Aviation

Singapore Airlines takes off with biofuel-powered flights

IN A bid to reduce international aviation emissions, Singapore Airlines has launched the world’s first “green package” flights powered in part by sustainable biofuel produced from used cooking oil.

The biofuel will be combined with the usual jet fuel in a series of 12 flights over the next three months on the Airbus A350-900, which the airline company hails as its “most fuel-efficient aircraft”, it said in a press release.
The 12 biofuel flights will be on the airline’s non-stop Singapore-San Francisco route.
The first flight, SQ31, arrived in Singapore from San Francisco on Tuesday night local time with 206 passengers on board after a 17-hour flight

The airline’s chief executive officer hopes the biofuel-powered flights, together with fuel-efficient aircraft and optimised flight operations, will improve the company’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

“We now want to push ourselves further and are embarking on this initiative to help promote the use of sustainable biofuel in an operationally and commercially viable manner,” said Singapore Airlines chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong.
The green package is in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, which will offer optimised flight operations such as rerouting a flight’s lateral profile based on updated weather forecasts to save fuel.

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.