Aerospace

Flybig of India wants to use zero-emission technology on its Twin Otter 400 Series aircraft.

Fly Big, a recently formed airline in India, has signed a contract with MONTE for two DHC-6-400 aircraft. Fly Big now plans to operate zero-emission aircraft. It would be installed on RCS-UDAN lines in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, northern Indian states. As part of their efforts to cut emissions from their operations and migrate to a fleet of zero-emission aircraft, Flybig is the first operator in India to sign such cooperation.

A regional airline in India called Flybig offers point-to-point flights to small towns throughout the country using its fleet of DHC-6-400 and ATR aircraft. Flybig has unveiled a #GoGreen project in an effort to lessen the carbon footprint of their fleet and promote the decarbonization of aviation in India. As we continue to support the regional aviation sector’s transition to net zero, we are thrilled to collaborate with the flybig team.

De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (“De Havilland Canada”) announced on March 2022 that Big Charter Private Limited has signed a Letter of Intent to purchase up to ten new Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft for operation by its promoted airline, flybig. The companies will work towards a definitive purchase agreement that would include five firm-ordered aircraft and options for another five.

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Timothy Eyre, Investment Director of MONTE said, “MONTE is pleased to announce an agreement with flybig to explore the conversion of its fleet to zero-emission propulsion technologies (electric/hybrid / hydrogen propulsion). MONTE will not only assist flybig to identify the most suitable zero-emission propulsion technology for their operations, but will also offer financing for the conversion of its fleet once this technology is approved and certified.”

Announcing the #GoGreen initiative of flybig, its CMD Mr. Saanjay Mandavia said, “We are committed towards a zero emission fleet and to reduce carbon emissions in air transportation in India. Signing an agreement with MONTE is a crucial step in shrinking our fleet’s carbon footprint.” “This initiative will not only revolutionize air travel in India, but also reduce the cost of flying with flybig,” he added.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.