Aviation

Airbus and French Aerospace Firms Growing Exports from India

In a significant move to bolster its supply chain, European aerospace giant Airbus has announced plans to ramp up component sourcing from India, tapping into the country’s vast opportunities.

During a press briefing in New Delhi on October 7, CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the strategic importance of India within the Airbus supply chain, highlighting the company’s robust network of over 100 suppliers in the region.

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Faury, who also serves as Chairman of the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS), noted that there are abundant prospects for collaboration between Indian and French aerospace companies. Leading a high-level delegation from GIFAS, comprising more than 60 companies and over 100 representatives, Faury aims to foster deeper partnerships and enhance business opportunities between India and France.

“We will continue to grow our sourcing of components,” Faury stated, forecasting a doubling of component sourcing approximately every five years over the next decade. This stable growth trajectory underscores Airbus’s commitment to deepening its ties with India.

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Currently, Airbus holds an impressive order book of around 8,600 aircraft and anticipates producing about 770 planes this year. This ambitious production plan aligns with the expected surge in India’s domestic air passenger traffic, projected to reach 300 million by 2030, according to Union Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.

During the briefing, Naidu also highlighted the substantial investments being made to develop India’s airport infrastructure, with $11 billion allocated for this purpose. The government plans to develop 200 additional airports over the next 20 to 25 years, significantly expanding the current count of 157 airports, heliports, and waterdromes. By the end of 2025, the number of operational airports is expected to reach 200.

“The potential for partnership between India and France is immense,” Naidu remarked, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit that Airbus and French aerospace firms seek to cultivate in India.

Aviation

Embraer’s E-Freighter is Certified by the FAA

Embraer’s E190F freighter has officially been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), marking a significant milestone for the company’s passenger-to-freighter conversion program.

In addition to the aircraft itself, the Cargo Loading System, developed by U.S. Cargo Systems, has also received FAA certification as of September 2024. This achievement follows the E-Freighter’s earlier certification by Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) in July, with approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) expected later this year.

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The E190F program, which launched in May 2022, was developed to meet the evolving needs of e-commerce and modern trade. These industries demand faster delivery times and more decentralized operations, particularly in regional markets. With older, less efficient cargo aircraft being phased out, Embraer’s E-Freighter is designed to offer a more efficient, modern solution. The aircraft made its debut flight in April and was showcased publicly at the Farnborough Airshow in July.

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Martyn Holmes, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation, emphasized the significance of the FAA certification, stating, “We are excited to enter this market, filling a gap that has evolved to meet the growing global demand for faster deliveries—not just in metro areas, but to all regions. With our E-Jet footprint across the U.S. and worldwide, we are offering optimum cargo solutions to our customers for this connected world.”

The E190F freighters will bring notable benefits to the air cargo market, boasting 40% more volume capacity than previous models, three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower operating costs than larger narrow-body aircraft. With a maximum structural payload of 13,500 kg when combining capacity under the floor and on the main deck, the E-Freighter is set to play a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for regional cargo transport.