This year, Paris Air Show had lower footfalls, but business-wise it has raked in $150 billion worth deals. Importantly, it indicated that there would be increased presence of players such as the Brazilian Embraer, Canada’s Bombardier, and other players, giving the duopoly of Airbus and Boeing a stiff competition.

This edition of Paris International Airshow, the Brazilian aerospace conglomerate, Embraer, made an aggressive presence and one could not miss the spectacular E195-E2 with its livery of the Golden Eagle. Embraer has aptly called it the ‘Profit Hunter’ as airlines across the world with a ‘killer instinct’ look at new and emerging markets. We have a one-on-one with Cesar Pereira, Vice President, Embraer Commercial Aviation (Asia-Pacific) talking about how with routes getting saturated and airports getting increasingly congested, it is time for airlines to look at the ‘hub bypass’ concept which it is aggressively marketing. The concept is to connect destinations without touching the hubs and analysts believe that Embraer is making the right noises at the right time as both developed and developing countries are looking at increased pan-country connectivity.

Then on connectivity, we have face-to-face with the Senior Vice President of Rockwell Collins, Colin Mahoney who in conversation with Neetu Dhulia, talks about how the company is taking another leap towards transforming the aircraft to be more digitally connected. Examples of cutting edge type of approach, using the connected environment include ARINC’s Information Management Service.

Indeed, it is all about ‘connections’. Honeywell showcased in India its ‘Connected Aircraft’. Rohit Goel was on board the ‘Connected Aircraft’ and spoke to Neelu Khatri, President Aerospace, Honeywell India, about Honeywell’s connected solutions for the Indian market. This face-to-face has been included in this issue. And at Paris Air Show, Airbus presented, among other products and solutions, the ‘Skywise’ digital solution which is an application of digital technologies for better after market service.

Understanding the importance of advanced technologies, engine manufacturers are investing heavily in their R&D. The investments are huge particularly in the single-aisle aircraft which makes up huge volumes and good business for both airline operators as well as engine manufacturers. We have an update on engine development for single-aisle aircraft.

Without business aviation the aviation industry is incomplete. Emphasizing this point is Rohit Kapur, who has taken over as President of Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) for the third time. While appreciating some of the aviation policies of the government, he mentions, in an interview with us, how the business aviation segment has been ignored and has called for a unified voice to get the government to act fast.

In the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the neighbourhood with both Pakistan and China adopting aggressive and uncompromising posture, the possibility of India having to face a two-front war is now not as remote as it was usually regarded in the past. A detailed analysis by Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) on the state of the fleet of combat aircraft in the IAF has been included in this issue.

The decision by the US administration to approve the supply of 22 Guardian UAS for the Indian Navy has been described as a “game changer” and also ratifies the status of India as a “major defence partner” of the US. A Viewpoint on this issue by Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) is a part of this issue of SP’s Aviation.

Much more in this issue and we look forward to your comments at editor@sps-aviation.com.