In the run-up to the event, the organisers of the show had made it clear that it wasn't really a mela, but more of a platform for manufacturers in aviation to show and get business for their products and services. Aviation across the world, and especially in India, has been facing rough head winds. While the last edition of the show had larger and more passenger aircraft on display, this time, the aircraft were aimed at the business sector. There was largely an array of bizjets: the Bombardier Challenger 300, the Bombardier Global 5000, the Learjet 60XR, the Dassault Falcon 7X, the Embraer Legacy 650, the Phenom 100, the Phenom 300, those from Gulfstream — the G150 and G450, the Hawker-Beechcraft King Air C90GTX and the Hawker 900XP, and the striking Piaggio Aero P-180 Avanthi II. What was prominent amid the hum of ground equipment on the scorched tarmac was that all these craft had jet engines. The businessman is busy, so propellers just won't do! These were also jets positioned for flying schools and medical services.
Getting past the metal barricades (they were higher this time), that separated visitors from the aircraft static display area, ensured a quick visit to each machine. Inside each plane was a world of luxury and convenience nestled in small spaces. Plush leather seats, tiny dining areas and the latest in communication equipment. Finally, there was the guarantee of speed and range.
The helicopters saw a flurry of interest. The Helicopter Emergency Medical Services from AgustaWestland (A109) comes with a fully equipped medical onboard unit using the key point of saving lives within the “golden hour.” A staff member said that this Air Ambulance was on standby at the Formula I race at Noida in 2011.
It's time to visit the stalls but not before passing by the diamond of the show. Stationed at the far end of the tarmac was the Boeing 787, dubbed the ‘7Late7,' because of repeated delays to global service entry that was to have happened in 2008 as Boeing has been working hard to overcome a series of manufacturing issues. More on this plane later.
But it was the flying schools that got the most attention. Air India's Maharaja told his story. Being the end of year-long celebrations of a centenary of civil aviation in India, a coffee table book, philatelic products and a special stall with numerous wall panels narrated the long and eventful journey across the years.
As the sun started to set, and a scare after a fire in the food court, word trickled in that most of the jets could start leaving early — disappointing for visitors over the next two days.
Nevertheless, it was once again magnetic — the fascinating world of aviation and those magnificent flying machines.
In business
In the middle of all these craft were the larger Airbus Corporate Jet and the Sukhoi Superjet 100. The Airbus had flown all the way from Abu Dhabi in the striped colours of Al Jaber Aviation, which advertises itself as a leader in VIP aviation. “No First Class, No Business Class, No Upper Class. Just your class,” was its catchy slogan. The cabin seats 19 passengers and has a complete business unit on board including DVD players, power outlets and fax machines, LED lights, a satellite phone system and high speed internet.
Tested in Siberia
Over to the Superjet. It's very friendly Russian crew managed to overcome the turbulence of the English language to explain their product as being a small passenger jet packed with punch. Inside, there was some testing equipment amid the seats. The crew played videos of the plane being subject to tests in the heart of Siberia and said that that proved its capabilities. A little later, the doors closed and the little plane was off on one of its numerous and powerful flight displays that kept the Russians in the spotlight.
Boeing! Boeing!
Boeing created much excitement when it said in early March that it would be flying in the Dreamliner, or the Boeing 787 for the show, and in customer Air India's colours (still be to delivered). India Aviation 2012 organisers were quick to call it as among the prime highlights. The new composite-built and much awaited wide-body plane, which promises the aviation world a more comfortable journey for the air-traveller, finally made it to India as a 14-hour non-stop flight: Seattle-New Delhi and then New Delhi-Hyderabad. The serpentine queue that waited patiently at the foot of the stepladder to the raked wingtip jet was finally let on board in batches. For a pilot, it's a technological leap forward where a range of advanced equipment along with a head-up display makes flying much safer and easier. There is also increased cabin pressure. For a passenger, the Maharajah promises a comfortable flight.
A Tweet from Boeing summed it up: “thanks #IndianAviation2012 for hosting our Air India livery #Boeing 787. We had a great time!”
