Aviation

IndiGo’s Plan to Lease 20 Aircraft for Enhanced Operations

Airline Loses Passenger’s ₹45,000 Worth of Belongings, Offers Minimal ₹2,450 Compensation

In response to the challenges posed by the grounding of several of its A320neo and A321neo aircraft due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues, IndiGo Airlines (6E) is undertaking a proactive approach to bolster its fleet by leasing up to 20 aircraft from April 2024 onwards.

According to a report from Money Control, IndiGo is actively engaged in negotiations with multiple leasing companies and carriers in a bid to secure additional aircraft before the onset of the summer schedule. The airline aims to dry-lease approximately 12 aircraft from the secondary market and wet-lease up to eight airframes to mitigate the impact of the grounded fleet.

In the final stages of negotiations, IndiGo is poised to finalize deals with leading carriers such as Qatar Airways and Ryanair. The proposed agreement with Qatar Airways involves the potential acquisition of five aircraft, while three additional airframes are expected to be leased from Ryanair. This strategic move reflects IndiGo’s commitment to swiftly address capacity constraints and maintain operational efficiency.

Notably, IndiGo has expanded its horizon beyond Airbus planes and is considering the inclusion of Boeing aircraft in its fleet. With the secondary market for Airbus planes experiencing a decline, the airline is exploring diverse avenues to optimize fleet composition and meet growing demand.

Gaurav Negi, Chief Financial Officer of IndiGo, emphasized the airline’s collaboration with Pratt & Whitney to alleviate spare engine availability issues. Despite the challenges, Negi expressed optimism regarding improvements in the coming quarters, underscoring IndiGo’s proactive approach to resolving operational hurdles.

IndiGo’s fleet expansion plans align with its ambitious growth targets, as outlined during the announcement of the company’s third-quarter results. To increase its fleet by 20% in the fiscal year 2024, surpassing initial estimates, IndiGo is poised to reinforce its position as a leading player in the Indian aviation market.

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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.