Aerospace

Brazil’s Embraer eyes mega transport aircraft deal with IAF

Brazilian aerospace company Embraer said that if it wins the contract to build the C-390 Millennium planes, it will set up an assembly line in India to meet the Indian Air Force’s need for medium transport aircraft. The IAF is planning to replace its aging fleet of AN32 aircraft with 40 to 80 medium transport aircraft.

Under the condition of anonymity, the officials said that the C-130J from US aerospace company Lockheed Martin, the C-390 Millennium from Brazil’s Embraer Defence and Security, and the A-400M aircraft from Europe will compete for the Indian order. This order is anticipated to involve technology transfer and the establishment of a manufacturing line in India for high-level localization.

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The 18 to 30-tonne cargo-carrying capacity range is where the IAF is looking for a new transport aircraft. Joao Bosco Costa Junior, president and chief executive officer of Embraer Defence and Security, stated that the company is in discussions with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and certain Indian private firms to examine potential collaboration opportunities to bid for the programme.

The company was setting the framework for a proposal on the IAF order and was in discussions with regional businesses about a potential partnership to submit a bid for the project. The Air Force asked original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) earlier this year for information regarding the aircraft they could provide. The C-390 was on exhibit during the February Aero India 2023 event in Bengaluru.

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The “Single Stage-Two Bid System” must be followed by bidder companies when submitting their offers. In two separate sealed envelopes, each vendor must submit a “Request for Proposal” that combines both technical and commercial bids. The shelf life of the promotional offers must be at least 18 months. A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will assess the technical offers to ensure they are in compliance with the RFP.

Vendors who have equipment that has been approved then go through a “No Cost No Commitment” trial examination in India. To establish whether the equipment is suitable for adoption, a staff review and field assessments are both used in the evaluation process.

Embraer’s aspiration to secure the contract for building the C-390 Millennium planes for the Indian Air Force has prompted discussions about potential collaboration with Indian partners. The competitive bidding process involves technical and commercial evaluations, field trials, and ultimately, the selection of the most cost-effective vendor. This initiative signifies a significant step towards enhancing India’s medium transport aircraft capabilities.

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.