Four-day global aviation summit ‘Wings 2024’ concludes in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The mega four-day global aviation summit “Wings India 24,” organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India and FICCI, which commenced in Begumpet Airport on January 18, concluded on Sunday.

Several deliberations, panel discussions, B2B meetings, exhibitions, static display of flights and air shows marked the event, where around 1,500 delegates associated with the field of aerospace and airlines from over 100 countries had participated. In the course of the conference, various Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were also signed.

Towards Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Airbus and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop new technology pathways as well as test and qualify indigenous Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India.

The collaboration will address the Indian aerospace industry’s decarbonisation ambitions by supporting SAF production and commercialisation, using a new HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology pathway and locally sourced feedstocks. Both entities will work jointly on technical assessment, approvals, market access, and sustainability accreditation efforts for the production of SAF. “Decarbonisation is a key goal of the aviation industry and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a viable, here-and-now solution that requires scaling-up. The collaboration between CSIR-IIP and Airbus will address that potential and help shape India as a SAF factory of the world,” said Prof Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.

Eco-friendly engine cleaning system

GMR Aero Technic (GAT), MRO division of GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Ltd. (GACAEL) announced partnerships with Lufthansa Technik AG (LHT) and Spirit Aero System at the Wings India 2024 in Hyderabad. A MoU was signed between GAT and LHT mutually agreeing to bring the innovative technology utilized by Cyclean jointly at Indian airports for the operators in the region. Cyclean is an efficient and eco-friendly engine cleaning system that saves water and fuel and cuts down on emissions by washing aircraft engines. The system guarantees a clean and safe collection of all wastewater without any negative impact on the environment.

Apart from LHT, a strategic partnership was forged with Spirit AeroSystems, one of the world’s foremost manufacturers (ORM) of aero structures for Aircraft Nacelle Component Repair Services. This partnership establishes a cutting-edge Aircraft Nacelle component repair service at the GMR Aero Technic Base Maintenance Facility in Hyderabad.

In another partnership, Epsilon Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. (India), a manufacturer of the aircraft cabin interior and refurbishment, inked a MoU with the company TimeTooth, thus collaborating in the development of indigenous and comfortable seating systems for passenger aircraft.