Aerospace

Airbus and Korea Aerospace Industries deliver first Light Civil Helicopter

Following certification in September of this year, Airbus Helicopters and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) have now given the first Light Civil Helicopter (LCH) to a local operator, Gloria Aviation. This helicopter, which will be used to support vital life-saving operations in Jeju, will go into service in December this year in an emergency medical services configuration.

This key milestone came on the back of a successful industrial partnership which started in 2015 when the two companies jointly collaborated on the LCH and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) development programmes.

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In July 2019, the LAH prototype successfully completed its first flight, and it will soon be certified. The Republic of Korea Army will be able to purchase the helicopter in serial form after this successful qualification, which Airbus and KAI will jointly begin by the end of 2022.

Airbus and KAI are preparing future cooperative development programmes on the foundation of the successful completion of the LAH development. In addition to utilizing KAI’s well-established local industrialization capabilities in the nation, these helicopter programmes will make use of Airbus’ technical competence in the areas of helicopter propulsion systems and flight control systems.

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The two firms originally began their extensive industrial collaboration in 2006 when they collaborated on the Korean Utility Helicopter and LCH/LAH development programmes. The LCH/LAH are next-generation 5-tonne class helicopters that were created to satisfy Korean requirements for local deployment in both the civil and military sectors.

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With additional orders for future deliveries, the two parties’ long-lasting collaboration has also resulted in the supply of approximately 250 kits to KAI.

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Related Topics:Aerospace airbus KAI korea

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.