Aviation by itself is not inherently dangerous. But it is terribly unforgiving of carelessness, incapacity, or neglect. Aviation software companies understand their responsibility in making commercial flying, defensive or leisure purposes safer and economically effective.

If one’s life is not protected all flight purposes stand defeated. Therefore, cutting-edge aviation software continues to produce miracles for cutting edge technology.

Aviation operators, aircraft maintainers, and third-party MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) providers have complex tasks ranging from maintenance scheduling and manpower tracking to parts acquisition, inventory monitoring and distribution, and billing. Hence, software that manages these processes required and must be user friendly.

Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has recently signed a joint venture with BAe U.K for the development of aerospace and other dedicated domestic and export market software. BAeHAL Software Ltd. is developing software for space applications and flight simulators.

While European aircraft maker Airbus, has initiated talks with HAL to develop components for its latest offering, the A380 , Boeing has awarded a new deal to the Shiv Nadar-promoted HCL Technologies to develop software for its latest aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner. Airbus Industries has affirmed supplying up to 20 percent of its worldwide requirement for training software from India.

Diehl, the largest avionics supplier in Germany, develops and manufactures highly sophisticated avionics systems for civil and military aircraft and is premier software supplier to Airbus. For software development of Airbus’ new avionics computer, Diehl selected Accord Software as its India partner.

Another market player is Ramco Systems, which is tracking this huge market, estimated at $2 billion in India and the gulf region. Companies such as Chennai-based Ramco Systems are looking to procure at least 2 percent of this $2 billion market in India. Ramco’s Aviation Solutions embodies all elements of aviation management, including technical records, engineering, operations, maintenance, e-signatures, material management, finances, human resources, sales, and decision support. Their customers include IAF, Indian Airlines, Eurocopter, Saudi Arabian Al Salam, Aircraft and Conair.

Another intriguing company is Snecma Aerospace India, which in May 2002 located its R&D unit in India for developing aero-engines and aircraft equipment components, and embedded software to initially cater to their worldwide operations.

Honeywell India Software supplies aviation software to avionics systems and products for commercial, military and space markets and has customers ranging from aircraft manufacturers and business aircraft operators to prime space contractors and the U.S. government.

Quality Engineering and Software Technologies (QuEST), a relatively young company, has also progressed into this space. The quest of Indian aviation software providers for creating innovative solutions, will elevate this industry to higher altitudes. Remember, attitude counts.