Aviation
Top 10 Airlines in India 2018
Top 10 Airlines in India 2018
The DGCA reported Performance of domestic airlines for the year 2018. Traffic data submitted by various domestic airlines has been analysed for the month of Feb 2018. Following are the salient features:
Passenger Growth
Passengers carried by domestic airlines during Jan-Feb 2018 were 222.09 lakhs as against 182.34 lakhs during the corresponding period of previous year thereby registering a growth of 21.80 %
1. IndiGo
IndiGo (Registered as Interglobe Aviation Ltd.) is a low-cost airline headquartered at Gurugram, Haryana, India. It is the largest airline in India by passengers carried and fleet size, with a 42% market share as of February 2018. It is also the largest individual Asian low-cost carrier in terms of jet fleet size and passengers carried, and the Seventh largest carrier in Asia with over 41 million passengers carried in 2016. The airline operates to 49 destinations both domestic and international. It has its primary hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.
2. Jet Airways
Jet Airways is a major Indian international full-service airline based in Mumbai. In July 2017, it was the second-largest airline in India after IndiGo with an 18.2% passenger market share. It operates over 300 flights daily to 68 destinations worldwide from its main hub at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and secondary hubs at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Chennai International Airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport, Kempegowda International Airport and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
3. Air India
Air India is the flag carrier airline of India.It is owned by Air India Limited, a government-owned enterprise, and operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving 90 domestic and international destinations. The airline has its hub at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, alongside several focus cities across India. Air India is the largest international carrier out of India with an 18.6% market share. Over 60 international destinations are served by Air India across four continents. Additionally, the carrier is the third largest domestic airline in India in terms of passengers carried (after IndiGo and Jet Airways) with a market share of 29% as of July 2018. The airline became the 27th member of Star Alliance on 11 July 2014.
4. SpiceJet
SpiceJet is a low-cost airline headquartered in Gurugram, India. It is the third largest airline in the country by number of domestic passengers carried, with a market share of 27% as of July 2017. The airline operates 312 daily flights to 55 destinations, including 45 Indian and 10 international destinations from its hubs at Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
5. GoAir
GoAir is a low-cost carrier based in Mumbai, India. It is owned by the Indian business conglomerate Wadia Group. In July 2017 it was the fifth largest airline in India with an 21% passenger market share. It commenced operations in November 2005 and operates a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft in all economy configuration. As of October 2017, the airline operates over 140 daily flights to 23 cities from its hubs at Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.
6. Air Asia
AirAsia India is an Indian low cost carrier headquartered in Chennai, India. The airline is a joint venture with AirAsia Berhad holding 49% stake in the airline, Tata Sons holding 40.06% and Arun Bhatia holding the remaining 10% through his company, Telestra Tradeplace. Air Asia India commenced operations on 12 June 2014 with Bangalore as its primary hub.
7. Air Vistara
Tata SIA Airlines Limited, operating as Vistara, is an Indian domestic airline based in Gurgaon with its hub at Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport. The carrier, a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, commenced operations on 9 January 2015 with its inaugural flight between Delhi and Mumbai. The airline had carried more than two million passengers by June 2016 and as of May 2017, has a 7.9% share of the domestic carrier market, making it the 6th largest domestic airline. The airline operates to nineteen destinations with a fleet of Airbus A320-200 aircraft. Vistara was the first airline to introduce premium economy seats on domestic routes in India.
8. JetLite
JetLite is a low-cost subsidiary of Jet Airways. It was formerly known as Air Sahara until the buyout by Jet Airways which rebranded the airline as JetLite.The airline was established on 20 September 1991 and began operations on 3 December 1993 with two Boeing 737-200 aircraft as Sahara Airlines, as part of the major Sahara India Pariwar business conglomerate. Jet Airways announced its first takeover attempt on 19 January 2006, offering US$500 million (₹20 billion) in cash for the airline
9. Trujet
Turbo Megha Airways Pvt Ltd, operating under the brand name TruJet, is an Indian low-cost regional airline based at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. It was founded in 2013 by Vankayalapati Umesh, managing director of Turbo Aviation, and includes actor Ram Charan as director and brand ambassador. The airline, which began operations in July 2015, focuses on connecting Tier-2 cities and targets pilgrims and middle class travellers. As of November 2016, TruJet flies to ten destinations in India using four ATR 72 aircraft. In May 2017, Trujet was the eighth largest scheduled airline in India with a 0.5% market share.
10. Zoom Air
Zoom Air, the brand name for Zexus Air Services, is a regional airline based at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, India. Founded in 2013 as Zexus Air, the airline obtained its air operator’s certificate in February 2017 and began operations later in the month. As of March 2017, Zoom Air flies to seven destinations in India using two Bombardier CRJ200’s.
Airline Market share (%) Passenger Load Factor (%) Feb-Month
- Indigo Airlines 42.2 91.8
- Jet Airways 32.09 90.4
- Air India 29.53 86.7
- Spice Jet 27.79 96.3
- Go Air 21.16 90.4
- Air Asia 9.45 88.0
- Air Vistara 7.94 91.2
- Jet Lite 4.95 90.3
- TruJet 0.63 77.0
- Zoom Air 0.06 84.2
Report Courtesy : DGCA, India
For Download
Aerospace
Comac is set to fly to five Southeast Asian countries for a C919 and ARJ21 demonstration tour
Following the successful debut of the COMAC aircraft at the Singapore Airshow 2024, the company has secured new branding rights for its products in the Southeast Asian aviation market. According to sources, the airline is directing its aircraft displays to Malaysia.
A static display and demonstration flight featuring the China-manufactured commercial aircraft C919 and ARJ21 were held on Wednesday at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Malaysia’s Selangor state.
The event showcased the brand-new C919 and ARJ21 aircraft, both quietly competing in the narrow-body segment market and slightly challenging the Boeing 737 and A320 family aircraft. The ARJ is tailored for regional airports with shorter routes.
C919 and ARJ21’s five-country tour.
This event concluded the C919 and ARJ21’s five-country Southeast Asian demonstration flight tour, which included visits to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
COMAC is actively seeking an international market alongside China. Currently, the company has amassed over 1100 aircraft orders for the COMAC C919 aircraft.
Throughout the demonstration flights and static displays, the aircraft manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) conducted a series of product promotion activities targeting potential customers.
Furthermore, the company aims to expand its airline network in these countries by obtaining regular licenses from their respective national aerospace authorities.
The purpose of the tour was to evaluate the aircraft’s adaptability to various airports and routes in the five countries, assess the ground service equipment’s suitability, test special flight procedures’ feasibility, and highlight the economic viability of these routes. COMAC stated that demonstration flights would lay the groundwork for future market development in Southeast Asia.
ARJ21 can carry 97 seats and C919- 192 seats.
The ARJ21 regional aircraft is designed to accommodate 78-97 passengers with a flight range of 2,225-3,700 kilometers. Meanwhile, the C919 jetliner offers a layout for 158-192 seats and a range of 4,075-5,555 kilometers, as per the company’s specifications.
The C919 completed its maiden commercial flight on May 28, 2023. Since then, China Eastern Airlines, its inaugural customer, has received five C919 aircraft, operating round-trip flights on Shanghai-Beijing and Shanghai-Chengdu routes. COMAC reports that it has safely transported over 140,000 passengers to date.
Aviation
Airbus vs. Boeing : The Airbus Advantage Amid Boeing’s Setbacks
Airbus and Boeing are dominant players in the aerospace industry, providing both narrow and wide-body aircraft relied upon by airlines worldwide. However, maintaining a consistent track record in aircraft supply presents significant challenges, especially concerning product quality.
Currently, Airbus is outpacing Boeing in acquiring market share for narrow-body aircraft due to Boeing’s production slowdown caused by recurring quality issues. The A320 program by Airbus is set to reach a monthly rate of 65 by late 2024, with plans to increase production to 75 aircraft per month by 2026. This success is largely attributed to Airbus’s well-received A320 family aircraft models.
Boeing is facing significant challenges with its Boeing 737 Max series, as it continues to receive repeated warnings from the FAA regarding quality improvement issues. This ongoing problem is directly impacting airline operations worldwide. Several times each year, Boeing requests the grounding of Max aircraft for inspection and operational updates. This disrupts airline services, often resulting in flight cancellations without prior notice.
Despite Boeing’s repeated efforts to address quality issues and restore normal operations, it struggles to uphold its commitments. United Airlines, for instance, has opted to change its orders from the Boeing 737 Max 10 to the Max 9 aircraft. Meanwhile, Airbus is experiencing robust production and heightened demand for its aircraft, particularly the A320 and A321 models. Many companies are exploring leasing options, even though Airbus faces extended delivery lead times for its customers.
Airbus is also placing considerable bets on the A321 XLR, which is highly anticipated within the narrow-body segment. This model boasts increased passenger capacity and extended range capabilities, catering to longer-distance travel needs. Airbus is nearing the final stages of securing orders for the airbus a321 fuel capacity, having met all required standards set by aviation authorities.
On the other hand, Boeing has reduced its production rate and is gradually returning to a rate of 38 737 MAXs per month. However, persistent quality concerns, including FAA warnings and frequent groundings for inspections and updates, continue to disrupt airline operations worldwide. Despite Boeing’s efforts to address quality issues and resume normal operations, maintaining commitments remains challenging. Notably, United Airlines has opted to change its orders from Boeing 737 MAX 10 to MAX 9 aircraft.
737 max 10 vs a321neo, As of February 2024, Boeing’s 737 MAX series faces certification delays for MAX 7 and MAX 10 models, with thousands of unfilled orders and deliveries. Conversely, Airbus experiences high demand for its A320 and A321 aircraft, even facing delivery delays due to overwhelming demand.
Airbus’s focus on the a321neo vs 737 max, designed for longer-distance travel with increased passenger capacity, further solidifies its position in the narrow-body segment. Despite challenges with engine suppliers, Airbus is proactive in resolving issues and replacing faulty engines in existing aircraft.
Post-COVID, airlines are experiencing a surge in passenger and cargo demand but face a shortage of aircraft. Many urge manufacturers to increase production rates to meet orders promptly. Airbus, with three major assembly plants worldwide, including in the USA, China, and France, is strategically positioned to meet regional demand efficiently.
In contrast, Boeing faces uncertainty regarding production limits due to recurring quality issues. FAA warnings emphasize the need for proper action to ensure adherence to quality standards and the safety of future operations.
Aviation
Russia to develop sixth-generation fighter aircraft by 2050
In the quest for military supremacy, the competition to develop next-generation fighter jets has intensified. The United States, India, Japan, and other technologically advanced nations are actively involved in the development of sixth-generation combat aircraft.
Meanwhile, Russia has targeted the creation of a formidable sixth-generation fighter jet by 2050, demonstrating its dedication to preserving its position as a key player in military aviation. As the global aerial warfare landscape evolves, nations are racing to secure dominance in the skies through cutting-edge technological advancements.
According to the reports, Russia is strongly working to set the foundation for this enormous project. This information, which revealed the country’s strategic goal for future aerial superiority, came from the Scientific Director of the State Research Institute of Aviation Systems.
A cooperative endeavor involving in-depth study and discussions with military professionals is essential to realizing this goal. The sixth-generation fighter jet is intended to be designed with the needs of armed conflicts in consideration. However, challenges loom on the horizon, with complexities inherent in designing next-generation aircraft posing significant hurdles.
The development process extensively involves consulting and collaborating with military experts to foresee the requirements of forthcoming armed conflicts. Presently, we are exploring the idea of a sixth-generation aircraft, engaging in research and discussions with military specialists,” he stated. However, Fedosov emphasized a significant worry regarding the intricate design of next-generation combat aircraft, labeling it as a possibly detrimental practice.”
with each advancement in military aviation, there is a tendency for the size and weight to escalate, inevitably affecting the cost of such equipment. Additionally, he highlighted that the sixth-generation combat aviation group will encompass both manned aircraft and unmanned vehicles. And stressed that combat aircraft are progressively becoming more intricate, consequently adding to their weight and cost.
Russia may currently be in the initial stages of conceptualizing its response to this race. They are actively engaged in discussions to shape their strategy. Although there may not yet be a concrete concept or approved project proposal, the commitment and confidence of Russian developers remain strong. With their expertise and dedication, there is the belief that Russia will successfully realize its vision for an advanced aircraft by 2050.
Aviation
Boeing Reveals Customer Interest in Reviving C-17 Program
In a recent development, Boeing and several countries, including India, are contemplating the revival of C-17 production, a strategic transport aircraft known for its versatility and reliability. Despite Boeing’s cessation of C-17 production almost half a decade ago due to dwindling orders, renewed interest from existing operators and potential new customers has sparked discussions about restarting production.
Following a decision made in 2013 due to a lack of orders, Boeing ceased C-17 production, concluding its output at the Long Beach, California final assembly facility. Which met with disappointment from various air forces worldwide, including the Indian Air Force (IAF), which ranks as the second-largest C-17 operator after the US Air Force. Despite previous attempts by the IAF to acquire additional C-17s, delays in the procurement process led to only one additional unit being acquired.
Boeing Vice President has acknowledged the interest from existing operators like India, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE in purchasing more C-17s if production resumes. However, restarting production requires significant investment and justification. Analysts suggest that a combined order of 40-50 units from these nations, along with potential new customers like Saudi Arabia, would be crucial to making it economically viable.
The potential demand from multiple countries, coupled with the C-17’s proven capabilities and versatility, makes it a commercially viable proposition for Boeing. While reopening a production line involves significant investment and logistical considerations, the renewed interest from existing operators offers a glimmer of hope for the future of C-17 production.
Boeing C-17 is a large military transport aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas for the United States Air Force (USAF) during the 1980s and early 1990s. It inherits its name from two predecessors with piston-engined designs. Renowned for its outstanding short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, the C-17 excels in operating from airfields with restricted runway lengths, including those with austere or unpaved surfaces.
The C-17 can execute diverse airdrop missions, accommodating troops through both static line and free fall methods, along with various equipment airdrop systems such as CDS, LVAD, dual row pallets, door bundles, and more. C-17’s cargo floor is equipped with rollers for palletized cargo, but it can be flipped to provide a flat surface suitable for vehicles and other rolling stock.
If Boeing decides to proceed with restarting production, it could mark a significant development in the world of military transport aircraft and provide a much-needed boost to air forces around the world. The collaboration between Boeing and countries like India underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in meeting global defense needs.