15 Nov 2021

India Aviation Industry Newsletter 15 November

AGL system to improve safety while landing at Darbhanga airport The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has installed a circuit of aerodrome ground lighting (AGL) system on the runway of the Darbhanga Airport, a measure which improves safety during aircraft landings even when visibility is poor in the winter season or bad weather conditions. Darbhanga Airport director Manish Kumar said, “The first circuit of AGL system which consists of a series of strategically placed lights was fitted on 60 metre longitudinal intervals, which is functional. Installation work on the second circuit lighting which is being fitted at 30 metre distance on the runway is under process.” Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Collaborating with ZeroAvia to Develop Hydrogen Powertrain for Dornier 228 Zero-Emission Aircraft ZeroAvia announced a development collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for a hydrogen-electric powertrain capable of flying the 19 seat Dornier 228 aircraft up to 500 NM. HAL intends to work with ZeroAvia to develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to allow retrofit of existing airframes for both Indian military and worldwide operators. HAL also intends to continue to build new aircraft with additional FAA approval, designated Hindustan-228, creating the opportunity to incorporate ZeroAvia's ZA600 zero-emission engines. "HAL is committed to the ongoing development of the Dornier 228 aircraft, and it is critical to offer it as a zero-emission platform, including the conversion of the existing fleet," said Apurba Roy, General Manager, HAL's Transport Aircraft Division. "We are honored to partner with ZeroAvia, who in our view is leading the way in the development of innovative solutions to deliver practical zero-emission aircraft”. SATS breaks ground on Indian central kitchen SATS announced that work has begun on the construction of its central kitchen in India. The 20,000 sqm kitchen is located at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport), and will be the largest and first of its kind in India. SATS’ first central kitchen in India will cost $37 million to build and is expected to be operational in 2023. UAE’s Empire Aviation To Represent Gulfstream in India Gulfstream Aerospace has appointed the UAE’s Empire Aviation Group (EAG) as an authorized international sales representative for the U.S. aircraft manufacturer's business jets in India. Vistara and Lufthansa enter frequent flyer partnership Vistara announced a reciprocal partnership for its frequent flyer program, Club Vistara (CV), with Lufthansa’s Miles & More frequent flyer program. The partnership enables Club Vistara members to earn and redeem CV Points on flights operated and marketed by Lufthansa, covering an extensive network of nearly 200 destinations across the world. Reciprocally, Miles & More members will be able to earn and redeem miles on flights operated by Vistara. The partnership agreement comes into effect on 27 October 2021. Vistara Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Vinod Kannan said “We are delighted to extend our strong partnership with Lufthansa and bring synergies between our respective frequent flyer programs. I am confident that this will enable us to provide greater value and convenience to our Club Vistara members on their travels across the world. We are also equally excited to welcome Miles & More members and provide them a consistent, world-class flying experience when they fly ‘India’s best airline.” Acumen Aviation © 15 November 2021 All Rights Reserved.