Aerospace Diary

Posted by Neelam Mathews Oct 4, 2013 The AW 101 saga just doesn't go away. The issue is complicated, creating challenges for the IAF and AW.  Air Chief NAK Browne replying to a query by AerospaceDiary today said how spares for the 3 AW 101 VVIP helicopters would last just for a few months. And then what? Nobody knows. Even as trials in Italy continue on the AW deal , Agusta Westland is getting fidgety. While we can't blame them given that more helicopters are ready for delivery and the contract has a provision for bilateral discussions, India is playing the 'wait and see'  game. MoD might have its reasoning,though I can never understand why they do not as a form of sheer courtesy, ever reply to emails or telephone calls. Here's what an Agusta Westland release today, reads- "Following the suspension of the contract to supply AW101 VVIP helicopters to India – a sanction not provided for the under contract – a request was made to India...

As the 15 days showcause notice to Kingfisher  to explain its status and submit the new schedule expires, suspension might be in the air, CNBC is reporting. This follows our earlier story where the DGCA had expressed serious concern over the running of the airline. DGCA had told Aerospace Diary:"The situation will evolve...We are looking at all possibilities," just 30 minutes back. Could these words have been prophetic?