25 Years Back
From Vayu Aerospace Review Issue VI/1996
Indo-Russian Defence Cooperation Renewed
General Igor Rodionov, Russia’s Defence Minister visited India for three days from 21 to 23 October 1996. In view of the large holding of weapons systems and equipment of Russian-origin by India’s Defence Forces (and requirements for the future) his visit at this critical juncture assumes much importance. For the past many years, modernisation of India’s defence forces has been severely affected by the severe resource crunch.
Formal Approval For Su-30 Induction
The Cabinet Committee for Political Affairs (CCPA), in a late evening meeting at New Delhi on 13 November 1996, has accorded formal approval for the procurement of Sukhoi Su-30MK multi-role combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The CCPA, chaired by the Prime Minister of India, and including the Union Ministers for Defence, Finance and External Affairs (in this case), is the apex executive body of the Government of India.
India’s National Security-The Defence Report 1995-1996
The breakup of the Soviet Union and collapse of the Soviet economy has put an end to the cold war confrontation between the USA and Russia, the two super powers. With its economic and most modern military power, the USA stands along as the world’s only super power. Laying down its own agenda, it plays a pivotal role in evolving the security environments obtaining in different parts of the world. The annual report of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the year 1995-96 released in August 1996 needs to be viewed against this backdrop.
Air-India Improved On-Time Performance
Aviation sources have indicated that in the first six months of 1996-97, Air-India (A-l) improved its on-time performance and load factor to as high as 85 per cent and 71 per cent respectively, as against 67 per cent and 64 per cent in 1995-96. As a result, its financial performance has improved. According to VK Verma, Director, Delhi Region, Air India, A-I is inducting two new aircraft into its fleet, which will increase its capacity by 13 per cent.
DGCA Issues Show Cause Notice
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken a serious note of some of the private scheduled airlines not adhering to the commitments to operate scheduled services to the remote and backward areas, particularly the North East, Jammu and Kashmir and Lakshadweep islands. According to Civil Aviation Ministry sources, the DGCA recently issued a show cause notice to one of the private airlines. It also demanded why action should not be taken against them for suspending services on many occasions to Lakshadweep unilaterally.
HAL To Supply Spares To Boeing
According to aviation sources in Seattle, Boeing Commercial Airplane group has qualified the public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. for supply of several essential spare parts for its aircraft and carry out the overhaul of 737 series of planes. Detailing its plans regarding such tie- ups and creation of facilities in the Indian subcontinent, Boeing officials said the company proposed to start a generic maintenance training for 747-400 aircraft in coordination with the Director General Civil Aviation at Mumbai soon. Singapore Airlines has opened a new office in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by H.E. Ong Keng Yong, High Commissioner for Singapore on 17 October 1996. Singapore Airlines commenced operations to New Delhi in 1986 and the new office’s inauguration coincided with SIA’s completion of a decade in the Capital.
Joint Al-IA Engineering Wing?
Air India (AI) and Indian Air-lines (IA) have failed to achieve any synergy in the engineering division despite assurances of the top- brass that this would be the first step towards the eventual merger of the two airlines. The merged engineering section was planned to be hived off as a separate subsidiary. The plans, as discussed by the boards of the two airlines in June, were that AI and IA would be merged in a phased manner.
Tatas-McDonnell Douglas Partnership
According to civil aviation sources McDonnell Douglas is tying up with Bangalore based Tata Advanced Materials to produce ARODME, a composite aviation material that protects radar equipment in aircraft, possibly in a joint venture. McDonnell Douglas estimates that the initial investment will be nearly $5 million. But details on equity participation in the joint venture are not yet available. This is the first time that the Douglas Corporation is sourcing these materials outside the USA.
Golden Jubilee Of Air India’s ‘Maharaja’
The Air India ‘Maharaja’ symbol created by Mr. S.K. (Bobby) Kooka in July 1946 is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. Its extensive use in advertising and sales promotion activities of Air-India has made him the most recognisable mascot the world over. On hoardings, the Maharajah has smiled and frowned, raised an eyebrow or closed an eyelid, romped and teased - all depending on his tongue-in-cheek comment. Thanks to the Maharaja, no other airline has quite matched Air-India’s panache and subtle humour in promoting its services.