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Sharp Content for Sharp Audience

www.sps-aviation.com vol 18  ISSUE 10 • October • 2015

India’s civil aviation policy draft Pratyush Kumar, Boeing India President,
AnalysEs by An aviation EXPERT, BAOA & ARROW AIRCRAFT spells out the company plans for India

HISTORIC VICTORY OF
NORTHROP FOR NEXT
STEALTH BOMBER

MILITARY
 MANOHAR PARRIKAR’S
upcoming VISIT TO US
 IMPORTANCE OF
LIFE-CYCLE COST
RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199

 IAF 83RD ANNIVERSARY

NBAA SPECIAL REGIONAL AVIATION

 CASE FOR DIFFERENTIAL
REASONS TO FLY PRIVATE CHARTER
PRICING at AIRPORTS
OWNERSHIP COSTING  E-JETS OPERATORS
VISIT E2 PROTOTYPE
CURTAIN RAISER - NBAA 2015 FINAL ASSEMBLY
 In a country like India with limited support from the industry and market,
initiating 50 years ago (in 1964) publishing magazines relating to Army,
Navy and Aviation sectors without any interruption is a commendable job
on the part of SP Guide Publications. By this, SP Guide Publications has

”
established the fact that continuing quality work in any field would result in
success.

Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India

While we at SP’s cherish our journey started in 1964, founded by our Founder Editor and
Founder Publisher Shri S P Baranwal; we do believe that the entry into 51st year and
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 table of contents

vol 18  ISSUE 10 • October • 2015

SP’s
`100.00 (INDIA-BASED BUYER ONLY)

AN SP GUIDE PUBLICATION

Sharp Content for Sharp Audience

www.sps-aviation.com VOL 18 ISSUE 10 • OCTOBER • 2015

INDIA’S CIVIL AVIATION POLICY DRAFT PRATYUSH KUMAR, BOEING INDIA PRESIDENT,
ANALYSES BY AN AVIATION EXPERT, BAOA & ARROW AIRCRAFT SPELLS OUT THE COMPANY PLANS FOR INDIA

HISTORIC VICTORY OF
NORTHROP FOR NEXT
STEALTH BOMBER

MILITARY
 MANOHAR PARRIKAR’S
UPCOMING VISIT TO US
 IMPORTANCE OF
LIFE-CYCLE COST
RNI NUMBER: DELENG/2008/24199

 IAF 83RD ANNIVERSARY

NBAA SPECIAL REGIONAL AVIATION

 CASE FOR DIFFERENTIAL
REASONS TO FLY PRIVATE CHARTER
PRICING AT AIRPORTS
OWNERSHIP COSTING  E-JETS OPERATORS
VISIT E2 PROTOTYPE
CURTAIN RAISER - NBAA 2015 FINAL ASSEMBLY

SP's Aviation Cover 10-2015.indd 1 03/11/15 4:10 PM

Cover IMAGE:
A formation of Gulfstream G650 and
G280. The entire Gulfstream fleet will
be on static display at NBAA 2015
Cover image by: Gulfstream
opportunities galore: The ever-increasing potential for small, unmanned aircraft
systems (s-UAS) in business aviation will be demonstrated by an expanded roster of
s-UAS-focused exhibits, seminars and activities throughout NBAA’s 2015 Business Aviation
Convention & Exhibition, set for November 17 to 19 in Las Vegas, NeVada.

Military 20 Charter
7 Bilateral Cool, Comfortable & Convenient page 23
Parrikar to Visit USA
30 LRSB Regional aviation lead story
Massive Victory for Northrop 25 Policy
32 Procurement 
Case for Differential Pricing for
Importance of Life-cycle Cost Regional Aviation
33 IAF Anniversary 28 Embraer UNPARALLEleD
IAF Turns 83 
E-Jets Operators at Final Assembly
of the First E2
OPPORTUNITY
OEM
10 Boeing NBAA 2015 offers an unmatched
Medium & Long-Term Plans for India platform to learn about the latest issues
regular affecting the industry and innovations
Civil
Departments
12 Policy

Indian Civil Aviation – Ready for
4 A Word from Editor-in-Chief
Take-off? 6 News With Views
Business Aviation  Indian Air Force Grounds
Policy Tejas Fighter Jets
14 Draft Policy 2015: GA & BA Perspective 36 Hall of Fame Applied for
—By R.K. Bali Billy Bishop (1894-1956)
16 Draft Policy 2015: GA & BA Perspective
—By Rohit Kapur 38 News Digest NEXT ISSUE
17 Ownership 40 Last Word Middle East Aviation
Cost of Ownership Dhruv Contract Cancelled

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 1

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A word from editor-in-chief

The historic victory by Northrop

Grumman in the race for
the contract to DEVELOP AND
MANUFACTURE the next-gen long-
range stealth bomber from the
US Air Force is making ripples in
aerospace world. SUCH AN EVENT
WILL BRING IN THE NEXT LEVELS OF
STEALTH CAPABILITY

T
The essence of the very role contributed by business and based customer US Air Force (USAF) has been historic. Induction
general aviation is summed in the slogan ‘No Plane No Gain’ prop- of the fifth-generation bomber is an urgent requirement of the
agated by NBAA in the United States. The fact that these subsec- USAF and would be a strategic investment for national security
tors of civil aviation cater not only to the elitist part of society but to for decades to come. The implications and aftermath of this his-
the economy of the countries by enabling large corporate houses toric development within the aerospace and defence sectors have
and start-up companies, aspiring to be the big players in business been analysed and covered by our expert Air Marshal Pandey.
world, to achieve their business goals and milestones faster. The long awaited contract for 22 Apache attack helicopters
Keeping up with such level of contribution from this sector, and 15 Chinook heavy-lift platforms have finally been signed in
we have included some interesting and informative aspects of September this year. Boeing is highly optimistic about its busi-
business aviation covered in this new issue such as reasons to fly ness prospects in India and is looking forward to even higher
private charters the ownership of the flying machines via vari- levels of engagement with India and especially with the Indian
ous kinds of models. It’s important to note that business aircraft aerospace industry as the company prepares for its centenary
therefore are better interpreted as ‘Business Tools’. The upcom- celebrations. The perspective by Pratyush Kumar, President of
ing NBAA 2015 will also have an innovation section showcasing Boeing India, refers to the growing ties between the two nations
the opportunities in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). both in the military and civil aerospace industry and the road
Back home, we have attempted to look at the Draft National map for the future. In fact the strategic partnership between
Civil Aviation Policy. Holistic analysis by aviation expert Air Mar- India and the US is expected to enter a new phase with the
shal B.K. Pandey (Retd) gives a set of quick reaction as to what visit of Manohar Parrikar, the Minister of Defence, to the US in
needs to be there to facilitate the real growth of civil aviation sector the second week of December this year. In this issue, Ranjeet
in India. The two experts from the GA/BA industry have given their Kumar has a report on the forthcoming visit. On the military
perspectives indicating on what all it does miss out even if it prom- front, the issue also includes an article on the importance of
ises to be a dynamic one and seemingly a good start. The most life-cycle cost which must be taken into account at the time of
crucial issues the sector has been facing for decades by now have clearing and signing of any future contracts for Indian forces.
not been covered and catered to. Whether import duties’ rationali- All these and much more in this issue of SP’s Aviation which
sation or the motherly attention to the domestic operators includ- awaits feedback from its valuable readers. Welcome aboard!
ing the chartered services operators (certain points appear to be
friendlier to the international charter service operators, though)
– the draft does not adequately touch upon these aspects at all.
The issue includes an article on the case for differential pric-
ing at the airports by R. Chandrakanth indicating on how to
ensure the realistic growth of regional aviation in India. Also in
alignment with the very promising slogan of the government –
regional connectivity. On the front of regional aviation again, the
E-Jets E2 prototype by Embraer, which has been in news since
quite some time, has now been launched by the company which
was well received and well attended by various operators based
globally. A report on the same has been included indicating as
to how Embraer is creating waves in regional aviation market.
The massive victory by Northrop Grumman in the race for the Jayant Baranwal
contract worth $80 billion to design, develop and manufacture Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
the next-generation long-range stealth bomber from its home-

4 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

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 News
with views
NEWS:
Indian Air Force grounds Tejas
Fighter Jets

Within months of induction of the Tejas incident, the Tejas fighter jet was flown
fighter jets into the Indian Air Force from Jaisalmer to Bengaluru with its
(IAF), the fleet has been grounded landing gear extended. The upshot:
because of problems with their landing the entire fleet consisting of fighters
gear. Sources in the Ministry of Defence with the IAF, the naval variant, trainers
say that IAF pilots encountered problems and prototypes have been grounded.
with the landing gear of Tejas twice, first Sources in the Hindustan Aeronautics
in Bengaluru and the second time in Limited (HAL) at Bengaluru confirmed
Jaisalmer after a round of weapon trials that this particular snag was the cause
at the Pokhran range. After the second for the grounding of the Tejas fleet.

VIEWS:

The effort of the Indian aerospace industry to produce celebrated its 83rd birthday, the Tejas fleet has been grounded
an indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) of the fourth-gener- on account of problems with the undercarriage which is in any
ation for the IAF and the Indian Navy is in the news again; but case being taken up for redesign for the Tejas Mk IA.
for the wrong reasons. Conceived in 1982, the second project Grounding of fleets especially in military aviation is a rou-
coming after the not-very-successful platform HF-24, to design, tine feature. Essentially, this is an exercise undertaken as a pre-
develop and manufacture the indigenous LCA actually got off cautionary measure following technical failure or malfunction
the ground in 1993 and the Technology Demonstrator I under- that cannot be immediately explained and needs more elabo-
took its maiden flight on January 4, 2001. The platform was rate, in-depth and comprehensive investigation aimed at pre-
subsequently christened as the ‘Tejas’ by the then Prime Min- venting recurrence and evolving new procedures to cope with
ister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. After the grant of initial operational the situation in case of recurrence of the problem. In the IAF
clearance, the first aircraft was handed over to the IAF on Janu- itself, such an exercise has been undertaken with the Su-30MKI
ary 17, 2015, by the Minister of Defence, Manohar Parrikar. The and the Dhruv helicopter fleets. Besides, technical glitches are
Final Operational Clearance is keenly awaited. not uncommon in the development of new platforms. Even the
Initially, the IAF had planned to induct 140 of the LCA Tejas most sophisticated aircraft developed by the leading global
Mk I. However, as the aircraft was grossly underpowered as aerospace majors have gone through similar experience not
also failed to meet with a number of qualitative requirements only during the phase of development but also during opera-
stipulated by the IAF, the initial order has been restricted to 40 tional service. Grounding of the fleet of Tejas Mk I on account
aircraft to equip two squadrons. Besides, as the Indian aero- of issues with the landing gear therefore should be seen as a
space industry had indicated plans to develop the Mk II version positive step and not be a cause of collapse of confidence in the
of the Tejas which would take care of all the existing deficiencies, programme. HAL will hopefully identify and resolve the issue.
the IAF preferred to wait and induct the remaining 100 of the Despite its afflictions and reservations generally expressed
new product. As things stand, the initial order of 40 aircraft is by sceptics, development of the LCA Tejas has truly been a chal-
expected to be delivered by the end of the current decade. Of the lenging project given the lack of experience, capabilities and
two squadrons under induction, the first is planned to be based infrastructure available to the Indian aerospace industry at the
at the Air Force Station in Sulur, near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. time of commencement of the project. One notable feature of
The Tejas Mk II is planned to be equipped with the more pow- the three-decade-long project has been its flawless accident free
erful GE F-414 engine and consequently is expected to deliver record. This indeed is unprecedented in the history of devel-
better performance compared to the Tejas Mk I. However, there opment of new platforms the world over. The determination
are ominous signs that the Tejas Mk II project is in limbo and of the Indian aerospace industry to drive the project has also
may even be abandoned. In fact, the IAF has been advised by been commendable. However, in retrospect, a more intimate
Photograph: Sp guide pubns

the Minister of Defence to induct the Tejas Mk IA instead which involvement of the IAF and better synergy between the users
is to be an improved version of the Tejas Mk I and is said to be and the aerospace industry in the project right from the word
marginally more proficient. It will carry the active electronically go, might have produced better results. Undoubtedly, the tech-
scanned array (AESA) radar from the Israeli firm ELTA Systems. nologies that have been developed in this project and the expe-
Besides, it is expected to be around 1,000 kg lighter. Reports say rience gained so far would help strengthen the foundations of
that weight reduction of 800 kg will be achieved by redesigning the Indian aerospace industry.  SP
the landing gear which has been described as ‘over-engineered’.
It is quite a bizarre coincidence indeed that soon after the IAF —By Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

6 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

 Military    Bilateral

Parrikar to visit USA

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s visit to the US in December would be expected to
propel the relationship to a new level

T
The impending visit of the Defence Minister Manohar egations would be visiting the US. The India-US Defence Policy
Parrikar to the United States on December 9 and 10 would and Procurement Group will meet in Washington on Novem-
build on the already deep engagement between the two sides ber 13, in which Asha Ram, the Director General (Acquisition)
in defence and strategic arena. It is significant that the visit would be leading the Indian side. The India-US Defence Policy
has been scheduled within six months of the visit to New Delhi Group will meet four days later, when the Indian Defence Sec-
of the US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in June this year retary G. Mohan Kumar will have a meeting with the US Under
during which the path for long-term defence and strategic Secretary of Defense Policy Christine E. Wormuth.
partnership between the two largest democracies had already During the last visit of Ashton Carter four major issues were
been cleared. Parrikar’s visit would be expected to propel the agreed upon. The first one was the New Defence Framework,
relationship to a new level. which will build upon the earlier one and would give direction
The visit is taking place on the back of reported US deci- to the bilateral defence and strategic partnership for the next
sion to sell F-16s and Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to decade. Regarding projects the two sides finalised the joint
Pakistan. This US decision has irked India as it intends to rearm development of Mobile Electric Hybrid Power sources and the
India’s arch rival with sophisticated military aircraft. which cer- Next Generation Protective Ensembles. The two sides had also
tainly are not meant for use against terrorists or the Taliban. agreed to pursue projects of co-development and co-produc-
US arms supplied to Pakistan have always been used against tion that will offer good possibilities for US defence sector to
India and once again the Pakistani army has been successful in build defence partnership with Indian companies including the
blackmailing the US leaders. proposed ‘Make In India’ programme. The two sides had also
According to the latest US Congressional Report, the Pentagon agreed to take forward cooperation on jet engines, aircraft car-
has cleared military hardware worth $5.4 billion after the 9/11 rier design and construction, etc.
terrorist attack on the US Defense Headquarters in Washington During Carter’s visit, the two sides had discussed India-US
DC and the World Trade Center in New York. This includes the strategic partnership and had also exchanged views on emerg-
sophisticated F-16 fighters. Interestingly, the military hardware ing regional security dynamics. During the forthcoming Par-
were supplied to Pakistan in the 10-year framework, for which rikar visit to Washington, the two sides would carry forward
the logic given was that Islamabad needs capacity building to fight the discussion on issues ranging from the current situation in
terrorists in its border areas. However, Pakistan has always been South China Sea where the US Navy had dared the Chinese
successful in duping the US Administration, though, experts also Navy to challenge, when the American warships had ventured
say that the US has never been oblivious of the actual use of the very near to the artificial island created by China for military
weapon systems and platforms supplied to Pakistan. Though, both purposes and expanding its territorial limits in the South China
US and India claim to be strategic partners, US has never listened Sea. Afghanistan, Central Asia, West Asia and India-Pakistan
to Indian cries of arming Pakistan at the cost of India’s security. relations are also expected to figure during the talks. By order-
Parrikar would take forward the decisions reached between ing the 15 Chinooks and 22 Apache helicopters, the Indian
the two sides and further discuss ways and means to promote Government has already impressed the US Administration with
the ‘Make In India’ programme of Prime Minister Narendra its seriousness in engaging with the US defence firms. The US
Modi in the defence sector. The is already eyeing more orders
US has also evinced keen inter- from India. It has already
est in asking its defence sector been reported that Boeing has
to manufacture in India for its offered the F-18 Super Hornets
armed forces and export them to be manufactured in India to
too, to Third World countries. fulfill the needs of the Indian
Sources in the Indian Ministry Air Force for the medium multi-
of Defence said that the US and role combat aircraft. Boeing has
India would discuss the pos- already announced that either
sibilities of raising the level of Apaches or the Chinooks would
bilateral exercises and review be assembled in India.
the progress made in the joint If these developments mate-
working group on aircraft car- rialise, US-India relations will
rier as well as identify technolo- assume new dimensions as the
gies that could be obtained by US companies would for the first
the Indian armed forces under time enter Indian defence sector
the foreign military sales pro- directly. During Parrikar’s visit to
Photograph: PIB

gramme of the US Government. the US, all these issues will cer-
To create ground for the inter- tainly be explored.  SP
Defence Minister Parrikar’s visit to US AND EXPECTED
actions between India and the MEETING WITH us SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASHTON CARTER
US, two high level Indian del- MAY KICKSTART NEW DIMENSIONS IN us-india RELATIONSHIP —By Ranjeet Kumar

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 7

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Medium & LONG-TERM

Plans for India
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for the first two batches. Encouraged by this experience, we plan
to significantly scale it up in partnership with NSDC and the
Ministry of Defence. Founded by Boeing with IIT Bombay and
GoI’s Department of Science & Technology, the National Centre
for Aerospace Innovation & Research (NCAIR) consortium trains
and prepares Indian industry for aerospace manufacturing. The
Aerospace Network Research Consortium (ANRC) with IISc Ben-
galuru, is another open collaboration that conducts strategic
research/co-development of aerospace network technologies.
Accelerating ‘Make in India’. Soon after India’s PM Shri
Narendra Modi launched the ‘Make in India’ initiative in Sep-
tember 2014, Dynamatic Technolgies and Boeing inaugurated
a plant in Bengaluru to manufacture critical parts for the Chi-
nook heavy-lift helicopters. In a state-of-the-art facility at a Tata
company in Nagpur, Boeing manufactures advanced composite
floor beams that form the ‘spine’ of the world’s most advanced
aircraft, Boeing 787-9. In July this year we announced a part-
nership with Tata to manufacture advanced aero-structures and
aerial systems including unmanned. We have significantly upped
our manufacturing activities in India, more than doubling our
sourcing over the last year. Now, over half a billion dollars in
product and services from India gets on our airplanes each year
and we are working to increase that.
On the engineering side, Boeing has been working with
India’s Tier-1 IT & Engineering Services providers with a signif-
icant spread of partner engineers and engineering work state-
ments sourced during the past decade. Boeing subsidiaries like
CDG and Jeppesen also have a significant and growing engi-
neering footprint in India. To further leverage India’s deep engi-
By Pratyush Kumar, President neering capabilities Boeing also plans to significantly expand its
engineering footprint organically in the near term.
Boeing India Helping our customers win. With 10 C-17 Globemaster
strategic airlifters and 8 P-8I maritime surveillance and anti-
submarime warfare aircraft delivered, Boeing is helping with
the mission-readiness and modernisation of India’s defence

B
forces. C-17s have played a stellar role in numerous relief and
rescue missions and P-8Is have enabled the Indian Navy to
Boeing, the largest aerospace company in the world, monitor the vast region of the ocean from the Strait of Hormuz
is completing 100 years next year. As we look to our second to the Malacca Strait. The recent contracts of 22 AH-64E Apache
century, it’s clear that India is poised to play a pivotal role in the attack helicopters and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters
next evolution of Aerospace & Defence (A&D). We’re committed further strengthens our position as a long-term strategic part-
to build an A&D future together with India. Pillars of our part- ner for India’s defence modernisation. Boeing will also continue
nership with India are: Skilling to build an aerospace ecosystem to work closely with its defence customers to give superior mis-
in India, accelerating our efforts on ‘Make in India’, and sup- sion readiness in servicing all our platforms.
porting India’s defence and aviation customers with Boeing’s India learned to fly on the wings of Boeing. More than 75
state-of-the-art and reliable products and services. years ago, Tata Airlines operated DC-3 aircraft. Since then, with
Skilling India for aerospace. Boeing is deeply committed to the 707, 747, 777, 737 and the game-changing 787, Boeing has
skilling for the aerospace in India across the entire ecosystem: been the mainstay of India’s aviation sector with airlines such
skilling frontline factory workers who are key to ‘Make in India’, as Air India, Jet Airways and SpiceJet. Twenty-one 787s are
training engineers who will design next-generation aerospace now with Air India serving them to expand international routes
platforms not just for India but for the world, and supporting and fuel-efficient operations. Commercial Aviation Services will
Photograph: Boeing

advanced research and development consortiums with IISc and also be a major focus area in providing our commercial custom-
IITs to push the state-of-the-art. ers a path towards achieving world-class operations.
We launched the second year of skilling for aerospace man- Across all these areas, Boeing is “bringing the best of Boe-
ufacturing in India in partnership with NSDC. The results are ing to India and bringing the best of India to Boeing” in a
extremely encouraging; the trained workers delivered world- true win-win partnership.  SP

10 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

 Civil    Policy

announcing the draft national civil aviation policy – (left to right) rajiv choubey, secretary, Ministry of civil aviation, Mahesh Sharma,
Minister of state for civil aviation and P. ashok gajapathi raju, union minister for civil aviation

Indian CIVIL
AVIATION – READY
FOR TAKE-OFF?
The Draft National Civil Aviation Policy, at macro level, has defined the long-term road map for
catapulting India from the ninth to the third largest aviation market in the world by 2020

BY Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

O
On coming to power, the Narendra Modi-led government and the public within three weeks after which the draft docu-
appeared to be set to translate into reality its commitment in ment would be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
the election manifesto with regard to the civil aviation sec- Currently, the NCAP 2015 covers development of airport
tor. Topping the agenda was the development of low-cost air- infrastructure, enhanced regional connectivity, liberalisation in
ports in Tier-II and III cities to expand air connectivity through open skies regime, development of the air cargo sector, improve-
regional aviation particularly to areas that are remote or not ment in helicopter services, development of maintenance, repair
easily accessible. and overhaul (MRO) sector, ground handling and airport security.
The aim was to transform the image of the civil aviation sec-
tor from being ‘elitist’ to one ‘for the masses’. On May 29, 2014, Focus on Regional Aviation
P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Minister of Civil Aviation, stated “We The major focus of the Draft NCAP 2015 is manifest in the
will strive to create a level playing field for all the players and Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) to be effective from April 1,
make the aviation sector more people-oriented.” In the pursuit 2016. It is designed to ensure the viability of regional aviation
of this objective, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) issued a to make air travel accessible to the larger segments of society
Draft Civil Aviation Policy in November 2014 that was avail- at affordable costs. The policy has reiterated the intent of the
able in the public domain and all stakeholders were invited to government to improve airport infrastructure through public-
Photograph: PIB

offer comments. Based on the inputs, a comprehensive Draft private partnership in Tier-II and III cities. However, as opera-
National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2015 incorporating pro- tions to these locations at new low-cost airports are not likely to
visions for wide-ranging reforms was unveiled on October 30, be profitable, the scheduled commuter airlines (SCA) operating
2015. Comments have now been invited from the stakeholders to these destinations will get financial support from the govern-

12 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

Civil    Policy

Air Cargo
ISSUES which NEED The primary thrust of policy change in this
URGENT ATTENTION sector that has not been privileged to have
the healthy growth rate that matches the
l  Business and general aviation segment. existing potential is to streamline cargo
l Streamlining the domestic air charter Industry. handling to reduce delay in the shipment
l Resolution of the Controversial 5/20 Rule. and clearance of cargo transported by dedicated freighters. The
l Greater deregulation, transparency and e-governance. Air Cargo Logistics Promotion Board (ACLPB) has been tasked to
l Skill development for the civil aviation industry. formulate an action plan to minimise dwell time of air cargo from
l  Promotion of sustainable aviation practices. aircraft to truck’ and introduce paperless processing. It is also
l Reforms in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. proposed to develop an Advanced Cargo Information System and
round-the-clock customs clearance.

ment by way of Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to compensate for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
losses. SCA will also benefit from lower taxes on ATF as well as The Draft NCAP 2015 has provided the much needed impetus to
waiver of airport charges. For payment of customs duty, SCA will the Indian MRO industry through a number of reforms proposed
be treated on par with scheduled carriers provided they do not which include tax incentives and simplified regulatory provisions.
undertake charter operations. An SCA can now be established The Draft NCAP 2015 aims to alter the ‘High Tax Regime’ image of
with a paid-up capital of `2 crore with aircraft less than 100 the MRO industry through abolition of service tax on MRO ‘output
seats and no limitation of the size of the fleet. SCA will be per- services’, duty waivers on tools and increasing tax-free use of spare
mitted to enter into code-share agreement with other airlines. parts from one to three years. It has also proposed easing of rules
The burden of VGF will be shared between the Central and and rationalisation of royalties and levies by airports on MRO ser-
state governments in the ratio 80:20. The Central Government vice providers. The state governments would also be encouraged to
plans to generate resources of `1,500 crore annually for VGF reduce VAT on MRO services. Airport royalty and additional levies
through a two per cent levy on all domestic and international air on MRO service providers will be rationalised in consultation with
tickets. This will undoubtedly make travel more expensive for pas- airport operators. The provision under AIC 3 of 2010 of DGCA shall
sengers on legacy carriers. Other concessions proposed are for the be reviewed to declare MRO as a separate category instead of club-
state governments to provide land free of cost for airport develop- bing it with ground handling for security procedures and remove
ment, lowering of VAT on ATF to one per cent or less, no excise restrictions on foreign registered aircraft for MRO.
duty on ATF, no service tax on tickets purchased under RCS and
air fare limited to `2,500 per hour of flight. The 5/20 Rule
The government has decided to retain the route dispersal One aspect in which the Draft NCAP has dithered is the 5/20 Rule
guidelines (RDG) which require airlines to dedicate a certain that has acquired a modicum notoriety in the Indian airline indus-
percentage of the total number of flights undertaken to remote try. Apparently, the government has decided to seek further com-
areas. As per the existing mandate, airlines will need to deploy ments from stakeholders before taking a final decision. The Draft
at least 10 per cent of the capacity on the Category-II routes in NCAP 2015 has put forth three options, i.e. abolish the norm,
the North-eastern region, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nico- continue with it or link overseas flying rights with domestic flying
bar Islands as well as Lakshadweep. credits. “This is one significant, archaic and regressive policy that
would have unbridled the entire sector and shown optimism not
Business and General Aviation only to current incumbents but also to potential future investors.
The Draft NCAP 2015 has unfortunately not focused adequately It is disappointing that the draft is still where we were on this
on business and general aviation which is a critical compo- several months ago,” said Mittu Chandilya, CEO, AirAsia India.
nent of the Indian civil aviation industry. The draft policy has
addressed the concerns of only the foreign air charters making Conclusion
it easier for them to operate to and within India. However, the The Draft NCAP 2015 has drawn a mixed response from the
Draft Policy has failed to remove the impediments the domestic civil aviation industry. Described as ‘progressive’ by most, it
charter industry is routinely confronted with. It has also over- has addressed most of the key policy challenges confronting the
looked the exorbitant and irrational taxation on import of busi- Indian civil aviation industry. The draft policy provides for major
ness and general aviation aircraft, which has retarded growth of boost to regional aviation through enhancement of airport infra-
this sector. The government needs to understand the contribu- structure, boost to MRO and air cargo sectors, regulation of air
tion of this segment of the industry to the national economy. fares, rationalisation of the price of ATF, taxes and airport charges
The Draft NCAP 2015 aims to unshackle helicopter opera- as also simplification of regulatory framework and procedures.
tions, a step long overdue. The government will support growth However, it has been disappointing for the business and
of helicopters for remote area connectivity, intra-city movement, general aviation segment as the Draft Policy has completely
tourism, law enforcement, disaster relief and medical evacuation. ignored the interests of this important part of the industry. Also,
As per the new policy, helicopters will be free to fly from point- there will be the need to build a consensus between the Cen-
to-point without prior clearance by air traffic control (ATC) when tre and the states on fiscal incentives and other responsibilities
operating in airspace below 5,000 feet and outside areas under assigned to the latter. This could easily prove to be the pro-
the control of the ATC and in areas that are not categorised as verbial Achilles’ heel of the policy owing to political differences
‘prohibited’ and ‘restricted’. Helicopter operators will only be between the Centre and the state governments.
required to file flight plans at the nearest ATC. The government Some deficiencies notwithstanding, the existing policy docu-
also proposes to facilitate the development of four helicopter ment has defined the long-term road map for catapulting India
operating hubs. A more comprehensive set of regulations exclu- from the ninth to the third largest aviation market in the world
sively for helicopter operations will be notified by April 1, 2016. by 2020.  SP

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 13

Business Aviation    Policy

DRAFT POLICY 2015:

GA & BA Perspective
The Draft does mention government’s goal to provide level playing field to
aviation subsectors, including GA/BA. However, it has missed out on some
very key issues that have plagued the industry for over two decades now.

T
The much-awaited draft national Civil Aviation Policy GA/BA industry, especially at metro airport where demand for
(NCAP 2015) was placed in public domain on October 30, 2015. such operations exists at present. The issue of using provisions
It is aimed to state government’s vision on growth of aviation of ‘once in 10 years review’ in the agreements, signed with the
sector in India for the next 10 years. In the coming weeks, the private operators of these airports, should have been clearly
pros and cons of this draft policy would be keenly discussed stated in the NCAP 2015, as such review is due soon. Further,
amongst the stakeholders. Civil Aviation Ministry aims to come all the future agreements, under PPP model would adequately
out with the final NCAP 2015 by the end of this year, after incor- take care of genuine infrastructural requirements of GA/BA
porating feedback from all stakeholders. industry on pan-India basis, should also have been clearly
General and business aviation (GA/BA) industry, considered stated in the NCAP.
the nursery for the entire aviation industry, has been waiting Regulatory Bottlenecks for GA/BA Growth. GA/BA
for too long to get its due share in the new policy. The intro- industry has been persistently demanding regulator’s recog-
ductory part of draft NCAP 2015 does mention government’s nition of aircraft management companies (AMC) as the sole
goal to provide ecosystem and level playing field to various means to achieve consolidation in the industry for cost-effec-
aviation subsectors, including general aviation. However, the tive operations. It needs to be understood that under-utilisa-
subsequent parts of Draft NCAP have missed out on some very tion of costly aviation assets would ultimately harm aviation
important issues that have plagued the GA/BA industry for over industry and, not ensure sustainable growth of GA/BA. When
two decades now. such companies can prosper all over the world, especially in
Roll-back of Import Duty. The developed economies, there is no reason
growth of general and business avia- for these to be not yet recognised and
tion, which comprises essentially pri- allowed to operate in India. While intent
vate business flying and corporate/ to issue separate CARs, for scheduled
charter business flying, started off on It is the time to take commuter airlines (SCA) and charter
a very positive note immediately after operators, is a step in the right direc-
opening of Indian economy in the begin-
a leap forward and tion, it is highly unfair and unjustified
ning of 1990s. The flexibility, reach change misperceptions not to allow SCA to undertake char-
and efficiency provided by GA/BA have in certain minds on the ter operations. We are all aware that
been instrumental in inclusive economic demand for SCA is still very low and,
growth of nations across the world and, role of GA/BA in ensuring flexible or multiple use of SCA aircraft is
the same happened to Indian economy quicker inclusive the only option to make such operations
up to the year 2006. There was no viable for at least 10 more years. Imple-
import duty on aircraft and its spares
economic growth of our mentation of e-governance in DGCA is
till then and, GA/BA industry grew to nation. a very welcome step and would help to
its potential, enabling faster inclusive eliminate procedural delays, including
growth of Indian economy. There seems time taken to induct new aircraft, which
to be no valid reason for imposing presently may extend to more than a
import duty on aircraft in 2007 for GA/BA industry. There year in some cases. Hopefully, the new DGCA’s CARs and the
has been no domestic GA/BA manufacturing industry to pro- e-governance would ensure such inductions of new aircraft
tect and, even revenue received on such imports from 2007 happen in a matter of couple of months.
to 2014 has been a miniscule amount of around $20 million Finally, the tremendous effort put in by MOCA for the Draft
or less than `130 crore. This ill-conceived fiscal decision of NACP 2015 needs to be appreciated by all. It is the time to take
import duty, which took GA/BA industry into deep depres- a leap forward and change misperceptions in certain minds
sion, in fact, caused loss of revenue to government in terms on the role of GA/BA in ensuring quicker inclusive economic
of reduced receipt of indirect taxes that would have accrued growth of our nation.Time for soft option of perpetuating ill-
to the exchequer through increased GA/BA operations. In the conceived import duty, in 2007, is fast running out, if we really
last two FYs, GA/BA industry in India has recorded nega- wish our GDP to grow at 9 to 10 per cent, as exhorted by our
tive growth. NCAP 2015, being a national agenda for growth, able and visionary Finance Minister very recently.  SP
should have addressed this foremost issue with complete roll-
back of irrational import duty on GA/BA aircraft. —By Group Captain R.K. Bali (Retd)
Infrastructure Issues of GA/BA. NCAP was expected to Managing Director, Business Aircraft Operators
address the issue of separate and equitable infrastructure for Association (BAOA)

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Business Aviation    Policy

DRAFT POLICY 2015:

GA & BA Perspective
While addressing some major issues on different areas of the industry,
the draft policy does fall short on some key aspects, which need to be
addressed before the final policy is made effective.

T
The Draft NCAP 2015, released by the Ministry of Civil Avia- should also house the requirements for affiliated support services
tion, is a step in the right direction to create an enabling envi- such as MROs etc. as is done in other parts of the world.
ronment for the growth of the industry. While addressing some Another key area which the NCAP should look at and
major issues on different areas of the industry, the draft policy address is the modernisation of key regulators, such as DGCA
does fall short on some key aspects, which need to be addressed and BCAS. It is disheartening to see, that in this age, the DGCA
before the final policy is made effective. and other agencies still continue to work on the archaic systems
One of the key shortfalls of the NCAP is that is does not of pushing files from desk to desk, with all the regular ills of
address the concerns of the General and Business Aviation (GA this system and manipulations still in place. The NCAP must
& BA) Industry effectively. In fact, there is only a superficial refer- address, with timelines, as to how it aims to modernise these
ence about the industry. One of the probable reasons for this could institutions with new technology and e-governance, and bring
be that the government still views the GA & BA industry as an the human factor down to the minimum. Clearances need to
elitist industry, not serving the masses of the country, except when be filed and obtained online with the tap of key, whether it be
operating for remote and regional connectivity. Nothing could be for licence renewals or flight clearances. It is unbelievable that
further from the truth. GA & BA is an enabler, which allows Indian today, a company or person who wants to buy and operate an
industry leaders the flexibility to travel to remote and poorly con- aircraft, needs a lead time of one-and-a-half years, from the
nected regions of the country, and allows them to establish key time he decides that he wants to go ahead, till the time he actu-
industrial projects in such areas, thereby adding to the overall ally starts flying in one. He needs to deal with 10 different agen-
economic growth and development of the area. The economic cies before such permissions are given. In the modern jargon of
benefits of opening up remote areas to industrial development ‘ease of doing business in India,’ the aviation industry seems to
cannot be overemphasised, and this would not be possible if the be left far behind. The NCAP needs to correct this.
Captains of the Indian industry were not facilitated to travel to In the skilling section, the NCAP needs to also address as
these areas without waste of time and in a secure environment. to how they aim to make these organisations more professional
The GA & BA aircraft provide this flexibility to them. It is also pru- and responsive. The attitudes of ‘big brother’ approach needs
dent to put on record that the number of aircraft and helicopters to go, and these organisations needs to work in a collaborative
that are operating under the GA & BA permit are twice the size of manner with the industry to encourage healthy practices. Lastly,
the commercial scheduled airlines, hence it would not be wise to best global practices need to be adopted, rather than the con-
ignore the just requirements of this industry. stant effort to trying to ‘reinvent the wheel’ and retaining cen-
The issue of import duties on import of GA & BA aircraft has tralised control on all aspects of operations and maintenance.
been ignored and needs to be addressed on priority. While we The Policy does address the setting up of Scheduled Com-
understand this needs the blessing of the Ministry of Finance, it muter Airlines, and remote and regional connectivity quite
is essential the policy addresses this concern. Facts and figures effectively. Just a word of caution; one size does not fit all. In
are available to show that the growth of the GA & BA industry trying to define the fare for such connectivity at `2,500 per
has been adversely affected ever since these duties have been hour, the policy is tying itself down, and not allowing flexibility.
imposed in 2007. Regretfully, the government has also not been It is quite likely that certain parts of the country may be eco-
able to add to its revenue with these duties, as it had hoped to nomically affluent, and require a connectivity, rather than sub-
do. This needs to be corrected on priority. sidies. These could be holiday resorts, industrially rich towns,
Besides this, the Draft NCAP falls short about addressing the etc. which can afford to pay higher fares, but do need the con-
issues of the infrastructure requirements for GA & BA. The pres- nectivity. Why should the government allow them subsidies,
ent airports, both AAI and privately operated, have not planned which can probably be utilised better in other areas?
for the operations of these aircraft and hence there is always an To conclude, the Draft NCAP is good start, but still needs a lot
area of conflict between the two. The policy needs to clearly spell of work if it truly has to create an enabling environment for the
out the infrastructure requirement of this industry as something growth of this industry. Ministry needs to study these issues care-
that needs to be included in the master plans of airport develop- fully, and address them before finalising it. And lastly, and impor-
ment. The NCAP, very sketchily, speaks about creating four hubs tantly, we would request the NCAP to lay down a timeline by
for development of helicopter operations in the country. The ratio- which the Aircraft Rules of 1937 can be rewritten and adapted
nale for this is not understood. Why only four? Helicopter hubs to 2015 as part of the policy. The time for that has come.  SP
need to be created in every state of the country, and in states with
poor road connectivity, such as Arunachal and Himachal Pradesh, ­—By Rohit Kapur
you probably need to plan for more than one hub. Similarly, where Managing Director, Arrow Aircraft Sales
required, special airports for GA & BA needs to be planned, which & Charters and Former President, BAOA

16 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

 Business Aviation    Ownership

COST OF
OWNERSHIP
From a top-end BBJ3 (estimated cost $99 million), to a very light jet such as
Phenom 100 (estimated cost $4.4 million), the cost of owning an aircraft is
certainly high as there are recurring costs

BY R. Chandrakanth

w
When India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani of Reliance ness jet ownership in India. The options available are (a) out-
Industries travels in style in his Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2), right private jet ownership (b) jet charters (c) fractional owner-
estimated to have cost $73 million, it does not surprise anyone. ship and (d) jet cards.
In 2007, when he gifted his wife Nita Ambani on her birthday,
a $60-million Airbus ACJ319 corporate jet with entertainment Private Jet Ownership – For the Rich & Famous
cabins, a sky bar and fancy showers, this again was not sur- From a top-end BBJ3 (estimated cost $99 million), to a very
illustration: anoop kamath

prising. The richest of Indians flying luxurious private jets is light jet such as Phenom 100 (estimated cost $4.4 million), the
passé. They have the money. They have the wherewithal. They cost of owning an aircraft is certainly high as there are several
just can fly anywhere in the world without once thinking about recurring costs. The Gulfstream G650 is priced at $72.5 mil-
the cost, I guess, till such time they (like Vijay Mallya who had lion; the Bombardier Global 7000 is pegged at $68 million; the
to shift out his private jet ACJ319 out of Kingfisher Airlines) Dassault Falcon 7X and the Embraer Lineage are at $52 mil-
land in a major financial mess. Moving away from the uber lion apiece; the Phenom 100, a very light jet is at $4.4 million.
rich, let us look at how one can broadly work out cost of busi- Besides the cost of acquisition of the aircraft, one has to factor

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 17

 Business Aviation    Ownership

in salaries for the pilot and other crew; maintenance of the air-
craft, etc, and this highly variable, depending on the aircraft,
the business model, etc.

Air Charter costing

For an air charter company, the broad costing includes (a)
aircraft purchase/lease (b) operational expenses (licence fees,
salaries of pilots and other staff; aviation turbine fuel; airport
taxes and other charges) and (c) maintenance cost. With the
business in mind and the services provided, the charter opera-
tor has to factor in all the costs, plus the squeezed margins to
put a price tag on what the charter is going to cost. Maintain-
ing a business jet as per global safety norms is an expensive
affair. As per the Economist the profit margins for the air-
line industry was less than one per cent on average over six
decades. One can imagine the plight of the charter operator.
Though the airport charges are less for aircraft under
100 tonnes, private jet operators/charter operators are con-
strained with availability of hangar space and other related
infrastructure for them to offer the best of services to custom-
ers. The landing and parking charges depend on the aircraft’s
weight, seat configuration, landing time and duration of use of
parking and housing facilities ‘etc’ at different airports which
have their own pricing methodology. The landing charges vary
between `436 for a very light jet and `14,000 for ultra large
business jets. For a person availing charter service, he or she
would have to often pay a ‘dead-head’ (return journey of the
flight), even though the person is flying only one way.

Crew Cost, key element

An important factor in the aviation industry is human resources,
particularly the flying crew. Business jet operators are a harried
lot, unable to find the right candidates for their operations and
the attrition rate is said to be high, as these pilots are constantly
on the lookout for better career options, commercial airlines
being their prime destination. The charter operator has to keep
in mind the attrition rate and offer salaries which sometimes
may not be commensurate with market conditions.
The pilots themselves would have invested heavily into
their training programmes and certainly would like better
returns on their investment. According to a report, one has to
spend between $7,500 and $12,000 to attain the FAA issued
Private Pilots’ Certificate. In India, the Delhi Flying Club
charges `5 lakh to `6 lakh for private pilots’ licence, while a
commercial pilots’ licence (CPL) may cost anywhere between
`22 lakh and `25 lakh.

Jet hire rates

As executive jets are broadly classified as very light jets/light/
small jets; medium/midsize; and full-size/large or heavy jets, Fractional ownership
the cost of hiring depends on the jet chosen. The hourly jet The concept of fractional ownership of business jets has not
rates vary from aircraft to aircraft and here is an indicative caught on in India, where it is either direct ownership route or
rate list. the charter route. Even the concept of jet cards has been mak-
ing tardy progress. The normal share divisions in fractional
Class of Jet Jet Example Range Cost Flight Per Hour ownership are ‘Whole’, ‘Quarter’, ‘Eighth’, and ‘Sixteenth’.
Fractional ownership can offer the advantage over charter,
Photograph: dassault Aviation

Small / Light Cessna Citation 2,300 $3,600

whereby the ‘dead-head’ is not charged against the end cus-
Beechcraft $5,400
tomer.
Medium / Midsize Learjet 60 3,700 $5,850
Larger / Midsize Citation 3,910 $6,400 Jet Cards giving easy access
Gulfstream $9,450 There are several companies which offer jet cards which allows
companies and individuals to buy blocks of flight time from char-
Large / Full size Falcon 2000 4,600 $12,800 ter operators, besides having their own aircraft. The arrange-
Global Express
ment works good for the charter operator whose flight utilisation

18 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

Business Aviation    Ownership

individuals and with refunds for any

dassault falcon 7x does amounts not spent on flights. A gold
remain in the bracket of
card costs $80,000 and allows book-
high end jets. the company’s
philosophy, however, of giving ings for domestic or international
best value for the operators’ flights from India. The silver card costs
money makes falcon jets one $40,000 and is for domestic flights only.
of the most sensible options
According to Baron CEO and Chairman Rajeev Wadhwa,
available today
demand for international flights by Indian private jet travel-
lers has increased by 16 per cent since 2011. He feels that
India’s rising ranks of billionaires view a jet card programme
as a more viable alternative to full aircraft ownership.
Similarly Kochi-based K-Air premium jet card programme
gives access to a good aircraft fleet in India and Asia to its
members. K-Air states that it guarantees aircraft availability
with as little as 10 hours notice and there is a choice of up to
20 aircraft types including helicopters. Jet card members can
buy blocks of 15/30/50/100 hours and renew or walk away
when complete.

Card Type Silver Gold Platinum Titanium

Flight Hours 15 30 50 100
Card Amount `34,75,000 `45,00,000 `75,00,000 `1,40,00,000

The pricing includes airport charges, night charges and it var-

ies depending on the category of aircraft chosen and the destina-
tion. Each trip is calculated based on flying carried out and the
amount deducted from the Premium Jet card annual charges.
There are many companies that sell jet membership, or
block-time cards. These are either licensed resellers of unused
fractional shares, or they are charter brokers who make arrange-
ments with charter companies who sell blocks of time to them,
at a discounted rate.

JetSetGo
At a time when business aviation is emerging in India, we have
a new business model taking birth. Kanika Tekriwal, CEO of
JetSetGo Aviation Services, has launched India’s first online
marketplace for private jets and helicopters. JetSetGo has
access to a fleet of 300 plus aircraft. JetSetGo is an aggregator
of private jets and helicopters. It allows charter customers to
book a private jet online by entering travel details. The custom-
ers can get to see online real time availability of aircraft and
prices and once the customer selects, JetSetGo reconfirms with
operator after which a minimal booking deposit is made. After
the balance is paid JetSetGo takes over to ensure that the cus-
tomer gets to travel to his or her destination at very competi-
tive costs. Entrepreneurs like Kanika are changing the face of
private jet travel in India, which till now has been prohibitive.
time goes up and for the jet card member there is easy avail- JetSetGo has raised an undisclosed amount of funding from
ability of aircraft. Yuvraj Singh’s startup fund YouWeCan Ventures. The company
In 2013, Baron Aviation launched reportedly India’s first jet will use funds for improving service and marketing.
card programme. Baron has committed to buying blocks of flight
time from several Indian charter operators, including Raymonds Aircraft Management, the way to go
Aviation, which owns a Challenger 604 and two of the helicopters. One way a private jet operator can defray his costs is by offer-
It is seeing demand from new private aviation consumers, includ- ing the jet to an aircraft management company, though nascent
ing wealthy individuals flying to the Middle East, particularly in India. The aircraft management company provides all the
Dubai on shopping trips. The company, which is part of the Baron support such as pilots, maintenance crew; complies with DGCA
Luxury & Lifestyle group, says that it is contracting for between requirements; flight planning, etc. By offering the aircraft to an
70 and 100 per cent of the operators’ available fleet hours. aircraft management company, the owner can lower the owner-
The group offers three levels of Baron Eagle membership, ship costs, while paying annual fees to the aircraft management
with members establishing a prepaid deposit that is used to company. The advantage is that the utilisation of the aircraft
cover the cost of flights. At the Platinum level, members pay improves considerably and an aircraft up in the air makes money
$3,30,000 for up to four cards that can be transferred among than while on the ground.  SP

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 19

 Business Aviation    Charter

COOL,
COMFORTABLE &
CONVENIENT
There are many reasons to fly by private jet charter, avoiding all the price fluctuations of
commercial airlines and the rigmarole that is attached to it

BY R. Chandrakanth
illustration: anoop kamath

A
Almost 10 years ago, as a journalist I was visiting an iron was riding high, exporting to the world market. Some of the
ore mine in Bellary district of Karnataka. From Bengaluru to iron ore companies in Bellary were proud owners of private
Bellary the distance by road is about 300 km, but way back the jets. MSPL was one of them and we few journalists were ferried
national and the state highways were not as good as they are to the remote location in Hospet in the company’s P-180 Avanti
now. The average time taken by road then was about 8 hours II. This was the first time that I travelled in a private jet and
due to poor road conditions. In those days, the iron ore sector the experience was amazing as it offered – time-saving, com-

20 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

 Business Aviation    Charter

fort and ease of access to the remote location. It was a novelty can often land closer to your true des-
then and the company ended up getting good reports from the tination. Many historical and religious
journalists. Private jet travel, in a way, helped the company get places in India are in far-flung areas and
positive reviews. Subsequently, many of the iron ore companies they can be accessed by private aircraft,
landed in trouble with stricter governmental controls and some be it a jet or a helicopter with ease. For
of them had to sell their private jets to stay afloat. instance, the most popular destination
Ten years down the line, the aviation scenario has changed is Agra and it does not have proper airline connectivity. The
considerably. While the scheduled operators are expanding Kheria airport is under the Indian Air Force and there is a pro-
their network, there are still many areas which they are not just posal to develop a greenfield international airport, but there is
able to cover for reasons of demand; infrastructure and aircraft adequate demand for private air travel to Agra. Similarly, des-
types. This gap is getting filled partially by private jet operators tinations such as Darjeeling, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, to
and other modes of transportation. name a few, lack airports and require long car rides to reach.
Even though it may seem that private charters are for the
rich and famous only, of late, several operators are offering Unbeatable Convenience
packages, whether it is for religious tourism or for private travel, The unique selling proposition of most air charter operators will
which are attractively priced. There are be convenience of travel. At short notice,
many reasons to fly by private jet charter, even as little as 10 hours, a private air-
avoiding all the price fluctuations of com- craft can be requisitioned by a customer
mercial airlines and the rigmarole that is
attached to it.
One of the distinct to attend that important business meeting
or a family emergency or any other con-
benefits of private jet tingency which no other mode of trans-
Remote connectivity travel is that unserved port provides the speed. Unlike a com-
One of the distinct benefits of private jet mercial airliner where a passenger has to
travel is that unserved and even under-
and even under- go through check-in and security formali-
served destinations by airlines can be served destinations by ties, with stipulated timelines, a private
covered easily by private jets, particularly airlines can be covered jet allows the convenience of hopping on
to the aircraft almost anytime. Invariably
in India where there are over 400 air-
strips. All that a private jet requires is a easily by private jets, there is no scanning of passenger bags at
paved runway. In the US, there are over particularly in India the private airports; no removal of shoes,
5,000 airports that private planes can use belts, jackets, laptops, etc; no waiting in
as against the 500 airports for airlines,
where there are over queue for business class to board first and
which means that in a private jet you 400 airstrips so on. Sometimes airlines fly at odd hours
Photograph: embraer

phenom 300 offers one of the most cost-effective and swift travel solutions

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 21

 Business Aviation    Charter

Citation XLS combines first-

class cabin comfort for up to
12 passengers and remarkable
performance efficiency in a
beautiful midsize jet

which means one has to get up at odd hours and travel to the able to sit in conference. This is quite possible in a private jet
airport which can be completely avoided in private travel. due to seat configuration. On a private charter, passengers can
conduct business – on a laptop or conference call – without wor-
Speed rying who is listening or watching or who is being disturbed.
It goes without saying that flying is the fastest mode of trans-
port currently. In case of a private jet, since it covers invariably Flexibility
short distances non-stop, it is the fastest, sometimes even beats Depending upon the number of passengers travelling and the
airlines as they have to go through a series of formalities before distance, the customer has the flexibility to choose from the
take-off and prior to landing. In remote locations, the private many aircraft available – it could be a very light jet; midsize jet
jets have the runway all for themselves. The turnaround times or a large jet. The package of travel is also an option that one
of these jets are also amazing as the number of passengers are can choose – wherein surface transportation, accommodation
few and luggage is minimal, the crew can get the engines soar- and food are taken care of.
ing at double quick time. Even if one opts to travel from a busy
airport, private jets can depart from a small facility called a Luxury
fixed based operator (FBO), which cuts out all the chaos of a No doubt, private jet travel is associated with luxury, it need not
commercial terminal. The only hitch here is that at busy air- always be. As many corporate houses have private jets to ferry
ports the mainline airlines are given preference in terms of their executives, customers and other stakeholders to remote
take-off, landing, parking bay, etc. plants/offices to conduct business in a day and return. One can
walk around the aircraft, change seats, take a nap if you will in
Private and Confidential the bedroom (some have that luxury) or
One of the greatest advantages of private just take a shower before disembarking, to
jet travel is that it remains ‘private’ which be fresh for the meeting. Indeed, private
many celebrities, VIPs and others who have jet travel provides for luxury with sleeping
the money and clout would prefer. A celeb- Unlike a commercial quarters, inflight catering and entertain-
rity can almost drive up to the jet in his or ment and on ground limousine services.
her limousine and hop on to the aircraft airliner where a With all the above features falling in
without even being noticed. Whereas in passenger has to go place, private jet travel indeed is relatively
commercial flights, celebrities, even if they
are travelling first or business class, will
through check-in and stress free (imagine going through long
queues, security scan, frisking, etc). Private
not have privacy and chances are that their security formalities, air travel is no doubt a far superior means
moments in the air may be compromised. with stipulated of air travel, except, of course, there is a
price tag to it. For those who value time,
Photograph: Cessna

Office in the sky timelines, a private jet there are both tangible and intangible
Commercial airlines, which have now allows the convenience benefits. All one requires is money or one
vastly improved on in-flight entertain-
ment, however, does not provide any facil-
of hopping on to the should be important enough to be flown in
a private aircraft. And we see that in India
ity wherein a team of officials may not be aircraft almost anytime that this breed is growing by the day.  SP

22 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

 Business Aviation    Show Preview

UNPARALLEleD
OPPORTUNITY
As the most important business aviation event of the year, NBAA 2015 offers attendees an
unmatched platform to learn about the latest issues affecting the industry and innovations
such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

BY R. Chandrakanth

I
It is ranked as the fifth largest trade show in the United cation sessions and making side-by-side comparisons of the
States. The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) innovative aircraft on static display.
Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, attracts over The event gets a number of industry sponsors such as Air
25,000 key aviation professionals from around the world, BP; Airbus; Air Cost Control; Bombardier; CAE; Cutter; Embraer
including current and prospective aircraft owners, manufactur- Executive Jets; Epic; Global Parts Aero; Global Capital; Jeppe-
ers and customers into one meeting place. This year the ‘must- sen; Jetex; Kaiser Air; Landmark Aviation; Philips; Pratt &
attend’ event will be held from November 17 to 19 in Las Vegas, Whitney, Canada; Satcom Direct; Shell Aviation; Smartsky Net-
Nevada. And it is getting bigger and bigger. The NBAA 2015 works; Swiss Re Solutions; TAC Air; Textron; True Blue Power;
will feature over 1,100 exhibitions displayed across one million UAS International Trip Support; Universal Avionics; Universal
Photographs: NBAA, Amazon

square feet of floor space and two static displays of aircraft. Weather and Aviation; Wheels Up; and World Fuel Services.
As the most important business aviation event of the year, Founded in 1947 and based in Washington DC, the NBAA
NBAA 2015 offers attendees an unparalleled opportunity to is the leading organisation for companies that rely on general
learn about the latest issues affecting the industry. And as the aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient,
largest gathering of the industry in the world, NBAA 2015 is productive and successful. The Association represents over
the best place to review the latest business aviation products, 10,000 companies and provides more than 100 products and
technologies and services, while participating in dozens of edu- services to the business aviation community.

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 23

Business Aviation    Show Preview

Featured Speakers 20, with the intent of launching the registration programme
One of the best parts of the convention will be the speeches in time for the US holiday season, during which the agency
by the featured speakers who come from varied walks of life. expects several thousand UAS to be given as gifts to new rec-
Award-winning singer and songwriter Dierks Bentley, a licensed reational users.
pilot who values business aircraft and utilises business aviation, “The UAS industry has long been identified as an impor-
will be a featured speaker during the Opening General Session. tant and emerging one, as demonstrated by the introduction,
Bentley will discuss how his Cirrus SR22T Xi aircraft has development and use of UAS, all of which have grown exponen-
helped him in his performing career. The country music star tially in recent years,” Bolen noted. “That said, it appears the
has crisscrossed the country countless times while on tour, and FAA’s framework for ensuring their safe introduction into the
has said that flying his own plane, instead of riding a tour bus, nation’s air transportation system needs to be quickly devel-
optimises the efficiency of his travel. oped and refined.
“Dierks Bentley has first-hand knowledge of the utility of “Today was a good day in that regard, because the DOT
business aircraft,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. and FAA have come together with industry stakeholders in
“We look forward to having this talented musician and pilot at recognition of this need, and to begin the process for putting
NBAA 2015, to detail how the use of an airplane for business this framework in place,” Bolen continued. “While we don’t yet
has applied to his music career.” know the full details of what will be developed, we support the
Since 2003, the vocalist and guitarist has recorded eight FAA’s intensified focus in this area. We are also investigating
albums and garnered 13 number-one songs. Bentley has how NBAA can best support this activity, and we will do all we
received 11 Grammy nominations and earned official member- can to help ensure this collaborative process will result in the
ship in the Grand Ole Opry. development of a needed framework for UAS.”
The other featured speaker is the Oklahoma Governor Mary NBAA on board. NBAA has accepted the invitation to be
Fallin. In 2004, Fallin was honoured with the Oklahoma Aviation among the participating organisations on the recently an-
and Space Hall of Fame’s Clarence E. Page Memorial Trophy for nounced UAS Registration Task Force Aviation Rulemaking
her work in establishing the Oklahoma Task Force on Aviation, Committee (ARC), which will determine regulations governing
which is dedicated to strengthening the state’s aerospace compa- the registration of private and recreationally operated UAS. Sar-
nies and attracting new aviation businesses to the Sooner State. ah Wolf, NBAA Senior Manager of Security and Facilitation, will
After serving as Lieutenant Governor for 12 years, Fallin represent the business aviation community on the task force.
served two terms in the US House of Representatives from 2007 NBAA has long maintained that it is imperative that any
to 2011, and was a member of the House Committee on Trans- introduction plan for UAS be focused on safety. This means UAS
portation & Infrastructure, and it’s Aviation Subcommittee. She should not share the same airspace with manned aircraft until
has a few hours remaining to complete the requirements for they have equivalent certification and airworthiness standards
obtaining her private pilot’s licence, and is a member of the as manned aircraft, including the ability to take timely direc-
Oklahoma Pilots Association. tions from air traffic control, and to sense and avoid manned
Attendees will be looking forward to the address by the aircraft and other UAS.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael “The UAS industry has long been identified as an impor-
Huerta. “NBAA is honoured to have Administrator Huerta as tant and emerging one, as demonstrated by the introduction,
a speaker at our convention,” said Ed Bolen. “As Washington development and use of UAS, all of which have grown exponen-
policymakers are debating important issues related to the FAA tially in recent years,” Bolen noted. “That said, it appears the
– from the implementation of NextGen to the future structure of FAA’s framework for ensuring their safe introduction into the
the agency itself – Administrator Huerta’s insights will certainly nation’s air transportation system needs to be quickly devel-
be of interest to our attendees.” oped and refined.
Huerta was confirmed as FAA Administrator in January “Today was a good day in that regard, because the DOT
2013 and is responsible for the largest aviation system in the and FAA have come together with industry stakeholders in
world. He oversees the agency’s 47,000 employees and its Next- recognition of this need, and to begin the process for putting
Gen air traffic control modernisation programme, which will this framework in place,” Bolen continued. “While we don’t yet
transform air traffic control (ATC) from a ground-based system know the full details of what will be developed, we support the
to one based on satellite navigation. FAA’s intensified focus in this area. We are also investigating
how NBAA can best support this activity, and we will do all we
UAS technology - new opportunities can to help ensure this collaborative process will result in the
At the upcoming event, seminars will address the rapid matu- development of a needed framework for UAS.”
ration of ‘detect and avoid’ UAS technology, and existing and UAS offers great promise. While UAS offer great promise
potential uses of s-UAS in business aviation. for a variety of applications – including opportunities within the
Approximately 30 representatives from the UAS and business aviation community – NBAA has long maintained that
manned aircraft industries, the federal government and other safety must be the top priority for any plan to introduce UAS
aviation stakeholders will work on the task force. into the national airspace system (NAS). This includes assur-
Bolen expressed his support for an announcement by the ances that unmanned aircraft meet equivalent certification, air-
Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation worthiness and traffic avoidance standards as manned aircraft.
Administration (FAA) of a new joint industry-government task NBAA has been actively involved in the introduction
force created to develop a process for registering unmanned ­process, including participation by association personnel in
aircraft systems (UAS). UAS working groups through RTCA since 2006. Last month,
DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx said the task force – com- NBAA also welcomed the FAA’s selection of two respected
posed of 25 to 30 representatives from the UAS and manned aviation professionals to lead the agency’s UAS Integration
aviation industries, the federal government and other aviation Office and spearhead efforts to safely introduce UAS into the
stakeholders – is expected to issue its proposal by November nation’s airspace.  SP

24 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

 Regional Aviation    Policy

Case for
differential
pricing for
regional aviation
There are more than 400 airports of which about 90 are operational hence there
exists a possibility of a structure of mixed airport charges to boost regional and
general aviation services

BY R. Chandrakanth

T
illustration: anoop kamath

The Narendra Modi-led government has been talking Such an effort would mean that the government has to
for quite some time that it would give regional air connectivity think differently with regard to its civil aviation policy, if it
a major push. The Minister of Civil Aviation, P. Ashok Gajapathi really intends to tap the potential of 300 million middle class
Raju, on numerous occasions has indicated that the govern- citizens living in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. While there are sev-
ment is serious in promoting regional aviation, first to capital- eral aspects on how to promote regional aviation, one that is
ise on the pan-India economic momentum and two to connect very much under its purview is airport charges wherein it can
un-served and under-served markets. have a differential pricing for regional airlines, even though

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 25

Regional Aviation    Policy

there have been murmurs of dissent from major airliners and the AAI at Kolkata and Chennai. Presently, the AAI has listed
also private airports. out charges for airports and in this article we have included
charges of both AAI-run airports and those run by private
No direct subsidies operators for reference.
Though there is differential pricing from airport to airport,
there is no such differentiation when it comes to full service Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International
airlines, low-cost airlines, regional airlines and general avia- Airport, Kolkata.
tion. There are no direct subsidies as such for regional airlines.
In the light of this, the other alternative is to develop budget Landing Charges Per Single Landing (effective April 1, 2015)
airports for regional airlines and low-cost carriers (LCCs) but Weight of aircraft Rate per landing Rate per landing
that model has not been tried out in India. (international flights) (other than international
flights)
65 per cent traffic from six airports
There are more than 400 airports of which about 90 are opera- Up to 100 MT `650.40 per MT `331.30 per MT
tional hence there exists a possibility of a structure of mixed Above 100 MT `65,040 + `874 per `33,130 + `445.10 per
airport charges to boost regional and general aviation services. MT in excess of 100 MT MT in excess of 100 MT
Presently, about 65 per cent of India’s air traffic is accounted
for by six metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chen- Housing and Parking Charges
nai and Kolkata). But it is observed that the smaller towns are Weight of aircraft Parking charges Housing charges
going to come in to play soon as there is considerable economic Rate per MT per hour Rate per MT per hour
traction happening across the hinterland.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is developing about Up to 100 MT `9 per MT `17.60 per MT
50 no-frills airports and in the first five are Teju in Arunachal Above 100 MT `900 + `11.80 per MT `1,760 + `23.60 per
Pradesh, Jharsuguda in Odisha, Hubli and Belgaum in Karna- per hour in excess of MT per hour in excess of
taka and Kishangarh in Rajasthan. In the absence of direct sub- 100 MT 100 MT
sidies, no-frills airports do make business sense for regional
and general aviation players. Source: Airports Authority of India

Two heads for charges The AAI charges a minimum fee of `5,000 per single land-
The AAI is the authority to levy charges which have been ing for all types of aircraft/helicopter flights, including but not
broadly classified under two heads — Air Navigation Services limited to domestic landing, international landing and general
(ANS) and Airport Services. The airports under the AAI have aviation landing, however this will not apply to training flights
been classified as ‘Major Airports’ and ‘Non-Major Airports’ and operated by the flying clubs.
the tariff for aeronautical services at major airports is fixed and The AAI does not levy any parking fees for the first two
regulated by Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India hours. It said that while calculating free parking period, stan-
(AERA) and for all other airports the Ministry of Civil Aviation dard time of 15 minutes shall be added on account of time taken
functions as regulator also. between touchdown time and actual parking time on the park-
The major airports under AAI are Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, ing stand. Another standard time of 15 minutes shall be added
Trivandrum, Jaipur, Goa, Lucknow, Guwahati, Calicut, Ahmed- on account of taxiing time of aircraft from parking stand to take
abad and Srinagar. The tariff structure of aeronautical services off point. These periods shall be applicable for each aircraft
(other than ANS) at major airports is airport specific. Tariffs irrespective of the actual time taken in the movement of aircraft
for aeronautical services (airport services) pertaining to first after landing and before take-off.
control period (financial year 2011-12 to 2015-16) have been
approved by AERA in respect of Chennai, Kolkata, Guwahati Chennai International Airport
and Lucknow airports.
Landing Charges Per Single Landing (effective April 1, 2015)
Non-Major airports Weight of aircraft Rate per international Rate per landing
In respect of the non-major airports the existing tariff for air- landing per MT (other than international)
port services as applicable to domestic airports will continue per MT
to be applied though some of them are declared as interna-
tional airports. Up to 100 MT `650.40 per MT `331.20 per MT
It must be mentioned here that the landing charges at some Above 100 MT `65,040 + `874 per `33,120 + `445.10 per
of the AAI airports are higher than the charges of private air- MT in excess of MT in excess of 100 MT
port operators. 100 MT
A case is being made out that regional airline operators
should be incentivised by lower airport charges as they con- Housing and Parking Charges
nect under-served or un-served destinations where traffic Weight of aircraft Parking charges Housing charges
needs to be created through various promotional schemes. Rate per MT per hour Rate per MT per hour
The regional airline operators who operate turboprop and jets
with seating capacity up to 130 would stand to benefit if such Up to 100 MT `8.90 per MT `17.70 per MT
direct subsidy is provided, but there is no such thinking on Above 100 MT `890 + `11.80 per `1,770 + `23.50 per
the part of the government. The airport charges (for landing, MT per hour in excess MT per hour in excess of
parking and housing) at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International of 100 MT 100 MT
Airport (CSIA) in Mumbai are lower than those charged by

26 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

Regional Aviation    Policy

Guwahati International Airport All the charges mentioned above do

Domestic/ International Landing Charges Per Single Landing carry applicable service tax.

Weight of aircraft Rates per landing Private airports —

Up to 20 MT `202.20 per MT
20 MT to 50 MT `4,044 + `320.20 per MT in excess of 20 MT Chhatrapati Shivaji International
Airport, Mumbai
50 MT to 100 MT `13,650 + `328.10 per MT in excess of 50 MT
Landing Fees Per Single Landing
Above 100 MT `30,055 + `438.20 per MT in excess of 100 MT
Weight of aircraft Rate per landing for Rate per landing for
Housing and Parking Charges international aircraft domestic aircraft
Weight of Parking charges Housing charges
Up to 100 MT `594.01 per MT `283.55 per MT
aircraft Rate per MT per hour Rate per MT per hour
Up to 40 MT Above 100 MT `59,401 + `725.71 per `28,355 + `381 per MT
`4.80 per hour per MT `9.40 per hour per MT
MT in excess of 100 MT in excess of 100 MT
40 MT to 100 MT `192 + `9 per hour per `376 + `17.50 per hour
MT in excess of 40 MT per MT in excess of 40 MT Housing and Parking Charges
Above 100 MT `732 + `11.70 per MT `1,426 + `22.50 per Weight of aircraft Parking charges Housing charges
per hour in excess of MT per hour in excess of Rate per MT per hour Rate per MT per hour
100 MT 100 MT Up to 100 MT 14.26 per MT 28.52 per MT
In order to encourage air connectivity to the North-eastern Above 100 MT `1,426 per MT + `18.88 `28,522 per MT +
region and to promote intra-regional connectivity the AAI has in excess of 100 MT `37.77 per MT in excess
waived off landing charges for (a) aircraft with a maximum cer- of 100 MT
tified capacity of less than 80 seats, being operated by domestic
scheduled operators (b) helicopters of all types. A minimum fee of `16,170 and `21,560 is charged per
The Airports Authority also has waived off the night parking single domestic and international landing respectively for all
charges for all domestic scheduled operators at those airports types of aircraft/helicopter, including but not limited to domes-
where the state government levies the rate of tax (VAT) on avia- tic landing, international landing and general aviation landing.
tion turbine fuel up to 5 per cent. The above waiver of night park-
ing charges (between 2200 to 0600 hours) will be made appli- Pricing in terms of weight
cable from the date of implementation of the levy of tax on ATF As we notice that the airport charges are made out based on the
up to 5 per cent by the respective state governments. This relief weight of the aircraft and not as per the classification of full ser-
shall be applicable initially for a period of five years and will be vice airline; low-cost carrier; regional airline or general aviation.
reviewed thereafter. In the event of upward revision in the tax
rate of ATF by the respective state governments the relief of free Opposition to regional connectivity policy
night parking charges will also be deemed to be withdrawn for The Association of Private Airport Operators (APAO) has
all the airports within the jurisdiction of the said state(s). opposed the regional connectivity policy stating that the desti-
nations included in the proposal lacked traffic potential and the
Charges at Non-major airports incentives offered to airlines to launch services were not enough
to cover their costs. Similarly airlines had opposed stating that
Landing Charges Per Single Landing (International Flights)
the new destinations would have severe financial implications.
Weight of aircraft Charges The APAO comprises GVK, GMR groups and CIAL run air-
Up to 10,000 kg `122.10 per 1,000 kg ports at Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kochi. The
APAO said that 10 of 87 destinations listed in the proposal have
10,001 to 20,000 kg `1,221 + `179.30 per 1,000 kg in excess of
10,000 kg traffic of 70 or more passengers each day to/from Delhi, while
the rest “do not have the ability to support or augment sched-
20,001 to 50,000 kg `3,014 + `354.20 per 1,000 kg in excess of 20,000 kg uled carriers’ service network”. The Civil Aviation Ministry’s
50,001 to `13,640 + `413.60 per 1,000 kg in excess of proposal says airlines should deploy at least six per cent of the
1,00,000 kg 50,000 kg capacity deployed on trunk routes to ‘incentive destinations’
Above 1,00,000 kg `34,320 + `471.90 per 1,000 kg in excess of and also on routes within Jammu & Kashmir. In turn, the air-
1,00,000 kg lines will be exempt from landing and parking charges, route
navigation charges, passenger service fee and fuel throughput
Landing Charges Per Single Landing (Domestic Flights) charge levied by the Airports Authority of India.
Weight of aircraft Charges According to the airports’ body, these concessions alone
Up to 10,000 kg would not be sufficient to incentivise airlines as these don’t
`67.10 per 1,000 kg
even constitute 10 per cent of an airline’s operating cost. In
10,001 to 20,000 kg `671 + `117.70 per 1,000 per kg in excess of order to break even on these routes, the airlines would require
10,000 kg 75 per cent occupancy.
Above 20,000 kg `1,848 + `231 per 1,000 kg in excess of 20,000 kg The regional airline operators, presently three in number—Air
Costa, Air Pegasus and Turbo Megha Airways (Trujet)—have not
The AAI has stated that all landing and parking charges grouped themselves to pressure the government as they them-
at all airports in the North-eastern region, Jammu & Kashmir, selves are in the early stages of their journey. It remains to be seen
Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep (other than how the Ministry intends to give regional aviation a boost, other
defence airports) is reduced by 25 per cent of the current rates. than clearing air operators’ certificate for them at the earliest.  SP

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 27

 Regional Aviation    Embraer

E-Jets Operators
at final assembly of
the first E2
The E-Jets E2 programme reinforces
Embraer’s commitment to continuously
invest in the commercial jets line of the
company, and maintain market leadership in
the segment of 70-130 seats, in which the
E-Jets hold over 50 per cent market share in
orders and 60 per cent in deliveries

BY R. Chandrakanth

E
Embraer Commercial Aviation brought together Curado and Paulo Cesar Silva, the President of the Commercial
more than 50 airlines and leasing companies, and 40 suppliers Aviation division. The company revealed the name of the next-
and trading partners in the city of Campinas, a major city in generation aircraft, E-Jets E2, and logged a sizeable number of
the state of São Paulo, Brazil, between October 19 and 21, for orders from both airlines and leasing companies.
the 2015 global edition of the Embraer Operators Conference July 14, 2014: A completely redesigned cabin with unprec-
(EOC). The highlight of the event took place on October 20, when edented space and an innovative premium seating layout is on
EOC participants flew to Embraer headquarters, in São José display at the Farnborough Air Show. UK design firm Priest-
dos Campos, and visited the first prototype of the E-Jets E2, an mangoode contracted to develop the interior jointly with
E190-E2 model. The plane is now entering the final assembly Embraer. The new E2 cabin keeps the trademark two-by-two,
process and EOC guests, about 400 people, were able to see 18.3-inch-wide seats in economy class. The slim seats, which
firsthand the fuselage painted, and the wings already installed. have no under seat support rails, give passengers more space
The first delivery of an E-Jet E2 (an E190-E2) is scheduled for to stow their cabin baggage or stretch out. New overhead bins
the first half of 2018. The E195-E2 is scheduled to enter service in are about 40 per cent larger compared to current-generation
2019 and the E175-E2 in 2020. The E-Jets E2 programme rein- E-Jets. Space is so generous that each passenger on the aircraft
forces Embraer’s commitment to continuously invest in the com- can stow his/her own standard-size carry-on bag in the bins.
mercial jets line of the company, and maintain market leadership One of the signature design features of the E2 is an indi-
in the segment of 70-130 seats, in which the E-Jets hold over 50 vidual PSU (passenger service unit). Inspired by the automotive
per cent market share in orders and 60 per cent in deliveries. Cur- industry, each passenger has his/her own light and air vent that
rently, the E-Jets operate with 70 airlines in some 50 countries. is positioned directly above the seat. Windows have been rede-
signed, too, to make the cabin feel larger and brighter.
Milestones of E2 The E2 cabin has options for Wi-Fi Internet connectivity and
January 8, 2013: Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower Geared ­TurbofanTM individual screens for in-flight entertainment.
engines selected for Embraer’s second-generation of E-Jets. Another innovation featured in the cabin mock-up is a
Photographs: Embraer

February 4, 2013: Embraer selects Honeywell to provide unique welcome screen at the boarding entrance. The LED
its Primus Epic 2 integrated avionics system for the second- panel can display flight information, destination weather, mar-
generation of E-Jets. keting messages or whatever the airline chooses.
June 17, 2013: At Paris International Air Show at Le July 14, 2014: Embraer’s E-Jets E2 order book is growing
Bourget, Embraer officialy launches the new, three-aircraft again with a conditional order announced at the 2014 Farn-
programme at a press conference, led by Embraer CEO Fred borough Air Show for up to 100 E175-E2s from Trans States

28 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

Regional Aviation    Embraer

Holdings of St. Louis, United States. The agreement calls for 50 AerCap announced the acquisition of
firm aircraft and options for an additional 50 jets. Deliveries for up to 50 E190-E2s and up to 50 E195-
Trans States’ 76-seat, dual class E175-E2s are scheduled to start E2s. The leasing community has been
in June 2020. a strong supporter of Embraer E-Jets.
July 15, 2014: Brazil’s Azul Linhas Aéreas, which operates Some 30 leasing companies have added
82 E190s and E195s (with eleven more on order), has the larg- E-Jets to their fleet portfolios.
est fleet of E195s in the world. With a Letter of Intent for up Tianjin Airlines, a subsidiary of the HNA Group, is adding to
to 50 new E195-E2s announced at the Farnborough Air Show, its existing fleet of 50 E-Jets. The parent company announced
Azul is poised to grow again. The LOI also makes Azul the the acquisition of an additional 20 current generation E-Jets,
launch customer for the E195-E2. the first of which will be delivered in 2015, and 20 next-gen-
With its predominantly E-Jet fleet, the carrier has focused eration E2s.
on serving secondary markets with high-frequency, non-stop October 17, 2014: First metal cut for the E2 happens at
flights that have brought affordable air travel to consumers, Evora, Portugal.
many of whom have never flown before. April 15, 2015: E2 Interior wins award. The concept for the
July 17, 2014: ICBC Financial Leasing Co Ltd., a wholly- E-Jets E2 cabin interior receives the prestigious Crystal Cabin
owned subsidiary of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of Award in the ‘Industrial Design and Visionary Concepts’ cat-
China, is adding up to 20 E190-E2s to its current asset portfolio egory at the annual Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg by the
of over 380 owned and managed aircraft. ICBC Leasing joins Crystal Cabin Award Association in recognition of outstanding
AerCap of the United States as a lessor of E-Jets E2s. In 2013, innovation in the field of aircraft cabins.  SP

“It’s always good to have the opportunity to show customers that the
programme is on schedule. Today’s E-Jets operators are potential E2
operators, and this is why it is so important to keep them updated on the
programme. Seeing the plane up close shows that our promise is making
strides to become a reality, and that we are quickly moving towards the next
steps: the roll out and the first flight.”
— Paulo Cesar Silva, President & CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation

List of e-jets Operators

Central America Arkia Airlines, Israel Europe
Copa Airlines, Panama LAM, Mozambique LOT Polish Airlines, Poland
North America Borajet, Turkey Alitalia, Italy
United Express, USA Royal Air Maroc Finnair, Finland
Delta Connection, USA Punto Azul, Equatorial Guinea Flybe, UK
Mauritania Airlines, Mauritania HOP!, France
US Airways & US Airways Express, USA
Air Burkina, Burkina Faso Montenegro Airlines, Montenegro
JetBlue Airways, USA
AeroMexico Connect, Mexico Asia KLM Cityhopper, Netherlands
American Eagle, USA Mandarin Airlines, Taiwan Air Dolomiti, Italy
Air Canada Tianjin Airlines, China Air Europa, Spain
J-AIR, Japan British Airways CityFlyer, UK
South America Fuji Dream Airlines, Japan Lufthansa CityLine, Germany
TAME, Ecuador China Southern, China Air Moldova, Moldova
Satena, Colombia Hebei Airlines, China People’s Vienna Line, Austria
Azul, Brazil Myanma Airways, Myanmar Estonian Air, Estonia
Austral, Argentina Air Astana, Kazakhstan Bulgaria Air, Bulgaria
Conviasa, Venezuela Air Costa, India Belavia, Belarus
Avianca, Colombia GX Airlines, China Jetairfly, Belgium
SATENA, Colombia Kalstar Aviation, Indonesia Ukraine International, Ukraine
Africa & Middle East Colorful Guizhou Airlines, China Azerbaijan Airlines, Azerbaijan
Saudi Arabian Oceania Aurigny Air Services, Channel Islands
Royal Jordanian Airnorth, Australia Saratov Airlines, Russia
Oman Air Virgin Australia Austrian Airlines
EgyptAir Express Cobham Aviation Services/ AnadoluJet, Turkey
Kenya Airways National Jet, Australia Helvetic Airways, Switzerland

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 29

 Military    lrsb

Massive victory
for
NORTHROP
With the award of the $80 billion contract for the LRSB, Northrop
Grumman, believed to have been on the verge of a break-up, will now be
able to avoid being taken over by one of the US aerospace majors and
can now look forward to a bright future
BY Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

O
On October 27 this year, the Pentagon awarded a contract nuclear weapons. The parent company Rockwell that built the
to the US aerospace major Northrop Grumman to build the new B-1B bomber was ultimately taken over by Boeing. The third and
Long Range Strike Bomber (LRSB). A massive victory and histori- the latest bomber aircraft to be inducted has been the Northrop
cal milestone in aerospace and defence sector. The fleet of air- B-2 Spirit, also known as the Stealth Bomber. This platform has
Photograph: Northrop Grumman

craft of this class currently operational with the United States Air been built by Northrop which became Northrop Grumman after
Force (USAF) consists of three types of platforms. The oldest is merger with Grumman Aerospace Corporation in 1994.
the B-52 Stratofortress that was built by Boeing and has been in The production of this aircraft was scaled down from 132 to 21
service with the USAF since the 1950s. Later to be inducted in the and today, a total of 20 B-2 Spirit bombers remain in service with
early 1980s was the B-1 designed and developed by Rockwell and the USAF. Although the B-2 fleet has been operational in the USAF
soon replaced by an improved version, the B-1B which entered for more than two decades, it still has considerable service life left
service in 1986 with the Strategic Air Command of the USAF as and is expected to continue in service till at least 2058 with pos-
a nuclear capable platform. However, it is understood that the sibly major midlife upgrade. Other than the 20 B-2 Spirit bombers,
B-1B is no longer certified to have the capability of delivering the two other fleet of the B-52 and the B-1B, have far outlived their

30 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

Military    LRSB

expected service life and have been overtaken by obsolescence. vaded the regime of manned long-range
Also, as their technology is outdated, these two fleets are afflicted strike aircraft as so far, there has been
by age-related issues. Thus, these two fleet of long-range strike air- no indication that the LRSB would be an
craft do require replacement if the USAF is to maintain its suprem- unmanned platform.
acy in global conventional as well as nuclear strike capability.
The USAF needs to always possess such a strategic reach not Implications for the US Aerospace Industry
only to target any part of the world as dictated by the compul- Boeing and Lockheed Martin have been the two leading aero-
sions of national security but also to wield an effective deterrent space companies in the US with Northrop Grumman, often
capability. Induction of the next-generation bomber aircraft is regarded as the ‘underdog’, placed in the third slot. To respond
therefore an urgent requirement of the USAF and would be a to the LRSB tender, Boeing and Lockheed Martin had teamed
strategic investment for national security for decades to come. up to submit a joint bid. However, given the fact that Northrop
Quite understandably, this project figures on the top of their list Grumman had built the B-2 Spirit Bomber for the USAF and
of priorities for re-equipment. the fleet is expected to continue to be in service with the USAF
for several decades more, award of the $80 billion contract
The Industry in a State of Flux to develop the fifth-generation LRSB which could possibly be
While there has been considerable excitement and optimism named as the B-3, does not militate against logic. The manufac-
generated over the decision by the Pentagon to award the con- turer of the power plant is yet to be disclosed.
tract for the next-generation LRSB, developments during the last While this contract has definitely come as a bonanza for
few years in the regime of fighter aircraft production by the US Northrop Grumman, it will also have a profound impact on the
aerospace industry have not been as inspiring. The F-22 Raptor US aerospace industry which might witness some more acquisi-
air superiority fighter aircraft programme of Lockheed Martin tions and mergers as was the case of Lockheed Martin’s acqui-
which was and continues to be a platform unmatched by any sition of Sikorsky. In the face of declining contracts for defence
other in the world even today, was closed down somewhat pre- equipment, the competition is becoming far more intense in the
maturely in 2012 seven years after the first aircraft was inducted aerospace and defence industry in the US. Owing to the absence
into the USAF. As against a requirement of 750 aircraft projected of large-scale new orders that the wars, including the Cold War,
initially by the Pentagon, a total of only 187 were finally pro- had generated, there is a now degree of distress in the industry
duced with the last aircraft being delivered to the USAF in 2012. as it has been facing an uncertain future.
Apart from the perpetually escalating cost of the programme However, with the award of the new multibillion-dollar con-
that has made the platform unaffordable even for the US Gov- tract for the LRSB, Northrop Grumman, believed to have been
ernment, there was heated debate on the lack of clarity on the on the verge of a break up, will now be able to avoid being
adversary or adversaries for whom this platform had been con- taken over by one of the US aerospace majors and can now
ceived. Robert Gates, the then US Secretary of Defense, espoused look forward to a bright future. As for its rivals, Lockheed Mar-
the change in strategic thinking at the Pentagon wherein the tin would be involved with the F-35 programme for which the
F-22 Raptor was seen as having been designed to fight wars of order from the three services i.e. the USAF, the US Navy and
the 20th century between the superpowers and was not consid- the US Marine Corps, taken together is indeed very large. For
ered to be relevant to the type of conflicts in which the US was Boeing, contracts for the production of fighter aircraft are fast
likely to be involved in the future. approaching completion and partial good times for the com-
Opinion in the US political and military leadership was pany can be expected only if orders for the F/A-18E/F Super
clearly in favour of the more versatile and then thought to be less Hornet continue to flow in.
expensive option – the F-35 Lightening II, Joint Strike Fighter In any case, as things stand, on account of lack of new
programme launched by Lockheed Martin. Unfortunately, the orders, Boeing is not likely to maintain its combat aircraft man-
F-35 programme has been plagued with problems including seri- ufacturing capacity beyond the end of this decade unless new
ous technical glitches at every stage, missed timelines and heavy programmes are initiated by the Pentagon, which at this point
cost escalation, all casting serious doubts about its reliability and in time appears somewhat unlikely. The one possibility that is
successful attainment of full operational status as was mandated latent in the demand for the development and production of a
in the initial plan for the design. However, despite the problems, next-generation fighter trainer for the USAF which would be
development of three versions of the F-35 for the USAF, the US required in sufficiently large numbers.
Navy and the US Marine Corps, continues. But the project has
acquired the dubious distinction of being the most expensive Conclusion
fighter aircraft acquisition programme of the US armed forces. The fifth-generation bomber contracted to be designed, devel-
The higher echelons in the leadership of the nation, especially oped and built by Northrop Grumman, will be the main pillar of
in the domain of defence, were also of the view that air combat strength that will help the USAF play its role in the execution
was a relic of the past and that the F-22 Raptor was an overkill as of US national defence strategy. It will give the USAF unprec-
in the future, the possibility of full scale wars was remote. Instead, edented capability of conventional as well as nuclear strike
in the future, wars would be fought against small groups of guer- to neutralise targets in any part of the world. The threat to
rillas, the type of war currently going on in the Afghanistan-Paki- national security of the US is expected to emanate primarily
stan region for which unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) from China and possibly Russia. However, there are two impon-
would be the platform of choice. In conformity with this phi- derables that Pentagon must address. The first that lies in the
losophy, the USAF is expanding its fleet of unmanned platforms domain of finances pertains to cost escalation that may drive
rapidly and every year, training more operators of unmanned the project beyond the limits of affordability as witnessed in the
aerial vehicles (UAVs) than fighter pilots. In fact, in 2009, there F-22 and the F-35 projects. The second pertains to the issue of
was wide consensus in the Pentagon that in all likelihood, the survivability in a highly intense air defence environment that
F-35 would be last manned fighter aircraft that the USAF would the prospective adversaries are likely to develop in their own
get. This philosophy, however, does not as yet seem to have per- national security interests in the future.  SP

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 Military    procurement

Importance of
Life-Cycle Cost
In view of limited financial resources and consequently low budgetary allocations for defence,
it would be necessary to factor in life-cycle cost in the selection of defence equipment

T
The expression ‘Life-Cycle Cost’ related to military aircraft of which only 40 have been received directly from the
hardware, whether a tank, warship or aircraft, pertains to the OEM in flyaway condition and the remaining are being manufac-
total cost of initial acquisition of the equipment, expenditure tured under licence by the Indian aerospace major the Hindustan
on maintenance for it to remain fit for operational deployment Aeronautics Limited. The offer from Airbus-Tata Advanced Sys-
and the cost of operating the equipment over its entire life as tems Limited consortium to supply 56, C-295 medium-lift military
defined by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This transport aircraft to replace the ageing fleet of Avro aircraft in the
concept would apply also to all other military systems including IAF is also formulated on similar lines with 16 aircraft supplied
software-based equipment such as command, control, commu- directly from the Airbus factory in Seville, Spain, and 40 platforms
nications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnais- to be manufactured within the country at a facility yet to be set up.
sance (C4ISR) systems. In other words, life-cycle cost refers to As is generally the case, the initial cost of acquisition of military
the cost of particular military equipment and the supporting assets is high. One of the reasons for this is the relatively lower
elements over their entire life from ‘cradle to grave’. volumes of production when compared with non-military hard-
The methodology of computing the total cost of ownership of ware. The total quantities produced are low primarily because
defence equipment acquired through either development within the demand is low and there are a number of impediments, politi-
the country or through imports, was originally evolved in the early cal or otherwise, in promoting global trade of military equipment.
1960s by the US Department of Defense. It has since then been Besides, the cost of operating and maintaining military equip-
adopted by various countries, such as the United Kingdom, Aus- ment over its complete life-cycle which may extend up to 40 years
tralia and more recently by India as well. Also, with the ever tight- or even more, is in fact much higher than the initial acquisition
ening control on defence expendi- cost. This is one of the important
ture and shrinking defence budgets factors that should and must be
of nations across the world, reduc- taken into account in the process
tion of life-cycle cost has become an of selection of the equipment. For
inalienable imperative. Ways and example, the cost of operating the
means of reducing life-cycle cost fifth-generation combat aircraft
has been an area of ever-increasing like the Lockheed Martin F-22 Rap-
focus of global aerospace majors to tor works out to $44,000 per hour.
remain competitive and also by the As against this, the cost of operat-
user nations to remain within the ing the fourth-generation combat
bounds of financial affordability. aircraft Gripen from Saab of Swe-
When a nation procures defence den is only $3,000 per hour. The
equipment in sizeable numbers, it question for a nation scouting the
may be advantageous for the buyer Finalisation of contract for Airbus A330 MRTT global market for combat aircraft
selected for the IAF long ago is delayed possibly
nation to also set up the facilities to due to lack of understanding of ‘Life-Cycle Cost’ then boils down to whether it must
assemble or manufacture in-house go for the F-22 Raptor or make do
a major portion of the total num- with the Saab Gripen.
ber of units contracted for, acquire the latest technologies through In the procurement of a military aircraft therefore the decision
transfer of technology, obtain the necessary documentation and must not be based on the initial procurement cost alone. While the
have adequate number of personnel trained to respectable profi- low price quoted for a particular piece of hardware may appear
ciency levels. For example, in the tender for the 126 Rafale combat attractive, its life-cycle cost may turn out to be much higher than
jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Dassault, the OEM was that of an equivalent platform where the significantly higher unit
required to supply 18 aircraft directly in flyaway condition. The cost is more than compensated for by the much lower life-cycle
Photograph: airbus defence and Space

remaining 108 platforms were to be manufactured in India in col- cost. European and American military aircraft generally fall in the
laboration with an Indian partner. Apart from the fact that this latter category, i.e high unit cost but much lower life-cycle cost.
arrangement would have contributed to reduction in the unit cost The difference in the total operating cost over the complete
of the equipment, the manufacturing facilities established in the life-cycle of the two aircraft would be important from the point
process would have later undertaken manufacture of spares and of view of affordability and limitations of future budgetary sup-
would have provided maintenance support for the fleet throughout port. In view of limited financial resources of the nation and con-
its service with the IAF as well as would have undertaken midlife sequently low budgetary allocations for defence, it would be nec-
upgrade thus reducing life-cycle cost significantly. Unfortunately, essary to factor in the life-cycle cost in the selection of defence
this particular tender proved abortive. equipment whether for import or domestic production.  SP
However, there is similar arrangement with the on-going con-
tract with Sukhoi of Russia in case of the Su-30MKI fleet of 272 —By Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

32 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

 military    IAF Anniversary

newly raised hawk ajt as surya kiran performing manoeuvres

IAF
TURNS 83
On October 8, 2015, the IAF turned 83, an occasion that was celebrated with enthusiasm
and pride in all its units and establishments across the nation

BY Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd)

T
The Indian Air Force (IAF) was officially established with eight decades, the IAF has grown to be the fourth largest air force
the prefix ‘Royal’ on October 8, 1932 in British India with the in the world and today, it is a force to reckon with. On its inven-
enactment of the Indian Air Force Act the same year. Nearly six tory, the IAF now has over 1,400 aircraft and around 1,70,000
months later, the RIAF commissioned No. 1 Squadron, its very personnel. Since independence, the IAF has participated in the
first squadron, at Drigh Road, Karachi, now in Pakistan. On its wars with Pakistan in 1965, 1971 and 1999 and has always risen
Photograph: IAF

inventory, No. 1 Squadron had just four Westland Wapiti IIA to the occasion providing swift response for disaster relief dur-
biplanes and was manned by six officers five of whom were ing natural calamity in India or abroad. It has also successfully
pilots, and 19 airmen, all trained by the Royal Air Force of the extricated Indian nationals and citizens of other nations trapped
United Kingdom. From its humble beginnings, over the last over in conflict zones in different parts of the world.

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 33

 Military    IAF Anniversary

Celebrations on Air Force Day

On October 8, 2015, the IAF turned 83, an occasion that was
celebrated with enthusiasm and pride in all its units and
establishments across the nation ranging from Kashmir to
Kanyakumari. Such events help enhance amongst the general
public awareness of and confidence in the capabilities of the
IAF to meet with the challenges of national security. It also
helps boost morale and elevate the spirits of servicemen them-
selves. The national hub centre of the 83rd anniversary cel-
ebrations of the IAF was Air Force Station Hindon, located on
the outskirts of Delhi. The event was marked by a parade and
an impressive display of aerial might of the IAF. The parade
which had nearly 300 IAF personnel including women offi-
cers, was reviewed by the chief guest Air Chief Marshal Arup
Raha, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) and the Chairman Chiefs of
Staff Committee who conferred awards to honour air warriors
in recognition of their selfless service to the nation. No. 1 Air
Force Band was in attendance.
Also gracing the occasion were General Dalbir Singh, Chief
of the Army Staff, and Admiral R.K. Dhowan, Chief of Naval
Staff. Adding unique flavour to the event was the legendary
cricketing idol Sachin Tendulkar who has been conferred the
honourary rank of Group Captain and was sporting the ceremo-
nial uniform of the IAF. Incidentally, he is the first sportsperson
in India to receive this honour!

Felicitations from
Different Quarters
The IAF was felicitated
The IAF has remained on this occasion by both
in the vanguard the President of India,
of the Indian skies Pranab Mukherjee, the
Supreme Commander,
safeguarding the and Prime Minister Nar-
sovereignty of the endra Modi. The mes-
sage from the President
nation all through its which was infinitely
glorious history of over inspiring, read: “I am
eight decades happy to know that the
IAF is celebrating its
83rd Anniversary on
October 8, 2015. The
IAF has remained in the
vanguard of the Indian skies safeguarding the sovereignty of
our nation all through its glorious history of over eight decades.
Over the years, the IAF has evolved into a formidable force with
new acquisitions and weapons of great precision. Today, the
IAF is rated one of the best in the world and has acquired the
capability of strategic reach and precision targeting. In today’s
world order, the role of IAF is not only limited to fighting a (top) chief of the air staff air chief marshal arup raha reviewing the
war but also rendering timely assistance during national crisis. air force day parade; (middle) air warrior drill team displaying their
On numerous occasions in the past, during natural disasters, alluring skills during the air force day parade; (Above) iaf su-30MKI
IAF has been at the forefront providing timely succour and escorting the c-17 globemaster III during the fly past
relief. The recent efforts of the IAF to airlift our countrymen
from Yemen, rescuing people during flash floods in Srinagar
Photographs: Sp guide pubns, IAF

and the assistance rendered to the people of Nepal during the civilians and their families. I am proud of the achievements by
aftermath of a massive earthquake is praiseworthy. It bears tes- the IAF over the years and wish it continued success in all its
timony to the IAF’s glorious legacy of valour, courage and com- future endeavours”.
mitment. The nation remains indebted to the air warriors for The Prime Minister eulogised the IAF with his message
their selflessness and sacrifice. I am confident that the ongoing which read, “I salute our air force personnel on Air Force Day.
process of modernisation will transform the IAF into an even They have always served India with great courage and deter-
more potent and strategic force and it will continue to serve mination. Contribution of our Air Force is monumental. They
the nation with dedication and commitment. On this occasion, I are always at the forefront, be it in protecting skies or in times
extend my warm greetings and felicitations to all IAF personnel, of disasters”.

34 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

 Military    IAF Anniversary

team jumped from a high-flying An-32

tactical transport aircraft of the IAF and
displaying their colourful parachute
canopies carried out some impressive
manoeuvres as they descended to the
ground right before the enthralled audi-
ence. This was followed by a fly-past by three Mi-17V5 helicop-
ters in a V-shaped formation carrying the Air Force ensign under
slung. The Chakra formation consisting of three Mi-35 attack
helicopters was next in the sequence. Fly-past by fighter aircraft
of the IAF after the parade was led by three Jaguars in Vic for-
mation, closely followed by three MiG-21Bison aircraft. The C-17
Globemaster III escorted by two Su-30MKI aircraft also took
part in the fly-past. Vintage aircraft such as the Harvard and
the de Havilland Tiger Moth helped revive memories of the past.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) was back in the sky
re-equipped with four brightly painted Hawk 132 advanced jet
trainer (AJT) aircraft. The HJT-16 Kiran Mk II equipped SKAT
had been disbanded four years ago on account of shortage of
intermediate jet trainer aircraft. This was the highlight of the
aerial display as formation aerobatics by SKAT has always
enthralled audiences both in India and abroad! The grand finale
was a thrilling display by the Sarang helicopter team with their
heart-stopping manoeuvres.
The static display included the latest IL-76 based Airborne
Warning and Control System aircraft, a multi-role French
fighter Mirage 2000, Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft
and Russian fighters
MiG-21, MiG-29 and the
Su-30MKI which car-
ries the BrahMos super-
sonic cruise missile. In no way have women
Apart from fighter air- pilots in the IAF proved
craft, the IAF also dis-
played helicopters, the
to be less capable
Hawk AJT, Pilatus PC-7 than their male
Mk II turboprop trainer, counterparts
the indigenously devel-
oped radars.

Women to the Fore

But perhaps the most interesting feature of the Air Force Day
celebrations this year was the announcement by the CAS that
plans are afoot to induct women pilots into the fighter stream
of the IAF. So far, the 94 women pilots and 14 women navi-
gators in the IAF are restricted to fly transport aircraft and
helicopters. Women pilots and navigators have been operating
transport aircraft to forward bases and flying helicopters even
in remote areas and over inhospitable terrain of the Siachen
(top) il-76-based awacs aircraft on static display;
Glacier. In no way have they proved to be less capable than
(middle) pilatus pc-7 mkII turboprop trainer; their male counterparts. Apparently, as per a statement from
(above) mi-17v5 helicopter Manohar Parrikar, the Minister of Defence, the government is
in favour of this proposal which indeed is clear departure from
the position held last year. In fact, the government is looking
at combat role for women in all the three services and the IAF
Not to be left behind, Honourary Group Captain Sachin Ten- is in the lead in this regard. This will indeed be inspiring as
Photographs: Sp guide pubns

dulkar too expressed his sentiments about the IAF. His post on well as challenging for the future generations of women and
the social media read: “I am proud of the dedication of the IAF. a positive development in respect of their emancipation and
Every member plays his part to perfection. Thank you to each fulfilment of their aspirations!
one of them for their commitment and many sacrifices.”
Introspection
Air and Static Display While the anniversary of the IAF is certainly an occasion to cel-
The commencement of the parade was marked by the flag-bear- ebrate, it is also the time for introspection, to reminisce over the
ing sky divers of the famous Akash Ganga team of the IAF. The past and to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.  SP

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 35

hall of fame

A
Air Marshal William Avery replacement arrived. The very next day, surprise was lost. He was reputed to be
Bishop was the foremost Canadian fly- March 25, 1917, Bishop claimed his first naturally blessed with superb eyesight
ing ace of World War I. He was credited kill – an Albatros DIII Scout. He never and an excellent sense of situational
with 72 victories and awarded the Victo- looked back. awareness, both of which are vital
ria Cross in the course of his brief opera- Any pilot who wished to venture out for fighter pilots. The Germans soon
tional career. on ‘lone-wolf’ missions was promptly learned to dread the sight of his blue-
‘Billy’ Bishop was born in Owen permitted. So Bishop flew the stan- nosed Nieuport 17, calling him ‘Hell’s
Sound, Ontario, Canada on February 8, dard patrols with his squadron and Handmaiden’.
1894. At age 15 he made an ‘aircraft’ on his free days, flew alone deep into May 1917 was a relatively quiet
out of cardboard, wooden strips and enemy territory in search of prey. By month; but on June 2, Billy Bishop took
string and flew off the top of his three- April 8, he recorded his fifth victory off just before 4 a.m. on a solo sortie to
story house. Thankfully, he emerged and became a fighter ace. The history attack a German aerodrome. He claimed
unscathed from the wreckage. During of 60 Squadron calls April 1917 ‘Bloody to have shot down three aircraft in the
World War I, he was sent to France with April’ because in that month they lost process of taking off to attack him and
a Canadian mounted infantry unit. But 13 of their 18 original pilots plus seven destroyed several more on the ground.
the trenches, the mud and the lack of replacements. Bishop however, seemed This spectacular feat earned him the
action frustrated him. One day he Victoria Cross. He was granted
saw an aircraft gracefully alight leave for some months, before he
on a nearby field before taking off returned to the front. However,
again. He later wrote, “How long I since the Canadian Government
stood there gazing into the distance was worried that such an inspira-
I do not know, but when I turned to tional figure might be lost, he was
slog my way back through the mud, ordered to return to England for
my mind was made up. I knew a less dangerous assignment. On
there was only one place to be on June 19, 1918, the day he was to
such a day – up above the clouds leave France, he added another
and in the summer sunshine. I was five aircraft, to make a total of 72
going into the battle that way. I was kills during the War.
going to meet the enemy in the air.” Billy Bishop died on Septem-
In 1915 Bishop was accepted ber 11, 1956. Long after his death,
by the Royal Flying Corps, but only allegations began to surface that
as an observer. In the course of a his combat claims had been exag-
wartime mission over France he gerated and that he did not deserve
experienced engine failure after the Victoria Cross. Given the fog of
take-off, which left him with a war, conflicting claims, the destruc-
badly wounded knee. However, tion of some war records and the
the injury may have saved his life uncertain authenticity of others,
because, while he was recuperat- BILLY BISHOP there is no way to conclusively con-
ing, his squadron was almost com- firm or deny these allegations. His
pletely annihilated in the Battle of (1894-1956) Victoria Cross is perhaps the only
the Somme of September 1916. He one on record that was awarded
pulled strings to overcome major Bishop was reputed to be entirely on the central personality’s
medical objections and was soon evidence, without corroboration.
naturally blessed with superb
accepted for pilot training at the Maybe the Allies, having suffered
Central Flying School. Six months eyesight and an excellent sense great reverses, were in desperate
later, on March 17, 1917, he of situational awareness, both of need of instant heroes and Bishop
arrived at 60 Squadron near Arras, which are vital for fighter pilots fitted the bill. It is also well known
to fly the Nieuport 17 fighter. The that fighter pilots have a reputa-
German Air Force, with the famous tion second only to fishermen in
Baron Manfred von Richthofen recounting their exploits. After all,
in the lead, was in the process of in the heat of battle, when events
massacring the Allied fighters. Five happen in quick time in three
British aircraft were being shot down for to have a charmed life and claimed 12 dimensions and death may be an instant
the loss of just one German plane, while kills in the month. He was soon pro- away, it is almost impossible for anyone
a raw British pilot could hope to survive moted to Captain and revelled in lead- to keep an accurate picture of events.
just 11 days on an average. Bishop was ing less experienced pilots into battle. What the pilot reports is often what the
given a few simple orientation flights Since his combat training had been brain wishes to remember rather than
but no operational training of any kind rudimentary, he learned on the job. His what really happened. Even the big-
before he was launched into war. A week aim was to get behind and above the gest sceptics do not dispute either Billy
later, he was ordered to return to flight enemy, achieve surprise, swoop down Bishop’s bravery or his combat ability
school because he crash-landed his from the direction of the sun if possible and concede that he downed over 20
plane during a practice flight. However, and shoot him down sometimes even German aircraft. And that’s no mean
the squadron commander persuaded before being detected. He did not hesi- achievement.  SP
the authorities to let him stay until his tate to disengage when the element of — Joseph Noronha

36 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

marketing feature

Rosoboronexport will hold

Russia’s leading positions on
the global arms market in the
aerospace sector
At the MAKS 2015 International Moscow Aerospace Show Russia’s special exporter
Rosoboronexport signed contracts with Belarus, Jordan and Spanish company HISDESAT
Servicios Estratégicos SA.

R
Rosoboronexport signed copters equipped with advanced
contracts with Belarus to avionics and navigation equipment.
deliver five Tor-M2K SAM systems, As to air defenses, the Company
Jordan to supply P-7 airdrop plat- will conduct the presentations of
forms and with HISDESAT Servicios the Igla-S MANPADS, Pantsir-S1
Estratégicos SA, a Spanish satellite SPAAGM system, Tor-M2E and Buk-
services operator, to launch the PAZ M2E SAM systems, Antey-2500 air
spacecraft in 2015. defense missile system as well as
At MAKS 2015, Rosoboronex- the latest EW systems.
port also held constructive talks Particular attention at exhibi-
around the potential for delivery of tion was paid to technical and sci-
aircraft and air defense systems. entific cooperation and establish-
“Now is the time when our sus- ing joint and license production
tained and consistent efforts to pro- facilities and customer service.
mote a wide range of the latest Rus- Today, Rosoboronexport, together
sian aircraft and air defenses are with Russian aircraft manufactur-
starting to yield firm contracts. We ers, is implementing a global strat-
have managed to gain a foothold in egy to establish service centers for
new markets, regain our lost posi- maintenance and repair of Russian
tions in a number of countries and aircraft and helicopters in almost
continue to intensely develop mili- all regions of the world, including
tary-technical cooperation with our in the framework of offset agree-
traditional partners. Growing inter- ments with the attraction of local
est among foreign customers in new companies and appropriate trans-
weapon models and Rosoboronex- fer of technology.
port’s comprehensive marketing Such helicopter repair service
strategy to promote Russian mili- centers are being established in
tary and dual-purpose products are Brazil, Venezuela and Peru and
a guarantee that Russia will hold its aircraft repair service centers –
leading positions in the global arms in Vietnam, India, Myanmar and
market in the aerospace sector,” China. Prospects for building ser-
said Rosoboronexport’s first deputy vice centers are also being actively
general director Ivan Goncharenko. discussed with other Rosobo-
Among the promising export ronexport’s partner countries,
models that Rosoboronexport including the European countries,
showed to its foreign partners at where Russian aircraft are cur-
MAKS 2015 were the Su-35 and rently in service.
MiG-29M/M2 multifunctional Over 15 years since its founda-
fighters, Yak-130 combat trainer, tion, Rosoboronexport has signed
Il-76MD-90A military transport, contracts to supply foreign custom-
Be-200 amphibious aircraft, Ka-52 ers with more than 360 aircraft, 180
and Mi-28NE attack helicopters, assembly kits for licensed produc-
(top) Rosoboronexport CEO Anatoly Isaykin
Mi-26T2 heavy transport helicop- tion of Su-30MKI fighters in India,
conducted talks at MAKS-2015;
ter, Ka-226T light utility helicopter, (middle) Ka-52K helicopter; as well as over 800 Mil and Kamov
Mi-17 type military transport heli- (above) Tor-M2K SAM system. helicopters.  SP

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 37

News Digest
Military Show Calendar
QuickRoundUp Asia Pacific 8–12 November
Dubai Airshow
CAS Inaugurates EMI-EMC Testing Range Dubai World Central, Dubai, UAE
The Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee www.dubaiairshow.aero
and CAS Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha
AgustaWestland inaugurated the Electro-Magnetic Inter- 17–19 November
Eight Lynx Mk21A maritime helicopters will be ference – Electro-Magnetic Compatibility NBAA Business Aviation
transported by XPO Logistics from Brazil to the UK for test facility and Near Field Test Range Convention and Exhibition, 2015
undergoing a phased upgrade by AgustaWestland, who at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Las Vegas Convention Center, Henderson
plans to replace engines, navigation systems, display Ghaziabad, on September 21, 2015. The Executive Airport, Las Vegas, Naveda, USA
consoles and mission avionics. setting up of these state-of-the-art testing www.nbaa.org/events/bace/2015
facilities is a part of the transformation
Boeing process of BEL into a major R&D and 1–2 December
Boeing has been selected as the prime contractor for the manufacturing centre of excellence in the Military Airlift and Rapid
US Air Force’s Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability critical field of electronic systems in the Reaction Operations
Hotel NH Collection Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
System (EPAWSS). This new electronic warfare suite will country for the armed forces.
www.smi-online.co.uk/defence/europe/
counter threats and better protect aircrew. The EPAWSS military-airlift-rapid-reaction-operations
programme which will upgrade existing F-15 aircraft is India to Induct Tejas Mark 1-A Fighter
valued at approximately $4 billion. Aircraft 21–23 January, 2016
Boeing has announced that EVA Airways’ intent The Indian Ministry of Defence has de- Bahrain International Airshow
to purchase up to 24 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and cided to induct at least seven squadrons Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain
two additional Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) of the ‘Made in India’ Tejas Mark 1-A www.bahraininternationalairshow.com
jetliners, in a deal valued at more than $8 billion at light combat aircraft into the Indian Air
current list prices. EVA Airways will join the Boeing 787- Force (IAF) to make up for the existing
10 launch customer team and will be one of the first voids of fighters. The Tejas Mark 1-A will fly the Su-30MKI combat aircraft are
airlines in the world to introduce the latest member of be marginally better than the Tejas Mk focusing on beyond visual range (BVR)
the Dreamliner family. I. The IAF has agreed to induct the Tejas combat and night flying capabilities even
Boeing has completed its upgrade of all US Air Mark 1-A as it urgently needs more than as they gear up for the integration with
Force F-22 Raptor Mission Training Centers with its high- 120 light-weight fighters for air defence. the Su-30MKI, of the ‘game changer’
fidelity Constant Resolution Visual System. The system It is understood that the Tejas Mark1-A BrahMos missiles that has a strike range
trains pilots in a more realistic visual environment will be lighter than Tejas and deliveries of nearly 300 km. The current BVR mis-
than current simulators and allows them to experience are likely to start in 2016. An improved siles have a range of about 50-70 km.
extreme manoeuvres that typically are only practiced in version of Tejas Mark1-A, i.e. Tejas Mark They are also looking forward to the
a simulator. II is likely to be inducted by 2024. plane’s next-generation ‘Super 30’ ver-
sion which will have advanced avionics.
CAE Boeing to Supply Apache and Chinook
CAE has announced a series of training solution contracts Helicopters Light Utility Helicopters Under ‘Make
including the sale of nine full-flight simulators and training The India Ministry of Defence has final- in India’
programmes with over 15 global airlines valued at more ised its order with Boeing for produc- To meet the urgent requirements of the
than $232 million. tion, training and support of Apache and armed forces, India is set to have three
CAE has announced that it has won defence con- Chinook helicopters. India will receive 22 different lines of light utility helicopters all
tracts, included as part of its second quarter order intake, AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and of which will be manufactured under the
valued at more than $76.6 million to provide training and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicop- ‘Make in India’ initiative. It was reported
simulators for global customers. Some of the key contracts ters. Both are the latest models of these that despite a deal with the Russian Gov-
include for the US Air Force for KC-135 Aircrew Training aircraft. “This is a milestone in Boeing’s ernment for Ka-226 helicopters, two other
System programme, for the US Navy to continue providing expanding commitment to India,” said lines, including for a Western helicopter
T-44C aircrew training and a five-year contract for the Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India. that it still to be selected, will be required
German Air Force’s Eurofighter training. Large sections of the Chinook fuselage to keep pace with the demand of the the
are already manufactured in India and Indian armed forces. Indicating that a ma-
DSCA discussions are ongoing with our Indian jor ‘Make in India’ project for the private
The State Department has approved under the foreign partners to make Apache parts.” In a later sector to produce close to 200 helicopters
military sales (FMS), a possible sale to Spain for MQ-9 development, Boeing has announced on in partnership with a foreign vendor is
Block-5 aircraft and associated equipment, parts and October 16, 2015, that it plans to assem- still alive and RFP is expected soon.
logistical support for an estimated cost of $243 million. ble one of the two helicopter designs in
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the India. Boeing had agreed to a 30 per cent Industry
required certification notifying Congress of this possible offset clause as part of the contract for the
sale on October 5, 2015. two helicopter designs, which is expected Asia-Pacific
to bring in a billion dollars worth of busi-
Denmark ness to the Indian aerospace industry. HAL’s New Helicopter Complex
Denmark is reportedly looking to buy a fifth C-130J Super All hurdles have been cleared for the
Hercules military transport aircraft rejecting the A400M in IAF SU-30 Pilots Focusing on BVR Combat construction of a helicopter complex at
the process. Plans to buy the Airbus design were report- Pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) who Bidarehalli Kaval village in Gubbi taluk

38 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

News Digest
appointments

AIRBUS GROUP Vice President and President, Tech-

Airbus Group has appointed Dirk nical Services, will lead the new
Hoke (46) to succeed Bernhard Gerw- Technology Services Sector.
ert (62) as CEO of Airbus Defence and
Space (DS) effective April 1, 2016. ROLLS-ROYCE QuickRoundUp
Effective November 1, 2015, Rolls-
INDIAN AIR FORCE Royce Holdings plc has appointed Sir
Effective October 19, 2015, Air Com- Kevin Smith CBE as a Non-Executive
modore Pawan Mohey took over com- Director on the Board of the company.
mand of Air Force Station New Delhi He will also become a member of the edly dropped on financial grounds, with operating costs
from Air Commodore G. Amar Babu. Nominations and Governance Commit- deemed too high by the Danish Defence Ministry.
tee, the Remuneration Committee and
INMARSAT the Science & Technology Committee. HAL
Inmarsat, the leading provider of Light attack helicopter developed by the Hindustan Aeronau-
GULFSTREAM tics Ltd (HAL) has completed its latest set of trials on Octo-
global mobile satellite communications
ber 16, 2015, following several months of hot/cold weather
services, has appointed Sam Matar as In September 2015, Gulfstream Aero-
and high-altitude testing. The Indian Army has ordered 114
Director of Airline Market Develop- space Corp announced the following
of the helicopters, with the Indian Air Force also ordering 65
ment, with responsibility for expand- appointments: to date. HAL is now anticipating military airworthiness clear-
ing the company’s airline customer •  Sheryl Bunton as the company’s ance with weapons trials now scheduled to begin.
base and revenues in the strategically Chief Information Officer (CIO).
important North America market. •  Bill Skinner, Vice President and Cor- Indian Air Force
porate Controller/Treasurer as Vice The Indian Air Force has signed a $1.2-billion contract with
PRATT & WHITNEY President, Treasurer and Financial domestic firm Bharat Electronics Ltd for radar integration
Daniel Eigenbrode, Vice President of Planning. services following clearance of the project by the Cabinet
Supplier Quality at Pratt & Whitney, •  Kimberly Benson as Vice President, Committee on Security last month. The work will mesh the
has been named Chair of the G22 Corporate Controller. country’s civilian and military radar systems as well as
Aerospace Engine Supplier Quality •  Brian Durrence as Vice President of establish new nodes in the country’s growing ground-based
(AESQ) Technical Committee. Engineering. radar network.
•  Jim Bunke as Sales Director, North
NORTHROP GRUMMAN American Sales, West Division. L-3 Communications
L-3 Communications has announced that it has been
Northrop Grumman Corporation has
competitively awarded a $30-million contract from
announced the following appointments: INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT the US Coast Guard to missionize two C-130J Super
•  Gloria Flach, currently Corporate ASSOCIATION (IATA) Hercules aircraft using a next-generation mission
Vice President and President of the On September 24, 2015, IATA an- system suite.
Electronic Systems sector, as the nounced two senior management
Chief Operating Officer. appointments as under: Lockheed Martin
•  Kathy Warden, currently Corporate •  Gilberto Lopez Meyer as Senior Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force (USAF) have report-
Vice President and President of Vice President for Safety and Flight edly reached an agreement on the acquisition of C-130J
Information Systems, will be Corpo- Operations. Super Hercules transport aircraft. The five-year contract
rate Vice President and President of •  Nick Careen as Senior Vice Presi- will see 83 C-130Js delivered to the USAF, Coast Guard
Mission Systems. dent for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Marine Corps and is anticipated to be finalised by the
•  Chris Jones, currently corporate and Security. end of this year. Lockheed Martin has invested nearly $1
billion into the development of the aircraft which has been
purchased by 16 countries including Canada, India, Israel
and Norway.
of Tumakuru district, initially targeted (FIPB) has cleared the proposal to set up Lockheed Martin has received a $305.4 million
at production of light utility helicopter a helicopter assembling unit by Indian contract from the USAF for continued production of the joint
(LUH). The state government has also Rotorcraft (IRL), a joint venture between air-to-surface standoff missile (JASSM) and its extended
agreed to relocate high-tension wires AgustaWestland and Tata Sons. The range (ER) version. The Lot 13 contract includes 140
running over the area. The complex will proposal to assemble AgustaWestland’s baseline JASSMs for the US and international partners, 140
include helicopter manufacturing sys- AW119Kx helicopters has been hanging JASSM-ER missiles, data, tooling and test equipment.
tems, hangars, composites and compo- fire for over two years, with FIPB assign-
nent manufacturing factories and engine ing no reasons. IRL has sought the nod to NASA
component manufacturing units. The go for AW119Kx as the helicopter model NASA has awarded a key contract to Boeing, the Inter-
complex is likely to be ready by 2017-18. in place of AW119Ke and change the for- national Space Station’s prime contractor, to continue
eign investor in the wake of an internal providing key engineering support services, resources
FIPB Clears Tata-AgustaWestland reorganisation through merger within and personnel to the programme through to September
Helicopter Plant Proposal the AgustaWestland group effective Janu- 30, 2020. The contract, valued at $1.18 billion, has been
The Foreign Investment Promotion Board ary 1, 2014.   extended for five years.

www.sps-aviation.com ISSUE 10  • 2015 39

 Last word

Dhruv Contract
CANCELLED
Reports in the media indicate that Ecuador has unilater- warranty period for HAL to provide after-sales service support
ally terminated a contract with the Hindustan Aeronautics Lim- for the seven helicopters had long expired. A very insensitive
ited (HAL) after four of the seven Dhruv advanced light helicop- response indeed!
ters (ALH) bought in the period between 2009 and 2012 from In India, more than 200 of these indigenous rotary-wing
the state-owned Indian aerospace major in a contract worth platforms are in service with the armed forces and have been
$45.2 million, were lost in crashes. Two of the recent accidents used extensively in relief operations following natural calami-
were caused by mechanical failure. The three remaining Dhruv ties such as the flash floods in different parts of the country in
helicopters have been grounded. the devastating earthquake in Nepal.
The Dhruv ALH project launched in 1984 had undeniably The Indian armed forces however have not been totally sat-
been plagued by problems as is usually the case with the devel- isfied with the performance of the Dhruv. After operating six of
opment of new platforms. However, despite the impediments, these for some time, in 2008, the Indian Navy rejected the naval
the maiden flight of the prototype was undertaken in 2002. variant as it had failed to meet basic operational requirements
Along with supply of the platform to the Indian armed forces, and had then decided not to place further orders with HAL. How-
HAL had embarked on a sales drive of its Dhruv as a low-cost ever, in November 2013, the Indian Navy commissioned its first
alternative to military and utility helicopters from Western Naval Air Squadron at Kochi equipped with the land-based ver-
aerospace majors. Apart from the seven delivered to the Ecua- sion. At the commissioning ceremony, the Indian Navy said, “The
dorian Air Force (EAF), HAL has also supplied Dhruv to Israel, Dhruv helicopter has transformed into an advanced search and
Nepal, Mauritius, Suriname and the Maldives for operation by rescue helicopter, also used for missions like heliborne opera-
their respective security establishments. The Dhruv ALH had tions and armed patrol with night vision devices”. The Indian
also been offered to Chile, Malaysia and Indonesia. Army and the Indian Air Force that operate much larger fleets
After the crash of one of the Dhruvs in October 2009, Ecua- of the Dhruv have experienced frequent technical failures, some
dor reportedly considered returning the remaining six helicop- resulting in loss of aircraft as well as precious lives. Following the
ters to HAL amid claims of the aircraft being technically flawed. air crashes, the Dhruv fleet has had to be grounded a number of
However, in the crash investigation in which HAL participated, times pending investigation and determination of the reasons for
it was established that the cause of the accident was pilot error. the disasters. However, despite the technical inadequacies, the
In February 2011, the EAF was reported to be satisfied with Indian armed forces have not only logged over 1,50,000 hours
the Dhruv’s performance and was considering placing fur- since its induction; but continue expand their inventories.
ther orders. In July 2011, media The decision by the Govern-
reports in Pakistan indicated that ment of Ecuador to terminate the
the Dhruv fleet with the EAF contract for Dhruv will undoubt-
suffered from “poor after-sales edly be a major setback for the
service, expensive spares and Indian aerospace major HAL.
over-invoicing”. EAF however, Unfortunately, on account of this
publically denied these reports development, credibility of HAL in
describing them as “propaganda the global aerospace market will
by vested interests” and praised be severely dented, explanations,
the performance of Dhruv. clarifications and justification by
The problem of frequent the organisation notwithstanding.
crashes in a fleet of aircraft owing HAL cannot afford to treat foreign
to technical reasons, whether customers the way it can treat
fixed- or rotary-wing, can be the captive domestic customers
attributable either to inadequate and get away with it. Unless HAL
product support by the original is prepared to address quality
equipment manufacturer (OEM) issues with all sincerity, espe-
or to lack of proper maintenance cially in respect of their products
by the operator. In this case, marketed abroad, and sheds its
Ecuador alleged that HAL had bureaucratic approach to win
failed to ship in the required time the confidence of customers
illustration: anoop kamath

frame, some of the spare parts while dealing with them, there
required for the upkeep of the is little chance that its efforts to
helicopters as ordered by the The decision by the Government of penetrate foreign markets will
EAF. As per a response by HAL, Ecuador to terminate the contract for succeed.  SP
maintenance of the Dhruv fleet
was exclusively the responsibil- Dhruv will undoubtedly be a major setback —By Air Marshal
ity of the EAF as the two-year for the Indian aerospace major HAL B.K. Pandey (Retd)

40 ISSUE 10  • 2015 www.sps-aviation.com

 E-JETS

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