Business
Cruising Heights
PITCHING FOR SUPPORT
India's air cargo industry is gearing up for a major transformation, aiming to nearly triple its capacity by 2030. Current infrastructure handles about 6.5 million tonnes, but meeting future goals will require significant investments to expand capacity, streamline operations, and adopt cutting-edge technologies. Industry leaders at a recent ACFI Annual Conclave emphasised the need for strong government support to overcome challenges, urging policymakers to address operational constraints and improve connectivity, reports
8 min |
August 2024
Cruising Heights
BATTLE FOR THE SKIES
As India's international air traffic experiences significant growth over the past few decades, the competition between Air India and IndiGo intensifies. Vistara's merger within Air India and the significant aircraft orders position the combined entity as a formidable player, while IndiGo's ambitious expansion plans and international focus set the stage for a competitive future, analyses
7 min |
August 2024
Cruising Heights
"We Aim to Bridge the Training Gap in Indian Aviation"
In a candid conversation with CRUISING HEIGHTS, KHUSHBEG JATTANA, General Manager India of Simaero, discusses the strategic timing of Simaero's entry into the Indian aviation market. He addresses the challenges posed by existing pilot training programmes from major airlines like Air India and IndiGo, and elaborates on Simaero's plans to complement these efforts with state-of-the-art training solutions. Jattana also sheds light on the potential growth in the South Asian region and the company's vision for the future.
4 min |
August 2024
Cruising Heights
POWERING UP
Urban Air Mobility providers are accelerating their eVTOL development programmes, reports
6 min |
August 2024
Cruising Heights
Transforming Air Traffic Control Training: CAE's Cutting-Edge Approach
In this interview, MARIE-CHRISTINE CLOUTIER, CAE's Vice-President of Performance, Strategy, and Marketing, discusses CAE's air traffic control training program. Highlighting strategic partnerships, advanced technologies, and global initiatives, the interview reveals how CAE addresses the growing demand for skilled air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. From their dedicated Montreal facility to expanding efforts across the globe, CAE is committed to providing tailored, state-of-the-art training solutions for the aviation industry's future.
5 min |
August 2024
Cruising Heights
POWERING A GREEN FUTURE
FIA 2024 witnessed a growing order book for aircraft engine manufacturers and provided important insights into the development of sustainable powerplants.
10 min |
August 2024
Cruising Heights
Vistara And Air India: The Merger Ahead
The merger of Vistara with Air India, is set for completion by March 2025. This merger within the Tata group aims to consolidate Indian aviation, bringing significant changes and challenges for customers and the industry. How will these changes unfold, AMEYA JOSHI analyses.
5 min |
July 2024
Cruising Heights
Skytrax Awards: Qatar Airways soars to top
In a stunning repeat performance, Qatar Airways once again soared to the top of the aviation industry, clinching its position in the competition for the title of World's Best Airline for an unprecedented eighth time.
1 min |
July 2024
Cruising Heights
A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE AGES
CFM International is entering its 50th year of operations and is now the dominant player in the Indian aeroengine market, as detailed in a report by ATUL CHANDRA.
10+ min |
July 2024
Cruising Heights
A SHOW OF INTENT
The Farnborough International Airshow will be a showcase of the global recovery in air travel and the industry's sustainability focus, special report by MIKE RAJKUMAR
9 min |
July 2024
Cruising Heights
CHARTING THROUGH HEADWINDS
The emerging airports of Noida and Navi Mumbai are expected to redefine India's flight path, aligning with the nation's aspirations to connect, thrive, and soar in the skies. However, several critical challenges threaten the success of this multi-airport model, including inadequate forward planning, connectivity issues, and concerns over commercial viability. An in-depth report by VISHAL DUGGAL.
8 min |
July 2024
Cruising Heights
EMERGING OPPORTUNITY
IndiGo is looking for more regional transport aircraft, will it continue with ATR or opt for jet powered alternatives. A special report by ATUL CHANDRA.
10+ min |
July 2024
Cruising Heights
INDIA'S MRO SECTOR: FIXING THE FLAWS
As the Indian MRO industry gears up for rapid growth, bolstered by a booming aviation market, it is imperative to address several challenges as well to build a strong, self-reliant ecosystem.
8 min |
July 2024
Cruising Heights
FRESH FACES, NEW BEGINNINGS: ADDRESSING INDIA'S CIVIL AVIATION CHALLENGES
The recent reshuffle in India's Civil Aviation Ministry brings new, young leaders tasked with tackling long-standing and emerging challenges. Will this fresh leadership rejuvenate the ministry and drive growth in the aviation sector will be keenly watched. They face the critical task of improving infrastructure, addressing manpower shortages, reducing operational costs, and enhancing regional connectivity, explains AMEYA JOSHI
8 min |
July 2024
Cruising Heights
DELHI LAUNCHES FTI-TTP: BIOMETRIC KIOSKS TO SPEED IMMIGRATION
Delhi airport launches Trusted Traveller Programme it is transformative in nature and will completely overall the process of immigration and check-in at India's busiest and largest airport.
2 min |
July 2024
Cruising Heights
India's space economy set to soar
India's burgeoning space economy could see a substantial increase in its global share by 2040. At present, India's space sector contributes a modest $8 billion to the overall cake.
2 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
JettWings leads the way in UDAN 5.3
JettWings Airways has emerged as a frontrunner in the aviation industry, solidifying its position as a leading private operator under the UDAN RCS 5.3 scheme.
1 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
Sock drying to underwear adventures: Laundry tales at 30,000 feet
Picture this: you're settled into your first-class seat, ready for a smooth and luxurious flight with United Airlines. But as you glance around, you notice something that makes you do a double-take.
1 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
PLETHORA OF AIR TRAVEL ACTIVITY IN THE INDIAN SKIES
The Northern Summer schedule for 2024 took off on March 31, 2024, ushering in a rush of air travel activity. With DGCA's seal of approval on 24,275 weekly departures, the skies buzzed with an average of 3,467 flights daily. However, on the inaugural day, airlines only managed to execute 3,035 scheduled domestic flights, representing a modest 87.5 per cent of the approved schedule. Delving into the nuances of this aviation landscape, an exclusive analysis by aviation analytics company Cirium unveils fascinating insights into the longest and shortest flights crisscrossing the Indian skies.
2 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
Agnibaan SOrTeD rocket launch postponed again
Chennai-based space start-up Agnikul Cosmos called off the maiden launch of its 3D-printed, semi-cryogenic Agnibaan rocket about 129 seconds before lift-off citing communication in the onboard hardware.
2 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
Pushpak RLV-TD successfully lands autonomously
ISRO achieved another significant milestone in reusable launch vehicle (RLV) technology with the successful landing of Pushpak (RLV-TD), the winged vehicle, autonomously on the runway.
1 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
TIME FOR CREDIBLE ROTARY-WING CAPABILITIES
With tactical-level challenges looming in India’s neighbourhood, it is time for the Indian armed forces to rapidly brush up on rotorcraft capabilities. A Special Report
10+ min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
"PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES: A TROUBLED LEGACY IN NEED OF REVIVAL"
Pakistan International Airlines PIA), once renowned for its slogan Great People to Fly With,’ has a storied history of contributions to the aviation industry. despite its illustrious past, PIA has faced challenges in recent decades, witnessing a decline from its former glory. This downward trajectory has prompted concerns about the airline's sustainability and competitiveness in the modern aviation landscape. The Pakistan government is now preparing to privatise the
10 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
Qatar explores major widebody order with Boeing, Airbus
Qatar Airways is reportedly in preliminary discussions with both Boeing and Airbus regarding a potential order of up to 150 widebody jets to modernise and expand its fleet as it needs to tackle the issue of an ageing fleet for long-distance.
1 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
"Embraer achieves ETOPS-120 certification for E2 Series
Embraer recently achieved a significant milestone with the acquisition of 120-minute ETOPS (Extended-Twin Engine Operations Performance Standards) approval for its E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft.
1 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
FLY91 set to soar
Regional carrier FLY91 launched its commercial operations in mid-March, aiming to establish a strong presence in the aviation sector. India’s youngest airline plans to break even within two years, the Goa-based airline anticipates employing approximately 350 staff members by the end of its inaugural year.
1 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
Star Air expands with fourth E175
Star Air (S5) welcomed its fourth Embraer E175 aircraft in March.
1 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
BA AT 50: REFLECTING ON THE CONCORDE AGE AND BEYOND
As British Airways celebrates its 50th anniversary, industry watchers and experts are saying that this prompts reflection on the evolution of flying with the airline and raises questions about whether the Concorde era truly represented aviation's golden age.
7 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
VISTARA PILOTS' PROTEST AMIDST AIR INDIA MERGER HIGHLIGHTS INDUSTRY-WIDE CHALLENGES
Pilots are one of the most important human resources for any airline. Even more so in these times when the average growth in Indian Aviation is a close to 15 per cent. Unfortunately, though, pilots in India are an unhappy lot highlighted by the mass leave taken by Vistara pilots. NIDHI SHARMA dissects the issue.
7 min |
April 2024
Cruising Heights
A GIANT OF AN AIRCRAFT
Engineers have recently unveiled blueprints for what could become the crowning achievement of airborne engineering: the WindRunner.
3 min |