From the Editor-in-Chief

Dear Reader,

A helicopter crash in Uttarakhand on June 15 claimed seven lives, including a child, marking the fifth helicopter-related incident in the Char Dham region within six weeks. The rising number of accidents highlights serious concerns over the safety of pilgrimage flights amid increasing demand and operational stress. Preliminary reports suggest the crash was due to controlled flight into terrain during poor visibility. Simultaneously, the fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad has intensified scrutiny on India’s aviation safety standards. Despite rapid sectoral growth, systemic flaws in maintenance oversight, frontline risk reporting, and regulatory enforcement persist. The spotlight is now on India’s aviation framework, where safety is often seen as a checklist rather than a core principle. These back-to-back tragedies underscore an urgent need for sweeping, proactive safety reforms to prevent future loss of life and preserve trust in India’s aviation sector. Aviation analyst Swaati Ketkar analyses both these crashes, urging that these tragedies serve as a turning point for improved air safety in India.

Gulfstream Aerospace has established itself as a global leader in sustainable aviation through a comprehensive strategy centred on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), infrastructure efficiency, and eco-conscious innovation. Since pioneering SAF usage in business jets in 2011, the company has expanded its efforts to include record-breaking transatlantic SAF flights, LEED-certified facilities, and fleet-wide demonstrations. Gulfstream’s commitment spans manufacturing, operations, and advocacy, earning it top industry accreditations and aligning with global net-zero goals. Gulfstream is actively shaping aviation’s green transition while setting new standards for business aviation’s environmental responsibility. As Rohit Goel reports, for Gulfstream, the skies are not just the limit — they’re a responsibility.

In 2024, Gulfstream appointed Smitha Hariharan as its first chief sustainability officer to drive strategic progress. Her work includes aligning sustainability with business value, optimising operational initiatives, and collaborating with advocacy efforts like CLIMBING. FAST. to accelerate the industry’s journey toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We have this report from NBAA.

In 2024, Pilatus Aircraft AG achieved record deliveries and strong financial performance, driven by high demand for its PC-12 NGX turboprop and PC-24 jet. Delivering 153 aircraft and generating CHF 1.633 billion in sales, Pilatus saw significant growth across both business and government sectors. Despite supply chain challenges, Pilatus invested in new facilities and acquisitions to secure its operations. Rohit Goel reports how a strengthened focus on innovation and sustainability has further positioned the company for long-term success, with business aviation remaining its primary growth driver.

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