Can Bengaluru International Airport Sustain its Record-Breaking Growth?

In the dynamic world of aviation, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB), commonly known as BLR Airport, has stood out as a beacon of progress and innovation. As it closes the chapter on another fiscal year marked by unprecedented milestones, one question arises: Can BLR Airport sustain its record-breaking growth trajectory?

Setting New Benchmarks

FY 2023-2024 witnessed BLR Airport achieving its highest-ever annual passenger traffic and cargo volumes. With 37.53 million passengers and 439,524 metric tonnes of cargo passing through its terminals, BLR Airport solidified its position as a key player in the global aviation landscape.

Passenger Traffic Surge

The surge in passenger demand saw BLR Airport becoming the pre-eminent gateway in South India, connecting travelers to 108 destinations, including 80 domestic and 28 international routes. Notably, domestic passenger traffic reached 32.86 million, while international passengers totaled 4.67 million. BLR Airport experienced a remarkable 18% overall growth, fueled by a 17% increase in the domestic sector and a 23% rise in international traffic.

Record-Breaking Moments

April 29, 2023, marked a historic day for BLR Airport, with 116,688 passengers recorded—the highest single-day figure since its inception in May 2008. This milestone underscores BLR Airport's significance as a bustling hub in India's aviation landscape.

Pax Traffic (FY 2020-2024):

Enhanced Connectivity

BLR Airport's commitment to enhancing connectivity was evident with the launch of new airlines and routes. Domestic expansions included destinations like Salem, Shivamogga, and Aurangabad, while international routes to Munich, Phuket, and Denpasar opened up new horizons for travelers. The addition of Virgin Atlantic's daily BLR-LHR flights further strengthened BLR Airport's global connectivity.

Cargo Growth and Infrastructure Development

BLR Cargo witnessed a notable 7.1% increase, handling 439,524 metric tonnes of cargo in FY '24. International tonnage grew by 4%, while domestic tonnage experienced a robust 13% rise. BLR Airport's cargo operations expanded to 33 destinations, facilitating exports of agri perishables, machinery parts, and pharmaceutical products to key international hubs.

Infrastructure Enhancements

BLR Airport's commitment to infrastructure development is evident through strategic partnerships and projects. The completion of India's most notable brownfield cargo transition paved the way for enhanced cargo handling capabilities. Initiatives like the Domestic Cargo Terminal project and the development of a greenfield logistics park underscore BLR Airport's dedication to operational efficiency and capacity expansion.

Looking Ahead

As BLR Airport celebrates its achievements, the question of sustainability looms large. Challenges such as fluctuating travel demand, evolving market dynamics, and infrastructural constraints must be navigated to ensure continued growth. However, BLR Airport's track record of innovation, adaptability, and strategic foresight positions it favorably to overcome these obstacles.

Conclusion

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru's journey of growth and excellence is a testament to its resilience and vision. As it charts a course into the future, BLR Airport remains steadfast in its commitment to shaping the aviation landscape, connecting people and goods across the globe. The question of sustaining its record-breaking growth is not merely a curiosity but a testament to BLR Airport's unwavering pursuit of excellence in the ever-evolving world of aviation.

IG Drone has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council (AASSC) at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

This collaborative initiative aims to launch a comprehensive skill development program in drone and allied fields across India, supported by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

The MoU targets the growing demand for skilled professionals in the rapidly evolving drone industry. One of the primary aims of the program is to equip individuals with the necessary expertise to excel in various aspects of drone technology, including piloting, operations, maintenance, and data analysis.

Under the agreement, IG Drones and AASSC will use their combined resources and expertise to develop and deliver industry-relevant training modules. The program will focus on enhancing participants' proficiency in drone technology, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to the expanding drone ecosystem. The collaborative effort is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the drone sector across India.

Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, IG Drones said, "This MoU will foster skill development in drone space, aided by NSDC that is already upgrading the youth in the country in different areas and providing employment. There is a high demand for skilled professionals in the country and this partnership will give a further empower our youth by helping them excel in various aspects of drone technology. We look forward for more such initiatives to bring IG Drones on a national level and play a role in providing training in latest drone technologies."

Retd. Commander AKN Balaji(Retd), CEO of AASSC said, "Signing of MoU with leading Drone Technology company IG Drones has been a significant step at the Vibrant Global Gujarat summit and we look forward to promote skill development in drone technology and allied fields across India, through this collaboration. We hope this initiative turns out to be a game-changer approach towards a dynamic future where drone technology reaches beyond the skies."

IG Drones, which focuses on state-of-the-art surveillance capabilities, launched India’s first 5G Drone in January last year. Recently, it won a contract to survey a Uttarakhand Metro Rail Project to build a PRT corridor, under the Neo Metro System, the country’s first such project. The Neo Metro Project is aimed to construct state-of-the-art rapid transit systems in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh within the next four years to ease traffic congestion. 

Regional airline FlyBig, a part of Big Charters Private Limited (BCPL), has launched ‘Udaan Har Kisi Ke Sapnon Ko Pankh De’ campaign.

Under this campaign, regional air travelers will have the opportunity to access air travel in Uttar Pradesh at a reduced fare of just Rs 99 exclusive of taxes etc. FlyBig is currently operating a 19-seater aircraft on this route. This campaign aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision for inclusive growth and connectivity, aiming to democratize air travel for economic empowerment across the nation.

This campaign, starting with the Aligarh-Lucknow route, will soon be extended to other destinations in Uttar Pradesh, including Azamgarh, Shravasti and Chitrakoot.

As part of this campaign, FlyBig will reserve 1000 seats for passengers traveling on routes such as Aligarh, Lucknow, Azamgarh, Shravasti and Chitrakoot. The fare, inclusive of taxes and charges, amounts to a total of Rs 354, which includes a nominal Rs 5 GST and an Rs 250 government fee. The campaign offers families and individual travellers the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions of Uttar Pradesh with ease. With FlyBig's reserved seats, families and individuals can now explore iconic destinations such as Lucknow, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot and Shravasti while enjoying the comfort and convenience of air travel together, the airline said.

Sanjay Mandaviya, Chairman and Managing Director, FlyBig, said: “Our mission is to ensure that regional air travel is accessible and affordable for every individual, irrespective of their economic background. We firmly believe that affordable air travel has the power to catalyse economic growth and development across the nation. FlyBig is committed to aligning with the Government of India's vision to promote regional air travel. I am sure that this campaign will play a critical role in empowering individuals and businesses to create new opportunities, propel economic advancement, and foster inclusive development nationwide."

The company aims to operate up to 30 departures per day soon, catering to the burgeoning demand for air travel in UP.

Sanjay Mandaviya added: “As regional connectivity expands, the potential for infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and the establishment of new markets will open up. This holistic approach to connectivity holds the promise of unlocking the untapped potential of various regions, driving prosperity and inclusivity throughout the country.”

Based in Gurugram, the airline says it is committed to connecting tier-2 cities within India. 

Noida International Airport (NIA) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have signed an agreement to lay a dedicated aviation turbine fuel (ATF) pipeline from BPCL’s Piyala Terminal to the tank farm at Noida International Airport.
The dedicated ATF pipeline spans over 34 kilometers, extending 1.2 kilometers within the airport premises. Once operational, this pipeline will operate on a common/contract carrier basis, ensuring seamless fuel transportation to the airport.
Aligned with Noida International Airport's commitment to environmental stewardship, this common-use fuel transportation pipeline will ease fuel receipt operations and mitigate emissions by eliminating the need for tank lorry movements.
The agreement was signed by Sujit Kumar, Chief General Manager, Marketing (Aviation) from BPCL and Nitu Samra, Chief Financial Officer, NIA in the presence of Biju Gopinath, Executive Director (Pipelines) and Sanjeev Kumar, Business Head (Aviation), BPCL, Kiran Jain, Chief Operating Officer and Mayuri Vats Head of Legal, NIA.
BPCL's Jain said that the oil major has been the pioneer in setting up ATF facilities at the airports and allied infrastructure in India since the time aviation industry took off in the country. He emphasized BPCL's commitment to reducing carbon emissions by minimising the road transportation of fuel and fostering a more sustainable future.
Noida Airport's Kiran Jain, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with BPCL for the development of a common-use fuel transportation pipeline, which aligns with our strategic vision of offering cost-efficient and sustainable solutions that are more economical for the transportation of liquid fuels compared to road transport. We are confident that this move will reduce carbon emissions and boost our overall efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable future, which is the need of the hour.”
BPCL has 70 aviation service stations across the country. Noida Airport is expected to start flight operations this year.

In a significant move towards sustainability, Air New Zealand has inked its largest deal for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with Finland-based petroleum refiner, Neste. This strategic partnership underscores the airline's commitment to decarbonize and achieve its net-zero carbon emission targets.

The Deal and Environmental Impact

Air New Zealand has committed to purchasing nine million liters of sustainable aviation fuel from Neste, which will be produced at Neste's Singapore refinery. This eco-friendly fuel will then be supplied to Los Angeles International Airport between April 1 and Nov. 30, 2024, marking a crucial step towards reducing the airline's carbon footprint.

The decision to opt for sustainable aviation fuel is rooted in its substantial environmental benefits. According to Air New Zealand, this green fuel is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to traditional fossil jet fuel. This reduction encompasses not only emissions from production but also those generated during transport, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious airlines.

Future Goals, Challenges and Opportunities

Looking ahead, Air New Zealand aims to integrate sustainable aviation fuel into 20% of its total fuel uptake by 2030. This ambitious target aligns with the airline's broader mission to reduce carbon intensity by 28.9% by the end of the decade, ultimately working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Such forward-thinking initiatives demonstrate Air New Zealand's proactive approach to addressing climate change within the aviation industry.

Aviation remains a challenging sector to decarbonize, accounting for approximately 2% of global emissions. However, with the emergence of sustainable aviation fuel, there is newfound optimism for meaningful progress. While sustainable aviation fuel currently represents less than 1% of the global fuel supply, partnerships like the one between Air New Zealand and Neste pave the way for increased adoption and innovation in the sector.

Conclusion

Air New Zealand's landmark deal for sustainable aviation fuel signifies a pivotal moment in the airline's sustainability journey. By prioritizing eco-friendly alternatives and setting ambitious targets, the airline is charting a course towards a greener future for aviation. As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, initiatives like this serve as a beacon of hope, highlighting the potential for collaboration and innovation to drive meaningful environmental change in the aviation industry.

With Inputs from Reuters

In the wake of recent allegations and a Senate hearing scheduled to address safety concerns, the question looms large: Is Boeing's 787 Dreamliner truly safe to fly?

Whistleblower Allegations and Senate Hearing

Boeing, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers, found itself under scrutiny yet again as a whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, a quality engineer at the company, raised alarming safety concerns regarding the assembly of Boeing's 787 and 777 jets. Salehpour's claims revolve around the alleged dismissal of safety concerns by the company, particularly regarding the proper assembly practices of its aircraft.

Set to testify in a U.S. Senate hearing, Salehpour's allegations have brought into question Boeing's safety culture and practices. Among the claims is the assertion that Boeing failed to adequately address issues such as the proper shimming of aircraft components, which could potentially lead to premature fatigue failure over time.

Boeing's Response and Defense

In response to the allegations, Boeing has vehemently defended its safety record, particularly regarding its flagship 787 Dreamliner. Senior Boeing officials have stated that thorough inspections conducted on nearly 700 in-service Dreamliner jets, following heavy maintenance, have revealed zero airframe fatigue findings. This data has been shared with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is currently investigating Salehpour's claims.

Steve Chisholm, Boeing's chief engineer of mechanical and structural engineering, emphasized the company's commitment to safety and transparency, highlighting the collaboration with regulatory authorities such as the FAA.

Past Issues and Quality Problems

Boeing's troubles with its aircraft quality and safety are not new. The company faced a significant setback when it halted deliveries of the 787 widebody jet for over a year until August 2022. This pause came as the FAA investigated various quality problems and manufacturing flaws within the Dreamliner program.

In 2021, Boeing acknowledged issues with the size of shims and skin-flatness specifications in some 787 airplanes. Lisa Fahl, vice president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes airplane programs engineering, clarified that while there were deviations from specifications, reports of workers jumping on plane parts were not reflective of Boeing's standard procedures.

Seeking Independent Validation

Salehpour's attorney, Debra Katz, emphasized the importance of independent validation of Boeing's data and assertions regarding the safety of its aircraft. Katz urged that any data provided by Boeing should undergo scrutiny by independent experts and regulatory authorities before being accepted at face value.

Conclusion

As Boeing prepares to address the Senate hearing and confront the allegations raised by Salehpour, the aviation industry and passengers alike await answers regarding the safety of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner. With the company's reputation already marred by previous safety crises, the stakes are high, and ensuring the integrity and transparency of aircraft manufacturing processes is paramount to restoring trust in Boeing's products and the aviation industry as a whole.

With Inputs from Reuters