Aerospace

Heathrow Airport set a new record by seeing 40 years’ growth of passengers in just 4 months.

A proof of the UK aviation industry’s revival was the over 6 million passengers that passed through Heathrow in June, bringing the total for the first half of the year to 25 million. The unprecedented increase in passenger volume over the past four months is comparable to what has occurred over the previous 40 years.
We began hiring in November of last year in preparation of capacity recovery this summer, and by the end of July, we will have the same number of security personnel on staff as we did before the pandemic. To give travellers more room, we also reopened Terminal 4.
Following the enormous reductions in resource across the whole aviation supply chain, swiftly building capacity is exceedingly difficult. Due to delays at other airports and airspace congestion around Europe, arrival punctuality is extremely poor, which has made it more difficult for the airport, airlines, ground handlers, and governmental organisations to meet resource requirements.
Despite this, we have been able to give the vast majority of passengers a high level of service. Nevertheless, despite our best efforts, there have been times over the past few weeks when service levels have not been acceptable, with long lines, delays for passengers with limited mobility, bags not travelling with passengers, or arriving late. We want to apologise to any affected passengers for this.
The DfT and CAA requested the aviation industry to reassess summer schedules in June. Part of their request included introducing a slot amnesty to encourage carriers to cancel flights without facing financial consequences. At Heathrow, providing passengers with a secure and dependable journey is our top concern. If the reviewed adjustments to airline schedules can assist in achieving that, we will carefully evaluate them.
Many folks probably haven’t travelled recently. The best way for travellers to get ready for their trips is to arrive at Heathrow no earlier than three hours before their flights, put any liquids that are less than 100ml in a clear, resealable 1lt bag, and take out any bulky electronics before going through security.
We are evaluating the CAA’s most recent analysis for the H7 regulatory period and will provide any comments as soon as possible.

According to Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye, “We saw exponential increase in passenger numbers last month as nearly six million individuals left the country – the equivalent of 40 years of growth in only four months. I’m quite happy of how our staff has risen to the demand of expansion while providing consistently top-notch service to the vast majority of customers. However, there have already been instances in recent years where demand surpasses airport, airline, and ground handler capacity.

We will evaluate the schedule adjustments that the airlines have provided in response to the government’s mandate to minimise customer disturbance this summer and will request that they take more action if necessary. Everyone who travels through Heathrow should feel assured that their trip will be secure and dependable.

Related Topics:British Airways Emirates LHR

Dawal

He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry. He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.