Aerospace

How Airbus deftly avoided the A350 controversy while obtaining fresh orders to secure its future.

Building a brand takes a lot of time and effort, but when anything goes wrong, it can be a nightmare for a firm that is doing well in the market. A huge issue arises when the supplier fails to respond properly to the buyer. When a passenger’s query is not appropriately answered, most airlines suffer comparable challenges. Individuals may escalate the matter to a new level, causing the brand to suffer.

In business, the customer is always correct. When there is a problem with a client, before we criticize them, we must first try to remedy the situation, especially if that customer is very influential in your business. A good business can only be achieved when the products sell in the market after the services and guarantees of the product are taken care of.

Airbus had severe hurdles seeking fresh orders as a result of the A350 paint issue. The issue was temporarily halted due to the COVID pandemic. It had little effect on the Airbus corporation, but after the post-Covid period, the company experienced some difficulties in gaining further orders.

Farnborough Airshow is one of the most well-known aviation market events. Airbus did not receive any orders for wide-body aircraft such as the A350, but it did receive orders for narrow-body aircraft such as the A320 and A220 families.

Qatar Airlines reported paint problems with its Airbus A350 planes. The problem was with the paint on the aircraft’s exterior, which was reportedly peeling off and fading prematurely.

Qatar Airlines had discussed the matter with Airbus, which had acknowledged the issue and stated that it was working on a solution. The paint issue was not thought to have harmed the aircraft’s safety or performance, but it was viewed as a cosmetic issue that could harm the airline’s brand image.

Airbus indicated that the problem was with the paint’s supplier and that it was working with the supplier to enhance the paint’s quality. Airbus also offered to repaint the impacted aircraft for Qatar Airways and was said to be trying to prevent similar problems in the future.

Owing to the A350 situation with Qatar, Airbus canceled the A320 family aircraft orders. After the cancellation, Qatar turned its attention to Boeing and placed new orders for the Boeing Max and Boeing 777x aircraft. There was all-out head-to-head warfare between the two parties.

Airbus expertly managed the situation and provided the fixes.

However, Airbus wisely moved to the settlement of the concerns and initiated the resolution of the problem and remedy the issue, as well as ensuring that future aircraft will not suffer any such challenges. As soon as the news arrived, it began receiving new orders for aircraft. Air India has confirmed large orders for A350-900 and 1000 series planes. Other airlines began to show interest in it as well.

The longest flight in the world will be operated by Qantas Project Sunrise using the A350 aircraft since there is sufficient confidence in the aircraft. The range of the Qantas aircraft, which can fly nonstop for up to 19 hours, will be increased to around 9,700 nm.

Airbus addressed this incident skillfully to prevent lasting damage. The same thing serves as a reminder to other manufacturers that in order to prevent losing new orders, they must act promptly to address any problems that are delaying deliveries or after-sales services.

The aerospace sector is difficult since nothing is ever completely perfect when you release any new items. It’s important to embrace the truth and work through any problems.

Airbus is renowned for its highest-quality airplanes and advancements, and it always introduces the most recent technology first. we hope it will continue and aid in the future efficiency and smooth operation of the airline sector. Let us know what you think about Airbus and Qatar Airways. Conflict resolution and the lesson we learned from it, according to you.

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).