From the Editor-in-Chief

Dear Reader,

There is no one who has not felt the effects of the pandemic due to the novel coronavirus. With the expectation of another wave of the virus this winter season in many parts of the world, we are actually only witnessing on going effects, the after effects of which will probably be seen later. However, while this crisis got everyone on their toes and took industries, especially the aviation industry by a jerk, it is also an opportunity to cash on. The halt brought about by this crisis has presented everyone to pause for a moment, prepare them better and innovate, to come up with adaptive ways that will help them to move on and sustain.

Through his message in this edition of BizAvIndia, BAOA President AVM S.S. Chauhan (Retd) highlights that the pandemic might have been a curse, but it also presents a unique challenge to make necessary changes and design safer future for travel. A report by Sudhir S. Rajeshirke from Arrow Aircraft also highlights the need to rethink and reinvent business aviation in India. He believes that the industry can not only create a huge impact on jobs and economy but also bring about a change in perception on usage of corporate or charter aircraft that will further enhance corporate productivity. Also, in another article, Rajan Mehra, CEO of Club One Air points out how safety is becoming a highly sought-after commodity and is in turn nudging the wealthy towards private aviation.

Innovation is thus at the heart of the industry with everyone taking necessary steps to ensure passenger confidence. The business aviation industry is also resuming with precautions and coming up with enhanced assurances to get traveller’s back to flying. A major aspect of these practices is the cabin experience. Industry experts had anticipated that the virus will initiate structural changes in the market, which will pave way for new cabin layouts and some of these innovations have been highlighted in this edition.

A report by Ayushee Chaudhary takes us through ‘the first truly private helicopter’ which is set to redefine the helicopter industry. The five-seater HX50 unveiled by Hill Helicopters is being presented as the high-tech and high-performance personal aircraft that is a fusion of performance, technological innovation and artistic elegance.

In an exclusive interview, Derek Zimmerman, President, Gulfstream Customer Support talks to BizAvIndia with special emphasis on customer services and the various initiatives by the manufacturer in that direction.

In a report on the sidelines of BizAv Sustainability Summit, Ayushee Chaudhary highlights the increase shift to alternative fuels and the steps taken by Gulfstream and other manufacturers for the same.

All this and much more in this issue of BizAvIndia. Welcome aboard and we wish you many happy landings!