Indian aviation
India’s ambitious aircraft manufacturing plans, SpiceJet’s renewed financial struggles, IndiGo’s second fastest growing tag and Air India’s curious “lavatory” advisory hogged the limelight in Indian aviation this week.
India Sets Course for Regional Aircraft Manufacturing
India is making significant strides in aircraft manufacturing with plans to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for developing a regional transport aircraft, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu told the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament.
‘We have changed the thought process that we have when it comes to the manufacturing of aircraft. We are saying that India is at the stage right now where we can manufacture, we can design and we can maintain an aircraft,” Naidu who has been pushing manufacturers like Boeing, Airbus and Embraer etc to make more locally said adding, “”We have a plan to create an SPV for five years, which is going to bring in all the necessary stakeholders… study the existing picture in the country and create a road map.”
Naidu also told the Parliament in a written reply that the development of the indigenous 19-seater Light Transport Aircraft Saras Mk2 is under progress.
“The Saras Mk2 initiative has a collaboration and partnership with HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited). The aircraft has significant indigenous components and technologies like advanced composite wing, composite and light weight material airframe, avionics, display and communication system,” he added.
SpiceJet Battles Fresh Insolvency Petitions
SpiceJet is facing fresh financial turbulence as three Ireland-based aircraft lessors—NGF Alpha, NGF Genesis, and NGF Charlie—along with a former pilot, have filed insolvency petitions against the airline in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), claiming dues totaling $12.68 million. The lessors have also accused SpiceJet of illegally using parts, including engines, from leased aircraft to keep its operational fleet running. The insolvency tribunal directed to list all three petitions on April 7 for the next hearing.
IndiGo: The World’s Second Fastest-Growing Airline
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has been recognized as the world’s second fastest-growing airline in terms of seat capacity expansion, according to the latest data from the Official Airline Guide (OAG). In 2024, IndiGo’s seat capacity grew by 10.1%, reaching 134.9 million seats, while its flight frequency increased by 9.7%, with 749,156 flights operated throughout the year. While 88 per cent of IndiGo’s capacity is allocated to domestic markets, international growth is a key part of the airline’s strategy with expansion during 2024 focused on regional Middle East markets and Thailand. The airline also received 58 new Airbus aircraft, cementing its status as one of Airbus’ largest global customers. Meanwhile, IndiGo continues to expand its international footprint with the launch of a direct Bengaluru-Krabi flight and daily direct flights between Tiruchirappalli and Jaffna, Sri Lanka, even as safety concerns arose as an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Chennai suffered a tail strike while landing, triggering emergency protocols.
Air India’s Unusual Appeal: “Use Lavatories Properly!”
In a rather bizarre yet serious development, Air India has issued a public advisory urging passengers to use aircraft lavatories for their intended purpose only, following yet another long-haul flight diversion caused by clogged toilets. On March 5, a Chicago-Delhi flight (AI126) was forced to return to Chicago after eight of the twelve onboard lavatories became unserviceable due to passengers flushing plastic bags, rags, and even clothing items, leading to severe plumbing blockages. Similar incidents have frequently affected Air India’s older Boeing 777 fleet, particularly on North America routes, with previous cases revealing hand towels, diapers, and blankets improperly disposed of in lavatories. Addressing the issue, Air India stated, “While we empathize with passengers affected by diversions, we urge travelers to avoid flushing inappropriate items. Such incidents cause significant inconvenience and operational disruptions.” Lavatory malfunctions on long-haul flights can cause major disruptions, leading to costly diversions and delays, making Air India’s appeal a crucial reminder of passenger responsibility in maintaining onboard hygiene and safety.
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