As we say goodbye to 2015, SP’s Aviation would like to give you a 360-degree view of happenings in the aviation sector and nothing better to wind up 2015 than by looking at the futuristic design of a ‘SkyDeck’ which, in all probability, will turn into reality in near future, if we go by the promise made by Windspeed Technologies. The ‘SkyDeck’ is adding a new dimension of fun in flying and that should certainly pep up the airline business which is always looking at ways of creating additional revenues.

The ‘SkyDeck’ is a fascinating design concept wherein on top of the aircraft, on a safe semi-external location, will be seating for passengers to get a view of the open skies. We have an exclusive interview with the design company on how they are changing the way some of the passengers are going to fly.

The airline business is always on the lookout for innovations to enhance passenger experience, besides connectivity to places far and near. Talking about connectivity, India is still way behind in connecting destinations. Regional connectivity is woefully inadequate and it is only of late that we are witnessing a spurt in regional aviation, connecting un-served and under-served destinations. We have mapped out regional connectivity in India and notice that the gaps are too many, hoping that this will change with the emphasis now being on connecting the hinterland.

Unfortunately, growth in business aviation in India appears to be battling against heavy odds. Experience shows that leasing a business jet is somewhat easier than its purchase. Acquisition issues apart, the capability of business jets to deliver comfortable and efficient service to customers hinges to a large extent on the way the aircraft interiors are designed. There is increasing focus on this aspect by the leading global aerospace majors manufacturing business jets. A detailed study of these issues by R. Chandrakanth has been included in this issue.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been in the news once again and surely for all the good reasons. IAF was in the forefront to provide relief to thousands of people who were suffering on account of the devastating floods that submerged large parts of Chennai and its suburbs. This issue of SP’s Aviation carries a report on the stellar HADR role that the IAF plays in disasters, natural or man-made.

But what ought to be of concern is the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) of the significant erosion in the operational capabilities of the IAF, that has been tabled recently in the Parliament. The report is specific in highlighting the maladies that affect the fleet of Su-30MKI aircraft and providing replacement for the ageing Cheetah and Chetak light utility helicopters being operated by the IAF and the Indian Army. This rotary-wing fleet serves as the lifeline for the troops deployed in the high mountains of Ladakh and the North East. A report in this issue carries an analysis by Air Marshal Raghu Rajan (Retd) on the depleting assets in the IAF and the need for urgent remedial action.

In this issue, we have a report on the Minister of Defence, Manohar Parrikar’s maiden visit to the United States to further defence cooperation. The Defence Minister and the US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter took stock of the developments and it is hoped that some of the technologies would come to India sooner under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). In sync with this development, we see a number of companies looking at the enormous opportunities that exist and one such company is Yulista which in the interview has said that it was interested in aircraft (rotary wing and fixed wing) and combat vehicle modification and technology insertion markets.

Indeed, there is so much happening on both civil and military aviation that the next few years are going to be fascinating.

Wish You a Happy New Year 2016!