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A UNITING FORCE FOR THE INDIAN MRO INDUSTRY AERO MRO DIGEST A QUARTERLY NEWS DIGEST FOR INDIAN MROs National Green Aviation Policy S A V E T H E D A T E 5 th & 6 th December 2019 New Delhi Volume 3 Issue 2 April 2019

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A UNITING FORCE FOR THE INDIAN MRO INDUSTRY

AERO MRO DIGEST

A QUARTERLY NEWS DIGEST FOR INDIAN MROs

National

Green

Aviation

Policy

S A V E T H E D A T E

5th & 6th December 2019

New Delhi

Volume 3 Issue 2 April 2019

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(11) National Green Aviation Policy proposed by Indian

government

(19) Flying motorbikes may decorate the skies in near future

(1) Spicejet joins IATA

(2) Bombardier unveils the new CRJ550

(3) Airlines responsible for their own financial performance:

Suresh Prabhu

(4) Korean MRO inducts its first aircraft

(6) IAF’s Tejas shows off at LIMA 2019 in Malaysia

(7) GoAir tops OTP, six months consecutively

(8) SpiceJet, IndiGo get 10-12 unused slots at Delhi

(12) IndiGo to add more A321 Neos in 2019

(13) IAF inducts first four Chinook Helicopters

(14) Lockheed presents the F-21 Fighter Jet for India

(18) EASA fatigue regulation revision deemed necessary:

New study reveals

(20) Malaysia Airlines look for survival options

(21) First Rafale delivered for Qatar’s Fighter Jet fleet

(22) Garuda airlines cancel its Boeing 737 Max 8 order

(26) French Rafale Fleet partially grounded for review

(27) Lufthansa to replace the A380’s from fleet

(28) Airbus signed an order of 300 aircraft from China

(9) LHT plans to increase investment in 2019

(15) Safran to establish a plant in India for LEAP engine parts

(16) IndiGo to open its second MRO facility in Bangalore

(23) FL Technics to open a Line Station at the Dubai Interna-

tional Airport

(24) Jet Maintenance International launch MRO for Citation

and Dassault

(5) New support UAV concept launched by Boeing Australia

(10) Additive Metal Repairs can be implemented soon

(17) 4G LTE connectivity to be implemented in Regional &

Business aircraft soon

(25) Sikorsky-Boeing SB 1 DEFIANT™ helicopter achieves first

flight

(13) Top Management Appointments

(14) Forthcoming Aviation Events

COVER STORY

IN THE NEWS

BUSINESS DECLARATION

LATEST TRENDS

CONTENTS

Disclaimer : The views expressed in the articles are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of the

publisher or the publishing house. Unless otherwise noted, the author writes in his/her personal capacity. They are not intended and

should not be thought of, to represent official ideas, or policies of any agency or institution mentioned thereof. The information in

this newsletter is for information purposes only. The articles may also be from a syndicated source, but are rewritten (retaining origi-

nal facts, to the best of our knowledge) to meet the office policies. MRO Association of India assumes and/or bears no liability or

responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information

contained about every individual, event or organization is known to have been provided by such individual, event organizers or or-

ganization without verification by us. Sources of information may vary. Feedback is welcome.

TOP MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENT

AVIATION EVENTS

AERO MRO DIGEST

April 2019 Vol 3 Issue 2 A

Publisher : MRO Association of India

Office : MRO Association of India, 402, Wellington Business Park 2, Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai-400059 India.

Email: [email protected]

Website : www.mroassociation.in

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SpiceJet joins IATA

SpiceJet, India's low-cost carrier, which is the fourth largest

airline in India, has joined IATA, a trade association of the

world's airlines. SpiceJet has become the first Indian low-

cost carrier to get the membership. A statement from IATA

mentioned that the membership holds significant value for

the airline, as it would be beneficial the airline's plan of ex-

pansion in to the international market. The membership will

enable the airline to explore and grow its collaborations with

international member airlines of IATA through interlining

and code shares, enabling SpiceJet to seamlessly expand the

network options for its passengers in future.

Conrad Clifford, IATA Regional Vice-President for Asia Pacific,

said, "We are delighted to welcome SpiceJet as part of the

290 airlines in the IATA family. SpiceJet is the first Indian low

-cost carrier to be an IATA member, and our fifth member in

India."

Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said,

"The membership will further enable us to inculcate global

best practices and innovations. IATA also provides us a

platform to closely work and collaborate with other airline

members and expand our network through code shares and

agreements with partner airlines."

Bombardier unveils the new CRJ550

Bombardier Commercial Aircraft has officially introduced the new CRJ550 aircraft. It is the first triple-class 50-seat aircraft, which is designed to meet the expectations of today’s pas-sengers. The aircraft certification is based on the CRJ700, as the CRJ550 is a new CRJ Series aircraft model. Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, said, "The new CRJ550 model is the only solution in North America that can

replace the existing fleet of ageing 50-seaters, a market of over 700 aircraft. It offers improved passenger experience with ample on-board storage for carry-on bags and more passenger living space. This is one more example of how we are focusing on creating value for our customers and a very important endorsement from United in regard to the CRJ platform." The CRJ550 will feature a self-serve beverage and snack station and more overall legroom per seat, in addition to all the benefits for which the CRJ Series aircraft are known.

Airlines responsible for their own finan-cial performance: Suresh Prabhu

Efficient operations and financial performance are individual

responsibilities of carriers, and the government cannot inter-

fere in their day-to-day operations, says Civil Aviation Minis-

ter Suresh Prabhu. Considering the intense competition, ris-

ing costs, shortage of pilots and grounding of planes hurting

many domestic carriers, he also mentioned that the govern-

ment has been constantly responding to industry conditions

and cited measures taken, including the reduction in central

excise duty on jet fuel to 11% from 14%.

While Air India continues to struggle with financial issues;

the cash-strapped Jet Airways has been forced to ground

planes, cancel flights and delay payments, including salaries

to pilots. On 25th March 2019, the board of ailing Jet Airways

cleared a debt resolution plan whereby lenders would take

control of the carrier. In view on this, Mr. Prabhu said that

each airline prepares its own business plan on the basis of its

own market assessment and financial resources. He told PTI

that, "Based on its business plan, the efficient operations

and financial performance are the responsibilities of each

individual airline and its shareholders. However, the govern-

ment has constantly been responding to industry conditions

and undertaking specific measures to facilitate and enable

growth of the sector." In written replies to PTI queries, Prab-

hu said the airline industry is a dynamic industry which re-

quires continuous adjustment according to global and do-

mestic needs. "It is our endeavour to support the industry,

however, as stated we cannot interfere in day-to-day opera-

tions of the airlines," he noted.

Korean MRO inducts its first aircraft

Korean Aviation Engineering & Maintenance Services

(KAEMS) inducted its first aircraft in late February, from one

of its shareholders, Jeju Airlines. KAEMS also expects to re-

ceive FAA Part 145 maintenance certification in June, as

mentioned by Park Joo Hoo, the MRO’s business develop-

ment manager. This follows Korean MOLIT regulatory certifi-

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cation as an approved maintenance organization.

KAEMS started with Boeing 737 airframe base maintenance

capability and is expected to add Airbus A320 capability,

soon. There are plans to add component, line maintenance

and engine services after receiving the FAA Part 145 certifi-

cation, says Park Joo Hoo.

KAEMS hangar can accommodate up to six narrow-body air-

craft, but presently half of it is leased by Korean Aerospace

Industries for military work. They plan on establishing a sec-

ond hangar which can hold one widebody aircraft and will

only be used for commercial MRO.

Korean Aerospace Industries is KAEMS’s largest shareholder

at 65%, but others include the Korea Airports Cooperation, a

government organization that holds 20%, and two South

Korean LCCS—Jeju Air and Eastar Jet.

New support UAV concept launched by Boeing Australia

On 27th February 2019, during the Australian International

Airshow, Boeing Australia introduced a concept of its new

drone jet, capable of smart teaming with existing military

aircraft called Boeing Airpower Teaming System. The UAV is

being developed to complement and extend airborne mis-

sions through smart teaming with existing military aircraft.

The drone jet will be able to fly independently, as well as

with other aircraft to provide support for intelligence, sur-

veillance and reconnaissance missions and electronic war-

fare.

The drone which has a length of 38 feet (11.7m), and a range

of over 2,000 nautical miles. Due to the AI technology used,

it should also be able to fly both independently or in support

of manned aircraft while maintaining safe distance between

other aircraft. According to Kristin Robertson, VP and GM of

Boeing Autonomous Systems, "With its ability to reconfigure

quickly and perform different types of missions in tandem

with other aircraft, our newest addition to Boeing’s portfolio

will truly be a force multiplier as it protects and projects air

power."

It is learnt that the Australian Government and Boeing, are

planning to will produce a concept demonstrator called the

Loyal Wingman – Advanced Development Program, which is

to provide “key learnings toward the production” of the Boe-

ing Airpower Teaming System. The first flight is planned for

2020.

IAF’s Tejas shows off at LIMA 2019 in

Malaysia

Barely a month after being inducted into the Indian Air

Force, India’s fourth-generation indigenous supersonic Light

Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, has showcased its impressive

skills at the Langkawi International Maritime Aero Expo

(LIMA-2019), held in Malaysia. Tejas successfully displayed

immense capability of rapid rolls and max-rate turns and

captured everyone's attention. This was the first time that

the IAF participated in the LIMA with the LCA-Tejas aircraft.

Present at the event was the Prime Minister of Malaysia,

Mahatir Bin Mohamad and the Defence Minister of Malay-

sia, Mohamad Sabu, also witnessed the pyrotechnics and

interacted with the IAF team. Previously, Tejas has partici-

pated in Bahrain Air Show as well. Countries like Egypt and

Sri Lanka have expressed their interest in the aircraft.

LCA Tejas aircraft had received its Final Operational Clear-

ance (FOC) during the Aero India 2019 which was held in

Bengaluru in February 2019. The FOC Certificate and Release

to Service Document (RSD) were handed over to the Chief of

Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa on the opening day of

Aero India 2019. FOC involves the addition of key capabilities

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to the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) aircraft which are

Beyond Visual Range Missile capabilities, Air-to-Air Refuel-

ing. Air-To-Ground FOC earmarked weapons and general

flight envelope expansion.

GoAir tops OTP, six months consecutively

According to the February 2019 report released by DGCA,

GoAir has again recorded the best On-Time Performance

(OTP) at 86.3%. This is the sixth consecutive month when

GoAir has topped the OTP chart. A GoAir spokesperson said,

“We thank our customers who have made this possible. It is

a matter of great pride and a testimony of our passenger

first policy. There is a great deal of emphasis on Operational

Excellence across GoAir and the results of these efforts are

heartening to see.”

Besides, the DGCA report also states that GoAir had the 2nd

highest load factor of 92.6 per cent indicating the number of

seats filled. GoAir operates over 240 daily flights and carried

around 10.88 lakh passengers during the February month.

SpiceJet, IndiGo get 10-12 unused slots

at Delhi

SpiceJet and IndiGo have been offered nearly 10-12 unused

slots of Jet Airways at Delhi airport for an interim period, as

per CNBC-TV18 sources. Due to the curtailed operations of

Jet Airways and ban on Boeing 737 MAX planes due to safety

concerns resulting in the grounding of 17 planes in the coun-

try. This has resulted in a temporary opening in the slots at

the Delhi airport.

As per CNBC-TV18 sources, around 6-7 slots have been

offered to SpiceJet and 4-5 to IndiGo for an interim period.

This not true for only Delhi airport. In fact, some unused

slots of Jet Airways at the airports of five metro cities of

Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru have

also been offered to other domestic airlines for a temporary

period.

LHT plans to increase investment in 2019

Lufthansa Technik, the MRO giant, plans on increasing in-

vestment across its business with an intention to digitaliza-

tion efforts and new facilities set for inauguration in 2019.

This plan follows a rise of 10%, leading to revenue worth

€5.9 billion ($6.7 billion). While speaking to the media in

Hamburg on 21st March 2019, Johannes Bussmann,

Lufthansa Technik’s CEO, stated that the company will make

“intensive investments” across the business in 2019. The

investment budget by LHT stands at €265 million for the

year. 2019 LHT had invested €241 million into projects in

2018, increasing from the €233 million it invested in 2017.

Lufthansa Technik's Aviatar, which is an independent and

open platform for the entire aviation industry, offers an ex-

tensive variety of digital products and services for airlines,

MROs, OEMs and lessors, has operated as an independent

entity post its launch in 2017, and now has more than 1,000

aircraft on the platform. Mr. Bussmann says LHT has

launched the Aviation DataHub, which targets airlines, man-

ufacturers, MROs and data providers to use the platform to

collect, compile and process technical or flight-operations

data. Mr. Bussmann emphasized that the Aviation DataHub

is not a substitute for Aviatar, but instead it will operate at

the back-end, in the supply chain. As an open platform, he

foresees partners joining the data hub and over time LHT

plans on reducing its role as a sole shareholder in the busi-

ness. However, new collaborators are yet to be finalized and

the process is anticipated to be an ongoing one.

LHT will also launch two joint ventures in Poland. First is an

engine repair JV with GE Aviation operating as XEOS in

Wrocław, which is set to receive its first engine—a GEnx-2B,

in April 2019. The second JV is with MTU Aero Engines,

known EME Aero (Engine Maintenance Europe) which is

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scheduled to launch by the end of this year. This facility is

said to be established near Rzeszów, which will service Pratt

& Whitney’s geared turbofan engine. LHT has also planned

to expand to other locations across Europe. Lufthansa Tech-

nik Miskolc, located in the north eastern city of Miskolc, is

scheduled to be launched in 2022. The Miskolc facility will

operate as a wholly owned subsidiary and will repair engine

components. This facility is being set up to complement its

existing Lufthansa Technik Budapest business. Mr. Bussman

says LHT chose to add a second location in Hungary due to

several factors, which includes workforce availability and its

positive experiences through operating its Budapest facility

for the past 19 years.

Additive Metal Repairs can be imple-mented soon

Acting upon the needs of the future, EOS, the innovation

leader in industrial 3D printing, believes that additive metal

repairs could be applied to aircraft parts from this year. Mr.

Scott Killian, business development manager for aerospace

at EOS, predicts “We’ll probably see the first FAA-approved

additive repair for aircraft this year. We are seeing a lot of

customers coming on line this year and with big plans for the

next two years,”. EOS anticipates an increment in both plas-

tic and metal additive production, over the next few years.

Since plastic additive has been used in aviation for two dec-

ades, the sharpest future increases should come as OEMs

exploit the design freedom additive metal manufacturing

enables.

Besides the additive repairs, additive production itself is

steadily transforming the aviation aftermarket, as it signifi-

cantly effects companies, technologies, costs, inventories

and lead times for part supplies. Hundreds of thousands of

plastic parts have already been additively produced, and

Killian estimates 3D-printed metal parts are already in the

tens of thousands. “We are seeing a lot of structural metal

parts, not big parts, 3D printed from titanium and alumi-

num.” Mr. Kilian states. He believes, as per a recent forecast,

that additive titanium parts for aerospace will grow 34% an-

nually over the next five years. For engines, additive is being

applied to high-temperature nickel-alloy parts. Mr. Kilian

states that the development of additives for part repairs has

been in talks for past 4-5 years, but the implementation has

been slow. So far, a lack of experience with additive metal

repair has hampered both progress and certification on

these safety-critical parts, but Mr. Killian expects that to

change soon.

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COVER STORY

National Green Aviation Policy proposed by Indian Government

In order to expedite clearances for airport development and

other aviation projects while taking due care of maintaining

environmental sustainability, the Civil Aviation Ministry has

decided to create a simplified set of regulations, as per a

White Paper from the Ministry. The white paper on 'National

Green Aviation Policy' mentioned that the Indian aviation

regulator DGCA (Director General of Civil Aviation), will work

with other government agencies for making bio-jet fuels

commercially viable. It also says that the DGCA would assess

and understand emissions from all aviation related sources,

their contribution to the local air quality and their effect on

compliance with local air quality regulations.

The white paper, which has been put up for public com-

ments mentions that the Aviation Ministry intends to create

a "favorable regulatory regime for clearances of aviation

projects such as new airports development and expansion".

The paper also stated, "DGCA will work with aviation stake-

holders and other government authorities with framework

to adopt measures to reduce emissions in all areas -- aircraft,

ground support, airport infrastructure and landside access

traffic," It is also understood that the Aviation ministry, will

accord special provision and timelines, in collaboration with

Central and State government bodies environment ministry,

pollution control boards and the DGCA, to ensure expedition

in developmental projects, while maintaining environmental

sustainability.

The paper also stated that the DGCA would work with other

government agencies including petroleum and natural gas

ministry as well as private agencies for ensuring availability

of bio-jet fuels for aircraft use which is commercially viable.

"All aviation stakeholders shall also explore the possibilities

of use of bio-fuel and other alternate fuels with lower emis-

sions for ground vehicle application," it added. Further it was

noted that the stakeholders would work closely with govern-

ment agencies, local bodies for effective waste management

around the airport to ensure reduced bird hazards and safe

airport operation. Also, airports would adopt local air quality

monitoring system and programs to monitoring the air quali-

ty around airport.

A centre of excellence for green aviation has also been pro-

posed, that would focus on identifying environment friendly

solutions, research, competency and skill developments and

aviation programmes, among others.

IndiGo to add more A321 Neos in 2019

IndiGo, the largest airline in India by passengers carried and

fleet size, has planned on adding an additional 20-25 A321

Neos to its fleet, soon this year. Presently IndiGo has only

one A321 Neo, which is being used on the Delhi-Istanbul

route. However, a total of 125 A321 Neos are ordered from

Airbus. The airline plans to use the new aircraft on domestic

routes like Delhi and Mumbai along with international

routes like Delhi-Istanbul and to China in future.

It was learnt that Airbus has been facing challenges to deliv-

er aircraft due to delays from its engine supplier, Rolls

Royce. William Boulter, Chief Operating Officer, IndiGo Air-

lines, said, "We are waiting for deliveries, and Airbus is fac-

ing delays with the deliveries, I was speaking with our

codeshare partner, Turkish Airlines, and they mentioned

that they are facing similar delays."

IndiGo is bullish about flying to China and other international

destinations. Mr. Boulter said, “We are looking very serious-

ly into other points in South-East Asia, notably the obvious

ones of Vietnam and Myanmar. We also want to operate

shortly to Saudi Arabia on the west side,” he said.

“Approximately, half our expansion this year will be interna-

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tional so international capacity will go from 15 per cent to 20

per cent for IndiGo,” he added.

IAF inducts first four Chinook Helicopters

The Indian Air Force has successfully inducted the first four

Chinook CH-47F Helicopters in service. The induction was

executed by Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa. With 11 more

Chinook's on order, the fleet size will increase to 15. The hel-

icopters were purchased from the US firm Boeing for $1.5

billion.

Chinook Helicopters can be utilised during war and also for

disaster relief missions. The current Chinook CH-47F resem-

bles the CH-47A that first hauled cargo in the Vietnam War,

but the current version has far better capabilities. It can lift

22,500 kg and its digital advanced flight control system

(DAFCS) enables it to hover at a precise spot, such as with its

cargo compartment opening onto the edge of a building’s

roof, allowing people marooned on the roof due to floods or

to clamber on board.

It is speculated that the Chinook CH-47F may replace the

Russian Mi-26 in the heavy lift class. The Russian Mi-35s

could be retired in case of Boeing’s Apache AH-64E attack

helicopters’ induction. The Chinook being Boeing’s biggest

winners, is flown in 19 countries with 900 Chinooks and

more than half of which are flown by the US military.

Lockheed presents the F-21 Fighter Jet

for India

On 20th February 2019, During the Aero India 2019, Banga-

lore, Lockheed Martin the American Global Aerospace, De-

fense, Security and Advanced technologies company, pre-

sented the F-21, a contender competing to enter the fighter

fleet of the Indian Air Force.

Lockheed has adapted the F-21 from the F-16V (Viper), as

per the needs of the IAF. The F-21 is equipped with a Ground

Collision Avoidance System (GCAS), a retractable flight refu-

eling boom, a "Sniper" targeting pod, and an Active Electron-

ically Scanned Array AN/APG-83 radar provided by

-Grumman, which is derived from the two radars that are

used in the F-22 and the F-35. Dr. Vivek Lall, Vice president

of Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin

Aeronautics mentioned, “The F-21 is different, inside and

out, The new designation highlights our commitment to de-

livering an advanced, scalable fighter aircraft to the Indian

Air Force that also provides unrivaled industrial opportuni-

ties and accelerates closer India-US cooperation on ad-

vanced technologies.”

The proposal from Lockheed supports PM Narendra Modi's

'Make in India' programme, as the production of the fighter

will be in affiliation with Indian companies. Lockheed Martin

believes that this would lead to thousands of job creation for

Indians as well as hundreds of new jobs for American engi-

neers. Since the previous MMRCA tender, Dassault pairing

with Reliance, led to an order of 36 Rafale Fighter. While

Boeing relies on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Mahin-

dra Defense Systems, Lockheed plans to venture with Tata

Advance Systems, for establishing assembly lines in India.

The IAF plans on onbording 110 fighter aircraft to its fleet. It

is learnt that apart from the Lockheed's F-21, Boeing plans to

bid with the F/A-18 Super Hornet, Dassault with the Rafale,

Eurofighter with the Typhoon and Saab with the Gripen. The

Russian MiG-35 will also submit a bid.

Safran to establish a plant in India for LEAP engine parts

Safran Aircraft Engines has planned to invest €36 million

(US$41 million), to establish a 13,000 square meter plant,

including 8,000 square meters of workshops, to make parts

tor the LEAP turbofan engine from CMF International. The

construction of this plant is planned to commence in June

2019, and is expected to be completed by 2020. Initially the

plant will have approximately 50 employees. This number

will increase to approx. 300 employees at full capacity. Parts

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production is also expected to start in 2020.

Philippe Petitcolin, CEO of Safran, "We’re delighted to open

a new chapter in our long history with the Indian aerospace

industry, thus reasserting Safran’s commitment to our

“Make in India” strategy. Aerospace continues to be a signifi-

cant driver of India’s growth, and we want to fully support

this dynamic by bolstering our investments and training pro-

grams in the country."

The manufacturing of this plant is anticipated to be in full

swing by 2023, when the plant will be capable of producing

15,000 parts per year to support the LEAP’s sustained pro-

duction rate. CFM is set to deliver 1,800 engines in 2019,

rising to 2,000 starting in 2020.

IndiGo to open its second MRO facility in Bangalore

In January 2019, IndiGo Aviation Ltd. signed a deal with Ban-

galore International Airport Limited (BIAL), for an MRO facili-

ty to be set up in Bangalore. It is learnt that the facility will

be built at the premises of the Kempegowda International

Airport.

IndiGo, which is the largest airline in India by passengers car-

ried and fleet size, plans to establish a 13000 sqm hangar on

a five acres land, as per the 20-year old pact signed between

the two parties. The facility will house two narrow-body air-

craft along with its support infrastructure, which includes

engine QEC shop, warehouse and engineering offices; and

the facility is expected to be operational by 2020. This will be

IndiGo's second MRO shop after Delhi airport.

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, Chief Operating Officer, IndiGo,

said, “Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB),

with its strategic location, will play an even more important

role going forward. It is for this reason that IndiGo decided

to build a hangar as the core of our maintenance centre in

South. This facility will become operational by 2020.”

Hari Marar, MD & CEO, BIAL, stated, “At BIAL, we believe

that we must always offer a comprehensive bouquet of ser-

vices that will facilitate the growth of our airline partners.

IndiGo has been one of the fastest growing carriers at the

BLR Airport. The outcome of this agreement will create more

connectivity and open new markets – further enhancing its

growth. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with Indi-

Go.”

4G LTE connectivity to be implemented in

Regional & Business aircraft soon

Ground-based Inflight Connectivity (IFC), developed by

SmartSky Networks, will be soon implemented in Regional

and Business Jets. StandardAero, has received approval to

install SmartSky’s 4G LTE aircraft system in Embraer regional

and business jets. StandardAero was awarded Supplemental

Type Certificate (STC) approval via its Organization Design

Authorization (ODA) from the FAA for installations on Em-

braer ERJ 135/140/145 series and Legacy 600/650 aircraft

models.

SmartSky Networks says its 4G LTE system is a high-speed

wireless internet solution, which allows for a better inflight

data connectivity, and also reduces the cost of data usage.

This is made possible with connectivity built on an air-to-

ground platform of cellular towers rather than satellites.

Ground-based components of the IFC system are currently

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being installed in the U.S. which uses a mixture of the ex-

isting 4G LTE and emerging 5G technologies.

John Miedwig, Certification Services Director for

StandardAero, said that the STC will enable a significant sec-

tion of the aviation community to access the IFC solution.

“The demand for a more compelling user experience is driv-

ing our customers to new IFC networks and services like

those SmartSky has demonstrated to the marketplace,” he

added.

StandardAero, which is the trusted SmartSky 4G LTE installa-

tion and distribution partner, that the Embraer installations

will be performed at their business aviation service loca-

tions, which include Augusta, Georgia; Houston, Texas and

Springfield, Illinois. StandardAero signed an agreement with

SmartSky Networks to certify and install the system in 2015,

beginning STC development through its in-house FAA ODA

delegation in 2016. StandardAero states that it is working on

additional business aviation STC for the system for Embraer

Legacy 450/500 and Dassault Falcon 7X, 8X and 50EX air-

craft.

EASA fatigue regulation revision deemed necessary: New study reveals

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) released the

results of a study entitled "Effectiveness of Flight Time Limi-

tation (FTL)", which showed that European pilots were sub-

ject to high levels of fatigue. The study, which was commis-

sioned in 2013 and the research results were based on prac-

tices followed by 24 airlines. It was learned that night flights

and "disruptive schedules" lead to very high fatigue in the

flight crew. The study also revealed major shortcomings of

flight time limitations, the rules governing the duration of

flights, service time and pilot rest for night flights and disrup-

tive schedules.

European rules allow flight times from 11am - and until

12.45pm for a late afternoon departure - without a break.

But it mandates the crew to be awake and alert throughout

the flight. As per the study, night flights, irrespective of their

length, causes excessive fatigue amongst the crew. Night

duties which are longer than 10 hours were qualified as par-

ticularly stressful, “the results of this phase highlight that

prescriptive limits alone are not sufficient to prevent high

fatigue during night flights,” as per the study. The report also

mentions “disruptive schedules”, which are mainly short and

medium-haul operations, starting early in the morning or

ending late at night. These two types of flights are believed

to disturb the circadian rhythm of pilots and increase risks of

sleepiness during flights.

Responding to this, two pilot unions, ECA (European Cockpit

Association) and SNPL (Syndicat National des Pilotes de

Ligne), mentioned that the study of the result “is no surprise

to the thousands of pilots who fly such schedules day in, day

out,”. Citing a 2016 survey conducted by the London School

of Economics (LSE) which stated that half of the airline pilots

reported levels of fatigue which could compromise passen-

ger safety, they urged for an “immediate revision of the Eu-

ropean rules on flight time limitations”. According to Gitte

Furdal Damm, CRM Instructor and owner of 'About Human

Factors', pilot fatigue has been identified as a risk years ago,

not much has changed to prevent it. She believes that fa-

tigue needs to be seen in a different light. Since the fatigue

related problems have already been identified and ad-

dressed through fatigue risk management programs, fatigue

reporting, and CRM training, she thinks that fatigue preven-

tion should now be placed in the hands of the organisation.

She said, "It's in the organisation that the changes origins

and in the organisation that the responsibility for the condi-

tions preventing fatigue lies, not with the crew members."

According to the US Office of Transportation Safety, fatigue

is implicated in 20% of its investigations. In July 2017, an Air

Canada Airbus A320 operating flight ACA759 had a near-miss

incident at San Francisco airport, when it started landing at

the wrong pathway, where four other airplanes were queu-

ing for take-off. The final report published by NTSB (National

Transportation Safety Board) on 25th September 2018, stat-

ed that what could have been “the worst aviation accident in

history” was due to signs of fatigue shown by the captain.

The NTSB called for a change of regulation by Transport Can-

ada.

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COVER STORY

Flying motorbikes may decorate the skies in near future

Human taking to skies have always been dreamt. This has

led to invention of an aircraft. But due to the morbidly curi-

ous temperament of humans, we tried exploring our flying

limits further. This has led to the development of flying auto-

mobiles. Motorcycles will now be taking to skies, and we will

truly be able to see individuals flying on their personal mo-

torcycles.

On March 5, 2019, JetPack Aviation, a California-based com-

pany, launched pre-orders for their allegedly titled 'the

world’s first flying motorcycle', named 'Speeder'. The motor-

cycle is a VTOL based vehicle, which is presently being flight-

tested. The Speeder is said to have 2 variant - Recreational

and Military. Depending on the pilot weight and density alti-

tude, the recreational variant is said to have an empty

weight of 231 lbs, with max speed of more than 150 mph

and can reach an operating ceiling of 15,000 ft. The military

variant (empty weight unannounced) can also reach more

than 150 mph with an operating ceiling of 15,000 ft, with an

endurance of 20-30 mins, against the 10-22 mins of the rec-

reational variant (depending on the density altitude). The

pre-order terms emphasize that the vehicle is still under de-

velopment and the company is unsure about the manufac-

turing commencement.

While the Jetpack Aviation claims its product to be the first

flying motorcycle, it is still to be launched commercially.

Presently, there are numerous VTOL projects being devel-

oped by various entities, which range from personal jetpacks

to flying cars. Hoversurf, a California-based Urban Air Mobili-

ty technology company, which launched their product, 'S3

2019 Hoverbike', a VTOL based vehicle, on which the Dubai

Police is training to fly since November 2018, is expected to

in service from 2020. Another flying motorcycle, developed

by Apollo Flight Labs, the Apollo JetBike, was seemingly auc-

tioned on Ebay for $105,600 in September 2018. The manu-

facturers claim that the vehicle is “in ready-to-fly condition.

All PBS engines provided are tested and ready to fly”. How-

ever, the company also warns the machine has “the serious

potential to cause massive bodily harm or death” and the

successful bidder would be required to sign documentation

releasing the company from all liability. A french inventor,

Ludovic Lazareth, in conjunction with Jetcat (a German jet

turbines manufacturer) presented his Lazareth LMV 496 “La

Moto Volante”, on January 31, 2019. Test flights were car-

ried with weights, but during the first piloted flight, humidity

interfered with the turbines. While speaking to Le Dauphiné,

Mr. Lazareth said, "This is the beginning of a new era. This

machine gives us an idea of what could be the vehicles of

the future.” Another attempt should be made in the coming

months.

Malaysia Airlines look for survival op-tions

Malaysia Airlines is looking at an uncertain future, since the

Malaysian government is thinking about the best possible

option for the National Carrier. This news followed Malaysia

Airlines’ latest annual financial results, calling the year 2018

“challenging”. On 12th March 2019, Mahathir Mohamad,

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, told reporters that the govern-

ment is debating on what it should do with the financially

troubled Malaysia Airlines, naming three possible options:

shutting down, selling or refinancing. The decision is ex-

pected soon.

It is learnt that Malaysia Airlines will be implementing a turn-

around plan, with an intention to put an end to year after

year of financial losses. But so far, the idea remains a goal

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for the future. The airline finished the 2018 financial year on

a “marginally lower loss” as compared to 2017, according to

its 1st March 2019 statement.

Malaysia Airlines Group CEO Izham Ismail stated, “The year

was an extremely challenging one with the airline hampered

by intense competition and volatility in fuel and FOREX.

Whilst we saw traction in RASK and CASK the margin gap

was not enough to achieve break even, although losses in

2018 was lower than the previous year. This was due to sev-

eral factors in particular the crew shortage which did have a

significant impact on the year’s performance. We have

gained some traction in stabilising our operations and con-

tinue to be vigilant in managing our revenue and cost”.

First Rafale delivered for Qatar’s Fighter Jet fleet

On 6th February 2019, during a ceremony organized in Méri-

gnac, France, Dassault Aviation delivered the first out of 36

fighters to Qatar. The first delivery was on schedule, as per

Dassault.

In May 2015, Qatar ordered a first batch of 24 Rafale fighter

jets, including 6 Rafale B two-seaters, for €6.3 billion. In De-

cember 2017, Qatar opted for another 12 aircraft priced at

€1.1 billion. These orders also included weaponry. Pilots and

technicians of the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) are currently

undergoing training in France both by the French Air Force

and members of the French defense industry.

The Rafale is the fourth type of fighter jet that Qatar has ac-

quired from Dassault. “After the Mirage F1, the Alpha Jet

and the Mirage 2000, the Rafale will carry out the tradition

and will contribute to secure the sovereignty of the state of

Qatar,” said the manufacturer. In the past couple of years,

besides Rafales, Qatar has also ordered 24 Eurofighter Ty-

phoons for $6.7 billion and 36 Boeing F-15QA for $12 billion

in 2017.

Garuda airlines cancel its Boeing 737

Max 8 order

On 22nd March 2019, Indonesian airline Garuda Indonesia

announced the cancellation of an order for 49 Boeing 737

MAX 8. This stands to be the first confirmed contract cancel-

lation for Boeing, following the two crashes involving the

aircraft. In October 2014, Garuda Indonesia had ordered 50

Boeing 737 MAX 8s for a cost of $4.9 billion at list prices. The

airline has already received one of the aircraft. Ikhsan Rosan,

a Garuda Indonesia spokesperson mentioned that the airline

had sent a letter to Boeing asking for the cancellation of the

order. He added that Garuda's passengers lost confidence in

the 737 MAX and do not want to fly on this plane anymore.

It has been reported that Garuda Indonesia is in talks with

Boeing to determine if the company will return the first air-

craft it has already received. As per Detik sources, Ari Ash-

kara, CEO of Garuda Indonesia told that the company would

consider opting for another version of the 737. Considering

the possibility of switching the manufacturer, depending on

the offers made, he mentioned that he still had confidence

in Boeing, which is the company’s manufacturer since the

80s.

Indonesia, was among the first countries to ground the 737

MAX 8, following the crash of Ethiopian Airlines that killed

157 people on March 10, 2019. Eleven 737 MAX 8 were fly-

ing in Indonesia, of which 10 were flown by Lion Air and 1

was flown by Garuda Indonesia.

FL Technics to open a Line Station at the Dubai International Airport

The Lithuania-headquartered MRO provider, FL Technics,

has set up a new line maintenance station at Dubai Interna-

tional Airport. The station is EASA certified and is planned to

begin operations since April 2019. It will initially provide ser-

vices for Airbus A320 family aircraft and Boeing 737 classic

and NG variants.

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The Dubai station of FL Technics also plans to add to its ca-

pabilities, to include the A320neo and A330, along with 777

and 787 aircraft types. FL Technics says the station will pro-

vide services to both UAE-based and overseas airlines with

work scopes of up to DY/WY check and defect rectification at

the world’s third largest airport. Zilvinas Lapinskas, CEO at FL

Technics, says the Middle East region’s growth and Dubai’s

location as an aviation hub makes it important for the com-

pany to establish a presence there.

The new Dubai International Airport station adds to the ex-

isting 35, line maintenance stations FL Technics operates

around the world. In addition to line and base maintenance,

FL Technics also holds capabilities for spare parts and com-

ponent support, engine repairs, APU and LG management,

full aircraft engineering and technical training.

Jet Maintenance International launch MRO for Citation and Dassault

A new aircraft MRO, Jet Maintenance International (JMI),

will be established at London Oxford Airport beginning May

2019. The MRO and aircraft management business will be

primarily focused on Textron (Cessna) Citation and Dassault

Falcon aircraft product support with line, base and AOG ca-

pabilities. The establishment will be headed by Neil Plumb

and Ed Griffith. Moving into London Oxford Airport’s most

recently completed facility, Hangar 14, Bay 4, they start with

a brand-new £2m facility with around 16,000 sq.ft.

(1,500m2) along with bespoke external offices and dedicated

customer parking.

The JMI team expects to tap into the ever-growing demand

for high quality and personalised customer service for some

of the more popular models in the UK and wider European

business aviation fleet where demand for quality technical

support is beginning to exceed capacity. The JIM team has

veterans in the business aviation sector with over 40 years’

combined experience.

Ed Griffith’s experience includes managing hangar MRO op-

erations at Gama Aviation Plc, Textron, Kinch Aviation and

transforming the London Luton Airport Line Station for CSE

Citation Centre (now Signature Technic Air). Neil Plumb was

the General Manager of a large MRO at Cranfield before go-

ing on to set up his own business managing and flying nu-

merous business aircraft, predominantly Citation and Falcon

types.

Moving into London Oxford Airport’s Hangar 14, Bay 4, they

start with a brand-new £2m of 16,000 sq.ft. (1,500m2) with

external offices.

Sikorsky-Boeing SB1 DEFIANT™ helicop-

ter achieves first flight

On 21st March 2019, at Sikorsky’s West Palm Beach, Florida

site, The Sikorsky-Boeing SB 1 DEFIANT™ helicopter achieved

first flight. Developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Com-

pany and Boeing, The Sikorsky-Boeing SB 1 DEFIANT™ will

help inform the next generation of military helicopters as

part of the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift program.

The Sikorsky-Boeing SB 1 DEFIANT™ houses two coaxial main

rotors and a rear mounted pusher propulsor and is unlike

production rotorcraft available today. It uses X2™ Technolo-

gy which will allow the Army to penetrate from strategic

standoff and exploit gaps created in complex Anti-Access

Area Denial systems against near-peer adversaries.

The Sikorsky-Boeing SB 1 DEFIANT™ represents a leap for-

ward in technology to achieve the U.S. government’s desire

for vast increases in speed and range while improving ma-

neuverability and survivability in a cost-effective way.

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French Rafale Fleet partially grounded for review

On 20th March 2019, a 64-year old civilian passenger was

accidentally ejected from a French Air Force twin-seat Rafale

B fighter jet as the aircraft was taking off from Saint-Dizier

113 air base, for an observation flight. Following this, a part

of the Rafale fleet of the French Air Force is currently

grounded as a precautionary measure while the reasons be-

hind the incident are being investigated. A french Air Force

spokesperson confirmed the aircraft grounding, as per Le

Journal de l’Aviation sources. While training is suspended,

operational flights are, however, not affected. The grounding

was ordered to give time to "clarify certain aspects and lift

certain interrogations".

Despite the Rafale ejection seat, the Martin Baker Mk-F16F,

being of the “zero-zero” type (which means it can safely be

used from a stationary “zero airspeed zero altitude” posi-

tion), the passenger, whose identity was not disclosed, is

said to have suffered serious injuries, including back injuries

and was hospitalized. He’s reportedly in stable conditions

and his health is not a cause of concern according to a

French Air Force spokesman. The pilot managed to land

shortly after the incident. His hands were slightly injured by

broken glass from the canopy.

Being the first accidental ejection from a Rafale, three inves-

tigations, including one from the French Investigation Bu-

reau for State Aviation Safety (BEA-E) and one from the Gen-

darmerie de l’Air, are still ongoing to determine if the ejec-

tion seat was triggered voluntarily, involuntarily or following

a malfunction.

Lufthansa to replace the A380’s from

fleet

The Lufthansa Group, with an intention to upgrade their long

-haul fleet, has decided to order as much as 40 new aircraft.

These will include Boeing Dreamliners and Airbus A350

XWBs. The order of 40 aircraft include 20 of Boeing 787-9s

and 20 of Airbus A350-900s. This order comes following the

Lufthansa group's decision replacing the A380s.

Presently, the Lufthansa group owns 14 of A380s. Of these, 6

are to be sold to airbus and the delivery is expected to be

completed by 2022-23. The value of this sale is undisclosed,

as the group mentioned, "Lufthansa continuously monitors

the profitability of its worldwide route network. As a conse-

quence, the group is reducing the size of its Airbus A380

fleet from 14 aircraft to eight for economic reasons. The

structure of the network and the long-haul fleet, fundamen-

tally optimized according to strategic aspects, will give the

company more flexibility and at the same time increase its

efficiency and competitiveness. This will of course also bene-

fit Lufthansa’s customers", in a statement. Further it added,

"By the middle of the next decade, the entire long-haul fleet

will have been modernized. The possible fuel savings alone

add up to 500,000 metric tons per year. This is equivalent to

a CO2 reduction of 1.5 million metric tons”.

The new order of Boeing Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900 is

worth $12 billion. It is also learnt that the group has negoti-

ated a significant price reduction, but the price is presently

not revealed. The new aircraft are to be delivered between

2022-2027. The details of aircraft allotment to airlines group,

will be shared at a later date.

Airbus signed an order of 300 aircraft

from China

On 25th March 2019, Airbus and state-owned China Aviation

Supplies Holding Company (CASC) announced the signing of

290 Airbus of the A320 Family and 10 of the A350s family.

This is the second biggest order in Airbus' history, after the

430 A320neo aircraft order by indigo partners, in November

2017. This order was signed during a visit of Chinese Presi-

dent Xi Jinping in France. It exceeds the initial number of 184

Airbus A320s announced about a year ago, when French

President Emmanuel Macron visited China.

The new aircraft order, mainly A320 and A321neo, some

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A319 and the ten A350 XWBs, will be distributed among sev-

eral Chinese carriers. After the order was signed, Guillaume

Faury, future CEO of Airbus, announced, "These aircraft will

be built either in Europe or in China, in the assembly line of

Tianjin,". The Tianjin assembly line is anticipated to acquire

an output of six planes assembled per month by 2019. As

per Le Point sources, the deliveries are to be expedited and

hence it is expected that most aircraft will be assembled in

Europe.

This order follows a Bloomberg report, revealing that China

might consider excluding the Boeing 737 MAX from a trade

deal with the United States. Chinese airlines already operate

around 1,730 Airbus aircraft, which includes 1,455 of A320

Family and 17 A350 XWBs. According to Airbus, China will

need 7,400 new commercial and cargo aircraft over the next

20 years, which makes up for more than 19% of the global

demand.

TOP MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENTS

Name: Salil Gupte

Designation: President

Organisation: Boeing

India

Boeing has named Salil

Gupte to head its operations

in India. Mr. Gupte succeeds Prat Kumar, who was appoint-

ed vice president and program manager of Boeing's F-15

fighter aircraft program in November last year. He will be

reporting to Marc Allen and will be based in New Delhi. Salil

Gupte's key responsibilities will include integration and ad-

vances of Boeing’s activities in India across its three business

units: Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Boeing Global Services

and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. He will lead a team of

more than 3,000 employees and joint venture personnel

located in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and

Chennai.

Previously, Mr. Gupte was vice president of Boeing Capital

Corporation where he was primarily responsible for arrang-

ing, structuring and providing financing for Boeing’s com-

mercial airplane, space and defense products. Earlier roles at

Boeing include executing supply chain for Boeing Global Ser-

vices and leading operations for Boeing’s commercial spare

parts business. Gupte has worked closely with customers

across the Boeing enterprise, including supporting commer-

cial and defense supply chains and overseeing manufactur-

ing, sourcing and fulfilment activities for Boeing products.

Mr. Gupte has also led Boeing’s aftermarket strategy teams,

completing joint ventures and acquisitions to accelerate

Boeing’s growth in services. Before joining Boeing in 2009,

Gupte worked with Citigroup and Goldman Sachs as an in-

vestment banker in the aviation and infrastructure sectors.

He holds an M.B.A. from Stanford University and a B.A. in

economics from Cornell University.

Name: Air Marshal Raghunath

Nambiar

Designation: Air Officer

Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C)

Organisation: Western Air

Command IAF

Air Marshal Raghunath Nambiar, PVSM AVSM VM & Bar

took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air

Command, Indian Air Force on 01 March 2019. The Air Mar-

shal is an alumnus of National Defence Academy,

Khadakvasla. He was commissioned in the Flying Branch of

Indian Air Force as a Fighter Pilot on 11 June 1981.

The Air Marshal is an Experimental Test Pilot and has flown

about 42 types of aircraft. He has the distinction of having

the highest number of flying hours to his credit on Mirage-

2000 in the IAF, with over 2300 flying hours on the aircraft

and a total of 5100 hours of flying experience. He is a mem-

ber of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and was the

Project Test Pilot for the Light Combat Aircraft “Tejas”.

Air Marshal Nambiar has commanded the prestigious No. 1

Squadron. He was the Director of Space Applications at Air

HQ, Principal Director of Offensive Operations and the Chief

Operations Officer of Air Force Station Gwalior. He was post-

ed to Embassy of India in Israel as the Defence Attaché. The

Air Marshal has also held the coveted appointments of Air

Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Jamnagar, Comman-

dant ASTE, Air Defence Commander Western Air Command

and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of Southern Air Com-

mand, Training Command and Eastern Air Command. He was

also the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air HQ. Before taking

over as AOC-in-C of the Western Air Command, he was the

AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command.

Air Marshal Nambiar was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for Gal-

lantry by Hon'ble President of India for his prominent role in

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the Kargil Operations. He was awarded a Bar to the Vayu

Sena Medal for flight testing the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)

in 2002 during its first phase of flight. He was commended

by the Chief of Air Staff in 1991 and C-in-C of Strategic Force

Command in 2005. He was conferred Ati Vishisht Seva Medal

in 2015 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal on 26 Jan 2019.

Name: Peter Bromby

Designation: Vice Presi-

dent, Worldwide Sales,

Learjet Aircraft

Organisation: Bom-

bardier

On 17th January 2019, Bombardier Business Aircraft an-

nounced the appointment of Peter Bromby as Vice Presi-

dent, Worldwide Sales, Learjet Aircraft. He will retain his cur-

rent responsibilities as Vice President, Worldwide Pre-

owned Aircraft Sales. Under his new role, he has a clear

mandate to increase Learjet brand awareness and sales, par-

ticularly in the North American market.

Peter has held a number of key roles in his career. Peter

joined Bombardier in 2015 as Director, Sales, Learjet Air-

craft. One year later, he was promoted to the role of Region-

al Vice President, Sales, Pre-owned Aircraft, helping to trans-

form Bombardier’s pre-owned Learjet, Challenger and Glob-

al business worldwide.

Peter Likoray, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales and

Marketing, Bombardier Business Aircraft, said, "Peter is an

accomplished industry veteran with a proven track record.

Given his impressive vision, leadership and experience, he

will bring a strong sales focus on the Learjet 70 and Learjet

75 – key pillars of the Bombardier Business Aircraft’s indus-

try-leading portfolio."

FORTHCOMING AVIATION EVENTS

Event: AIR Convention Asia 2019

Date: May 1 - 3, 2019

Location: Intercontinental Bangkok, Bangkok, Thai-

land

Event: 64th Business Aviation Safety Summit

Date: May 2 - 3, 2019

Location: Westin Denver Downtown, Colorado

Event: US Corporate Aviation Summit

Date: May 9, 2019

Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Event: Paris Air Show

Date: June 17 - 23, 2019

Location: Le Bourget Exhibition Center, Paris France

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REFER

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