Editor’s Note
The new leadership team at India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation takes charge at a time when the Aviation sector is booming with record growth in the number of passengers and aircraft on order. They will need to ensure that this growth continues unimpeded and is duly supported by a robust aviation infrastructure and ecosystem.
Our lead story in this issue features an exclusive interview with Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR. Taking the helm in September 2022, Nathalie has focused the company on ramping up production to better serve customers while also preparing for the future with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation. Under her leadership, ATR has maintained its reputation as the “King of Regional Aviation.” Nathalie’s commitment to delivering highly fuel-efficient, versatile, affordable, and future-proof aircraft is central to ensuring ATR’s continued market leadership. In her interview, Nathalie highlighted the pivotal role ATR aircraft have played in expanding access to air travel across India, combining exceptional economics, passenger comfort, reliability, airport compatibility, and sustainability.
Aviation has always led the way in technological advancements aimed at safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly travel. Anil Chopra provides an insightful overview of future airliner designs in his article, exploring innovations such as blended wing technology, advanced flight controls, and aircraft wings made from tiny polymer tiles that reconfigure themselves to adapt to flight conditions, mimicking birds. He also discusses groundbreaking concepts like supersonic bi-directional flying wings and the transition to electric and hybridpropulsion aircraft.
In his article on the next generation of engines, Joseph Noronha delves into the array of technological options facing large commercial aeroengine manufacturers. These range from simple upgrades of conventional designs to exotic configurations like open fans and cuttingedge hybrid-electric installations, including hydrogen-burning engines. Recent years have seen all major engine manufacturers launch significant projects aimed at increasing fuel efficiency, with a strong focus on integrating new technologies.
A major highlight on the global civil aviation calendar this year is the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA), taking place from July 22 to 26. Established in 1948, the airshow celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023, marking decades of pioneering aviation excellence and innovation. FIA has been instrumental in numerous aerospace achievements, creating a legacy of inspiring moments that have shaped the industry. FIA 2024 is set to be a beacon of optimism and innovation, showcasing the latest advancements in aviation and space exploration. The 2022 show attracted over 80,000 trade visitors and featured more than 1,500 exhibitors from around the world. With 1,200 exhibiting companies and 74,000 trade visitors expected, FIA 2024 promises to be a crucial platform for global connections, interactions, and business opportunities. Ayushee Chaudhary provides a preview of what to expect at the show.
The recent orders for widebody aircraft from both Air India and IndiGo indicates a clear intent by these two airlines to garner a greater share on international routes. Read all about India’s evolution from narrow-body to wide-body jets done by Swaati Ketkar. All this and more in this issue of SP’s AirBuz.
Welcome aboard and we wish you many happy landings!
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