Aviation
2Excel Aviation and Israel Aerospace Industries Demonstrated IAI’s Maritime Heron
2Excel Aviation and Israel Aerospace Industries Demonstrated IAI’s Maritime Heron UAS to UK Government and Civil Observers.
In a series of real-world, beyond visual line of sight maritime search and ISR scenarios, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and 2Excel Aviation successfully demonstrated IAI’s Maritime Heron UAS. West Wales Airport in Aberporth, Wales, operated as the demonstration’s main base. Observers from the UK Ministry of Defence, Government, and Civil sector were present at the demonstration in person and virtually. The UK Civil Aviation Authority gave IAI and 2Excel a positive review after the demonstration.
Within 36 hours of arrival in West Wales, the Heron UAS was prepared to fly and kept up full serviceability throughout the deployment. Despite the difficult seasonal weather conditions, the Heron UAS completed all of its scheduled scenarios. The system proved that it is very effective in a variety of tasks, including small boat detection and surveillance, border protection, fisheries patrol, safety at sea, and search and rescue.
The Military Aircraft Group General Manager and Executive Vice President of IAI, Moshe Levy, stated: “The Heron’s overwhelming performance throughout the demonstration is owing to effective and efficient cooperation with IAI’s world-class partner at 2Excel. The strengthening relationship between IAI and the UK industry is represented in this demonstration. With IAI’s assisting data-gathering and analysis technology and the cutting edge, world-class Heron UAS, the customer receives tailored solutions. I am convinced that this display will inspire future study, and I expect soon seeing the Heron take to the skies over the United Kingdom.
Director and Co-Founder of 2Excel Aviation, Andy Offer, stated: “2Excel and IAI together proven they can operate a very capable Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) platform in the UK within the limits of the present regulatory environment. Another excellent illustration of our capacity for conquering challenging tasks is this. We are confident in the roadmap for fully autonomous operations across our spectrum of contract air services because of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s extremely positive response.
Aviation
SpiceJet to Reintroduce Seaplane Routes in 2025
In a major development for regional connectivity and tourism, Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet has announced its plans to relaunch its seaplane services in 2025. As reported by News18.
This ambitious initiative marks the airline’s return to seaplane operations after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it aims to improve access to some of India’s most remote and underserved regions.
The announcement was made in November 2024 by SpiceJet’s Chairman and Managing Director, spicejet ajay singh, during a demonstration flight from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to the Srisailam Dam. The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu.
As part of this effort, SpiceJet has partnered with De Havilland for the trials and is providing crucial engineering, technical, and logistical support.
SpiceJet has been granted rights to operate seaplane services on 20 routes, including key destinations such as Lakshadweep, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong. The airline is now preparing to roll out services on these routes as soon as the necessary infrastructure is in place.
The airline originally pioneered India’s first scheduled seaplane service in October 2020, connecting the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad with the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. However, the operations were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, spicejet is poised to resume this innovative mode of transport, continuing its commitment to the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel more accessible to the masses.
SpiceJet’s CEO highlighted the role of seaplane services in bridging transportation gaps, particularly in areas that have limited access to conventional air travel. The upcoming resumption of seaplane operations is seen as a significant step forward in making travel to remote destinations more affordable and accessible.
Additionally, the airline sees potential for these services to support tourism, as well as provide a reliable transportation option during emergencies, such as natural disasters when land-based access is compromised.
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