Aerospace
Malaysia picks South Korea’s FA-50 over Tejas, Hurjet in $920 million deal
Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI), the only aircraft maker in South Korea, announced on Friday that Malaysia has awarded it a contract for a 1.2 trillion won (US$920 million) aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2026.
The FA-50 is a light combat aircraft that can be used for a variety of missions, including air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. It is equipped with a radar system, advanced avionics, and a range of weapons systems, including missiles, rockets, and bombs.
The acquisition of the FA-50 is part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to modernize its armed forces and replace its aging equipment with newer, more capable systems. The aircraft is expected to enhance Malaysia’s air defense capabilities and provide a significant boost to its overall military capabilities.
If Malaysia were to select the Tejas for its fighter aircraft procurement program, it would be a significant boost to India’s defense exports and further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Malaysia. However, at this time, the status of the Tejas tender for Malaysia remains uncertain.
KAI won the contract to export 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft from the Malaysian defense ministry over competing bids from India’s Tejas, Pakistan’s JF-17, Russia’s MIG-35, and Turkey’s Hurizet, the company said in a statement. After Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, this is KAI’s fourth aircraft contract with a Southeast Asian nation, according to the announcement.
Does Malaysia choose the Tejas fighter jet from India?(Opens in a new browser tab)
With this most recent agreement, KAI will have exported 68 KT-1 basic, T-50 advanced, and FA-50 aircraft to Southeast Asian markets. It has agreements in place to provide 222 aircraft to nations around the world, including Iraq, Poland, Peru, and Senegal.
In addition, KAI anticipates winning a contract to provide Malaysia with an additional 18 FA-50s as the Southeast Asian nation intends to expand its aircraft fleet. It seeks to increase the export of its aircraft to markets in the Middle East, Africa, Australia, the US, and other regions.
KAI aims to earn 3.83 trillion won in sales in 2023 and 4.48 trillion won in orders for aircraft and parts. In the previous year, the corporation set an order target of 4.19 trillion won but actually received 8.74 trillion won.
The final aircraft for the Malysian tender shortlist was the Tejas and KAI FA 50. It was on hold while talks with the parties continued. Nonetheless, the Korean succeeded in convincing the Malaysian and secured the contract.
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).