Aviation
HAL to develop LCA-Mk2 at a total cost of Rs 9,000 crore: A game changer
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the Tejas Mk2 project for an indigenous light combat aircraft.

On September 1, 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the Tejas Mk2 project for an indigenous light combat aircraft. For the design and construction of Tejas Mk2 fighter jet prototypes, test flights, and certification, the CCS has given the go-ahead for Rs 6,500 crore.
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The Tejas Mk2, which belongs to the middleweight group, is a 4.5-generation fighter aircraft. Its indigenization rate will be 70%, more than the Mark IA’s 62 percent, and it will be equipped with more advanced Indian-made technologies. State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics is the manufacturer of this single-engine, multipurpose, supersonic combat aircraft.
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Beginning in February 2021, the Tejas Mark 2’s metal cutting process. The original “roll out” date for the first prototype was set for August 2022, however it has since been postponed until the end of 2022. In late 2023, the first launch is anticipated, four prototypes are initially planned.
A number of new features will be added to the Tejas LCA’s advanced design to enhance its combat and flight capabilities. Tejas 2.0 will contain GE-414 engines that are more powerful than the present model, with 98Kn of thrust. In comparison to the present version, this will allows it to fly further , carry more weaponry and cargo.
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Alongside the wings of the aircraft, a canard has been added. The Rafale, Eurofighter, and Sukhoi-30MKI are examples of contemporary fighters that have canards like these. Inboard and outboard elevons are present on the trailing edge of the wing. The Tejas Mk2 will include a new cockpit that is more anatomically designed and easier to maintain in addition to new armaments and an upgraded engine. Alloys of aluminum, titanium, steel, and carbon composites are used in the construction of fly-by-wire aircraft.
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Description of Tejas Mk-2
Tejas Mark 2 or MWF development was started to fix all Tejas Mark 1 and Mark 1A flaws as well as to fulfill the initial air personnel needs to be outlined for the LCA program by the IAF. To make the task of the pilot easier, the Mk2 will have a hand-on throttle-and-stick combination with the right hand on the stick and the left hand on the throttle.
The LCA Mk2 is anticipated to be ready by 2024, and testing should be completed by 2027, according to IAF officials. In 2030, full-scale mass production will begin after the development phase is complete 2027. From 2028 on, Tejas Mk2 will be usable. HAL anticipates ordering 210 more aircraft in addition to the six squadrons.
A total development budget of Rs 9000 crore, including the Rs 2500 crore that has already been spent, has been approved by the CCS. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has established a target date of 2027 to complete the flight testing.

Airlines
Virgin Atlantic to start daily flights from UK to São Paulo, Brazil and Bengaluru

- Airline enters South America by launching new daily service to São Paulo, Brazil
- India expansion continues with new route to Bengaluru, India (Bangalore)
- Premium sun offering bolstered by return of Manchester to Las Vegas and Heathrow to Dubai, in addition to new routes to the Maldives and Turks & Caicos
- New inter-island flying in the Caribbean reaffirms airline’s commitment to the region, offering locals and holidaymakers island hopping
- Arrival of state-of-the-art new aircraft continues, in parallel with the recruitment of 350 additional award-winning cabin crew
Today, Virgin Atlantic announced the opening of thrilling new routes with all-new planes on three continents. With more than 250,000 total additional seats* across Virgin Atlantic’s network, compared to 2019, customers are expected to benefit from network growth as the airline takes advantage of the ongoing demand for international travel.
By adding a brand-new daily flight from London Heathrow to So Paulo, Brazil, the airline will expand its network of international routes. One of the world’s most populated cities, Sao Paulo, is home to numerous international corporations, giving corporate clients and business visitors the chance to fly in the Virgin Atlantic fashion.
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Signalling expansion in the country, Bengaluru (Bangalore) will become the airline’s third destination and fourth daily service to India. Since 2019, Virgin Atlantic has increased capacity to India by 250%, the airline’s largest area of growth outside the United States. Launching in Summer 2024, the addition of this new route means the airline will offer 500,000 seats (total) each year between the UK and India, while its growing codeshare with IndiGo, India’s leading airline, flies to 34 destinations across the country.
Providing customer connectivity remains a focus, working with a range of world class partners. Alongside expanded joint venture partners Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM, the airline joined SkyTeam alliance in March 2023, meaning customers benefit from a consistent, seamless customer experience, across 1,000 global destinations in over 170 countries, with a further codeshare announcement with Korean Air since launch.
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By the end of 2024, the airline will have received its full order of 12 Airbus A350s, as well as the arrival of a further four A330neos. To support the operation, 350 additional cabin crew will be recruited to join the airline’s award-winning frontline team in delivering its renowned customer service.
Flights from London Heathrow to São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport will operate daily on the airline’s flagship Boeing 787-9, from 13 May 2024. Flights are set to be on sale from August, with fares starting from £655. Flights to Bengaluru will operate on Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from 31 March 2024, boasting 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats, as well as the airline’s signature Upper-Class social space.
Route Aircraft On Sale Launch Date Frequency LHR-DXB-LHR Boeing 787-9 07 June 2023 28 October 2023 X4 weekly,October 2023- March 2024 MAN-LAS-MAN Boeing 787-9 July 2023 2 June 2024 X3 Summer LHR-BLR-LHR Boeing 787-9 14 June 2023 31 March 2024 Daily – year round LHR-GRU-LHR Boeing 787-9 August 2023 13 May 2024 Daily – year round LHR-MLE-LHR Boeing 787-9 On sale now 22 October 2023 X3 weekly, October 2023- March 2024 LHR-PLS-LHR Boeing 787-9 On sale now 4 November 2023 X2 weekly, year round BGI-SVD-BGI AirbusA330-300 On sale now 14 June 2023 X2 Summer 2023/ X3 Winter 2023 BGI-GND-BGI AirbusA330-300 On sale now 14 June 2023 X2 Summer 2023/ X3 Winter 2023
Aerospace
Embraer, a renowned aircraft manufacturer, has joined forces with Tata and Mahindra Group
A well-known aircraft manufacturer, Embraer, is in talks to partner up with Tata Group and Mahindra Group to build up local manufacturing capabilities in India. With the help of this strategic alliance, India’s aerospace sector will expand, domestic manufacturing will be strengthened, and jobs will be generated.
“Tata told us that their initial focus would be on large aircraft, including Airbus and Boeing. After that, they would consider smaller, regional aircraft, and there is the market where we are,” according to president and CEO Francisco Gomes Neto.
While Airbus and Boeing dominate the market for bigger commercial planes, Embraer is a market leader in regional aviation. By the end of 2023, the business wants to have decided on an Indian partner for the production of defense aircraft.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking for medium-transport aircraft that have a lifting capacity of 18 to 30 tonnes. It aims to finish this search by 2025 or 2026. The C-390 Millennium multi-mission tactical air transport aircraft, the newest defense offering from Embraer, which debuted the plane at Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru in February, has been pushed for the order.
According to CEO Neto, Embraer sees “a good opportunity” in India. “The IAF has already seen our aircraft, and they approve. We have received positive feedback about the C-390 Millennium from nations like the Netherlands. We believe that the C-390 Millennium is the greatest option for that size of aircraft.
The Indian defense aviation market is not new to Embraer. The business has previously worked with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to produce three Netra airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the ERJ145 platform of Embraer, which are used by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF and the Border Security Force (BSF) both use Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft to fly VIPs and government officials.
The partnership combines the skills and strengths of each partner. Together with Tata Group’s manufacturing capabilities and Mahindra Group’s technical know-how, Embraer’s extensive domain understanding and technological expertise in the aerospace sector form a potent partnership that can provide high-quality products and solutions.
Embraer, Tata Group, and Mahindra Group’s cooperation paves the way for sustained success and growth. This cooperation can investigate the potential in both domestic and foreign markets as the demand for aircraft goods and services keeps growing. Together, it can boost India’s position as a major center of manufacturing, which would benefit the country’s aerospace sector as well.
Airlines
Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air Reveals Livery of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

The first of two livery designs, branded “a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance,” was unveiled today by Riyadh Air. The livery is being shown on a Boeing 787-9, of which the airline has placed orders for up to 72 (including 39 definite orders and 33 options).
The livery of Riyadh Air features a purple fuselage and a light blue tail painted with the RX logo. As on the Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) livery, the airline’s name is featured at the front of the fuselage in both English and Arabic alongside the Saudi Arabian flag.
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Riyadh Air’s CEO , Tony Douglas, stated: “The new airline represents the ambitious aim of Saudi Arabia to be at the center of creating the future of global air travel and be a true disruptor in terms of customer experience.
“To create a smooth travel experience, Riyadh Air’s dedication to its clients will see the merging of digital innovation and genuine Saudi hospitality. Our new 787-9s will serve as a foundation for our global operations, as we build a wider network and connect our passengers to Saudi Arabia and many other destinations around the world, as we position the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Riyadh Air announced that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has granted it the “RX” airline designator code. We wanted something with a modernist feel and a digital edge, Douglas added. Early 2025 is the anticipated start date for operations. The airline placed an order for 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in March, and up to 150 Boeing 737 Max planes are anticipated to follow soon.
The new airline is anticipated to increase the Kingdom’s non-oil gross domestic product by up to 75 billion riyals and generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, the business plans to move up to five million tonnes of freight each year.
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