Air India, Aviation - Current Affairs Questions and Answers

ANSWER: Air Deccan

Explanation:
Low cost airline Air Deccan is all set to start operations under the regional connectivity scheme (RCS), also known as UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), from December 15 this year, airport officials here said on Sunday.

Under the Centre's UDAN scheme, air fares are capped at Rs 2,500 per person for an hour's flight to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in which the government will provide subsidy for flying with such low fares.

ANSWER: Catapult based aircraft launch mechanism

Explanation:
The Navy is likely to go with an advanced catapult-based aircraft launch mechanism (CATOBAR) from the U.S. for its second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-II), which is on the drawing board.

For some time, India has been exploring the possibility of installing the U.S. electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS).

IAC-II will have a CATOBAR launch. However, the kind of propulsion is yet to be decided.

The U.S. has offered India its latest EMALS technology, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., which has just been installed on the Gerald Ford carrier.

While the older generation of CATOBAR was powered by a steam catapult, EMALS uses an electric motor-driven catapult instead, which allows the launch of much heavier aircraft and also reduces the stress on the aircraft.

However, the system is expensive, something that needs to be factored in.

The Navy envisages the IAC-II to be around 65,000 tonnes and capable of carrying over 50 aircraft.

While the Navy is keen on nuclear propulsion, which would give it unlimited range and endurance, its development in time seems doubtful.

The two countries had set up a joint working group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC) under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative, which held several rounds of discussions.

The group concluded its 4th meeting in New Delhi last Friday.

India's first domestic carrier, Vikrant, weighing 40,000 tonnes, is in an advanced stage of construction in Kochi and is scheduled to be launched by 2018-end. It works on a Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) mechanism similar to that in the present carrier INS Vikramaditya, with an angular ski-jump.

ANSWER: Passengers

Explanation:
India is witnessing a high-growth trajectory and set to become the third-largest aviation market in the world in terms of passengers by 2026.

The announcement was made at the 2nd India aero expo 2017 inaugurated by Vice President Shri Venkaaih Naidu.

The aviation sector not only plays a key role in promoting connectivity and creating jobs but is also an important driver of the economy.

Aviation is the backbone of the global transport system. It indeed is the most vital sector for linking businesses, bringing people together and promoting tourism worldwide.

India became the world’s fastest growing domestic travel market for the 22nd time in a row recording a 26.6 per cent year-on-year growth in January 2017, according to IATA.

India's Aviation Sector: Know More

• India is witnessing a high-growth trajectory and set to become the third-largest aviation market in the world in terms of passengers by 2026.
• India’s air cargo is estimated to grow at 9 per cent over the next few years.
• IATA also expects the air passengers to double from 3.8 billion air passengers in 2016 to 7.2 billion by 2035.
• India replaced Japan to become the largest domestic aviation market globally.
• India recorded a total of 100 million domestic flyers in 2016 as compared to 97 million people who travelled by air in Japan during the same period.

• Recognizing the growing importance of the aviation sector, the Government has taken a series of measures to improve infrastructure and regional air connectivity in the country.
• UDAN scheme seeks to promote regional connectivity by serving the un-served and under-served airports. Connecting Tier-II cities, pilgrim towns and historic places with the wider air routes is important for boosting tourism and business travel.
• Among others, developing no frills and Greenfield airports, augmenting existing capacities, creating synergy between scheduled and non-scheduled airlines for better penetration and connectivity through collaborative efforts of the State and Central Governments is needed.