Editor’s Note

In a significant prelude to the announcement of the National Civil Aviation Policy, Prime Minister Modi shared a visionary dream of making flying accessible. This dream birthed the UDAN scheme in October 2016, a crucial component of the National Civil Aviation Policy. Since its inception, 517 RCS routes have become operational, linking 76 airports. The UDAN scheme aims to operationalise 1,000 routes and revitalise 100 unserved and underserved airports, heliports, and water aerodromes by 2024. In its sixth year, the Regional Connectivity Scheme continues to weave connections through UDAN, driving local empowerment and economic growth. Swaati Ketkar provides an insightful overview of RCS in this edition.

Sustainability remains in the limelight! In an article in this issue, Joseph Noronha simplifies SAF, the related technologies, global initiatives, national intentions, the current scenario & the way ahead. Rohit Goel explores ATR’s innovative and fuel-efficient turboprops, positioning them as key players in redefining the future of regional travel towards efficiency and sustainability.

Anil Chopra explores the quest for Atmanirbharta in commercial aviation. Despite being the fastest-growing economy and civil aviation market, India is yet to leverage large airliner orders to attract aircraft and engine manufacturers. Chopra advocates for strategic partnerships with the likes of Boeing and Airbus to establish assembly lines in India, tapping into the country’s manufacturing and assembly skills.

The issue also analyses the helicopter industry, urging for policies that recognise the versatility of helicopters and align with their unique functionalities. The report emphasises the potential use of helicopters in internal surveillance, law and order maintenance, traffic management, and civic roles under the SMART Cities project. Sukhchain Singh’s report spotlights MRO innovations in the digital era, predicting a rapid bloom in demand for maintenance services with the domestic fleet expected to surpass 1,000 by 2027. The digital MRO market, driven by advanced technologies like AI, Digital Twins, AR, Blockchain, Additive Manufacturing, and Cloud Computing, presents new tools for efficient management within reduced budgets. In his report, Dr D.K. Pandey discusses Pratt & Whitney’s pivotal role in aerospace innovation and sustainability. The spotlight then shifts to India’s air cargo potential, emphasising the significant opportunity for fleet growth relative to the country’s GDP. Ryan Weir outlines strategic partnerships between the Indian Government, the aviation industry, and Boeing to harness this economic opportunity.

All this and more in this issue of SP’s Airbuz. Welcome aboard and we wish you many happy landings!

Meet us at Hall C, Stall No. 30 at the Wings India 2024, show in Hyderabad.