business airplane allows companies to do more, in less time and often at lower cost than other transportation alternatives. Most people recognise that productivity, flexibility and dependability are attributes of well-managed companies. They are also the benefits of business aviation. This is the core of the business case for a business airplane and the reason tens of thousands of wellmanaged, cost-conscious US companies rely on them. Business airplanes are effectively mobile offices. They allow companies to turn travel time into work time because employees can sit face-to-face and discuss proprietary information, prepare for meetings or develop presentations. They enable multiple sites to be visited in a single day. They provide the flexibility and dependability necessary to adjust to changing schedules or respond to business situations where time is of the essence. And, they give companies a way to quickly move equipment that cannot be shipped or carried on commercial airlines. What’s more, 85 per cent of the companies that use business airplanes are small or mid-size businesses. Only a tiny fraction are Fortune 500 companies. The vast majority of the passengers who fly on a business airplane are sales executives, engineers, technicians and other mid-level employees. Many of the companies that have business airplanes are located in small towns and rural communities with little or no commercial airline service. And, with about 100 US cities having lost airline service in the past year, the list is growing. Given the benefits of business avia-
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tion, it’s not surprising that studies show that companies using their own airplanes as a solution for some of their transportation challenges consistently generate more value for their shareholders than companies in the same industry that do not use business aviation. Business airplanes are not only important to the companies that use them and to the small towns with little or no commercial service who depend on business aviation for economic development, but also are important to the nation’s manufacturing base and balance of trade. Agility of Business
In today’s market, one of the keys to sustained performance and growth is agility which is the ability to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging opportunities. Digital technologies are transforming the global marketplace and making it possible for companies of any size to establish operations anywhere. And the private jet sector supports the need for rapid response that is a hallmark of the way business works today. The European Business Aviation Association notes that business aviation connects 1,03,000 city-pairs in Europe alone. That’s three times the number of city-pairs served by scheduled carriers. And while technology allows professionals to connect, collaborate and “meet” virtually, the most important business is still conducted in person. A study conducted by the International Business Aviation Council and GAMA found that 66 percent of corporate decision makers regard face-to-face meetings as critical to M&A success. The economic benefit of a business aviation passenger is estimated to be nine times the GDP contribution of scheduled airline passengers. It is a total misconception that business aviation is the sole preserve of super wealthy individuals for private leisure flights. BAI
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economic impact
Business Aviation Contributes to National Economy – NEXA Study Business Aviation delivers extraordinary value for America’s top performing companies and contributes across the board, in both financial and non-financial measures, says NEXA
Illustration: Anoop Kamath
By Group Captain A.K. Sachdev (Retd)
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economic impact
I
nternational Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) that is concerned with civil aviation, does not offer any definition of ‘Business Aviation’, a term used widely in the context of usually small but frequently large aircraft for furthering the business needs of individuals and entities. Instead, it uses the term ‘General Aviation’ to indicate all civil aircraft that are not operated by commercial aviation or for aerial operations for specific tasks such as crop spraying etc. However, International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), an International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) with a permanent observer status with ICAO, prescribes the following definition of Business Aviation: “That sector of aviation which concerns the operation or use of aircraft by companies for the carriage of passengers or goods as an aid to the conduct of their business, flown for purposes generally considered not for public hire and piloted by individuals having, at the minimum, a valid commercial pilot licence with an instrument rating.” IBAC further subdivides Business Aviation into commercial, corporate, owner-operated and fractional ownership. Business Aviation communities all over the world have constantly had to clamour about the benefits that this segment of the industry provides for its users and therefore to the growth and economy of the nation they are a part of. The United States (US) is the largest user of Business Aviation where it has registered a growth of 34 per cent over the last five years. A large part of this success is owed to an undertaking called ‘No Plane No Gain’ launched jointly by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the General Aviation Manufacturers’ Association (GAMA), both US aviation entities. The purpose of the undertaking is to make all
endeavours to make the general public and the US establishment, more aware about the importance of Business Aviation to the US and its communities, companies and citizens. Every alternate year, NBAA carries out studies relating the use of business aircraft to the performance of the companies they serve. The latest study entitled Business Aviation and Top Performing Companies 2017 (S&P 500 Companies: Using Business Aircraft to Create Enterprise Value) and executed by NEXA Advisors can be accessed at https://www.nbaa. org/business-aviation/nexa-business-aviation-and-top-performingcompanies-2017.pdf. Its main deductions are discussed below. SCOPE OF THE REPORT
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) is widely regarded as the best single gauge of large-cap US equities and includes 500 leading companies and captures approximately 80 per cent coverage of available market capitalisation. The study examined the financial performance of the S&P 500 companies in the period 2013 to 2017 and found that, when sorted into “Users” versus “Non-Users,” those companies deploying aircraft to support their missions out-performed those that did not in several metrics. The most important measure of impact is a company’s enter¬prise value, by both share amount and share appreciation; in this respect, Users outperformed Non-Users by about 70 per cent over the study period. The study concludes that business aircraft leverage key employee productivity, accelerate transactional closings and boost customer interaction. The study finally concludes that Business Aviation delivers extraordinary value for America’s top performing companies and contributes across the board, in both financial and non-financial measures. The study uses facts and evidence to arrive at the conclusion that “Business Aviation contributes meaningfully
Business Aviation delivers extraordinary value for America’s top performing companies and contributes across the board, in both financial and nonfinancial measures
S&P 500 Growth in Market Capitalisation: Users vs. Non-Users
Revenue Growth Composite 2012-2016 2.5
1.6
2
1.4 1.2
1.5
1
1
0.8
0.5
0.6
2012
Figure 1
10
2013
2014
Indexed Users
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2015
2016
Indexed Non Users
0 Figure 2
Indexed Non Users
Indexed Users
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economic impact EBITDA Growth 2012-2016
Return on Equity 2012-2016
1.60
2
1.40 1.5
1.20 1.00
1
0.80 0.60
0.5
0.40 0.20
0
0.00 Figure 3
Indexed Non Users
Indexed Users
to a company’s enterprise value and continues to be a powerful tool of the best-managed companies in America”. METHODOLOGY
The study focused on tangible and intangible aspects of how Business Aviation aids business. It looked at utilisation strategies employed for use of aircraft and identified these as transportation of key employees, transportation of customers, transportation of suppliers, transportation of cargo, parts and mail, transportation for humanitarian and charity missions and direct applications such as site mapping, aerial photography and even hiring out of spare flying effort to derive income for their flight departments. The net benefits from these utilisation strategies were listed by the report as employee time savings, improved productivity, strategic transaction acceleration through rapid deployment of transaction teams, protection of intellectual property through reduced exposure to commercial air travel, improved customer retention, supply chain improvement, product and production cycle improvement, employee safety and security, risk management through better oversight and control of critical processes and tasks, direct travel expense savings, increased personnel retention and social responsibility through use of business aircraft for humanitarian or charitable purposes. The next logical step was to assess the relationship between the benefits identified and their effect on enterprise value impact. The financial drivers capable of increasing enterprise value were identified as revenue or market share growth, profit growth and asset efficiency while the non-financial value drivers identified through qualitative research, were found to be customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, innovation, risk management and compliance.
Figure 4
Non Users
Users
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
For the study, the 2017 S&P 500 companies were classified as either “users” or “non-users” of business aircraft. A “user” was defined as any company or its officers authorising the regular use of aircraft via whole aircraft ownership, fractional aircraft ownership, charter or any other form of operation as an aid to the conduct of its business and for the benefits of the enterprise. Thus the study included in its scope the use of charter aircraft as Business Aviation if the use was purely for business purposes. Those companies for whom data was not available for all five years of the report period, were excluded and finally 415 companies were evaluated. As for Market Capitalisation that is the all-important metric determining relative shareholder value of a company, business aviation users improved their financial results dramatically during the period of study as can be seen from Figure 1. The “top line” revenue growth indicates a company’s ability to grow and more importantly, grow faster than a competitor. Revenue growth generally comes from organic growth and from strategic acquisitions and business alliances. Figure 2 shows that revenue growth for users surpassed those of non-users by a factor of 2.4 thus indicating that users are at much higher profitability levels than non-users. Coming to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) or ‘bottom line’ which is a measure of a company’s financial strength and momentum, again users far outperformed non-users (see Figure 3) by a factor of 1.5. Another important element in evaluating a company is its ability to produce returns on investment equity as that is a key metric to continually attract new and larger capital for growth. Return on equity (ROE) or the ratio of net income to com-
The facts and figures offered by the study are unambiguous and indisputable and make a very strong case for any nation to look at business aviation as a necessity and a national asset
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economic impact
mon stock equity tells common shareholders how effectively their money is being deployed. Comparing ROE over time reveals trends in the efficiency of applying equity to generate net income. Further comparisons with industry composites reveal how well a company is holding its own against competitors. On this metric, users were ahead of non-users by a factor of 1.6 approximately (see Figure 4), demonstrating that Business Aviation users are more efficient at using equity capital to generate net income.
photograph: Embraer
NON-FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The major non-financial drivers namely customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, innovation, risk management and compliance are difficult to quantify. Hence, in lieu of a quantitative analysis of these factors, the study relied on its own research as well as other sources to gauge non-financial performance. The study used lists prepared by reliable and reputed analytical and consultative sources to test if there was a correlation between use of Business Aviation and the prosperity as well as reputation of the company. It found an unquestionable linkage between use of Business Aviation and these lists which include Forbes Global America’s Most Innovative Companies List 2017, Fortune 100 Best Places to Work 2017, Wall Street 50 Best Customer Service 2016, Interbrand 50 Best Brands 2016, Fortune 2017 World’s 50 Most Admired Companies, Forbes Global 50 Top Performing US Companies 2017, Forbes 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2017, Fortune 2016 Change The World Top 20, S&P 500 Top 50 Performing Stocks and CRO 100 Best Corporate Citizens 2017. In all these lists except one, more than 90 per cent of the companies were users of Business Aviation. Needless to say, company value is driven by
market forces other than pure financials. Value expectations based on non-financials play an important part in setting current price of the shares of the company. CONCLUDING REMARKS
The study comes out with an unequivocal message about the importance of business aviation and its uniqueness as a tool for providing an advantage to the user companies in contrast to those companies that neither wish to invest in aviation assets nor hire charter aircraft for business purposes. The facts and figures offered by the study are unambiguous and indisputable and make a very strong case for any nation to look at business aviation as a necessity and a national asset. Most international companies such as those in the US discussed above, have realised the contribution of Business Aviation to business and are using a combination of privately owned aircraft, charter aircraft, fractional ownership models and also commercial flights to act as ‘time multipliers’ in pursuit of company objectives by utilising working time on board aircraft including for private and confidential discussions on own aircraft. So have the governments of developed nations who are striving to nurture Business Aviation through incentives and motivations. In India, however, this realisation has touched only the users and not the establishment which provides the regulatory and infrastructural framework for the progression of Business Aviation.Perhaps it is time now for the Indian government to launch an objective, impersonal and unprejudiced inter-Ministerial study on the lines of the NEXA study discussed above. Such a study could disabuse the government of the idea it appears to harbour that business aviation is luxury and not a necessity. BAI
Perhaps it is time now for the Indian government to launch an objective, impersonal and unprejudiced interMinisterial study on the lines of the NEXA study
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economic growth
A New Dawn for General Aviation With the patronage by the central government for the launch of seaplane services, the general aviation segment of the Indian civil aviation industry will finally witness a new dawn! By Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) Rekindling Hope: Prime Minister Narendra Modi before boarding the Kodiak 100 seaplane in Ahmedabad
Photograph: Twitter
O
n December 12, 2017, the last day of the second and final phase of campaign related to the assembly elections in the state of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew in a seaplane, the Kodiak 100, from Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam in Mehsana district. The Kodiak 100, a product from the Quest Aircraft Company of the United States, is a small high-wing transport aircraft that is capable of carrying up to 15 persons and is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A 34 750 hp engine. Not only did this flight by the Prime Minister aboard a singleengine aircraft raise concerns among the agencies responsible for his security, it also generated a minor political storm, something that appears to have become a matter of routine and an integral part of the political machinations by the opposition. While the flight by the Prime Minister on board a seaplane was projected as a part of the development agenda of the government in power, for the Indian civil aviation industry, it has rekindled hopes of imparting a fresh impetus to the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) or UDAN that has been an area of major focus of the NDA Government. Use of seaplanes can open up a new and vibrant segment for regional aviation and consequently provide it the much needed boost. While there are plans to progressively commission hundreds of new low-cost airports to enhance connectivity across the nation and bring affordable air travel to the masses and thereby boost economic growth, the potential of seaplane services in the country has so far remained unexploited. The nation including the island territories, has 21,000 km of waterways which consist of 7,500 km of coastline and 14,000 km of inland waterways by way of major rivers. Apart from these, there are around 200 lakes across the country. There is therefore immense scope for the rapid expansion of seaplane services to boost RCS without the need for heavy investments that would be required for building and maintaining runways.
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Efforts in the past to exploit this segment of the Indian civil aviation industry have, for one reason or another, not met with success. In January 2011, for the first time in India, seaplane services were launched by Maritime Energy Heli Air Services Pvt Ltd (MEHAIR) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to primarily support the tourism industry, but closed down after three years. MEHAIR also planned to launch similar operations in Maharashtra and Goa as well, but never took off. Kerala Seaplane, a commercial seaplane service promoted by Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited, was launched on June 2, 2013, at Kollam with the inaugural flight being operated by Kairali Aviation. However, commercial operations could not commence due to opposition from the local fishing community. In 2014, a seaplane service was launched to connect Mumbai to tourist destinations in the Western Ghats, providing an alternative to four or five hour long drives on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. However that service did not find a market as it failed to draw clientele. However, things are now set to change. All initiatives in the past to exploit this segment of the civil aviation industry were undertaken and supported locally without the involvement of the government at the centre. There is now a paradigm shift as is evident from a statement by Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Shipping, who said, “All players are welcome to enter the market once the gates are opened. We will formulate a policy for this in three months. It has been a dream that I have nurtured. Conversion of rivers into waterways and the availability of of lakes and dams that can be converted into airports with minimal expenditure on small floating jetties.” Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Minister for Civil Aviation, termed the move as an extension of UDAN scheme. He said, “If all goes according to what we think we are capable of, in the third round of bidding for UDAN, these aircraft can also come in.” With the patronage by the central government for the launch of seaplane services, the general aviation segment of the Indian civil aviation industry will finally witness a new dawn! BAI
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factfile G600
Leading Edge of Both Passenger Comfort and Performance Gulfstream G600 is anticipated to receive Federal Aviation Administration certification in 2018, with customer deliveries slated for later that year.
PHOTOGRAPHS: Gulfstream Aerospace
Effective Time Machine: a business tool that is the epitome of safety, interior flexibility, reliability and performance
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factfile G600
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o one knows better than a business jet customer the intricate, distinct details that would make their ideal airborne office an even more powerful business tool. So, Gulfstream asked. Born from a clean sheet, the ultra-long-range Gulfstream G600 was molded, shaped and designed from the ground up by customer feedback. Together with its Customer Advisory Board and Advanced Technology Customer Advisory Team, Gulfstream created a business tool that is the epitome of safety, interior flexibility, reliability and performance — effectively, a time machine. Designed alongside the G500, the G600 boasts more range and a longer fuselage than its sister ship. Its impressive performance capabilities were recently increased after the aircraft exceeded expectations during its rigorous flight test programme. When it enters service in 2018, the sporty G600 will be able to fly 6,500 nautical miles/12,038 kilometers at Mach 0.85 and 5,100 nm/9,445 km at its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90. Like the G650 and flagship G650ER, the G600 has a near-supersonic maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925. Whether in the flight deck or its fully-customizable cabin, the G600 is engineered for comfort and performance. Powered by two PW814GA engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada’s robust new PW8000 series, the G600 is engineered to deliver best-in-class fuel economy and record-low emissions, both of which lower operating costs and ensure the aircraft will continue to perform above environmental standards. An industry-leading aircraft requires an industry-leading cockpit. The all-new, award-winning Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck provides pilots a more comfortable and streamlined workspace. Developed in conjunction with BAE systems, the Symmetry Flight Deck replaces the traditional yoke, freeing up space by employing ergonomic active sidestick controllers. Tactile feedback between the flight deck’s electronically-linked controllers creates unparalleled situational awareness. A near-60 percent reduction in switches in favor of 10 advanced touchscreens provide pilots everything they need (and nothing they don’t) for each phase of flight, for a flight deck that is as sleek as it is functional. Aft of the flight deck, the G600 delivers the most flexible and comfortable cabin in business aviation. Gulfstream’s team of world-class interior designers work tirelessly to create a cabin that is an extension of each customer’s personal taste. Using only the highest-quality leathers, handmade carpets, fabrics stitched delicately in-house and exotic wood veneers sourced from around the world, the G600 supports configurations for up to four distinct living areas. G600 owners don’t simply tailor their cabin interiors. They can create a different ambiance for each and every flight by controlling a multitude of cabin features, including lighting, window shades, temperature and entertainment. Change the song, dim the lights and draw the shades, all from a smart phone equipped with Gulfstream’s Cabin Management System for Apple and select Android devices. Configurations are endless in the G600’s flexible cabin, with options for a full-size galley that can be located forward or aft, as well as both forward and aft lavatories. With seating for up to 19 and berthing for up to nine, those passengers regularly putting the G600 through its paces can take advantage of options for a fixed bed divan or seats, that convert to a bed. As the latest aircraft in the Gulfstream fleet, the G600 is also outfitted with the latest communication equipment and high-speed
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Top of the Line: (Top) Gulfstream G600 Symmetry Flight Deck 4; (above) Interior of the aircraft.
media systems that line the cabin for productivity or relaxation. Customers are never out of touch or out of reach when flying a G600 equipped with JetConneX, the high-speed Ka-band broadband service. Passengers change times zones in a serenely quiet cabin thanks to extensive research in Gulfstream’s Acoustic Test Facility, ensuring all components are as quiet as possible. Fourteen of Gulfstream’s signature wide-angle windows flood the cabin with illuminating natural light, while industry-low cabin altitude and 100 percent fresh air circulated every two minutes creates a cabin environment that is the healthiest in the industry. Gulfstream has created in the G600 an aircraft that flies at the leading edge of both passenger comfort and performance. It is anticipated to receive Federal Aviation Administration certification in 2018, with customer deliveries slated for later that year. BAI —Contributed by Gulfstream Aerospace
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operations
A Long Wait However, the announcement to dedicate a terminal by DIAL for non-scheduled aircrafts came in after a long wait and with several disclaimers. By Group Captain Rajesh K. Bali (Retd) Managing Director, Business Aircraft Operators Association
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t was only befitting, after consistent push from the industry, when the Delhi International Airport Limited announced to construct a dedicated terminal for non-scheduled operators and small aircrafts earlier this year, as part of their capacity expansion plan. In India, the business and general aviation industry is ready, waiting and eager to embrace the potential ahead; the regulatory framework has to change, and the infrastructure has to be brought up to support the expected and inexorable growth. Historical evidence from other countries and statistics indicate that a wellrounded aviation growth isn’t possible without an adequate focus on the business and general aviation sector. However, the announcement to dedicate a terminal by DIAL for non-scheduled aircrafts came in after a long wait and with several disclaimers. IGI Airport of Delhi, the largest public airport of our country took to PPP model for development, operations and management in 2006. At that time there were 28 parking bays for small aircraft at the airport. As per the approved master plan of Delhi International Limited (DIAL), 74 additional parking bays for small aircraft were to be ready long ago, but they are yet to see the light of the day.
Inadequate infrastructure support
The draft GA Policy,proposed to be implemented by DIAL earlier in September, was one-sided and treats small aircraft industry unfairly with totally unjustified restrictions of slot allotments and parking. This arbitrary and inequitable treatment towards NSOP and small aircrafts industry adversely affects Government’s ambitious Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), which aims to ensure economic growth and connectivity in Tier-II and III cities through operations of small aircraft. Notwithstanding the number of aircraft flying in and out of our airports, supporting infrastructure remains inadequate and inefficient. One of the weakest columns for the airport support remains the near absence of fixed base operators (FBOs) for general aviation and non-scheduled operators. DIAL has, so far, failed to honour the agreement with two Concessionaires who were given the task
to implement master development plan for small aircraft at IGI. IGI airport currently handles the maximum traffic in terms of general aviation movement. As the busiest airport in the fastest growing aviation market, the infrastructure development planning needed to be continuous process with no room for lethargy. Recommendations for development of Phase 3 (A) of DIAL’s master plan
Even as DIAL proposes an action plan towards decongesting the airport, they need to be reminded that they cannot turn a blind eye to the operating requirements of non-scheduled operators and small aircrafts; and are further imposing restrictions by illegally levying higher parking charges and limiting landing slots in the proposed draft General Aviation policy. Business Aircraft Operators Association, the unified voice for non-scheduled operators in India, has urged for a collaborative approach to address operational issues which have now cropped up due to DIAL’s own lapse of delaying infrastructural development of IGI as per approved master plan. The Infrastructure for small aircraft operators should be ready by 31 December 2018, in view of the next Lok Sabha elections due by mid-2019. The political activity starts gathering momentum by the third quarter of 2018. As per the plan, 58 GA parking bays (in addition to the 5 parking bays to be developed by the FBO operators) and 11 Helicopter stands to be planned. Ensure quick implementation of real time and online allotment of slots to optimize/maximize use of existing slots in a transparent and efficient manner. Finally, it is utmost important to understand the need for exclusive infrastructure for GA/BA industry in a developed nation. If India has to realize its true potential as an economic power in future world, there has to be a robust GA/BA industry wherein freedom to operate business flights is not hampered by lack of infrastructure. The best place to begin that endeavor would be none other than nation’s capital. BAI
As the busiest airport in the fastest growing aviation market, the infrastructure development planning needed to be continuous process with no room for lethargy
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Interview
‘There is great scope of developing helicopter utilities in Himalayas and other parts of India’ Started in 2002, Himalayan Heli Services has established itself as one of the top Helicopter Operator in India. BizAvIndia’s Neetu Dhulia in conversation with the founders Harsh Vardhan Sharma and Wangchuk Shamshu.
Photographs: Himalayan Heli Services
Neetu Dhulia (BAI): What was the thought behind starting a Helicopter Charter Service? Himalayan Heli Services (HHS): The idea to start Himalayan Heli Services was a result of experience gained over 12 years while operating heli-skiing in Himachal Pradesh in one of our adventure tourism enterprise - World Expeditions promoting skiing, trekking, mountaineering and mountain biking. Heli-skiing is an exciting adventure sport but extremely challenging to operate due to extreme cold conditions. It is an upscale adventure activity where the skiers are dropped by a helicopter on high mountains slopes from where they ski down and enjoy powder skiing. After skiing down one slope they are picked again from the base and dropped again on a different slope. Weather permitting this carries on the whole day. Each sortie comprises of four to five skiers and their highly skilled and qualified ski guide.
Harsh Vardhan Sharma, from Delhi is the Co-promoter and Director of Himalayan Heli Sevices and World Expeditions. He graduated from Delhi University and is a trained mountaineer and adventue tours professsional. He has more than 35 years of experience in the field of adventure tourism and over 25 years in helicopter aviation. He has played a key role in shaping business strategies and marketing alliances of the companies.
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When we started in 1989-90, there were no suitable civil registered helicopter available in India. We had no option but to import suitable helicopter into India on a temporary wet-lease during the peak winter months of January till March. The greatest challenge was to import foreign registered helicopter into India and operate it. We could meet the challenges successfully mainly because we received continuous co-operation from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Director General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Commerce. With their continuous support we could scale up and expand the heli-skiing activity. The pilots and engineers came from Europe and Canada who where great source of inspiration for us since, in their part of the world, helicopter utilities were much more advanced and established. Over the decade the heli-skiing sport grew quite strongly and our requirement for helicopter also grew in proportion and we were
Wangchuk Shamshu, from Ladakh is the Co-promoter and Director of Himalayan Heli Servcies and World Expeditons. He graduated from Delhi University and is trained skiier and adventure tours professional. He has more 40 years of experience in the field of adventure tourism and over 25 years in helicopter aviation. His vast knowledge and rare acumen in operational dynamics of mountain aviation has earned the company a high prestige and reputation.
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interview compelled to import two helicopters instead of one. Most encouraging factor was that this activity alone, due to its high density utilisation, in three months, could contribute 40 per cent of the minimum flying required to breakeven in a year. During those 12 years we realised that, besides helicopter utilisation in flying passengers to pilgrimage destinations of Mata Vaishno Devi, Amarnathji and Kedarnathji, there were great scope of developing other helicopter utilities in Himalayas and other parts of India. Thus, being an adventure tourism professional, the name Himalayan Heli Services sounded the most appropriate name to us. I would like add our one significant achievement – The DGCA has mentioned, in the last two yearly reports “Handbook on Civil Aviation Statistics” Himalayan Heli Services in the Top three Helicopters Operators who accounted for more than 87 per cent of the Total number of flights Operated in a year. BAI: How has the helicopter industry grown, since the time of your inception? HHS: When we started Himalayan Heli Services in 2002, besides the ad-hoc helicopter charter market the only other active helicopter flying destination was Mata Vaishno Devi. Our adventure tourism expertise and ability to operate under extreme conditions in remote areas helped us explore other destinations like Amarnathji and Kedarnathji. When we started, as a Helicopter Operator in 2002, there were only two helicopter operators with a total strength of five to seven helicopters. Today, it has grown to more than 12 operators with more than 20 helicopters. Last year, we were the first company to bring first ever sky-crane to India toexecuted a powerline tower construction project along the Mughal road in Jammu and Kashmir. BAI: What is your current helicopter fleet and what is the average utilization? HHS: Currently, we have five Airbus AS350B3 helicopters. The average utilization is about 1,000 hours per year per helicopters. BAI: You specialize in the routes for Pilgrimage services, how is this market? Helicopter pilgrimage services essentially, besides Mata Vaisho Devi, take place during summer months only. This market has matured in the past five years. We serve close to 2,50,000 pilgrims each year. However, in order to improve our sustainability we had to look for scope of work during winter months from October to March. The helicopters in our fleet are most suitable for aerial work applications as well such as - heli-borne geophysical survey, long-line under-slung load ferrying, forest fire fighting, search and rescue and power-line utilities such as tower construction, stringing, maintenance and patrolling. In last seven years, we have flown more than 1,50,000 line kms in heliborne geophycal surveys, which is the highest by any company in India. In the power sector, both government and private sector companies are very actively considering, a long overdue, scope of deploying helicopters. This is going to create huge demand for more helicopters in coming years. BAI: Please tell us about your MRO. HHS: The scope of MRO activity has unfor-
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tunately not grown, in fact it has shrunk. The existing operators are constrained to limit our MRO activity to maintaining our own helicopters; as it can neither be expanded at IGI Airport nor at the newly built Rohini Helidrome in Delhi. The reasons are flawed government policies. The IGI Airport and Rohini Helidrome are facing monopolist trade practices. More than 30 aircraft, including ours, have been compelled to shift outside Delhi to the nearby places like – Aligarh, Hissar, Shahpura and Sahastradhara (Dehradun). Our constant engagement with the Ministry of Civil Aviation is not bearing any positive results. BAI: With Uttrakhand government pushing the state as a skiing destination, how do you foresee the growth in the industry? HHS: This is a great initiative by the state government. We have no doubt that, in not so distant future, Uttarakhand can be developed as a popular skiing destination akin to Gulmarg. All that the government needs to do is to upgrade Gochar Airport earnestly. Almost ten years back we submitted to the Uttarakhand government a comprehensive plan to develop heli-skiing on the same lines as we did in Himachal Pradesh but we did not get any positive response. BAI: Where do you see the industry in the National Civil Aviation Policy? HHS: NCAP 2016 has not provided the right platform, as yet, for utilizing the true potential of helicopters in our country. The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), which came into effect after the release of NCAP, did not specifically cater for the peculiar requirements of helicopters operations for ‘remote area connectivity’ and tourism. The initial phases of RCS have been mostly centric to ‘fixed wing’ operations. There is a need to issue separate RCS parameters and requirements for remote area connectivity through helicopters. Along with separate RCS for helicopters, specific safety regulations are required to be notified by DGCA soon to allow, inter alia, use of helicopters for ‘Emergency Medical Services’. Most importantly, freedom is required to operate helicopters from point to point, without prior ATC clearance, in ‘airspace below 5,700 fee’ and ‘area other than controlled airspace’. As regards exorbitant charges being levied on helicopter operations, there has been no ‘follow up’ so far on important provisions given for helicopters in NCAP-2016, like: Rationalising airport charges for helicopter operations Separate and independent cell for helicopters in DGCA System for expeditious ‘air defence clearance’ for urgent helicop-
ter operations
NCAP 2016 has not provided the right platform, as yet, for utilizing the true potential of helicopters in our country.
Rationalization of charges for ‘mainte-
nance hangars’ at operational ‘public airports’ and ‘heliport’ at Rohini. We do sincerely hope MoCA would act soon on all the pending issues to unleash the true potential of helicopter operations in India. BAI: What are your expansion plans? HHS: We have very ambitious plans to develop and provide comprehensive helicopter utilities for power-line construction and maintenance solutions in remote and difficult terrain, forest fire fighting, heliborne geophysical survey solutions and disaster management solutions. BAI
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NBAA 2017 show report
NBAA Going Strong on 70 The event featured about 1,100 exhibitors, including more than 100 new exhibitors. Attendees represented all 50 US states, and dozens of countries. With about 100 aircraft on static display, both at HND and inside the convention center, NBAA-BACE remains the preeminent venue for manufacturers to unveil new models
Photograph: NBAA
By Special Correspondent
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nbaa 2017 show report
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he 2017 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) which was held from October 10 to 12 at Las Vegas, Nevada was an all-around success, highlighting the strength of the industry. “This year’s show was special in many ways,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “We celebrated NBAA’s 70th anniversary, and how our industry is stronger when we work together. We gathered in the company of aviation leaders and legends, like Capt. ‘Sully’ Sullenberger and Capt. Jim Lovell. We saw the launch of exciting new products, and we brought a citywide convention to Las Vegas, which the city welcomed with open arms.” NBAA-BACE returns to Orlando, Florida on October 16-18 next year. The event featured about 1,100 exhibitors, including more than 100 new exhibitors. Attendees represented all 50 US states, and dozens of countries. With about 100 aircraft on static display, both at HND and inside the convention center, NBAA-BACE remains the preeminent venue for manufacturers to unveil new models. For example, this year, the Bombardier Global 7000, Gulfstream G600 and Pilatus PC-24 made their debut at the show. All three days of the show were packed with well-attended education sessions, including half-day programmes at the NBAA National Safety Forum and Single-Pilot Safety Standdown. Discussions featured top safety experts and representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). On the final day of the show, more than 1,000 students came to NBAA-BACE, many to participate in Careers in Business Aviation Day, hearing from Dreams Soar Founder and around-the-world pilot Shaesta Waiz — plus a chance to interact with industry leaders and potential employers at the College/University Roundtable event.
Advocacy in Focus
This year’s convention took place as debate continued in Washington over the future of the nation’s ATC system. In a media breakfast held just before the show’s opening, general aviation leaders united in mobilizing attendees to oppose legislation that would strip ATC oversight from Congress, and hand that authority over to a private, airline-centric board, unaccountable to the public. Attendees took many opportunities throughout the week to send messages to Con-
gress against ATC privatization, on their mobile devices and using dedicated personal devices on the show floor. Bombardier unveils ‘The Architect’
Bombardier Business Aircraft unveiled The Architect, its fourth Global 7000 flight test vehicle (FTV4) equipped with a cabin interior. The aircraft will be used to validate the overall passenger experience, including the cabin management system and entertainment options, newly designed seats and amenities throughout the four living spaces, the full-sized crew rest area and gourmet galley. FTV4 ferried to Las Vegas following its successful maiden flight on September 28, 2017, where all flight controls were exercised and all systems tested performed as expected. Bombardier launched its new Smart Training programe, allowing subscribed technicians to attend as many available technical program,e courses as they like at Bombardier’s advanced training centres — and as often as they need — for a fixed monthly payment. Smart Training builds on Bombardier’s 20 years as an industry leader in aircraft training, developing its own courseware and providing training to over 3,000 customers a year. “Bombardier not only builds and maintains its aircraft, it also leverages its OEM knowledge to provide an exceptional aircraft training experience,” said Andy Nureddin, Vice President of Customer Support and Training, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Smart Training takes this experience to the next level — making it possible for technicians to spread out training costs over a period of time, eliminating up-front payments per course.” Gulfstream gives cabin experience
Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. highlighted its customer-centric design programme wherein customers got an opportunity to tour a number of Gulfstream aircraft at the Henderson Executive Airport static display, including a newly designed four-living-area Gulfstream G650ER, the fully outfitted Gulfstream G500 production aircraft and an updated Gulfstream G600 cabin. “The cabin is where our customers live, work, play and relax, so it is paramount that they have complete confidence that each aspect and intricate detail of their cabin is a seamless extension of their
PHOTOGRAPHs: NBAA, Gulfstream
Show Stoppers: (Left) Bombardier unveiled The Architect, its fourth Global 7000 flight test vehicle at the show; (right) Gulfstream’s G650ER on the tarmac.
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nbaa 2017 show report
Best in its Class: (Left) Embraer unveiled the Phenom 300E light jet at the show; (right) Pilatus delivered 91 units of PC-12NG single engine turboprop in 2016.
taste,” said Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream. “We believe the perfect cabin is designed when customers are able to visualize the virtually limitless configurations available to them in an engaging and tactile way. That is just what they’ll be able to do through our NBAABACE virtual design experiences.” 100th Cessna delivered
Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. company, delivered the 100th Cessna Citation Latitude midsize business jet. The milestone aircraft, which comes just 26 months after the first Latitude entered service, was handed over to NetJets Inc at Textron Aviation headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. NetJets extended its total Latitude order to up to 200 aircraft when it took its first delivery in June 2016. “We set out to redefine this segment by investing in a new product with features our customers told us they wanted: large-cabin amenities and best-in-class operating costs. Delivering 100 Latitudes in just over two years is a testament that we’ve got the ideal combination,” said Rob Scholl, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing, Textron Aviation. “There’s no better endorsement than the fact that our longtime customer NetJets reports it as the best-selling aircraft in its fleet.” Textron Aviation delivered 42 Citation Latitudes in 2016, making it the most delivered midsize jet in the world for that year. The aircraft’s mission flexibility has made it popular with fleet operators, corporate owners and special missions operators across the world. With certification in 39 countries, the global fleet has surpassed 45,000 flight hours.
Photographs: NBAA
Embraer Launches the New Phenom 300E
Embraer unveiled the Phenom 300E light jet, its newest business aircraft. The new aircraft is designated “E” for “Enhanced” in reference to its entirely redesigned cabin and the addition of nice HD CMS/IFE (Cabin Management System/InFlight Entertainment) by Lufthansa Technik. Originally launched in 2005, the Phenom 300 first entered the market in 2009. Leading the light jet segment since 2012, the Phenom 300 has been the most delivered business jet since 2013 with over 400 aircraft in close to 40 countries. Deliveries of the Phenom
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300E will commence in the first quarter of 2018. “We are very excited to introduce the Phenom 300E which sets a new standard in value and customer experience. The Phenom 300E reflects our commitment to fascinate our customers,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “With a passion for excellence, our team has been working closely with customers to bring to market yet another beautifully designed and brilliantly engineered marvel of aviation.” The Phenom 300E inherits the Embraer DNA Design, first introduced in its larger siblings, the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 midsize jets. The application of this design in the Phenom 300E rendered a more spacious cabin with more customization options and ease of maintainability. Starting with the new Embraerdesigned and manufactured seats, the aircraft offers unmatched comfort and personalization in its class. The seat profile, with enhanced headrest, retractable armrest, along with the new table, side ledge, side wall, and valance designs, optimize passenger mobility in the cabin with expanded aisle clearance and increased cabin space. Pilatus PC-12NG leads
Pilatus PC-12 NG continues to lead business aircraft market in both sales and service. After delivering 91 units of its popular single engine turboprop PC-12 NG in 2016, Pilatus executives are optimistic that there are numerous growth opportunities around the world for it to sustain its sales leadership position. Pilatus officials attribute this effect to the diverse range of customer uses for the PC-12, ranging from corporate and charter, to personal owner-flown, airlines, air ambulance, and special missions. Being a private company, Pilatus is also able to modulate production rates to avoid flooding the market with new production. Ignaz Gretener, Vice President of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd’s General Aviation business unit commented: “Much of our sales success today comes from repeat customers and their recommendation of the PC-12 NG to their colleagues. We constantly listen to their feedback and have a continuous improvement process in place to ensure we provide them with a reliable and efficient aircraft that they can depend on for many years of operation.” BAI
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news at a glance
BAOA organised BizAvIndia Safety Workshop to enhance awareness for aviation safety • Third edition of the workshop was organised in line with international safety norms • Operators and DGCA interacted on safety issues concerning the Business Aviation and General Aviation Industry
B
usiness Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) curated its third edition of BizAVIndia Safety Workshop in Mumbai early this month to facilitate a dialogue between operators and regulator on most pressing issues concerning safety standards for non-scheduled and charter operators. The workshop was well attended by Operators, DGCA officials and international aviation experts. The half day workshop discussed key issues, global trends and best practices for Business Aviation and General Aviation in India. Rohit Kapur, President, Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) said, “There are inherent risks to any act of aviation. We understand that the operating environment and challenges for Business Aviation and General Aviation are different. The curated workshop aims to highlight relevant perspectives and showcase BAOA’s efforts in following safety norms that meet the international standards.
(Top) Capt Samir Kohli, during his presentation (above) Maneesh Chopra, Director, Air Safety, DGCA, addressing the audience.
With this edition, we wanted to take a fresh look at strategies that bring safety efforts into the business framework of BA/ GA aviation operations, he added.” Maneesh Kumar, Director, Air Safety, DGCA appreciated BAOA for bringing the forum together. He educated operators on the provisions for the new Civil Aviation requirement on Safety Management System and recent safety audit by ICAO. R.S. Passi from DGCA’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau gave insights on link between approached for prevention of accidents and Safety Management Systems. Captain Pankaj Chopra, who is leading BAOA’s SMS & Safety Workshop Committee, gave an operators’ viewpoint to the audience and member representatives from the DGCA. Captain Sameer Kohli, a global safety expert, shared some practical examples of Safety Management System’s implementation internationally. BAI
QUICK DIGEST
Photographs: BAOA
Norms eased for Domestic Charters flying overseas: Indianregistered business and charter aircraft flying abroad will not be required to obtain an authority number, also called a YA number, from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Rohit Kapur, President, BAOA, welcomed the move and deeply appreciated Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA’s efforts to remove the pre-condition of obtaining YA number for Indian-registered business and charter aircraft jets. He stated, “this is a step forward in facilitating the ease of doing business for the Business and General Aviation industry. Business Jets are not merely a luxury but in most cases a necessity in terms of gaining quick access and connectivity where time is of essence, and allowing business leaders to be more efficient and productive by affording them the flexibility of travel. Doing away with YA number will ensure that Indian operators can fly overseas without delay. This will help maintain the essence of business aviation.” India rises steeply in ‘Doing Business’ rankings: India leapt 30 notches to mark within the first 100 countries in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2018 Report. Among the 190 countries surveyed, India saw steepest rise in its ranking, which moved from 130th in 2017 to 100th in 2018. It has cumulatively improved 42 places over the past three years.
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Second Round of Bidding under India’s Regional Connectivity: A total of 141 initial proposals were received for providing air services under the regional connectivity scheme – UDAN. These include 17 proposals for fixed wing and helicopters operations on 502 routes. 20 out of the 141 proposals received have not sought Viability Gap Funding, the fiscal incentive offered by the Government for plying on the given routes. Empire Aviation launches Indian charter and management venture: Dubai’s Empire Aviation Group has launched a charter and management venture in India, in a move that aims to plug a gap within the country’s growing private aviation sector for high-quality business aircraft services, and help grow the region’s fleet of midsize and high-end jets. India’s aviation market to be third largest by ‘27: With its consistent double-digit growth in domestic passenger traffic, India set to be the third largest aviation market in the world by 2027. In the next ten years then, the India’s aviation market will generate close to 2.6 million direct, indirect and induced jobs, said a report released by Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA). BAI —Inputs from BAOA
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news at a glance
Dassault Falcon Service celebrates 50th anniversary
D
assault Falcon Service celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, barely a year after the 100 year anniversary of its parent company, Dassault Aviation – a tribute to the key role this wholly-owned subsidiary has played in building the Falcon brand. Dassault Falcon Service (DFS) was created in 1967, under the name Europe Falcon Service, to provide customers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East with a level of product support on par with the quality of the company’s Falcon Jets. Today, DFS is the biggest Falcon support organization in the world, with 640 employees, approvals from more than 20 national airworthiness authorities and activities in maintenance, upgrades, FBO services, training and air charter. Its primary maintenance, overhaul and repair (MRO) facility, located at its home base in Paris/Le Bourget, is the largest in the world dedicated exclusively to Falcons, with seven hangars and 25 aircraft bays. “Since its inception, fifty years ago, DFS has committed itself to optimizing interaction and proximity to Falcon operators and ensuring that they enjoy access to the best and most complete package of support services available in the industry,” said DFS General Manager Jean Kayanakis. “Maximizing customer satisfaction and maintaining ownership value remain our primary objective.” In October 2016, DFS inaugurated a second MRO center in Mérignac, near Bordeaux, to service the Falcon 7X, 8X and future
large body models to come. DFS operates six Falcon Jets, including two Falcon 7X’s, and flew about 3,600 hours last year, making it one of Europe’s largest Falcon operators. Its Le Bourget FBO, which handles over 5,000 aircraft movements/year, was recently rated number three in Europe by European Business Air News. BAI
PhotographS: Dassault Aviation, Jet Aviation
Jet Aviation appointed a BBJ Factory Authorized Service Center in Singapore
J
et Aviation’s MRO facility at Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore has been designated a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) Authorized Warranty Repair Facility and BBJ Factory Authorized Service Center (ASC), joining the company’s previously appointed BBJ
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ASCs in Basel, Dubai and Geneva. The MRO facility in Singapore has also received EASA approval for the Gulfstream G650. The Boeing Factory Authorized Service Center and Warranty Repair Facility designation permits Jet Aviation’s maintenance facility in Singapore to provide warranty line and base maintenance support to the Boeing BBJ series. The company’s new EASA approval authorises the Singapore facility to further extend line and base maintenance support to owners and operators of G650 aircraft that are registered in EASA member states. “Jet Aviation has been supporting Boeing Business Jets for many years and has a long and trusted relationship with the aircraft manufacturer,” says John Riggir, Vice President and General Manager of Jet Aviation’s MRO and FBO facility in Singapore. “We are pleased to further improve our capabilities to extend warranty support to BBJ owners and operators in the region. These new approvals demonstrate our steadfast commitment to our customers to uphold the highest business aviation standards.” Last month, Jet Aviation was named Best MRO (Singapore/ Hong Kong) at the Asian Business Aviation Association’s (AsBAA) Icons of Aviation Asia Awards ceremony and charity gala dinner held in Hong Kong on November 10. Located at Seletar Airport, the company also offers FBO services in Singapore at Seletar and Changi International airports. BAI
BizAvIndia • ISSUE 4 • 2017
23
news at a glance
Phenom 300E with revolutionary interior design
E
mbraer has unveiled the Phenom 300E light jet, its newest business aircraft, at the 2017 National Business Aviation Association’s Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (NBAABACE), in Las Vegas, Nevada. The new aircraft is designated ‘E’ for ‘Enhanced’ in reference to its entirely redesigned cabin and the addition of nice® HD CMS/IFE (Cabin Management System/InFlight Entertainment) by Lufthansa Technik. Originally launched in 2005, the Phenom 300 first entered the market in 2009. Leading the light jet segment since 2012, the Phenom 300 has been the most delivered business jet since 2013 with over 400 aircraft in close to 40 countries. Deliveries of the Phenom 300E will commence in the first quarter of 2018. “We are very excited to introduce the Phenom 300E which sets a new standard in value and customer experience. The Phenom 300E reflects our commitment to fascinate our customers,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “With a passion for excellence, our team has been working closely with customers to bring to market yet another beautifully designed and brilliantly engineered marvel of aviation.” The Phenom 300E inherits the Embraer DNA Design, first introduced in its larger siblings, the Legacy 450 and Legacy 500 midsize jets. The application of this design in the Phenom 300E rendered a more spacious cabin with more customisation options and ease of maintainability.
Starting with the new Embraerdesigned and manufactured seats, the aircraft offers unmatched comfort and personalization in its class. The seat profile, with enhanced headrest, retractable armrest, along with the new table, side ledge, side wall, and valance designs, optimize passenger mobility in the cabin with expanded aisle clearance and increased cabin space. The new seats in the Phenom 300E feature broader backs for greater support, extendable headrests with bolsters, and extendable leg rests for improved ergonomics. The aircraft’s seats were designed and engineered by Embraer and will be manufactured at Embraer Aero Seating Technologies, in Titusville, Florida. The Phenom 300E features an industry-exclusive upper technology panel (upper tech panel) along the centerline of the aircraft’s ceiling, significantly improving passenger ergonomics. The innovative upper tech panel presents passengers with pertinent inflight information, while allowing for convenient interaction with cabin management controls, as well as the option of inflight entertainment with audio and video on demand via two slender swing-down seven-inch displays. The unit also offers an enhanced cabin lighting scheme, with a broad range of ambient mood selections, as well as integrates sleek, silent gaspers enhancing acoustic comfort. Bluetooth connectivity also allows passengers to view inflight information on their personal devices. BAI
Gulfstream exceeds G500 and G600 planned performance
Photographs: Embraer, Gulstream
G
ulfstream Aerospace Corp. recently announced that its longrange Gulfstream G500 and Gulfstream G600 offer even better performance than originally promised. During rigorous flight testing, the all-new aircraft have exceeded expectations, regularly demonstrating capabilities beyond the company’s initial projections. As a result, Gulfstream is announcing new performance standards for both aircraft. Upon entry into service, the G600 will deliver 6,500 nautical miles/12,038 km of range at Mach 0.85, 300 nm/556 km farther than the initially promised range of 6,200 nm/11,482 km. At its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90, the aircraft will fly 5,100 nm/9,445 km, an increase of 300 nm/556 km over original projections. The G500 can fly 5,200 nm/9,630 km at its long-range cruise speed of Mach 0.85, providing operators even greater mission flexibility over the aircraft’s original 5,000-nm/9,260-km range. At its high-speed cruise of Mach 0.90, the G500 will offer
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BizAvIndia • ISSUE 4 • 2017
4,400 nm/8,149 km of range, a 600-nm/1,111-km increase over its projected range of 3,800 nm/7,038 km. “As we methodically moved through our concurrent flight-test programmes, which are going exceptionally well, we recognized we had both the time and ability to enhance G500 and G600 performance and give our customers a business-jet family that’s better than the one we had promised them,” said Mark Burns, President, Gulfstream. “Extracting more capabilities from our aircraft has become a Gulfstream hallmark, the result of creating and maintaining a culture committed to continuous improvement, listening to our customers and exceeding our promises.” The G500 customer delivery schedule remains the same, with deliveries set for 2018, as originally promised. G500 certification includes additional testing required for this enhanced performance and is anticipated in early 2018. The G600’s anticipated certification and service entry are slated for 2018. BAI
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PHENOM 300: SAFETY, ADVANCED AVIONICS, COMFORT “What inspired my purchase was a combination of the passion and love of aviation and to pilot a jet like the Phenom 300. But also for business purposes, I can fly around the world and meet with vendors who supply us raw materials. I can meet with retailers, so it’s very exciting to fly very quickly to them and avoid the delays and cancellations of commercial air travel. Plus, you can fly into smaller airports that are closer to your destination. And what got me so excited about Embraer was its DNA building airliners, the ERJs. I always tell people Embraer forgot it’s building executive jets. They still believe they’re building airliners for endurance, safety, redundancy. Embraer treats me as well or better than its airline customers. The company goes out of its way to keep the plane upgraded with service bulletins, improving the systems of the plane, improving every aspect of the airplane. I like the fact that Embraer is just constantly improving the Phenom 300, and they do a phenomenal job of keeping parts in stock. The plane is very stable. Passengers like the combination of the safety of the airplane, the advanced avionics, combined with the comfort of the plane. The lavatory being externally serviceable is awesome for both the owners/operators and passengers. I wanted the latest, greatest, best, safest technology, and Embraer had it all, from the avionics to the engines to the systems.”
- Wayne Gorsek, Founder & CEO, DrVita.com Watch Wayne’s story and request more information at EmbraerExecutiveJets.com/Wayne
The Phenom 300 — the best-selling business jet in the world — is a clean-sheet-design light aircraft that delivers best-in-class speed and field performance, next-generation avionics, a spacious cabin and a largest-in-class baggage compartment. Its comfortable, highly intuitive cockpit, with large displays and state-of-the-art avionics, enhances situational awareness. Delivering superior comfort and style, the Oval Lite® cabin provides ample leg and head room and the largest galley and windows in its class, for abundant natural light. Up to 11 occupants also enjoy the best cabin altitude in the category. Contributing to its enviable presence on the ramp, the signature air stair leads to the largest entrance door in its class. The Phenom 300’s superior overall performance, combined with class-leading fuel efficiency, reinforce its breakthrough status and strong acceptance in the marketplace.