Aerospace

Indigo selects CFM engines to power its fleet of 310 new Airbus A320neo

Indigo Airlines: 7 Facts You Should Know

National: May 21, 2021 — IndiGo today announced that it has selected CFM International LEAP-1A
engines to power its fleet of 310 new Airbus A320neo, A321neo, and A321XLR aircraft. This agreement
includes 620 new installed engines and associated spare engines, as well as a long-term, multi-year
service agreement.

In 2019, IndiGo Airline selected LEAP-1A engines and signed a long-term service agreement for engines to
power 280 A320neo family aircraft. This new agreement, therefore, secures the LEAP-1A engine and
its long-term service agreements for a total of 590 IndiGo A320neo family aircraft.
The airline is currently operating seven A320neo and 15 A321neo with LEAP-1A engines. This
agreement will secure LEAP-1A engines and service agreements for itsA320neo family aircraft to be
delivered from 2023 onwards.

“This is a pivotal milestone that reflects our long-standing commitment to rapidly strengthen our
network both domestically and internationally. This expansion will serve as a catalyst to boost India’s
economic growth and the mobility of its people. India’s aviation sector is poised to grow from strength
to strength, and we will continue on our mission of building a world class transportation network. We
are here to deliver on our promise of providing low fares and a courteous, hassle free experience to
all our customers.” said Ronojoy Dutta, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo.

“We are pleased to extend our partnership with CFM for our next batch of Airbus A320neo, A321neo
and A321 XLR aircraft,” said Riyaz Peermohamed, Chief Aircraft Acquisition and Financing Officer of
IndiGo. “The introduction of the CFM LEAP engines in our fleet will allow us to maintain our strong
focus on lowering operating costs and delivering fuel efficiency with high standards of reliability.”

“We are incredibly honored by IndiGo’s renewed trust in CFM,” said Gaël Méheust, president and CEO
of CFM International. “We are fully committed to helping IndiGo optimize its operations by providing
them with the industry-leading asset utilization, fuel efficiency, and overall cost of ownership.”
“We are proud to expand our relationship with IndiGo and play a key role in their continuous growth,”
said Philippe Couteaux, vice president Sales & Marketing of CFM parent company, Safran Aircraft
Engines. “We take IndiGo’s trust as a great responsibility to keep supporting their fleet with the highlevel CFM standards”.

FAA issued 737 MAX’s LEAP-1B engine corrosion issue
The LEAP engine, which has logged more than 10 million engine flight hours in less than five years of
commercial service, continues to set new industry standards for asset utilization, while reducing fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions by 15 percent while maintaining the highest reliability rates in this
thrust class

Airbus A400M completes helicopter air-to-air refueling Certification

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.