A QUARTERLY NEWS DIGEST FOR INDIAN MROs

AERO MRO DIGEST

A UNITING FORCE FOR THE INDIAN MRO INDUSTRY

GIFAS

Mission India Co

ve

r S

tory

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 A

CONTENTS

COVER STORY

(1) GIFAS - India Mission

IN THE NEWS

(3) Indian airports saturate as aviation boom

(4) Suresh Prabhu takes additional charge as Aviation

Minister of India

(5) Maharashtra Govt. signs ₹35,000-cr deal with Amol

Yadav

(7) Trujet evolves into a national carrier. 20 additional

routes acquired

(8) Spike Aerospace predicts Supersonic market for

13million+ passengers annually

(9) BrahMos missile tested with indigenous seeker

(9) AirAsia India plans to begin its overseas operations

by January 2019

(10) Nepal awaits a nod from India

(11) Nuclear Capable Ballistic Agni II Missile test fires successfully

(13) CAAC grants airworthiness certification to SR Tech-

nics in Malaysia

(14) Indian air space to reach 855 million air passengers

by 2030-31

(14) India test-fires Nuclear capable Prithvi II missile

(15) Agni I missile test fired off Odisha Coast

(16) Indian Aviation soars, whereas MRO Industry sores

(18) Fifth test of India’s nuclear-capable Agni-5 missile successful

BUSINESS DECLARATION

(6) HAL-Safran partnership for setting up infrastructure

at Honda, Goa

(7) Boeing and TAL Manufacturing sign a new contract

for ACFB

(8) IATA and CAAS sign MoU for SPARC

(10) Indian Navy and Boeing sign contract for P-8I

training simulator

(11) AAR to start maintenance service in India soon

(13) Tata & Boeing unite to open Apache helicopter

fuselage facility in Hyderabad

(15) Component maintenance contract expanded for

Jet Airways

(16) MoU signed between Andhra Pradesh and Emir-

ates Group for Aviation infrastructure

(17) GE and Tata break ground together for Hyderabad

aerospace facility

LATEST TRENDS

(4) World’s largest Jet Engine, maiden flight gener-

ates 100k pounds of thrust

(5) Virgin Galactic spaceplane completes transonic

Glide flight

(6) Falcon Heavy – A game changer by SpaceX

(10) In-flight connectivity now available across Air

Astana’s Boeing 767 fleet

(12) Honeywell introduces RECON – Predictive

maintenance enhanced

(18) Boeing releases its new Unmanned CAV design

Disclaimer : The views expressed in the articles are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of the

publisher or the publishing house. Unless otherwise noted, the author writes in his/her personal capacity. They are not intended and

should not be thought of, to represent official ideas, or policies of any agency or institution mentioned thereof. The information in

this newsletter is for information purposes only. The articles may also be from a syndicated source, but are rewritten (retaining origi-

nal facts, to the best of our knowledge) to meet the office policies. MRO Association of India assumes and/or bears no liability or

responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information

contained about every individual, event or organization is known to have been provided by such individual, event organizers or or-

ganization without verification by us. Sources of information may vary. Feedback is welcome.

NOTE: This edition was delayed to accommodate a spe-

cial event—’GIFAS - India Mission’. We apologize to our

readers for the delay.

AVIATION EVENTS

(20) Aviation Events—Jan 2018 - Mar 2018

NEW APPOINTMENTS

(21) Aviation Events—Jan 2018 - Mar 2018

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 1

GIFAS mission engages Indian counter-parts successfully with Make-in-India theme

Following the French President, Emmanuel Macron’s visit

to India in March 2018, the French Aerospace Industries

Association, GIFAS had launched a mission to strengthen

the French-Indian aerospace and defense cooperation.

GIFAS, which is the driving force behind the French-Indian

cooperation, brought a major industrial mission to India

between 16-19 April 2018. This mission is derived from a

very constructive and promising feedback received from

the French President’s visit to India.

Eric Trappier, the Chairman of GIFAS and CIDEF (Council of

French Defense Industries) and the Chairman & CEO of

Dassault Aviation, brought a group of 60 French Aero-

space, MRO and Space companies, for this mission. Coop-

eration in the areas of aeronautics and space that started

in the Fifties, is organised and well established. It has been

strengthened by bilateral strategic partnerships that were

brokered twenty years ago. This GIFAS trade mission is an

industrial demonstration of this long-standing strategic

partnership across the civilian, defense and space sectors.

In New Delhi and Bangalore, Mr. Trappier and team met

with several ministers and officials such as Mrs. Nirmala

Sitharaman, Minister of Defense, Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Min-

ister of Commerce, Industry and Civil Aviation, Dr. Subhash

Bhamre, Minister of State for Defense, Mr. Jayant

Sinha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, and Mr.

R.V. Deshpande, Minister of Industry and Com-

merce of the State of Karnataka.

On the occasion of the Conference, on 16th April 2018, on

Indo-French Cooperation in Defense and Aerospace, the

Minister of State for Defense, Mr. Subhash R Bhamre, said,

"the Make-in-India initiative offers a valuable opportunity

for French companies and Indian to engage in the produc-

tion of defense equipment in India . " The minister particu-

larly encouraged French SMEs, stressing their interest in

integrating a global supply chain, stimulated by the "huge"

needs of India and supported by "qualified" human capital.

Mr Bhamre emphasized that "the biggest challenge to

overcome [for Indian industry] was to remedy the techno-

logical backwardness.” He is therefore pleased to benefit

from the French experience in creating a state-of-the-art

business ecosystem and a supply chain using a wide range

of technologies.

The GIFAS lead team attended meetings with various aero-

space industries, from major Indian cities like New Delhi,

Bangalore, Mumbai and Hyderabad, to bring together the

aerospace industries from both the countries. The major

aviation and space players representing both civilian and

defense business interests will be present – Airbus, Ariane-

Group, Dassault Aviation, MBDA, Safran and Thales; along

with 54 subcontractors, suppliers, SMEs and equipment

manufacturers.

On the third day of the industrial mission went to Banga-

lore. On the agenda were visits to several pioneering SMEs

and ETIs in India, whose implementation 10 to 20 years

ago was a total success. First stop for GIFAS manufacturers

at Mach Aero. This company specializes in ball joints and

high-precision mechanical equipment for aeronautics, was

born in 1962 in Brétigny-sur-Orge, Essonne. Since 2007, it

has installed its first industrial building in Bangalore, and

now has three sites (two factories and a control center)

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 2

in the Indian city. Another example is that of the SME Re-

caero & Dynamatics, an equipment manufacturer specializ-

ing in the manufacture of aerostructure parts and engines

for aircraft models whose production has been stopped.

Founded in Toulouse in 1991, with around 30 employees,

the family company now has 350 employees in France and

270 in India. Same enthusiasm when visiting First, a group

specializing in electromechanical relays for extreme envi-

ronments, also based in Bangalore. These companies have

taken the gamble to invest in India to develop a high-level

technology, while integrating perfectly into the local eco-

nomic and cultural landscape. It should be noted that

French manufacturers also went to the headquarters of

the Indian group Centum, which recently bought two

French companies: Centum Adetel and Centum Adeneo.

As part of the industrial mission led by the Chairman of

GIFAS, the 60 industrialists participated in three round ta-

bles chaired by senior Indian authorities of the Ministries

of Civil Aviation and Defense. These roundtables focused

on strategic topics such as the development of an ecosys-

tem in the aerospace and space sectors in India, the sus-

tainable growth of the civil aviation market and the Franco

-Indian cooperation in the field of aviation. space. At the

same time, more than 400 B2B meetings were organized

with local partners to strengthen economic and industrial

cooperation between SMEs and ETIs from both countries.

The GIFAS team was led by Eric Trappier, along with seven

members of the GIFAS board. Eric Trappier said, “France

and GIFAS are proud to develop and strengthen our bonds

with India through this mission, as our country and indus-

tries are clearly committed to encouraging the “Make in

India” initiative. We are glad to contribute to buttressing

the strategic partnership between France and India.”

MRO Association of India in its endeavor to help the GIFAS

Delegation in India helped it to organize a bespoke Round

Table on Civil Aviation – Key Factors to ensure Sustainable

Growth chaired by Ms. Vandana Aggarwal, Economic Ad-

viser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The other panelists

were

Mr Stéphane Abrial, Chairman of the GIFAS International

Commission, Senior Executive Vice President International

and Public Affairs, Safran, Mr. Jean-Claude Volot, CEO of

Dedienne Aerospace, Member of GIFAS Board, Mr. HR Jag-

annath, CEO, Air India Engineering Services Ltd., and Mr.

Arvind Mehra, CEO, Mahindra Aerospace. The Round Table

was moderated by Mr. Cedric Post, Senior Vice-President,

International and European Affairs, GIFAS.

The interactive Round Table was attended by around 20

French MRO companies who were given a first-hand infor-

mation about the status of the Indian MRO industry. Subse-

quently, the team visited Air India Engineering Services Ltd

(AIESL), Mumbai hangars on April 18 where they were

shown around.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 3

Indian airports saturate as aviation booms

Indian airports are striving to manage the massive incre-

ment in passenger number. They are bursting at seams,

owing to the huge boom in air travel, as the growing mid-

dle-class population are increasingly taking to skies. This

has made the imminent expansions of airport infrastruc-

ture, necessary. Analysts have already warned that air-

port capacity boosting is highly due, and experts inform

that the present infrastructure are failing to keep up with

the surge.

India has seen a six-fold increase in passenger number in

the past decade, as citizens have taken advantage of

better connectivity and cheaper tickets, owing to a host

of LCCs. In 2016, Indian airports handled 265 million pas-

sengers and this number is expected to cross 300 million

in 2018, according to CAPA report. India’s current entire

airport network is capable of handling 317 million passen-

gers, as per the report. CAPA also predicts that India will

take over Britain as the third largest market by 2025 and

will have 478 million passengers by 2036.

According to aviation experts, Indian government is facing

a race against time, to build infrastructure to manage the

increasing passenger traffic. Flights have increased over

20%, annually, over the last 3 years, which has stretched

the airports to their breaking point. In a report released

by CAPA in February 2018, ten Indian airports, which in-

cludes Dehradun, Jaipur, Guwahati, Mangalore, Srinagar,

and Pune are already operating beyond their capacity and

others are nearing their limits. CAPA predicts that Indira

Gandhi International Airport and Chennai International

Airport, will reach their operating capacity within next 4-5

years. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

(CSIA), is facing an even more severe situation as, accord-

ing to CAPA report, it is operating at 94% capacity and is

close to its saturation point.

To combat the passenger capacity issue at the Mumbai

A networking lunch was organised by MRO Association of

India in the afternoon, where the Managing Committee

Members headed by President Mr.Bharat Mankani, Vice

President Mr. Ravi Menon, Treasurer Mr. Rajendra Johri,

Jt Treasurer Mr. Parag Chitnis and many other members

of the Association. A meaningful hour-long discussion be-

tween the French and Indian side followed. A meaningful

progression to this inaction is expected.

MRO Association of India endeavor to create a window

for interaction between overseas groups and the Indian

MRO Industry. In this year only, the Association has host-

ed a team of MROs from British Columbia, Canada and

now French companies under the umbrella of GIFAS.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 4

World’s largest Jet Engine, maiden

flight generates 100k pounds of

GE Aviation, one of the top aircraft engine suppliers, an-nounced the first lift-off for its new engine model, GE9X. The maiden flight of the GE9X engine took place on 13th March 2018, where is was fitted under GE Aviation’s 747 flying testbed in Victorville, California.

GE Aviation is designing the massive engine specifically for Boeing 777X and can generate 100,000 pounds of thrust. This thrust is more than that produced by the rocket, Free-dom 7 or Mercury-Redstone 3 (78,000 pounds of thrust), which propelled the first American to space. During the test flight, the engine flew for over four hours and was able to complete the entire test card. The engine was then validated for operational and functional characteristic.

Besides the flight test, the engine has also completed its icing test, at the GE Aviation’s facility in Winnipeg, Manito-ba, Canada. The engine is presently undergoing crosswinds test, at Peebles Test Operation, Ohio. GE expects that the engine will receive final certification in 2019.

The engine will have the largest front fan at 134-inches in diameter of any jet engine with a composite fan case and 15 fourth generation carbon fiber composite fan blades. The engine has a 27:1 pressure-ratio 11-stage high-pressure compressor and a third-generation TAPS III com-bustor for efficiency and low emissions. GE Aviation has already received 700 orders for the engine.

airport, government is building another greenfield interna-

tional airport in Navi Mumbai, 30 km away from CSIA. In

the 2018 Budget announcement finance minister, Arun

Jaitley allocated $613 million to Airport Authority of India

for airport capacity expansion. According to CAPA estima-

tion, India needs to invest $45 billion by 2030 for airport

capacity expansion. During the budget announcement,

government announced a new initiative, NextGen Airports

for Bharat (NABH) Nirman, under which airports are to be

enhanced to handle up to 1 billion passengers, by 2030.

Suresh Prabhu takes additional charge as Aviation Minister of India

Indian minister of Commerce and Industry, Suresh Prab-

hu was given the additional charge as the Civil Aviation

Minister of India on 10th March 2018. This followed the

resignation of P Ashok Gajapathi Raju and YS Chowdary

(of the Telugu Desam Party), from the PM’s council of

ministers.

According to the communique released, Suresh Prabhu's

appointment as Civil Aviation Minister was not interim. As

Civil Aviation Minister, Prabhu's most pressing concern

will be the disinvestment of national carrier Air India.

Suresh Prabhu has earlier served at various ministerial

positions like, Industry Minister, Minister of Environment

and Forests, Minister of Fertilizers & Chemicals, Power,

Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises. He was also Chair-

man of Task Force for Interlinking of Rivers with a status

and rank of Union Cabinet Minister. He was elected a

member of the World Bank parliamentary network and

chaired the South Asia Water regional group of the World

Bank. He was elected as Rajya Sabha member from the

state of Andhra Pradesh on 3rd June 2016. On 9 November

2014, he was sworn-in as Cabinet minister in Narendra

Modi government. He was the Union Railway Minister of

India from November 2014 to September 2017. He is the

incumbent minister of Commerce and Industry since Sep-

tember 2017.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 5

Maharashtra Govt. signs ₹35,000-cr deal with Amol Yadav

Maharashtra govt. has given clearance to Captain Amol Yadav and signed an MoU for setting up an indigenous fac-tory for manufacturing a 20-seater aircraft, in Palghar. The project cost is ₹35,000 cr, as per the MoU. The 41-year-old Deputy Chief Pilot, Captain Amol Yadav, would be allotted 157 acres of land, in Palghar, located approx. 100 kms away from Mumbai. This venture would be in line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Captain Amol Yadav made news when he displayed his small six-seater aircraft, constructed on his building ter-race, in the ‘Make in India’ mega-event held in Mumbai, in February 2016. Amol Yadav’s aircraft exhibit attracted attention of visitors and dignitaries including then Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Maharash-tra CM, Devendra Fadnavis. The ambitious MoU was signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Amol Yadav’s company ‘Thrust Aircraft Pvt. Ltd.’ on the day 3 of the ‘Magnetic Maha-rashtra: Convergence 2018' global investors' conclave, held in Mumbai. The six-seater aircraft was registered by DGCA on 2th No-

vember 2017 and is named ‘VT-NMD’ where NMD stands

for Narendra Modi Devendra, dedicated to hon’ble PM of

Indian and CM of Maharashtra. This aircraft is made of

aluminium, measures 10-ft eight-inches in height, and

was put together under the guidance of Air Marshal Mu-

rali Sundaram, and an advisory panel of the IIT-B profes-

sors. It has been fitted with 30-year-old Pratt and Whit-

ney engine. It can fly up to 13,000 ft, climbing at a rate of

1500 ft per minute. It can achieve a top speed of 185

knots and has a range of 2,000 km.

Virgin Galactic spaceplane, VSS Unity, completes Transonic Glide flight

On 11th January 2018, Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo-

class suborbital rocket-powered passenger carrying space-

plane, VSS Unity completed its seventh unpowered glider

test flight, in the Mojave Desert, California. This test was a

part of series of dry run flights for VSS Unity, which is a

replacement for the initial prototype VSS Enterprise, the

aircraft which was lost in an unfortunate midair accident

in October 2014.

VSS Unity was carried aloft its mothership, VMS Eve, before

being dropped at a high altitude to return to Earth, in a

glide path. The flight was performed by test pilots, Mark

“Forger” Stucky and Michael “Sooch” Masucci, who execut-

ed a series of maneuvers over the desert. The purpose be-

hind the test flight was to expose the VSS Unity to higher

acceleration loads and forces, to simulate the conditions of

powered flight and to push aircraft’s performance enve-

lope. This was also a test for the aircraft’s Thermal Protec-

tion System, which was installed for the first time. This TPS

gave a characteristic silvery luster to the aircraft. VSS Unity

had not flown since August 2017 as engineers and techni-

cians were ensuring the readiness of the aircraft for higher

payloads and rocket-powered flight, for when the need

arises.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 6

Space Exploration Technologies Corp., doing busi-ness as SpaceX, is a private American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has since developed the Fal-con launch vehicle family and the Dragon spacecraft fami-ly, which both currently deliver payloads into Earth orbit.

HAL-Safran partnership for setting up infrastructure at Honda, Goa

Post the approval of transfer of the industrial plot in Hon-

da, by the Goa Industrial Development Corporation

(GIDC), to the Helicopter Engines MRO (HE-MRO) division

of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL); a joint venture

was formed between the French Aerospace firm, Safran

and HAL, to set up infrastructure at the plant in Honda,

Goa. The aeronautical engineers of the HE-MRO have al-

ready started servicing helicopters used by the three

‘Armed Forces’ in the Forward Operating Bases. "We have

started catering to client needs at forward bases. The joint

venture itself would be attending to the issues in the for-

ward area by themselves," Raju said. "They had an oppor-

tunity to attend to the requirements abroad." Said Mr. T

Suvarna Raju, the M.D. of HAL.

HAL and Safran have each decided to invest ₹21.25 cr, at

the initial stages to start the repair and maintenance fa-

cility, since each firm has a 50-50 share in the joint ven-

ture. As per the initial strategy drafted for the joint ven-

ture, the repair facility will provide maintenance, repair

and overhaul services for Safran TM333 and HAL Shakti

Engines, installed on HAL-built Helicopters.

Falcon Heavy – A game changer by SpaceX

Falcon Heavy, a partially reusable super heavy-lift launch vehicle designed and manufactured by SpaceX, has success-fully been launched in to space and was able to put a car in space. Despite the complications, the successful launch of the vehicle, has set a milestone, not only for SpaceX but also for the whole space industry. Officially, Falcon Heavy is the most powerful rocket, which can carry twice the payload as the next closest operational vehicle, Delta IV Heavy. Besides the payload capacity, the reusability of the vehicle makes it three times cheaper. Where the Delta IV heavy can cost up to $400 million per launch, the Falcon Heavy costs only about $90 million per launch. The Falcon Heavy Rocket was launched on 6th February 2018, at 3:45 EST, from the launch pad of the historic Kennedy Space Center in Florida, used for Saturn V’s 1969 Apollo 11 mission.

Elon Musk, SpaceX founder, informed at a press conference that Falcon Heavy is to be a cargo rocket for both private companies and the military. More of the rocket’s launch could be expected in future. Elon Musk expects the Falcon Heavy to be certified for launching satellites on national security mis-sions for the U.S. military just like the company’s previous vehicle Falcon 9. “Falcon Heavy opens up a new class of pay-load. It can launch twice as any payload as any rocket in the world. It can launch things right to Pluto and beyond. No stop needed,” Musk told the press just after the launch.

According to The Verge reports, an economical and powerful rocket like Falcon Heavy could also catch NASA’s attention. NASA is presently developing its own heavy-lift launch vehicle, Space Launch System (SLS). However, SLS is currently far from being put in to operational use, and it could also cost up to ten times, that of Falcon Heavy. Greg Autry, the former White House liaison to NASA told Ars Technica magazine that the lower cost, better performance, over Atlas V and Delta IV, and with its sooner availability as compared to SLS, Falcon Heavy may emerge as an option for future spacecraft sent to Mars or the intriguing moons in the outer Solar System such as Europa, Enceladus, and Titan.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 7

dards of precision and quality and developing a high-

ly skilled workforce to undertake high-technology

work for global customers”

Lokesh Srivastava, COO, TAL Manufacturing Solutions said, “We have been able to meet the quality and delivery needs of the 787 programs, using next-generation technol-ogy and manufacturing practices for making the ACFBs. The new contract reinforces the value potential of our partnership and is a testament to this recognition of not just TAL, but the expertise being developed across India in aerospace manufacturing.”

Trujet evolves into a national carrier —

20 additional routes acquired

Turbo Megha Airways Pvt. Ltd. promoted as ‘Trujet’, the

scheduled regional airline, will be evolving into a national

carrier, soon. Trujet has acquired permission to fly on 20

routes throughout the nation. These include Ahmedabad,

Porbandar, Nashik, Jalgaon, Guwahati, Cooch Behar,

Burhanpur, Tezu and Tezpur to name a few.

Presently, under the UDAN initiative, Trujet flies to 13

destinations; Hyderabad, Aurangabad, Bengaluru, Chen-

nai, Cuddapah, Goa, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Vijayawada,

Nanded, Mysore, Mumbai and Bellary; with 32 services a

day. Trujet is also planning to add seven more aircraft to

their existing fleet of 5 aircraft to deploy on the newly

acquired 20 routes.

Besides the launch of Salem – Chennai sector; which, in

itself, is a commendable feat, as Salem airport was un-

served since Kingfisher operations stopped in 2011, the

addition of 20 routes will certainly boost Trujet in the

league of national scheduled carriers.

Once the Honda facility is operational, it is estimated to repair,

50 helicopter engines, each year. This capacity will be later

ramped up to 150, as mentioned in a statement issued by Safran

Helicopter Engines. The HE-MRO is expected to have 100 em-

ployees and was earlier meant to start the repair activity by

2018, but the project faced a procedural delay, which resulted in

pushing back the outset of the HE-MRO facility by 12-18 months,

according to sources.

After the formation of joint venture, the HE-MRO engi-

neers were recruited and trained by Safran Helicopter En-

gines, and the HE-MRO operations began at Bengaluru.

The manufacturing and assembly of Helicopter engines will

begin later at the Honda facility, as informed by Mr. Raju.

Boeing and TAL Manufacturing sign new contract for ACFB

Boeing one of the largest global aircraft manufacturers, has signed a new contract with TAL Manufacturing Solu-tions Ltd. on 14th March 2018 for TAL’s continued manu-facturing of the Advanced Composite Floor Beam (ACFB) for Boeing's 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft. With this contract, TAL will continue delivering its world-class manufacturing competencies and capabilities to meet Boeing's quality and delivery standards on critical and highly complex 787 structural component. The first con-tract signed by Boeing and TAL was in October 2011 for the floor beams, and TAL successfully delivered the 13,000th beam to 787 fuselage suppliers. TAL has a dedicat-ed manufacturing facility for Boeing in MIHAN SEZ, from where it manufactures and transports the ACFBs.

Boeing President, Pratyush Kumar, said, “This new con-tract for Advanced Composite Floor Beams for the 787-9 and 787-10 is a reaffirmation of our belief and commit-ment in India. Boeing has provided advanced technology to support this partnership, and closely worked with TAL as they trained the frontline factory workers who are now delivering world class quality.”

Banmali Agrawala, President, Infrastructure, Defense and Aerospace, Tata Sons, said, “The collaboration between Boeing and several Tata group companies on various aer-ospace and defense programmes in India will drive syner-gies and create future opportunities for both companies in manufacturing and innovation. This partnership demonstrates our capability in providing world-class stan-

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 8

Spike Aerospace predicts Supersonic

market for 13 million+ passengers

annually

Spike Aerospace, an American aerospace manufacturer

firm based in Boston, has predicted the aviation market

for Supersonic aircraft, stating that supersonic flights

could be flown by over 13 million passengers annually,

post 2025, when the supersonic flights are expected

begin. In order to make this forecast, Spike Aerospace has

analyzed over 4 billion global passengers, which flew in

2017, which accounts to 11 million passengers per day, in

150,000 flights. Analysis was done on parameters like

origin-destination, distances travelled, types of passen-

gers, cabin class and airlines to identify opportunities and

potential demand. Of specific interest were long distance

flights where supersonic speeds provide the most value.

According to Spike Aerospace analysis, more than 650 mil-

lion passengers flew long-haul, non-stop, international

flights, with distances ranging between, 2,000 – 7,000

miles (3,000 to 13,000 km). Premium passengers (First and

Business class), accounted for 72 million or 11.2% of those

seats, in 2017. This is expected to grow to 128 million by

2025.

More than 81% of long haul flights are across continental

locations, while only 19% are trans-oceanic (crossing At-

lantic or Pacific Oceans) flights. Hence supersonic flights

are required to cause a low-sonic boom, to fly over popu-

lated areas, ensuring that there is no harm done to people

or animals on the ground. Advances and innovations in

several technical aspects, assures faster, more efficient

and quieter supersonic flights possible by mid 2020s. Opti-

mized aerodynamics, quieter engines and composite ma-

terials are all technologies that make supersonic aircraft

viable.

"Supersonic flights could be enjoyed by over 13 million

passengers annually when flights begin in 2025. While su-

personic aircraft might be ushered in by the wealthy, they

will ultimately benefit anyone who wants and needs to get

IATA and CAAS sign MoU for SPARC

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and

Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has signed a

Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with an intention to

establish a Global Safety Predictive Analytics Research

Centre (SPARC), in Singapore. This MoC was signed be-

tween the Director General and CEO of IATA, Mr. Alexan-

dre de Juniac and Director General of CAAS, Mr. Kevin

Shum. SPARC will access the research capabilities available

in Singapore, along with the Operational Flight Data and

Safety Information, which are available under IATA’s Glob-

al Aviation Data Management (GADM), to develop predic-

tive analytics to identify potential aviation safety hazards.

This system can be made available throughout the avia-

tion network, for the end user to address and implement

appropriate safety measures, to lessen, or even prevent

the occurrence of safety hazards.

Primarily, SPARC will be focused of Runway Safety applica-

tion, due to events like Runways excursions being one of

the most frequent accident category, in recent years, ac-

cording to IATA’s analysis. “Safety is aviation’s highest pri-

ority and all stakeholders are committed to making flying

even safer. The accident investigation process will contin-

ue to be a fundamental tool in improving safety. However,

as the number of accidents declines, we need to take a

system-based, data-driven, predictive approach to pre-

venting accidents, including analyzing the more than

10,000 flights that operate safely every day. The Singa-

pore Government and the CAAS have been strong part-

ners of IATA and we look forward to working with them

through SPARC to help to take aviation safety to an even

higher level,” stated Mr. Alexandre de Juniac.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 9

weapon with Indian-made seeker flew in its designated

trajectory and hit the target with pin-point accuracy.’

The BrahMos is a joint venture between India’ DRDO and

Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia. It is a medium-range anti-

ship ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched

from submarine, ships, aircraft, or land. It is the world’s

fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world, inoperation.

It has a surface-to-surface, ship-launch, submarine-launch

and air-launch variants. The test flight on 22nd March was

a surface-to-surface one. The name BrahMos is derived

from the ‘Brahmaputra’ river in India and ‘Moskva’ river in

Russia. The two-stage BrahMos missile is a derivative of

the Russian P-800 Oniks over-the-horizon supersonic anti-

ship cruise missile.

AirAsia India plans to begin its overseas

operations by January 2019

Budget carrier AirAsia India, has recently inducted 17th

aircraft in their fleet, and announced the launch of their

services on the New Delhi - Imphal sector, as well as to

Delhi and Pune from Bangalore. In the first quarter of

2018, AirAsia has successfully inducted 3 aircraft, along

with 8 new routes. As per existing rules, domestic airlines

can fly overseas provided they deploy 20 aircraft or 20 per

cent of their capacity in the domestic market, whichever

is higher. AirAsia is currently, 3 aircraft short to qualify for

flying overseas. The airline plans on connecting more and

more tier II and tier III cities, wherever an Airbus A320 can

operate and after completing induction of 20 aircraft,

to their destinations faster. This is going to make the

world smaller and easier to access, so passengers can

personally experience and enjoy all the world offers."

stated Vik Kachoria, CEO & President of Spike Aerospace.

BrahMos missile tested with indigenous seeker

On Thrusday, 22nd March 2018, at 08:42 am, in the

Pokhran test range in Rajasthan, India successfully test-

fired the BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile, which was

fitted with an indigenous ‘seeker’. With the success of

this test fire, India’s ability to strike the enemy target has

been extended up to 400 km. The test was conducted by

scientists of DRDO and BrahMos, along with the Indian

Army. A high-level team, led by DRDO chairman Dr. S

Christopher, which included Director General (Missiles &

Strategic Systems) and Scientific Adviser to Defense Min-

ister G Satheesh Reddy and Director General BrahMos

Sudhir Mishra, was present during the flight trial. Senior

IAF officials were also present for the test.

This was the first time when the missile was tested with

indigenously developed ‘seeker’ technology. The seeker

was developed by Defense Research and Development

Organisation (DRDO) and BrahMos Aerospace & manu-

factured by state-owned Electronics Corporation of India.

The BrahMos missiles in-services have equipped with

seeker developed in Russia, for terminal guidance. India

has been working towards developing a new seeker tech-

nology, to replace the Russia-made one, owing to con-

tractual disputes between the two nations. The range of

BrahMos was initially set to 290 km, as the Missile Tech-

nology Control Regime (MTCR), prevents proliferation of

missile and unmanned aerial vehicle technology capable

of carrying above 500 kg payload for more than 300 km.

Since India joined the MTCR, the range has been extend-

ed to 400 km and plans are being made to develop the

missile for a range of 600 km.

Indian Defense Minister, Nirmala Sitharman tweeted

about this event ‘Formidable Supersonic Cruise Missile

#BrahMos was successfully flight tested at 8:42 AM today

at Pokharan Test Range, Rajasthan. The precision strike

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 10

Indian Navy and Boeing sign con-

tract for P-8I training simulator

The Indian Navy has signed a contract with the US based Boeing, one of the largest global aircraft manufacturers, for acquisition of P-8I aircraft training simulator. The con-tract also included the construction of a 60,000 sq. ft. civil facility, with the inclusion of Training, Support and Data Handling Centre. Also included in the contract is the on-site Comprehensive Annual Maintenance, for a span of 10 years. The complete training facility would be commis-sioned at INS Rajali, Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu. This facility will be Boeing’s third global P-8I reconnaissance training facility; US and Australia has a similar facility.

With the full motion simulator, to train the crew, a maintenance simulator will also be commissioned at Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology (NIAT), Kochi for ab-initio training of the technical personnel, according to a news agency. The P-8I training simulator, with the mainte-nance contract, will be brought from Boeing at ₹19,49 cr. As per the BusinessLine sources, post the 10-year mainte-nance contract expiration, the training facility will be run by the navy itself.

The first P-8I aircraft was inducted in the Indian navy in 2013 and presently, 8 aircraft, based at INS Rajali, have been fully integrated in the Indian Naval Services. In 2016, Indian Defense Minister placed another order for four more P-8I, the deliveries of which are to begin in year 2020.

Nepal awaits a nod from India

With the construction of new airports in progress, Nepal is

expectant of getting approval for an inbound flight route

from west, from India. Nepal is a nation surrounded by

land on all four sides; with India surrounding 3 sides and

China covering the northern end. Presently, India allows

outbound flights from the eastern and western side, but

inbound flights are restricted to eastern side, over the city

of Patna in Bihar.

AirAsia India, will begin flying international. They have set

target to begin their international operations by January

2019 as per ET sources.

"The first quarter of 2018 is proving to be an exciting one

for us. The new route is currently under-served, and the

launch of services will enhance connectivity. So far, we

have added three aircraft, three new destinations, eight

new routes. Our strategy is that once we get to 20 planes

(operating in domestic operations) we will start flying in-

ternational. Mostly, it will be to South East Asian coun-

tries. We will be flying mostly to Malaysia, Indonesia and

neighboring SAARC countries as well. Bangladesh, Nepal

and so on and so forth. Our ultimate mission is to enhance

air connectivity and making air travel a reality to everyone

in the country." stated Amar Abrol, CEO and MD of AirAsia

India.

In-flight connectivity now available

across Air Astana’s Boeing 767 fleet

Air Astana, the flag carrier of Republic of Kazakhstan, has

completed the installation of Rockwell Collins’ cabin sys-

tem, which supports the Inmarsat’s GX Aviation in-flight

connectivity (IFC) service. This installation was performed

across the whole Boeing 767 fleet, operated by Air Asta-

na. The IFC service will be made available to both Busi-

ness and Economy class passengers, to facilitate the inter-

net connectivity for the passengers to access various

apps, software and websites, related to IM & Social net-

works, Email access, etc. on their laptops, tablets and

smartphones. Presently, Air Astana offers three packages

for internet connectivity: Light option - 15 MB, Regular

option - 50 MB and Super option 100 – MB. The Internet

connectivity speed is estimated to be an average 2-5

Mbps. In September 2017, Air Astana became the first

airline in the world to offer Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX)

Aviation onboard a wide body aircraft, to provide in-flight

connectivity, when the installation of the above-

mentioned Rockwell Collins’ cabin system installation was

completed on its first Boeing 767. Air Astana operates the

Boeing 767 domestic trunk routes and high-density long-

haul routes out of Almaty and Astana.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 11

at least 250 workers to get started, and that will grow into more than 400 when we have a full workload in the six ini-tial hangars.” He also said that this facility will provide ser-vices like the wide range of services AAR provides in the U.S., including, “painting, lease-return modifications, cabin modifications and upgrades including inflight entertain-ment, and so forth. As part of full-service provision, there is also a plan for component repair back shops immediately.”

One of the reasons for establishing this partnership with Indamer, is that it is an Indian company and knows the lo-cal market and workforce. “A training school under Inda-mer’s CAR 147 certification will be used to train engineers under the government of India’s skill development pro-gram,” Shah explained. This training will be in addition to the AAR’s own maintenance and training experience. The preliminary batch of technical staff will receive at one of AAR’s maintenance facilities in U.S. The initial focus of the Nagpur facility will be towards serving Indian Airlines. The facility is currently working on procuring certificates from FAA, EASA and DGCA.

Nuclear Capable Ballistic Agni II missile test fires successfully

India’s indigenously developed medium-range nuclear ca-

pable ballistic Agni II missile was successfully tested on 20th

February 2018. This test was conducted from Launch Com-

plex-4 of Integrated Test Range (ITR) on the Abdul Kalam

Island off the Odisha coast. The test was conducted as part

of user training exercise, by the Strategic Forces Command

(SFC). Agni-II is considered as a backbone of India’s land

based deterrent force. Hence, it is road and rail mobile and

according to media reports, the entire trajectory of trial was

tracked with sophisticated radars, telemetry observation

stations and two naval ships located near impact point in

the down range area of Bay of Bengal.

Mr. Sanjiv Gautam, the Director General of Civil Aviation

Authority of Nepal, informed PTI at the Singapore Airshow,

held in February 2018, "We have been in dialogue with the

Indian authority and hope to get approval (for the route)

this year". He also added that inbound flights from west

would have a reduced flight time, instead of having to fly

over Bihar, and then enter Nepal. This approval would cer-

tainly be beneficial for Nepal air traffic

Mr. Gautam also informed that Nepal is preparing to de-

velop its airport infrastructure, to host five million tourists

a year by 2025, which is five times of current annual aver-

age of one million. He also mentioned that the Kathmandu

airport (Tribhuvan International Airport), is already con-

gested.

Nepal is in the finishing stages of upgrading the Gautam

Buddha Airport, to a Regional International Airport, mak-

ing it Nepal’s second international airport. The upgrada-

tion is expected to be done in 2018, with an investment of

USD 80 million. Besides, another airport is being built at

Pokhara, which is one of the most popular tourist spots,

for an investment of 260 million, and is expected to finish

by July 2021.

AAR to start its maintenance service in India soon

AAR Corp. the American aerospace and expeditionary ser-vice provider is preparing to enter the Indian MRO market. The company has been establishing its presence globally and has presently decided to partner with Indamer Avia-tion Pvt. Ltd. (one of the leading aviation services provider in India), to build an airframe maintenance facility in Nag-pur, Maharashtra. This facility will have six bays for narrow-body aircraft, which includes a painting bay. Although the partners envision the expansion of facility, to have up to 16 bays plus component repair shops. The facility is said to be opened in the last quarter of 2018.

AAR’s senior VP for Strategic Growth in Asia & Middle East, Rahul Shah informed that the Nagpur facility will support all the narrow-bodies, which include new-generation platforms too. He stated, “Typically, you need

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 12

Honeywell’s HUMS technology enables predictive,

condition-based maintenance using sensors on ro-

tating parts, such as the main rotor, tail rotor and

drivetrain, to measure the health and performance of

these critical components on an aircraft. The systems col-

lect, analyze and manage this data, helping operators and

maintenance crews detect and fix potential mechanical

issues before they ground a helicopter. RECON is an

evolved version of Honeywell’s HUMS, and has the ability

to acquire and process data eight times faster as com-

pared to Honeywell’s previous systems. This will reduce

the flight test time and increase the data collection.

RECON also enables in-flight rapid data processing and

assessment with alerts that can be transmitted via satellite

communication systems. This enables the maintenance

crews to stay connected and monitor the health of the

rotorcraft at any place and any time. Honeywell’s HUMS

products family share a similar hardware and software

structure, which facilitates easy upgrade to the new

RECON system.

University of South Carolina did a study, along with the

South Carolina Army National Guard, and observed that

Honeywell’s HUMS have saved $2.1 millions in parts cost

and operations support. Additionally, 75% reduction in

unscheduled maintenance (which is a key indicator for

mission readiness), was also observed. Also, unscheduled

replacements were reduced to less than 4 percent of total

maintenance actions.

“RECON is built on Honeywell’s successful and field-

proven HUMS technologies, which have helped our cus-

tomers with maintenance needs for more than 30 years.

This next generation of HUMS will help operators in indus-

tries like oil and gas, emergency medical services, forestry,

and defense be connected and ready for takeoff at any

moment. RECON’s ability to transfer data in real time is

enabling the new age of the Connected Helicopter. Using

this new system with other connected technologies like

Sky Connect and Aspire 200, operators can remain con-

nected wherever they go. This can reduce in-flight cancel-

lations by up to 30 percent, reduce test flights by 20 per-

cent and cut down on scheduled maintenance by up to 10

percent.” said Ben Driggs, president of aftermarket sales,

Americas, Honeywell Aerospace.

Minister of Railways and Coal, Piyush Goyal congratulated

the team behind the successful test of the Agni II Missile,

stating, ‘India crossed another technological threshold by

successfully test-firing Agni II, indigenously developed me-

dium-range, nuclear-capable missile. It will further

strengthen our defense capabilities. Minister of Commerce

& Industry and and current minister of Civil Aviation,

Suresh Prabhu, also expressed his congratulations through

twitter, stating, ‘Another addition to our defense capabili-

ties. Congratulations to our scientists, engineers on suc-

cessful test-firing of Agni II, indigenously developed medi-

um-range, nuclear-capable missile.’

The Agni-II is a strategic, medium-range ballistic missile

(MRBM) with two solid fuel stages and a Post Boost Vehi-

cle (PBV) integrated into the missile's Re-entry Vehicle

(RV). Agni-II, which is developed as part of medium- and

long-range Agni series of missile systems. Agni-II is a 21

metres in length and 3 metres in width, with a weight of 15

tonnes, and can carry a warhead payload of 1000 kg. Agni-

II has an operational range of over 2000 km.

Honeywell introduces RECON — Predictive maintenance enhanced

Deriving from the Honeywell’s legacy, mission proven,

Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS), they have

developed, RECON, a system which provides complete in-

flight drivetrain data acquisition, data processing and

drivetrain diagnostics for complex aircraft. RECON is a

technology which will help civil and defense helicopter

operators ensure aircraft availability while increasing safe-

ty and reducing operational and maintenance costs. It uses

connectivity to share critical aircraft health data in real

time, allowing maintenance crews to track the health of

the rotorcraft at any location. RECON, in combination with

other solutions like the Sky Connect® tracking systems and

Aspire 200 Satellite Communications System, Honeywell is

enabling operators to benefit from the Connected Helicop-

ter.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 13

wish list of things we want to buy in defense but we want to export from here."

Kenneth Juster, SU Ambassador to India said that the facili-ty stands to be a perfect example of what US and India could do in defense production. He noted that US was not mere a supplier but was partner in developing India as a significant place for advanced defense production. "Having enabling environment that encourages trade investment and ease of doing business in regulatory sense is essential to this effort what we see here." he said.

Sukran Singh, CEO and MD, TASL, said the project was sig-nificant for India and US cooperation. He pointed out that 80 per cent of 2,200 parts in the product are made in India. Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing mentioned that TBAL is just the beginning of Boeing's future journey of partnership with India. "We see this as a major step towards future op-portunities to pursue the co-development of integrated systems in aerospace and defense," he said.

The inauguration was also attended by US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster; Chairman Emeritus - Tata Sons, Ratan Tata; and President and CEO - Boeing Defense, Space and Security, Leanne Caret; Boeing India President, Pratyush Kumar and other officials.

CAAC grants airworthiness certification to SR Technics in Malaysia

SR Technics’ Malaysian operations has been given air-

worthiness certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of

China (CAAC). This certification will enable SR Technics Ma-

laysia to certify components for their customers on the

Chinese market. With this, SR Technics Switzerland also

renewed their existing CAAC certification, allowing them to

issue Chinese airworthiness certificates from its Swiss

maintenance facilities. Since SR Technics is expanding its

component services in China and the wider Asia pacific

regions, the CAAC certification proves to be an important

milestone. This certification will assist SR Technics Malaysia

to certify their existing and new customers, which require

component certification on their Boeing and Airbus aircraft

in China, thus increasing SR Technics presence and capabil-

ities in the Asia Pacific region.

Tata and Boeing unite to open Apache helicopter fuselage facility in Hyderabad

On 01st March 2018, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, inau-gurated its facility in Hyderabad, which is established to manufacture Boeing’s AH-64 Apache Helicopter and other aerostructures. This facility, which is spread over 14,000 square meters and has an employability of 350 skilled workers, will be the sole producer of the AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselage delivered by Boeing to its customers, including the US Army. In November 2015, Tata and Boeing had announced a Joint Venture for the manufacture of aer-ostructures and collaboration on integrated systems devel-opment opportunities in India. The foundation for the facil-ity was laid in 2016 and the construction was completed on schedule. The delivery of the first fuselage of one of the world's most advanced attack helicopter is expected later in 2018. This facility will also be manufacturing secondary structures and vertical spar boxes of the multi-role combat helicopter. The Boeing-made Apache helicopter has been selected for

acquisition by the armed forces of 16 countries, including

India. Indian ministry of Defense have finalized an order of

22 AH-64 Apache Helicopters and the deliveries are to be

expected in 2019. More than 2300 Boeing made Apache

Helicopters are operated by customers throughout the

world, since it entered production.

The inauguration of the facility was done by Defense Minis-

ter Nirmala Sitharaman and Telangana Minister for Indus-

tries and IT, KT Rama Rao. The Defense Minister was proud

to learn that the facility has been commended by auditors

in the US Army that the products manufactured here have

zero defects. "This shows that zero defect product attribut-

ed normally to robotics and automation is achievable with

high degree of human element," she said. She also said the

world-class facility would give a big push to the defense

industry and set the pace for Make in India in a big way.

Also, the plant would also help India realise its goal of be-

coming an exporter of defense systems. The Defense Min-

ister stated, “Our Prime Minister's dream is to see India as

a defense product exporter. We want to manufacture not

just for our consumption and not because we have big

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 14

India test-fires the Nuclear capable Prithvi II missile

India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed

nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile as part of a user training

exercise by Strategic Forces Command (SFC), on 07th Feb

2018. The logistic support was received from Defense Re-

search and Development Organisation (DRDO). For the

test of this surface-to-surface missile, it was mounted on

a Mobile Tatra transporter-erector Launcher (MTL), and

was fired from the launching complex - III of the Integrat-

ed Test Range (ITR), located at Chandipur, off Odisha

coast at about 11.35 am.

The test was a successful one as all the test missions were

cleared during the event. This test missile was randomly

chosen from the production stock and the entire launch

activities were executed by the Strategic Force Command

(SFC) of the Army and monitored by the scientists of

DRDO. According to Indian Express sources, “The mission

met all mission objectives successfully. Carrying a dummy

payload, the missile covered the desired striking range

before plunging into the sea at a predetermined splash-

down point. The entire flight path of the missile was

smooth in accordance with pre-decided coordinates. It

travelled around 300 km in six minutes." The night trial of

the Prithvi II missile was carried out on 21st February

2018.

Prithvi II is single stage, twin engine-liquid fueled, missile,

which can carry 500-1000 kg of warheads. It uses state-of-

the-art missile uses advanced inertial guidance system

with manoeuvring trajectory to hit the target. Prithvi II is a

nine-metre-long and one-metre thick missile, with a

launch weight of 4.6 tonnes and a strike range of 350 km.

It was inducted in India’s Strategic Forces Command in

2003 and was the first missile to have been developed by

the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Develop-

ment Programme (IGMDP).

Indian air space to reach 855 million air

passengers by 2030-31

Indian air space is likely to see a growth of air passengers

to 855 million, by 2030-31, as informed by Government at

the Parliament on 08th February. These numbers denote a

threefold increase in the air passenger traffic from year

2016-17, where the number was 265 million. The growth

in the number of air passengers over the next 15-year peri-

od will be more than double from the current passenger

handling capacity of the airports in India which is at 334

million, according to the data shared by Government.

"The available capacity at Indian airports is 334 million pas-

sengers per annum against 265 million passengers handled

in 2016-2017 and the traffic forecast for 2030-31 is 855

million passengers," stated Mr. Jayant Sinha, Minister of

State for Civil Aviation, answering a question in Lok Sabha.

In the Budget announcement for 2018, Government advo-

cated the airport capacity enhancement, where the air-

ports capacity to be raised more than five times, to handle

a billion trips per year, under Government’s new initiative,

NextGen Airports for Bharat (NABH) Nirman. Mr. Jayant

Sinha informed that a framework will be developed, for

the next 15-20 years, to promote the aviation sector in In-

dia. The Airport Authority of India (AAI), will leverage its

balance sheet and raise more funds, to achieve the airport

capacity enhancement. AAI will exercise various options in

this regard, including bank financing, Masala Bonds and

External Commercial loans. Under the NABH Nirman initia-

tive, revising regulatory framework for airports, strength-

ening of Airports Authority of India (AAI), forging partner-

ships with states, having multiple airports in metros and

boosting air navigation system to manage crowded air-

space would be the key aspects. A Request for Proposal

(RFP) has been issued for a detailed study to understand

the demand and capital requirements for NABH Nirman.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 15

Post the release of VSS Unity from its mothership, the air-

craft was pushed to a sharp descent, where it accelerated

to a speed of 0.9 mach (approx. 1111 km/h), which is the

maximum speed it can attain without its engine power. It

returned to earth in a successful touchdown, post taking a

glide path. The VSS Unity flew with water ballast equiva-

lent in weight to the fully fueled hybrid liquid/solid rocket

motor and was jettisoned at 22,000 ft to simulate the

weight of a returning spacecraft. VSS Unity still must go a

long way, by successfully completing few powered flights,

before it is ready to carry passengers and research pay-

loads to sub-orbital space.

Component maintenance contract expanded for Jet Airways

The Indian international carrier Jet Airways have expand-

ed their cooperation with Lufthansa Technik, by signing a

Total Component Maintenance Contract, for Jet Airways’

narrowbody fleet of 80 Boeing 737NG, with single compo-

nents repaired in a closed-loop and flat rate-based pro-

cess. Additionally, the existing contract between Jet Air-

ways and Lufthansa Technik for Total Component Support

on Jet Airways’ widebody fleet, was extended for seven

years. The contract comprises an extensive component

pooling-based support for ten Boeing 777 and eight Airbus

A330 aircraft.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Jet Airways, Amit

Agarwal stated, "As India's premier international airline,

Jet Airways follows a stringent selection process for ser-

vice providers. We are pleased to expand the scope of our

ongoing relationship with Lufthansa Technik to include our

Boeing 737NG fleet, in addition to our A330 and 777

fleets, for which they have been a reliable component sup-

plier for many years. We look forward to an excellent part-

nership with them."

Vice President Corporate Sales Asia Pacific at Lufthansa

Technik, Gerald Steinhoff said, "Jet Airways is one of the

most successful international airlines in the fast-growing

Indian aviation market. We are very proud that we have

been a long-term preferred partner for Jet. Our experience

in component support and our long-lasting activities in the

Indian market will help us to further improve the best pos-

sible technical support for their fleet. Our long association

with Jet Airways is proof of the commitment we

make to our customers."

Jet Airways is a major Indian International airline, which op-

erates to 64 destinations within and outside India, including

major destinations from South East Asia, South Asia, Middle

East, Europe and North America. Jet Airways currently, has

a fleet of 119 aircraft which comprises of Airbus A330-

200/300, Boeing 777-300 ER, Next Generation Boeing 737

and ATR 72-500/600

Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of

technical aircraft services in the world. It has almost 35 sub-

sidiaries and affiliates around the globe. Lufthansa Technik's

services covers the entire range of services for commercial

and VIP/special mission aircraft, engines, components and

landing gear in the areas of digital fleet support, mainte-

nance, repair, overhaul, modification, completion and con-

version as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin prod-

ucts.

Agni I missile test fired off Odisha Coast

On 6th February 2018, India tested the advanced variant of

surface-to-surface nuclear capable short-range ballistic

missile Agni-I. The test was carried from a defense test fa-

cility namely, the launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test

Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island in Balasore, off Odisha

coast. The test was conducted as part of the user training

exercise by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of Indian

Army with logistic support from the Defense Research and

Development Organisation (DRDO) for a range of about

750 km. It was a successful test which reconfirmed the

missiles ability to achieve the technical parameters set.

According to Indian Express Defense sources, who said,

“The missile was fired in a different trajectory and it per-

fectly demonstrated yaw maneuvering with mid-course

angle. The Agni-I (A) is more advanced and has the capabil-

ity to deceive Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) shield.” The

source also informed that two Naval ships located near the

target, kept a track of the missile throughout the terminal

phase of the flight.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 16

Indian Aviation soars, whereas MRO industry sores

In October 2015, when the news about the new policy, to boost the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul sector in India, was announced, it created a positive stir amongst the MRO players in India. If everything was to be imple-mented and executed accordingly, then Indian MRO in-dustry would have seen a sharp growth in the mainte-nance work in India. But it did not happen. The Indian MRO industry was worth approx. 5 billion, when the poli-cy was announced, and it continues to be at the same amount.

One of the major changes was seen in aviation was when aircraft were allowed to fly in to India for 180 days with-out any permission. Prior to this, aircraft coming to India for more than 15 days required to follow an unwieldy ap-proval process from the DGCA. Owing to the previous pol-icy, many airlines chose to fly to countries like Malaysia, Dubai, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Hong Kong, de-spite of India having the technical capabilities and com-petitive rates. Besides, the aircraft were also not allowed to fly in with passengers, which meant a loss of revenue for airlines, every time an aircraft flew empty. The new policy sought to rectify these issues, allowing aircraft to fly in with passengers.

Where some proposals were certainly implemented, oth-er failed to take off. The 19% import duty on tools and spares, which was proposed to remove in the October 2015 policy, remains. Also remains is the 13% royalty on such work at the airport. Sources were of the view that at Delhi and Mumbai airports it may not happen since GMR and GVK, the two private players involved, have protest-ed this. The Delhi airport continues to charge a 20 per cent royalty. However, Cochin airport, also a private facili-ty, is not charging any royalty. As a result, some private players have in fact taken hangars at Cochin for MRO work.

Adding to the issues, the Service Tax of 15% was replaced by the newly introduced Goods and Services Tax, which could go as high as 28%. Previously, the charges paid on labour could not be set off against the tax which was paid by airlines, whereas now, the full GST can be set off. Ac-cording to industry sources, this would be preferable for airlines as it reduces their overall tax liability. MRO indus-try has proposed AAI to allow maintenance work to hap-pen at its airports, throughout the country. On the face of it, this is permitted by the detailed rules and regulations, make the implementation practically impossible. Provi-sion of work space at reasonable rents and simplification of rules and procedures is essential for maintenance work to be carried out efficiently.

Sources also mention that the rents at the two major air-ports, Delhi and Mumbai, needs to be relaxed, as they are approx. 50-100% higher than the rent charged on

equivalent facilities in Europe and Turkey. The high revenue share amounts promised at these two facili-ties compel the two private players to charge as much as possible.

If the October 2015 policy was implemented to its fullest, Indian MRO industry would be soaring high with Indian Avia-tion. Servicing in India would have been 25-30 % cheaper. With respect to the changes implemented, aircraft mainte-nance has become roughly 10% cheaper, but MRO sector is awaiting to gain its wings. MRO Association of India, has also been working tirelessly with the Indian Govt and Aviation ministry to bring out reformation in regulations and its im-plementation.

MoU signed between Andhra Pradesh and Emirates Group for Aviation infra-structure

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed be-

tween the Dubai-based Emirates Group, with the Andhra

Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB), to sup-

port the development of aviation infrastructure within the

state. Emirates Group MoU includes all its affiliated enti-

ties, including Flydubai. The MoU was signed between

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, CEO and chairman of the

Emirates Group and Krishna Kishore, the CEO of the

APEDB. This signing occurred during Chief Minister of An-

dhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu’s visit to Dubai.

The MoU aims at establishing a framework, in various avia-

tion sectors, to support and invest in the development of

the Aviation sector in Andhra Pradesh, by sharing industry

expertise and identifying development and investment op-

portunities in the state. “The Emirates Group is committed

to future investment and expansion in support of India’s

2020 goal to be the world’s third largest aviation market.

We recognize that airlines have a major role to play as fa-

cilitators of economic and industrial growth, and strategic

partnerships such as this are important to achieve that.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 17

Through this agreement, Emirates and Flydubai will work

closely with APEDB to share expertise, discuss opportuni-

ties, enhance and support the growth of the aviation sec-

tor in the state of Andhra Pradesh” stated Sheikh Ahmed

Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

“We are confident that this significant partnership with

the Emirates Group will be a major boost to APEDB’S stra-

tegic efforts to elevate, enhance and develop the aviation

industry in Andhra Pradesh. It will contribute positively to

AP’s economic growth as well as help us build a stronger

framework for industrial and infrastructural develop-

ment. We are optimistic with the pivotal role played by

the Emirates Group in achieving these goals and have no

doubt that the partnership will reap mutual benefits,”

said Krishna Kishore.

GE and Tata break ground together for Hyderabad aerospace facility

GE and Tata group, India’s leading global enterprise and

a significant player in the global aerospace market, had

signed an agreement on 29th November 2017, to set up a

manufacturing facility for the CFM international LEAP

engine components, in India. The manufacturing facility

is to be set up in Adibatla, Hyderabad. The ground-

breaking ceremony for the facility was held in February

2018 and was attended by Vishal Wanchoo, President

and CEO – GE South Asia; K T Rama Rao – Cabinet Minis-

ter for State, for ICT, MAUD, Textile and NRI affairs and

Banmali Agrawala – President, Infrastructure and De-

fense & Aerospace, Tata Sons. Under the strategic part-

nership, GE Aviation and Tata Sons’ subsidiary, Tata Ad-

vanced Systems Limited (TASL), will join forces for manu-

facturing, assembling, integration and testing of aircraft

components. A new Centre of Excellence (COE) will be

established to help develop a robust ecosystem for air-

craft engine manufacturing in India and build related ca-

pabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, K T Rama Rao said, “TASL

had been an anchor investor at the Adibatla Aero-

space Park. GE has joined a list of marquee companies that

have chosen Hyderabad for their operations through this

joint venture. GE and Tata Group are keen to tap India’s

potential in the aerospace manufacturing segment. Tel-

angana has created a strong ecosystem for aerospace man-

ufacturing and has already created two aerospace parks to

enable its growth further. The State also has five airstrips

and is focusing on strengthening its infrastructure support-

ed by its efforts for skilling so that there is adequate man-

power available for the industry.”

Banmali Agrawala stated that, “Tata group’s partnership

with GE will boost the domestic manufacturing expertise

and enhance the capabilities of the group in the global aer-

ospace industry. We look forward to developing a resilient

ecosystem through this collaboration that will help both

companies to strengthen manufacturing expertise in the

country. This investment will create highly skilled jobs and

develop a high-end supply chain that will offer a globally

competitive manufacturing ecosystem in India,”

"Both GE and Tata have a long and distinguished history

of delivering on commitments to help customers solve

some of their toughest challenges. The collaboration be-

tween the two companies will deliver results for India’s

aerospace and defense industry which will be unmatched.

Through our technology centres in Bengaluru and Hydera-

bad, GE has developed high-tech research capabilities in

India. Combining GE’s R&D capability with state of the art

manufacturing within Tata’s new facility in Hyderabad is a

significant step forward in building indigenous capability

for the Indian aerospace industry.” said Vishal Wanchoo.

"This facility will manufacture components for Leading

Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) engines for jets and will

cater to aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing and

supply components for India and global markets of GE" he

added.

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 18

The manufacturing-cum-research facility is expected to

be completed and ready for manufacturing by the end of

year 2018. During the ground-breaking ceremony, Vishal

Wanchoo shared with the journalists, that the facility has

already received 200 orders from 35 aerospace compa-

nies, even before the start of the company. According to

ET sources, a top official informed that this facility has

received orders, for the next five years. This facility is lo-

cated on the outskirts of Hyderabad, in Adibatla, where

Tata already has manufacturing units with other joint

venture partners, which includes Boeing.

Fifth test of India’s nuclear-capable

Agni-5 missile successful

On 18th January 2018, 09:53 am; India successfully tested

the Agni-5 missile, from the Abdul Kalam Island (formerly

known as Wheeler Island), situated off the coast of Od-

isha. This was the fifth test of the Agni-5 missile and third

consecutive one from the canister on a road mobile

launcher. Agni-5 is India’s nuclear-capable Intercontinen-

tal Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which has a strike range of

5000 Km. Throughout the test, the flight performance of

the missile was tracked and monitored by radars, range

stations and tracking systems. Defense ministry reported

that the success of this test has reaffirmed India’s indige-

nous missile capabilities. All the tests were conducted suc-

cessfully, and the objectives of the mission were success-

fully met. According to PTI, Agni-5 travelled for 19 minutes

and covered 4900 Km. The canister on a road mobile

launcher provides significant mobility to the missile, which

allows quick transport and provides a launch-from-

anywhere capability.

The Agni-5 test launch operation was headed by Agni-5

Project Director, G Ramaguru and Agni Programme Direc-

tor MRM Babu. The test was witnessed by Dr. G Satheesh

Reddy, Scientific Advisor to Defense Minister and Director

General, Missiles and Strategic Systems. The launch opera-

tions were reviewed by Directors of Defense Research and

Development Organisation labs, namely ASL, DRDL ,

ITR, RCI and TBRL. Senior officials from the Indian

Armed Forces were also present at the occasion.

Chairman DRDO & Secretary DDR&D Dr. S Christo-

pher congratulated Agni-5 team and said that the fifth con-

secutive successful flight test of Agni-5 is a major boost to

country’s defense capabilities. India’s Defense Minister

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, expressed her happiness while

inaugurating the Defense Industry Development Meet held

at Chennai. She commended the DRDO and lauded the

industries who contributed to the manufacture of indige-

nous technologies that went into the making of the missile

The Agni-5 missile is the most advanced missile in the Agni

series of missiles, due to navigation and guidance, war-

head and engine. The missile will be eventually inducted in

to the tri-service, Strategic Forces Command, which man-

ages India’s nuclear arsenal. Post the induction of the Agni

-5 missile, India will become a part of small group of coun-

tries which have ICBMs (with a range of 5000 – 5500 Km).

Presently, US, Chine, Russia and France are known to have

ICBMs.

Boeing releases its new Unmanned CAV design

On 10th January 2018, Boeing unveiled a new design for its

electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) design for an

Unmanned Cargo Air Vehicle (CAV). The CAV is powered by

an environment friendly electric propulsion system and are

equipped with eight counter-rotating blades, which enables

the vehicle to have a vertical take-off. The weight of CAV is

747 lbs. (339 kgs.) & dimension of this vehicle prototype

are:

Length: 15 feet (4.57 meters) Width: 18 feet (5.49 meters) Height: 4 feet (1.22 meters) The CAV prototype, developed as part of a collaboration between Boeing HorizonX and Boeing Research & Technolo-gy, is designed to transport a payload of 500 lbs. (227 kgs). The prototype was designed by a team of engineers and

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 19

technicians throughout the company within less than 3 months. The preliminary test flights were done at Boeing Research and Technology’s Collaborative Autonomous System Laboratory in Missouri. This is a prototype will be used to test and further develop Boeing's autonomy tech-nology for future aerospace vehicles. Boeing's Chief Technology Officer, Greg Hyslop said "This

flying cargo air vehicle represents another major step in

our Boeing eVTOL strategy. We have an opportunity to

really change air travel and transport, and we'll look back

on this day as a major step in that journey."

Steve Nordlund, Boeing HorizonX Vice-President said, "Our new CAV prototype builds on Boeing's existing un-manned systems capabilities and presents new possibili-ties for autonomous cargo delivery, logistics and other transportation applications. The safe integration of un-manned aerial systems is vital to unlocking their full po-tential. Boeing has an unmatched track record, regulato-ry know-how and systematic approach to deliver solu-tions that will shape the future of autonomous flight."

Boeing is the Chicago, Illinois based American multina-tional corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and satellites worldwide. The company also provides leasing and product support services. Boeing is among the largest global aircraft man-ufacturers; it is the second-largest defense contractor in the world based on 2015 revenue and is the largest ex-porter in the United States by dollar value.

Aviation Events: April 2018 - June 2018

• ASIAN BUSINESS AVIATION CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

Date: 17th April 18 - 19th April 18

Location: Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service

Centre Shanghai, China

• EURASIA AIRSHOW

Date: 25th April 18 - 29th April 2018

Location: Antalya International Airport, Antalya, Turkey

• NBAA MAINTENANCE CONFERENCE

Date: 1st May 18 - 3rd May 18

Location: Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque,

New Mexico

• US AIRCRAFT EXPO, CA

Date: 4th May 18 - 5th May 18

Location: McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad, San Diego

County, California

• EUROPEAN BUSINESS AVIATION CONVENTION &

EXHIBITION 2018

Date: 29th May 18 - 31st May 2018

Location: Palexpo Convention Center, Geneva, Switzerland

• US Aircraft Expo, UT

Date: 22nd June 18 - 23rd June 18

Location: Salt Lake City Airport, Salt Lake City, Utah

Reference:

timesofindia.indiatimes.com telanganatoday.com indiatoday.in aviationtoday.com

aviation-defense-universe.com thehindubusinessline.com aerotime.aero geaviation.com

economictimes.indiatimes.com thenewsminute.com mro-network.com tata.com

aerospace.honeywell.com eturbonews.com wikipedia.org airbus.com

aviationspaceindia.com arabianaerospace.aero businesstoday.in safran-group.com

business-standard.com newatlas.com avitrader.com goacom.com

mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com space.com hothardware.com ainonline.com

mrobusinesstoday.com aviationpros.com ge.com businessair.com

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 20

technicians throughout the company within less than 3 months. The preliminary test flights were done at Boeing Research and Technology’s Collaborative Autonomous System Laboratory in Missouri. This is a prototype will be used to test and further develop Boeing's autonomy tech-nology for future aerospace vehicles. Boeing's Chief Technology Officer, Greg Hyslop said "This

flying cargo air vehicle represents another major step in

our Boeing eVTOL strategy. We have an opportunity to

really change air travel and transport, and we'll look back

on this day as a major step in that journey."

Steve Nordlund, Boeing HorizonX Vice-President said, "Our new CAV prototype builds on Boeing's existing un-manned systems capabilities and presents new possibili-ties for autonomous cargo delivery, logistics and other transportation applications. The safe integration of un-manned aerial systems is vital to unlocking their full po-tential. Boeing has an unmatched track record, regulato-ry know-how and systematic approach to deliver solu-tions that will shape the future of autonomous flight."

Boeing is the Chicago, Illinois based American multina-tional corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, and satellites worldwide. The company also provides leasing and product support services. Boeing is among the largest global aircraft man-ufacturers; it is the second-largest defense contractor in the world based on 2015 revenue and is the largest ex-porter in the United States by dollar value.

Aviation Events: April 2018 - June 2018

• ASIAN BUSINESS AVIATION CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

Date: 17th April 18 - 19th April 18

Location: Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service

Centre Shanghai, China

• EURASIA AIRSHOW

Date: 25th April 18 - 29th April 2018

Location: Antalya International Airport, Antalya, Turkey

• NBAA MAINTENANCE CONFERENCE

Date: 1st May 18 - 3rd May 18

Location: Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque,

New Mexico

• US AIRCRAFT EXPO, CA

Date: 4th May 18 - 5th May 18

Location: McClellan-Palomar Airport, Carlsbad, San Diego

County, California

• EUROPEAN BUSINESS AVIATION CONVENTION &

EXHIBITION 2018

Date: 29th May 18 - 31st May 2018

Location: Palexpo Convention Center, Geneva, Switzerland

• US Aircraft Expo, UT

Date: 22nd June 18 - 23rd June 18

Location: Salt Lake City Airport, Salt Lake City, Utah

Reference:

timesofindia.indiatimes.com telanganatoday.com indiatoday.in aviationtoday.com

aviation-defense-universe.com thehindubusinessline.com aerotime.aero geaviation.com

economictimes.indiatimes.com thenewsminute.com mro-network.com tata.com

aerospace.honeywell.com eturbonews.com wikipedia.org airbus.com

aviationspaceindia.com arabianaerospace.aero businesstoday.in safran-group.com

business-standard.com newatlas.com avitrader.com goacom.com

mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com space.com hothardware.com ainonline.com

mrobusinesstoday.com aviationpros.com ge.com businessair.com

Publisher : MRO Association of India

Office : MRO Association of India, 402, Wellington Business Park 2, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai-400059 India.

Email: admin@mroassociation.in

Website : www.mroassociation.in

AERO MRO DIGEST

Vol 2 Issue 2 May 2018 21

New Appointments

Frank Saudo, 41, has been appointed as the CEO of the Safran Helicopter Engines, effective 2nd April 2018. Franck Saudo has degrees from the Ecole Polytechnique, the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées and the London School of Economics. He was appointed at the treasury Department of the French ministry as the Head of Finan-cial Markets, where he was in charge of issues concerning international debt and the Club de Paris. In 2007, he was appointed as the financial sector advisor to the cabinet of the French Minister of the Economy, Industry and Employ-ment. He joined Safran in 2011 as deputy to the Group's Executive Vice President for Strategy and Development.He became the Vice President, Support & Services at Safran Helicopter Engines. From December 2017 till date, he was CEO of Safran Transmission Systems.

Name: Frank Saudo

Designation: CEO

Company: Safran Helicopter

Engines

Name: Air Marshal RKS

Shera

Designation: Air Officer-in-

charge Maintenance

Company: Indian Air Force

Air Marshal Raj Karan Singh Shera, or RKS Shera, took charge as Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance, IAF on 01st March 2018. He is a post graduate from IIT Kanpur in Elec-trical Engineering and an alumnus of prestigious National Defense College (NDC) and Naval War College (NWC). He also has fellowships with the Institute of Engineers, Insti-tute of Electronics and Telecommunication and Aeronauti-cal Society of India and is a member of Computer Society of India. He was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineer-ing Electronics Branch of Indian Air Force on 05 Jan 1981. He was trained in Russia on MIG-29 aircraft at the time of fleet induction in 1986. During his 37 years of service, Air Marshal Shera has held several important command and staff assignments that include Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Engg A), SMSO HQ WAC, Station Commander TETTRA School, Director MiG-29 Weapon Cell at Air HQ, Chief of Aircraft Production at Base Repair Depot, Inspector in Di-rectorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI), Chief Engineering Officer of a Fighter Base and Instructor at Technical Train-ing School, Botswana (Africa). For his distinguished service, the Air Officer was awarded 'Vishisht Seva Medal' in 1993 and the 'Ati Vishisht Seva Medal' in 2014.

Safran Helicopter Engines has appointed Olivier Le Merrer,

57, as the Executive Vice President, Support and Services.

Olivier Le Merrer graduated from École Centrale Paris in

1982 and joined Safran Aircraft Engines in the same year.

There he fulfilled various roles in Engineering, Program

Management, Manufacturing Operations, and Business Unit

Management. He joined Safran Landing Systems as Execu-

tive VP, in charge of its wheels & brakes division in 2009. He

was appointed as the EVP of Safran Electronics & Defense,

in charge of Safran Electronics Division, in 2015. Olivier Le

Merrer has been serving as EVP of Engineering of Safran

Electronics & Defense, since 1st January 2017.

Name: Olivier Le Merrer

Designation: Executive VP

Support and Services

Company: Safran Helicopter

Engines

Name: Jyri Strandman

Designation: Chief Operating

Officer

Company: GoAir

Indian Low-cost carrier, GoAir, has appointed Jyri Strand-man as the Chief Operating Officer. Strandman will be re-porting to the Managing Director, Jehangir Wadia and will also be a part of airline’s core management team. He will be responsible for strengthening GoAir’s operational func-tions of flight operations, engineering, airports security and airside operations; flight safety, inflight safty and integrated operations control centre. Prior to GoAir, Jyri Strandman held positions like Director – Operations and VP – Flight Operations. At Spirit airlines, he was involved in introducing over 70 Airbus A320 family aircraft including the Neos into the airline fleet. Prior to Spirit, Strandman worked with var-ious airlines in management and training capacities includ-ing Virgin America and American Eagle Airlines.

Reserve your advertisement space today

Email : admin@mroassociation.in