Aerospace
Heathrow Airport set a new record by seeing 40 years’ growth of passengers in just 4 months.
Heathrow Airport set a new record by seeing 40 years’ growth of passengers in just 4 months.
- A proof of the UK aviation industry’s revival was the over 6 million passengers that passed through Heathrow in June, bringing the total for the first half of the year to 25 million. The unprecedented increase in passenger volume over the past four months is comparable to what has occurred over the previous 40 years.
- We began hiring in November of last year in preparation of capacity recovery this summer, and by the end of July, we will have the same number of security personnel on staff as we did before the pandemic. To give travellers more room, we also reopened Terminal 4.
- Following the enormous reductions in resource across the whole aviation supply chain, swiftly building capacity is exceedingly difficult. Due to delays at other airports and airspace congestion around Europe, arrival punctuality is extremely poor, which has made it more difficult for the airport, airlines, ground handlers, and governmental organisations to meet resource requirements.
- Despite this, we have been able to give the vast majority of passengers a high level of service. Nevertheless, despite our best efforts, there have been times over the past few weeks when service levels have not been acceptable, with long lines, delays for passengers with limited mobility, bags not travelling with passengers, or arriving late. We want to apologise to any affected passengers for this.
- The DfT and CAA requested the aviation industry to reassess summer schedules in June. Part of their request included introducing a slot amnesty to encourage carriers to cancel flights without facing financial consequences. At Heathrow, providing passengers with a secure and dependable journey is our top concern. If the reviewed adjustments to airline schedules can assist in achieving that, we will carefully evaluate them.
- Many folks probably haven’t travelled recently. The best way for travellers to get ready for their trips is to arrive at Heathrow no earlier than three hours before their flights, put any liquids that are less than 100ml in a clear, resealable 1lt bag, and take out any bulky electronics before going through security.
- We are evaluating the CAA’s most recent analysis for the H7 regulatory period and will provide any comments as soon as possible.
According to Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye, “We saw exponential increase in passenger numbers last month as nearly six million individuals left the country – the equivalent of 40 years of growth in only four months. I’m quite happy of how our staff has risen to the demand of expansion while providing consistently top-notch service to the vast majority of customers. However, there have already been instances in recent years where demand surpasses airport, airline, and ground handler capacity.
We will evaluate the schedule adjustments that the airlines have provided in response to the government’s mandate to minimise customer disturbance this summer and will request that they take more action if necessary. Everyone who travels through Heathrow should feel assured that their trip will be secure and dependable.
Aerospace
India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN
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?
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
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).
India is set to build a central command for the Air Traffic Control system, called ISHAN
Does AirAsia show interest in Comac aircraft in the future?
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