Aerospace

Boeing’s iconic 747 will leave the factory for the last time.

The final three 747 aeroplanes will leave Boeing’s facility in Everett, Washington, by the end of 2022.

By the end of the year, Atlas Air should have received the final 747 and three 747-8Fs that are similar to it. (Two ex-Transaero 747-8s are presently being transformed for the Pentagon into military variants to operate as Air Force One.)

The first 747 was rolled out of the Everett Plant, the largest structure by volume in the world, on September 30, 1968. The 747 was certified in December of the same year after its inaugural flight on February 9 of that year. On January 22, 1970, Pan Am began using it. The 747 was the first wide-body, or “Jumbo Jet,” aircraft.

Airbus produced the A380, a version of its jumbo aircraft, after the Boeing 747, but due to a lack of demand, that aircraft was withdrawn from manufacturing. Airlines constantly assess their capacity needs; if they are too high, it will be difficult for them to continue operating.

The big news serves as a reminder that a new era is about to expire. Few aircraft have altered the industry as much as this one.

The first widebody aircraft opened the door to international travel for innumerable individuals all over the world beginning with its entrance into service as a passenger variant with Pan Am in 1970.

The 747-200, which had the nose door that facilitated the loading of big goods, was the first widebody freighter to be delivered to Lufthansa on March 10, 1972, and this year honours the 50th anniversary of that event.

The Boeing 747 8F model, which is nearly 18 feet longer and can carry 16 percent more revenue payload space, is the replacement for the 747 400F variant. Half of a 747 can be constructed in approximately a month, and a full jumbo jet can be built in about two months. Boeing has built and delivered a total of 1,569 747s during the past 50 years.

A widebody twin-engine Boeing 777-8F that has nearly the same capacity as a 747-400F while using less fuel is currently being developed. But it’s safe to say that the Queen of the Skies is a unique aircraft that will never be matched. Without a doubt, Boeing broke the world record by building enormous aircraft during a time when there were fewer technological resources available.

Aerospace

India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN

Coutresy : Boeing planes

India’s air traffic growth has led to increased responsibilities for air traffic control. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is considering centralizing air traffic control for aircraft, dividing the country into four regions. The goal is to consolidate India’s segmented airspace into a single entity to improve air traffic management (ATM) efficiency, safety, and smoothness.

Recently, the AAI invited expressions of interest to develop a detailed project report for the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) initiative in Nagpur. Under this plan, air traffic controllers in Nagpur would handle domestic flights flying above 25,000 feet, eliminating the need for coordination among controllers in different regions.

For domestic regional flights operating above 25,000 feet, control would shift to the central command in Nagpur. This consolidation aims to enhance airline operations, increase flight handling capacity, and reduce congestion and flight times for passengers.

Currently, the AAI provides ATM services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas, covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles. This airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.

FIRs are responsible for providing air traffic services, including weather information, visibility, and search and rescue assistance. The proposed unification under the ISHAN initiative aligns with the projected growth of the aviation industry, which anticipates a doubling of domestic passenger traffic by 2030.

Aerospace

Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?

Courtesy : Tony Fernandes (Linked in Story)

Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, operating as AirAsia Group, recently paid a visit to the facilities of COMAC on April 2, 2024, and was thoroughly impressed by what he witnessed.

C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders

COMAC, known for its homegrown aircraft, has launched two promising jets: the ARJ21 and the C919 aircraft. Both aircraft are gaining popularity in the Chinese market, with the C919 already securing nearly 1000 orders from various airlines.

Fernandes expressed his admiration for COMAC’s achievements in aircraft manufacturing, acknowledging the immense challenge it entails. His visit underscored the realization that AirAsia now has a viable third option when it comes to selecting aircraft for its fleet.

During his tour, Fernandes was delighted by the innovation and technology evident in COMAC’s aircraft production and the company’s commitment to long-term partnerships.

He noted that many Western companies have shifted away from prioritizing loyalty and customer service, opting instead for short-term gains and a narrow definition of success.

Last month, COMAC embarked on an international tour, showcasing demonstration flights to neighboring countries, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. Fernandes believes that the positive impression left by COMAC during his visit opens up new opportunities for collaboration.

Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements

The shared values of loyalty, customer service, and long-term vision align closely with AirAsia’s ethos, making collaboration with COMAC appealing. With a focus on innovation and excellence, both companies stand to benefit from a partnership grounded in trust and a shared commitment to success.

Indonesia and China have already collaborated in validating and maintaining the airworthiness of the ARJ21 aircraft, indicating a solid foundation for future partnerships.

In his statement, Fernandes emphasized COMAC’s remarkable achievements and genuine desire for long-term partnership, highlighting the absence of ego and a genuine willingness to succeed together. He marveled at COMAC’s fully automated, AI-driven factory, a testament to their dedication to innovation and efficiency.

Fernandes criticized Western firms for prioritizing short-term gains over loyalty, customer service, and long-term strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding customers’ needs and collaborating to achieve success.

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).