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In a significant move to support the safe introduction and global scalability of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, five leading aviation authorities have released a unified roadmap outlining a common approach to the type certification of powered-lift and eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft. The roadmap is the product of a collaborative effort between the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Australia), Transport Canada Civil Aviation (Canada), Civil Aviation Authority (New Zealand), Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom), and the Federal Aviation Administration (United States), together forming the National Aviation Authorities (NAA) Network. A Framework for Certifying Next-Generation Aircraft The roadmap establishes a strategic, phased approach to streamline certification standards across jurisdictions, reduce regulatory divergence, and support mutual recognition of type certificates. Central to the document is a commitment to aligning on six key principles: Balancing Safety and Innovation – Ensuring emerging technologies meet robust safety standards while enabling innovation in aircraft design, propulsion, and autonomy. Harmonized Type Certification – Implementing a three-step certification model using performance-based requirements, convergence of differing standards, and adoption of mutually accepted means of compliance. Collaboration and Alignment – Promoting cooperation among network members and parallel alignment with other authorities actively working on AAM certification projects. Collaborative Multi-Authority Validation – Leveraging opportunities to validate a single aircraft design across multiple authorities simultaneously, reducing redundant certification effort. Incremental Certification Pathway – Adopting a “crawl, walk, run” approach to certification, starting with piloted aircraft and expanding to remotely piloted and autonomous systems. AAM-Inclusive Bilateral Agreements – Updating existing international agreements to incorporate streamlined validation and certification provisions for AAM aircraft. Performance-Based Standards and Consensus Methods The roadmap encourages the use of performance-based certification standards, as opposed to prescriptive rules, to better accommodate the novel design features of eVTOL and other AAM aircraft. Where discrepancies exist such as between FAA’s airworthiness criteria (AC 21.17-4) and the UK CAA’s SC-VTOL—the roadmap outlines strategies for convergence and mutual acceptance. The framework also endorses the use of industry-developed consensus standards as acceptable means of compliance, especially in areas where harmonization of requirements may not be fully achieved. Streamlined Validation and Shared Compliance To facilitate cross-border validation of certified aircraft, the roadmap proposes a streamlined validation model. This model prioritizes attention on technical differences between jurisdictions while allowing validation authorities to accept findings of compliance where no divergence exists. It also recommends the use of multi-validation teams and shared compliance information to further minimize time and resource expenditure. A Living Document for Evolving Technology Recognizing the rapid pace of innovation in the AAM sector, the roadmap is designed as a living document, to be updated as more certification projects progress and as new technologies such as hydrogen propulsion and autonomous flight become more prevalent. It provides a basis for continuous improvement and international alignment through coordinated updates and collaborative knowledge exchange. Implementation of the roadmap includes the continued exchange of certification data, convergence on airworthiness standards, increased involvement in standards development organizations (SDOs), and progressive updates to bilateral agreements. The NAA Network also aims to expand collaboration by welcoming additional member authorities and strengthening ties with ICAO, EASA, and other stakeholders. This initiative marks a major milestone in preparing the global regulatory ecosystem for the safe and efficient entry of AAM into service. By uniting efforts across national boundaries, the NAA Network’s roadmap lays the foundation for a harmonized, scalable, and safety-focused future of advanced aviation.

Air Taxis Get Global Green Light with 5 Nation Agreement for eVTOL Aircraft Certification

June 18, 2025

Paris, France: CAE, a global leader in aviation training, has released its latest Aviation Talent Forecast during the Paris Air Show 2025. The comprehensive report projects an urgent and growing need for over 1.465 million aviation professionals worldwide within the next ten years, highlighting critical workforce gaps across multiple segments including commercial and business aviation. 1.5 Million Roles Needed Globally According to CAE's 2025 outlook, the aviation industry will require: 299,000 new pilots (267,000 in commercial aviation and 33,000 in business aviation) 485,000 new maintenance technicians (416,000 in commercial aviation and 69,000 in business aviation) 678,000 new cabin crew members 71,000 new air traffic controllers, marking the first time this segment has been included in CAE’s forecast The sharp growth in personnel demand is being driven by a combination of factors, including projected aircraft fleet expansion, strong passenger traffic recovery, global fleet modernization, and an aging aviation workforce set to retire over the next decade. Asia-Pacific Leads Demand The Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead in workforce demand, accounting for more than one-third of the projected personnel needs. Countries such as India and China are identified as high-growth markets, supported by rising middle-class populations, increasing air connectivity, and ongoing airline expansion. North America, the Middle East, and Europe also represent significant demand centers, particularly for replacement of retiring professionals. Retirement and Attrition Contribute to Shortfall The forecast attributes a large portion of the anticipated shortfall to retirements and career attrition. For example, the commercial aviation sector alone is expected to see over 129,000 pilots retiring, while the business aviation segment may lose nearly 69,000 pilots over the same period. Similarly, a substantial number of maintenance engineers and cabin crew are expected to leave the workforce due to age or changing career preferences. Additionally, CAE’s report highlights high dropout and washout rates in certain sectors, including air traffic control, where trainee attrition in the U.S. is reported to be above 30%. The industry is being urged to take note of these structural barriers and implement more resilient and supportive training programs. Training Innovation and Industry Coordination Required To meet these challenges, CAE is calling for the aviation ecosystem including airlines, training organizations, and regulatory authorities to adopt innovative training technologies and adaptable learning models. The report specifically points to the importance of modernized simulator technology, AI-driven adaptive learning, and the integration of extended reality (XR) training tools. CAE also emphasized the need for industry-wide collaboration to attract and retain talent, including improved mentorship programs, career path visibility for younger demographics, and global partnerships to scale training capacity across geographies.

CAE Forecasts Need for 1.5 Million Aviation Professionals Including 300,000 Pilots by 2034

June 17, 2025

Uttarakhand, India: A Bell 407 helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation crashed in a remote forested area near Garudchatti shortly after departing from Kedarnath, killing all seven people on board. The helicopter, which took off at around 5:30 a.m., was en route to Guptkashi when it reportedly encountered dense fog and poor visibility, leading to loss of control and a fatal impact into a hillside near Trijuginarayan. The victims included five pilgrims: Captain Rajveer Singh Chauhan - Pilot Rajkumar Jaiswal, Shraddha Jaiswal and their two-year-old daughter Kashi - Uttar Pradesh Tushti Singh - Uttar Pradesh Vikram Singh Rawat - Uttarakhand Vinod Neg - Temple Committee Staff member A retired Indian Army officer, Captain Chauhan had over 2,000 hours of flying experience. The impact caused the helicopter to catch fire, leaving all seven occupants charred beyond recognition. Their remains were taken to Rudraprayag District Hospital for identification and medical procedures. Eyewitnesses in nearby villages reported hearing a loud explosion minutes after the helicopter disappeared from sight. Local police and emergency responders reached the crash site swiftly, though the difficult terrain hampered access. Authorities have launched a multi-agency investigation into the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are leading the inquiry. Sonprayag Police have filed a case under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and under Section 10 of the Aircraft Act, holding Aryan Aviation and its executives accountable for operating flights despite reported poor weather conditions in the area. In immediate response, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the suspension of all helicopter operations in the Char Dham circuit until further notice. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has also been directed to audit all existing helicopter operators and enforce stricter compliance with aviation safety standards. This is not the first fatal crash in the region. The Kedarnath route has seen several aviation accidents in the past decade: On May 8, 2025, another Bell helicopter (VT-OXF) crashed into a deep gorge near Gangnani, Uttarkashi, during a Yamunotri pilgrimage flight. Six people died, and one passenger survived with critical injuries. On October 18, 2022, a Kestrel Aviation Bell 407 helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff from Kedarnath, killing all seven occupants. The deadliest incident occurred on June 25, 2013, during the Uttarakhand floods, when an Indian Air Force Mi-17 V5 helicopter carrying rescue personnel crashed north of Gaurikund, killing 20 onboard, including IAF crew and NDRF members. These incidents, along with non-fatal emergency landings in recent months, have raised concerns over helicopter operations in high-altitude pilgrimage zones. Factors like sudden weather changes, difficult topography, and pressure to maintain tight flight schedules have been repeatedly cited in previous DGCA reports. According to official records and media reports, at least 40 people have died in helicopter accidents linked to Uttarakhand’s Char Dham region since 2013, making it one of the most hazardous civilian helicopter corridors in the country. Safety recommendations such as mandating twin-engine helicopters, advanced weather monitoring systems, and restricting operations to highly experienced pilots have been discussed but not uniformly implemented. Aviation regulators are now expected to fast-track new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specific to pilgrimage routes. These may include real-time weather surveillance at helipads, coordination with local authorities before takeoff, and stricter penalties for violating operational norms during marginal conditions. Families of the deceased are expected to receive compensation from both the operator and the state government, pending the outcome of the inquiry. Further announcements are likely following the submission of the preliminary AAIB report.

7 Killed in Uttarakhand Helicopter Crash, Over 40 Dead in Uttarakhand Since 2013

June 16, 2025

Toulouse, France: Airbus has significantly revised its long-term aircraft demand outlook projecting a global need for 43,420 new aircraft, both passenger and cargo between 2025 and 2044. This fresh forecast, released just ahead of the 2025 Paris Air Show signals strong confidence in the aviation industry's resilience and the growing global demand for air travel, even amid lingering supply chain challenges and geopolitical uncertainties. Of the total projected deliveries, approximately 39,500 will be passenger aircraft, and 3,920 will be freighters, with 920 of those being newly built cargo aircraft. The rest will come from conversions of existing passenger jets into freighters, a trend driven by the ongoing surge in e-commerce and express delivery demand worldwide. According to Airbus, 80% of all new aircraft will be single-aisle jets such as the A320 family. These aircraft are in high demand across fast-growing domestic and regional aviation markets, especially in countries like India, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines where more people are flying than ever before. These markets are witnessing rapid population growth, an expanding middle class, and improved airport infrastructure, creating conditions ripe for aviation growth. The remaining 20% of aircraft will be wide-body aircraft, which are typically used for long-haul international flights. Demand for these aircraft is expected to come from countries with large international hubs such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, the United States, Germany, and France. These nations play key roles in global connectivity, acting as transfer points between continents and regions. China is set to dominate the demand, with Airbus projecting the country will need over 9,000 new aircraft by 2044, more than 20% of the global total. This makes China the single largest aviation market outside the U.S., with growth driven by a mix of expanding domestic travel, regional connections, and increasing international operations. India, already among the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, is expected to require more than 2,500 new aircraft over the same period. The Indian government's push to improve regional connectivity through the UDAN scheme, combined with a young population and rapid urbanization, continues to fuel the country’s aviation boom. The Middle East, with ambitious aviation projects like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM airport, UAE’s Al Maktoum International Airport, and Qatar’s long-term expansion plans, will remain a key region for wide-body orders. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are actively investing in new-generation aircraft to support their growing fleets and airline ambitions. In Africa, while demand is smaller in absolute terms, the continent is expected to double its fleet size. Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa are projected to see strong growth, especially in intra-African connectivity, which has been historically underserved. Airbus estimates that the global passenger traffic will grow by 3.6% annually over the next 20 years. This growth is consistent across emerging and developed markets and is driven by a mix of population growth, tourism recovery, business travel, and international trade. At the same time, the total number of aircraft in service worldwide is expected to rise from 24,240 aircraft in 2024 to around 48,230 by 2044. By then, nearly 95% of the global fleet will be comprised of new-generation aircraft, underlining the shift toward more fuel-efficient, quieter, and lower-emission designs. Despite ongoing bottlenecks in engine deliveries, avionics, and cabin interiors, Airbus remains committed to delivering 820 aircraft in 2025. While production has been affected in the short term, the long-term outlook remains optimistic. The company continues to ramp up output, particularly for its A320neo family, which remains a global bestseller. The new forecast from Airbus underscores a global aviation industry that is not only recovering but preparing for its next era of expansion, one that is greener, more connected, and more geographically diverse than ever before. With countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America contributing significantly to future fleet growth, the next two decades could see air travel become even more accessible and essential to economies worldwide.

India, China Lead Airbus’ 2044 Outlook with 43,000+ Aircraft Demand Projected Globally

June 16, 2025

Gujarat, India: A tragic aviation disaster unfolded on the morning of June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The flight, which was en route to London Gatwick, carried 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, 241 individuals have been confirmed dead, making it one of the deadliest air crashes in Indian civil aviation history. The only confirmed survivor is Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British National who was seated in the rear cabin section. He is currently receiving treatment at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, and is said to be in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that at least five people on the ground, all believed to be medical students and staff at the nearby BJ Medical College, also lost their lives when the aircraft struck parts of the college complex, including a hostel and a mess building. Airline and Government Response Air India, now a part of the Tata Group, confirmed the crash and has extended its condolences. CEO Campbell Wilson addressed the media later that day, stating that "no speculation will be entertained at this stage" and affirming full cooperation with investigators. He also announced that all affected families will be supported financially and medically, as per international and domestic aviation laws. The airline is reportedly working closely with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international partners including the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to Gujarat at the time, visited the crash site in the afternoon and later met with the survivor and local rescue personnel. In a brief statement, he called the crash “a national tragedy” and assured the public that “no detail will be overlooked” in the forthcoming investigation. Initial Findings and Speculative Theories Preliminary data retrieved from ADS-B trackers indicates that the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of just 625 feet before it began a sharp descent. A brief MAYDAY call was made by the pilots shortly before radio contact was lost. The aircraft came down within 49 seconds of liftoff, indicating what experts describe as a catastrophic systems or performance failure. Authorities have since recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the crash site. Both are being sent to a secure laboratory for analysis under supervision from Indian and international safety investigators. A formal report from the DGCA is expected to be released only after all data is decoded and verified. While the official cause remains unknown, some early speculation has emerged within aviation circles. Multiple former pilots and aircraft engineers, including Alastair Rosenschein and Prof. Ahmed Busnaina, suggest that video footage and eyewitness reports hint at a potential flap or slat misconfiguration. In several verified clips, the aircraft's landing gear remained extended far longer than standard procedures typically allow, and the aircraft appeared to struggle with lift. This has led to the theory that either the flaps failed to deploy correctly or were improperly set for takeoff, both of which can severely impair the 787’s ability to generate adequate lift at low speeds. Others have pointed to the possibility of an engine thrust asymmetry or compressor stall, though this remains speculative. A source close to GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, confirmed they have dispatched technical experts to support the investigation but declined to offer comments pending formal findings. Safety Record, Financial Impact and Fleet Review The DGCA has not ruled out any cause, including potential pilot error, though Air India confirmed both pilots had over 8,000 hours of combined flying experience and were recently re-certified on the 787 platform. The aircraft itself had been inducted in 2017 and reportedly underwent scheduled maintenance just 18 days prior to the incident. No outstanding technical complaints were reported in the days leading up to the crash. This marks the first-ever fatal crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft, a type that has logged over a million flight hours globally since its entry into service in 2011. The accident has already triggered scrutiny of Air India’s operational safety standards and the DGCA’s oversight mechanisms. According to industry sources cited by The Guardian, a temporary suspension or audit of all 787 operations in India is under “active consideration,” although no formal announcement has been made. Financially, the accident could become one of the costliest single-aircraft losses in history, with combined insurance claims expected to exceed $1.5 billion, factoring in hull loss, liability coverage, and third-party claims. Ongoing Investigation and Support Efforts As of now, rescue and recovery operations at the site have concluded, and forensic identification of the deceased is ongoing. Compensation procedures are being initiated under the Montreal Convention, and special assistance desks have been established by Air India at both Ahmedabad and London Gatwick. A conclusive statement on the cause of the crash will likely take weeks, if not months. Until then, the focus remains on supporting affected families, securing flight operations, and ensuring a transparent and data-driven investigation.

241 Confirmed Dead in Fatal Air India Flight Crash, British National Only Survivor

June 13, 2025

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