Aerospace

Milestones of China’s first homegrown jetliner’s commercial debut with the C919

With the C919, which will now compete with Boeing and Airbus aircraft in the primary narrow body category segments, China is now approaching the mainland of aerospace manufacturing facility. To support domestic airlines, China has now built its own commercial aircraft facilities.

On Sunday, a China Eastern Airlines C919 made its inaugural commercial flight from Shanghai to Beijing, marking the debut of China’s first domestically constructed passenger jet.

The trip represents a turning point in the country’s long-term campaign to compete with Western rivals in the aviation industry.

China received the first C919 passenger aircraft. On Sunday, Eastern Airlines launched its first commercial service between Shanghai and Beijing.

The C919 is the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China’s (COMAC) first domestically produced large passenger aircraft.

The C919 program, which was formally introduced in 2009, has been steadily making progress toward its objective of commercial service.

The first C919 aircraft numbered 101, made its inaugural flight on May 5, 2017, lasting roughly 1 hour and 19 minutes. This flight demonstrated the aircraft’s potential and opened a new chapter in China’s aviation history.

COMAC started designing the C919 15 years ago.

Since then, the C919 has been through a protracted testing process with significant checkpoints. The first long-distance flight of the second C919 aircraft, which lasted 2 hours and 23 minutes, was successfully completed, COMAC reported in December 2017. This was an important development in validating its performance and operational range.

Many passengers responded favorably to the first commercial flight, which was also evaluated for nearly many months before being used for commercial purposes. This accomplishment, which is being watched by the majority of the world, will be the next great thing for China’s expertise in aircraft manufacturing.

According to the flight tracking app Variflight, the C919 aircraft departed Shanghai’s Hongqiao Airport at 10:32 a.m. local time (0232 GMT) for Beijing Capital Airport.

According to CCTV, the plane was carrying 130 people.

“I have faith in the plane. One of the about 130 passengers told CCTV that the flight went more smoothly than he had anticipated.

According to the TV channel, passengers received crimson boarding cards and a delectable “themed meal” to honour the flight.

State-owned Commercial Aviation Corp of China (COMAC) is the manufacturer of the C919 aircraft.

To compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle jet families, COMAC started designing the C919 15 years ago.

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).