Tag Archives: geopolitical conflicts

Noida Airport faces delays, commercial flights expected by April 2025

Body:The much-anticipated Noida airport in Jewar, slated to become a competitor to Delhi’s bustling airport, has encountered delays in its construction timeline. Originally planned to commence flight operations by the end of this year, the project’s completion has now been pushed to April 2025.

Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), overseeing the project, attributed the delays to disruptions in the supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. These challenges have slowed the delivery of crucial construction materials and equipment.

Despite setbacks, YIAPL reported that construction progress is advanced, with significant milestones achieved in infrastructure development. Key elements such as the runway, passenger terminal, and control tower are well underway. Recent developments include the awarding of concessions for ground handling and commercial operations.

Located in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, approximately 75 km from Delhi airport, the Noida airport aims to handle between 9.4 to 11.7 million passengers in its initial phase by 2025-26. This delay underscores the airport’s importance in easing congestion at Delhi airport and enhancing regional connectivity.

A calibration flight conducted in April 2024 marked a pivotal step towards operational readiness. Such flights are critical in fine-tuning navigation aids, runway lighting, and airspace to ensure safety and accuracy before full-scale commercial operations begin.

Once operational, the Noida airport plans to initiate services with 65 daily flights, positioning itself as a significant player in India’s aviation sector alongside established hubs like Delhi airport.

Airbus targets 800 aircraft deliveries in 2024 amid supply chain concerns

 

Airbus aims to deliver more aircraft to customers in 2024, despite ongoing supply chain challenges. The company reported healthy results for its commercial aircraft business and set a target of 800 commercial aircraft deliveries, which is 65 more than in 2023.

Guillaume Faury, CEO, noted that this achievement was significant given the complex operating environment, which includes supply chain issues and geopolitical conflicts. Airbus’s fortunes contrast with those of U.S. rival Boeing, which is facing manufacturing quality control concerns. Faury indicated that Airbus would not see any short-term bump from airlines switching suppliers, as it already has a substantial order backlog for its A320 narrow-body jets.

Openings for new airplane orders will not be available until the next decade, according to Faury, which would primarily impact the long-term competitive positioning of the two companies rather than the short term.

Airbus reported a 4% increase in adjusted earnings before interest and tax, reaching USD 6.2 billion, for its latest annual earnings report. Revenue also climbed by 11% during the same period. The company announced plans to pay shareholders a special dividend on top of the regular dividend, reflecting growth prospects and a strong balance sheet, including a cash pile that rose by 14% to EUR 10.7 billion.