Aviation

Virgin Atlantic and China Eastern launch new Codeshare partnership

Virgin Atlantic and China Eastern are thrilled to announce a new codeshare agreement, which strengthens vital business and leisure connections to East Asia and expands access to more destinations throughout China.

The first phase of the agreement will enable Virgin Atlantic customers to connect seamlessly from the airline’s Heathrow to Shanghai services to other destinations in China on a single ticket, including Chengdu, Changsha, Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Xi’an. These destinations’ flights are currently on sale.

Subject to government approval, China Eastern customers will soon be able to connect through Heathrow to Caribbean and African destinations such as Jamaica, Nassau, Lagos, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.

Virgin Atlantic joined the SkyTeam alliance last year, and China Eastern is one of its fellow members. The two airlines have had a convenient co-location at Shanghai Pudong Terminal One since November. Members of China Eastern Miles and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold and Silver can benefit from SkyPriority services here, such as priority check-in, boarding, and additional baggage.

Members of Flying Club can now earn Virgin Points and Tier Points on every codeshare flight with China Eastern, which expedites the process of reaching rewards. It is anticipated that the ability to spend Virgin Points will arrive soon.

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.