Aviation

Emirates net profit plunges 70% to $680.4m..!

These are the 8 benefits of being an Emirates Pilot.

Emirates Group reported on Thursday a 70 per cent decline in its net profit, which reached Dh2.5 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2017, as the group cited “a turbulent year for aviation and travel. “The group’s revenues for the year were up 2 per cent year-on-year to reach Dh94.7 billion.

In a statement, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive officer of Emirates Airline and Group, said 2016-2017 was one of the company’s “most challenging years to date.”
“We remain optimistic for the future of our industry, although we expect the year ahead to remain challenging, with hyper competition squeezing airline yields, and volatility in many markets impacting travel flows and demand,” he said.

Shaikh Ahmad also cited other challenges during the year that impacted travel, including the UK’s vote to leave the European Union, Europe’s immigration challenges, terror attacks, currency fluctuations, and new policies regarding air travel to the US from Middle Eastern airports.

Meanwhile, Emirates airline reported an 82 per cent decline in its profits for the year to reach Dh1.3 billion. The airline’s revenues remained stable at Dh85.1 billion, as it carried 56.1 million passengers (up 8 per cent compared to last year).

Europe was the highest revenue-contributing region, with Dh23.9 billion in airline revenues coming from the continent.

Total operating costs increased by 8 per cent year-on-year, with fuel remaining the biggest cost component for the airline. Though average jet fuel prices fell slightly during the year, Emirates’ fuel bill increased by 6 per cent to Dh21 billion due to capacity increase.

The carrier received 35 new aircraft during the year, comprising of 19 A380s and 16 Boeing 777-300ERs. It also phased out 27 older aircraft, bringing Emirates’ total fleet count to 259 at the end of March.

From an operational perspective, Emirates launched six new passenger destinations, and added capacity to nine cities on its existing route network.

As for dnata, its profits crossed Dh1.2 billion for the first time, while revenues jumped 15 per cent to reach Dh12.2 billion. The growth was supported by new acquisitions in the US and in the Czech Republic.

During the year, Emirates Group invested Dh13.7 billion in new aircraft and equipment, acquisition of companies, technology, and staff initiatives.

Shaikh Ahmad said these investments will strengthen the group’s resilience, and allow it to adapt to the “volatile business climate and fast changing consumer expectations.”
As for dnata, its profits crossed Dh1.2 billion for the first time, while revenues jumped 15 per cent to reach Dh12.2 billion. The growth was supported by new acquisitions in the US and in the Czech Republic.

During the year, Emirates Group invested Dh13.7 billion in new aircraft and equipment, acquisition of companies, technology, and staff initiatives.

Shaikh Ahmad said these investments will strengthen the group’s resilience, and allow it to adapt to the “volatile business climate and fast changing consumer expectations.”

Aviation

India Launches Its Medium-Lift Class Helicopter Program, chooses New Engine

India’s longstanding need for a Medium Helicopter may soon become a reality as the country has fully ramped up its engine development efforts. This new helicopter is set to replace the Russian-built models currently in service and will play a crucial role across various scenarios for the Indian Armed Forces.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have launched a groundbreaking partnership to develop a state-of-the-art high-power engine named Aravalli.

This new engine will power the upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are being designed and developed by HAL.

Named after the majestic Aravalli mountain range in India, the Aravalli engine symbolizes the country’s drive for self-reliance, or Aatmanirbharta, in critical engine technologies. This cutting-edge engine will be instrumental for the IMRH, a versatile 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces, and the DBMRH, a 12.5-ton naval variant tailored for the Indian Navy.

The IMRH is poised to become a cornerstone of the Indian armed forces over the next decade. With its first flight expected in 3 to 4 years, the IMRH is anticipated to begin induction by 2030, with plans to integrate between 300 to 400 units, and potentially more in the future.

The IMRH is envisioned as a highly versatile multi-role helicopter that will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian military. The DBMRH, designed for naval operations, will also face the challenges of high-altitude environments in regions such as Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas of strategic importance due to their proximity to the China border.

In addition to its military applications, the Aravalli engine is projected to enter the civil market, serving roles in offshore operations, utility services, and VVIP transport. The long-term vision includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities to further extend the engine’s utility and support the aviation industry.

This collaboration between HAL and SAFHAL builds on their successful history of working together on the Shakti engine, which powers several HAL helicopters, including the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, and the Light Utility Helicopter. The proven success of this partnership lays a strong foundation for the development of the Aravalli engine, setting the stage for a new era in India’s helicopter capabilities.