Aviation

Nine freedoms of the air

The freedoms of the air refer to a set of commercial aviation rights that allow airlines from one country to fly into and land in the airspace of another. The first two freedoms deal with commercial aircraft flying over foreign airspace and airports, while the remaining freedoms deal with international transportation of people, mail, and goods.

• First freedom
The right to fly across another country without having to land.

• Second freedom
The ability to refueling or perform maintenance in another country without having to board or disembark passengers or cargo.

• Third freedom
The ability to travel between one’s own country and another.

• Fourth freedom
The freedom to fly from another country to one’s own.

• Fifth freedom
The ability to travel across two foreign countries on a flight that starts or ends in one’s own country.

• Sixth freedom
The ability to fly from one country to another while making a non-technical stop in one’s own country.
➢ Modified sixth freedom
The right to travel across two locations in a foreign land while making a non-technical stop in one’s own country.

• Seventh freedom
The ability to fly across two foreign countries without passing through one’s own country.

• Eighth freedom
The ability to fly within a foreign country after departing from or returning to one’s home country.

• Ninth freedom
The ability to travel inside a foreign country without returning to one’s own.

Commercial aviation is subject to the freedoms of the air. Even if countries permit the services, airlines may still be restricted from using them due to treaty provisions or other factors

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.