Aerospace

Russia might pick COMAC if there are no western aircraft?

Russia facing shortage of parts without the necessary technical assistance, Airbus and Boeing aircraft may not be usable and will remain on the ground.
Russia will turn to China for new economic alliances as a result of its growing isolation from the West.
Russia has historically competed fiercely with western nations, but it has tried to develop its own, reliable products.

Russia has experienced a significant halt in using any product made in the West as the invasion of Ukraine continues. Because they don’t have any service or parts support and all the items are useless to them, Russia may be under pressure to use any aviation aircraft.

However, according to a recent source, they have a great buddy in China who may assist Russia in producing products for western aircraft. However, as this assistance may not be long-term reliable, Russia may need to consider purchasing new aircraft, either domestically produced or imported. so that it might select a comac C919 Aircraft made in China.

Russia has historically competed fiercely with western nations, but it has tried to develop its own, reliable products. It battles head-to head with the West in military aircraft and took the lead in the 1960s “Space Race.” However, Russia’s enormous engineering expertise and material capabilities have never been successfully applied to achieve the mass production, safety, and fuel efficiency demanded in contemporary civil aviation. Russia will without a probability locate alternative aircraft to replace its own.

According to a source, Russia is now using 17% domestically constructed aircraft, but the majority of airlines rely on foreign aircraft made by Boeing and Airbus. however, without the necessary technical assistance, these aircraft may not be usable and will remain on the ground. However, given the current circumstances, Russia might opt for another aircraft.

There has been a slight comeback, and there are numerous successful tales of Russia that demonstrate the strength of its aviation products, which are best known for their use in defence products and other products like the Sukhoi Superjet 100, which is a regional jet. The Irkut MC-21, a narrow-body aircraft, is expected to become the nation’s first serious competitor to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 later this year.

Russia will turn to China for new economic alliances as a result of its growing isolation from the West. An excellent example is the aviation industry, which has been severely harmed by sanctions and is forced to intensify its cooperation with its significant neighbor to the East.

If they decide on the Comac C919 aircraft, it will be harder for Russia because the majority of Comac’s components were made in the West. The engine is currently a CFM International LEAP-1C. Developing a Chinese engine to replace the CFM Leap-1C would take at least another 10 years. The majority of the avionics subsystem and other companies are Western-developed.

Currently, no Russian companies have placed any orders for Comac, but if the Comac C919 begins to deliver positive results, they may do so in the future. Even if they do so, it will be difficult for China Comac to satisfy the demands. It must have the supplier’s consent before selling aircraft. Russia may then decide to fund and participate in the development of the Comac C919 aircraft.

Russians are experts in some aeronautical terms, yet even they criticize western nations. However, the circumstances might push them to create their own, and now China might also join the project. However, if the two nations join forces and begin developing aircraft, it will be more difficult for western nations affected by aircraft orders. If the difficult scenario persists, Russia will have to put in a lot of effort and develop new products to meet its need for airlines.

Please share your thoughts with us about Russia’s position concerning Comac aircraft.

Related Topics:airbus Boeing Comac Russia

Dawal

He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry. He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

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).