Aerospace

The world’s largest engine manufacturer is set to establish an MRO facility in India.

It is typical for a company to handle product services when a product is sold in the market. What happens if the product costs millions of dollars and requires a significant amount of time to fix? Yes, we are talking about aircraft engines.

In a comparable way, India has recently experienced a rise in demand for aerospace parts as a result of an increase in aircraft orders.

This year, Air India placed a sizable aircraft order, choosing some of the engines from Boeing and Airbus models. The company has now decided to establish its own MRO facility in India in order to expedite and reduce the time needed for aircraft engine repairs.

Yes, we are referring to Rolls-Royce, the biggest manufacturer of aircraft engines in the world, which has experience producing everything from small jets to the biggest engines ever. According to Finacial Express , the company is currently considering opening an MRO set up in India.

Air India is considering its options for a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center in the nation as it gets ready to introduce its first wide-body aircraft, which will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines.

Air India had placed an order for 68 Trent XWB-97 engines

Rolls-Royce revealed in February that Air India had placed an order for 68 Trent XWB-97 engines—plus options for an additional 20—to power the Airbus A350-1000. Additionally, 12 Trent XWB-84 engines—the only engine option available for the Airbus A350-900—were ordered by the Tata-controlled airline.

This is the first time an Indian airline has ordered a Trent XWB, and as a result of the agreement, Air India will become the world’s largest operator of Trent XWB-97s. Air India has ordered six A350-900 and 34 A350-1000 wide-body aircraft from Airbus. An Indian airline will be using an A350 commercial aircraft for the first time.

Engines require extensive maintenance protocols. Moving forward, we as engine manufacturers need to have a strong working relationship with Air India.

Rolls-Royce, unlike other manufacturers, is not taking any risks. In just two years, Pratt & Whitney engines caused several Indian airlines to experience problems. This prompted them to switch to alternative engines, much as Indigo Airlines did when it switched from Airbus to CFM engines. Currently, Rolls-Royce is receiving large orders from customers and improving smooth operations.

As of right now, Rolls-Royce maintains an MRO center in Singapore and China. It is currently intended to be built in India. This will have a significant impact on the Indian aerospace industry because it will draw in additional investors and strengthen the sector.

Due to a significant volume of orders from Indian carriers such as Air India, Indigo, and Akasa Air, some Boeing and Airbus are already planning to construct their engineering and maintenance centers in India.

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.